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Category: ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENTS

  • Kimani Wa Makaratasi a Beacon of Hope for The Youths

    Kimani Wa Makaratasi a Beacon of Hope for youth is a humble and kind person. He does not boast of his achievements, he rather uses his God-given talents as leverage for other youths whilst inspiring them to achieve their potential.

    He is Kimani wa Makaratasi, the founder and Chief executive Office of Jamii Products, a fully-Kenyan born company dealing with recycling khaki paper and fabricating awesome products from the same.

    We caught up with this gentleman in his workshop and this is what he had to share with us:
    “My idea was born out of the Government’s Declaration of a “total Ban” on single-use plastics way back in 2017. The Government envisaged a cleaner environment and thereby imposed the ban, which triggered my imagination on a more climate-friendly mode of packaging. It’s then that I started making packaging bags out of khaki paper which is 100% biodegradable (meaning it does not pose a threat to our environment. Moreover, its also 100% recyclable, with nothing going to waste,” he noted.
    Our hawk-eyed crew noticed workers as busy as a bee pre-forming, casting and making very attractive packaging bags and gift packs, not to forget cake boxes. The workshop was a beehive of activities with the very humble CEO throwing an eye here and there to see that everything runs smoothly.

    “Currently Jamii Products Limited has employed twenty full-time staff who eke a living out of this business. Mostly youths, I am focused on delivering them from the voracious threat of drug, substance, and psychotropic substance abuse – which sometimes renders them zombies. I’m also very alive to our government’s commitment of the Bottom Up Economic Transformation agenda (BETA) which envisions to uplift and empower those on the bottommost tier of the pyramid,” he added.
    He is an Equal-Opportunity Provider
    The Constitution of Kenya (promulgated in 2010); Article 54 (A person with any disability is entitled;
    (a) to be treated with dignity and respect and to be addressed and referred to in a manner that is not demeaning;
    (b) to access educational institutions and facilities for persons with disabilities that are integrated into society to the extent compatible with the interests of the person;
    (c) to reasonable access to all places, public transport and information;
    (d) to use Sign language, Braille or other appropriate means of communication; and
    (e) to access materials and devices to overcome constraints arising from the person’s disability.
    stipulates that all Kenyans are entitled to the highest standards of living, including persons living with disabilities. Cognizant of this fact, Kimani wa Makaratasi offers them FREE TRAINING thereby empowering them with hands-on skills to be able to live a decent, independent life, thus dignifying them. Training classes take 7-10 days with a very affordable fee of Ksh 15,000 and one is open for all regardless of their education level and no age limits.
    Kimani wa Makaratasi also carries out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for prisoners country-wide.

  • C & I Installations to play a Role in Attaining the 100 Percent Clean Energy in Kenya

    A pannel discussion during the ESAK conference 27th March at Sarova Panafric Nairobi.

    The Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK) has highlited the need to include captive power installations in Kenya to help achieve the 100 percent clean energy by 2030.

    The Conference theme ” accelerating C & I installations for sustainability” which is also in line with the country’s push for 100 percent renewable energy.

    “C & I is a key enabler of sustainability. We see more uptake of C & I installations not only being beneficial to the grid but also useful to customers looking to manage costs, maintain a green manufacturing portfolio and ensure energy security .” Said Eddy Njoroge, Chairperson ESAK.

    EPRA are working on the wheeling regulations and net metering regulations which will allow for more consumer control of electricity production.

    There has been an uprising installations of captive power of meaning , that consumers are installing their own power generation facilities. These consumers normally already have a connection to the grid, via a KPLC line. Large and Medium sized consumers like factories, lodges and shopping malls are choosing to go solar. These installations were initially motivated by the enforcement of energy management rules by EPRA in the last 14 years.

    “Today the drive is not only energy efficiency but also energy security , improving power quality and responding to environmental targets. Captive systems offer supply where the grid has not reached allowing establishments to access the services of electricity in an environmentally responsible manner.” Said George Aluru ESAK CEO.

    The opening up of captive power plant market also allows for the absorption of foreign direct investment in the country and savings on public finance of electricity infrastructure, that will lead to better economic outcomes for the country. Jobs will be created, investment will be absorbed, efficiency will be improved, and new service companies established to support these installations.
    “The anticipated 1GW of C&I installations by 2030 would equate to a total of USD1bn worth of investments in the country.”, noted Mr.Aluru.

    In addition, As at 2023, C&I installations in Kenya were estimated at 439MW and is projected to reach 1GW by 2030. The growth in C&I installations is highly attributed to companies need to go green and cut on their carbon print, need for energy security and cheaper as well efficiency for industries.
    In Kenya, the C&I energy mix comprises of solar PV, small hydro, bioenergy as well geothermal.

  • KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a

    KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a

    Irungu Nyakera paid a courtesy call to the CEO of Kakuzi PLC in Murang’a.
    Irungu Nyakera paid a courtesy call to the CEO of Kakuzi PLC in Murang’a.

    The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Irungu Nyakera, recently paid a courtesy call to the Kakuzi PLC leadership in Murang’a. During the visit, Nyakera praised the company for its positive impact on the community.

    “I was impressed by the role Kakuzi is playing in value addition, aggregation, and community engagement. They have fully integrated smallholder farmers into their ecosystem,” noted Nyakera.

    Nyakera was particularly impressed with Kakuzi’s commitment to human rights. “What impressed me most is that Kakuzi has a Human Rights Awareness Manager dedicated to engaging all employees and stakeholders to ensure their rights are guaranteed and protected.”

    Nyakera also highlighted the need for Kakuzi to expand its operations beyond Murang’a County. “I discussed the importance of Kakuzi focusing on becoming a national company rather than just a company based in Murang’a. Let’s grow together.”

    Chairman KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers
    Chairman KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera, was worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers

    In addition to his visit to Kakuzi, Nyakera also engaged with tea farmers in Kariara Ward, Murang’a, where he discussed the impact of recent tea reforms. He noted significant improvements in the payments to tea farmers.

    “I championed reforms that have borne fruit: monthly payments increased from 16 to 25, the mini bonus from 3 to 12, and the yearly bonus more than doubled in 2021. We implemented a ‘one man, one vote’ system in factory elections, and cartels have been removed. Since farmers are the foundation of our economy, let us now take care of them,” Nyakera continued.

  • 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.

     

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Regional science, tech conference opens in Nairobi

    Prof. Walter O. Oyawa, Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology & Innovation (NACOSTI) representing the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Education, Kenya Hon. Ezekiel Machogu at the official opening of the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference today in Nairobi.
    The 3rd EAC Regional Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Conference opened in Nairobi today.
    The conference, which runs until Friday 8 March 2024, is 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 is being 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 will also serve to strengthen collaborations, facilitate regional integration and enhance sustainable development.
    The conference was opened by the Director General of the National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), Dr Walter Oyawa, on behalf of Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education Ezekiel Machogu. Other notable dignitaries present included the Executive Secretaries of IUCEA and EASTECO, Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona  and Dr Sylvance Okoth, respectively, and donor representatives.
    The overarching theme of the conference is, “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.
    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.
    Mr Machogu observed that, Kenya plans to have at least one national polytechnic in each of the 47 counties. “The Draft Sessional Paper on Education 2024 proposes an allocation of 2% towards research with at least a third of that amount going towards TVETS and another third towards universities.”
    The Executive Secretary of EASTECO, Dr Sylvance Okoth, added that, the conference will provide an important forum for exchanging scientific information, and in the process, create new linkages and strengthen bonds of collaboration. “we will be listening to outputs of scientific production in both oral and poster presentations; interact with exhibitions of scientific innovations; and witness intellectual discourse.”
    On his part, IUCEA Executive Secretary Prof Gaspard Banyankimbona underscored the importance of utilizing research to improve livelihoods. “We firmly believe that research, development, and innovation (RDI) are not mere academic pursuits but the very engines driving knowledge, fostering collaborative problem-solving, and propelling the creation of impactful solutions to the challenges we face collectively.”
    During the event, the EASTECO Regional STI Policy and Intellectual Property Policy were also launched.
    The meeting brings together diverse actors in the STI system, including policy makers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students and development partners.
    EAC GIZ Cluster Coordinator, Bjorn Richter speaking at the 3rd EAC Regional STI Conference. The conference has brought together policy makers, industry players, academicians, researchers, innovators, students and development partners.
    Other stakeholders attending the conference include 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 is being held in a hybrid mode through face-to-face and virtual platforms.
    Activities include a high-level policy dialogue, plenary sessions, an exhibition, and a ministerial session. Special sessions will be held on request from partners and will incorporate a youth engagement session on technologies and innovation of the future as well as a session on entrepreneurship promotion through education, research and development.
    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.

  • Transformative Achievements Unveiled by KEMSA Chairman, Nyakera reveals

    Party Leader & National Chairman- Farmers Party; Patron - Irungu Nyakera Foundation Addressing a past event in KEMSA function
    Party Leader & National Chairman, Farmers Party; Patron: Irungu Nyakera Foundation, Addressing a past event in the KEMSA function

    In a recent address, Hon. Irungu Nyakera, Chairman of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), candidly acknowledged the daunting challenges faced by the organization.

    However, through unwavering dedication and strategic initiatives, the hurdles have been overcome, leading to remarkable progress.

