How John Mbadi is Shaping Kenya’s Economic Future

Since taking the helm as Kenya’s Treasury CS, John Mbadi has advocated for progressive economic reforms aimed at restoring stability to a fragile economy. A key element of these reforms is the reinstatement of the progressive aspects of the Finance Bill 2024, which had previously been rejected. The proposal focuses on recalibrating tax policy to create a fairer system. By increasing taxes on corporations and higher-income earners, while providing relief for lower- and middle-income groups, the aim is to reduce income inequality and foster a more inclusive recovery. This progressive taxation approach acknowledges that long-term economic stability must be built on a foundation of fairness.

Kenya Digital News Report

In addition to structural tax reforms, there has been a notable shift toward public engagement in economic policymaking. Opening up channels for public input into the economic discourse is seen as a move toward transparency and accountability. This engagement allows diverse perspectives to be considered, fostering a stronger connection between government policies and the needs of the people. Increased dialogue between the public and policy-makers is critical in an era where trust in government institutions is often low, particularly in countries facing severe economic pressures.

On the global stage, efforts to balance international partnerships with domestic interests are also coming to the fore. Negotiations with foreign investors—such as in infrastructure projects—highlight the importance of maintaining national sovereignty while attracting crucial capital inflows. Ensuring that international deals are mutually beneficial, transparent, and legally sound is central to fostering trust and securing the necessary resources for development. This balance between foreign investment and national control reflects the broader challenge of managing globalization in ways that support long-term national prosperity.

References

Nation I’ll reinstate ‘progressive’ parts of rejected Finance Bill, 2024, says Treasury CS John Mbadi

Business Daily Mbadi says to reinstate ‘progressive’ provisions in the rejected Finance Bill 2024

Citizen Digital Treasury CS Mbadi hints at reinstating clauses of rejected Finance Bill 2024

Capital Business Treasury plans to reinstate suspended provisions in 2024 Finance Bill

Comprehensive Approach to Kenya’s Civil Service and Pension Reform

The pension crisis in Kenya’s civil service, a deep-rooted issue stretching back to 2009 under President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, continues to intensify. Initially, the government raised the retirement age from 55 to 60 years, a move intended to delay the financial burden of pensions. However, this merely postponed the inevitable strain on the treasury, as evidenced by the 2014 crisis when 20,000 civil servants neared retirement. Today, the situation is even more dire, with 85,000 public servants approaching retirement age, putting immense pressure on an already overstretched pension system. Compounding the problem are the government’s recent actions, such as freezing salary increments, which have fueled widespread discontent among civil servants. Many workers, facing severe reductions in their take-home pay due to high deductions, have resorted to strikes and go-slows, protesting poor pay and working conditions. The government’s attempts to manage the bloated wage bill, amid a labor market that is increasingly strained, have only further complicated the crisis, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive reform.

Citizen Digital Report

To navigate this crisis, Kenya can look to international examples of successful pension and civil service reforms. Sweden’s pension reform in the 1990s offers a valuable model. Faced with an unsustainable pension burden, Sweden transitioned from a defined-benefit system to a defined-contribution system, where pensions are directly linked to contributions made during an individual’s working life. This reform not only stabilized the pension system but also encouraged longer working lives, thereby reducing the pension burden on the state. Similarly, Brazil’s civil service reforms in the early 2000s addressed a looming public sector pension crisis by raising the retirement age, increasing employee contributions, and capping pension benefits. These measures proved effective in stabilizing Brazil’s pension system and alleviating fiscal pressure. Kenya could adopt a similar multifaceted approach, gradually shifting to a defined-contribution pension system while implementing necessary adjustments to the retirement age, employee contributions, and benefits caps to address both the immediate and long-term challenges.

However, pension reform alone will not suffice. Kenya must also undertake broader civil service restructuring to address the underlying causes of the bloated wage bill and pervasive labor unrest. This restructuring should include measures to streamline the civil service, improve efficiency, and ensure that salaries and benefits are sustainable over the long term. Without such comprehensive reforms, Kenya risks perpetuating a cycle of financial crises and workforce dissatisfaction, which could ultimately undermine the effectiveness and stability of its public sector. The government must act decisively, drawing on international experiences and adapting them to Kenya’s specific context, to secure the long-term viability of the civil service while addressing the immediate needs of its workforce.

