COP28 CREDIBILITY A LITMUS TEST AS BOLD ACTIONS REQUIRED

As the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) opens in Dubai, the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), has voiced its unwavering commitment to advocating measures that effectively address the urgent climate challenges faced by the African continent and the rest of the world.

Despite the global attention on climate issues, PACJA remains deeply concerned about the

credibility of COP28, given the alarming ties between the COP President-Designate Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and the fossil fuel industry. Recent allegations of the COP President-Designate leveraging the conference to cut oil and gas deals around the world have cast a dark shadow over the proceedings.

PACJA maintains its rejection of the suitability of Sultan al Jaber to lead COP28 proceedings and

urges all parties to uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and impartiality,

ensuring that the outcome of COP28 truly reflects the global commitment to combat climate

change.The Alliance emphasizes that any credible COP decision must recognize and rectify the historical injustice faced by African nations.

PACJA is irked by the decision to host the loss and damage fund under the auspices of the World Bank, an institution laced with a history of presiding over policies that have

led to the catastrophic economic decline of countries in the South. Whereas Loss and Damage is not within the remit of the Bank, its history of burdening loans to African countries raises serious doubts about its ability to manage the fund effectively.

Additionally, the control exerted by the United States, which opposes compensation for loss and

damage, further jeopardizes the fund's integrity. We insist on a more neutral and accountable

body that is proximate to communities experiencing the vagaries of climate-triggered disasters to oversee the loss and damage fund, ensuring fair and just compensation for affected nations.Further, PACJA asserts funding for losses and damages cannot be voluntary in character, and thus developed countries must commit to ensuring adequate funding for this facility.

The Alliance underscores the urgent need to operationalize the global goal on adaptation at

COP28, emphasizing that adaptation efforts should be scaled up to meet the special needs and circumstances faced by African nations.

PACJA calls for a significant increase in climate finance to Africa, with a focus on adaptation. At

COP28 must more than double current levels of funding for adaptation to strengthen resilience

building, protection of vulnerable communities, and ensuring sustainable development across

the continent.

This COP, as a departure from its tradition, must deliberately pursue grant-based climate

financing, in line with keeping the global commitment by developed countries to deliver climate finance and in grant form.

In addition to our concerns about the credibility of COP28 and the pressing issues related to

adaptation and finance, PACJA emphasizes the critical importance of a comprehensive and

transparent Global Stock Take as a mechanism to assess collective progress towards achieving the

agreement's goals.

Global Stock Take is an essential component of the Paris Agreement that is fundamental to

ensuring accountability and driving ambitious climate action globally. PACJA calls on COP28 to

prioritize the enhancement of the Global Stock Take mechanism, fostering a comprehensive and

fair evaluation of global efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

At these final stages, PACJA urge all parties to actively engage in an inclusive and equitable Global Stock Take process that reflects the perspectives and experiences of all nations, particularly those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as African countries. It is imperative that the Stock Take results in a recommitment by developed countries to emission reduction and in the provision of adequate support to developing nations to enhance their resilience through adaptation measures. 

Moreover, PACJA unequivocally rejects any false solutions and delay tactics that threaten to

undermine genuine progress in the fight against climate change. As COP28 unfolds, PACJA urges

all parties to dismiss approaches that merely pay lip service to environmental concerns without

delivering tangible, equitable, and sustainable outcomes.

False solutions, such as carbon offset schemes that divert attention from actual emissions

reduction efforts, geoengineering and delay tactics that perpetuate inaction, only serve to

exacerbate the climate crisis, injustices and human rights violations.

PACJA calls for a collective commitment to substantive and immediate action, rooted in science, justice, and the principles of the Paris Agreement. The Alliance emphasizes the need for

transparent and accountable measures that genuinely address the root causes of climate change, safeguarding the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

 COP28 must be a turning point, free

from the influence of deceptive strategies, and marked by authentic, transformative solutions.

PACJA remains committed to fostering a just and equitable global response to the climate crisis,

and calls on all parties at COP28 to prioritize the needs of vulnerable people not only in Africa but

globally, demonstrate genuine commitment to climate justice, and work collaboratively to secure

a sustainable future for all.

MYSPACE PROPERTIES CEO LAUNCHES CHANDARANA FOODPLUS AT KAREN

 

CEO Myspace properties Mr. Mwenda Thuranira(left)shaking hands with the architect Mr. Chris Osore

My space Chief executive officer and business mogul in the real estate in Kenya Mr Mwenda Thuranira has today launched the 27th branch of  Chandarana Foodplus chain store  Situated opposite Karen Hospital and next to Watermark Business Park in the affluent leafy surbub of Karen in Nairobi.

Speaking to journalists after the launch of the supermarket Mwenda Thuranira the mind behind the new concept at My town that hosts the Chandarana chain store said the facility is edge certified as it uses renewable solar energy as the pioneer project seeks to reduce carbon credits by planting  more trees and also shifting from the now expensive cost of electricity."We are committed to serving business owners from all parts of this country and look forward to

collaborating with more brands and partners in upcoming projects including Kisumu, Mombasa,

Athi River, Kisii, Upperhill, Waiyaki Way and many other locations" added Mr Thuranira Myspace CEO.He called on the industry players to ensure they come up with projects that suit the market and are environment friendly.

 

Mytown concept comes at a time when Kenya is ushering more people into online shopping thus solving a niche for the need of small commercial spaces,the tough current economic conditions have forced brands to reinvent by investing in smaller spaces while majorly focusing on maintaining a high online or social media presence for massive sales, stability and growth of businesses.

The  idea of Mytown Karen has been embraced by a mobilized team of very intentional partners and brands such as; Total Energies, Wana Meat, Optica, Kary's hair studio and Nail bar, Lorenzo

Drycleaners, Mega Wines Ltd, Mika Appliances, Life Med Pharmacy, Tibu Health Hospital among other major brands.

