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Category: GOVERNANCE AND OPINION

  • A call for national unity for the stability of the democratic republic of Congo

     

     

     

     

     

     

    By James Nyaigoti,

    In a historic move to unify the Democratic Republic of Congo and address the recurring conflicts that have plagued the country for over 30 years, eight politico-military movements, 15 political groups, over 267 prominent political personalities, 34 citizen movement organizations, and 41 civil society groups have announced the formation of Alliance Fleuve Congo (Alliance River Congo).

    Alliance Fleuve Congo will focus on resolving the root causes of the recurring conflicts to ensure lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and responsibility towards its citizens.

    The team identified unethical practices such as corruption and embezzlement of public funds.

    Tribalism, dispossession of public and private property, discrimination, lies, witchhunts, the exploitation of public services and institutions, tribalization and manipulation of justice, arbitrary arrests, assassinations, economic crimes, linguistic discrimination and exclusion, division, and impoverishment of the population—all of which have blossomed in the Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo regime.

    Speaking during the announcement of Alliance Fleuve Congo in Nairobi, Kenya, Corneille Nangaa, one of the leaders, said that the government of the DRC deliberately violates the Constitution, the laws of the Republic, and all international treaties acceded by the country.

     

     

     

     

     

    “We have decided to work together to establish a structured force for the rebuilding of the state and to resolve the root causes of recurring conflicts to ensure lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Corneille Nangaa said.

    Alliance Fleuve Congo’s founding statement outlined a stark assessment of the current situation as the country heads to the general elections, set for December 20.

    The statement emphasized that the outcome of the elections seems predetermined, with the current regime establishing machinery to carry out an electoral coup d’etat by hijacking the electoral process at all levels.

    Some of the shortcomings of the government that were identified include widespread security and instability, especially in the Eastern DRC, erosion of state institutions, and disenfranchisement.

    “Given that the Kinshasa regime has deliberately chosen to outsource national security by using war as a business, undermining the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) for the benefit of foreign mercenaries and other negative forces that prey upon the Eastern part of the country, sowing death and desolation, we are calling on all patriots to join us to save our country and to establish cohesive governance in unity and peace, the rebuilding of a state that rises to its sovereign
    responsibilities based on the law and which assures the safety of all.” Mr. Nangaa said.

    In response to these challenges, Alliance Fleuve Congo proposes collaboration between political parties, civil society groups, resistance forces, the Armed Forces of the DRC, and community leaders to form a powerful and cohesive bloc.

    The following entities have accepted the call so far: political-military movements;
    a) Ituri
    1. FRPI
    2. Chini ya Kilima;
    3. Zaire
    b) South Kivu
    1. The FPDC
    2. The Twiraneho
    3. Movement Article 64.
    c) North Kivu
    1. Kyahanda and different groups MaiMai
    2. M23
    Policy groups
    a) Political groups: 15 political parties have come forward. (We are careful not to
    mention them for security reasons.)
    b) Political actors: 267 personalities.
    Civil society groups
    a) Citizen organizations: 23 Citizen movement,

    b) Civil Society Groups: 41.

     

     

     

  • A Mega X-Mas for SportPesa Jackpot Bonus Winner

    With less than three weeks to go until the end of the year, just one prediction stood
    between 41-year-old John Matata, and the hundreds of millions of shillings in prize money at stake in the SportPesa Mega Jackpot.

    Matata who lives in Nairobi but hails from Machakos got 16/17 predictions correct, taking home 10,315,693 shillings and setting himself and his family up for a mega Christmas holiday.

    “I am extremely delighted for winning this week’s Mega Jackpot Bonus by SportPesa. I will take my time to plan and ensure that this money helps and changes our lives as a family for the better”, said the father of two.

    Matata’s win continues the lucky streak, that has since seen 10 winners walk away with more than ten million shillings this year from the Mid-week and Mega Jackpot Bonus. It comes a week after Mr. Solomon Mnang’at, a businessman from Kapenguria in West Pokot County walked away with 4,791,803 shillings after getting 15/17 correct predictions.

