With two days left before D-day, we are ready to wear our dancing shoes and show our moves at the Stanbic Yetu Festival. This Saturday, it is all going down at Uhuru Gardens, and I cannot wait to showcase my two left feet and sing horribly off-key. I am stoked for the iconic renditions from Boyz II Men and the musical stylings of Sauti Sol.
Typically, festivals are a no-go for me after hearing about how most of them go down, primarily due to the organizers, but knowing that this year’s festival has quality partners has given me the peace of mind and assurance that it will be not only memorable but equally remarkable. For lovers of old-school R&B, there’s no better time than now to come out and whine down as you wind down!
Boyz II Men has been at the forefront of popular music culture, and let’s not forget the iconic fashion of the quartet that defined the first half of the 1990s. Boyz II Men fused hip-hop and R&B Jazz, redefining the musical landscape and setting themselves at the top of the charts.
In contrast, Sauti Sol’s unique blend of Afro-pop and contemporary R&B bring new sounds to the genre, and the band have set itself apart in the African entertainment scene with classic hits and extravagant styles, redefining the look and feel of the music industry in Kenya and beyond.
This year’s Stanbic Yetu Festival is one for the books; it all goes down on the 10th. Come one, come all, prepared to dance and revel in an unrivalled musical experience.
Huawei Digital Power Kenya has enhanced the safety of solar power systems for residential homes and commercial facilities by eliminating the possibility of incidences caused by lack of efficient diagnosis.
Speaking when he addressed the 2023 FusionSolar Eastern Africa Partner Summit in Nairobi, Oliver (Dupeng), CEO of Huawei Eastern Africa Digital Power Business explained that the move to ramp safety features in residential and commercial solar systems was in line with the Draft Energy (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) Regulations, 2020 drawn up by Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The Summit themed, ‘Lighting Up a Greener Africa’, brought together more than 200 Huawei Digital Power channel partners to discuss the latest Huawei Smart PV solutions, Smart PV industry trends and innovations.
“Huawei has leveraged its over 30 years of experience in the ICT field to research, invent and manufacture leading Smart SOLAR PV solutions, a method we describe as ‘Building on the Past to Empower the Future. Unregulated temperatures typically lead to shorter solar lifespans and invariably results in overheating and exposes the systems to fire risk,” said Oliver.
To address the gap in the industry, the firm introduced a new range of Smart String ESS solutions, which include large batteries for the commercial and industrial sector, called the LUNA 200kWh, LUNA 1MWh, LUNA 2MWh, and Power-S. These provide more safety, longer product life, more usable energy, simplified operations and maintenance and provide independent battery racks and packs control, compared to Centralized ESS solutions.
The new system comes with a smart intelligent controller that regulates the temperature through air conditioning using inbuilt sensors and regulates the charging capacity of each battery so that all are able to obtain full charge and discharge fully
The release is also designed to meet growing demand for solar and power storage as electricity and fuel prices continue their upward trajectory. Oliver explained that the firm had witnessed an exponential growth in the demand for solar energy globally, across the African continent and even here in Kenya. In the first half of 2023, he noted that demand for solar was already at 20 percent higher compared to a similar time last year.
Huawei also launched its Power-S solution suitable for commercial and industrial scenarios such as malls, shops, restaurants, offices, factories, farms, hotels, campuses, banks, and gas stations. The Power-S is applicable for both off-grid and on-grid scenarios, single phase and three phase power connections, and provides flexible sizing from 5kwh to 600kwh.
Power-S provides seamless switchover, flexible sizing of loads, centralized monitoring and Operation and Maintenance (O&M), and all-in-one, easy and quick installation for indoor and outdoor application.
In order to deliver optimal performance, Huawei has added a smart controller, connected to mobile phone application which allows a homeowner to monitor the entire solar energy system remotely. “This includes issuing an alert whenever a single solar panel gets faulty or is even disconnected through theft,” said Oliver.