References:

Nation Strike season? Nightmare for government as civil servants’ go-slow looms

Nation Civil servants challenge government freeze on salary increment 

The Star Kenya’s civil service is ageing, but adjustments aren’t being made

The Star Pension dilemma as more civil servants hit retirement age

The Standard Treasury faces expenditure crisis as 20,000 Kenya’s civil servants set to retire

Nation Pension crisis deepens with 85,000 public servants set to retire

Adani Group in Kenya: Balancing Economic Benefits and National Interests

Adani Group, led by Gautam Adani, has been making significant moves into Kenya’s infrastructure, particularly in the aviation and energy sectors. Recently, the conglomerate proposed a $1.84 billion investment to manage and expand Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through a 30-year concession deal. This proposal, part of Adani’s broader push into Africa, has sparked widespread controversy in Kenya, with concerns raised over the transparency and potential risks to national sovereignty. Kenyan MPs and aviation workers have voiced strong opposition, fearing that the deal could lead to job insecurity, undervaluation of strategic assets, and a loss of control over critical infrastructure.

Citizen Digital Report

The controversy surrounding Adani is exacerbated by the troubling track record highlighted in the Hindenburg Research report, which alleges widespread fraud, stock manipulation, and money laundering. These dubious practices have raised serious concerns about Adani’s financial integrity and long-term viability, prompting Kenyan authorities to approach the conglomerate’s intentions with caution. The group’s aggressive expansion strategy, often outpacing regulatory scrutiny, further amplifies these fears, suggesting potential conflicts of interest and ethical lapses.

In addition to the airport deal, Adani has secured approval for a $900 million power transmission line project in Kenya, underscoring the group’s growing influence over the country’s critical infrastructure sectors. While these investments could bring economic benefits, they also carry the risk of monopolization and financial instability. The approval of the power project, coupled with the airport deal, indicates Adani’s positioning to dominate key national assets in Kenya, raising alarms about the potential for reduced national control and increased dependency on a single foreign entity.

Kenyan President William Ruto’s inconsistent stance on the Adani deal has further fueled public mistrust, complicating the situation and amplifying calls for greater transparency. As Adani advances its plans and secures approvals, it is crucial that Kenyan authorities rigorously vet these deals. Transparency, public consultation, and robust regulatory oversight are essential to ensuring that Kenya’s national interests are protected and that the long-term implications of Adani’s involvement are fully understood. Given the extensive controversies surrounding Adani’s operations, Kenya must approach these deals with caution, rigorously evaluating any agreement with the Adani Group to align with its long-term economic goals and preserve the integrity of its vital infrastructure.

References:

The Star MPs want Adani JKIA deal stopped

Aviation A2Z Aviation Staff Calls Off Strike against Adani Group in Kenya

The Star Aviation workers suspend strike for one week

OCCRP Kenya’s President Ruto: There is no Airport Deal with Adani Group

Business Daily Proposed Adani, JKIA deal risky and morally unfair to taxpayers

The Kenyan Wall Street Inside Adani’s US$ 1.84 Billion JKIA Proposal

Nation Kenya sued over tycoon Adani JKIA deal

Techcabal Adani Energy gets approval for a $900 million power transmission line in Kenya 

The Hindu Business Line Adani group’s Africa push, submits investment proposal for Nairobi airport

The Standard Secrets of 30-year Adani deal to takeover JKIA in November

The EastAfrican India’s Adani sets up Kenyan subsidiary amid push for JKIA deal

Pulse Live Adani sets up new Kenyan company to manage airports [Shareholding details]

Hindenburg Research Adani Group: How The World’s 3rd Richest Man Is Pulling The Largest Con In Corporate History, 2023

Kenyan Politics: Raila Odinga, William Ruto, and the Ever-Changing Alliances Landscape

The 2005 referendum on Kenya’s proposed constitution was more than just a vote; it was a pivotal moment that redefined the country’s political alliances and set the stage for future power struggles. Raila Odinga and William Ruto, then key figures in the opposition, found common cause in their opposition to President Mwai Kibaki’s draft constitution. The proposed document was seen by many as flawed, favoring the incumbent’s administration. Rallying under the “Orange” banner, which symbolized their resistance, Raila and Ruto spearheaded a campaign that resonated with a significant portion of the electorate. Their victory, which culminated in the rejection of the constitution, not only signaled the birth of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) but also established Raila as a formidable force in Kenyan politics. The referendum catalyzed a new era of political realignments, where former allies became rivals and the landscape of Kenyan politics became increasingly fluid and unpredictable.

