Food right protests in Kenya

Food politics

MPs lost a golden chance to show solidarity with hungry Kenyans

20th April 2011

In this reader's letter to the Nation, MPs are taken to task for failing to debate the rising cost of living.

Ministers sued over rising food and fuel prices

30th May 2011

A consumer lobby has sued the government over rising food and fuel prices, the Nation reports.

MPs protest high fuel prices

15th November 2011

Addressing a news conference in Parliament buildings Tuesday, the chairman of the Energy Committee James Rege also asked Energy minister Kiraitu...

With political expediency, food security will remain elusive

28th October 2012

A former MP for Mandera Central blames politics for the lack of an effective food security policy.

Farmers allege plot to cripple cereals board

10th June 2013

Maize farmers on Monday accused government officials of plotting to cripple the National Cereals and Produce Board, the Nation reports.

Empty promises won't fill our barns

18th October 2008

A critique of the government response to a food crisis in Northern Kenya

Where is the 'unga'?

12th December 2008

Still no sign of the promised subsidized unga flour, writes the Standard

Development hampered by food insecurity

15th December 2008

With mention of Kenya, this short article looks at food insecurity as a problem for the African continent.

Prisoners' diet and unga prices

24th December 2008

The writer wonders whether the country is returning to a time of "yellow unga"

Find lasting solution to food crisis

11th January 2009

Another call to action by the government, citing the specter of food riots.

Malnutrition alarming, says survey

5th May 2009

A survey by International Rescue Committee (IRC) showed that 22 per cent of children below five years are malnourished in areas worst hit by famine,...

Kenya cited as case study at food price talks

5th May 2010

Kenya was cited as a case study where prices of maize increased by over eight per cent between March 2007 and March 2008, the Standard reports.

Politics of relief food get worse as famine strikes

10th October 2010

Amid raging politics of relief food distribution in Northern Kenya over the last one week, experts say the Government should come up with a clear...

Small-scale farming answer to food insecurity

2nd February 2011

African governments must encourage small-scale farming to protect citizens from food insecurity, experts have said, the Standard reports.

Maybe we are hungry because we have too much, not too little, food

20th April 2011

Nation columnist Charles Obbo writes about the "technical" problems behind rising food prices in the region.

Improved economy, not wage increase, will solve problems of Kenyan workers

10th May 2011

This is a response to Mr Francis Atwoli, the secretary-general of Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu), call for a strike to demand wage...

What does not kill Africa will make it a free and very prosperous land

1st June 2011

Amid the Unga Revolution protests, Nation columnist Charles Obbo writes about the food price problem.

Surge in unga price jolts Kenyans

19th June 2011

This Standard article cites the concerns of experts and politicians on rising unga prices; PM Odinga warns millers and farmers working in "cahoots" to...

Hunger crisis rekindles debate over GM maize

2nd July 2011

The deepening food crisis in Kenya that is fuelled by poor harvests and the rising cost of the staple maize meal has revived debate over whether the...

A "Mutharika' would save Kenya from hunger

17th October 2011

Kenya should follow Malawi's example to stabilize food prices, writes the Standard.

Kenya risks losing Sh200b over malnutrition

30th November 2011

Kenya may lose Sh200 billion by 2015 if the country does not tackle high rates of malnutrition among children, writes the Standard.

Sharp rise in food, fuel prices pushing Kenyans to the edge

30th November 2011

This analytical piece by the Standard looks at how the rising cost of living is pushing Kenyans into poverty.

If we fail to plan, hunger will come calling again

15th February 2012

It is time for the Government to put its money where its mouth is and provide tangible evidence that its long-term policy of reducing dependency on...

Cost of maize flour could go up, millers warn

11th December 2012

Millers have warned that maize flour could become more expensive after a government decision to raise the minimum cost of a 90-kilogramme bag of maize...

Policy gaps in securing food basket worrying

9th April 2013

In this editorial, the Nation calls on Kenyatta's government to do more on food security.

Floods push up food prices

17th April 2013

he price of fresh food items has gone up significantly in the past few weeks as the heavy rains pounding various parts of the country disrupt...

Rise in food prices drives up inflation

1st May 2013

The Standard reports rising food prices, as indicated by the monthly inflation index.

Tax shocker in Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich's budget

15th June 2013

The phrase tightening of belts will assume a new meaning for Kenyans in the coming months, as the impact of the new tax measures becomes clearer,...

MPs to start debate on VAT bill

1st July 2013

Kenyan parliament opens a debate on a bill that is expected to raise the cost of maize flour, bread, mobile phones and newspapers, the Nation reports....

Parliament team backs VAT bill

9th July 2013

A key parliamentary committee backs the government proposal for a new VAT on basic goods, amid protests, the Nation reports.

Zero-rating basic goods doesn't cushion the poor, says Treasury

14th July 2013

The Treasury responds to criticism of its plan to place a VAT on basic goods.