Among its several functionalities, the system also delivers a higher degree of safety for operations and maintenance teams by for instance using its Smart Module Controller to fully disconnect power on the solar panels to ensure installer and firefighter safety.
In addition, the firm signed the first Power-S consignment Agreement with its solar solutions distributor, Nabico Enterprises Limited, to kickstart Power-S roll out in the region.
Hon. Mary Emaase, MP Teso South during a plenary session in Parliament.
Hon. Mary Emaase, MP Teso South,has brought to light alarming contradictions in the guidelines for implementing Junior Secondary School (JSS) education.
The discrepancy revolves around Guideline 8.6, which places the responsibility of providing meals to parents and guardians, while simultaneously obligating school leadership to ensure that no child drops out due to unpaid lunch fees.
The legislator recently voiced her concerns, calling on the Ministry of Education to address this contradiction and shed light on the actions being taken to rectify the situation.
Hon. Mary Emaase further highlighted the predicament faced by children from needy backgrounds, whose parents or guardians cannot afford the lunch fee in most schools.
“What are the measures in place to ensure that needy children whose parents/guardians cannot afford the lunch fee programme remain in school and enjoy nutritious meals and to ensure that no child drops out of school as a result of failure to pay lunch fees which in most schools is KSHS 15,000?” she asked.
In response to the concerns raised, the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, clarified the intentions behind Guideline 8.6. According to the documents tabled by the Ministry of Education, the responsibility for providing meals lies with parents and guardians, and the Government’s obligation under the Free Junior Secondary School education program is limited to covering tuition fees.
The Cabinet Secretary further explained that Guideline 8.6(i) does not imply that the leadership of JSS should provide lunch to learners. Rather, it emphasizes that no student should be turned away from school due to non-payment of lunch fees.
“The Ministry expects any measures addressing delayed or inability to pay for lunch to be undertaken while learners continue with their studies” he added.
The Cabinet Secretary also highlighted that payments for lunch programs are voluntary, and parents have the option of having their children carry food from home.
To address concerns about children from disadvantaged backgrounds, the CS encouraged Parents Associations to develop cost-effective frameworks for lunch programs in their respective schools.
Stakeholders from the Waste Management sector are calling for sustainable policies across the region on the recycling sector , the event which was organized by Taka Ni Mali, the East Africa Business council and Alliance for Science has provided a platform for sector players to evaluate waste management policies across different sectors of the economy.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Eng. Festus Ng’eno said: “Kenya is a leader in promoting waste recycling in the region, though waste recycling industries are faced with the challenge of operating in formalized, sustainable waste management systems. As such the volume of waste collected has not been optimized based on market requirements.”The conference aims at uniting government institutions, private sector actors, development partners, and finance organizations to develop the necessary regional commitments to scale best-practice sustainable waste management models.
Africa currently generates about 80 percent of solid waste, which is worth an estimated eight billion dollars annually if recycled. Only around 11 percent is recycled, mainly by the informal sector. By 2050, Africa’s population will increase to 2.4 billion and eventually reach 4.2 billion by 2100.
Dr. Sheila Ochugboju, Executive Director of Alliance for Science said,East Africa is taking the lead in waste management and sustainability issues.
“Countries like Rwanda and Kenya were the first to institute a plastic ban. “Many countries in the Global North are struggling to catch up, but due to population growth, rapid urbanization, and an emerging middle class, there is an urgent need for African countries to accelerate action on waste management as an integral action on climate change and to address current waste management challenges and prepare for the expected growth in waste generation in the coming century.” Says Dr Sheila.
Mary Ngechu, the patron of Taka Taka ni Mali, said: “This conference aims to identify policy and regulatory priorities for sustainable waste management, showcase innovative approaches in commercializing sustainable waste management, demonstrate the use of technology in sustainable waste management, and adopt a plan of action for green financing investments in sustainable waste management.”
Taka Taka ni Mali is working to strengthen ecosystems of waste management in Africa and, as a connector between MSMEs, the private sector, policymakers, and development actors to increase investments in scalable innovations for waste management.
