In today’s episode of Jijuze, Brian sheds light on the increasing prevalence of job scams targeting Kenyan job seekers and the associated risks, including forced labor and modern slavery. As young Kenyans struggle with soaring unemployment and poor digital literacy, they fall prey to fraudulent job offers that lead to oppressive conditions and exploitation in Southeast Asia. While certain countermeasures have been implemented by the Kenyan government, their impact is minimally felt due to slow and inconsistent enforcement. Brian stresses the need for drastically tightening recruitment regulations, empowering citizens, and pressing tech companies to purge scam ads while also urging for substantial efforts to improve the Kenyan economy to eliminate the desperation that fosters risky migration. This issue is not just about battling digital fraud but fighting global calamities like human trafficking and forced criminality.

• Govt Outlines Verification Process for Jobs Abroad as Scams Surge - Kenyans.co.ke
• Job scam alert: Government cautions Kenyans on fake overseas opportunities
• Rethinking Kenya’s Job Strategy: From Exports to Domestic Growth | Jijuze
• Kenyans Trapped: The Dark Reality of Job Scams in Myanmar | Jijuze
• Job scams: Some Kenyans aiding their own smuggling, says PS Njogu - The Standard

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the Trump administration's introduction of a 10 percent tariff on imports from most nations, including Kenya, and the implications of this move on Kenya's economy, its currency, and its government's strategies. The tariff is believed to hamper Kenya’s export competitiveness, particularly affecting the apparel and agricultural sectors, and lead to a significant loss of revenue. The announcement led to immediate market reactions and a depreciation of the Kenyan Shilling, exacerbating existing pressures like high external debt and disrupted trade flows. In response, the Kenyan government has been attempting negotiations with U.S. officials, exploring diverse trade partnerships via the African Continental Free Trade Area, and focusing on internal economic reforms. However, progress remains uncertain and slow-paced, emphasizing the urgent need for Kenya to build a more resilient and diversified export economy.

• https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2025/04/kenya-risks-losing-sh14bn-in-exports-to-u-s-after-10pc-tariff/
• https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/business/2025/04/shilling-falls-amid-uncertainty-over-us-tariff-hikes/
• U.S. Hits Kenya with 10% Export Tariff Amid Shifting Global Trade Dynamics - Serrari Group
• Trump tariffs threaten Kenya's Sh72b exports -The Standard Health
• Africa: How the New U.S. Tariffs Were Calculated and What They Mean for AGOA Trade Deal - allAfrica.com
• Kenya to diversity trade ties, push for more intra-Africa trade – CS Kinyanjui.

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the controversial incident of the 2025 censorship of the play "Echoes of War" by Butere Girls High School, which became a significant event in Kenya's cultural landscape and youth movements. The play, known for its allegory of societal issues and critique of authoritarian rule, was barred from advancing in the Kenya National Schools and Colleges Drama Festival. This sparked national outrage and debate about educated authority and youthful artistic expression. Brian links this event with the historical context of censorship in Kenyan theatre, explaining how theatre has long served as a powerful platform for political and social expression. The discussion concludes by highlighting the reactions and responses to the incident, emphasizing the society's intolerance towards authoritarian overreach and the demands for a more progressive framework in education and arts.

• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/echoes-of-war-the-script-government-doesn-t-want-you-to-watch-4997076#story
• Butere Girls School' Echoes of War: Kenya police fire tear gas during Cleophas Malala's play
• Tension in Nakuru as Journalists, public barred from viewing ‘Echoes of War’ play
• Echoes of war: No photos or videos of Drama Festivals as Butere girls set to perform

In this episode of Jijuz, Brian discusses the recent appointment of Benni McCarthy as the head coach of the Harambee Stars, Kenya's national football team. The podcast delves into the team's history of managerial instability and the challenges and opportunities that arise from McCarthy's appointment. The host notes McCarthy's fame and potential to steer the team towards success, yet he highlights the systemic issues within Kenyan football that transcend coaching changes. Key factors for McCarthy's success could include his coaching abilities, active support from players like Michael Olunga, and receiving necessary resources and autonomy from the Football Kenya Federation. Brian also emphasizes the patience needed from the Kenyan public as the journey towards the 'glory days' also depends on solving the multifaceted issues that have historically held back the Harambee Stars.