    Matata who has been betting with SportPesa since 2016, urged for caution from punters while placing bets.

    He noted that many young people will be at home this holiday season and may be lured into irresponsible gambling in the hope of making a kill of the Mega Jackpot that currently stands at over 340 million shillings.

    In addition to the Midweek and Mega Jackpot Bonuses, SportPesa has so far rewarded 60 players in the ongoing ‘Jishikie Kienyeji Hii Krisi’ Christmas campaign with 42 lucky winners receiving 5,000 shillings weekly.

    At the close of the campaign, one lucky winner who holds an inspiring and moving story of what their year has been will walk away with a Christmas shopping bonanza worth Kes 100,000, courtesy of SportPesa.

  • Assek celebrates five years of service

     

    During the celebration to mark 5 years.

    By James Nyaigoti,

    The Association of Startup and SME Enablers of Kenya (ASSEK) today held a conference to celebrate five years of existence where various partners, startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs discussed their development and growth to a maximum level.

    ASSEK is a strong network of more than 120 member organizations. These are all entrepreneurial support organizations that are working with them to support the start-up growth and scale-up of their businesses. They are based across the entire country.

    “They are based across the entire country. Assek membership is only 10,000 Kenya shillings currently. There’s no way we have that as an affordable price because you want to ensure all entrepreneur support organizations in the country but to join and not buy it from the cost of entry, which are some of the benefits of being a member and so you get access to such events where, for example, we’re hosting an annual conference in 2023, where we had the ministry of investments and trade present in the meeting. ” Mercy Kimalat, ASEK CEO,.

    ASSEK CEO Mercy Kimalat,

    On the occasion, Hon. Kibutha Kibwana, former Makueni Governor, observed that there is a Startup Bill proposed that will offer some incentives, such as tax breaks and access to credit for startups. William Ruto, Kenya’s President, has confirmed that the Startup Bill 2022, which seeks to provide employment opportunities for Kenyan youth and tax breaks for startups, will be signed into law by April 2024.

    The CEO further added that the other thing is looking at how policy changes are also happening. You know, we had the Kenya Revenue Authority present and are talking about how they’re coming up with a policy specifically for the MSMEs because that is a huge tax base that they’ve been considering, but also coming up with a policy that is good and conducive for that sector. So in a way, we’re seeing a lot of changes both on the policy side and on the investment side. We received more than $1 billion in investments into the country over time—not just in one year, but over time, we’ve seen that happening.

    “Join us, and you don’t have to be only an entrepreneur support organization. You can come and partner with us. The reason for this is that to build an ecosystem, we need a village where every single person has to play their role. So whether you are in academia or not, come and partner with us to see how we can show them the industry-academia linkages. If you are a corporation, let’s see how we can strengthen the corporate and startup linkages as well. If you’re an investor, we have a good pipeline of innovation hubs and a strong community of startups and SMEs that can tap into that kind of funding. And generally, anyone else who’s a stakeholder in the community and is a beneficiary of all this partnership with ASIC should join us and be part of our community. Let’s build Kenya. To what you want to see it become.” Added Mercy Kimalat.

  • Consistency Pays Off for 4.7M SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus Winner

    Consistency Pays Off for 4.7M SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus Winner

    The fortune favored Mr. Samson Lokowpel Mnangat from West Pokot County has clinched the SportPesa Mega Jackpot Bonus, a substantial Kes 4,791,803 win.

    Mr. Samson Lokowpel Mnangat from West Pokot County
    Mr. Samson Lokowpel Mnangat from West Pokot County

    A devoted SportPesa enthusiast since 2014, Mnangat, a Kapenguria-based family man operating a retail shop, recounts his journey of winning smaller multi-bets throughout the years.

    Exemplifying the ‘Hustler’ spirit, Mnangat envisions utilizing his newfound wealth to develop his land and invest in his business, fueled by his 15/17 correct predictions that narrowly missed a staggering 337,399,211 shillings.

