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Hidden above the city’s restless energy, Nairobi’s newest rooftop gem, Jabu, invites you to experience happiness in its purest form.

Derived from Afrikaans, ‘Jabu‘ translates to ‘be happy,’ and true to its name, it is a space designed not just for indulgence but for connection.

Perched atop Somerset Westview, it promises more than breathtaking views—it promises moments. Jabu is elegance above the city where every evening unfolds in a space made for savoring.

Redefining the Rooftop Experience

Jabu breaks away from the traditional rooftop formula. There’s no booming DJ or chaotic dance floor. Instead, the bar itself becomes the stage.

Upon entrance, the bar at the center of the room is what attracts you to a space with warm lights and a cosy vibe.

“The people at the bar are the ones who make the space,” explains Ashwin Vijayasekar, General Manager of Somerset Westview Nairobi. His vision for Jabu is clear: a communal haven where conversations take the spotlight, and the ambiance is curated by the diverse souls who gather there.

Different faces, different stories—all woven together over crafted cocktails and curated dishes.

A Private Tasting Experience.

I had the pleasure of being invited for a private tasting ahead of the restaurant’s official opening on Thursday, May 15th. The experience was both exclusive and enlightening, offering a preview of what Jabu plans to bring to Nairobi’s culinary scene.

I started with the Tomato Basil Embrace, a velvety tomato soup brightened with fresh basil and served with crusty bread. Its sweet and spicy blend was perfect—not too overpowering for those who shy away from chili but just enough to warm the soul.

For the main course, I opted for the Slow Braised Elegance—melt-in-your-mouth beef slow-cooked in a rich red wine sauce, accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and velvety creamed spinach. It was hearty, flavorful, and truly indulgent.

Culinary Craftsmanship by Chef Dennis Chuili

Culinary artistry also finds its home at Jabu, led by Chef Dennis. His curated menu is a journey through flavors, each dish crafted to elevate the rooftop experience.

During a chit-chat with him I was curious to what his personal favorites on the menu are, and they include the Garden Harmony Salad, a celebration of seasonal greens that sets the stage for the Hearty Rustic Stew—a soup that warms you from the inside out. The Grilled Tawook Temptation appetizer is perfectly marinated, leading up to the main course, Ocean’s Bounty, which delivers fresh seafood elegance. To close, the Sweet Simolina dessert is a simple yet luxurious indulgence that leaves a lasting impression.

Weatherproofed Comfort and Seamless Access

Weatherproofed for comfort, Jabu is designed to welcome guests in any season. It’s a concept that has already thrived in Morocco, proving its adaptability across borders. Here in Nairobi, Jabu is more than a bar; it’s a statement.

An external elevator—strategically placed to respect the privacy of Somerset’s current residents—ushers guests directly to the rooftop, where city lights flicker beneath the stars.

A Vision for Expansion

The adaptability of Jabu is central to its growth plans. Vijayasekar hints at aspirations to expand this unique rooftop experience across key cities in Kenya. “The profile of your clients really determines how your restaurant will look,” he notes. With a demand for spaces that prioritize community over chaos, Jabu’s future expansion seems both natural and necessary.

Redefining Nairobi’s Nightlife

Jabu is not just a rooftop bar; it’s a reimagination of what Nairobi nightlife can be—where the clinking of glasses is underscored by laughter, the hum of conversation, and the gentle glow of city lights. A space that celebrates people, connection, and the happiness that comes from simply being present.

At Jabu, happiness is not just a promise—it’s an experience.

For highlights on the private tasting at Jabu, visit Instagram.

Mastercard has unveiled its 2025 Africa football campaign, running from February to May 2025, to connect millions of African football fans to the UEFA Champions League through unique, culturally resonant experiences.

The initiative targets cardholders in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Morocco, and Ghana, offering exclusive opportunities to win luxurious, all-expenses-paid trips to iconic African destinations and participate in football-themed mall activations with instant rewards.

The campaign taps into Africa’s massive football enthusiasm, with over 400 million fans tuning in annually to UEFA Champions League broadcasts.

A major highlight of the campaign was the historic arrival of the UEFA Champions League Trophy in Morocco for the first time.

Fans at Morocco Mall enjoyed interactive games, iconic UEFA moments, and influencer engagements, with prizes awarded to those who made transactions using Mastercard via Google Pay or Apple Pay.

“At Mastercard, we understand that football is more than a game in Africa—it’s a shared language that unites communities and ignites passion,” said Ahmed Abdel-Karim Hussein, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Communications for EEMEA at Mastercard.

