Category: LOCAL

How Corruption Steals Lives in Kenya’s ASALS

Mothers at an Isiolo County health facility being taken through the process of measuring child growth including detecting stunting and malnutrition. Image courtesy of NRT.

By OMBOKI MONAYO
The night *Halima’s labor pains began, her husband was engulfed by fear. At 10 p.m., he rushed her to Merti Sub-County Hospital in Isiolo County, only to discover that her critical condition required immediate transfer to the Isiolo County Hospital, the region’s sole Level 5 referral facility.
However, a chilling reality struck: the ambulance essential for such emergencies had been out of service for two weeks.
“We had to think fast and find a way to help the mother and save the pregnancy,” recalled *Jillo Mohammed, a health worker with the county government, his voice heavy with the memory of that frantic night.
Isiolo County, a vast expanse of arid land covering over 25,000 square kilometers, is home to only one public Level 5 referral hospital located in Isiolo town.
The county’s road network spans 1,259.9 kilometers, but only 225.7 kilometers are paved with bitumen or tarmac. The remaining roads, often impassable during the rainy season, pose significant challenges for residents seeking healthcare.
On average, residents live 25 kilometers from a health facility, with a mere 5% residing within 1 kilometer of one.
Those in the remote northern regions bordering Marsabit and Wajir counties face particularly daunting journeys to access critical emergency services.
In Halima’s case, the medical team turned to Action Against Hunger (ACF), a local NGO, which provided a vehicle for the arduous journey to the referral hospital.
The four-hour drive was fraught with peril, navigating rocky terrain and fallen trees, obstacles left by elephants.
“We hoped and prayed and did what we could to help her. By the time we arrived at the hospital, she was in a bad state, delirious from the pain,” Jillo recounted.
Tragically, despite their efforts, Halima lost her baby after being admitted for life-saving treatment.
Her experience starkly illustrates the dire consequences of inadequate infrastructure and limited healthcare access in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs).
For many expectant mothers, the journey to a referral hospital can exceed 100 kilometers, and can be particularly treacherous during the rainy season.
“Pregnant mothers can find themselves in sudden danger if complications arise,” Jillo warned. “In northern Isiolo County, some areas are over 100 kilometers from Isiolo Town, with roads that deteriorate significantly during rains,” added the medic.
A 2022 SMART survey, carried out by the government and development partners in Isiolo County including UNICEF, ACF, USAID and others, highlighted the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare initiatives, including the capacity to reach remote populations using medical outreach teams. These measures would include improved ambulance services.
Dr. Abok Roberts, head of the Nutrition and WASH department at Save the Children Kenya, emphasizes the urgent need to protect children under five. Urgent remedial measures are required to save the lives of neonates.
“Neonates, who are aged between 0 and 28 days, are the most delicate and prone to life-threatening complications,” he stated.
“When it comes to maternal and child health, where is our biggest fight as a country? Research shows that 51% of under-five deaths occur within 28 days after delivery. Lowering the neonatal fatality rate can be achieved if we ensure that we reduce these deaths,” says Dr Abok.
This crisis is compounded by a systemic issue: corruption within Kenya’s governance which often has negative effects on the healthcare sector.
Billions of shillings annually vanish in corruption scandals.
If utilized for their intended functions, including healthcare, these funds that could dramatically improve maternal and child outcomes, particularly in underserved ASAL regions.
Corruption manifests in various forms, from misappropriation of funds to substandard service delivery. These practices hinder the government’s ability to invest in necessary healthcare infrastructure, exacerbating an already critical situation.
The impact of corruption is stark. Between 2019 and 2022, Isiolo County lost Ksh 196 million to corruption, according to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
This money could have funded a modern Mother and Child Hospital in Merti, akin to the one built in Wote, Makueni County for just Ksh 135 million, with the Ksh 61 million balance being set aside for community health education awareness, purchase of nutritional supplements for selected vulnerable families grappling with malnutrition, revamping the ambulance services and supporting community health providers.
According to the Auditor General’s report covering the 2022/23 financial year, a modern market built by the devolved unit reportedly cost Sh545m, money enough to build 4 mother and child facilities at the Wote hospital’s estimates, providing a facility for each of its four sub-counties.
The export abattoir that cost 651m could fund the building of the four facilities and provide an additional Sh111m for additional healthcare-related expenditure.
These losses extends beyond funds; it signifies lost lives and opportunities for vulnerable populations.
Recent scandals, such as the procurement of substandard HIV kits and the misappropriation of COVID-19 response funds, have further devastated the national healthcare system, resulting in drug shortages and frequent strikes by healthcare workers.
Imagine the impact had the Ksh 196 million been used as intended. A well-equipped hospital could provide essential services, while remaining funds could support community health initiatives and reliable ambulance services, potentially saving lives.
The fight against corruption in healthcare is a battle for human dignity and the right to health. It necessitates robust accountability mechanisms and community engagement to promote transparency and ethical leadership.
By reclaiming stolen public funds and investing them in vital healthcare initiatives, we can envision a future where mothers and children in Kenya’s ASALs receive the care they deserve, free from the shadow of corruption.
Note: Due to the sensitive nature of the story, names indicated with an asterisk have been changed to protect the individuals interviewed for the story.