    “Hii pesa itanisaidia mimi na familia yangu, huko nyumbani niko na plot nataka nijenge. Hi, 339 million

    Ya Mega Jackpot nitakujia next week, ama next month,” said the elated Mnangat

    Having traversed approximately 500 kilometers from Kapenguria to Nairobi to collect his winnings, Mnangat expresses his unwavering commitment to the SportPesa Mega Jackpot, currently valued at 339,066,519 shillings with a nominal entry fee of 99 shillings.

    In the spirit of the festive season, SportPesa extends its generosity with the ‘Jishikie Kienyeji Hii Krisi’ Christmas campaign, complementing the weekly SportPesa Midweek and Mega Jackpot Bonuses. Up to 42 fortunate winners stand to receive Kes 5,000 weekly as part of this joyful initiative.

    As the campaign concludes, one exceptional participant with a compelling and uplifting story from the year will be bestowed with a grand Christmas shopping bonanza worth Kes 100,000, courtesy of SportPesa, adding an extra touch of warmth and cheer to the holiday season.

  • Kenya takes the lead in creating sustainable food systems during the launch of the 2030 Action Plan

    By Melisa Mong’ina
    Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) Kenya and other partners of the Coalition have hosted the World Soil Day Conference dubbed “Enhancing Soil Health for Sustainable Food Systems” in Nairobi.
    Speaking on Tuesday during the World Soil Day Press Conference, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Crop Development and Research, Dr. Paul Ronoh, noted the government’s effort to address soil health for the transformation of Kenya’s food systems.
    “I am greatly honoured to be part of this year’s World Soil Day celebrations. The 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly declared the year 2015 as the international year of soil, and since then, every 5th of December is celebrated as the World’s Soil Day,” said Dr. Ronoh.
    Further, Dr. Ronoh emphasized the importance of improving soil health through the use of appropriate land use practices for intensifying agriculture production.
    “The link between soil health and land use is strongly correlated. Improving soil health through appropriate land use practices is crucial for intensifying agriculture production, thus enhancing food security and protecting the environment,” added Dr. Ronoh.
    The conference brought together more than 100 stakeholders to discuss the crucial role soil health and management play in pursuing food production that meets the nutritional needs of Kenya’s growing population.
    According to AGRA Vice President for Program Delivery, Prof. Hamadi Boga, building on the momentum created through a national consultation, there are evidence-based suggestions to advance the discussion on transforming Kenya’s food system.
    “We are pleased to launch the Food Systems and Land Use Action Plan 2024–2030 on this World Soil Day. Building on the momentum generated by a national consultative process, these evidence-based recommendations are a step in furthering the conversation about Kenya’s food system transformation, of which soil remains a critical element,” said Prof. Boga.
    The Program Lead of FOLU Kenya, Mr. Jeremiah Rogito, said the action plan will focus on five key areas, which include healthy diets, productive and regenerative agriculture, protecting and restoring nature, food loss and waste, and youth and social inclusion.
    Following the suggestions from the UN Food Systems Summit and the Kenyan government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Plan, the conference aimed to encourage soil health, biodiversity conservation, climate change awareness, youth entrepreneurship in food and land use, as well as promoting sustainable consumption and healthy diets in Kenya.
  • indaHash Unveils its Entry into Kenya, bringing advanced influencer marketing solutions to the region

    indaHash Unveils its Entry into Kenya, bringing advanced influencer marketing solutions to the region

    Francis Karugah alias MediaMK VP Kenya, Indahush
    Francis Karugah, alias MediaMK, VP Kenya, and Indahush

    indaHash, the globally acclaimed influencer marketing platform and a proud part of the Araby Ads Group, announces its expansion into the Kenyan market. This strategic move is in line with indaHash’s vision to further cement its presence in the African market, following its impactful footprint in South Africa since 2017 and successful collaborations with clients like the South African Tourism Board.

    Locally, indaHash has executed campaigns for brands like Carrefour, MasterCard, and Kenya Airways.

