Kenyaleo.co.ke

Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • Naivas unveils 3rd Annual seasonal campaign amidst economic strains

    Naivas Supermarket has proudly announced the launch of the third edition of their highly anticipated seasonal campaign. Designed to resonate authentically with Kenyan values while offering unforgettable experiences, this campaign aims to surpass customer expectations.

    Amidst challenging economic times, with inflation burdening Kenyan households and global supply chain disruptions escalating costs, Naivas recognizes the pressing need to support its customers. Rodney Wood, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the company’s commitment to providing the best value for money. He stated, “As a homegrown brand dedicated to improving lives, we are determined to exceed expectations and alleviate the strain on our customers.”

    Building on the success of previous years, Naivas pledges to further enhance customer experience by offering even larger shopping baskets. This initiative aims to assist shoppers in navigating these challenging times with greater ease. Peter Mukuha, Naivas Chief of Operations, explained, “Our ‘NAIVAS KIKAPU KIBONGE SUPAA SAFARI’ campaign reflects our dedication to serving as the dependable big brother for Kenyan consumers.”

    Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Naivas has partnered with suppliers to ensure customers enjoy exceptional value across all product categories, including fresh produce, groceries, household items, and electronics. Mukuha emphasized, “By working together, we can ensure that our customers receive unparalleled benefits throughout the campaign.”

    With 103 outlets nationwide, Naivas remains committed to providing accessible and affordable shopping solutions for every Kenyan household. As the campaign unfolds, Naivas invites customers to experience the journey of “big shopping” the Naivas Kilocol way.

    “In a period marked by economic uncertainty, Naivas stands firm in its pledge to support Kenyan families, ensuring that each customer leaves with a truly fulfilling shopping experience,” concluded Mukuha.

  • President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K) Holds a Media forum to Highlight on Ways of Uplifting Youths Economy

    The President’s Award-Kenya (PA-K) held a media forum to offer journalists a platform on learning more about the organization.

    The Occassion was graced by Hon. Ababu Nwamba Cabinet Secretary Youth Affairs, Creative Economy & Sports, different stakeholders and other partners.

    PA-K is an Agency established by an Act of Parliament, President’s Award Act No.
    30 of 2017 and a state department under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative
    Economy and Sports. President’s Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all young people countrywide equipping them with positive life skills to make difference for themselves, their communities, country and the world.

    “PA-K stands as a cornerstone in youth empowerment and the promotion of the creative economy. The State Agency seamlessly aligns with the government’s steadfast commitment to fostering job opportunities and nurturing wealth creation among Kenya’s youth populace.
    The Award lies emphasis on skills development providing young people with invaluable opportunities to explore and cultivate personal interests, unleash their creativity, and enhance practical skills. Through engaging in activities such as music, arts and crafts, communication, and various other activities, participants not only broaden their skill sets but also unlock their potential for innovative thinking and entrepreneurial endeavors.” Said Ababu Namwamba Cabinet Secretary Youth Affairs, Sports and Creative Economy.

    The CS further observed that, additionally, PA-K champions Physical Recreation as an integral component of youth development. By encouraging active participation in sports and physical activities, the Award fosters improved health, enhanced fitness levels, and overall well-being among young individuals. Whether through ball sports, athletics, water sports, or martial arts, participants are empowered to embrace a lifestyle conducive to holistic growth and vitality. Allowing the youth to continue in sports professionally as the program requires dedication and time.
    In essence, The President’s Award-Kenya serves as a catalyst for nurturing a generation of dynamic, skilled, and physically active youth. Through its multifaceted approach to personal development, it not only equips young people with the tools they need to thrive in the creative economy but also instills in them the resilience, determination, and vision required to shape a prosperous future for themselves and their communities.

    PA-K’s presence extends across diverse settings offering structured programs framework for youth development.
    In schools, PA-K is an extracurricular activity, providing opportunities for students aged 14-24 to participate in various sections of the Award program.
    PA-K is also active in colleges and universities, catering to the unique needs and aspirations of young adults, enhancing their personal and professional development.

