Nairobi
Kenya is a beacon in East Africa: the largest national economy, despite many problems a functioning democracy with an active civil society, but above all a young country with well-educated, committed people.
The foundation strengthens democracy and civic engagement in Kenya. It promotes entrepreneurship and free, fair trade. And it is a strong advocate for human rights.
At the same time, Nairobi is home to the Global Partnership Hub, the centre of excellence for development cooperation. The Hub generates knowledge and innovative concepts from the Global South - for a better future for North and South.
News
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Africa’s $100 Billion Corruption Crisis: Can the Proposed International Court Stop the Bleeding?
Corruption is not just a governance failure—it is a full-blown economic crisis draining the lifeblood of many nations, rich and poor alike. Seventy years since the first wave of independence, Africa, with all its vast mineral wealth and untapped human capital remains paradoxically impoverished. The continent loses more than USD 100 billion every year through illicit financial flows, corruption, and theft—double the amount it receives in foreign aid. Yet, it continues to function as a net creditor to the world, subsidizing global economies while its own citizens suffer.
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The power of art in shaping society and reflecting change
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) Kenya recently hosted a gripping edition of its Freedom Café, spotlighting the launch of “We Refuse to Be Victims,” a powerful poetry collection by Ugandan poet and activist Sam Mugumya. The event brought together over 100 writers, poets, artists, and activists to explore its role in defending democracy and human rights. Mugumya’s collection, written during his eight-year imprisonment in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prison Militaire de Ndolo, is a riveting testimony of survival and resilience under political repression. The 82 poems capture themes of injustice, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of freedom, offering a stark reminder of the human cost of authoritarianism.
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A new era of collaboration
Berlin, Germany - Friday, September 13, 2024 will be remembered as a historic moment for the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) as it marked the realization of an innovative concept advocating for the exchange of labor and skills between the Global North and Global South. In Berlin, an MOU was signed between FNF, the Government of Kenya, the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce, and Qhala Trust. This initiative was born out of the recognition that while the Baby Boomer generation in the Global North is rapidly retiring, creating significant labor shortages, many young, talented professionals in the Global South face a lack of job opportunities.
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Where is President Ruto steering the country?
It was supposed to be a liberating blow. On the evening of July 11, 2024, Kenya's President Ruto issued a press release. Three pages of praise for his own government were followed by the real news on page four: all ministers and the Attorney General were dismissed immediately. The only exception was the Prime Minister, who also heads the Foreign Ministry. Ruto also announced immediate talks to broaden the government's base.
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Black Tuesday in Kenya as Gen Z overrun parliament, police kill 14
Fourteen people were killed and Parliament torched as stalwarts of President William Ruto passed controversial tax law which has provoked a popular uprising among young Kenyans. Gen Z protestors were staging the fifth of their “seven days of rage” hold-out against Ruto government’s hard-line stance on Finance Bill 2024. In 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties, they poured out in the streets in their thousands, shouting down the government, burning and looting properties associated with ruling party MPs.
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Bold Gen Z takes to streets, demands end to punitive finance bill
In what is being hailed as a new dawn for Kenya, the nation has experienced an unexpected uprising driven by a bold, new generation of young protesters. These determined activists on Tuesday took control of majority of Kenyan towns, exerting more pressure on Members of Parliament (MPs) to retract several unpopular tax proposals embedded in the 2024 Finance Bill. Before this spectacle and for days on end, they had joined their elder generations in opposing the tax proposals contained in the bill, a brainchild of President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to have Kenyans fully fund their own budget.
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Skills shortage in Germany
In a policy paper, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation calls on politicians to create conditions for digital outsourcing in the Global South. This could address the skills shortage in Germany and create well-paying jobs in the home countries. However, it is questionable how great the actual potential is. Last week, the IW Cologne published the MINT Spring Report 2024 . The result was sobering: the industry is lacking around 244,000 skilled workers . Against the background of these figures, the IW Cologne recommends “using the potential of immigration even more effectively” .
