Kariokor Market Stories

From Kariokor Market stall to global artistry: Nairobi beader Elizabeth Kioko’s inspiring journey
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Aug 10, 2025

From this humble dish, she crafts pieces that travel far beyond her reach, to Rwanda, Tanzania, Cameroon, and West Africa — a testament to hands that...

Kenya presses Tanzania to scrap ban on foreigners operating small businesses
Mwangi Maina  |  Aug 09, 2025

The order, issued on July 28, bars non-citizens from operating in 15 sectors, including mobile money transfer, courier services, salons, real estate,...

Kenya calls for governance overhaul as EAC gridlock deepens
Mwangi Maina  |  Aug 08, 2025

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has publicly criticised Ruto's handling of the Nairobi Peace Process, originally initiated by former President Uh...

East African Community launches unified customs bond to ease regional trade amid ongoing tensions
Barack Oduor  |  Aug 04, 2025

The new instrument, known as the EACBond, replaces the need for multiple national customs bonds when transporting goods across member states, streamli...

Explore Nairobi’s 8 must-try fine dining restaurants for unforgettable experiences
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Aug 03, 2025

Whether you're planning a foodie adventure or simply looking for your next memorable meal, each of these 8 Nairobi restaurants promises excellence on...

EAC warns partner states against unilateral directives undermining Common Market Protocol
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Aug 01, 2025

EAC Secretary General Veronica Nduva reminded all partner states of their binding obligations under the protocol, which was adopted to promote regiona...

Ten places where alcohol sale is prohobited in NACADA's new proposals
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 30, 2025

The ban is expected to impact both urban and rural residents, particularly those who rely on supermarkets, restaurants, or delivery services to access...

Paved road brings new life to Kamukunji’s Kitui village, residents push for street lights next
Charity Kilei  |  Jul 27, 2025

Kitui village residents say the new road has done more than improve safety and commerce — it has restored a sense of dignity to the area, where childr...

Traders at Garissa’s Soko Mugdi market rise from ashes again as state plans modern upgrade
Issa Hussein  |  Jul 20, 2025

On Thursday, Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan presided over the distribution of donations worth over Sh1.6 million—provided by Health CS A...

‘We’ve lost everything’: Traders plead for help after fire ravages handicraft market in Kamukunji
Abdirahman Khalif  |  Jul 14, 2025

Many affected traders had yet to begin rebuilding, citing financial hardship and total loss of capital after the fire destroyed all their goods.

Three arrested over arson, looting of Magunas supermarket during Saba Saba protests in Meru
Lucy Mumbi  |  Jul 13, 2025

Detectives also allege that the trio was involved in break-ins and theft at Club Seven Eleven Lounge and Selelite Supermarket during the same wave of...

Tax relief boost as KRA slashes fringe benefits rate for workers
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 11, 2025

Fringe benefits tax applies to employees, directors, or their relatives who receive welfare perks such as low-interest loans from their employers. The...

From waste to water tanks: How Kariokor youth are turning Nairobi’s trash into livelihoods
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Jul 06, 2025

Containers arrive in grimy, greasy, and unwashed condition. There’s no sophisticated equipment—just human effort, soap, water, brushes, and a lot of h...

Garissa leaders push for fire preparedness at Soko Mugdi following frequent market fires
Issa Hussein  |  Jul 03, 2025

Garissa Town MCA and Minority Leader Hussein Mohamed tabled the motion, which received unanimous support from all Members of the County Assembly.

Competition Authority opposes proposal to reserve 60 per cent of logistics business for Kenyans
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 03, 2025

He maintained that the logistics sector currently lacks a dominant firm and therefore does not meet the threshold that could justify setting aside any...

Unpaid work and bias still lock women out of key economic roles- experts
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jul 01, 2025

At the centre of the discussion was how persistent gender imbalances, especially in employment, access to productive assets, and unpaid care work are...

Fire burns Garissa town’s Soko Mugdi market again as traders count millions in losses
Issa Hussein  |  Jun 30, 2025

Asha Mohamed stood in shock as her M-Pesa shop was engulfed in flames, saying it was the second time fire had completely destroyed her business.

African finance ministers shouldn’t be making bond deals: how to hand over the job to experts
The Conversation  |  Jun 27, 2025

Recent developments show that most of the bonds have not been structured properly. As a result, African countries are paying way over the odds relativ...

Kenya moves closer to crypto regulation as MPs back joint oversight of digital asset sector
Maureen Kinyanjui  |  Jun 26, 2025

The National Assembly’s Finance Committee has recommended that five government agencies jointly supervise virtual asset service providers (VASPs), mar...

Suspected suicide bomber trailed for days before attempted market attack - UPDF
Bashir Mbuthia  |  Jun 23, 2025

The development comes nearly three weeks after a suspected female suicide bomber and a suspected rebel died in an explosion near Munyonyo Martyrs' Shr...

Report questions AGOA’s effectiveness as deadline nears, extension talks continue
Alfred Onyango  |  Jun 21, 2025

While countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Lesotho have benefited from preferential access under the scheme, Afreximbank notes that the recent i...

State stops market projects funded by housing levy, agrees to refund money after COTU talks
Lucy Mumbi  |  Jun 18, 2025

COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli had raised concerns over the misapplication of the funds meant for workers’ housing.

Life behind the load: The hard road travelled by mkokoteni pushers
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Jun 15, 2025

As they packed towering stacks of fruits and vegetables into a cart, the pace of life around them was fast and unrelenting. “Time is money here,” Esth...

Energy shock returns: Oil prices soar as Iran-Israel tensions shake global economy
Alfred Onyango  |  Jun 14, 2025

The cost of crude oil affects everything from how much it costs to fill up your car to the price of food at the supermarket and retail stores.

From humble beginnings: Sadiq Gabow carves niche as Eastleigh's sole full-time Marikiti trader
Abdirahman Khalif  |  Jun 13, 2025

After losing his job, Sadiq made the decision to stay at Marikiti market and start his own business.

Court grants police 15 days to detain suspect who allegedly killed ex-wife at Uhuru market
Joseph Ndunda  |  Jun 10, 2025

The deceased, Felister Kalekye Katua, was stabbed four times with a kitchen knife at her workplace, where she sewed school uniforms.

More than just fabric: How curtains shape comfort, privacy, and identity in Kenyan homes
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Jun 08, 2025

Thicker curtains, such as blackout drapes or heavy cotton, do more than block light; they help regulate your home’s internal climate.

Africa’s new credit rating agency poised to reshape the financial landscape — Here’s how
The Conversation  |  Jun 08, 2025

Opening the rating committee to public view signals a shift in financial power, aiming not just for fairer ratings but for a more just model of global...

Kalembe Ndile and the Kariokor tyre men: A story of survival, skill and silent impact
Margaret Wanjiru  |  Jun 07, 2025

Tyres aren’t made to be easily cut—they’re industrial-grade, built to withstand weather, friction, and heavy loads, which is exactly why Kalembe Ndile...

Kenya’s forex reserves hit historic $10.59 billion, buoyed by remittances and strong shilling
XINHUA  |  Jun 07, 2025

The reserves have been on an upward trend since March, when they surpassed the 10-billion-US-dollar mark.

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