Layoffs push 106,443 to default Helb loans
Monday March 15 2021
By LYNET IGADWAH
Summary
Job cuts lift non-performing student loans to Sh10.4bn in December from Sh6.7bn in June last year in the wake of Covid-19 economic woes.
Lawmakers are pushing to increase the grace period for Helb loans repayment to five years after graduation, to allow beneficiaries time to stabilise financially.
Young workers between the ages of 20 and 29 years accounted for over 60 per cent of the lost jobs last year, according to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS).
About 106, 443 former university students have defaulted on their Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic that triggered layoffs, business closure and freeze in hiring.
Tough times as prices of food rise on low rain
Monday March 15 2021
By KEVIN ROTICH
Summary
Prices of household food items are on the rise as farm supplies fall following an extended dry months of January to early March in food growing areas.
A spot-check by Market Place at Nairobi’s Marikiti Market showed that prices of cabbages, kales, avocado, capsicum, spinach, garlic and melon have risen.
A carton of garlic has risen by Sh500 to Sh2,300 in March from Sh1,800 in January.
Prices of household food items are on the rise as farm supplies fall following an extended dry months of January to early March in food growing areas.
Widen tenant protections
By BUSINESS DAILY
Summary
Scrapping the limit as proposed in the Landlord and Tenant Bill of 2021 should be supported since the current cap is outdated and has left many tenants and landlords with little room for recourse when disputes arise.
Data by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows the figure is less than the current Sh3,677.68 average rent paid for a single room in Kenya.
The proposal to scrap the Sh2,500 maximum amount of rent dispute between landlords and tenants that can be heard by the Rent Restriction Tribunal will help protect more tenants.
Scrapping the limit as proposed in the Landlord and Tenant Bill of 2021 should be supported since the current cap is outdated and has left many tenants and landlords with little room for recourse when disputes arise.
Women Making History: Nzambi Matee – Saving The Environment One Brick At A Time
Women Making History: Nzambi Matee – Saving The Environment One Brick At A Time
During Women’s History Month, Zenger News presents “Women Making History,” highlighting women making a difference.
NAIROBI, Kenya Nzambi Matee, an innovator and the founder of Gjenge Makers in Nairobi, Kenya, is helping to change the world one brick at a time.
The 29-year-old is an innovator. She is using plastic waste to make bricks said to be more durable than concrete, an idea born in her mother’s backyard.
Matee started her company in 2017 by collecting waste, sorting it and then selling it to recyclers, but soon realized she was collecting more than they were selling. That’s when lighting struck: There was more she could do with plastic.