    PA-K’s initiatives align with the principles of BETA by empowering youth and fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.
    Through PA-K’s programs, youth are equipped with skills, encouraged to innovate, and enabled to contribute to their communities’ economic prosperity.
    Athletics & Sporting contributes to gross national productivity. Kenya boasts a rich heritage in athletics, with numerous world-class athletes consistently showcasing their prowess on the global stage. The award has led to identifying talents and nurturing it at a young age.

  • Launch of Raphta Road Residents Association

    During the Launch of Raphta Road Residents Association.

    The residents of Raphta Road came together on Thursday 14th March to Launch their own Association.

    The Association will give them one voice in securing the neighbourhood from proliferation of uncontrolled development, rising insecurity, erratic water and power, noise pollution and environment degradation.

    Present at the Occassion was; Hon. Robert Alai MCA Kileleshwa ward, Residents, Chairman Raphta Road Resident Association, Architect Association of Kenya representatives, Kilimani Power, Local administration, KARA and Elected Representatives.

    “We are launching to tackle issues like; Security, water shortage at Raphta and Electricity blackouts. Residents have so many other issues. We also realized we need partnership with other Organisations.
    The regustration is also easy for new members as we also set up an office for the Association. This will enable the Association management is right towards engaging with members always in a smooth and easy manner.” Said the Chairman of the Association.

    The occassion also showed the importance of uniting together as a Family.
    One can also check the full information regarding the association in the website Raphta Road Residents Association.

    Robert Alai MCA Kileleshwa Observed that, there is always a need to unite as a Society and use a smart way as learned people towards making plans for development. For roads safety, comfort and Mobility this is needed and Yesterday, I drafted a motion that looks to employ a plan that allows different faces to have integrated Systems.

     

  • THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE INTER-UNIVERSITY COUNCIL FOR EAC- STUDENTS MOBILITY HOLDS SCHOLARSHIP CONSULTATIVE MEETING IN NAIROBI, KENYA

    During the first Day of EAC Scholarship Consultative Meeting in Nairobi.

    Inter-University Council for East African Community (EAC) Students Mobility held a Scholarship Consultative Meeting in Nairobi Kenya to discuss on revitalizing the regional university student mobility programme.

    Various issues discussed included; Achieving harmonized degrees, Accredited Programs and Mobility which is free movement of skills and students in the region.

    Present during the occassion were; The Vice Chancellors of Member Universities, Deputy Vice Chancellors, The ChairPerson, IUCEA Student and Staff Mobility Committee,
    Executive Directors of Students Loan Board/Student Financing & Loan Boards in EAC Partner States, Deputy Executive Secretary, IUCEA, Prof Rai and Colleagues from IUCEA Secretariat.

    “It is my distinct honor to welcome you all to the East African Community Student Mobility Scheme (EAC-SMS) consultative meeting.
    I take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for being able to find time to participate in this meeting, which for us is a clear testimony of your commitment as our members to engage in IUCEA initiatives and the development and the transformation of EAC higher education for a successful integration through increased university exchange and mobility of students and staff.” Said Prof. Gaspard Banyankimbona Executive Secretary EAC.


    He further observed that, Two years ago 7-9th March 2022, they met in Nairobi to reflect on which direction to take as to deliver on the core mandate, specifically on promotion of students mobility in the region and staff exchange between member universities, and providing scholarships to students and grants to teaching and research assistants.
    The meeting was hosted by the University of Nairobi and thanked Prof. Kiama for his continued support.

    During that meeting, IUCEA secretariat, as directed by the 10th Executive Committee meeting submitted a proposal to establish a Multilateral East Africa Community Scholarship Programme now known as East African Community Student Mobility Scheme (EAC-SMS).
    The proposal had in itself several benefits and was meant to involve different actors ranging from universities, the business community, NGOs, development partners, guardians or parent and others.