“This campaign reflects our commitment to blending global sporting excitement with local culture and pride, delivering unforgettable experiences that go beyond payments.”

The initiative underscores Mastercard’s long-standing support for the UEFA Champions League and its dedication to strengthening its presence in African markets through meaningful, locally relevant campaigns.

As Kenya pursues ambitious infrastructure plans, we can’t afford to overlook how we handle disputes in the construction sector.

Disagreements, especially around payments and cash flow, remain the most significant reasons projects slow down or stall entirely.

We all know construction plays a vital role in economic development. But when disputes drag on, everyone loses, from contractors to clients, investors, and ultimately, the public. Traditional methods like arbitration or litigation can be expensive and take months, even years, to conclude.

They also tend to strain relationships and cause unnecessary risk in projects where collaboration is key. We need a better way, and adjudication might just be it.

Adjudication is a faster, more practical alternative. It’s a process where a neutral third party decides on the dispute after reviewing the facts from both sides.

This typically happens within a few weeks, allowing work to continue with minimal disruption. It’s already being used in parts of the world to protect cash flow – the lifeblood of the construction industry.

In Kenya, adjudication is allowed, but only if the contract includes it. That means each party must agree on whether and how they’ll use it. While this contract-based approach brings some flexibility, it also brings problems.

There’s no standard process, no guaranteed access for smaller players, and no legal teeth to enforce decisions. So, even when adjudication is used, it may not offer the certainty or speed contractors need.

Yet, some construction contracts in Kenya do include adjudication. For example, the international FIDIC contracts allow for dispute adjudication boards whose decisions are binding unless taken to arbitration.

Locally, the Joint Building Council (JBCC) Green Book doesn’t directly provide for adjudication, relying instead on the project architect or arbitration. Although both systems can be tailored, the lack of a clear legal framework leaves too much to chance.

We can look to other countries for inspiration. In the UK, adjudication has been written into law since 1996. Their system gives anyone involved in a construction contract the right to take a dispute to adjudication at any time, even if the contract doesn’t allow it. The whole process is designed to be quick: it starts within a week and is usually over in 28 days.

Most importantly, UK courts enforce the decisions, making the outcomes meaningful and immediate. If needed, parties can still go to arbitration or court later. It’s a fair, balanced approach that’s helped keep projects moving while protecting everyone’s interests.

Kenya could benefit from something similar. The Office of the Attorney General has already taken a step in the right direction with the proposed Sessional Paper No. 4 of 2024 on the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Policy. As part of this, a Draft Construction Adjudication Bill has been introduced.

If passed, it would create a legal foundation for adjudication – setting clear timelines and making sure decisions can be enforced just like a High Court order. At the same time, the JBCC is considering updating the Green Book to include adjudication before disputes go to arbitration.

Having a legal framework in place would level the playing field. It would remove uncertainty, reduce the time and cost of resolving issues, and give all contractors (big or small) access to quick and fair solutions. It would also boost confidence among local and international investors, knowing there’s a reliable way to deal with challenges when they arise.

As Kenya’s construction industry grows, it begs the question: Is it enough to leave adjudication to private contracts, or is it time to make it part of our legal system? A statutory approach could at least help ensure disputes don’t derail our development goals but resolve in a way that keeps progress moving.

Desmond Odhiambo is a Partner in the Dispute Resolution practice at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr (CDH) Kenya

American Tower Corporation (ATC) Kenya and ProFuturo Foundation have forged a significant alliance aimed at addressing the digital divide in education.

In a move set to transform learning opportunities, the partners announced the distribution of tablets to 41 schools spanning Nairobi, Machakos, and Kitui Counties.

The collaborative initiative is strategically designed to provide digital devices to these educational institutions, directly benefiting over 11,000 students and supporting the efforts of 470 teachers. The overarching goal is to enhance digital literacy and expand educational opportunities for young learners in these communities.

The three-year program will be implemented through the dedicated efforts of local partners, namely the Don Bosco Development Outreach Network (DBDON) and the Diocese of Kitui. This strategic implementation will focus on equipping the selected schools with high-quality tablets, ensuring these devices are pre-loaded with valuable educational applications, and fostering the adoption of interactive teaching methodologies.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, George Odenyo, CEO of ATC Kenya, stated, “This project embodies our vision of building a more connected Kenya. We are deeply committed to fostering digital equity and empowering communities through the transformative power of technology.”

Echoing this sentiment, Magdalena Brier, General Manager of ProFuturo Foundation, emphasized the initiative’s crucial role in tackling educational disparities, noting, “Our alliance represents a crucial step in transforming educational opportunities for vulnerable communities.”