The facility offers ample and secure parking and is expected to serve people using the busy Langata road, Karen town traders, Karen residents and everyone in the mood for shopping as it offers extreme discounts on various cooking and household products aimed at cushioning Kenyans from the harsh economic tides especially during this festive season.

The successful real estate guru and Myspace properties CEO Mwenda Thuranira mantra is "follow your dreams because they know the way"

NICOTINE TAX PLANS MISS A CHANCE TO SAVE SMOKERS’ LIVES

OPINION ARTICLE 

By Dr Kariuki Michael 

New proposals before Government risk missing an opportunity to save lives and reduce the public health burden caused by cigarette smoking.

The Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) includes a plan to harmonise taxes on nicotine safer alternatives with those imposed on combustible cigarettes.

However, international evidence suggests quite the opposite approach is necessary if we wish to reduce our high smoking rates.

Alternative nicotine products like electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapies such as nicotine patches, nicotine gums, nicotine inhalers, nicotine sprays and nicotine lozenges are proven to be far less harmful than combustible cigarettes and are the most successful method for helping smokers to quit.

Taxing these reduced-risk products the same as combustible cigarettes will not only send the wrong message to smokers about their risks but will also financially disincentivise smokers from moving to products that could save their lives. 

The Government should rather be regulating and taxing nicotine products according to their risk profile to help reduce the public health burden from smoking. It’s an approach that has been used elsewhere such as England and Sweden and it can save lives.

The strategy proposed in the MTRS is not evidence based and is based on a false premise, that tobacco and nicotine are equal. Banning of reduced risk products as advocated by some will not work and will likely lead to proliferation of the black market and hence the need for regulation.

But nicotine is not the same as tobacco. Nicotine does not cause cancer and has been on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines for decades in the form of nicotine replacement therapies such as nicotine gums, nicotine patches and nicotine sprays.

Electronic cigarettes and nicotine pouches as well as Nicotine Replacement Therapies such as nicotine patches, nicotine gums, nicotine inhalers, nicotine sprays and nicotine lozenges do not contain any combustible tobacco as traditional cigarettes, thus are less harmful1. They also do not produce second-hand smoke as harmful as combustible cigarettes.

cigarettes.

E-cigarettes, Varenicline and Cytisine are also much more effective than traditional methods of quitting smoking, such as nicotine gums or nicotine patches2. A recent study published by Cochrane showed that people who use modern alternatives are more likely to quit smoking for good than people who use other methods.

The best evidence of the benefits of alternative nicotine products is playing out in Sweden. In the past 15 years, the Swedes have cut their smoking rate from 15 to 5.6%. In the next few months, they are set to become the first country to achieve ‘smoke-free’ status when that rate drops below 5%, the level at which a country is officially classified by the WHO as smoke-free.

The Swedes have achieved this historic milestone - 17 years ahead of schedule - in large part by primarily focusing on cigarette smokers and making alternative nicotine products accessible, acceptable and affordable for adult smokers. 

Sweden now boasts Europe’s lowest incidence of smoking-related diseases and fewest premature deaths due to tobacco-related causes. Lung cancer fatalities in the country are less than half the EU average, and overall cancer deaths are 38% lower. 

These striking figures highlight the substantial beneficial impact that alternative nicotine products can have on public health and individuals’ well-being.

Sweden is proving that alternative nicotine products help smokers to quit and thereby they save lives. To reduce smoking rates in Kenya we need to adopt a robust evidence based regulatory and enforcement system, key focus on cigarette smokers through a Stop Smoking Services Department and a risk-based taxation system like Sweden’s, with high-risk products like tobacco being taxed the most and less risky tobacco-free alternative nicotine products taxed at a lower rate to incentivise smokers to switch to these safer alternatives under the guidance of trained health professionals under the Stop Smoking Services Department.

In September, the Swedes announced a 20% reduction in taxes on safer nicotine alternatives to further assist their smokers to quit. The same month, the MTRS heralded higher taxes on alternative nicotine products in Kenya, where 8,000 people continue to die every year from tobacco-related illness.

The juxtaposition could not be more ominous. Kenya is setting itself on the wrong path, in defiance of international evidence. The chance to emulate Sweden’s smoke-free success story will be missed and many thousands mor

success story will be missed and many thousands more Kenyan lives will be unnecessarily lost. Every smoking citizen should be informed of the evidence-based alternatives they have to assist them to quit smoking combustible cigarettes and the relevant authorities need to implement a robust regulatory, enforcement and taxation mechanism of these products and accelerate the formation of a Stop Smoking Services Department.

Dr. Kariuki is a medical doctor, public health specialist and the Secretary Harm Reduction Society Kenya.

Can be reached on- kariukimnn@gmail.com

FARMERS CHOICE SPONSORS IAN DUNCAN IN EAST AFRICA CLASSIC RALLY

Legendary Kenyan safari rally driver Ian Duncan has today received sponsorship for the 2023 East Africa Safari Classic Rally dubbed 'the flying sausage' from Farmers choice Limited a leading purveyor of fresh and processed meat products in the region.

Speaking during the handover kit ceremony at the company Ruiru headquaters in Nairobi Kenya,Jim Taylor farmers choice CEO has said this sponsorship rekindles Ian Duncan star in the rally after the company first sponsored him in the 1994 where he drove a Toyota Celica GT4 and won where  the company first introduced "safari sausages" with special branded package.This year sponsorship is expected to bolt the star driver to winning the rally and emerge the best among dozens of drivers that will participate.

The company which has existed for over 48years  and has operations in over 20 countries will introduce a special offer on beef and pork sausages that will run from 4th December to 18th and will see its production of the sausage rise from 20million per week to 50 million per week.This move will drive it's market penetration in the rich proteins sausages,smookies and bacon and encourage more families to sample farmers choice products.