    These benefits includes:
    a. Fast track implementation of the EAC Common Higher Education Area as institutions are expected to operationalize mutual recognition of qualifications, credit accumulation and transfer.
    b. Boost internationaization of member universities.
    c. Revive more mobility of students in the region,
    d. Support EAC Partner States to address key human resource deficiencies.
    e. Provide an opportunity to benchmark against each other and ultimately improve the quality of our academic and professional programs.
    f. Contribute to a key pillar of regional integration, namely the Common Market Protocol as graduates of this programs will be able to move their skills from one partner state to another.

    Vice-Chancellors and other stakeholders present at the Nairobi meeting in 2022 commended the initiative, committed to support it and recommended it for submission to the IUCEA Governing Board for approval on its way towards implementation.

    There was a commitment to provide scholarships ranging from Bachelors , Masters, to PhDs.
    After securing a considerable number of scholarships through these commitments, IUCEA launched a call for application from potential students which was very successful in terms of applications for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. However, there were various challenges.

    The meeting therefore aims to discuss about the challenges together, to chart on a common understanding on most suitable approach to implement the scholarship scheme.

    EAC hence,appealed to its members directly to brainstorm and come out with a way forward on how best to implement this commendable initiative that is expected to revitalize the regional university student mobility programme that was once very popular in the region.

    As part of the implementation of the EAC Common Higher Education Area, IUCEA has been running various scholarship programmes. These scholarship programmes are project–based and limited in time scope to the end of the project periods and have few slots for the many deserving students of East Africa. Moreover, only a few universities in the region are involved in these projects-based scholarship schemes.

    The EAC Student Mobility Scheme is meant to be our indigenous student exchange, inter-University and Inter EAC Partner States programme. It is one of the ways to demonstrate the self-sustainability of students mobility in the region which will enhance credibility towards the EAC community.

    As states earlier, EAC-SMS scholarship program requires joint contributions from universities, parents, and IUCEA, each with specific responsibilities as provided for in the EAC SMS Guidelines and commitment forms.

    The two days’ workshop seek to primarily:
    a. To enhance an understanding of the EAC-SMS among now the participating institutions.
    b. To discuss and agree on appropriate approach to operationalise the EAC-SMS,
    c.To enhance EAC-SMS implementation guidelines that are agreed upon by all parties.
    d. To revise and agree on the call for applications.

  • LSTM and partners in four African countries launch the African Snakebite Alliance

    During the Launch and Press address at KEPRI offices Nairobi.

    Leading snakebite experts from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, and Eswatini are launching the African Snakebite Alliance (ASA) to tackle deadly snakebite envenoming.

    The launch of the ASA will strengthen the international scientific community by linking up with policymakers and community groups in Africa, aiming to improve health outcomes for people affected by snakebite envenoming and address evidence gaps in policy and practice.

    Coordination between these groups aims to ensure new research leads to changes on the ground. This will be crucial for meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) goal of halving snakebite deaths and disability worldwide by 2030.

    Snakebite envenoming kills between 81,000 and 138,000 people annually and a further 400,000 surviving victims are left with permanent physical disabilities and disfigurements. Up to one-third of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and individuals affected by snakebite often reside in some of the most disadvantaged rural communities across Africa..

    Members of the ASA come from LSTM, KIPRE, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Eswatini Antivenom Foundation (EAF) and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) with funding provided by the Wellcome Trust.

    ASA Deputy Director Dr George Omondi from the Kenyan Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) said: “We are incredibly excited to launch this new alliance dedicated to fostering a robust portfolio of impactful research and policy towards improving health outcomes for snakebite victims.”

    Despite the myriad problems caused by snakebite, the WHO classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease due to the lack of global resources dedicated to tackling it, including the need for high quality research.