East Africa Business Council (EABC) CEO John Bosco Kalisa said climate change and the circular economy are priorities for the Council.
“The council has established a board subcommittee on climate change in partnership with GIZ-GFA and organized a dialogue on zero waste in East Africa. East Africans should embrace the concept of zero waste and transition our business models from linear to a circular economy,” said Mr Kalisa.
The conference is raising awareness of the issue of waste management and its impact on the environment as well as creating opportunities for investors in sustainable waste management. It is also encouraging governments and the private sector to adopt sustainable waste management practices, leading to economic growth in the region.
South Africa and Kenya hosted a high level reflection roundtable on their 30 years struggle for Democracy.
The particular discussion involving Operation Linda Ugatuzi in collaboration with KENYA BORA TUITAKAYO majored on lessons for constitution making process with reference to the two respective countries and also added their voices to the conversation taking place in Kenya, especially on the issue of the financial bill.
Speaking during the forum, The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Professor Moeletsi Mbeki noted their guaranteed role in advancing a well governed, peaceful and economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa.
He pointed out that some of the challenges that the struggle for Democracy caused to South Africa include poor electricity, collapse of railway, 42% unemployment, 27% of children stunted because of malnutrition, 70 murders a day among other challenges.
Dr. Mbeki added that African middle class level has grown and due to this, over the past few years, South Africa has always been ruled by the consumption driven class, which is the middle class.
“Due to the middle class ruling, a lot has changed in South Africa comprising of abolished rule of the white, introduction of universal coverage, political power being herited by a new elite, “ added Dr. Mbeki.
He also noted that in order for South Africa to have stable elections, they need to modernize their economy, create a new entrepreneual class that is conversant with the digital technology and also draw up urbanization plans.
Also speaking at the event, Operation Linda Ugatuzi leader Professor Fred Ogola on the issue of the financial bill noted that it is the most discussed bill ever in Kenya.
“This bill has seen submissions from so many people and also so many memoranda have been done, for Operation Linda Ugatuzi, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Association of Manufactures have all submitted their memoranda on the same,” said Ogola.
He further noted that if the bill is passed, it will only increase the cost of living, as everything will go up.
“Overtaxing Kenyans at a time when unemployment is very low and inflation is very high simply means that Kenyans who are poor are going to be made poorer, the middle class will shrink and the only people who will enjoy are those in the government who have those salaries and are enjoying the benefits of being in the government,” added Ogolla.
A medical officer in Kisii was on Monday charged with defiling a 15-year-old schoolgirl at a hospital where he works.
According to the documents presented in court, and seen by Wananchi Reporting, the suspect, Mr. Henry Nyarango, allegedly defiled the minor at the hospital on June 2.
The court heard that the suspect is a clinician at the Catholic Mission Hospital – where the defilement reportedly happened.
According to the documents, the suspect was arrested by officers from Ramasha police station. The incident was subsequently entered in the Occurrence Book under OB: 17/03/06/2023.
It was stated that on June 2, at Ichuni Sub Location, St Catherine Ichuni Hospital in Masaba South Sub-County, within Kisii County, the suspect intentionally and unlawfully had sex with a minor, aged 15 years.
In an alternative charge, the suspect is accused of committing an indecent act with a minor.
The suspect is alleged to have followed the plaintiff into the toilet where she had gone to answer a call of nature and defiled her. Nyarango was reportedly on duty at the hospital on the said night.
The case was heard by Principal Magistrate Kimtai Matata. The suspect was released on an Sh.100,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount.
He was, however, warned against interfering with or threatening the appellant upon securing release. The case will come up for mention on June 8.
According to Egerton University researcher and water management expert Prof Japheth Onyando, IWRM integrates the management of social and natural systems, water quality, and coordination with other natural resources including the land, atmosphere, and biosphere.
“IWRM must always prioritize water use through a holistic and cross-cutting approach. In this model, we seek to efficiently manage water in totality and not just focus on safe water for drinking,” he says.
