A new research by TIFA has shed light on the financial challenges faced by Kenyan citizens due to the soaring cost of living.

The report discloses that a significant 87% of Kenyans have been compelled to reduce their personal expenditure in response to these economic pressures.

The report further breaks down the categories where Kenyans have had to cut back on their spending. Transportation stands out as one of the most affected sectors, with 15% of respondents reporting reductions in this area.

Additionally, clothing and entertainment have also seen expenditure cuts, accounting for 9% and 8% of the reductions, respectively.

According to the TIFA report, food is the primary category where individuals across different income groups have had to trim their expenses due to inflation. This trend holds true for Kenyans in various income brackets, with those earning above Sh. 20,000/- reducing their food expenditure slightly less than those earning below Sh. 5,000/- (79% vs. 88%).

The report highlights that a staggering 84% of Kenyans now perceive their current economic situation as worse than it was a year ago, irrespective of their political affiliations. Interestingly, supporters of the Kenya Kwanza government are reported to be four times more likely to feel better off compared to opposition supporters (11% vs. 3%).

The Kenya Kwanza administration faces the challenging task of addressing a declining economy and the sharp increase in the cost of living, which has compelled Kenyans to dig deeper into their pockets, particularly when purchasing essentials like fuel. By Phidel Kizito, Capital News

Surrendered M23 fighters being escorted.

The White House on Monday welcomed the initiation of a 72-hour ceasefire in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) which entities involved in the conflict have agreed to.

This development is a follow-up to the confidence building measures secured during Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Avril Haines’ 19-20 November visit to the DRC and Rwanda, and her subsequent engagements with Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, said Adrienne Watson, National Security Council spokesperson in the White House.

The ceasefire started “at noon Central Africa Standard Time (GMT+2), when armed forces and non-state armed groups ceased fighting to facilitate the withdrawal of forces occupying the locality of Mushaki and the RP1030 road (Kirolwire-Kitchanga),” said the White House. 

Both the DRC and Rwanda have expressed their support for the US proposal, emphasizing the importance of the ceasefire in enforcing measures to build trust, safeguard civilians, and reduce tensions in the eastern DRC.

“The US Government will use its intelligence and diplomatic resources to monitor the activities by armed forces and non-state armed groups during the ceasefire. In addition, the United States supports the resumption of the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which seek to address the current and historic factors perpetuating this longstanding crisis.”

Meanwhile, earlier on Monday, at the United Nations in New York, the DRC and Rwanda were expected to take part in an open briefing at the United Nations Security Council. The session was to include closed consultations that would focus on the overall situation in the DRC, encompassing updates on the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). The US Secretary-General’s report, covering the period from 21 September 2023 to 30 November 2023, served as a pivotal reference during the briefing. 

As the ceasefire unfolds, the international community remains watchful, with hopes pinned on diplomatic initiatives to pave the way for lasting peace in the troubled region where from May through September 2023, there have now been 6.9 million internally displaced people, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM)’s Displacement Tracking Matrix. By Pearl Matibe, Defence Web 

JUBA – South Sudan marked a historic moment in its educational landscape by participating in the African Spelling Bee for the first time.

Held in Kampala, Uganda, from December 6^th to 10^th, 2023, the competition witnessed eleven countries vying for the coveted title, including Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

While the South Sudanese team did not claim any awards, their debut proved crucial in gaining valuable experience and insights that will shape their future participation.

As newcomers, they observed and learned from seasoned competitors, laying the groundwork for potential success at the next edition scheduled for Nigeria.

The South Sudanese delegation, a collaboration between the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan and Juba Primary Schools Mini Competition winners, comprised adult representatives Daniel Oleke Opio and Gabriel Majok Ajang-Amal, along with three youthful spellers: Habiba Mui Jacob, Deng Majak, and Akoy Lual Dual.

Ranging from 12 to 16 years old, these young minds showcased their dedication and spelling prowess on the international stage.

Emmanuel Bida, Project Lead of the South Sudan National Spelling Bee, expressed his pride in the team’s performance, highlighting the immense learning opportunities and joy they experienced throughout the event.

“The team did its best and I’m impressed by Spelling prowess they showcased at a continental stage including learning from other African children how things are done in their home countries,” Bida, also a news factchecker, told Sudans Post today in Juba.

“It was tight, but they managed to walk away with some gold medals and certificates of participation,” he added.

Habiba Mui, 14, echoing this sentiment, expressed her immense pride in representing South Sudan at such a prestigious gathering.

