Economy
Nairobi goes up 13 places in list of cheapest cities for expats

According to a recent research, Nairobi is gradually ranking among the most affordable cities in the world for expats to reside in.
Out of 227 cities, Kenya’s capital is ranked as the 173rd most expensive in the 2023 Cost of Living City Ranking by the American consulting firm Mercer.
On the same list from the previous year, Nairobi was listed as the 160th most expensive city for expatriates to live in, a drop of 13 spots.
Kenyans are experiencing a severe crisis with their cost of living due to rising prices for many necessities, higher taxes, and a weakening shilling.
This has led to an increase in the wages of expats working for international organizations like the United Nations and diplomatic missions who are paid in dollars, pounds, and euros.
The shilling has touched a record low of 147.36 to the dollar compared to 123.37 at the beginning of the year, offering expats an advantage in purchasing power amid the tough economic conditions. Inflation in Kenya dropped to 6.7% in August, the lowest in 17 months.
Employees who are paid in Kenyan shillings also have to deal with new taxes including a 1.5% housing levy or gross pay, higher fees for national health insurance, and a doubled value-added tax on fuel, which has increased the cost of living.
For example, over the past year, the cost of gasoline rose by 22%, that of electricity by almost 50%, and that of common household items like sugar and beans by 61% and 30 per cent respectively.
The government is also considering further tax hikes, such as increasing VAT and duties targeting farmers and car owners as outlined in a Treasury strategy review up to 2026/27.
“High inflation and market fluctuations impact the cost of living across the world, impacting our purchasing power and standard of living,” Mercer notes in the report.
On the continent, African cities placed highest in the global cost of living ranking are Bangui (26), Djibouti (27) and Luanda (30).
The least expensive cities in Africa include Windhoek, Durban and Tunis, which follow quite closely behind Cairo. The Egyptian city dropped 63 spots since last year.
County News
MPs decry delay of Mt Kenya projects

Two Members of the Parliament from the Mt Kenya region have raised concern over the delay in the completion of the Mau Mau link road.
Kangema MP Peter Kihungi and his Juja counterpart George Koimburi on Sunday asked Treasury to release funds for the completion of the road that links Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties.
They said that in the recent supplementary budget, the amount allocated to the road was slashed from Sh280 million to Sh175 million.
They said the Jubilee administration had allocated the project Sh4.5 billion and substantial work had been done on the ground. Kihungi said road is of immense economic importance to the local community and the country. “Residents are very much concerned about the progress of the road.
The construction during the previous government was going on well and we are worried since in the current budget Sh280 million was allocated but when it came to the supplementary budget the money was cut by more than half to Sh175 million which can hardly do much,” said Kihungi. Koimburi (pictured) said they promised their people that the Mau Mau Road would be completed once the Kenya Kwanza government assumed office.
“We want to ask the Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen to ensure money is allocated for roads being done in Mt Kenya. Residents are eagerly waiting for completion of these roads which are expected to spur the local economy,” he said
Economy
Ex-Uhuru PS decries state of JKIA, terms it ‘makeshift warehouse’
Former Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Macharia Kamau has expressed disapproval of the condition of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Macharia claimed in an X statement that it might be disheartening for visitors to JKIA, particularly those from affluent nations, to arrive after a journey overseas.
He claimed that once inside the airport terminal, which resembles a temporary warehouse, the situation only becomes worse.
The former PS said that getting into the terminal gives one the feeling of “living in the stone age” period.
“Sometimes one arrives home from an international trip, say from Dubai, and one looks out the window of the plane at the depressing & chaotic urban sprawl and then gets into the makeshift warehouse that is the terminal & one just wanna weep. It’s like we are still in the Stone Age,” Amb Macharia said.
His comments coincide with the discovery of a roof leak in one of JKIA’s recently rebuilt terminals.
Henry Ogoye, Managing Director of the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), claims that throughout the past ten years, the airport’s facilities and infrastructure have not been adequately upgraded.
“…even temporary interventions became permanent solutions hence the current state of affairs in service disruptions,” he said.
He, however, said the government has commenced the process of addressing infrastructure development of the facility.
Economy
Stop complaining!! Atwoli tells off Kenyans lamenting about high cost of living

Francis Atwoli, the head of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, has reprimanded Kenyans who have been grumbling about high taxes and living expenses.
Atwoli said that President William Ruto made it very clear what he intended to do during the 2022 presidential races in a video obtained by the Star.
He claimed that Ruto had made it plain that he wanted to create the nation with the help of every Kenyan.
According to Atwoli, Ruto is currently urging Kenyans to provide resources so that he may carry out his pledge to build the nation.
“Even currently, people are complaining of the high cost of living, price of things has gone up, oh we voted for this government but better William Samoei Ruto. He was very clear when he was campaigning. He told you wewe mama mboga, wewe mtu wa boda boda and everybody that this government will build with you,” he said.
“Sasa ukiambiwa leta mbao, leta jembe, let vitu tujenge hii serikali unarudi nyuma unasema heri tungepigia Raila Odinga. (When you are told to bring wood and a plow to help build the country, you go back and start saying you should have voted for Raila Odinga)”
It’s time for Kenyans to recognize that some things are unchangeable, according to Atwoli.
He went on to say that it’s time for them to concede that Ruto is in command and give him time to carry out his national agenda.
“We must accept for him to implement his agenda because there are some situations you cannot change for either five years or 10 years.”
Atwoli is among the influential Kenyan leaders who strongly campaigned against President William Ruto.
-
Kenya News4 weeks ago
Sex toys, guns, drones among items intercepted in KRA checks at JKIA
-
Fashion6 years ago
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Entertainment6 years ago
The final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
Fashion6 years ago
According to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
Business6 years ago
Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Sports6 years ago
Phillies’ Aaron Altherr makes mind-boggling barehanded play
-
Entertainment6 years ago
The old and New Edition cast comes together to perform
-
Sports6 years ago
Steph Curry finally got the contract he deserves from the Warriors