Beyond Consumption: The Investment Potential of Remittances in East Africa
Every month, millions of East Africans receive a familiar, much welcome alert – money sent by a loved one abroad. 'Money sent back home,’ or remittances, are payments sent by migrant workers to their home countries, most often to support family and friends. Remittances are an economic lifeline, covering essential expenses like education, healthcare, and housing. By sustaining households, they contribute to long-term human capital development and economic resilience.
COVID Five Years On: Evaluating the Response and the Transformations in Healthcare Since the Pandemic
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-Cov-2 virus, emerged as a global pandemic, disrupting societies and economies worldwide. Five years later, East Africa continues to navigate the lasting effects of the crisis, particularly within its healthcare systems. This report evaluates the region’s response, assessing both immediate interventions and long-term transformations.
Aid-less Future? How USAID Cuts are Reshaping the Greater East Africa
The aid sector has been rattled to its core facing increasing pressure from the United States move towards cutting down government expenses by decreasing their foreign aid spending. It began with a 90-day pause on all US foreign aid a day after President Trump’s inauguration to office when an audit of the expenses was called for.
Unlocking East Africa's Potential: The Transformative Role of Vocational Training
In Kenya’s bustling Gikomba Market, thousands of artisans hammer, stitch, and weld daily - yet 83% of them are locked out of formal employment. Across East Africa, the informal sector dominates, employing millions while offering limited paths to economic stability. This disparity reveals a critical challenge: how do we close the gap between mere survival and prosperity?
From Backlog to Brain Drain: The Key Issues Behind East Africa’s Medical Intern Absorption Problem
In March 2024, hopeful medical interns in Kenya took to the streets in a 56-day-long strike. The issues under contention? A directive from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission had proposed to reduce intern stipends from Ksh 206,000 to between Ksh 47,000 and Ksh 70,000 – a reduction of nearly 80%.