Ian Duncan and his navigator Jaspal Matharu will take on 62 other drivers covering over 4000 kilometres across the rally.Farmers choice has encouraged kenyans to eat more of it's sausages and smookies during this festive season as it seeks sponsor the adrenaline rush sporting activity.

MSME PARTICIPATION IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY CRUCIAL-CIPE AND KEPSA FOUNDATION REVEAL

The government, academia, and the private sector have been challenged to work together to address the policy and administrative hurdles experienced by Micro,Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the digital space.In a bid to bolster the role of Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) within Kenya's rapidly evolving digital economy.

 The Centre for International Private

Enterprise (CIPE), in partnership with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Foundation presented research findings of the MSME Digital Economy Survey which was launched in December 2022 as well as to offer policy recommendations in comparison with the government’s progress on the digital economy manifesto commitments and the ICT masterplan.

Speaking during the workshop on the digital economy dialogue hosted by CIPE and

KEPSA Foundation, CIPE Kenya Country Director Ben Kiragu said that cybersecurity, stiff competition, and the cost of doing business are the primary challenges MSMEs face when trying to digitize their operations.He said key stakeholders from the government, industry, and academia must strategically outline the roadmap to address these challenges that are impeding

MSME integration into the digital landscape.

“Empowering MSMEs in the digital economy requires a targeted approach that

addresses their unique challenges and needs. Without a clear focus on MSMEs, the

broader policy dialogue on the digital economy risks leaving behind the very

businesses that are essential to economic growth and prosperity,” Mr. Kiragu said.

Cybersecurity risk has been predominant during the post-COVID period due to the increased uptake of digital tools for payment and procurement of goods. The cost implications and awareness creation about cybersecurity make it difficult for MSMEs to fight against cyber threats.

The digital economy has become a significant driver of economic growth in Kenya,with projections indicating that it will contribute 9.24% of the country's GDP by 2025.

The country's ICT sector has grown by an average of 10.8% annually since 2016, and Kenya is now one of Africa's leading digital economies. The National ICT Policy aims to grow the sector's contribution to the digital and traditional economies to 10% of GDP.However, there are challenges to overcome. Kenya faces a significant digital divide, with 44% of the urban population having access to the internet compared to 17% in rural areas. Widespread gaps in basic digital skills limit the wider usage and application of digital tools and services, while gaps in advanced digital skills limit business development.

To accelerate the growth of the digital economy, various challenges need to be addressed to embrace digital inclusion; these include cyber security, internet access and equipment costs and digital skills development or awareness.

The finding recommends the following initiatives:

1. Tailored digital training, skills development programs, and extensive

awareness campaigns for MSMEs to leverage the growth and efficiency

opportunities associated with online business.

2. The government prioritizes affordable internet access as a fundamental right

for all citizens, including MSMEs, through taxation, subsidies, and operational

efficiency to drive down the cost of equipment for MSEs in the digital

economy.

3. The government promotes a culture of cyber hygiene among MSEs in the

digital economy, while the private sector is encouraged to enhance the establishment and growth of start-ups in local and global hubs that innovate cyber-security solutions for MSEs. The academia is challenged to train and

undertake MSE-focused research on cyber-security.

GATHONI WAMUCHOMBA, HSC JOINS NGUVU CHANGE LEADERS TO ERADICATE OBSTETRIC VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN KENYA

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women celebrated on November 25th, GAMAFRICA Foundation & Nguvu Change Leaders appealed for a National Policy on Obstetric violence in major a landmark alliance for change bringing together Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, HSC,and  three bold Nguvu Change Leaders to combat Obstetric Violence (OBV) in Kenya.

Given her own recent efforts involving the presentation of a proposal at the National Assembly for the creation of a National Policy on OBV, Hon. Wamuchomba now has strong backing from Harriet Afandi, Josephine Mwende, and Deborah Monari, three young women who have been championing respectful healthcare for women in Kenya.  

 

Hon. Wamuchomba herself is no stranger to OBV and has recently launched a campaign called “Heshimu Uzazi”, aptly translated as 'Respect for Mothers'. She recalls, "Across delivery rooms and maternity wards in Kenya, many women remain similarly unassisted and neglected as they struggle through childbirth, it is even worse if it involves women with disability. This is gender-based violence and needs to stop immediately! The stories of Harriet, Josephine, and Deborah, and scores of other women being mistreated in hospitals resonate with me and are indicative of the urgent need for legislation against the neglect and abuse that women are subjected to.

'Obstetric Violence' is an intersection between institutional violence and violence against women that remains a cause of grave concern in the country. In 2016, data from the Ministry of Health, the National Nurses Association of Kenya, the Federation of Women Lawyers, and the International NGO Population Council indicated that one in five women giving birth in local hospitals across Kenya is humiliated, abused, and asked for a bribe. 

Harriet Afandi, a Nguvu Change Leader from Vihiga County is well aware of the toll such neglect takes on an expecting woman. She shares, "My sister had to undergo an emergency C-Section surgery 11 days after her due date because her clinical nurses told her that it was not the 'right time' yet. This delay caused by sheer oversight could have led to the loss of my sister and her baby." She believes that the “Heshimu Uzazi” campaign efforts will safeguard pregnant women from neglect and negligence. 

Josephine Mwende's petition is rooted in lived experience as she sheds light on the appalling discrimination she faced as an expecting mother with cerebral palsy. "I was rejected by one hospital after another because of my condition. It was heartbreaking when a doctor told my mother, ‘We don't handle such people!’" She finally delivered her baby at Kenyatta National Hospital and says, "Despite the misconception that women with cerebral palsy cannot or should not bear children, I not only gave birth to my son but also named him, 'Gift.' I hope no woman with cerebral palsy ever faces the pain, rejection, and humiliation that I went through." 

