In many parts of Africa, people living with autism and related developmental disabilities are socially isolated. Most African communities often perceive disabilities as a curse. In this story, Africa Uncensored features the voices of experts and families raising children with Autism- a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social skills, communication and behavior. This feature dives into dietary needs for children with autism, possible symptoms, as well as raising and understanding people living with autism.
The Kenyan government's new tax proposals that seek to boost revenue collection and cut public borrowing have been met with much opposition, especially from Kenyans who already fill the burden of a high cost of living. The Elephant's Joe Kobuthi speaks to economist and former Laikipia governor Nderitu Muriithi.
Kenya’s cost of living demonstrations has as much to do with popular discontent as they do with the opposition capitalizing on frustrations. The Elephant in conversation with Zein Abubakar, a director at the Orature Collective and former Member of Parliament at the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA).
In recent weeks, lawmakers and politicians in Kenya, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have decried the alleged spectre of widespread alcoholism and sparked a nationwide hysteria. There is only one problem; all available data from state agencies, civil society, and global health firms do not back up their alarming claims about an alcoholism problem in Kenya. So, what is the so-called war on alcoholism really masking? The Elephant is in conversation with Patrick Gathara, a Kenyan journalist, cartoonist, blogger, author and social commentator.
Going by recent events, we are quickly sliding down a precarious path as regards freedom of the press. The spike in disinformation, influence peddling, hostility and attacks blurs the ability of the media to deliver timely, critical and credible information necessary to help the public make informed decisions and hold meaningful conversations. The Elephant in conversation with David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya.
Maid in Hell gives unprecedented access to this frightening and brutal form of modern slavery. Following employment agents who vividly describe the trade, as well as maids who struggle to find a way home after harrowing, and sometimes, deadly experiences, we come to understand the grotesque reality faced by thousands of women each day. In a conversation hosted by Alliance, we explore this.
Kenya’s opposition leader Raila Odinga has announced the start of peaceful mass action protests against President William Ruto’s government, kicking off with a major demonstration planned for 20 March, in Nairobi. This comes after the lapse of the 14-day ultimatum, which Raila had issued to President Ruto to address the cost of living, open the 2022 presidential election servers and stop the process of appointing new members of the electoral agency, IEBC.
Human rights are rights we have simply because we exist as human beings - they are not granted by any state. These universal rights are inherent to us all, regardless of nationality, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language, or any other status. In conversation with Irungu Houghton, we explore the state of human rights work in the age of massive disruption.
Despite the enormous burden that mental ill-health imposes on individuals, their families, society, health systems and the economy, mental health care remains a neglected area of public policy in Kenya. Dannish Odongo speaks.
How the myth of ‘institutions’ has hobbled the fight against graft and wasted precious time and money. The Elephant in conversation with Sheila Masinde, Executive Director at Transparency International Kenya.
Africa is often seen as a continent of mass migration and displacement caused by poverty, violent conflict, and environmental stress. Yet such perceptions are based on stereotypes rather than theoretically informed empirical research. The Elephant in conversation with Nanjala Nyabola. - This interview is part of a series on migration and displacement in and from Africa, co-produced by the Elephant and the Heinrich Boll Foundation’s African Migration Hub, which is housed at its new Horn of Africa Office in Nairobi.