    Innovating Influencer Marketing in Africa

    Since its inception in 2016, indaHash has revolutionized influencer marketing across 115 markets, conducting successful campaigns for over 600 brands with its network of over 1 million influencers. The entry into Kenya signifies indaHash’s commitment to expanding its expertise and innovative solutions in Africa, with a history of effective campaigns for various African clients. As part of Araby Ads Group, headquartered in Dubai, indaHash benefits from the group’s pioneering role in ad tech and e-commerce marketing. indaHash’s Comprehensive Managed Services:

    indaHash operates with flexible pricing models and collaborates with a diverse range of creators, including mid-tier, top-tier, micro-influencers, and nano-influencers, to cater to varied campaign needs and budgets.

    Leadership and the New Team in Nairobi:

    Francis Karugah, an award-winning former executive of WPP-SCANGROUP with 14 years of experience in East Africa and a trailblazer in influencer marketing strategies, has been appointed to head IndoHash’s operations in Kenya. Under his leadership, an experienced team based in Nairobi will be responsible for driving the platform’s growth in the Kenyan market, leveraging global insights and local expertise.  The Kenyan team also includes seasoned influencer marketers, Caleb Ochenge and Judith Ochieng, who have been at the forefront of driving innovation and best practices in the East African influencer marketing space for the last five years.

    With its expansion into Kenya, indaHash is set to empower local brands with its sophisticated managed service and SaaS solutions, driving innovative and impactful influencer marketing strategies. For influencers and creators, indaHash will offer best-in-class creative strategies, exposure to global markets, robust reporting templates, and best-in-class engagement practices.

    Barbara Soltysinska, CEO of indaHash, shares her vision: “Our experiences in South Africa and with other African clients have shown us the vibrant potential of the African market. Kenya, with its dynamic digital landscape, is an ideal next step for indaHash. We’re excited to offer our unique blend of technology and creativity to the Kenyan brands.”

  • $7 trillion in global finance annually is worsening climate change on crises

    Close to $7 trillion is invested globally each year in activities that have a direct negative impact on nature from both public and private sector sources, equivalent to roughly 7 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the latest State of Finance for Nature report released today at COP28 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners.

    The report finds that in 2022, investments in nature-based solutions totaled approximately $200 billion, but finance flows to activities directly harming nature were more than 30 times larger. It exposes a concerning disparity between the finance volumes for nature-based solutions and nature-negative finance flows and underscores the urgency to address the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

    “Nature-based solutions are dramatically underfunded. Annual nature-negative investments are over 30 times larger than financing for nature-based solutions that promote a stable climate and healthy land and nature. To have any chance of meeting the sustainable development goals, these numbers must be flipped, with true custodians of the land, such as Indigenous Peoples, among the chief beneficiaries,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

    The findings are based on an analysis of global financial flows, revealing that private nature-negative finance flows amount to US$5 trillion annually, 140 times larger than the US$35 billion of private investments in nature-based solutions. The five industries channeling most of the negative financial flows—construction, electric utilities, real estate, oil and gas, and food and tobacco—represent 16 percent of overall investment flows in the economy but 43 percent of nature-negative flows associated with the destruction of forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats.

    Niki Mardas, Executive Director of Global Canopy, said, “This year’s report is a stark reminder that continuing with “business as usual” poses a severe threat to our planet, reinforcing the urgent need for a transition to sustainable business practices and to stop the financing of nature destruction. The net is tightening, and with increased regulatory pressure in key areas like tackling deforestation, it means that those companies and financial institutions still driving the problem now need to make the best use of the excellent data, guidance, and frameworks already available to commit to a nature-positive future urgently.”

    Government spending on environmentally harmful subsidies in four sectors—agriculture, fossil fuels, fisheries, and forestry—is estimated at US$1.7 trillion in 2022. As leaders gather in Dubai this week, reforming and repurposing environmentally harmful subsidies, particularly for fossil fuels and agriculture, will be critical. Fossil fuel subsidies to consumers alone doubled from US$563 billion in 2021 to US$1.163 billion in 2022.

