Topic: Nairobi

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Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Social Media Stars

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.
3 great photo books

Three of the best photo books of 2011, as picked by the Monitor's photo staff.
Iran attack on UK embassy: 5 high profile embassy breaches

The best-known example of what happens when hostility reaches a breaking point is the Iranian hostage crisis of 1979, but numerous embassies have been stormed since then.
What is Somalia's Al Shabab?

The international community has more questions than answers about the Somali militant group Al Shabab, the target of Kenya's military incursion into Somalia. But they know how it affords food for its troops – and it's not from piracy.
Looking back: The Monitor's coverage of 9/11

A selected archive of The Monitor's coverage of 9/11 and beyond.

All Content

Nairobi blast: Could have been Al Shabab or a 'lone wolf' sympathizer

Monday's explosion in a downtown market injured 38, the latest in a string of small attacks that may have been conducted by Al Shabab sympathizers both to kill and to create sense of insecurity.
Somalia, African Union forces attack Islamist-held camp

The effort is to push the Islamist militia Al Shabab further away from the outskirts of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, but aid workers worry that displaced civilians in Afgoye camp may get caught in crossfire.
EU airstrike on Somali pirates echoes US drone strategy

An airstrike on Somali pirate logistics by EU helicopters puts EU members on footing similar to that of the US, which has used drones and special forces to target Islamist militant group Al Shabab.
Change Agent
Solar-powered phones recharge Kenya's conversations

An inexpensive solar cell phone made of recycled materials opens new opportunities for people in rural Kenya.
Kenya joins the great African oil boom with latest discoveries

Kenya's oil finds may be larger than those found recently in Uganda. But what will oil revenues do to the Kenyan economy, and the political culture?
Was ancient crocodile world's largest?

Researchers have recently unearthed what they think may have been the biggest crocodile ever to have lived on Earth.
Report: Kenyan forces abused ethnic Somalis near border

Human Rights Watch report says that Kenyan forces, now fighting insurgents across the border in Somalia, has beaten, humiliated, and raped ethnic Somalis along Kenyan border.
Kenya races to transfer ICC election violence case to Africa

The conviction of Liberian President Charles Taylor sent shock waves around Africa. Kenya's President Kibaki wants to move trials of Kenyan politicians to an African, to receive 'fair' justice.
Africa Monitor
What African Evangelicals think of Florida's Quran-burning preacher

US Evangelicals are influential in Africa, but African church members focus on building schools and hospitals, and interfaith dialogue, rather than the Rev. Terry Jones's burning of sacred books.
Boston Marathon: The village in Kenya where the elite train

Some Boston marathoners today will have trained at 8,000 feet above sea level in the Kenyan village of Iten. The big money in the sport has attracted younger athletes here.
Keep Calm
Blowback? Kenya pins Nairobi grenade attack on Somali Islamists

Kenyan police have arrested four people in Sunday's grenade attacks in Nairobi, which killed 7 people. Is it blowback for Kenya's military involvement in Somalia?
Difference Maker
Kathy Eldon overcame tragedy by helping others tackle challenges

After losing her journalist son in Somalia, Kathy Eldon started a foundation that's touched the lives of millions.
Change Agent
International Women’s Day: Innovations lifting women out of poverty

International Women's Day (March 8) celebrates women's achievements. Innovative ideas and programs, such as the 12 below, are helping women better care for themselves and their families.
Ship's anchor cuts Internet access to six East African countries

The outage – caused when the anchor cut a cable – comes as Kenya has assumed a leading regional role in technology, largely due to fast, reliable broadband connections, and could affect growing foreign investment.
Change Agent
Crisis Action makes a big noise using quiet citizen diplomacy

Crisis Action acts like a coach or talent scout for humanitarian and other citizen groups – but always behind the scenes.
Helpers in a hostile world: the risk of aid work grows

Some 242 aid workers were killed in 2010, up from 91 a decade before. Is 'humanitarian space' shrinking, or are aid groups spreading out to more conflict zones than before?
Africa Monitor
Rapper 50 Cent joins battle against Somali hunger

The multimillionaire rap star 50 Cent took a tour of a displacement camp inside Somalia to raise awareness on hunger. Does it help when celebrities do good?
South Africa's cautious UN vote for Syrian action

While Russia and China vetoed a UN resolution calling for Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad to step down, South Africa voted for the measure. But it voices qualms on foreign intervention.
Somali pirate captors move US hostage after SEAL raid

After the US Navy SEAL rescue of American and Dane hostages this week, Somali pirates say they will move other hostages around, and will kill hostages if they are attacked.
Victims of Kenya violence shrug at ICC effort

Putting four senior leaders on trial at the Hague is not enough, say victims of the 2007-2008 wave of murder and arson in Kenya. The machete-swinging thugs who carried out the murders still walk free.
ICC charges Kenyan leaders for post-election violence

The International Criminal Court at The Hague confirms charges against senior Kenyan politicians and a radio journalist for crimes against humanity.
ICC treads carefully ahead of ruling Monday on Kenyan violence suspects

The International Criminal Court will announce Monday who among six prominent Kenyans will face trial for crimes of humanity in post-election violence in 2008. Will Kenyans support decision?
Africa Monitor
Why mobile money is popular in Africa, but not in the US

African countries like Kenya have leapfrogged traditional banking systems by using mobile phones to store and spend money. Do Africans have the better deal?
Thirty ideas from people under 30: The Social Media Stars

They are explorers and activists, artists and educators, farmers and faith leaders – even mayors. And they have trenchant suggestions on how to improve the world.
Global News Blog
2011 Reflections: Africa rises, taking charge of its affairs

Seven Monitor correspondents reflect on the world's hotspots. In this installment, Scott Baldauf says Africa showed signs of both the willingness and ability to solve their own problems in 2011.