    The ASA has set three objectives to fill the research and evidence gap in snakebite envenoming: to undertake high-quality research relevant to improving health outcomes for people affected by snakebite in Africa, to develop systems to support national and regional bodies in Africa to incorporate research evidence into decision-making in policy and practice, and to develop and support a sustainable and cross-disciplinary capacity for snakebite research in Africa.

    ASA Director Professor Ymkje Stienstra, from LSTM, said: “The ASA will pick up clinical and public health research questions based on the input from communities and policymakers. The findings will translate into prevention of snakebites and ways to reduce the damage caused by them.”

    Initial research by members of the Alliance’s member organisations identified some of the barriers to tackling the burden of snakebite in sub-Saharan Africa, including limited funds, lack of relevant data, and from the need to increase engagement with policymakers, all of which will be addressed by the development of the ASA as a research and policy hub.

    As well as conducting research, the ASA wants to promote research on snakebite envenoming via open grants, including creating opportunities for postdoctoral researchers in Africa.

    Information on how to apply for these grants will appear on the ASA website, and further updates will be published on its X (Twitter) account.

    About the African Snakebite Alliance
    Members of the ASA include:

    Professor David Lalloo and Professor Ymkje Stienstra from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Dr George Omondi from Kenyan Institute of Primate Research,
    Dr Janna Schurer from University of Global Health Equity.

    Dr John Amuasi from Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine
    Dr Sara Padidar from Eswatini Antivenom Foundation,
    Jean Bosco Mbonigaba from Rwanda Biomedical Center.

  • Harm Reduction Specialists Urge Policymakers to Implement Life-Saving Measures for Smokers

    Harm Reduction society of Kenya, Founder and Secretary General Dr. Micheal Kariuki, delivered his keynote address at the Harm Reduction society of Kenya and Campaign for safer Alternative press briefing conference at Sarova Stanley Hotel.

    LawMakers risk missing a golden opportunity to save lives and reduce the public health burden caused by cigarette smoking if they launch an indiscriminate and ill-informed offensive against safer alternatives, harm reduction specialists warned today.

    The experts were responding to an announcement by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni that she intends to “wipe out” nicotine products.
    Dr Michael Kariuki, secretary-general of the Harm Reduction Society, said: “Alternative
    nicotine products like regulated vapes and oral pouches are scientifically proven to be far less harmful than cigarettes and are the most successful method for helping smokers to quit.

    “Regulation of these products is, of course, necessary, to protect children and the youth. However, that regulation should be evidence-based and proportionate to the risks posed, after taking into
    consideration the smokers who need these therapeutic products.”

    Harm Reduction Society of Kenya Vice Secretary, Dr. Nick Kioko (Far Left), Harm Reduction
    Society of Kenya Secretary General Dr. Michael Kariuki, (center) sharing a brief moment together
    with Joel Sawa (far Right) during Harm Reduction Society of Kenya and Campaign for safer
    Alternative press briefing conference at Sarova Stanley Hotel.

    Joel Sawa, spokesperson for Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), said: “If smokers can’t or won’t quit, we need to help them switch to safer alternatives. The best way to save lives is to ensure that tobacco-free products like regulated nicotine pouches and vapes are affordable and accessible.

    “Wiping them from the market leaves smokers with no option but to keep smoking. It’s unthinkable that policymakers are even considering indiscriminate, ill-informed and nonevidence-based actions against them without any heed to this potential mishap.”

    The experts, speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi, pointed to the growing weight of international evidence  the beneficial impact of alternative nicotine products:
    ● Researchers at the University of Nairobi have found that there was little or no quality
    control in terms of levels of toxicants or psychoactive ingredients of oral stimulants such as khat and smokeless tobacco products such as pan, tambu, gutkha, Kuber, toombak, sniffed and chewed tobacco in Kenya, which put their users at considerable health risks and that regulated oral nicotine products carry similar levels of toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies which feature on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.