    The finance gap persists

    The report identifies a significant financing gap for nature-based solutions, with only US$200 billion allocated in 2022, led by governments, which contributed 82 percent (US$165 billion), while private finance remains modest at US$35 billion (18 percent of total nature-based solutions finance flows). To meet the Rio Convention targets on limiting climate change to 1.5C, as well as the Global Biodiversity Framework target to set aside 30 percent of land and sea by 2030 and achieve land degradation neutrality, finance flows to nature-based solutions must almost triple from current levels (US$200 billion) to reach US$542 billion per year by 2030 and quadruple to US$737 billion by 2050.

    Both public funding and private investment need to increase dramatically, in conjunction with the re-alignment of financial flows that have a detrimental impact on nature. While public funding will continue to play a critical role, private finance can potentially increase its share of nature-based finance from 18 percent currently to 33 percent by 2050.

    “The widespread degradation of nature is not only exacerbating the climate crisis but also pushing us towards exceeding planetary boundaries. Investing in nature-based solutions provides a strategic and cost-effective avenue to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation while at the same time making tangible headway towards the sustainable development goals,” said Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, which funded the report.

    Nature-based solutions provide critical investment opportunities, as they are cost-effective and provide multiple benefits. Investment opportunities in sustainable land management can increase fourfold by 2050 based on the long-term profitability of sustainable food and commodity production, which is critical to catalyzing private investment.

    Protection of diverse ecosystems is highly cost-effective, representing 80 percent of the additional land needed for nature-based solutions while absorbing just 20 percent of additional nature-based solutions financing by 2030. Given the scale of degradation globally, restoration provides massive opportunities to strengthen ecosystem function and resilience to deliver the ecosystem services that people rely so heavily upon.

    Urgent action on two fronts: repurposing negative finance in nature and scaling investment in nature.

    The report suggests that simply doubling or tripling investment in nature-based solutions will not be sufficient to reach the three Rio targets unless the almost $7 trillion in financial flows to nature-negative practices are dramatically reduced and ideally repurposed in favour of nature.

    A major turnaround for nature is needed. The financial sector and businesses must not only increase investments in nature-based solutions but also implement incentives to redirect finance away from harmful activities, fostering positive outcomes for nature. Government policies play a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for nurturing investment opportunities.

    Notably, investment prospects in nature-based solutions are flourishing, driven by the overhaul of global sectors such as food, extractives, real estate, and infrastructure—major contributors to nature’s decline. These opportunities rival those arising from the climate crisis, presenting a pivotal moment for impactful change.

  • Former KBC boss in hot soup over frequency allocation to GOTv

    The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the State Broadcaster, has faced a financial setback, receiving no dividends since 2017 despite holding a 40% stake in a joint venture established in 1994 with Multichoice Africa. According to former KBC Managing Director Mr. Waithaka Waihenya’s testimony before the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration, and Agriculture, the joint venture was initiated in 1995.
    “There was a co-location between KBC and Multichoice, so the relationship was completely symbiotic but premised on the envisaged partnership. And what I found was that in the JV, which I never saw KBC have before 40%,” Mr. Waithaka Waihenya said.
    During this partnership, KBC, with its access and licensing to TV broadcast frequencies, allowed Multichoice Africa to utilize its resources, including the Signet platform and broadcast infrastructure located in ten regions across the country. However, a thorough examination of KBC’s accounts and the Auditor-General’s reports by the Committee revealed no revenue generated from this collaboration.
    Initially, KBC was granted a 40% share in Multichoice Kenya, a local subsidiary of Multichoice Africa, while Multichoice Africa retained a 60% share. The deal required KBC to contribute 30% in direct funds and an additional 10% through co-location, incorporating extensive infrastructure such as land and telecommunication masts.
    The Hon. Wangwe committee chair demanded to know the state of the agreement between KBC and Multichoice Company before the committee.

    “In marketers, do you want to confirm that it is very serious and very informative that you never saw the JV? I was there for seven years, and for those seven years, you never saw the JV.” Hon. Wangwe questioned.

    “I suppose that the partnership was so lucky that I never saw any of the proceeds. So I may not be able to tell you much about that; I have no details on that.” Mr. Waithaka Waihenya affirms.