President Ruto and Raila at the launch of Raila’s AUC bid at State House – Nairobi

Fast forward to the present, and the political dynamics in Kenya have taken an unexpected turn, revealing the cyclical nature of political allegiances. Raila Odinga, who has long been a mainstay in Kenyan politics, is now setting his sights on the international stage with his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. What is perhaps most surprising is the support he has garnered from President William Ruto, his long-time political adversary. This alliance, which would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, underscores the strategic calculations at play in Kenya’s political arena. For Raila, Ruto’s backing is crucial as it not only bolsters his candidacy but also provides a sense of national unity that could strengthen his position on the continental stage. For Ruto, supporting Raila may serve to consolidate his own power by easing domestic tensions and sidelining a potential competitor in the next general election. This pragmatic alliance highlights the fluidity of Kenyan politics, where today’s adversaries can quickly become tomorrow’s allies if the circumstances are right.

The implications of this alliance are far-reaching and could significantly reshape Kenya’s political landscape. Raila’s pursuit of the AUC chairmanship has left a potential power vacuum within ODM, a party that has been synonymous with his leadership for nearly two decades. This could lead to a reorganization within the party, with emerging leaders vying to fill the void, or it could trigger the formation of new alliances as political players reposition themselves for the future. Meanwhile, the Kenyan electorate is left to grapple with the ramifications of this newfound camaraderie between two of the country’s most influential leaders. On one hand, the alliance could bring a period of political stability, reducing the polarization that has characterized recent elections. On the other hand, there is a risk that voters, particularly those who have been loyal to Raila or Ruto based on their opposition to the other, may feel disillusioned or betrayed. This evolving narrative is a testament to the ever-changing nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances are as much about survival as they are about ideology, and where the next chapter is always just one unexpected alliance away.

References:

Capital News Ruto Hosts Historic Launch of Raila’s AU Commission Chairmanship Candidacy

The EastAfrican Raila Odinga: ‘My heart is ready, my hands are steady’ for AUC top job

The Star Raila arrives at State House ahead of his AUC bid launch

Nation Show of might as Ruto unveils Raila AUC bid

The Star Raila launches website to promote his AUC job bid

The Star [PHOTOS] Ruto officially launches Raila’s AUC bid at State House

The Nairobi Law Monthly Raila’s handshakes with opponents greatly cost his supporters

Nation United stand in vote against 2005 constitution gave birth to Orange

The Standard How referendum campaigns gave birth to ODM










Ruto’s Unfulfilled Promises and the Impact on Kenyan Citizens

In the realm of political leadership, the consequences of overpromising can be profound, leading to difficult decisions that may prioritize short-term gains over long-term welfare. President William Ruto’s governance in Kenya bears striking similarities to the biblical account of Herod the tetrarch, whose rash promise led to a morally compromising decision. This analysis explores how Ruto’s ambitious promises, much like Herod’s fateful vow, have placed him in a tight spot, forcing decisions that appease certain groups at the expense of the broader populace. Herod’s story is a cautionary tale of how a leader’s words can become a trap. When he promised to grant Herodias’ daughter whatever she wished, Herod did not anticipate the moral dilemma he would face when she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Despite his reluctance, Herod felt compelled to honor his promise to maintain his authority and avoid public embarrassment. Similarly, Ruto’s leadership has been marked by a series of promises that, once made, have proven difficult to keep. The grand visions he laid out during his campaign—ranging from economic reforms to social justice—have created high expectations among the Kenyan people. However, the reality of governance has revealed the challenges in fulfilling these commitments, leading to a growing sense of disillusionment among the populace.