Another passionate advocate for the cause, Deborah Monari from Nairobi, is a dedicated nurse, who faced medical malpractice and violation of her patient rights within the very system that she trusted. "Many of us still remember the 2017 case of a woman who was forced to give birth on a hospital floor after being turned away from several facilities. That so many women in Kenya are suffering from OBV is symptomatic of the apathy in a failing healthcare system." Deborah’s petition is seeking that a Patient Rights Committee be established in all health institutions in Kenya.

Hon. Wamuchomba's 'Heshimu Uzazi' campaign, spearheaded by the Gathoni Muchomba Africa Foundation (GAMAFRICA), amplifies the call for action against OBV. This movement, supported by the Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA), embodies an unflinching resolve to eradicate obstetric violence and ensure safe, dignified childbirth for all women in Kenya.

"On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, it was heartening to see young women taking the lead to create change and spark more conversations around an issue that has remained unaddressed for so long. We hope to make the most of the next '16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence' observed globally, to create conversations that inform, impact, and influence change,” Hon. Wamuchomba shares. 

The term 'Obstetric Violence' is defined by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, as “a form of gender-based violence, exercised by those in charge of health care for pregnant persons accessing services during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Obstetric violence remains a frequently disregarded form of violence against women. The insufficient awareness surrounding this issue significantly complicates the formulation of effective public policies aimed at preventing and eliminating it.

TO THRIVE, SMALL BUSINESSES NEED INNOVATIVE TRADE FINANCE SOLUTIONS

Opinion article

By Julius Ouma

Trade is a fundamental enabler of sustainable development, inclusive growth and poverty reduction. By facilitating the exchange of goods and services, trade sustains businesses, creates jobs and livelihoods. To sustainably engage in trade, businesses need financing, also known as trade finance.  

This refers to financial products that enable buyers and sellers of goods to overcome what is known as the trade dilemma, a situation where the seller wants payment for goods before they are delivered yet the buyer wants to pay when they receive the goods. Trade finance introduces a third party to the transaction, usually a bank, to remove payment and supply risks.

This type of financing is mostly used in import-export transactions where the parties are in different countries and/or have not transacted with each other before. The goods, receivables and cash generated from the trade are normally used as security. It could also apply to local contracts where some form of surety for performance is required.  There are essentially two types of trade finance - funded and unfunded. Unfunded trade finance is where the customer simply wants credit support as a guarantee they will perform the contract. This includes bid bonds, performance bonds, Local Purchase Order (LPO) and Local Service Orders (LSO) financing. Funded is where actual money or credit is provided by a lender to secure performance by the parties. Letters of Credit (LCs) is a good example. 

So, why would a small business require such kind of financing? Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) involved in trade enjoy numerous benefits from this type of financial arrangement.

First, it helps them manage their cash flows more efficiently. 

A product like invoice financing allows a business access to cash even before it receives payments for goods delivered. Many SMEs grapple with cash flow problems mostly due to delay in payments by customers. A financial solution of this kind takes care of their cash flow needs thus bridging financing gaps in the trade cycle. 

Second, trade finance helps growing businesses boost their working capital, for instance, by enhancing their capacity to service orders they would otherwise find impossible due to balance sheet constraints. For instance, a small firm supplying tiles to a large housing construction project may require a trade finance loan to enable it import the items in bulk from suppliers abroad with whom it has had no previous business relationship. This way, it is able to grow and expand its clientele.   

Third, this financial product helps trading enterprises manage a variety of risks that if not properly mitigated, could inflict massive losses on the business or even force it to close. These include foreign currency volatility exposing importers to financial loss. Think of the Kenya Shilling losing value against the major currencies like the US dollar. 

Letters of Credit (LCs) minimize the financial impact of such risks by protecting the interests of both the buyer and seller.  

These and other benefits make trade finance a crucial source of financing for SMEs seeking to become competitive in the local and international markets. A growing number of SMEs in Kenya are venturing into international trade and require LCs and similar instruments. Others want enhanced facilities to service local contracts and here unfunded trade finance come to mind.

There is therefore a need to innovatively meet the growing demand by small businesses for affordable trade financing solutions. 

Local lenders are re-thinking their value proposition by offering competitive pricing, flexible collateral and improved turnaround times for such products. For example, at Faulu Bank we realized that a growing number of SMEs want customized trade finance hence our decision to revamp our products to meet the unique needs of this important segment.  

In addition, training customers on how to fully harness the benefits of these products while equipping them with insights from experts on navigating the domestic and international trade landscape is imperative to the growth and prosperity of this critical sector of the economy. Trade finance also contributes to realization of the Sustainable Development Goals on ending poverty (Goal 1) and creating decent work and economic growth (Goal 8)

Mr. Ouma is the acting CEO, Faulu Microfinance Bank. His email is Marketing@faulukenya.com

ARID AND SEMI ARID CHILDREN TO BENEFIT FROM NUTRITIOUS SERVICES

The government of Kenya,UNICEF and USAID has today launched a partnership aimed at reducing mortality rates among mothers and children

in the arid regions of Kenya.Universal health coverage been a top priority of the

Government of Kenya  this aims  to adress 

 Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child and Adolescent Health & Nutrition (RMNCAHN).

Speaking during the launch at a Nairobi hotel John Kuehnle Director USAID health population and nutrition has said In the past year’s Kenya Demographic Health Survey revealed both progress and disparities in maternal child health issues, Despite strides  made in reducing child and maternal mortality nationwide, North-Eastern Arid and Semi Arid counties, particularly Garissa, Mandera, Isiolo, and Wajir, are lagging behind.

23 percent of children in Garissa are fully immunized within the first year of life compared to the national average of 80 Percent.The program been launched today is a partnership between the United States Agency for International Development and UNICEF, is

designed for those children.