• https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/mccarthy-appointed-kenya-coach
• McKinstry's Kenyan reunion presents clash of similar styles ahead of Gambia's encounter against Harambee Stars
• https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/talkup/harambee-stars-coaches-come-and-go-an-average-of-one-every-16-months-since-1961-2723466
• Explainer: Why Francis Kimanzi’s deep football knowledge is critical for Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars project

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses Kenya’s notable decision to discontinue its $3.6 billion loan program with the IMF, the dissolution of which has sparked widespread debate over Kenya's economic prospects. Various reasons for the break down of the deal are explored, from unmet fiscal obligations leading to the cancellation of the final $850 million tranche of the loan, to public protests against tax measures associated with strict IMF conditions. Brian delves into the economic challenges faced by Kenya such as its high debt-to-GDP ratio and deteriorating tax-to-GDP ratio, and the inflation and cost-of-living crises that led to increased public opposition. The episode also examines Kenya’s alternative financial strategies following the discontinuation of the IMF program, including securing a $1.5 billion loan from the UAE and enhancing domestic revenue collection. Looking ahead, the complexities associated with pursuing a new IMF loan agreement under revised terms, and the necessity of fiscal discipline, governance, and public engagement for long-term stability and inclusive growth are also highlighted. The tumultuous state of the Kenyan Shilling and the subsequent recovery due to factors like Eurobond buybacks and improved forex reserves also form a significant part of the discussion.

• Kenya Abandons Existing IMF Programme in Pursuit of New Loan
• Dabafinance - Kenya Faces IMF Setback After $800M Review Falls Through
• Kenya and IMF New Financing Deal
• What do the IMF and foreign debt have to do with Kenya’s current crisis? | Business and Economy News | Al Jazeera
• IMF exit and eurobonds raise questions over Kenyan debt
• Gen Z anti-tax demos dented Kenya’s GDP growth prospect for 2025 - IMF

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian delves into the complex issue of Kenya's new university funding model, recently declared unconstitutional by the country's High Court. The court's decision, celebrated by students and civil society groups, was based on a number of concerns including discrimination and inadequate public participation, among others. Despite this, the government aims to reintroduce the model, causing universities to face financial struggles as they figure out how to operate with delayed fund disbursements. As the legal battle continues, alternative solutions have been proposed, including a loan-based funding model suggested by private universities. Amid these uncertainties, students face difficulties with enrollment and examinations, emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable and equitable solution for higher education financing in Kenya.

• https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/economy/hundreds-of-students-locked-out-of-varsities-4891832
• https://peoplesdispatch.org/2025/01/04/kenyas-high-court-delivers-blow-to-neoliberal-university-funding-model/#:~:text=The%20Kenya%20High%20Court%20delivered,model%20for%20higher%20education%20unconstitutional.&text=The%20case%2C%20brought%20before%20the,Student%20Caucus%2C%20challenged%20the%20legality
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/ogamba-improved-draft-for-new-varsity-funding-model-ready--4904872
• High Court declines to lift orders quashing new University Funding Model » Capital News
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/hundreds-fail-to-report-to-universities-over-funding-crisis-4891594
• Private Universities offer middle ground proposals on funding model

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian provides a critical analysis of the initial performance of Kenya's ambitious healthcare reform, the Social Health Authority (SHA), and its primary source of funding, the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Six months on, the system faces considerable operational and financial challenges, including declining performance scores, irregular payments, and a significant funding gap. Despite some upgrades in technology-focused areas such as e-contracting and patient verification, larger problems persist in claims management, reimbursement models, and adoption by the public. The episode delves into these issues and proposes several key improvements, such as a comprehensive financial review, streamlined reimbursement processes, and stronger public engagement campaigns, to ensure the SHA and SHIF achieve their goal of universal health coverage.