The East African nation has recently experienced heavy rains that have caused flooding and destruction of residences and property in places like Kano in Kisumu County and South Mugirango in Kisii County.
Despite the downpours that have been recorded countrywide, reliable safe water supply for Kenyans however remains a mirage.
(Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET) chief executive Malesi Shivaji.
According to Dr. Malesi Shivaji who heads the Kenya Water and Sanitation Civil Society Network (KEWASNET), the country has a water supply shortfall of at least 600 cubic meters per capita.
“Kenya is least endowed in water supply terms, with a 400 cubic meters per capita availability, against the UN recommended availability of 1000 cubic meters per capita,” says Dr. Shivaji.
Prof Onyando said the country’s endowment or water supply status was first estimated along with the country’s population during the construction of the Uganda Railway in 1896.
“Our endowment was first estimated in 1896 when the Uganda Railway construction was begun,” said Prof Onyando.
“Kenya’s endowment at the time was 20bn cubic meters, which works out to 8,000 cubic meters per capita,” the scientist added.
Since then, this endowment level has significantly reduced due to population growth.
“According to globally accepted standards, any endowment less than 1,000 cubic meters is classified as water stressed. Kenya is currently classified as a chronic water-stressed country, with an endowment of approximately 490 cubic meters per capita,” he said.
Data collected and analyzed by an Egerton University study in shows that the situation is projected to worsen in the coming years.
“By 2030, the country’s endowment will be at 393 cubic meters per capita. By 2050 it will be just 293 cubic meters per capita,” Prof Onyando revealed.
“Kenya’s demand ratio will increase and surpass availability. There will be a very big difference between what we have versus what we need,” he told sasanews.co.ke
Egerton University water resources management expert Prof Japheth Onyando.
The statistics indicate that Nairobi County, which is currently home to 4,397,0734m residents as per the 2019 National Census, will not fare any better in the projected endowment levels.
Nairobi, which gets most of its water supply from the Athi River catchment area, will be at a demand ratio of 80 by 2030 and decline to 70 by 2050.
To save the city from water supply woes, the academic recommends that it seeks the assistance of Tana River County.
“Tana River will have to supply Nairobi with water by 2030 to overcome the shortfall,” says Prof Onyando.
Management challenges have been identified as a major obstacle to the seamless administration of the country’s water resources.
Dr. Shivaji says the country’s water sector continues to suffer from inefficiency in service delivery due to a bloated management structure, with some 18 statutory bodies mandated to carry out different functions. This sad state of affairs has led to a confused and uncoordinated administration of its affairs.
“The bloated structure has given rise to several inefficiencies in the water sector, including the duplication of some functions and contradictory terms of reference for others,” says the scientist who heads the think tank.
On his part, Prof. Onyando said many Kenyans continue to ail from what he termed ‘water blindness’.
“Many of us suffer from water blindness and related wasteful use of available water. This comes from the mistaken notion that there is plenty of water all around us yet we are currently classified as a water-stressed nation,” said Prof. Onyando.
He says rainwater harvesting should be encouraged in the city and other parts of the country.
“As a country, we should manage the water catchment areas so that we have more groundwater and surface water stored using dams. Water harvesting should not be dismissed as a poor person’s pastime but should be nationally embraced to significantly reduce shortages during the dry seasons,” said the academic.
The academic is urging the implementation of urgent remedial measures to conserve the environment and arrest the dwindling water supply.
“We can safeguard our diminishing water supply status by protecting water catchment areas to store more water, reducing the soil loss from construction activities from 600 tons of soil per hectare per year to 11 tons per hectare, and boosting the national forest cover from 7.4 percent to the UN recommended 10 percent,” the expert recommends.
The National Assembly officially reconvened this week with a packed agenda, including the return of Members’ Question Time.
As per the provisions outlined in Standing Order 42A(6B), the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Hon. Ezekiel Machogu, is expected to address a range of inquiries during the plenary session scheduled for Wednesday afternoon on June 7, 2023.