Through strategic, comprehensive support the program will improve maternal and newborn, child and adolescent health.It will

also help strengthen the health care systems more broadly in these counties.The Government of Kenya is working hard to provide quality health

coverage for everyone, and this program is  part of that effort The Equity program aims to ensure the needs of mothers and their children are addressed holistically.

The first step along this path is ensuring that people have access to quality information and services for family planning and reproductive health including improving services at health centers, and educating communities on the tools and resources available,the program will focus on improving healthcare for pregnant mothers and newborn babies ensuring  that everyone knows how to access important prenatal services, where to find a safe place to give birth, and that health facilities are clean and secure.

 children under 5 are entitled get quality nutrition they need to grow up healthy and  have access to essential services like clean drinking water and social protection.

 

NATIONAL GOVERNMENT PROJECTS TO BE TRACKED DIGITALLY

The government has today  launched a digital reporting and monitoring tool dubbed “Project BETA” that will evaluate and track the implementation, progress, and performance of National Government Development Projects; Priority Programs; Presidential Directives and Crime Statistics across the country through the National Government Administration Officers system.

According to Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, the tool will ensure information on government projects and programmes is marked by timeliness and credibility.While issuing region and county specific tablets to Regional and County

Commissioners at the Kenya School of Government, Dr. Omollo emphasized that projects from now on will be uploaded and tracked in real

time with the information available at a one stop dashboard.

“The purpose of Project BETA is to capacitate our officers to better supervise, coordinate and oversee effective implementation of National

Government policies, programmes and projects with emphasis on the lowest administrative unit being the Sub-Location cascaded upwards to the Region level,” said PS Omollo

Pursuant to the NGAOs mandate, Regional and County Commissioners serve as Chairpersons of the National Government Development

Implementation Coordination and Management Committees and Project BETA will be able to appraise on ongoing projects and the progress while analyzing budgetary allocations and actual expenditures in the different Regions and Counties.

The system has Artificial Intelligence capability and will also be able to evaluate delayed projects and relay feedback on implementation challenges.Similarly, as the Chairpersons of respective Security and Intelligence

Committees at the Region and County levels, crime statistics at all levels will

be filtered on the dashboard with criminalities committed in the last hour, 24

hours, 1 week or even 1 month easily and instantly retrievable.

 The launch follows President William

Ruto remarks  last week during a two-day National Executive Pitstop Retreat revealing that the government would launch a tracker that

would discharge of every commitment made by the Government and in the BETA plan.

Project BETA will improve on accountability and  aid in fulfilling NGAOs obligation to residents in their administrative units of quality

and timely delivery of National Government policies, programmes and

projects,” added Dr. Omollo

Among key government priority projects that will be tracked under Project BETA include houses built under the Affordable Housing Scheme; Farmers registered for the distribution of subsidized fertilizer in support of Ministry of

Agriculture; Trees grown under the 15 billion tree campaign spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment; and the beneficiaries registered for the Inua jamii.

CAMPAIGN AGAINST TEENAGE PREGNANCY IN KENYA GAINS MOMENTUM

 

Kenya is currently grappling with spiraling teenage pregnancy rates. As per the data published by the Kenya Health Information Systems, in the first five months of 2023, the country recorded over 110,821 pregnancies among adolescents aged between 10 to 19. Of these, 6,110 were in the 10 to 14 age group, whereas 104,711 were between 15 and 19 years.

To highlight the seriousness of this crisis and to urge the Kenyan government to introduce Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in schools, Nguvu Change Leaders — Dambalash Ermiyas Males, Sylvia Awinja, Tasline Otieno — have joined forces for a powerful digital movement called #BreakTheCycle.

The three Champions for Comprehensive Sexuality Education in Kenya put out Silent Videos across their social media appealing for '0 Teenage Pregnancy’ to #BreakTheCycle of gaps in sexual and reproductive health rights for young people in Kenya. With placards that carry these messages, the videos are an urgent appeal to destigmatise sex education in a conservative society, inviting people to demonstrate their support through a simple gesture.

“I was raised by a single mother who faced the harsh realities of early pregnancy, and I've witnessed the struggles and sacrifices firsthand. No one should endure what my mother went through or what countless young mothers face today. We launched #BreakTheCycle as a powerful collective action, because we believe every young woman deserves to know her sexual and reproductive health rights,” says Nguvu Change Leader Sylvia, who is an Adolescent Health Advocate.

She, along with fellow Nguvu Change leaders, Tasline and Dambalash, has been shedding light on the common yet unsafe behaviours prevalent across Kenya which often led to a higher risk of STIs and teenage pregnancies. The #BreakTheCycle movement aims to amplify the critically important conversation around Comprehensive Sex Education through similar videos across their social media platforms.

Tasline, a Gender Advocate, took cognisance of the teenage pregnancy crisis in her village called Kosoko, in Homabay County, and emphasised its risky consequences, including birth complications, HIV/AIDS infections, postpartum depression, and gender-based violence. “As someone who has seen the impact of teenage pregnancies up close, I can't stay silent. I've watched dreams crumble and we need to urgently #BreakTheCycle by providing education, erasing the stigma, and offering hope to make sure every child's future is defined by opportunities, not obstacles,” she emphatically shares.

All three Nguvu Change Leaders started this movement earlier this year through online petitions which have gathered support from over 3000 people in Kenya.

“It’s not just about signing a petition; it’s a gesture of solidarity where we all extend a helping hand and compassion to every single youth. We’re appealing to the National Assembly and the Ministry of Education to grant access to age-appropriate human sexuality education both for school and out-of-school programmes. Our digital campaigns are a pivotal step in our #BreakTheCycle movement and we hope more people will join us with their stories to drive change,” said Dambalash, a Youth advocate with Network for Adolescent And Youth of Africa.