A recently published report highlights a troubling rise in violence against bloggers and activists in Kenya, including deaths, abductions, and arrests, throughout 2024.

Titled Devolved Impunity: The Safety and Security of Bloggers in Kenya (2019 – 2024), the study is a collaborative effort by Paradigm Initiative, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), and Article 19 Eastern Africa, which documents violations over the past five years.

The findings underscore the precarious situation faced by bloggers in Kenya, where legal, political, and technological threats continue to impede their safety and freedom of expression.

Despite advancements in legal frameworks intended to protect free speech, the report reveals an alarming trend of harassment, surveillance, arbitrary arrests, and cyber threats targeting content creators.

During the report’s launch, Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, criticized the trend of governments normalizing illegal activities through overreach.

“Mass surveillance should be illegal without legal frameworks to protect individuals. However, many governments are leveraging laws related to terrorism and cybercrime to legitimize actions that infringe on press freedom,” Sesan stated. He highlighted the concerning use of spyware to monitor journalists.

James Wamathai, Partnerships and Advocacy Manager at BAKE, emphasized the importance of protecting human rights online, stating, “The safety and security of bloggers is crucial; if one segment of society is unsafe, then no one is truly safe.”

Demas Kiprono, Deputy Director of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) in Kenya, noted that as democratic discourse increasingly shifts online, so too do the risks that come with it.

“We see a pressing need for legal review and public awareness of rights to safeguard the digital space,” he remarked. He reiterated the role of civil society in advocating for reforms necessary to protect democratic engagement.

Angela Minayo, a Programmes Officer with Article 19 Eastern Africa, pointed out the negative shift in the respect for human rights within Kenya, particularly among county governments. She raised concerns regarding the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act, citing troubling provisions that may infringe on press freedoms.

“The act grants significant powers to government agencies, and we need to remain vigilant about its implications,” Minayo warned.

The report’s analysis indicates that the enforcement of laws like the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act poses significant threats to online speech, which discourages critical discourse and press freedom.

The documented use of arrests and digital surveillance reflects a disturbing pattern of suppression against those who challenge authority.

Despite constitutional protections for free expression and favorable court rulings, the report reveals that bloggers remain vulnerable to arbitrary enforcement of restrictive laws and extralegal threats.

It calls for enhanced collaboration among civil society, media organizations, and policymakers to create a safer online environment, asserting that these efforts are vital for upholding Kenya’s commitment to freedom of expression and digital rights in an ever-evolving online landscape.

The United States Embassy in Kenya has issued a new travel advisory, warning American citizens of heightened security risks in various parts of the country.

The advisory highlights threats such as crime, civil unrest, terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, urging travelers to exercise caution.

In Nairobi County, the Embassy specifically advised against visiting high-risk areas like Eastleigh and Kibera due to elevated crime rates and kidnapping incidents. It emphasized that violent crimes, including armed carjacking, mugging, home invasions, and kidnappings, can occur at any time.

The advisory also noted that local law enforcement often lacks the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes or terrorist attacks.

“Emergency medical and fire services are limited,” the advisory stated. “Avoid traveling after dark due to crime and poor traffic safety.”

The Embassy also warned of motorcycle-related crimes, where thieves snatch valuables from victims and flee quickly. “Crimes typically occur in crowded areas or when people are distracted. Police have limited ability to respond, and items like handbags, mobile phones, and other easy-to-reach valuables are most at risk,” it added.

Travelers were cautioned against visiting counties along the Kenya-Somalia border, including Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Tana River, and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to terrorism and kidnapping threats. Similarly, West Pokot and Turkana Counties were flagged for banditry risks.

The advisory designated certain areas as Level 4, prohibiting U.S. government personnel from traveling there due to extreme risks of kidnapping and terrorism. Public spaces such as malls, hotels, and places of worship were identified as potential targets for terrorist attacks.

“Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb or grenade attacks, and kidnappings,” the Embassy warned.

Cross-border incursions near the Ethiopian border, particularly within 50 kilometers of Marsabit and Turkana Counties, were also cited as a security concern.

Additionally, the Embassy advised against participating in or being near demonstrations, strikes, or political protests, which can quickly turn violent.

Tourists were urged to remain vigilant in popular tourist areas and to avoid resisting robbery attempts. “Check local media for breaking events, prepare backup plans to leave the country, and review the Traveler’s Checklist in case of emergencies,” the advisory concluded.

The Embassy’s warnings underscore the need for heightened awareness and preparedness for U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Kenya.

The Government of Rwanda has declared an immediate end to diplomatic relations with Belgium.