August 29, 2024
Universal Child Benefit: A Lifeline for Kenyan Families

By OMBOKI MONAYO

Nairobi, Kenya – In the arid landscapes of Kenya’s Kajiado South County, the scars of drought still linger. Lucy, a local resident, recalls the harrowing experiences of 2022 when her community faced severe food shortages and livestock losses. “It was a struggle to survive,” she shares. “We were barely able to feed our families.”
Moses Partoti, another resident, echoes Lucy’s sentiments. “Livestock prices plummeted during the drought,” he remembers. “A goat could barely fetch Kes500.”

For Lucy and Moses, and countless others in Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, and Narok Counties, relief came in the form of the Universal Child Benefit (UCB) program, implemented by Save the Children. Coming on the tail end of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown that had also interfered with many families’ livelihoods, the program provided families with a monthly stipend of Ksh800, offering a vital lifeline during difficult times.

Beyond the financial assistance, the UCB program has been instrumental in empowering parents with knowledge and skills to nurture their children’s growth and well-being. “We were taught about positive parenting and how our wives could properly breastfeed the babies,” explains Moses Partoti. This shift in thinking has led to a significant reduction in malnutrition cases within his community.

Achieng, a mother of four from Kisumu, is another beneficiary of the program. “My child used to fall sick frequently,” she recalls. “The UCB helped me buy nutritious foods like omena, ugali, and porridge. He is now much healthier and growing up into a normal, active, and happy boy.”

Mukami, a mother of a child with a disability, is also grateful for the UCB program. “He now enjoys meals of rice, beans, milk, and other foods that he can easily chew and digest,” she says.

The UCB program extends beyond nutrition, encompassing a holistic approach to child care. It encourages families to diversify their diets by growing fruits and vegetables in kitchen gardens, further improving nutrition and reducing cases of malnutrition, diarrhea, stunting, and pneumonia.

The program’s impact goes beyond individual families. Mothers have been organized into Mother-to-Mother Support Groups, where they pool their savings and support each other. “We started a merry-go-round with a contribution requirement of Kes200 for each member,” explains Moses. “This financial empowerment has enabled women to purchase essential household items and food.”

Beatrice Otieno, Program Development, Quality and Impact Director at Save the Children, emphasizes the program’s focus on promoting positive childcare practices. “

UCB addresses issues such as neglect and aims to assist families during critical developmental stages,” she says.
Positive parenting was also a key component of the program. Alice, an Early Childhood Development (ECD) teacher in Kajiado, recalls how she helped a student who was withdrawn and distracted due to parental conflict. By intervening and supporting the family, Alice ensured the child returned to a stable environment.

Recognizing the program’s success, Save the Children is advocating for its expansion across Kenya. “We hope to engage the counties through the Council of Governors to make the UCB program universal and sustainable,” says counseling psychologist Viellinah Gitau.