The need for CSE in Kenyan schools is urgent and as more voices join this campaign, there is hope that, empowered with information and support, the Kenyan youth will learn to navigate their challenges with success and confidence

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GIRL'S EDUCATION IN AFRICA KICKS OFF IN NAIROBI KENYA

The Forum for African Women Educationalists has today kicked off the highly anticipated two-day 3rd Triennial International Conference on Girls’ Education in Africa. The conference whose theme is ‘Transforming Education Systems: What Works?’ aims to reflect on advancing girls’ education through innovative solutions for emerging trends that affect access to quality education.

 

The conference has brought together regional and global participants from different sectors of education including Ministers of Education from Namibia, South Sudan, Siera Leone and Liberia, the key note speaker being cabinet minister for Youth & Sports and family Affairs Seychelles, representatives from regional educational bodies, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), development partners, researchers, education and gender specialists from national, regional, sub-regional and international organizations.

 

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the conference, Education Cabinet Secretary Hon. Ezekiel Machogu said, “FAWE’s advocacy efforts are truly remarkable. FAWE’s investment in teachers has led to improvement in quality of education in Africa. The government of Kenya has partnered with FAWE through the establishment of 160 Tuseme Clubs in schools in 20 counties. I am certain that this conference will contribute to the creation of innovative practices that will be of great benefit to the field of education.”

 

The conference will focus on paper presentations from education researchers and experts in response to the conference theme as well as the sub-themes which include: Enhanced gender equality in Education: The power of teaching and learning methodologies, Education and Technology: Lessons learnt and the way forward, Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) as an integral part to formal learning for girls, Addressing the increasing numbers of teenage pregnancies and ensuring access to education for all women and girls, Education: A catalyst to Girls and Young Women taking up Leadership positions.

 

“It is important for educationalists to meet, discuss and address barriers that lead to low school turn out for girls in Africa. This conference sub-themes are engineered to allow for learning and exchange and drawing innovative ways of increasing quality education in Africa. Panel discussions with prominent education experts will provide regional and global perspectives to challenges affecting girls education.” Added Ms. Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director, FAWE Africa.

 

The Triennial International Girls Conference is a platform that FAWE uses to allow education stakeholders to discuss issues affecting girls’ education in Africa. The 1st conference was held in August 2017 under the theme “Towards Gender Equality in Education: Positioning youth to champion Africa’s Education Agenda” which conference enabled participants to share experiences and reflect on achievements of sustainability development goals (SDGs), Continental Education Strategy of Africa (CESA) 16 – 25, and Agenda 2063. 

The 2nd International Conference was unprecedentedly held online in November 2020. The theme of the conference was “Towards effective approaches for girls’ engagement and excellence: Preparing African Girls for the 21st Century Skills”. The conference provided an opportunity for aesthetic experiences and artistic interventions to explore alternative ways for thinking about preparing African Girls for the 21st Century Skills and strengthening STEM uptake among girls and women.

 

ENGINEERING STUDENTS BENEFITS FROM CONTROL TECHNIQUES SPONSORSHIP

Bruce Grobler vice president Middle East and Africa control Techniques during an interview

Control Techniques a south Africa based company has sponsored over 40 fourth year engineering students from Technical University of Kenya,The University of Nairobi, Kenyatta university and Jomo Kenyatta university of science and technology in a bid to ensure Kenyan engineers are up to the task in global market.

Speaking during a cocktail reception at a Mombasa hotel during the ongoing 30th engineers conference Bruce Grobler vice president Middle East and Africa control Techniques the training has benefited more than 200 students from 12  African countries in a partnership with public universities.

The aim of the sponsorship is to ansure Africa develops more engineers in Africa for Africa and close the gaps in skill set linking the students with job markets.The selection process of the students to sponsored is done by the dean's and professors who identify the students based on the merit, background and geographical location.

NIGERIA LEADS IN WOMEN ENGINEERS IN AFRICA

The Deputy President of Nigeria Engineers and the incoming President Magret Oguntala today expressed her confidence in women in engineering sector and the crucial role women play in the society during a press interaction at the ongoing  30th international engineers conference in Mombasa  Kenya.

 Oguntala commended the organizers for the superb planning and publicity that hyped the event across Africa and brought over 4000 engineers together, emphasizing the significance of engineering in the new world.She reitareted her approval of the conference theme,anticipating that the resulting communique would contribute significantly to Kenya's development.

Oguntala highlighted the underrepresentation of African women in engineering, citing that in Nigeria, women constitute 15 to 18 percent of the engineering workforce. However, she noted a positive trend within the Council of Nigeria, where a growing number of women are actively involved. Notably, she shared an exciting announcement, stating that come January, Nigeria is poised to have a female president leading the Council.

Drawing attention to the global effort to include more women in engineering, Oguntala stressed the importance of encouraging and supporting women in the field. She emphasized that the presence of women brings a breath of fresh ideas, making it a focal point for the engineering community.

Comparing statistics, Oguntala pointed out that Nigeria has a significant number of female engineers, attributing this to the country's large population. As the conference unfolds, it serves as a platform not only for discussing engineering advancements but also for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the profession.

SCHOLAR CALLS FOR FUNDING OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE COUNCIL

Over seventeen countries have converged in Mombasa for annual science forum to discuss policy oversight, science technology and research funding support.

Speaking during the start of  week long conference at Pride Inn hotel in Mombasa professor Nicholas Ozor executive director ATPS has said the highlight of the event will be a masterclass in the conference that seeks to interact with donours in a bid to unlock challenges for rising funds to address training and capacity building.

The science forum started in 2017 in Zambia and rotates to different countries that shows interest in hosting it,this year Kenya hosted the prestigious conference that supports science council in Africa seeking to establish a strong digital process by incorporating civil society and policy makers.

