Kenya wins its first London Olympics gold. Chaos continues in Somalia with the end of its transitional process in sight. Is assassination back in fashion in SA's politics? Ugandan MPs seem to be recession-proof. Does the US have its eye on African natural resources? And how do you get to be a South African supermodel?

There's one nation on the African continent which is very proud today.

London Olympic Games 2012

On its front page, Kenya's Nation celebrates the country's first gold medal at the London Olympics. After days of disappointment at the London Olympic Park, says the paper, world 3,000-metres steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi put some smiles on Kenyans' faces on Sunday night when he blew away the opposition to win the Olympic title and win Kenya's first gold medal at these Games.

In its editorial, the Daily Nation bemoans continuous chaos in neighbouring Somalia. After two-decades of instability and violence, says the paper, Somalia has become the poster child of failed states.

With the end of the country's transition in sight on 20 August, claims the paper, Somalia is no nearer functional statehood than it was in 2004 when the Transitional Federal Government was established under the leadership of Abdullahi Yusuf Ahmed.

The editorialist points out that the political structures in Somalia are formed by a small group of people, known for their lack of political will and interests that are not served by the success of the political process.

Kenya's own interests and security are very much at stake here. The author warns of tough times ahead. Kenya's fight against Al-shebab will continue to expose it to the islamist guerrilla.

Are we seeing the return of violence and assassination in South African politics, asks South Africa's Mail and Guardian in its editorial.

The paper refers to the assassination of ANC "fixer" Wandile Mkhize, who was shot dead last week. Political killings and heavy-handed military veterans are disturbing signs of the African National Congress's future, says the author. Could the most venerable political party in Africa be considered not the moral engine of emancipation but an immoral successor to a hated past, asks the paper.

Some "bright news" is coming out of Uganda.

Despite the global economic downturn, the country's MPs' allowances are being hiked by between 50 and 340 per cent.

The Daily Monitor breaks the story this morning. The newspaper decries the additional burden of 163 million euros on the country's budget. The law allows Uganda's MPs to determine their own pay. Attempts to reform public pay have met little support in the legislature or the executive, the paper comments.

To Zimbabwe now. On its editorial page, The Nation claims that US President Barack Obama has betrayed Africa.

According to an opinion piece by Professor Soul Gaika Kuni, the war of attrition over the exploitation of natural resources between China and the US has made Africa a continent placed between a hard surface and a hard rock.

"From the careful but steadfast inroads being made by Africom, the US military command for Africa, it is clear that Africa is critically under the eagle eye of the US natural resource microscope," claims the author.

Al-Shebab - who are they?

The article concludes that the ordinary African has gained nothing from Obama. With or without Obama being reelected, Africa's dream of fair market economy negotiations for its array of unexplored natural resources remains a pipe dream.

"What does it take to be a model in times of economic depression?" asks South Africa's Sowetan.

Well, more than just a beautiful body, tiny waistline, high cheekbones and a good skin, says the owner of one modelling agency.

So the paper looked into some of the most successful SA's models, like Rosette Mogomotsi. In addition to her stunning looks, the papers says, she managed to create herself a "tabloid-magnet" image, combining her tumultuous personal life and "anti-diva" personality. And, to get modelling jobs, the title of South Africa's sexiest woman can't hurt. A challenging career path, indeed.