The government is also taking steps to strengthen social protection programs. Richard Obiga, Senior Program Officer at the National Social Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya, says the government has been running similar programs including the Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC), Hunger Safety Net Program (HSNP), the Universal Child Benefit (UCB), and the Older Persons’ Cash Transfer (OPCT). He confirms that the UCB program results have been factored into proposals contained in the Social Protection Bill that is soon set to be presented in Parliament.

“We are in the final stages of refining the Bill including making the necessary corrections that were made when we took it to the Attorney General’s office. We hope that the Bill will become law so that we can aggressively source for both government and partner funding to further protect vulnerable sections of the population,” says the program officer.

While Kenya has made significant strides in reducing child mortality, with the under-five mortality rate decreasing from 96 per 1,000 live births in 1993 to 41 in 2022, the rates remain higher than the global average of 18 per 1,000 live births. This underscores the continued need for programs like the UCB to empower communities and ensure that children not only survive but thrive, laying the foundation for a safer, healthier future.

Richard Obiga, Senior Program Officer at the National Social Protection Secretariat of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Kenya, confirms that the UCB program results have been factored into proposals contained in the Social Protection Bill that is soon set to be presented in Parliament..

Program Development, Quality and Impact Director at Save the Children, speaks at a recent media workshop.

Lucy, a Kajiado County resident, showcases some of the eggs that the chickens in her brood have laid. She used some of the funds from the UCB to start the chicken rearing project.

Save the Children Counselling psychologist Viellina Gitau speaks to the media at a workshop hosted by Save the Children on August 9, 2024. She advocates for positive parenting in Kajiado County where she works with local communities.

August 27, 2024
Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya Offers Insight on Special Economic Zones,

Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya address the press at the Ministry Headquarters Nairobi.

The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Salim Mvurya has today given a current update on the special economic zones in Kenya, which are intended to open up areas for Key investments.

The CS was accompanied by Investments Principal Secretary Abubakar Hassan, Board Chairman KPA, ChairLapset , CEO and Chairperson Special Economic Zones (SEZ).

The CS met the various stakeholders today to review the progress of Dongo kundu Project, Special economic zones in the country. He observed that Progress was made in Dongo Kundu and investment was done on several sectors including; energy, pharmaceutical, and Glass and Local Investors are 60 percent while International investors make 40 percent .

Speaking during a visit in Naivasha Last week, Mvurya highlighted that investors who had failed to set up operations within one year of receiving their licenses will face revocation of those licenses. He further directed the Special Economic Zones Authority to enforce this mandate, stressing that investors must report to their designated sites within six months or risk losing their licenses. “We are giving every investor six
months to report to the ground, and if they don’t, we will move on to the
next person,” said CS Mvurya.
19 companies have expressed interest in setting up operations at the Naivasha
SEZ, with 11 of them already cleared and awarded licenses. The CS attributed
this progress to the government’s continuous efforts to ease the process of doing business, urging investors to take full advantage of the incentives available.

“KPA has 1.4 billion for compensation of affected persons. The process will begin this week, 400,000 acres marked to begin compensation. 1648 affected persons will be compensated.” Said Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment,Trade and Industry.

Cabinet Secretary Mvurya also observed that they will have a meeting with the leaders in the region to discuss the Dongo Kundu project.
He further noted that areas for economic zones will be gazetted and also have investors who are already being screened. Correct documentation will be prepared in order to gazette them.
The CS also noted that, there are 19 investors in Naivasha, and 3 more will come later.
Investors have been issued with licence, and SEZ will make a reviewed list of the investors and also want to work with the county Governments to make sure the infrastructure is interlinked. This will make it easy for the infrastructure to meet the standards required.

August 26, 2024
MPs wants Utalii college mandated to certify all hospitality professionals

The National Assembly Committee on Tourism and Wildlife advocates for Kenya Utalii College to be granted the authority to certify all professionals in the hospitality industry.