KAJUJU CALLS FOR MORE WOMEN TO EMBRACE ENGINEERING

The chairperson Ombudsman Honourable Florence Kajuju has called on women to take careers in engineering and also venture to elective seats to challenge the status quo.

Speaking to journalists during the 30th international engineers conference  that kicked off today at Pride inn Paradise in Mombasa Kajuju has said there are only four thousand women engineers compared to twenty five thousand men in same career.Men in engineering have ventured to elective seats more than women a notion that need to be challenged to achieve the gender rule.

 Coming from the hot bed of politics Meru county,Kajuju has added her voice to the just concluded Meru Governor impeachment process by county assembly calling on her to unite both factors and work together towards the development of Meru county.

PACJA PLANTS OVER 3000 TREES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

After the government gazetted 13November as a National Tree planting holiday to increase the country tree cover as a measure to combat climate change,Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) partnered with Kenyatta university main campus in a tree planting exercise that saw over 3000 trees planted in the university ground.

Speaking during the planting excercise Charles Mwangi representing DR Mithika Mwenda Executive Director PACJA called on all stakeholders to plant trees to absorb the carbon in a bid to reduce climate change effects.Mr Mwangi said there is need to reduce emissions to 43 percent by planting more trees and restoring degraded forest cover.

Kenyatta university deputy vice Chancellor who spoke during the event and was representing the vice Chancellor Prof Paul Wainana who was in kitui campus leading the tree planting said the university aims to increase its tree cover to 70 percent in all it's campuses.

The tree planting drive targets to plant atleast 15billion trees countrywide and is lead by the president Dr William Ruto.

KMTC LAUNCHES STRATEGIC PLAN UNVEILING ITS 96 YEAR JOURNEY

The Kenya Medical Training college (KMTC)has today unveiled it's strategic plan 2023-2028 which is in line with the government Universal health coverage agenda,The college which is a state corporation also launched curriculum for Arabic, French and Germany languages and a 96 year history book dubbed 'The journey to greatness '.

Speaking during the launch at the KMTC main campus in Nairobi chief guest cabinet secretary for health Susan Nakumicha challenged the college to ensure it delivers on the strategic plan.This Strategic Plan aligns with the Kenya Health Policy 2014-2030, the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, Kenya Vision 2030, East Africa Community Vision 2050, Africa Union Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It upholds Article 43 (1)(a) of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees the right to the highest standards of health and reaffirms the College's role in developing competent health professionals as It lays out a comprehensive strategy to enhance staff development, foster academic research, innovation and consultancy, drive digital transformation and promote institutional sustainability said the CS.

 

The Government of Kenya is committed to fulfilling its promise to its citizens of providing the highest attainable standards of health. We are committed to ensuring social economic transformation of our country through access to equitable, affordable and high quality healthcare for all.The Strategic Plan will guide the College in its production of a skilled, responsive, fair and efficient health workforce, which is a cornerstone of the UHC vision of integrating preventive and promotive service within communities. 

KMTC supply more than 85% of the health workforce in Kenya, its graduates are at the center of providing medical care services at Levels I, II and III facilities.According to the Board Chairperson health workforce across different cadres are now migrating to work in other countries. Therefore, the Strategic Plan ignites a new era of opportunity for graduates as it provides a framework for the College’s efforts in advancing health training for the next five years.

The College celebrated its 96th anniversary today having tremendously grown since its establishment in 1927 with four students, to where it is today with over 62,000 learners,a journey  worth documenting and making available in libraries across the country.

AGRIHACK LAUNCHED IN NAIROBI TO END POST HARVEST LOSS

The Rallying Cry in partnership with AIICRA, and Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT has this morning in a Nairobi hotel  launched Kenya AgriHack to develop innovative, climate smart, and gender-responsive solutions to reduce post-harvest losses in grain, dairy, and horticulture which amount to 30 percent loss translating to 75 Billion.

Speaking during the launch  of the AgriHack  Agriculture and livestock permanent secretary Jonathan Mweke has said the government is committed to ensure food security and ensuring harvest will not go to waste by transforming the agriculture sector.Currently 2.9 million Kenyans are unemployed and can be absorbed in the Agriculture sector if made attractive and appealing to the youths and draw them to pursue carriers in farming.

During the two day conference teams will compete for prizes and awards in categories ,1st place - USD 5,000, 2nd place - USD 3,000 and 3rd place - USD 2,000 in the event that brings together  agri-preneurs,agri-processors and agri-corporates, software developers, logistics experts, academics, government officials.This seeks to  address challenges in market linkages, knowledge gaps, lack of infrastructure, access to

finance, and supply chain. 

In a bid to reduce the post harvest losses in agriculture which pose a significant challenge for farmers as well as small and medium-sized

enterprises (SME) processors in developing countries occurring downstream, between the production and retail stages of the supply chain.This losses occur at every stage of the supply chain – from production to consumption. Mostly, any loss of produce translates to lost production resources, mainly land,water, energy and inputs prompting the government to install 350 milk coolers to ensure milk does not go bad and procurement of  dryers to farmers to ansure their produce is safe from toxins.

EMPOWERING ‘MAMA FUA’ WITH THE SMART LAUNDRY CONCEPT

Opinion article

By Dong Won Lee

The informal economy is a major source of employment globally. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), more women than men are hired for the over fifteen million informal jobs in Kenya. ILO puts the percentage of women in the informal workforce in the country at 88 per cent. Yet, the majority of these women are hired to do poorly paid, ill-equipped work thus severely limiting their opportunity to earn a decent livelihood.  

