Author: Damaris Gatwiri

Lamb shanks are a flavorful cut of meat that become incredibly tender when cooked slowly in the oven. Because they contain connective tissue and muscle, they require a longer cooking time than many other cuts of lamb. Understanding how long to cook lamb shanks in the oven helps you achieve meat that is soft, juicy, and falls off the bone. Prepare the Lamb Shanks Proper preparation helps develop flavor and improves the final result. Many cooks season the meat and brown it before baking. Trim excess fat if necessary Season with salt, pepper, and herbs Brown the shanks in a…

Gem squash is a nutritious and versatile vegetable that is popular in many households. It has a mild flavor and a soft texture when cooked, making it a great side dish for a variety of meals. Understanding how long to cook gem squash helps you achieve the perfect texture without overcooking it. The cooking time depends on the size of the squash and the cooking method you choose. Prepare the Gem Squash Before cooking, wash the gem squash thoroughly to remove any dirt. You can cook it whole or cut it in half, depending on your preference. Rinse the squash…

National carrier Kenya Airways has revealed that grounded aircraft are reducing its available seat capacity by between 15 and 18 per cent as the airline works to restore fleet operations and stabilize flight schedules. Speaking during the airline’s 50th Annual General Meeting, Kenya Airways Chief Executive Officer George Kamal said the impact of the grounded aircraft is being felt mainly through reduced seat availability across the network, although the situation is expected to improve as more planes return to service. Kamal said the airline has already made significant progress in restoring its fleet, having returned several aircraft to operation over…

Commercial banks struggling to meet the minimum core capital requirement have been granted a three-year extension, providing relief to more than 20 lenders that remain below the proposed threshold. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that the deadline for banks to increase their minimum core capital from the current Sh3 billion to Sh10 billion has been pushed from December 2029 to December 2032. The Treasury has also scrapped the phased capital increase framework that required banks to meet annual capital targets over the implementation period. Speaking while presenting the 2026/27 Budget Statement in Parliament, Mbadi said the proposed changes are…

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has sought a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Health regarding the expiry of drugs and medical supplies worth approximately Sh1 billion at the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA). While requesting the statement, Nyutu described the matter as a national concern, noting that the expired stock included essential medicines and medical supplies used in the treatment of cancer, HIV/AIDS, malaria and other critical illnesses. The move follows revelations in a forensic audit by the Auditor-General, which indicated that nearly Sh1 billion worth of donor-funded medicines, including cancer treatments, HIV/AIDS drugs and malaria supplies, expired in…

Busia Senator Andrew Omtatah Okoiti has raised concerns over the non-disclosure of beneficial ownership in the recently listed Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), questioning the transparency of the shareholding structure of the strategic state corporation. In a statement, Omtatah said information contained in the company’s Initial Public Offering (IPO) memorandum indicates that a significant portion of KPC’s top shareholders are represented through nominee accounts, making it difficult to identify the ultimate beneficial owners. The senator argued that the lack of disclosure raises concerns about transparency, accountability and public oversight in the management of a strategic national asset that plays a critical…

Braaing chicken is a popular way to prepare a flavorful and juicy meal. The cooking time depends on the cut of chicken, its size, and the heat of the braai. Understanding how long to braai chicken helps ensure that it is cooked through, safe to eat, and still tender and moist. Cooking chicken properly requires patience and regular monitoring to prevent burning. Prepare the Chicken Before Braaing Proper preparation helps the chicken cook more evenly and develop better flavor. Marinating or seasoning the chicken beforehand can enhance the taste. Clean and prepare the chicken Add your preferred seasoning or marinade…

Potato salad is a popular dish that relies on perfectly cooked potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Potatoes that are undercooked can be too firm, while overcooked potatoes may become mushy and fall apart when mixed. Understanding how long to boil potatoes for potato salad helps you achieve tender potatoes that hold their shape and blend well with other ingredients. Choose the Right Potatoes The type of potato you use affects both the cooking time and the texture of the salad. Waxy potatoes generally hold their shape better than starchy varieties. Choose firm, fresh potatoes Waxy varieties are ideal…

Pork shank is a flavorful cut of meat that comes from the lower leg of the pig. Because it contains connective tissue and muscle, it requires slow cooking to become tender and enjoyable. Understanding how long to boil pork shank helps ensure the meat is fully cooked, soft, and packed with flavor. The exact cooking time depends on the size of the shank and whether it is cooked whole or cut into pieces. Know the Average Boiling Time Pork shank requires a longer cooking time than many other cuts of pork. Slow boiling helps break down the connective tissue. Whole…

Dubai is a popular travel destination for business, tourism, and international connections. The flight time from South Africa to Dubai depends on the departure city, airline, weather conditions, and whether the flight is direct or includes a stopover. Understanding how long a flight from South Africa to Dubai takes can help you plan your journey and prepare for travel. Know the Average Direct Flight Time Direct flights offer the fastest way to travel between South Africa and Dubai. The exact duration varies depending on the departure city. Flights from Johannesburg typically take about 8 to 9 hours Flights from Cape…

Freezing water may seem like a simple process, but the time it takes depends on several factors, including the amount of water, the container, and the temperature of the freezer. Understanding how long water takes to freeze can help you plan ahead when making ice cubes, chilling drinks, or preparing frozen items. While water begins freezing at 0°C (32°F), reaching a fully frozen state takes additional time. Know the Average Freezing Time The amount of water plays a major role in determining how long freezing takes. Smaller quantities freeze much faster than larger ones. Ice cubes typically freeze in 3…

Kenya’s agricultural sector has emerged among the biggest beneficiaries in the 2026/27 national budget after the government retained key funding for food production and farmer support programmes despite broader fiscal tightening under a zero-based budgeting framework. Presenting the Sh4.8 trillion budget for the 2026/27 financial year, the National Treasury allocated Sh28 billion toward food security interventions, reaffirming agriculture’s central role in the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The allocation comes as the government seeks to rein in public spending by requiring every expenditure item to be justified before funding approval, making the decision to shield agriculture from significant cuts…

KCB Group disbursed Sh48.8 billion in green loans in 2025, surpassing its sustainable finance target as the lender expanded support for climate-smart investments across East Africa. According to the bank’s 2025 Sustainability Report, the financing supported projects in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green buildings, clean transportation, water management and other environmentally sustainable sectors. Of the total amount disbursed, Sh9.9 billion was independently verified as climate-eligible using the Climate Assessment for Financial Institutions (CAFI) tool. The bank also screened transactions worth Sh587.9 billion under its Environmental and Social Due Diligence framework across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda to assess environmental and…

A Chinese state-backed construction company has secured a Sh375 billion ($2.9 billion) contract to modernise and expand Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), reviving plans to upgrade Kenya’s main aviation hub after the collapse of a controversial deal with India’s Adani Group. According to Bloomberg, China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC) will undertake key expansion works at the airport, including projects aimed at easing congestion, increasing passenger handling capacity and strengthening Nairobi’s position as East Africa’s leading aviation gateway. The award comes nearly two years after a proposed public-private partnership with Adani Group collapsed amid legal challenges, labour unrest and mounting public…

Kenyan cooperative leader Macloud Malonza has been elected President of the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA) Africa, marking a significant milestone for Kenya’s cooperative movement on the continental stage. Malonza, who previously served as ICA Africa Vice President, was elevated to the top leadership position following elections held by the regional cooperative body. Congratulating him on the achievement, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Cooperatives Patrick Kilemi described the election as a recognition of Malonza’s distinguished leadership and long-standing contribution to the cooperative sector. “This well-deserved achievement reflects your distinguished leadership and many years of dedicated service to the cooperative…