Led by Chairperson Hon. Kareke Mbiuki (Maara), committee members voiced concerns over the lack of regulation in the sector’s training standards.

They emphasized the need for standardized training during a meeting with officials from the Tourism Professionals Association (TPA) led by Chairperson Prof Ray Mutinda.

“If we make it mandatory that all practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector must have a certification from Utalii College before practicing, there will be standardization,” Hon. Mbiuki suggested.

“Our agenda as a Committee is to have the premier college elevated and be the institution that certifies all the professionals in the sector, ” he added during the session chaired by Hon Abdi Ali (Ijara).

“We support having Utalii College as an institution that certifies us. We are proposing that training should continue at the lower levels, and we should be allowed to work with other stakeholders to establish a minimum curriculum for the learners, ” said Prof Mutinda.

In the afternoon, the committee met with Stephen Kinyanjui, CEO of the Tourism Promotion Fund (TPF).
At the session chaired by Hon. Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Mr. Kinyanjui updated the MPs on the projects funded by the TPF in the last and current fiscal years.

The Committee is scheduled to meet tomorrow with the CEOs of the Kenya Tourism Board, Tourism Regulatory Authority, and Tourism Research Institute to discuss their strategic plans in detail.

August 20, 2024
Dominant Kabras RFC Triumphs Over Menengai Oilers in Dala7s

A player from Menengai Oilers confronts Kabras RFC’s Jackson Siketa during active play

Kabras RFC made a glorious return to the spotlight by claiming victory in the third leg of the SportPesa National 7s Circuit at the Dala 7s, defeating Menengai Oilers 24-5 in a thrilling final.

The Millers secured an early lead in the first half, with stunning performances from Patrick Lumumba, Jackson Siketa, and William Mwanji, propelling them to a commanding 17-0 lead. Both sides displayed high-spirited determination in the second half with Kabras prevailing to seal their second win in the circuit having beaten Kenya Harlequins (Quins), in the first leg at Christie 7s in Nairobi.

Fast-rising Kenya Under-20 player, Jackson Siketa, who emerged as the Most Valuable Player in the competition attributed their win to hard work, adequate training, and a good playing strategy. He was backed up by Kabras 7s Head Coach, Felix Ayange, who acknowledged the team effort displayed by his players.

“This is our first win ever in Dala 7s and it feels delicious considering the slow start to the competition. The team composition of young and seasoned players has ultimately bolstered the overall performance,” said Ayange.

Quins won the third place play-off match as KCB lifted the 5th place trophy while Strathmore and Homeboyz won the Challenge Trophy and 13th place trophy respectively. SportPesa’s Communications and Partnerships Manager, Willis Ojwang, expressed enthusiasm about the rising competitiveness in the circuit.

Kabras RFC players lift the Dala 7s trophy after emerging victorious.

“The return of the Olympians and the allure of the SportPesa rewards have significantly driven up the level of play. As we move to the Kabeberi 7s in Nairobi, we anticipate a vibrant atmosphere this coming weekend. We encourage the fans to come out in large numbers to cheer on their favorite teams,” Ojwang remarked.

Earlier, Kabras had annihilated Ingo 7s winners, Quins, with an outcome of 17-00 on their way to the finals of the second leg, as Menengai Oilers showed great determination with a 29-14 win against Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) on their way to meet Kabras in the finals.

Kenya Rugby Union CEO, Thomas Odundo while lauding the players for their good show in Kisumu, predicted an even more competitive leg of the SportPesa 7s in Nairobi with the return of the Olympians.

“Despite a slow start at Dala 7s, the tournament was a huge success with the national team players elevating the competition. We look forward to Kabeberi 7s with even higher expectations as we reach the halfway mark of the circuit,” noted Odundo.

Kabeberi 7s slated for the 24th and 25th of August, kicks off the first of the remaining three legs in the SportPesa National 7s Circuit, where the teams will continue battling it out for the ultimate cash prize of Kes 300,000.

