The Common Pulse

  By   Justin Kirangacha| The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / NOVEMBER2025. The tension between the United States and China has evolved far beyond military or ideological rivalry, becoming an intricate struggle for dominance in the technological and economic spheres. Today, technology and trade are not merely sectors of growth, but weapons of influence, tools of containment, and instruments of national pride. From semiconductor chips to artificial intelligence, and from trade restrictions to intellectual property battles, this rivalry has become the defining feature of global geopolitics in the 21st century. It has reshaped alliances, redefined the meaning of economic security, and infiltrated domestic politics in both Washington and Beijing. At the heart of this conflict lies technology, the new oil of our era. Semiconductors, the tiny brains behind modern computing, are now treated like strategic assets on par with nuclear materials. For the United S...

 B y   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. In the heart of Kitui County, a quiet revolution has taken flight. The newly reconstructed Ithookwe Airstrip, once an unassuming strip of tarmac rarely noticed beyond local circles, became the center of national attention as President William Ruto officially presided over its inauguration during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations. The event, filled with patriotic fervor, song, and the symbolism of progress, marked not only a milestone for Kitui but also for Kenya’s long-term regional air connectivity strategy. The airstrip’s revival is more than an infrastructural feat, it represents a bold vision to open up Kenya’s interior to trade, tourism, and opportunity. For decades, Kitui has existed as a paradox: geographically vast, resource-rich, yet economically marginalized due to inadequate infrastructure. The region’s isolation from the major economic arteries of Nairobi and Momb...

 B y   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. For more than a decade, Viktor Orbán has stood at the helm of Hungary, shaping the country in his own image and earning a reputation as one of Europe’s most controversial leaders. Since 2010, Orbán’s rule has been defined by a relentless consolidation of power, a populist rhetoric that pits him against what he calls liberal Western elites, and a carefully constructed narrative of defending Hungary’s sovereignty from foreign influence. But now, the man who has long appeared invincible is facing the most formidable challenge of his political life. The Hungarian electorate, weary of economic stagnation, corruption allegations, and the creeping erosion of democratic institutions, appears more divided than ever. Orbán’s grip on the country, once unshakable, is showing signs of strain. The End of Political Comfort Orbán’s ruling party, Fidesz, has dominated Hungarian politics for fif...

  By   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. For over a century, the black cab has been the undisputed symbol of London’s streets, a moving landmark of British tradition and urban identity. With their instantly recognizable design, chatty drivers armed with encyclopedic knowledge of the city’s labyrinthine roads, and their status as a cultural touchstone, the London black cab represents more than just a means of transport, it’s a living piece of history. Yet that proud tradition now faces a formidable new challenger: the driverless taxi. As autonomous vehicles edge closer to mainstream use, London finds itself at the crossroads of technological disruption and cultural preservation. The race to redefine what it means to travel through the British capital is well underway. The Dawn of Driverless Mobility in London In recent years, major advances in artificial intelligence, sensor systems, and urban mapping have transformed wh...

  By   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. BOOM! Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is in Belgium for the NATO security meeting after a whirlwind trip through the Middle East alongside President Donald Trump earlier this week, and once again, it feels like America is back in full force on the world stage. Hegseth’s presence in Brussels isn’t just a routine diplomatic appearance, it’s a statement. It’s the kind of bold, unapologetic, chest-out show of strength that reminds the world what American leadership looks like when it isn’t bogged down by bureaucratic hesitation or hollow globalist talk. For years, NATO meetings were predictable exercises in polite diplomacy. Every country would nod, repeat the same talking points, and leave without saying or doing anything real. But this year, with Hegseth at the table representing the Trump administration, the tone shifted. Gone were the days of appeasement and overextended niceties. ...

By   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. Kenya has entered a defining moment in its legislative history as President William Ruto signed eight crucial bills into law at State House, Nairobi, marking a bold step toward redefining the country’s economic, digital, and governance frameworks. The new laws, which touch on virtual assets, land ownership, privatization, wildlife conservation, and cybercrime, represent a major stride in aligning Kenya with 21st-century global standards while addressing long-standing domestic concerns. This move, both ambitious and symbolic, underlines Ruto’s drive to accelerate Kenya’s transformation into a digital powerhouse and investment-friendly hub in Africa. Digital Assets Regulation: A New Frontier for Kenya’s Fintech Economy Among the eight new laws, the Virtual Asset Service Providers Bill has attracted the most attention, not only locally but across the global fintech landscape. For the fir...

By   Mutunga Tobbias / The Common Pulse/latest news /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. In the heart of East Africa lies a nation that has turned its vast natural resources into a beacon of hope for the continent’s sustainable future. Kenya, long celebrated for its wildlife, landscapes, and cultural vibrancy, is now rewriting Africa’s energy story through an ambitious and well-coordinated renewable energy drive. By investing heavily in solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, Kenya has become not just a regional leader but a global example of how clean energy can power both development and innovation. A Vision Beyond the Grid Kenya’s journey into renewable energy began with a clear vision, to break free from the constraints of fossil fuels, reduce dependency on expensive imports, and build a self-reliant energy ecosystem. As early as the 2000s, the government recognized that a sustainable energy future was key to unlocking economic growth. With a population growing rapi...

  By   Peninah  Mbula/ The Common Pulse/latest news/ Europe/china/ /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. 5 Powerful Entrepreneurship and Leadership Lessons from Doug Lebda The Man Who Revolutionized Online Lending The world of fintech was built by innovators who saw what others missed  and few embodied that spirit better than Doug Lebda , the visionary founder and CEO of LendingTree . His journey from a frustrated homebuyer in the 1990s to leading one of the most transformative digital lending platforms offers timeless lessons for every entrepreneur and leader. Doug Lebda’s sudden death in a tragic ATV accident sent shockwaves through the tech and finance sectors. But even in his absence, his philosophy, grit, and drive continue to inspire countless business leaders and dreamers across the globe. Here are five defining lessons from Doug Lebda’s incredible entrepreneurial story. 1. Turn Frustration into Innovation Doug Lebda’s idea for LendingTree was bor...

  By   Justin Kirangacha| The Common Pulse/latest news/ Europe/china/ /US/ Kenya/Abroad/Africa / OCTOBER2025. Power Play in Silicon: Why the Dutch Government’s Takeover of Nexperia Is Shaking Global Tech In a surprise move that reverberated across the global semiconductor industry, the Dutch government has taken control of Nexperia , a Chinese-owned chipmaker , citing national security concerns and the need to protect Europe’s technological sovereignty. This rare and assertive action marks a significant shift in how Western nations are responding to China’s growing footprint in critical technology sectors. The move, analysts say, is not just about chips it’s about power, security, and control in the digital age . Dutch Government Intervention The Netherlands, traditionally known for its liberal trade policies and deep integration in global supply chains, shocked many by directly intervening in the private sector. The government’s decision to seize operational control ...