Poet and playwright Sitawa Namwalie reflects on the deep impact of Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s work on her life and art. She speaks about growing up in post-colonial Kenya, the violence of language erasure in schools and how Ngugi’s Decolonising…
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In this compelling interview, journalist and political commentator Mohammed Amin Abdishukri reflects on Kenya’s current wave of youth-led protests — often dubbed the Gen Z or Gen Zote movement. He places this moment within a historical continuum of resistance,…
In this compelling reflection, linguist and Director of Twaweza Communications, Prof Kimani Njogu, explores the centrality of language in Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s political and literary work. He explains why Ngũgĩ turned to African languages to reach people across the…
A powerful tribute to Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o – renowned writer, academic and political thinker. This event brings together influential voices to reflect on his legacy and impact on African literature, identity and resistance. Speakers: Sitawa Namwalie – Poet,…
On 5 July 2025, the Rift Valley Forum—in collaboration with the British Institute in Eastern Africa, IFRA, Cheche Books and Twaweza Communications— brought together scholars, authors, activists and politicians to celebrate Ngugi’s literary brilliance, political courage and enduring influence:…
On Monday, 27 May 2024, the South Sudan Women’s Research Network (SSWRN), supported by the European Union, held a forum to launch and discuss research conducted by early career researchers involved in the project. This two-part podcast series captures…
Over the past two decades, the Horn and Eastern Africa Region have witnessed a proliferation of peace-making and peace-building processes as a means of democratisation. A wealth and power sharing governance arrangements designed and upheld by regional and international…
Over the past year, countries across the East Africa region have held elections to elect leaders at various levels. These polls have been accompanied by complaints over irregularities, violence and a general lack of credibility. In Uganda and Tanzania,…
Over the past year, countries across the East Africa region have held elections to elect leaders at various levels. These polls have been accompanied by complaints over irregularities, violence and a general lack of credibility. In Uganda and Tanzania,…
On 22 February 2013, the Rift Valley Institute’s Nairobi Forum hosted an event entitled ‘Somalia’s Jubaland: Past, present and potential futures’. Jubaland has been one of the most heavily fought over regions of Somalia—but with its perennial river, fertile…
Recent Publications
Enhancing the Role of Borderland Communities in Ethiopia’s Foreign Policy
October 15, 2025
Ethiopia’s borderland communities (BLCs) have historically influenced the country’s relations with its neighbours. These peripheral regions often serve as hubs for cross-border trade, repositories of natural resources and, at times, flashpoints of conflict. Surrounded by six neighbouring countries – Djibouti,
Women in the Social Sciences and Humanities in Ethiopia: The case of Addis Ababa University
October 10, 2025
This preliminary assessment is part of the launch exercise of the Ethiopian Women Researchers’ Network (EWNET). Focusing on Addis Ababa University as a pioneering higher institution in the country, the study looks into the status of women within these disciplines
Iddir in Contemporary Social Science and Humanities Research in Ethiopia: Historicizing and theorizing local infrastructures of care
October 3, 2025
The second Ethiopian Women Researchers Network (EWNET) seminar was delivered by Desalegn Amsalu, Anteneh Tesfaye, Yasmin Bushra and Helen Zeru on 3 July 2025 at Addis Ababa University’s Alle School of Fine Arts & Design. EWNET SEMINAR SERIES REPORT The