馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
Nyamongo Gekara, the only African Human Rights Fellow, graduates from Columbia Law School
via Tuko2 min read
Nyamongo Gekara from Nyamira County recently graduated from Columbia Law School in New York, where he was the only African Human Rights Fellow in his cohort. Gekara described his journey from western Kenya to this prestigious institution as one marked by resilience, cultural adjustment, and determination. He reflected on the challenge and triumph of his time in America, noting that being the sole African in his fellowship brought both responsibility and pride in representing his continent in global legal spaces. His experience at Columbia Law School exposed him to leading scholars in international law, strengthening his commitment to human rights advocacy. Despite adapting to New York City's demanding pace and harsh winters, Gekara expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating he leaves with a degree and a renewed sense of purpose. He plans to use his education to open doors for others and contribute to global advocacy efforts, particularly for communities in Nyamira County, hoping to inspire other young Africans to pursue opportunities beyond their borders.
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Billionaire Chris Kirubi's Bendor Farm in Thika, spanning 1,000 acres, was the site of his burial and a significant agricultural venture. The farm includes a 15-acre man-made lake, named Lake Kirubi, which was a primary reason for his purchase of the property. Initially, Kirubi engaged in coffee farming but shifted to bananas and avocados due to dissatisfaction with coffee market prices. He dedicated between 250 and 300 acres to banana cultivation, claiming it to be Kenya's largest banana plantation, and also cultivated avocados for export. Kirubi had plans to develop Lake Kirubi into a recreational area for fishing and water skiing. He was actively involved in the farm's management, valuing input from his manager and long-serving workers. The farm, characterized by its vastness and a network of dirt roads, represented Kirubi's belief in diversification, showcasing a focus on food security and long-term land investment beyond his well-known media and manufacturing interests.
Kenya's passport has risen five places to 68th globally in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, making it the strongest in East Africa. Kenyan passport holders can access 69 destinations visa-free or with a visa on arrival. Tanzania follows at 69th, Rwanda at 70th, and Uganda at 71st, marking Uganda's best performance in a decade. Burundi is 86th regionally. The number of accessible destinations for Kenyans decreased by one from 70 in 2025 to 69 in 2026, but the overall ranking improved, partly recovering from a previous six-place drop. Kenya's passport has fluctuated significantly, peaking at 52nd in 2006 and reaching a low of 77th in 2021. On the African continent, Kenya ranks 10th, behind Seychelles, Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Morocco, and Malawi. Seychelles leads Africa, offering visa-free access to 154 destinations. In mid-2025, Kenya removed visa requirements for most African nationals, allowing stays of up to 60 days, which contributed to a high Henley Openness score. Within the East African Community, Kenyans can travel freely to Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan without visas. The improved ranking also facilitates entry into several Caribbean nations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, and the Bahamas. Access to Europe's Schengen zone remains restricted, and the government is pursuing bilateral negotiations for greater reciprocity with African and emerging market partners. Globally, Singapore holds the top positio
Must ReadFormer deputy president Rigathi Gachagua is intensifying his bid to become the Opposition's 2027 presidential flagbearer, asserting that candidate selection should prioritize the number of votes each aspirant can deliver. Gachagua claims to have consolidated approximately eight million votes from Mt Kenya and an additional two million from the South Rift and Maa regions, positioning himself as a strong contender against President William Ruto. He argues that electoral numbers should outweigh factors like age, education, or personal appeal. Gachagua cited the Democracy for the Citizens Party's victory in the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election as evidence of Mt Kenya's shift away from Ruto, despite alleged voter suppression. He challenged other Opposition principals to secure their strongholds before presenting their numbers for the coalition's flagbearer selection. However, Gachagua stated he would support another candidate if an agreed selection formula indicated a stronger chance of winning for someone else. This stance differs from fellow Opposition leaders Martha Karua and Fred Matiang鈥檌, who advocate for a verifiable scientific process, such as nationwide polling or a primary-style approach, to identify the most suitable candidate.