Africa News Report

According to reports from The Nation and The Standard, this gap between Ruto’s promises and the outcomes on the ground has become increasingly evident. Many of the ambitious goals set by his administration have remained unachieved, leading to public frustration and criticism. The unfulfilled promises are not just political missteps; they have real consequences for the people, particularly in areas such as employment, economic stability, and social equity. Much like Herod, who found himself trapped by his own words, Ruto faces the challenge of managing the expectations he has set. His administration’s focus has often shifted towards maintaining political alliances and managing public perception rather than addressing the underlying issues that the promises were meant to resolve. This has led to decisions that seem more about preserving power than serving the broader interests of the Kenyan people, mirroring Herod’s decision to prioritize his reputation over justice.

KTN News Report

The consequences of such a leadership approach are far-reaching. Just as Herod’s actions resulted in the death of an innocent man to uphold a thoughtless promise, Ruto’s governance risks sidelining the needs and welfare of ordinary citizens. The pressure to deliver on promises, particularly when they are unattainable, can lead leaders to make decisions that are more about appeasing specific groups or maintaining political stability than addressing the real needs of the population. This analysis underscores the importance of careful, realistic promises in leadership. The story of Herod and the current challenges faced by Ruto serve as reminders that overpromising can compromise a leader’s integrity and effectiveness. For a global readership, the lesson is clear: leaders must be mindful of the weight of their words, as they will ultimately be held accountable for the promises they make, and the decisions taken to uphold them can have lasting impacts on society.

References:

Nation The promises versus reality: President Ruto’s rough road ahead

The Standard Ruto’s missteps, broken promises cause untold suffering to Kenyans

Nation The appeal of elsewhere: Of Ruto’s promises and reality

The Standard Wandayi: Ruto’s regime has failed Kenyans with its empty promises

People Daily Queries over Ruto empty promises after Gen-Z demos

The Star AJUOK: Why Ruto has become master of false promises

People Daily With no cogent plan, pact with Raila may buy Ruto time

Nairobi News International Women’s Day: 7 promises to women Ruto has not kept


Kenya’s Governance Crisis: Using Legal Frameworks to Silence Dissent

In recent years, Jimi Wanjigi, once regarded as Kenya’s most feared oligarch, has experienced a dramatic fall from grace, with the state employing various tactics to curtail his influence and silence his criticisms. Wanjigi, who was once a shadowy figure wielding immense power behind the scenes, has become a target of state machinery. This shift began when his relationship with the ruling elite soured, leading to a series of events that point to a broader pattern of intimidation against dissenters in Kenya. The state’s strategy seems to revolve around using legal frameworks and court processes as tools of political retribution, aiming to quash opposition voices and maintain control over the narrative.

Citizen Digital Report

The analysis of recent media coverage reveals a concerted effort by the Kenyan government to use the judiciary as a weapon against Wanjigi. From the fallout over the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, where Wanjigi allegedly lost favor with powerful allies, to the multiple legal summons and court appearances he now faces, the pattern is clear: the courts are being leveraged to harass and weaken those who challenge the status quo. The media reports show a continuous escalation of state action against Wanjigi, including police summons, publicized court battles, and the orchestration of highly visible legal confrontations. These actions align with broader trends observed in Kenya, where the judiciary is increasingly used to stifle dissent and intimidate those who seek to expose governmental malfeasance.

This pattern of using legal and judicial means to intimidate is not unique to Wanjigi; it reflects a growing trend in Kenya where the state appears to weaponize the law to suppress criticism. As seen in the media reports, Wanjigi’s high-profile clashes with the government, including his dramatic court appearances and the recent confrontations over the rejected Finance Bill 2024 and the Nane Nane protests, underscore a broader issue of governance in Kenya. The persistent legal challenges faced by Wanjigi and others who oppose the regime highlight a troubling trajectory in which the state, rather than addressing concerns raised by critics, opts to punish them through a series of strategically timed and publicized legal actions. This strategy not only serves to neutralize opposition figures like Wanjigi but also sends a chilling message to others who might consider speaking out against government wrongdoing.

References:

The Standard How death and SGR fallout forced Jimi Wanjigi out of the dark power circle

Nation Jimi Wanjigi: Kenya’s most feared oligarch

The Standard Wanjigi: Man who wielded influence, now at odds with government

The Star Police summon Jimi Wanjigi for grilling over Nane Nane demos

Nation Jimi Wanjigi’s high-stakes drama: Ruto’s government wants to eliminate me










Kenyan-Led Mission to Restore Stability in Haiti: A Historic Stand for Humanity

In a bold move towards global solidarity and humanitarian aid, Kenya is stepping up to tackle the rampant gang violence in Haiti. This week marks a significant milestone as the first contingent of Kenyan police officers departs for the Caribbean nation, aiming to restore order and bring hope to its beleaguered population.

