In many African countries, term limits have been introduced to curtail the concentration of power in the hands of lifetime rulers. Togo, where the Gnassingbé family has ruled for nearly half a century, is a case in point. Anja Osei writes that the West African country’s situation illustrates the challenges of trying to introduce constitutional reform.

Kenya’s poverty rate has declined, but about 16 million people still can’t afford to meet their basic needs. Understanding why so many people are stuck in poverty is an important first step to alleviating it. Timothy Njagi Njeru looks at a report that says improved agriculture, access to medical services, education and law and order can help the situation.