Among the Questions raised by Lawmakers is the transition process for pupils moving from primary schools to Junior Secondary Schools and Form One in the upcoming 2023 academic year and the status of the Guidelines for Implementation of the Junior Secondary School policy specifically concerning the provision of meals.
In addition, concerns surrounding the delayed distribution of books for Grade 7/Junior Secondary School learners in public schools and the delay in the supply of course books for public secondary schools, to Samburu East Constituency.
While, Hon. Charles Onchoke, MP Bonchari Constituency, has sought updates on the construction of classrooms under the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) Phase II in ten secondary schools within his constituency.
Further, Nyakach Constituency MP, Hon. Aduma Owuor, has raised concerns regarding nepotism, mismanagement, and violations of the Ministry of Education guidelines related to the acquisition and disposal of school assets, as well as the recruitment of non-teaching and casual staff.
On her part, Hon. Joyce Kamene, MP Machakos County, has inquired about the provision of sanitary pads to schoolgirls during each financial year from 2017/2018 to 2022/2023.
Finally, Hon. Gabriel Kagombe, MP Gatundu South Constituency, has sought details on measures to ensure equal access to education for children with Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The Members Question time will begin on Wednesday, June 7th at 3.00 pm.
The Automobile Association of Kenya (AA Kenya), in collaboration with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), is proud to announce the launch of The Best Young Driver Contest in Kenya.
This contest aims to raise awareness of road safety among young drivers and highlight their potential to drive responsibly and set a positive example for their peers and adults.
The contest, which will be held in three phases, is designed for young drivers between the ages of 18 and 26. It will test participants’ skills that are essential to becoming a good driver behind the wheel and in real-life situations. Participants will be tested in areas such as first aid, traffic rules, road safety, and vehicle handling.
“The top two winners of The Best Young Driver Contest in Kenya will earn the opportunity to represent Kenya in the prestigious International Best Young Driver Contest, scheduled to take place in Vienna, Austria in October 2023. This international event brings together young drivers from various countries to showcase their safe driving skills and knowledge,” AA Kenya CEO Mr. Francis Theuri said.
The International Best Young Driver Contest serves as an initiative to promote road safety among young drivers and emphasize the importance of responsible driving practices. With the alarming global burden of road accidents, resulting in the loss of at least 4,000 lives annually in Kenya, and causing injuries to more, it is crucial to inspire young drivers to develop a positive road safety
culture.
In Kenya, children and youth account for a significant proportion of road traffic-related fatalities.
The Best Young Driver Contest aims to instil road safety awareness among all drivers, with a specific focus on young drivers, who often face a higher risk on the roads.
“This competition is not a sporting event but an opportunity for drivers to demonstrate their driving skills in a circuit that encompasses various forms of driving conditions, including cornering, muddy roads, tarmac, manoeuvring hurdles, reversing vehicles in diverse road conditions, and driving on off-road terrain.
AA Kenya will provide the vehicles for use in this exercise; however,
contestants must possess valid driving licenses and pass theory tests before being allowed to participate.,” Mr. Theuri explained.
The International Best Young Driver Contest has gained popularity among FIA Region I Members since its inception in 2017. It has proven to be a successful platform for connecting with younger audiences and inspiring safer driving habits among young people.
AA Kenya and FIA urge all eligible young drivers in Kenya to seize this unique opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the promotion of road safety. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer future for all road users.
Canon’s new report, The Future of Filmmaking, notes four shifts in the industry that go beyond tech. Amine Djouahra, B2C BU Director, Canon Central & North Africa explores these four fundamental forces driving change in the industry.
As we are nearing the end of the first half of 2023, we have all become more comfortable with change and disruption. Whether it is the pandemic, environmental factors, unstable global economic conditions, or tech evolution, we have learned to bounce back quickly. One industry that has had to be particularly agile during the past few years is the filmmaking industry.
Canon’s new report (written in conjunction with The Future Laboratory) – The Future of Filmmaking, reveals the industry’s efforts to be a catalyst of change that inspires the creative industry to transform its narrative and to shine its spotlight on topics that will be significant in shaping the future of our world, and that of the African continent.