• https://nation.africa/kenya/health/healthcare-reforms-suffer-setback-as-sha-performance-declines-4931356
• https://nation.africa/kenya/health/how-to-make-kenya-s-nhif-shif-transition-less-painful-4793120
• https://nation.africa/kenya/blogs-opinion/blogs/bold-commitment-to-kenya-s-healthcare-equity-and-growth-4866914

In this episode of Jijuze, Brian discusses the ambitious Rironi - Mau Summit road upgrade project set to transform Kenya's 175-kilometer congested two-lane highway into a modern four-lane dual carriageway. The project's aim is not just to ease traffic congestion, but to strengthen Kenya's role as a major trade and transport hub in East Africa. Despite initial challenges with project partnerships, the groundbreaking of the road project has been scheduled for June 2025, targeting completion in 2027. The upgrade is projected to benefit Kenya's tourism and manufacturing sectors, improve social services, and boost regional economic growth. However, the project must also address potential negative impacts, like land acquisition conflicts and disruption to local livelihoods, to ensure positive transformation.

• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/ruto-dualling-of-nairobi-nakuru-highway-to-start-next-year-4866784
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/construction-of-rironi-mau-summit-four-lane-road-begins-in-june--4960508
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/murkomen-we-will-build-rironi-mau-summit-highway-without-toll-fees-debt-4097950
• Rironi-Mau Summit road upgrade to begin in June, completion set for 2027
• KeNHA to Expand Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway to Four Lanes, Completion Set for 2027 - Kenyans.co.ke
• Rironi-Mau Summit Road expansion to begin in June after Cabinet nod

In this episode of Jijuze, host Brian examines the significant shifts in the Kenyan education system with the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). Aimed at fostering practical skills and competencies relevant to the 21st-century workforce, the CBC represents a critical shift away from the traditional rote memorization and theoretical knowledge encouraged by the previous 8-4-4 system. However, the transition has sparked concerns, centering on readiness for implementation, potential exacerbation of existing socio-economic disparities, parental anxiety, and insufficient teacher training. High costs associated with specialized learning materials and concerns about timely career decision-making are additional focal points of the discussion. Despite the implicit challenges, governmental strategies to address the hurdles have been highlighted. Experts contend that the successful realization of CBC's objectives necessitates addressing these challenges through enhanced teacher training, allocation of resources, and investment in infrastructure.

• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/cbc-what-parents-and-stakeholders-want-in-transition-to-senior-school-4966520
• https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/grade-9-learners-choose-senior-school-pathways-second-term-4963968https://nation.africa/kenya/news/education/grade-9-learners-choose-senior-school-pathways-second-term-4963968
• Maths no longer compulsory as CBC pioneers set to pick careers - The Standard
• Concerns over transition of Grade 9 learners to senior secondary school - The Standard
• Wananchi Opinion: Why many are moving kids to International Schools

In the recent episode of "Jijuze", Brian provided a comprehensive overview of the dynamic and evolving automotive industry in Kenya. The episode addressed the latest trends, challenges, and shifts within the sector, including a surge in export sales, new import regulations, and significant company re-entries and exits. Brian also examined the challenges and potential strategies for promoting local automotive manufacturing and the adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya. Key strategic recommendations included the development of a consistent national automotive strategy, government incentives for EV adoption, collaborations and technology transfer, investment in skills development, and strengthening regional partnerships. Overall, the episode highlighted the complex interplay of challenges and opportunities that the Kenyan automotive industry faces and the strategic actions required to promote its growth and contribution to Kenya's economic development.

• Mobius Motors gears up for a comeback with new model launches | Maudhui House
• CMC Motors winds down operations in East Africa - New Vision Official
• Why CMC Motors Group is closing shop in East Africa | Maudhui House
• Kenya and japan forge industrial collaboration through policy dialogue - autoskenya.com
• https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/bd/data-hub/how-kenya-can-fast-track-its-automotive-manufacturing-growth--4364566
• From Near-Closure to New Ownership: Kenya's Mobius Motors Sold to Middle East Investors in Rescue Bid - Launch Base Africa