August 19, 2024
KARMA seeks a partnership with the AGS Worldwide Movers team

(Left to right) Julius Achach – Business Development Manager (AGS), Thibault Malezieux – Managing Director (AGS), Collins Mutimba – Secretary General – Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) and Maurene Kenga – Member (KARMA) shares a light moment during a courtesy call to AGS Worldwide Movers to discuss partnership opportunities in records management and data protection.

The Kenya Association of Records Managers and Archivists (KARMA) seeks a partnership with the AGS Worldwide Movers team. The discussions have majored in areas of partnership, especially in records management and data protection.

KARMA also expressed the need to work closely with AGS Worldwide Movers for the upcoming 8th KARMA Annual Conference

on November 4-8, 2024 at the Lake Naivasha Resort with the theme “From Digitization to Digital Transformation.”

Digitalization in Africa has played a key role in accelerating the dissemination of information, increasing connectivity, and fostering economic growth while promoting sustainability.

That is why the 2024 records management conference will focus on transitioning records management practice from digitization to digital transformation.

The biggest annual records management conference in Africa allows participants and members to engage professionals from Africa in the place of professional records management in catalyzing digital transformation.

August 17, 2024
Celebrated Tennis Coach Dr. Murray, Offers Free Tennis Clinics At Sadili Academy

Twenty-three professional and amateur tennis coaches from six East African countries have benefited from two free tennis coaching clinics delivered by celebrated tennis coach, and former Scottish international player, Dr. Judy Murray.

Dr. Murray who is in Kenya on her first private visit to Africa, was hosted by the Sadili Oval Sports Academy, in Nairobi. She is best known as parent and coach to two world tennis no 1’s namely Jamie Murray and Sir Andy Murray.

Jamie who specializes in doubles is a seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion, a Davis Cup winner, and a former doubles world No. 1. Andy won three Grand Slam singles titles, two at Wimbledon, and one at the US Open, and reached eleven major finals.

According to Dr. Liz Odera, the Director of Sadili Oval Sports Academy, the initiative is part of a capacity building and mentoring work at the academy that aims to equip both tennis players and coaches with advanced skills in East Africa. 12 Kenyan coaches and 11 from Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, The Congo, and Tanzania participated in the training that took place on the 9th and 10th of August.

“The biggest problem we have in Africa is that we haven’t strengthened the base which is in the under ten and twelve years category. As long as we continue to have just one or two players at the national level with every subsequent generation of players we are not doing well. We therefore need to build up well and fast, if we want to get players that can grow to represent their countries at both national and international levels,“ said Dr. Odera.

Dr.Murray is a former Scottish international tennis player with 64 national titles to her name. She became Scottish National Coach in 1995, the same year that she became the first woman to pass the Lawn Tennis Association’s Performance Coach Award. She initiated the Scottish National Development Schools program targeting 20 kids aged 8 to 11, which ultimately produced four Davis Cup players and one Fed Cup player, including her Grand Slam-winning sons, Jamie and Andy.

Taking time off her schedule to lend her experience to Kenyan coaches Dr. Murray said she was impressed by the efforts of Sadili Oval Sports Academy to grow regional coaching capacity and interest at the lowest levels in tennis which she noted remains a minority sport even in Scotland.

“I love to share my philosophy of teaching which is all about making it fun and doable by breaking down the skills needed to play the game into manageable chunks for coaches and those starting in the sport. Tennis like other leisure and professional sports is competing with so many other things nowadays. We therefore must make the sport accessible and affordable to all by increasing the professional knowledge base through programs like these”, she said.

Dr. Murray has developed several initiatives such as ‘Miss-Hits’, a fun starter tennis program for girls aged 5–8, and ‘Tennis on the Road’, a mobile outreach program that takes tennis into areas of Scotland where the sport doesn’t exist.

She was accompanied by two other coaches, Emma Doyle, a former Tennis Australia high-performance, touring, and talent development coach with 30 years of experience and Tina Samara, a Transition Coach helping athletes globally navigate the often-challenging world of college sports.