2009-2010 price spike

1st Apr 2009 - 31st Mar 2010

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2011 price spike

1st Jan 2011 - 31st Mar 2011

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Turkana residents feeding on carcasses due to drought, says Kenya Red Cross

26th April 2011

This was one of the key articles in the coverage of the Turkana crisis.

Unga rising beyond reach of Kenyans

16th June 2011

The Standard writes about the fast-rising cost of unga.

Malnutrition cases overwhelm Turkana hospital

2nd August 2011

The Standard writes about the rising toll of the Turkana drought.

Eat wildlife to fight famine

5th November 2012

In this op-ed piece for the Standard, Peter Wanyonyi suggests wildlife should be made available to Kenyans to alleviate hunger.

Shock as hunger, diseases claim 40 in Turkana

18th November 2012

At least 40 people are feared to have died of starvation and diseases in the last four months in Turkana Central District, writes the Standard.

Failure to resettle IDPs cause for food shortage

3rd February 2013

The Standard writes about the "acute food problem" in camps inhabited by those displaced by the post-electoral violence.

COFEK holds cost of living protest

19th April 2011

Consumer Federation of Kenya organizes protest march against the rising cost of fuel and food, and calls for government action to alleviate the plight...

COTU calls strike to demand higher wages

10th May 2011

The Central Organization of Trade Workers (COTU) issues a 21-day strike notice to demand higher wages and to protest the rising cost of living.

Unga Revolution stages 1st major demonstration

31st May 2011

Unga Revolution holds protest march against the rising cost of living to Harambee Avenue; PM Raila Odinga addressed the crowd, which later disperses...

Unga Revolution holds 2nd major demonstration

7th July 2011

Unga Revolution holds its second major demonstration, attempting to deliver petition to the President and Prime Minister; protesters are tear gassed...

COTU calls strike over fuel prices

17th December 2011

The Central Organization of Trade Unions calls for a 10-day strike to protest rising fuel prices.

CCI holds VAT protests

25th June 2013

The Coalition for Constitution Implementation, together with other civil society groups, leads protests against the proposed VAT bill.

COFEK holds protest against VAT bill

2nd July 2013

The Consumer Federation of Kenya hosts a protest against the proposed VAT bill.

Food shortage: Is the next global crisis coming to Kenya?

24th November 2008

The Standard's Dan Okoth asks whether Kenya will be the site of the next food riot.

Get ready for anger of the hungry

4th December 2008

The next stream of mass action and street demonstrations in Kenya could be over food - riot over right to sukuma wiki and ugali, writes Okech Kendo in...

Don't expect endless patience as prices soar

16th April 2011

This Nation editorial warns of growing public discontent about the rising cost of living.

Tread carefully around food, fuel minefield

17th April 2011

Pushed to the wall, some Kenyans are now planning to hold peaceful protests in all major towns this week to remind the Government of the escalating...

More food protests expected in Kenya

24th April 2011

Journalist Kenfrey Kiberenge writes that people pressure is forcing the government to curtail key prices.

Food insecurity: Why Kenya may be on the brink of a bloody revolution

17th July 2011

Nation columnist Rasna Warah argues that food insecurity in Kenya could spark a "revolution."

Food shortage looms after poor harvest

23rd April 2012

There are fears of a looming food shortage in parts of the country with some households having stocks that will last them for only three months...

As food prices rise, brace yourself for an Unga war

18th June 2012

Amid plans to place a VAT on basic food stuffs, the Nation warns of a coming conflict between the government and activist groups.

MPs warn of food riots over VAT hike

27th July 2012

Over 30 MPs and financial experts have warned of a food riot in the country if the controversial Value Added Tax ( VAT) bill is enacted by parliament,...

Food crisis in Kenya looms large yet again as government slumbers

14th August 2012

An analytical piece predicting trouble amid concern of drought and export controls in the region.

Disease threatens Kenya's food basket

20th January 2013

The country is yet again staring at a food crisis after thousands of hectares of maize in the breadbasket regions were destroyed, reports the...

Looming food crisis in region as rains fail

31st January 2013

A source at the Kwale Drought Management office warns of a coming crisis.

Arbitrary fuel price rises may cause riots

18th March 2013

This Nation editorial warns officials against raising the cost of energy - oil and electricity.

Don't let Kenyans starve

19th March 2013

Recent reports that certain regions of Kenya will face food shortages from the end of March through to June are sufficient grounds for the government...

Sort out inputs mess to ensure food shortage is averted

27th March 2013

The Standard warns that rising fertilizer prices are going to hurt farmers and consumers.

Experts warn of looming food crisis

11th April 2013

Rising food prices and flooding threatens a crisis, experts warn.

MPs warn of food crisis as row escalates

2nd June 2013

A parliamentary committee has warned that the crisis at the National Cereals and Produce Board could result in food shortages in the country, the...

Varsity students threaten to strike over food prices

8th December 2008

University and college students have threatened to disrupt Jamhuri Day celebrations should the Government fail to zero-rate prices of food.