Interestingly, the report sheds light on the human landscape and its power to create, cultivate, and drive change. The power of people ultimately makes things happen and pushes us toward progress and advancement in any industry. The report highlights four crucial aspects that may be driven by tech but not necessarily led by tech. In my view, these are significant factors directly proportional to the content creation and filmmaking industries and will undoubtedly shape the future of these industries.
Rise of the Creative Class
According to the UNESCO report, global cultural and creative industries (CCIs) are estimated to generate about $2.25 trillion annually, which accounts for 3% of the global GDP and employment of around 30 million people worldwide. It is fascinating to see the rise of this creator economy, which the report identifies as the “New Creative Class”. As we witnessed an unprecedented boom in digitalization over the last 10 years, this creative class sprang into action using technologies to deliver a fresh and novel take on content creation.
If we lens in on the African continent, which is closer to home and more interesting to me, we see some remarkable trends in the creative economy. In Nigeria, as this report shows, the sector employs 4.2 million people and is expected to employ a further 2.7 million by 2025, an increase of more than 50% in the next two years.
Despite the significant contribution made by the new creative class toward societal and economic progress, there still seems to be a gap in recognition compared to other industries. The emerging community of content creators is striving to achieve fair working conditions, equitable payment models, and new standards in the industry that reflect their value and contributions. This is a positive development for the creative sector in its rightful plea to be recognized and treated fairly compared to other industries.
Stay Local
The explosion of digital technologies may have given us the power to do anything from anywhere, but like all things, too much of anything is not always good and has its own consequences. With the plethora of content choices that suddenly became available for audiences consumers worldwide, an interesting trend emerged. People slowly started taking their eyes off the global stage and shifted their gaze towards local and homemade content that told stories of their land and their people.
Given our natural desire as humans to find meaning, connectivity, and relatability, the narrative of authentic stories led independent storytellers, documentary-makers, content creators, and filmmakers to explore topics that local people resonate with. So, it’s no surprise that global streaming giants like Netflix and Disney are investing in Africa to tap the unexplored potential and talent. The report encapsulates the essence of the ‘Stay global, go local’ movement and asserts that media organizations and creative firms will progressively be compelled to shift sight closer to home when it comes to entertainment and content production.
Conscious Consumption
The current climate crisis affects us all, no matter which industry or walk of life we come from. The severity of climate change needs to be taken seriously globally, and genuine efforts must be made for scaled initiatives to reduce our carbon footprints. The streaming industry is no exception to this; the carbon impact of the industry drastically needs to be reduced by adopting a more sustainable approach towards this issue.
The report underpins the significance of consumer demand as a key driver toward adopting sustainable practices and better industry standards. With people gaining more awareness about the environmental impact of their consumption choices, they are likely to demand pro-environmental practices, thus compelling the industry to adopt a pro-active approach towards sustainability.
Inclusive Innovation
The Future of Filmmaking report highlights the positive development of inclusivity and diversity. It emphasizes that the new creative class is at the forefront of inclusivity and is not afraid to challenge the already-established broadcasters. This new generation of creators identifies technology to harness change and propel social progress. Decentralization will be a key trend touching every area of the industry, from financing to licensing and distribution and more, creating new opportunities for the underrepresented creators and bringing them closer to their fans.
Continuing the Legacy of Storytelling
These trends are a wake-up call to many in the industry to pay attention to the changing needs of people and to evolve with them. However, we must always return to the basics and remember the importance of telling stories. While these trends affect the industry by and large, the shifts create more freedom for storytellers to come forth and tell their stories in unique and inspiring ways, enabling them to create content that is responsive to the tastes, locations, and ethics of their audiences in a way that has never been possible before.
All in all, the report tells me that this is an exciting time to be a creator, with the industry opening its doors to new opportunities that reflect change, growth, development, and progress.
The Future of Filmmaking is a Canon x The Future Laboratory report and is available to read in full on The Future Laboratory website.