Sadili Oval Sports Academy, located in Langa’ta Nairobi, offers sports facilities primarily for children from underprivileged communities interested in excelling in sports. According to Dr. Odera, the academy is currently focused on identifying global partners and world-class experts who understand how to work with younger age groups in tennis.

“These types of skills transfers and constant retraining where we merge both the player and coaches’ interests with global expertise are important to keep up with the changing trends in tennis or the sport and talent will continue to suffer. We are excited that we have added capacity in these coaches and expect that in two or three years it will pay off as we continue this program to help build up the game in the under 10 and 12 age groups she said.

Some of the topics covered during the free clinics included, teaching tennis in small spaces using different pieces of equipment, tools for growing tennis successfully in under-resourced communities, high-performance player development, high-performance mentoring of teenagers, and also skills in delivering tennis for large numbers.

Among the beneficiaries of the two-day clinics that were open to both professional and amateur tennis coaches, was Linda Janet Otieno. A resident of Kisumu currently working in Nairobi as an armature coach, Otieno lamented the effects of an increasingly sedentary lifestyle in young children and teenagers in the
country.

“I started playing tennis when I was in class six at Migosi Primary School in Kisumu, so I know what it takes. More and more children are neglecting play and sports in place of gadgets and screens. This means that some coming into the sport do not have the necessary physical strength and skills. I am here today to improve my tennis and coaching techniques to be able to impart these strength and coordination skills to the children before they can play the sport”, she said of the training.

While emphasizing the importance of inculcating critical and tactical thinking skills in young players Dr. Murray urged coaches to develop games and activities that can help in coaching children through mirroring actions and movements that the sport will demand of them at a higher level.

“Great athletes have great technical skills, but usually, it is the mental skills that separate those who get to the very top from the rest of the pack. I believe that children learn better through play which means that subconsciously they are building this strong mental attitude without even realizing it. I have shared with the coaches the importance of setting these challenges for the kids, regardless of what age they are, and getting them to work them out themselves,” said Dr. Murray.

On her part, Dr. Odera urged the government to open up more opportunities for investment in the sport especially at the primary and high school level, about equipment costs, entry and participation in regional tournaments as well as the training of coaches to keep up the momentum.

In addition to the free tennis clinics, the event also included engagements with parents on possible sports scholarships and college placements in the United States and Girl Power Camps. In 2012, Dr. Odera initiated Girl Power Clubs Africa, a teenage girls’ leadership through a sport program that impacts over 700 members annually.

It includes a tennis after-school education project in partnership with the Professional Tennis Registry, which is the largest global organization of tennis coaches with over 16,000 members in 125 countries. It provides certification in tennis instruction for tennis coaches and tennis professionals for all levels of tennis.

August 14, 2024
All Systems Go for Historic AFC Leopards Player Awards Gala

AFC Leopards Chairman Dan Shikanda has expressed his excitement ahead of the club’s first ever Player Awards Gala set for Wednesday, August 21 2024 in Nairobi.

The event, organized by the U45 Unit Branch, will recognize the outstanding contributions of players, fans, and branches that defined a rollercoaster 2023/24 season for Kenya’s second most successful club.
Leopards started their campaign with much optimism but struggled for momentum during the first half of the season. However, a strong second-half comeback saw the team finish fourth in the league and reach the semifinals of the cup competition.

“If there’s one word that continues to define this club, it’s resilience,” Shikanda noted during a press briefing a week before the awards.
“We all know the challenges we faced during the early stages of the season, but the fans never gave up and the players responded. It’s only fair that we organize this event to celebrate everyone who makes this club unique,’’ he added.

The gala represents a milestone moment in the club’s history, providing a platform to honor the hard work and dedication of players and the passion of fans who together work to steer the club forward.
The awards ceremony will feature five distinct categories, each designed to acknowledge the diverse contributions within the club. They include Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season, Fans’ Player of the Season, Fan of the Year and Branch of the Year, the latter recognizing the branch that has shown exceptional commitment to supporting the club.

