Africa Daily

For many Kenyans illness and needing healthcare can result in serious financial hardship or mean those who can’t pay don’t get the healthcare they need. President William Ruto says new legislation will ensure that healthcare is affordable and accessible to all Kenyans. The changes have been described as controversial and the biggest shake-up of the health sector in more than two decades. Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje spoke to the BBC’s Health correspondent in Nairobi Dorcas Wangira about what this will all mean for Kenyans and hears from a woman who struggled to pay for her medical treatment when she was diagnosed with cancer.

King Charles and his wife Camilla wrapped up a four-day state visit to Kenya last week. The visit was at the invitation of Kenya’s President William Ruto and came as the country prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence at the end of the year.This was his first visit to a Commonwealth country since the start of his reign. Kenya is where the King’s mother, Queen Elizabeth, found out she was going to be Queen after her father passed away while she was there on a private visit in 1952. BBC Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje spoke to historian Godfrey Sang about the historical ties and the lingering question of an official apology for colonial injustices including the Mau Mau uprising in the 1950’s where more than 10,000 Kenyans were killed and tortured.

On the 11th of October, the citizens of Mozambique voted in their country’s municipal elections. The authorities later announced that the ruling Frelimo won 64 out of 65 municipalities. The main opposition Renamo, however, disputed the election results saying the process was rigged, a claim that has been denied by Frelimo. Two people have lost their lives since the unrest started. The violence has been condemned by the European Union and US embassy who’ve urged all parties involved to find a peaceful resolution. Hostilities between Frelimo and Renamo go back to the 1970s when Mozambique descended into a civil war that claimed an estimated one million lives. Presenter: Peter Musembi

In his reports from Lagos this week, Alan has heard that the naira doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. Expensive exports, the removal of fuel subsidies and high inflation means that many people have less cash in their pockets. Nigerians are having to find creative ways to make ends meet. In this episode, he hears from young men who are turning to sports betting. He hears stories of people winning big when luck is on their side. But he finds that making big money isn’t always as easy as people hope. could lead to a quick win – an injection of cash if they beat the odds. For people already struggling with the cost of living, it’s risky. And there may be hidden dangers.

More and more Africans are being displaced, largely due to conflict.And that number has risen over the past year and now totals over 40 million people.For a while, the displacement crisis has been viewed as a humanitarian issue - with the burden of response largely left to international aid organisations. But that might be about to change. Business stakeholders are getting together to look into how the private sector can play a role in helping solve the refugee crisis. Africa Daily’s Peter Musembi speaks to Innocent Habyarimana and Isaac Kwaku Fokuo Jr. and gets their insights and experiences.

At Balogun market in Lagos almost everybody has something to say about the economy. Financially, Nigerians have been on a bumpy ride since the election in February. The new government removed fuel subsidies, meaning every car journey now costs significantly more. A weak naira is adding to the price of imported goods. And inflation is soaring. So, how are people coping? How are they still striving to thrive? And why aren’t people excited about a government plan to put a bit of extra cash in their pockets? #AfricaDaily

Hamas gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip on 7 October, which resulted in killing more than 1,400 people and taking almost 230 hostages. Since the attack Israel has been carrying out strikes in Gaza. The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry says more than 8,000 people have been killed. Following the surprise attack, many of Israel’s allies and others quickly condemned the assault and said they were standing with Israel. Israel then launched airstrikes into Gaza. Leaders from US, UK, EU and some African countries including Kenya, said Israel had a right to defend itself. However there’s also been condemnation of Israel and its airstrikes by South Africa. BBC Monitoring’s Beverly Ochieng tells us why certain countries took the positions they did during the UN resolution that called for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza and how it sheds light on the diverse perspectives held by African Nations.

Alan Kasujja is back in Lagos. He was last there in the days before the presidential election in February. Since then a lot has changed. The country has a new government and a new president – Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But it hasn’t all been plain sailing. A surprise removal of subsidies on fuel has seen prices saw at petrol stations. And inflation currently at 26% has seen the cost of many other products soar. In the first of three episodes looking at a changing Nigeria, Alan looks at how life in Lagos has changed since his last visit. #AfricaDaily

“The world wants us to constantly fight and struggle and be on the offensive. I think in those moments of sport, we become who we truly are, which is people who really wanna live with each other, be at peace with each other” – Khanyi Magubane. South Africa arrived in France and the 2023 Rugby World Cup as defending champions, with the hope to hoist the trophy for a 4th equalling time. The African nation last lifted the Webb Ellis trophy in Japan in 2019. But for South Africa, win or lose, this is not just about sport. During the years of apartheid, when white minority politically and economically oppressed the black majority, rugby was used by the ruling National party at the time as a tool of segregation. Africa Daily’s Mpho Lakaje attempts to find out why rugby continues to be a symbol of unity in South Africa. Guests: Vata Ngobeni and Khanyi Magubane.

Often seen as the workhorse of transport in some parts of Africa, the humble bicycle is going through a change on the continent, as people start to cycle for fun and fitness. Modern bikes with more gears and the rise in popularity of taking exercise to get fit have contributed to an increase in recreational cycling. However, safety on the roads remains a major challenge, and United Nations figures from a report last year say 18 cyclists are killed on Africa’s roads every day. So with that in mind, Victoria Uwonkunda joined two cycling enthusiasts - Angela Wainaina, who is the captain of Joyriders cycling club in Kenya, and Temitope George who is the captain of Cycology cycling club in Nigeria – to ask them ‘why cycle for fun?’