Haiti has been engulfed in chaos for years, with violent gangs controlling much of the capital, Port-au-Prince. This lawlessness has led to widespread killings, kidnappings, and sexual violence, leaving the economy in ruins and essential services paralyzed. Hospitals have shut down, supply routes are blocked, and over half a million Haitians have been forced to flee their homes. With around half the population struggling to find enough food, the situation is dire. The crisis reached a breaking point in March when Prime Minister Ariel Henry was forced to resign amidst the escalating violence, underscoring the urgent need for a solution.

International efforts to stabilise Haiti have had a troubled history. The UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSTAH), which operated from 2004 to 2017, was marred by controversies, including civilian deaths, a cholera outbreak, and allegations of sexual abuse by peacekeepers. Despite these setbacks, the urgency of the situation in Haiti cannot be ignored. Gangs have tightened their grip on critical resources, including the main fuel terminal, effectively holding the nation hostage. The recent release of $100 million in US funding for the Kenyan-led mission reflects a renewed international commitment to addressing the crisis. This funding is not just for the immediate deployment of police but also for long-term projects aimed at restoring security and aiding Haiti’s recovery.

President Ruto flags off the first contingent of Kenyan police officers to Haiti

The Kenyan-led mission brings a fresh wave of hope for Haiti. Kenya is taking the lead by deploying an initial contingent of 400 police officers, with another 600 to follow. This mission is supported by personnel from Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Chad, and Bangladesh, all primarily funded by the United States. The goal is clear: break the stranglehold of gang violence, reopen humanitarian aid routes, and restore economic activity.

Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the mission’s importance, calling it a historic stand for humanity and universal values. This mission aims to create a secure environment that will allow Haiti to hold its first elections since 2016, paving the way for lasting peace and stability. By addressing the root causes of the violence and providing robust support, the Kenyan-led mission offers a real chance for Haiti to rebuild and move forward.

As the Kenyan police officers embark on this critical mission, they carry with them the hopes of not just the Haitian people but the entire international community. Their bravery and dedication stand as a testament to the power of global solidarity and the unwavering commitment to humanitarian aid. This mission is more than just a deployment; it’s a beacon of hope for a nation in desperate need of stability and peace.

References

Capital News President Ruto flags off the first 400 Kenyan police officers headed to Haiti

The Humanitarian US releases funding for Kenya-led Haiti police mission

UN Deadly Violence in Haiti at Record High, Some Worst Scenarios Now Realities, Special Representative Tells Security Council, Urging Deployment of Support Mission

Reuters Kenyan police to arrive in Haiti this week, US State Department says

AP Haiti’s transitional council appoints new Cabinet tasked with leading a country under siege by gangs

Education Bill, a step towards vision 2030

Education is a very imperative factor towards economic and social development. Most of the industrialized countries are characterized by a large number of erudite citizens. Since primary school education was made free in Kenya, after the 2002 General elections, many of the children affected by poverty got the opportunity to acquire education. Although numerous were still locked out either because of the long distances from available schools to their homes or because of the negligence of some parents especially those from rural communities who do not value education. A lot of brilliant students were therefore denied their right to education. Fortunately, this will soon be a tale of the past if the education bill that was recently tabled in parliament is to be passed. The bill is intended to make education free and compulsory to every child.

The bill states that education should be free and compulsory to every child, and parents should enroll any child of school going age to a nearby primary school. It also states that no child should be held back until he/she completes basic education. If a child fails to attend school on a regular basis or is not enrolled in any school, the parent or guardian is to face up to one year jail sentence or a fine of 5,000 shillings. The bill also outlines that only a cabinet secretary, through a gazette notice, will exempt any child’s admission to a school. Toting up to that, the cabinet secretary in consultation with the National Education Board and County Education Board will establish primary and secondary institutions within a radius of 3 kilometers of every residential area. This will curb the problem of schools being inaccessible to some children, particularly those in rural areas.