    ● The US Food and Drug Administration says Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs)
    “will significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual
    tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole”1 Such MRTPs are
    regulated nicotine pouches and vapes which are largely used in countries such as Swedenand the UK to assist cigarette smokers to quit.

    ● In countries worldwide, from the UK and France to the USA, Pakistan and New Zealand, innovative alternative products are already helping smokers who had despaired of ever being able to give up their deadly tobacco habit.
    ● Non-Tobacco Nicotine products do not contain tobacco and extensive international
    research has found them 95% less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes.
    ● Studies show that regulated modern oral nicotine products carry similar levels of
    toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), which are on the World
    Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines.
    ● Sweden is about to achieve the status of being the first country in the world to become officially smoke-free after making safer alternatives acceptable, available and affordable to adults. It now has the lowest smoking and tobacco-related disease rates in Europe.

    Harm Reduction Society aims to provide a community for harm reduction practitioners, community workers, organizations, researchers and policymakers. It strives to create awareness
    among all sectors of the society about harm reduction practices and to engage in and support evidence-based research on harm reduction approaches to health.
    Campaign for Safer Alternatives is an international Pan-African non-governmental organisation dedicated to achieving 100% smoke-free environments Africa. It is the unifying voice for consumer organisations advocating for tobacco harm reduction in Africa, promoting discussion and the exchange of information and potential actions to reduce exposure to tobaccorelated harm.

  • CAK DECISION ON THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF CERTAIN ASSETS OF STYLE INDUSTRIES LIMITED BY HAIR MANUFACTURING KENYA LIMITED

    The Competition Authority of Kenya has approved the proposed acquisition of certain assets of Style Industries Limited by Hair Manufacturing Kenya Limited on condition that at least 70 Percent of the target firm’s employees are retained on employment terms that are no less
    favourable than their current terms for 12 months following completion of the transaction.

    This approval has been granted based on the finding that the transaction is unlikely to
    negatively impact competition in the market for hair extensions and wigs. However, the
    transaction will elicit negative public interest concerns.

    Hair Manufacturing Kenya Limited is a private limited liability company incorporated in Kenya. It does not have any operations in Kenya since it is newly incorporated for purposes of
    this transaction.

    Style Industries is a private limited liability company incorporated in Kenya. Its principal activity is manufacturing and distribution of hair addition products such as braids, weaves and wigs under the brand name Darling. Style Industries is ultimately controlled by Godrej Consumer Products Limited (GCPL India).

    The proposed transaction involves the acquisition of certain assets — plant & machinery, office equipment and inventory — of Style Industries by Hair Manufacturing.
    The transaction therefore, qualified as a merger within the meaning of Section 2 and 41 of the Competition Act No. 12 of 2010. The Act stipulates that a merger or takeover may occur when an undertaking directly or indirectly acquires control over another business within Kenya.
    This may happen through, among others, purchase/lease of shares, exchange of shares, vertical integration.

    Further, merging parties whose combined turnover or assets, whichever is higher, is over Ksh.1 Billion are required to seek approval from the Authority prior to implementing the proposed transaction. The transaction between Hair Manufacturing and Style Industries met this
    threshold for mandatory notification and full analysis as provided for in the Competition (General) Rules, 2019.

    During merger analysis, and in order to determine the impact that a transaction will have oncompetition, the Authority identifies the relevant product market as well as the relevant geographic market.

    The relevant product market comprises products/services that are interchangeable or substitutable by the consumer due to their characteristics, prices and/or intended use. The acquirer has no operations in Kenya. On the other hand, the target manufactures and distributes hair addition products such as braids, weaves and wigs. Therefore, the relevant product market for purpose of analyzing the proposed transaction is the market for hair extensions and wigs.

    Determination of the relevant geographic market involves interrogating the area in which merging parties undertake the business and in which competition conditions are sufficiently similar. With regard to the proposed transaction, Style Industries sells its products throughout the country. Therefore, the relevant geographic market is national.

