Nairobi flies: unpacking mystery of a small beetle with huge burn power

They belong to the genus Paederus which contains about 600 described species and is part of the beetle family Staphylinidae, commonly known as rove beetles.

By The Conversation 3 months ago

Sudan's war is an economic disaster: here's how bad it could get

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

By Maarufu Mohamed, The Conversation Africa 3 months ago

Airbnb scams: new book explores thriving criminal activity on big tech platforms

Scam hosts use misleading, plagiarised, or AI-generated property images and fake descriptions along with fake personal profiles and aliases.

By The Conversation 3 months ago

The fascinating history of how residents named informal settlements in Nairobi

In Kenya's capital city, Nairobi, it is estimated that over 70 per cent of the population live in informal settlements.

By The Conversation 4 months ago

Who is Joseph Kony? The altar boy who became Africa's most wanted man

Joseph Kony the Ugandan warlord whose forces are believed by the United Nations to be responsible for the deaths of more than 100,000 people.

By The Conversation 4 months ago

African countries are bad at issuing bonds, so debt costs more: what needs to change

Over the past two decades, African countries have increasingly turned to international capital markets to meet their development financing needs.

By The Conversation 4 months ago

The fascinating history of how Nairobi slums were named

As these informal settlements grew over the years, their names - and the names of places within them - have grown to encapsulate their history.

By The Conversation 4 months ago

Just one man survived the Air India crash. What's it like to survive a mass disaster?

Being a sole survivor of a mass casualty may have its own complex psychological challenges. Survivors can experience guilt they lived when others died.

By The Conversation 4 months ago

Albert Ojwang's murder exposes how state has failed to deal with police brutality

Successive governments have used the police to suppress dissent. This has cemented a culture of violence and police impunity.

By The Conversation 4 months ago

Five things you should know about Ngugi wa Thiong'o

One of Africa's most celebrated authors Ngugi wa Thiong'o has passed away. The Kenyan writer and academic was 87 years old.

By Peter Kimani/ The Conversation 5 months ago

'Our research was shattered': Scientists describe devastating impact of Trump's funding cuts

The Trump administration's cuts to funding for American universities and research have left many scientists reeling and worried.

By The Conversation 5 months ago

Easter eggs: From chicken to chocolate

A lot of Easter traditions - including hot cross buns and lamb on Sunday - stem from medieval Christian or even earlier pagan beliefs.

By The Conversation 6 months ago

Dough-nation: Ruto's grand plan to feed the masses or charm them

President William Ruto committed to purchase one-million chapati-making machine for Nairobi county to facilitate the Dishi Na County programme.

By Peter Kimani, Peter Kimani/ The Conversation 7 months ago

Israel and Hamas ceasefire doesn't guarantee peaceful end to a devastating war

After 467 days of violence, a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has been reached and will come into effect on Sunday, pending Israeli government approval.

By The Conversation 9 months ago

Why China investments in Africa aren't working as they should

Some of the most expensive investments under the Belt and Road Initiative remain disconnected. Beijing has committed over Sh21 trillion.

By The Conversation 9 months ago

New study flags genetic causes of prostate cancer in African men

Men of African ancestry were also found to be at higher risk of developing a more aggressive form of prostate cancer.

By The Conversation 10 months ago

How to enjoy leftovers without contamination risks

Eating leftovers can be a great way to save money, diversify your cooking repertoire and reduce food waste.

By The Conversation 10 months ago

The lesser-known causes of food poisoning that may ruin dessert

During the summer, more people cook outside at picnics and barbecues, removing the safety a kitchen provides - the sink to wash your hands in, the sterilised countertops to prepare food on

By The Conversation 10 months ago

US won military base as spoil of war after helping defeat Spain

The naval base at Guantanamo Bay is quietly commemorating its 115th anniversary.

By The Conversation 10 months ago

Wailing warriors: How women in Pentecostal churches claim power

The women engage in intense prayers while sitting, running or lying prostrate, addressing domestic and personal issues.

By Mary Wanjiku, The Conversation 10 months ago

L. Victoria, Nairobi rivers at risk of deadly persistent chemicals

A new study reveals PFAS contamination across 11 African nations, with hotspots in South Africa and Kenya as experts call for stricter regulations and improved treatment technologies.

By The Conversation 10 months ago

Premium

Why the IMF is not doing enough to support Africa

At the 2021 UN Climate Summit, Barbados prime minister Mia Mottley called for more and better use of special drawing rights (SDRs), the International Monetary Fund's reserve asset.

By The Conversation 11 months ago

Need for early detection and better care to beat breast cancer

Breast cancer affects more women in high-income countries like the US and the UK. But people in low- and middle-income countries, are most vulnerable.

By James Wanzala, The Conversation 1 year ago

Why China reaps the most benefits in its dealings with Africa

The eight summits since 2000 have not resulted in mutual gain, particularly in trade and industrialisation for Africa

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Does cannabis cause mental illness?

Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in Australia (and in Kenya along with alcohol, according to the University of Nairobi), with one in three adults using it at some point in their lives.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Jobs for young Africans: New data tool reveals trends red, flags

The Africa Youth Employment Clock provides real-time insights into the employment status of individuals aged 15-35 across the continent.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Scorching truth: How climate change aggravates brain diseases

Our brains are responsible for managing environmental challenges we face for example by triggering sweating and telling us to move out of the sun and into the shade.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

How to make sure your leftovers are safe to eat

How long are refrigerated leftovers safe to eat?

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Why you shouldn't wrap food in aluminium foil before cooking it

Cooking your food in aluminium pots or pans isn't a bad thing, placing it in foil and putting it in the oven is problematic.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

South African elections: How disillusioned ANC supporters might use their vote

ANC has been in power since South Africa became a democracy in 1994. The party has been electorally dominant since then, reaching a peak of 69.7 per cent of national votes in 2004.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

We rarely hear about averted disasters but there's a lot we can learn

The reduction in cyclone deaths in Bangladesh was thanks to a long-term education, preparedness, warning, evacuation and sheltering programme.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

East Africa's 'soda lakes' are rising, threatening their iconic flamingos

Rising water levels at many of the feeding lakes are decimating the cyanobacteria the birds have evolved to eat.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

What is sugar and what would happen if I stopped eating it?

Sugar is a class of naturally occurring sweet-tasting molecules found in fruits, vegetables, plants and the milk of mammals.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Dyscalculia: Why so many children struggle with numbers

In fact, research shows that children with dyslexia are more than a hundred times more likely to receive a diagnosis and educational support than children with dyscalculia.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Why 76pc of Africa's energy will come from renewable sources

Study shows countries such as Nigeria and Zimbabwe, have enough projects in the pipeline to potentially transition away from fossil fuels by 2050.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Are you sitting too long in your office job? Study offer tips

25 per cent of adults and over 75 per cent of adolescents worldwide are not meeting the World Health Organization's physical activity recommendations.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Power-starved South Africans now go off-grid

Eskom, South Africa's State-owned power utility, struggles to generate and supply a stable flow of electricity to meet demand.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

How support groups can boost your health, make chronic conditions easier to live with

For people living with chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes and cancer, the health system can seem impersonal and impractical.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

How power-starved South Africans are opting to go off-grid

In 2023, there were times when households and businesses had no power for up to 11 hours a day. Eskom has warned that load shedding will be worse in 2024.

By The Conversation 1 year ago

Rise of African prophets: The unchecked power of Pentecostal church leaders

Post-colonial political leaders in Africa largely view charismatic Pentecostal prophets as allies leading to leniency in dealing with allegations of rape, corruption and fraud.

By The Conversation 1 year ago