This bill could transform the lives of many Kenyans. There are countless children unfairly deprived of education and for some, it is due to the negligence of their parents. This will also increase opportunities for the girl child to be educated as well as eliminate their early marriages since some communities are notorious for holding the belief that educating the girl child is a waste of time and resources. Additional opportunities for education will also promote economic development. This is because education increases invention and innovation. Many scholars will also be enrolled in secondary schools and this will open scholarship opportunities for secondary education. If these students pass well, they will be sponsored by various institutions and organizations for their secondary education and for some even their tertiary education. Therefore the education bill is a colossal step towards development in Kenya.

KENYA FOOD SECURITY | A critical view

Co-Author :  Victor Daniels

On February 22, 2010, a senior policy analyst with the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (KIPPRA), was quoted saying, “we have a challenge in the management of our public affairs [and] the management of our food stocks. Sometimes we are exporting food yet we later need to import. There is failure to learn from best practices, to invest in knowledge and transform that knowledge into action.”

According to OneWorld UK, the UN “estimates that 3.5 million Kenyans will require food assistance, a figure that may rise before the end of 2011.” However, the assessments updated on July, 2011, “exclude the Somali refugees located in the Dadaab camps in eastern Kenya whose plight is managed as an international refugee crisis, as distinct from Kenya’s national food insecurity.” Scholars have blamed the looming food crisis in Kenya, not only on the failure of successive seasonal rains, but also on poor standards of governance, and mismanagement of the agriculture sector, coupled with lack of political goodwill. Providing credit facilities to farmers, setting up micro-irrigation schemes, and cash transfers to poor farmers, as well as effecting input subsidies are just but a few ways to begin the comprehensive process, to realize food security in Kenya.

Kenya Food Security

In light of the above, an economy should be based on a long-lasting, reliable system, not on slavery, and coercion. Our economy relies on greed, and a serious lack of thought about consequences. That is a very unstable sort of economy. A lucid socio-economic analysis of the mechanisms of exploitative processes in the Kenyan economy brings out Kenya’s predicament in the light of under-hand shady policy making, which is not exclusively Marxist, but still draws heavily on that school of thought. Even before the fall of the KANU regime, the prices of prime commodities such as tea, sugar, rice, and maize, have constantly been rising, which creates a conflict of interests considering we locally produce the same. Where does the buck stop? Can we still interpret this, as Kenya’s success story? Are the Kenyan food policies a success in terms of growth, or total output? The time has come to reappraise agricultural pricing policies in general, so that agriculture makes its optimum contribution to maximizing gross national production. For maize, the Kenyan staple grain, the producer’s selling price should be reviewed, and be set at the relevant export parity price. The consumer price should be down to a comfortable level, thus, the price should be set at the producer’s selling price, plus marketing costs- incurred in distributing the maize to consumers. It is true that costs are rising, but then, if a justified investment policy was directed for export, we would expect the abolition of domestic marketing, thus, providing comfortable floor and ceiling prices. Starvation in most Kenyan regions remains to haunt us due to the government’s sub-standard reckoning, without political goodwill for the Kenyan people. Well known Members of Parliament, politicians, senior civil servants, and business men affiliated to high echelons of power, have repeatedly been accused with controversial maize and sugar imports and exports, but still, calls to prosecute the alleged suspects, go unheeded. Impunity and indecisiveness, thrives at high levels of governance, and on the miseries of the citizenry, where justice refers to how deep your pockets are. Budgetary allocation for the Ministry of State for Development of Northern Kenya and Other Arid Lands is irrelevant, if the people meant to be protected by the same, are dying of acute food shortage, and malnutrition. The chronic famine situation in Kenya, signals a malfunction in the governance of the Kenyan democracy. Kenya truly needs, a decentralized system, of running State affairs. Focus should be on the people and their strengths, instead of importing western innovations, and ideologies. Since we should be the change we want to see, we should put an end to popularistic politics, and deal with real issues affecting Kenyans on the ground, in a comprehensive manner.

References:

Food Security in Kenya-briefing OneWorld UK, July, 2011

Experts voice food security concerns IRIN Africa, February 22, 2010

Outrage over rising food and fuel prices IRIN Africa, April 20, 2011