The move follows Rwanda’s assertion that Belgium has consistently attempted to maintain “neocolonial delusions” and has acted against Rwanda’s national interests and regional stability.

Kigali has ordered all Belgian diplomats in the country to leave within 48 hours. This decision stems from a thorough assessment of Belgium’s involvement in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which Kigali claims has historically had negative repercussions for Rwanda.

The Rwandan government accused Belgium of taking sides in the regional conflict and using misinformation to negatively portray Rwanda, thereby destabilizing both the nation and the surrounding area.

“Belgium has clearly taken sides in a regional conflict and systematically mobilizes against Rwanda, employing lies and manipulation to foster an unjustified hostile perception of our country,” said Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday.

The ministry highlighted Belgium’s historical influence, especially during the colonial period, as “destructive,” citing its role in fueling ethnic extremism that contributed to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Rwanda additionally criticized Belgium for allowing extremist groups on its soil to promote genocide denial and maintain genocidal ideologies.

Rwanda stressed that this decision is crucial for protecting its national interests and the dignity of its citizens, affirming a commitment to sovereignty, peace, and mutual respect.

“Today’s decision illustrates our dedication to safeguarding our national interests and upholding the principles of sovereignty and mutual respect,” the Ministry stated.

Rwanda pledged to protect the premises, property, and archives of the Belgian diplomatic mission in accordance with the Vienna Convention during this transition.

This announcement follows a recent suspension of development cooperation with Belgium, where Rwanda accused Belgium of obstructing its access to international development financing.

The situation was exacerbated after the European Parliament urged the EU to halt direct budget support for Rwanda until the country disengages with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels and permits humanitarian access to rebel-held territories.

In a robust statement, Rwanda condemned Belgium’s perceived role in what it termed an “aggressive campaign” alongside the DRC to block Rwanda from obtaining essential development funds from international institutions. Kigali criticized Belgium for its political stance regarding the DRC conflict, asserting that the politicization of development finance is unacceptable. “Belgium has the right to choose its side in this conflict, but it is wrong to politicize development funds,” the statement emphasized.

The Rwandan government warned that such punitive measures represent external interference, undermining the mediation efforts led by the African Union, the East African Community, and the Southern African Development Community.

The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) have solidified a landmark partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The agreement, formalized during the Finance in Common Summit (FiCS) 2025 in Cape Town, establishes a collaborative framework to advance rural economic development across Africa and its member states.

The MoU paves the way for a co-financing partnership between DBSA, a leading public development bank, and IFAD, a United Nations agency and international financial institution with nearly five decades of expertise in poverty alleviation and rural development.

Together, the institutions aim to leverage their combined resources and expertise to deliver impactful, people-centered projects that address poverty, climate resilience, and economic growth in rural communities.

Strengthening Infrastructure and Partnerships
“Infrastructure is at the heart of what we do at DBSA, and our impact is strengthened through the power of partnerships,” said Boitumelo Mosako, CEO of DBSA. “By working together with like-minded stakeholders, we unlock innovative solutions, drive sustainable development, and create lasting change in communities. It is through collaboration that we harness our collective strength to build a more resilient and prosperous future for all.”

IFAD President Alvaro Lario echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the strategic importance of the alliance. “We are excited to be working with a leading Public Development Bank such as DBSA. The partnership offers an important opportunity to jointly leverage additional resources and expertise for our projects, enhancing their impact on rural development, poverty reduction, climate resilience, and economic growth across Africa.”

A Shared Vision for Rural Transformation
Under the agreement, DBSA and IFAD will collaborate on six key areas:

1. Integrated Sustainable Development: Enhancing the well-being of rural communities through holistic approaches.
2. Environmental Conservation and Resilience: Promoting innovative practices and financing instruments to address climate challenges.
3. Empowerment of Rural Communities: Strengthening value chains and social infrastructure to foster dynamic local economies.
4. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building: Facilitating the exchange of expertise and skills to empower stakeholders.
5. Regional Collaboration and Financing: Mobilizing resources to transform rural areas across the continent.
6. Governance and Policy Support: Strengthening institutional frameworks to enable sustainable development.

The partnership will also establish a co-financing pipeline to bolster IFAD projects with additional financial and technical support, ensuring improved project design, implementation, and outcomes.

A Step Toward a Resilient Future
This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing the pressing challenges faced by rural communities in Africa. By combining their strengths, DBSA and IFAD aim to drive transformative change, fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social equity across the continent.

As the partnership unfolds, both institutions are committed to delivering measurable results that will leave a lasting impact on the lives of millions, setting a new standard for development cooperation in Africa.