    Hon. Irungu Nyakera elucidated the initial obstacles, including logistical convolutions, financial constraints, and the imperative need for meticulous planning and collaboration with stakeholders. Despite these challenges, he underscored the organization’s commitment to triumph by implementing tailor-made solutions and persistent follow-up.

    “The Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre stands as a testament to the promises fulfilled by the Board and management to revolutionize KEMSA into a more impactful contributor to the healthcare delivery system,” affirmed Hon. Irungu Nyakera.

    The facility is designated to receive, process, and distribute medical supplies across the Great Lakes Region, initially catering to 10 counties in the Nyanza, Western, and North Rift Regions, with a gradual expansion to serve 19 counties by the end of the year.

    KEMSA Health products are ready for supply
    KEMSA Health products are ready for supply

    Expressing delight, Hon. Irungu highlighted the ample space of the facility, designed to facilitate efficient supply and cold chain solutions for essential medical supplies.

    “This decentralization initiative is aligned with the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, aiming to streamline order processing at the National Supply Chain Center and reduce the order turnaround time by approximately 40 percent,” emphasized Hon. Irungu.

    The chairman reported that the Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre has successfully processed essential medicine orders from four counties, with a cumulative value exceeding Kshs. 120 million. Moreover, he revealed KEMSA’s substantial strides in enhancing procurement processes, asserting,

    “In the past half-year, we have made significant progress in strengthening procurement to realize value for money. The board remains optimistic that these efforts will significantly impact the cost of medical commodities by the end of this financial year.”

    Over the last 10 months, KEMSA has dispatched over Kshs. 22,523,862,340 worth of Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies (EMMS) and National Health Strategic Programs (NHSP) supplies nationwide. Hon. Irungu Nyakera emphasized the organization’s resurgence, stating, “KEMSA is regaining its sparkle as the last-mile delivery of more than 86,040 EMMS and NSPHP supplies dispatched to over 8,954 health facilities countrywide is no mean feat.”

    Hon. Irungu Nyakera assured the public, “We are up to the task bestowed upon us because we are your healthcare partners. We commit to tirelessly working to ensure that health commodities are delivered and available for patients’ use as required.”

    The newly inaugurated Regional Distribution Centre is envisioned as an all-encompassing solution hub, providing quality assurance, storage, cold chain facilities, and administrative functions to fortify an effective KEMSA.

  • Running battles and tensions escalate in Keroka: Clash Over Boundary Dispute Sparks Chaos, Prompting Anti-Riot Police Intervention.

    Running battles and tensions escalate in Keroka: Clash Over Boundary Dispute Sparks Chaos, Prompting Anti-Riot Police Intervention.

    Nyamira and Kisii residents have engaged in battlefield stone-blowing as the situation is deteriorating over the Kisii and Nyamira Keroka town boundaries.

    The anti-riot police in Keroka, Kisii-Nyamira Border, were forced to use teargas to disperse residents who had been engaging each other over the Keroka town boundary row.

    Gusii Keroka Town aerial View
    Gusii Keroka Town aerial View

    Chaos ensued on the morning of Sunday, the 3rd, as unknown assailants vandalized stalls, intensifying the already tense situation. Both county governments’ enforcement officers engaged in broad daylight stone-throwing clashes, prompting a swift response from law enforcement agencies.

    Both county governments, Askaris, engaged in broad daylight fierce stone blowing. Businesses were closed down within the shortest possible time. Police officers were ferried to the location to contain the fierce situation as both Nyamirans and Kisii marked their territories.

    Kisii County Police Commander, Charles Kasses, had not yet arrived at the scene by the time of this publication, leaving the situation unchecked. The conflict originated during revenue collection efforts by county officials from both regions.

    The row erupted as county officials from both counties were collecting revenues, but the plans were thwarted.

    Heavy Presence of Police Officers in Keroka
    Heavy Presence of Police Officers in Keroka

    Charles Okiambe, a businessman in Keroka, has recounted that the situation is troublesome and not conducive.

    “It is not conducive for anybody here at the Keroka. There is a lot of wrangling and chaos; tear gas is all over; people are tear gassed; shops closed; stalls demolished.’’ Said Charles Okiambe.

    He, however, encouraged both countries to unite, adding, “We request that both governments stop these shenanigans. We are people from one community; we wish to engage in chaos but development agendas, why the chaos in this area, Please let us bring peace.’’ Okiambe urged.

    Hillary Kennedy, a resident of Keroka, highlighted the economic losses suffered by the town due to the unrest.

    “This town has great growth potential, but today we have lost a significant amount of money. It’s a market day, and parents were busy shopping for pupils and students for back-to-school,” lamented Kennedy.