    The market for hair extensions and wigs is largely fragmented having players with local manufacturing capabilities as well as a significant extent of imported goods. It is characterized by many players comprising local manufacturers and importers.

    Some notable players include; Angels Hair Collection Kenya (Sanaa Industries Ltd), Lush Hair Kenya (Tolaram Group), Fashion Idol (Rebecca Fashion), Olivia Hair Kenya (Di Lorenzo Ltd), Africa Hair Factory Ltd., Unique Beauty Salon Consultants (UBSC), Style Haven Ltd., Exotic Dreadlocks & Weaves Ltd. and Lazy Daisy & Shear Elegance, among others. In the last 5 years, the market has experienced the entry of new players like Lush Hair Kenya and Olivia Hair Kenya.
    6wresearch, a global market research and consulting firm, reports that Kenya has increasingly been relying more on imports to meet its growing demand of human hair extensions. Domestic production and supply trails local demand.

    According to Volza, an import export database company based in India, 2021 import data places Kenya’s annual hair extension shipments at 49. These shipments belong to 21 importers who access their product from 20 suppliers. Solpia Industries accounted for the highest import market share with 12 shipments. Torchmark Enterprises Limited had 5 shipments while Rose Naisenya Suakei was at third with 4 shipments.

    A criterion of assessing a merger’s impact on competition is the post-merger market share of the undertakings involved in the transaction. The industry’s revenue in 2022 was approximately Ksh. 80 billion. In the same year, the target’s market share stood at 5%. Therefore, the proposed transaction will not affect market structure and concentration since Style Industries will exit the market and be replaced by Hair Manufacturing. Additionally, the
    target will continue to face competition from other players controlling 95% of the market.

    The structure and concentration of the market for hair extensions and wigs will not change in Kenya, as a result of the proposed transaction is unlikely to lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the market for hair extensions and wigs.

    During merger analysis, the Authority also considers the impact that a proposed transaction will have on public interest. Public interest in this case refers to various economically-inclined concepts that, when considered, protect the welfare of the Public. In the Competition Act, some of the public interest considerations are;
    a) extent to which a proposed merger would impact employment opportunities;
    b) impact on competitiveness of SMEs;
    c) impact on particular industries/sectors; and impact on the ability of national industries to compete in international markets.

    As per the parties’ submissions, the target’s commercial position and prospects is not promising, as evidenced by a review of its financial statements for the three years to March 2023. Absent the proposed transaction, it is highly likely that the target firm will exit the market, leading to a loss of all the current jobs and assets. Therefore, the proposed transaction will have a positive effect on public interest. However, the transaction is also elicit negative public interest concerns. Specifically, it will lead to the loss of 652 jobs which is equivalent to 30% of the target’s 2,171 employees.

    Premised on the above, the Authority approved the proposed acquisition of certain assets of Style Industries Limited by Hair Manufacturing Kenya Limited on condition that the acquirer retains at least 70% of the target’s employees on terms that are no less favourable thanwhat they currently enjoy for 12 months following completion of the transaction.

    Approval of a merger by the Authority does not relieve parties to the transaction from complying with other legal and regulatory requirements, especially those relating to employment

     

  • Rockstars FC Hot on the Trail of the FKF Division 2 League Qualifiers

    Wekesa Barasa played a pivotal role as he steered the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba winners Rockstars.

    FC to a 1-0 victory against Nakalira FC, to further widen the gap against their opponents in Zone B of the FKF
    Western Region League.

    The goal that came in the 29th minute secured maximum points for the home team solidifying their place on the
    standings where they lie at 4th with 24 points, while Nakalira settled for 5th with 20 points.

    The outcome of the much anticipated derby earned Rockstars FC bragging rights having so far won seven matches, drawing in three and losing four after playing 14 matches out of 22.

    Speaking during the match, Rockstars FC Team Manager, Ronald Mugera, said the match was a crucial tie up for the team, with the win giving them a much needed four point lead ahead of Nakalira FC.