Alex Muteshi, the club’s Patron, emphasized the event’s broader significance, stating: “This gala is more than a celebration of our club’s rich legacy and the incredible efforts of those who make AFC Leopards what it is.
“I am especially pleased to see a category for rewarding our fans. Every club can play football, but not every fan can play Isikuti the Leopards way.” Said Olympia Musonye, Chairperson of the U45 Branch, the key organizers

He further noted that, Organizing this gala is our way of giving back to the club and celebrating the hard work of our players, fans, and branches. We hugely welcome support from corporates and individuals from across the divide and hope this is the beginning of bigger things for the club and Kenyan football as a whole.”

Among the players who will be contesting for the top honours include the talented Kayci Odhiambo, Vincent Mahiga, evergreen winger Clifton Miheso and forward Victor Omune.

The Branch of the Year category has attracted dozens of entries representing the national face of the club. They include Baba Dogo, Bungoma, Githurai, Kajaido, Kawangware, Toronto-Canada, Facebook Branch, Kitengela, Kayole among others.

The awards gala night will be held just two days before Ingwe kick off their 2024-25 Kenyan Premier League season away to promoted side Mathare United on August 25.

August 13, 2024
Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda: Africa’s Best Attorney General

In the legal realm of Africa, one name has risen above all others—Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, the Attorney General of Malawi. Recently crowned as the best Attorney General on the continent, Nyirenda’s accolade underscores his exceptional legal acumen and unwavering dedication to justice.

Before assuming his current role, Nyirenda honed his skills as a lawyer at the Central Bank of Malawi, where he established a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and a sharp legal mind. His journey to becoming Attorney General has been marked by numerous victories in high-profile cases, earning him respect and admiration both locally and internationally.

Nyirenda’s success can be attributed not only to his legal prowess but also to his deep commitment to upholding the rule of law. Under his leadership, Malawi has seen significant advancements in legal reforms and enforcement, setting a benchmark for other nations in the region.

His tenure as Attorney General has been characterized by a string of victories in landmark cases, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes with finesse and strategic insight. Whether tackling issues of constitutional importance, advocating for human rights, or safeguarding national interests, Nyirenda has consistently delivered results that have strengthened Malawi’s legal framework and enhanced its standing on the global stage.

Beyond his professional achievements, Nyirenda is renowned for his integrity, humility, and dedication to public service. He exemplifies the qualities of a true leader in the legal profession—inspiring not only his colleagues but also aspiring lawyers across the continent.

Nyirenda’s recognition as Africa’s best Attorney General serves as a testament to his exceptional abilities and the impact of his contributions to jurisprudence in Malawi and beyond. His journey from the Central Bank to the pinnacle of legal excellence illustrates the power of perseverance and passion in achieving professional success.

As he continues to chart new paths and advocate for justice, Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda remains a beacon of hope and a role model for future generations of legal practitioners in Africa. His legacy is not only in the cases he has won but also in the standards of excellence he has set for the legal profession across the continent.

August 5, 2024
Water Filter Holds Hope for Botswana, Africa

By OMBOKI MONAYO

In Botswana, an innovative solution is emerging from the confluence of two significant challenges: the overpopulation of invasive plant species and

Botswana researcher Dr Ngonye Kerolestwe addresses the media during a workshop hosted IN Nairobi by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the Media for Environment, Science, Helath and Agriculture (MESHA). She’s leading a research team to develop an affordable cellulose water filter to make water safer for domestic use.

large herds of elephants.

According to Dr. Ngonye Keroletswe, the country’s vast elephant population has provided a valuable raw material, which is elephant dung.

“We have large herds of elephants in Botswana, and their dung is, therefore, a good resource for this project,” she told Kenya Leo during a recent media workshop hosted in Nairobi by the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) and the Media for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (MESHA).

Elephants, which are large land mammals and herbivores, produce substantial amounts of non-toxic dung, a rich source of cellulose that can be transformed into biodegradable filters, seamlessly integrating into the environment after use.

“Dung is non-toxic, so the cellulose filters decompose naturally and become a natural part of the environment. We are using it to develop an affordable cellulose water filter,” Dr. Keroletswe tells Kenya Leo.