Jamhuri Day food protests will go ahead, says civil society

10th December 2008

Members of the civil society have planned a series of street demonstrations to protest against high cost of essential commodities starting today.

Demonstrations on Jamhuri day

12th December 2008

Activists are arrested at a protest on Jamhuri day against the allowances MPs are receiving amid escalating cost of living.

The day Kenya workers' anger boiled over

1st May 2009

Protests against the rising cost of living, job losses, low pay and failed leadership came to the boil on Friday when frustrated workers disrupted the...

Consumer group calls for protest against rising prices

17th April 2011

Cofek calls for a protest against the rising cost of fuel and food in Kenya.

Kalonzo urges patience over cost of living

19th April 2011

This story leads on the VP's comments on the day that Cofek and other civil society organizations held a protest against rising prices.

Commodity prices spark protests in Kenya

20th April 2011

Protests over the skyrocketing cost of fuel kicked off with organisers vowing to adopt mass action until the Government cushions Kenyans against the...

Hunger-driven drama at workers' fete

1st May 2011

A march-past of workers that lasted an hour, scenes of anger-and-hunger-inspired theatrics and disappointment. These were what this year’s Labour Day...

NTV coverage of Unga Revolution protest

31st May 2011

NTV's coverage of the Unga Revolution's first major demonstration downtown.

Photos from the 31 May Unga Revolution protest

31st May 2011

Photo coverage from the 31 May Unga Revolution protest.

Citizen covers Unga protest

7th July 2011

Citizen's coverage of the Unga Revolution's second major demonstration downtown.

NTV covers Unga protest

7th July 2011

NTV's coverage of the second major Unga Revolution protest downtown.

Nairobi demo turns chaotic, 10 people arrested

7th July 2011

Ten people were on Thursday arrested as protests against the high cost of living and graft at the Ministry of Education turned chaotic, the Nation...

Read the signs and be war of such activism

22nd July 2011

An opinion piece about one of the leaders of the Unga Revolution

UoN students protest hiked food prices

16th October 2011

Tension is rising in UoN owing to a move by the administration to increase the price of meals in the students mess, the Nation reports.

Tea workers threaten to go on strike over living costs

23rd October 2011

Thousands of tea workers in multi-national tea companies warned on Sunday that they would go on strike to protest against the high cost of living....

Demo threats at fertilizer delays

7th April 2013

Farmers in central and South Rift region have protested the delay in supply of fertiliser at cereals board depots countrywide, the Nation reports.

Protests, strike threats greet Uhuru budget

14th June 2013

The Jubilee government’s first budget has sparked angry reactions over its provisions on food and education, the Nation reports.

Activists to protest against 'unga' taxes

16th June 2013

Civil society groups will hold demonstrations against any move to impose value added tax (VAT) on basic commodities, the Nation reports.

Groups set for rallies against VAT on food

24th June 2013

Civil society groups intend to hold rallies in Nairobi for three days starting Tuesday to pressure the government to abandon the planned amendments to...

More food taxes protests planned

30th June 2013

Consumer lobbies have vowed to continue with street protests Tuesday to stop the government from raising taxes on basic commodities.They will also...

Groups stage demo against 'unga' taxes

2nd July 2013

Lobby groups Tuesday staged protests to oppose the Value Added Tax Bill as the government formally tabled the proposed law in the National Assembly,...

Lobby protests at bid to increase food prices

7th July 2013

A human rights lobby on Sunday used the Saba Saba Day celebrations to demonstrate against a Bill that seeks to increase the price of basic...

US firm to fight malnutrition

24th April 2009

The International Organisation for the use of Micro-algae Spirulina Against Malnutrition begins operations in Siaya district.

Kenyans in diaspora respond to famine

29th July 2011

The Standard writes how Kenyans in the diaspora respond to the Kenyans for Kenya campaign to alleviate the famine in Turkana.

Eastern turning to water pans to combat famine

29th May 2012

The digging of water pans may help to alleviate food shortages in Eastern Province, writes the Standard.

We will lower cost of food, Pres Kenyatta assures Kenyans

20th June 2013

President Uhuru Kenyatta has assured Kenyans that the Government is committed to reducing the cost of living and ensuring prices of basic necessities...

How Wahome Mutahi predicted the "unga" crisis

14th December 2008

Tom Odhiambo writes in the Standard that the food crisis is a moral crisis.

Consumer federation chief warned over food protests

25th April 2011

onsumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) secretary general Mr Stephen Mutoro on Monday recorded a statement with the police about threats to his life,...

Famine names in Luhya land

1st January 2013

Nanjinia Wamuswa writes in the Standard about the history of famine in Luhya-speaking regions.

Lack of jobs, cost of living worry Kenyans most

26th January 2013

The opinion poll by Ipsos Synovate indicates 30 per cent of Kenyans feel the high cost of commodities is their biggest predicament, while 23 per cent...