    The situation took a turn for the worse for KBC when the Supreme Court of Kenya, in Petition No. 14 of 2014, introduced a new licensing category, the Self Provisioning Signal Distribution Licence (SPSD). This allowed other players, including GOTV, to access broadcast frequencies.
    In a letter dated February 28, 2017, the Communications Authority acknowledged KBC’s request to transfer frequencies from SIGNET, owned by KBC, to GOtv Kenya Limited, effectively relinquishing ownership of the frequencies.
    This move stripped KBC of its longstanding broadcasting influence, leading to its current struggle to compete with private players in the media industry despite receiving state funding. Mr. Waithaka Waihenya informed the Committee that a former regional director for Multichoice Africa now holds a 30% share in GOtv.
    Expressing concern, the Committee noted that KBC has become a mere shadow of its former self, grappling with financial challenges and an inability to generate revenue. Mr. Waihenya is set to submit supporting documents to the Committee in three days, reinforcing his revelations. The Committee has already questioned the Ag. Director of KBC, Mr. Samuel Maina, regarding this matter.
  • Naivas Supermarket’s Century of Success, unveils the Kakamega Milestone as the 101st Branch Redefines Retail Excellence

    Naivas Supermarket’s Century of Success, unveils the Kakamega Milestone as the 101st Branch Redefines Retail Excellence

     

     

    In a landmark move, leading retailer Naivas Supermarket is breaking new ground by establishing its presence in Kakamega, marking a significant milestone in its journey of expansion beyond a century.

    The inauguration of the Kakamega branch is not merely the introduction of a new outlet; it symbolizes a momentous step as Naivas surpasses the 100-branch milestone. With the unveiling of its 101st branch, Naivas continues to redefine the retail landscape, demonstrating resilience and innovation in its pursuit of growth.

    Situated within the newly constructed Cathedral Mall, the Kakamega branch stands as a testament to Naivas’ strategic vision, with the supermarket chain serving as the anchor tenant in this exciting venture.

    Spanning an expansive 32,000 square feet of trading space across two floors, the new outlet is a manifestation of thoughtful planning and customer-centric design. Naivas has meticulously crafted a customer journey that enhances the shopping experience, coupled with a carefully curated product catalog. The interior aesthetics of the store contribute to a modern and inviting ambiance, aligning seamlessly with Naivas’ overarching mission of providing an affordable, world-class shopping experience.

    “We are super delighted that we are finally making an entry into Kakamega which has certainly been the most requested branch in the recent past. I am proud that we are finally able to fulfill this long-standing request by the great people of Kakamega. They say good things take time, we have taken time and listened to our customers, understood their needs and come up with a store that not only meets but exceeds the needs of our Kakamega shoppers. This is a move that underscores our commitment to making shopping experiences easier, affordable and more enjoyable,” remarked Peter Mukuha.

    “This opening is particularly exciting as it is right in the middle of our festive Annual National Consumer Promotion referred to as Kikwetu. This year, the campaign is dubbed #NaivasKikwetuFiesta and we are happy that Kakamega gets to join in, adding the isikuti flavour to the fiesta. We all know, no fiesta is complete without goodies, as has been the tradition the past 12 Kikwetus , we have a lot of offerings having in mind that times are very hard economically with ever rising cost of living. This campaign ensures that customers get to enjoy crazy discounts throughout the festive season over and above the crazy discounts, the Reward Cardholders get a chance to win gift vouchers valued at 2k each and over 1000 of our iconic mbuzi across all our branches including the
    newly opened Naivas Kakamega,” concluded Peter Mukuha.

    The Kakamega branch represents more than just a retail space; it encapsulates Naivas’ commitment to quality, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse customer base. As Naivas continues to expand its footprint, the Kakamega branch stands as a beacon of the brand’s dedication to excellence and its journey beyond the remarkable milestone of 100 branches.

