Clinton Machuki

On December 4, the U.S. committed up to $1.6 billion and Kenya added $850 million for a five-year framework targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and more. The agreement channels support through Kenya's health authorities, equipping hospitals, training workers, and building self-reliance as U.S. aid phases down over time. Leaders also discussed trade, investment, and security, praising Kenya's stability and role in regions like Haiti. While some U.S. voices questioned aid spending and Kenyan critics worried about data, officials stressed only anonymized information will be shared under local rules.

Tanzania's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on December 5 responding to criticisms from Western embassies, the UN Human Rights Council, and others about violence, arrests, and rights restrictions following the October 29 presidential and parliamentary elections. A joint statement from 17 missions cited credible reports of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions, urging the release of bodies to families, freedom for political prisoners, and an independent inquiry. The U.S. announced a review of ties, while Tanzania highlighted its Commission of Inquiry and commitment to national mechanisms amid looming December 9 protests deemed unlawful by police.

Magana Steve Thompson, known as Oga Obinna, earned a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication from Mount Kenya University after enrolling in January 2023. MKU's flexible tri-semester system, credit transfers for professional experience, and modular learning allowed him to accelerate the program. Fans celebrated his discipline amid Kenya's debates on private university degrees, while skeptics questioned the timeline—prompting Obinna to share his student ID as proof. His achievement highlights paths for working adults in a competitive job market.