Additionally, Botswana struggles with containing invasive plant species like mesquite, which is originally from Mexico and was introduced into the country to combat fires.

“The hardy mesquite plant originates in Mexico, but now grows in Botswana. Some even farm it and use it as a hedge around their farms,” she says. “Initially, it was introduced to fight fire. Somehow it has gone out of control, and grows everywhere, reducing pasture land and making grass inaccessible to livestock,” adds the chemistry researcher.

Dr Keroletswe indicates that current government efforts to contain the plants have so far proven unsuccessful.

“Our government has been putting money into the extermination or extinction of mesquite. Despite funding and ongoing efforts, elimination of the plant is hard because once it is uprooted, the branch or root that falls somewhere else takes root and grows into another plant,” she says.

Dr. Keroletswe explains that the plant is widely available because of its resilience and ease of adaptation to the Botswana environment. This proliferation has however come with several challenges, including the drying up of boreholes in some areas.

“The species grow easily and does not need much water. It has proliferated uncontrollably, reducing pasture land and tapping into vital underground water reserves. Mesquite has a deep root system that occasionally taps into the underground water pans that feed boreholes, drying them up in the process,” she says.

Dr Keroletswe reveals that the invasive plant species have shown lots of promise in the project trials.

In her team’s research, mesquite has been identified as a viable source of materials for producing a cellulose water filter.

“We are also looking at the use of invasive plant species such as mesquite that can also act as a source of cheap and affordable cellulose filter material. These are plants that invade and overpower the local indigenous plant species,” she reveals. “The best way to get rid of such is to take it to an expert with filtration manufacturing experience to convert it into a usable product,” adds Dr Keroletswe.

She says the cellulose filter can be cheaply and affordably produced within local community settings.

The researcher sees the technology as a good way to utilize the plant while reducing its adverse effects.

“These hardy plants offer another source of cellulose for affordable and sustainable water filtration materials. We can use the cellulose derived from such hardy plants to help the locals filter and later bottle the water for sale since it will be purified,” says the scientist and researcher.

Several esteemed institutions, including the ARISE Fund sponsored by the African Academy of Sciences and the Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI), are supporting the project which is part of a broader initiative to build local capacity and expertise while enhancing skills and knowledge in developing technologies that benefit the national economy.

She is leading a team of six scientists, including two master’s students, to develop these innovative filtration technologies. One master’s student’s proposal has already received approval from UNISA, while another is researching hydrogels for treating unfiltered water.

“We have 6 scientists working on the project, including 2 Masters students. “The other 2 are working and studying in BITRI. Through the ARISE project sponsored by AAS, we are capacity building the team to enhance their skills, knowledge and experience in developing viable technologies that can contribute to the national economy,” adds the BITRI chemist and researcher.

The cellulose filters and hydrogels being developed aim to remove toxic metals and quaternary ammonia compounds from wastewater.

“One of our team members is modifying plant cellulose to remove anions from wastewater. Preliminary studies show that she has prepared a solvent that can remove 80% of nitrates and phosphates from the water,” says Dr Keroletswe.

The scientist points out that the research is particularly relevant in the post-COVID era, where increased use of sanitisers and detergents has led to higher levels of these compounds in wastewater.

“During the Covid pandemic period, a lot of sanitisers, and detergents that were in use had quaternary ammonia compounds and all of these ended up in our wastewater. The technology will clean up the wastewater. Additionally, efforts are underway to create membranes capable of de-ionizing water, making it suitable for various uses, including safe drinking water,” she says.

By harnessing local resources and scientific expertise, Botswana is poised to transform its environmental challenges into a beacon of innovation in sustainable water filtration. As technology advances, it promises to provide a sustainable, locally produced solution to water purification, turning environmental challenges into economic and health benefits for Botswana and beyond.

The research team plans to commercialize the technology in Botswana and market it internationally.

“We are also hoping that the technology will be commercialized and licensed for sale in Botswana and the rest of the world,” says Dr. Keroletswe.

August 5, 2024