“I am full of joy and had unforgettable pleasant experiences during my participation at the African Spelling Bee 2023 in the name of my country, South Sudan,” she said.

“I want to thank the organizing team for the opportunity they gave to us as children to participate in this event, and I want to appreciate the support from the teachers and to teacher Daniel who travelled with us,” she added.

However, the competition also presented challenges. The spellers faced initial nervousness performing before a new international audience.

Additionally, pronunciation differences and variations in spelling masters’ accents posed hurdles due to varying linguistic backgrounds.

Despite these challenges, the participation yielded several key takeaways. It emphasized the importance of engaging in international academic competitions for enriching learning experiences and broadening horizons.

The event also underscored the need to nurture a vibrant spelling culture within South Sudanese schools, raising awareness and fostering a love for language.

Looking ahead, the South Sudan National Spelling Bee aims to solidify its presence at the African Spelling Bee and expand its reach beyond Juba.

Deng Majak, one of the young spellers, described his experience as intense yet enlightening, recognizing the power of reading and book knowledge as crucial tools for success and future opportunities.

The African Spelling Bee is a continent-wide competition that gathers young participants from various African countries to showcase their spelling skills.

Similar to spelling bees in other parts of the world, this event tests contestants’ abilities to spell words accurately and competes to win by correctly spelling the most words.

It’s an educational platform aimed at promoting literacy, language skills, and friendly competition among students across Africa. - Sudans Post

The European Union, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration and the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), signed an $18 million regional program project to support refugees and returnees who fled violence in Sudan.

The regional programme funded by the European Union aims at supporting Chad, Ethiopia and South Sudan due to the influx of refugees in their territories.  

Addressing the media on Monday, the European Union Ambassador to South Sudan, Timo Olkkonen, said the conflict in Sudan has triggered unceasing suffering, prompting people to flee their homes for safety in the neighbouring countries.

“On behalf of the EU, I am proud to be here today to sign this important agreement with UNHCR and IOM. The regional programme covers Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan and provides 17 million EUR to support these countries in welcoming people forced to flee because of the war in Sudan. The conflict is causing unspeakable suffering to the people in Sudan, but it is equally taking its toll on neighbouring countries in multiple ways,” Olkkonen said. 

“Economies are very much interconnected, above all in the border areas, and the economic impact has so far been rather severe. South Sudan, as we all know, is economically interdependent with Sudan and the protracted conflict increases economic risks,” he added.

He said the funding would provide concrete support to the countries hosting the refugees.

“The war in Sudan is taking its toll on South Sudan and other neighbouring countries alike. This new funding reaffirms the EU’s willingness to provide tangible support to host countries. Through this regional programme, the EU intends to be forward-looking and ambitious in its response to the displacement crisis, complementing lifesaving humanitarian interventions with early-on, longer-term development support,” Olkkonen added. 

He noted that the programme aids in integrating the returnees and will revamp their living setbacks.

“The programme aims at including refugees and returnees in service delivery systems while improving their livelihoods and ensuring peaceful coexistence with host communities, in synergy with other EU-funded initiatives on forced displacement. It will improve the living conditions of those forced to flee and, at the same time, contribute to security and stability in the region,” he stressed.

However, Marie Helene, the UNHCR representative, underscored the enormous role played by South Sudan in hosting refugees, adding that humanitarian action is not sufficient to address the refugees-returnees’ needs.

“South Sudan has always been a generous host to refugees and is keeping its doors open to those fleeing the conflict in Sudan. This contribution is a demonstration of solidarity with South Sudan and the communities that are now hosting refugees and returnees,” she stated.

“Humanitarian action alone is not enough to address the enormous needs; early engagement of development partners such as the EU is welcome and needed to help people rebuild their life and restore their dignity and self-reliance,” Helene emphasised. 

According to her, the funding will be used to provide livelihood support, particularly to youth and women including training on financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, as well as support to access funds to set up businesses. Farmers will also receive climate-resilient seeds, as well as training on topics such as food processing and conservation, business management, marketing and commercialization.

Meanwhile, John McCue, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, stressed that the programme is an appropriate step in the humanitarian-development and peace-building processes.

“This funding, received at the start of the emergency, is a good example of the humanitarian, development and peace nexus and provides the displaced population with direct support to restart their lives more sustainably,” he said.

The war which broke out on 15, April 2023, has triggered a massive displacement, forcing 1.3 million refugees, returnees, and asylum seekers to flee Sudan into the neighbouring countries. By Matik Kueth, City Review