    Senator Okongo Omogeni, Nyamira County, arrived in troubled Keroka to appeal for peace and unity. Omogeni urged the communities to unite, emphasizing their shared identity as Omogusii people. He called upon the county leaders to intervene and resolve the ongoing dispute.

    Omogeni, however, has urged the county bosses to come in and solve the unending row sparking out in Keroka.

    “Our governors, we should be able to come together, bring our people together, and have a conversation that can allow a peaceful coexistence between the two counties. It will be a shame for our forefathers, and for the leaders who have led the community before. If they see this kind of tension between the two communities,’’ Omogeni says.

    However, the senior counsel While acknowledging the economic and personal losses incurred, he stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law.

    “There are many people from the community that have lost an opportunity to do business. The county has also lost income. We should be people who respect the rule of law, even if we are unable to agree between me and my neighbor on my boundary. If I go to court and the court decides, we should be able to respect that decision. That’s the only way.’’ Sen. Omogeni says.

  • The media urged to take lead in Creating a clean air space in Nairobi

    The media has been urged to take center stage in disseminating positive information on clean air.

    At this time, Nairobi is facing the challenges of pollution.

    Maurice Kavai, who is the Deputy Director Air quality and climate change in Nairobi city county government speaking to journalists during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
    Maurice Kavai, the Deputy Director Air quality and climate change in Nairobi city county government speaking to journalists during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.

    Addressing the media workshop on air pollution in Nairobi, Maurice Kavai, who is the Deputy Director of Air Quality and Climate Change in the Nairobi City County Government, observed that the media should think about unpacking knowledge to bring solutions to the challenges of air pollution.

    “Let’s think of a solution to reduce the issue of air pollution in the city, The county is ready to take recommendations and suggestions to change the menace and bring about a clean environment, Mr. Kavai said when he addressed a media workshop in Nairobi.

    He assured the participants that the county government is ready to share information with the media and end the bureaucracy that has characterized the issue, urging journalists to develop a positive perception that will improve the lives of Nairobi residents.

    Air quality is a devolved function

    More than 3 million people in Nairobi stand to benefit from clean resolutions as the Action Plan 2020–2050 has already been rolled out targeting clean air.

    Studies have shown that the air quality is consistently poor in Nairobi, with average annual PM2.5 levels (fine particulate matter) more than double the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines (WRI, 2021).

    Statistical reports from the city county indicate that over 3,000 people live and work in the Dandora dumpsite, where 3,000 tonnes of waste materials are channeled to the area daily.

    Mr. Sammy Simiyu, the Vital Strategist and Co-chair of the Health Committee, noted that air pollution has resulted in many deaths and has a great impact, especially for pregnant women.

    “Air pollution affects adults and children as opposed to other diseases that might target specific groups of people such as coronavirus that mainly affects the elderly,” he said.

    Studies have shown that 46 percent of deaths in Nairobi are the result of challenges related to air pollution.

    “If a pregnant woman is exposed to air pollution, the unborn baby’s development will be affected, and you are likely to see the impact after the baby is born,” said Mr. Simiyu.

    Media houses have faced constraints in reporting on the subject of air quality, mainly because of budgetary constraints, time constraints, and personnel dedicated to producing the stories.

    There is also intimidation or fear of researching the air pollution stores because some of the hot spots, like Dandora, are heavily protected by locals since they are a source of livelihood for the residents.

    Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data committee chair during presentations the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
    Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data committee chair during presentations the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.

    Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data Committee chair, urged journalists to be conversant in reporting and emerging issues.

    “Please be all round in reporting these shortcomings from climate change, human interest focuses on political scenes to reach a large mass but consider accuracy and put more interest and committed to learn more.’’ Dr. Paul Njogu.

    Purity Munyambu, Gender Specialist at the World Resources Institute Africa (WRI), emphasized to the media to be careful and sensitive when reporting gender-sensitive stories.

    “Let’s think through gender stereotyping when reporting sensitive stories to cause no harm and create an accommodative environment for both victims and the media,” Purity Munyambu urged.

    Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the clean air Catalyst Pilot project in Nairobi during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
    Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the clean air Catalyst Pilot project in Nairobi during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.

    Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the Clean Air Catalyst Pilot Project in Nairobi, expressed positive emotions about the exercise, saying it’s a milestone for the media to break the silence in reporting the air pollution menace.

    “I’m excited to equip journalists with the tools to raise awareness & drive change on air pollution at this noble media workshop in full support of the Earth Journalism program. Despite being a disability champion, I will not get tired of speaking and sharing with the media, which is critical in informing the public, shaping perceptions, and driving policy relating to air pollution,” Dr. Lidubwii emphasized.