    Mugera lauded the recent financial injection received from the Tujiamini Initiative, noting that it will boost the team’s efforts of getting into the FKF Division 2 League.

    “I think we are going to have the easiest time managing the team because of the availability of resources. As we now focus on the qualifiers, we want to nurture and position our players for higher leagues, and through Tujiamini’s three year sponsorship, we now have a clear plan towards achieving this,” said Mugera.

    The Tujiamini Initiative powered by SportPesa aims to identify and recognize local talent with its unique approach
    and commitment in exposing and rewarding talent and passion in sports towards sustaining grass roots sports
    development in the country.

    Further enunciating the team manager’s sentiments, the team captain Emmanuel Wanjala expressed the team’s renewed vigour adding that the sponsorship was a big motivating factor for players to exert themselves and aim higher in the league.

    “The support has come at the opportune time seeing as we have been struggling to attend some matches due to lack of resources. As players, we shall work hard to bring results that can propel us to the
    top tier leagues”, he said.

    Rockstars FC are the inaugral winners of the Cheza Dimba Awards in the Tujiamini initiative securing a three year sposnsorship deal worth 250,000 shillings annually alongside kit support.

    They are among community-owned football teams that receive the support in a bid to foster grass-roots football talent.

  • Regional science, tech conference launch three policy documents

    Dr. Sylavance Okoth, Executive Secretary, EASTECO at the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference in Nairobi. Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), the conference is being held in collaboration with various STI stakeholders in the region and globally.
    The 3rd EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference came to a close in Nairobi Friday (8 March) during which three different policy documents were launched: The East African Regional Innovation and Technology Transfer Strategy, the East African Regional STEM Strategy, and the East African Regional Strategy for Indigenous Knowledge and Technology Systems.
    The conference, which ran from Wednesday 6 March 2024, was hosted jointly by the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO) and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).
    Under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC), the conference was held in collaboration with various STI stakeholders in the region and globally in order to provide an avenue for sharing experiences, best practice and applications of STI outputs. It also served to strengthen collaborations, facilitate regional integration and enhance sustainable development.
    The conference was closed by the Undersecretary in the Ministry of EAC Affairs of South Sudan, Beny Gideon, who is also the Chair of the EAC Coordination Committee. Other notable dignitaries present included Uganda’s Minister of State for EAC Hon James Magode, senior ministry officials from other partner states, as well as donor representatives. The Executive Secretaries of IUCEA and EASTECO, Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona and Dr Sylvance Okoth, respectively, were also present.
    The overarching theme of the conference was, “Accelerating development and diffusion of Science, Technology and Innovation solutions for a green, inclusive and resilient East Africa.” This biennial conference builds on the deliberations and success of the 1st and 2nd conferences, which were held, respectively, in Kampala, Uganda in 2019 and Bujumbura, Burundi in 2021.
    Mr Gideon said infrastructure development was key to achieving the STI resolutions made at the conference. “Let us closely implement them at the multisectoral level so that the 4th conference will be able to say what percentage has been achieved.”
    Hon Magode said the conference theme was well aligned with the EAC Treaty and development strategy. “Science and technology impacts very positively on the society and you can therefore expect the support of the Government of Uganda in what you are doing.”
    The three-day meeting brought together diverse actors in the STI system, including policy makers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students and development partners.
    Other stakeholders attending the conference included representatives of EAC Partner States, the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, business and industry organizations, academic and research institutions, and development partners.
    The conference was being held in a hybrid mode, through face-to-face and virtual platforms. Activities included a high-level policy dialogue, plenary sessions, an exhibition, and a ministerial session. Special sessions included sub-themes and case studies on a wide variety of pertinent topics.
    Meanwhile, it was announced that the 4th EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Conference will be held in Rwanda.
    The Treaty for establishment of the East African Community (EAC) recognizes Science and Technology as a key driver for sustainable socio-economic development in the region.  Further, the EAC Vision 2050 emphasizes STI as one of the key drivers for sustainable socio-economic development and calls on higher education institutions to mainstream research and innovation towards socio-economic transformation of the region.
    Under its overarching theme, the conference engagement sessions are structured into four thematic areas, namely: (i) Agricultural Productivity, Resilience and Food Security; (ii) Health and Nutrition; (iii) Natural Resources Management; and (iv) Information Communication Technology and Digital Economy. All full paper submissions in the conference are peer-reviewed and evaluated based on originality, technical and/or research depth, accuracy and relevance to conference theme and topics. The accepted peer-reviewed papers will be published in the East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation (EAJSTI) to boost the dissemination of research findings within the region and improve regional visibility and competitiveness.