  • Mental health challenges increase HIV mortality rates in the country

    Mental health challenges increase HIV mortality rates in the country

    KNBS Snr Manager,NAS Benjamin Muchiri (right) and KNBS HR Manager and Dir Rose Awino(left) present Statistics learning books to TUK after giving a keynote speeches on career talk ,health and HIV/AIDS Awareness in Nairobi on 1st Dec 2023
    KNBS Snr Manager,NAS Benjamin Muchiri (right) and KNBS HR Manager and Dir Rose Awino(left) present Statistics learning books to TUK after giving a keynote speeches on career talk ,health and HIV/AIDS Awareness in Nairobi on 1st Dec 2023

    By Melisa Mong’ina

    The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya, has celebrated World AIDS Day with the theme Let Communities Lead. Mental health has been mentioned as one of the major reasons leading to more HIV deaths in the country.

    Speaking to the students in Nairobi during the World AIDS Day celebration, Dr. Josephine Kinya, a clinical neurophysiologist at Equity Afia, noted that in most cases, a lot of people succumb to HIV due to mental health, thus making it very crucial. She urged them to care for themselves by getting tested and to also show love and compassion to their loved ones or friends who are trying to cope with HIV.

    “We should look after ourselves, grasp the situation, and get tested. It’s important to show love and compassion to our loved ones and friends dealing with this condition. We have connected this condition with mental health because often, people facing it also deal with mental health challenges. So, taking care of our mental well-being is just as vital as managing the condition,” said Dr. Josephine.

    According to Dr. Josephine, the most common mental health condition that a lot of people living with HIV experience in their spaces is depression, which is caused by the negative thoughts that they get. Such thoughts kill their hope of living, leading to severe depression.

    “Now we are dealing with severe depression. The most widespread mental health issue among people with HIV in our community is depression. How we think about depression is that we get a negative thought, like I think I’m going to die, and we build it, and we are working on it, and by then or later we are not even living that,” explained Dr. Josephine.

    She also noted that depression is not the only common mental health condition that affects people living with HIV; therefore, they should be able to understand the relationship between mental health and HIV and AIDS so that they may be able to manage it.

    “After the depression, there are other common mental health conditions that we find in people living with HIV. So understanding mental health and the relationship between mental health and how we manage HIV and AIDS is vital,” she added.

    Dr. Josephine emphasized the importance of getting tested, noting that HIV is not only transmitted through sex but also from salons, barbershops, or even through birth; thus, self-care is vital.

    She further urged people to be kind and loving towards people with HIV by not discriminating against them, which will help extend their lives.

    “Let’s stop treating these patients differently. Instead, let’s care for them and show them love. When we do that, we can help them live longer. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. We can lead a good life by doing these things,” stated Dr. Josephine.

    According to Benjamin Muchiri, Senior Manager, National Accounts Statistics (KNBS), the 2022 DHS statistics show that 1,294,339 people are living with HIV, of whom 89% have managed to use proper medication. There are 62% of new HIV cases among adolescents. The statistics also show that Kenya is ranked 6th worldwide for recording the highest number of HIV deaths.

    “In Kenya, as of 2022, about 1,294,339 people are living with HIV. Among them, 89% have successfully controlled the virus with ARVs. Something important to note is that there are 62 new infections each week among adolescents,” shared Mr. Benjamin.

    Mr. Benjamin highlighted that the government should provide new friendly sexual and reproductive health programmes, including health reduction programmes for those injecting drugs, and it is supposed to play a big role in the implementation and monitoring of the evolution of HIV prevention.

    “The government should address legal barriers in existing sexual and reproductive health policies. It needs to promote responsible sexual behavior through comprehensive sex education and actively participate in implementing and monitoring HIV prevention strategies. Additionally, the government should introduce new, accessible sexual and reproductive health programmes, including harm reduction initiatives for those using injected drugs,” explained Mr. Benjamin.

    Prof. Dorcas Yole, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at TUK, encouraged students by stating that individuals with HIV can still achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to the family or community.

    “HIV is with us; HIV is real; HIV is a killer, but you can contribute to the community, you can contribute to your family, and you can also reach your highest goals even if you have HIV,” said Prof. Dorcas.