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Chief Justice Koome backs International Anti-Corruption Court at FNF launch
At a landmark event in Nairobi, Chief Justice Martha Koome endorsed the proposed International Anti-Corruption Court (IACC), calling it a vital tool to combat grand corruption and kleptocracy across Africa. Speaking at the launch of a policy brief by FNF, Koome emphasised the failure of domestic systems to hold powerful offenders accountable, particularly those who hide illicit funds in offshore accounts. She argued that an international court is not only timely but essential. The event, held in partnership with Transparency International Kenya, Integrity Initiatives International, and Good Governance Africa, brought together legal experts, civil society leaders, and policymakers. The policy brief advocates for African leadership in shaping the IACC, ensuring it reflects local values like ubuntu and restorative justice.
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The role of C20 in shaping an inclusive G20 2025
As South Africa prepares to host the G20 Summit in 2025, the world’s attention is on how this global event can drive meaningful change. The theme—Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability—highlights the need for inclusive policies that tackle pressing global challenges like inequality, climate change, and economic instability. But for real impact, the voices of everyday people must be heard. Civil Society Organisations play a crucial role in ensuring the G20’s decisions reflect the needs of all communities, not just governments and businesses.
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Dramatic Escalation of Violence in Syria Three Months After the Fall of the Assad Regime
Almost exactly three months after the fall of the Assad regime, the violence in Syria has escalated dramatically. Regional Office Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Jörg Dehnert, spoke to Rafif Jouejati, Vice President of the Syrian Liberal Party, about the dramatic developments in Syria.
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Strengthening partnerships for sustainable growth
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation played a key role at the RenewPac Summit in Abidjan, focusing on governance, innovation, and strengthening EU-Africa partnerships. Key discussions included climate resilience, economic development, and fostering political participation among women and youth. FNF led a session on "The Next Big Idea," driving transformative ideas for collaboration, and co-hosted a workshop on empowering women in politics.
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Under fire: How Trump & Co. are interfering in South Africa's land rights debate
The criticism from the USA is less a matter-of-fact debate than a declaration of war; for the debate has a geopolitical dimension. South Africa, this year's host of the G20 summit, is a founding member of the BRICS community of states. The South African governing party, the ANC, has maintained close relations with Russia and China for years. South Africa has also brought a lawsuit against Israel before the International Court of Justice for genocide in Gaza.
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Are Trump's policies holding human rights organisations hostage?
Since President Donald Trump’s executive order halting US-backed funding to various aid agencies, many recipient organisations are grappling with its impact. Much has been written about programmes including health response, humanitarian aid, security enforcement, and advocacy support. Beyond work practicalities, thousands of livelihoods hang in the balance amid the uncertainty of their futures.
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Strengthening African democracies: Lessons from the continent
Africa’s journey toward democratic governance has been marked by progress, setbacks, and invaluable lessons. Since the wave of independence in the mid-20th century, the continent has seen an evolution in governance models, with democracy gradually becoming a central aspiration for many nations. While challenges persist, there is a growing recognition of the need to strengthen democratic systems, enhance accountability, and ensure governance that serves the people.
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Disinformation wars: Protecting democracy in Africa’s digital age
Research by Chinasa T. Okolo, a fellow in the Center for Technology at Brookings suggests that advances in digital technology within Africa has inadvertently created an opportunity for the proliferation of disinformation across the continent. Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI) is being used as a tool to advance disinformation through the creation of content that manipulates public opinion, and spreads false narratives, posing a direct threat to democracy.
Social Media
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📰 Fighting Disinformation, Strengthening Democracy! FNF Zimbabwe hosted a 2-day workshop to equip journalists with the skills to fact-check digital content and tackle the spread of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, and propaganda. The goal: Empower the media to defend truth and protect democracy! #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia
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Zimbabwean 🇿🇼 journalist Blessed Mhlanga breaks his silence after 72 harrowing days in pre-trial detention. In this heartfelt letter, he shares the emotional toll of separation from his wife and children, the injustice of being denied bail, and the trauma of incarceration for simply doing his job. His words lay bare a justice system that serves power, not people. Yet amidst the pain, Mhlanga’s unwavering hope, love for family, and commitment to truth and journalism shine through. This is more than a personal account—it’s a powerful statement on press freedom, resilience, and the cost of speaking out in Zimbabwe. Read his moving testimony and stand in solidarity with those who risk everything to give others a voice. #NoPressNoFreedom #SaveTheMedia https://www.freiheit.org/simbabwe/dear-countrymen-fellow-journalists-uz-law-students-friends-across-world