  • KENYA LAND ALLIANCE LAUNCHES HAKI ARDHI APP

    During the Launch of ARDHI APP at ufungamano Nairobi.

    The Kenya Land Alliance (KLA) has today launched HAKI ARDHI APP – a women land rights reporting tool- in Nairobi as part of its International Women’s Day celebration. The event, which was held at Ufungamano House, attracted close to 200 women from across the country and various stakeholders, including government officials.
    The Haki Ardhi App was last year rolled out in Kakamega County and Taita Taveta County and has been very instrumental in documenting land rights injustices faced by women in these areas, including land succession problems, forced evictions, land grabbing, denial of access to their property among others.

    The tool, which also has a Toll-Free Text function (victims can send messages to 23583 to report their situation and access remedy) has been so effective that the courts, through the Chief Magistrate in Kakamega, are interested in the data to help accelerate the prosecution of some of the stalled land rights violation cases where women are victims.

    During the ceremony, Kenya Land Alliance outlined its three-year plan for HAKI ARDHI APP, which includes the training of training of 20 paralegals in 30 counties, enhancement of its legal aid services to bring pro-bono legal assistance to members of the community who can not afford the services of advocates or lawyers and addressing some of the country’s land and natural resources policy deficits. The HAKI ARDHI APP is domiciled in several InfoHubs across Taita Taveta county and Kakamega County and is overseen by paralegals and legal assistants.

     

    The HAKI ARDHI APP has so far registered 130 cases (both in Taita Taveta County and Kakamega County) out of which 6 have been successfully followed-up and solved.

    “Our goal, in the next few months, is to roll-out the use of the HAKI ARDHI APP in more counties within Kenya, so that we can address the myriad of land rights injustices that women in Kenya face. Both rural women and urban women in the country face daily harassment, mistreatment and at times life threatening land rights related violence. It is our aim, to provide a free, secure and dependable reporting mechanism so that women can access the remedies that they so much need,” said Faith Alubbe, the CEO of Kenya Land Alliance.

    The HAKI ARDHI APP has been developed in partnership with the Rainforest Foundation UK (RF-UK) as the technical partner and TMG ThinkTank For Sustainability.

    Kenya Land Alliance (KLA) is an umbrella network of Civil Society Organizations and individuals across Kenya who are committed to effective advocacy for the reform of policies and laws governing land in Kenya.

    The organization was established to create an institutional mechanism to advocate for enabling land laws and policies in order to ensure secure and equitable access to land and natural resources in Kenya. Kenya Land Alliance was formed as a Trust in 1999. It was later registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in July 2013.
    Our Program Areas are; Women Land Rights, Land Governance, Community Land Protection, Land and Institutional Frameworks and Youth and Land.
    Currently, the organization is implementing several key national land rights related initiatives across 25 counties in Kenya. These initiatives include Community Land registration projects, GIS Mapping and Social Cartography to determine how communities interact with natural resources like forests, enhancing the reporting of women land rights violations through our Haki Ardhi digital App, robust public engagement programs that include regular Legal Aid Clinics and initiatives that target national and country government policy making organs to mention just a few.