One such type of work is informal laundry popularly known as ‘mama fua’ referencing the fact that it is mostly carried out by women. The ladies are paid a small fee of Ksh 700 ($6) a day to do laundry for busy clients in the middle-income urban residential areas. They wash clothes with their hands - a laborious, time-consuming task - but they have to do it to feed and educate their children and families.

Sadly, this casual engagement comes with health risks such as skin exposure to detergent chemicals, back pains from stooping for long hours, pneumonia and in some cases even sexual assault and verbal abuse by unscrupulous clients. Plus, it takes time to win the trust of clientele but even then, there are no guarantees that work will flow constantly.  

On the client side, there are complaints regarding substandard service, lack of professionalism and petty theft. Privacy concerns abound in allowing persons with whom one is not fully acquainted into the home. Furthermore, there is no centralized database of persons offering such services, considering it is a highly unregulated industry, leaving the customer to do their own due diligence.  Notwithstanding these challenges, the fortunes of ‘mama fua’ are about to change drastically, with the adoption of revolutionary technological solutions designed to create more work opportunities in the informal laundry ecosystem. 

Some innovative local tech firms have even rolled out digital apps that link ‘mama fua’ with clients thus enhancing their income opportunities. But there is a need to empower them to do even more using the latest digital laundry technology.

This includes encouraging more Kenyans, especially women and youth, to venture into the professional laundry business. Moreover, there is growing demand for laundry services among the increasingly affluent middle-income market with limited time to do laundry work, but have a desire for their clothes to be cleaned professionally and at an affordable rate.

However, capital and skills remain major barriers. Washing machines are beyond the financial reach of the ordinary ‘mama fua’ operating in the city estates. They also need to train them in modern techniques of cleaning clothes. This requires a business model that delivers social benefits while enabling access to the right tools and best practices in laundry solutions.  

Working with local partners, LG Electronics has been supporting the smart laundromat concept as part of the company's business and social investment goals. Using cutting-edge technology and innovation, backed by superior customer service, this concept is the first step towards formalizing the informal ‘mama fua’ industry.

The idea is to create social impact in the community through a social entrepreneurship model that employs actual ‘mama fua’ who have been trained in customer care and machine operations before being engaged in the laundromats.   

This model is also inspired by the desire to give customers quality service while empowering the informal ‘mama fua’ to deliver professional services to a growing and appreciative clientele thus accelerating growth of Kenya’s laundry industry. With state-of-the-art dryer and washer machines, the smart laundromats will create jobs for more Kenyans and at the same time meet the growing day-to-day laundry needs of many families.

The latest laundromat technology also comes with a digital app that allows customers to monitor progress of their laundryremotely. The shop operators are also able to manage their business off-site in real time and promptly track and resolve technical issues. The inbuilt intuitive software based on Artificial Intelligence reduces water and energy wastage and is therefore environmentally and pocket-friendly. The informal laundry industry is thus ripe for a revolutionary leap into the future. Ends

Mr. Lee is Managing Director, LG Electronics East Africa, his email is dwdw.lee@lge.com

EPRA HOLDS ITS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ON TARIFFS IN NAIROBI

Hon Gachau  Mbuthia Director EPRA addressing the participants 

Energy and petroleum Regulatory Authority had today at a Nairobi hotel held it's countrywide public participation workshop on the integrated national energy plan regulations 2023,the draft electricity regulatory accounts regulations and electricity tariff regulations.

Speaking during the workshop Hon  Gachau Mbuthia Director  Epra said when approved the regulations will provide guidelines on the preparitons of the integrated national energy plan and determination of tariffs in Kenya.

The workshop that seeks to get stakeholders and  consumers views to help finalise on the final proposed regulations will next week head to Garisa,wajir,Mandera,Isiolo and Marsabit in a bid to tap on national views in all areas.

AIRTEL KENYA ROLLS OUT 5G NETWORK TO 32 COUNTIES.

Airtel Networks Kenya Limited, a leading provider of voice, data and SMS services has rolled out additional 100 5G sites across the country before the end of the year a move is in a quest to enhance internet connectivity to Airtel customers across the country by offering them high speed, low latency, and seamless connection of several devices, as characterised by the revolutionary technology of the 5G network.

The roll out of the new 5G sites will increase from 180 wards to 221 wards and, from 15 counties to 32 counties. After the rollout, Airtel’s 5G presence will be in: Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Machakos, Kisumu, Kilifi, Kajiado, Kwale, Kakamega, Bomet, Embu, Homabay, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Laikipia, Meru, Busia, Garissa, Migori, Bungoma, Muranga, Kisii, Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta, Tana River, Nyamira, Nyeri, Siaya and Nyandarua. Progressively, Airtel shall continue to roll out the 5G network sites to ensure the ultimate presence in all counties. 

This is to enable more Kenyan individuals, homes, and businesses to enjoy the limitless possibilities brought forth by the 5G network. 

" The 5G network is more about faster internet, connecting people, businesses, and communities in ways that were once unimaginable. Our commitment to innovation and connectivity remains unwavering, and we're excited to be a part of this new era of possibilities." Said Airtel Kenya Managing Director, Ashish Malhotra.

On 6th July 2023, Airtel Kenya announced the launch of its 5G network in Kenya rolling out 372 sites then and committed to further expanding its 5G footprint across the country. With the additional sites Airtel aims to have more customers onboard on the 5G network. 

As the number of subscribers with access to 5G devices continues soaring, Airtel has ensured that Kenyans can access 5G services by offering them the 5G Home Broadband routers for businesses and homes. With the 5G routers, Enterprises and SMEs can access the 5G network with an unlimited package that goes for as low as Ksh 3,500 per month. The 5G packages include 5G Unlimited 10Mbps at Ksh 3,500, 5G Unlimited 30Mbps at Ksh 5,500 and 5G Unlimited 50Mbps at Ksh7,500 per month, respectively.Data plans for individual homes are available from Ksh 2,999.