Category: POPULAR

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
KENYA HOLDS THE SECOND NATIONAL WORLD SKILLS COMPETITION

Kenya was formally admitted to WorldSkills International as the 84th member. The announcement was made during a virtual WSI General Assembly after members unanimously voted for Kenya’s admission to the prestigious global technical and vocational competition.

WorldSkills International WSI, is a non profit membership association open to agencies or bodies which have a responsibility for promoting vocational education and training in their respective countries or regions. Over the years it has continued to provide both a benchmark for high performance and an objective way to assess vocational excellence since it was founded in 1950 in Spain.

Following the ratification, the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) was designated by the government of Kenya through the ministry of Education to take responsibility for the leadership, management and daily operation of WorldSkills Kenya. TVETA is therefore the official organizational agency representing Kenya at WSI.

In August 2021, WorldSkills Kenya organized a one-week pilot Mechatronics Competition at Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT). The competition, which attracted 13 TVET colleges was aimed at offering the students a learning experience ahead of the National Skills Competition. The following year, Kenya assembled a team of four students who participated in three skills areas at the WorldSkills Africa Competition held at Swakopmund in Namibia. More than 100 competitors from ten African countries competed at the event. Kenya won a gold medal in Restaurant Services and Bronze in Cooking.

This success gave WorldSkills Kenya and partners from the private sector and development partners the confidence to stage a national competition and innovation week last year. Over 100 students from our TVET institutions and universities competed in 18 skill areas that were hosted at the Kenya School of TVET (12 skill areas), Boma International Hospitality College (2), Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology (2) while the Technical University of Kenya two skill areas.

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A team of 8 winners from seven skill areas (2 competitors in the Mechatronic skill area) was selected to represent the country at the WorldSkills International Competition in Lyon, France in September 2024.
This year WorldSkills Kenya in partnership with Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutes (KATTI), the industry and development partners has organized the second national skills competition, which will run from 19th Monday -23rd August 2024 at the Kenya School of TVET, Boma International College of Hospitality and Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

The official opening ceremony of the Competition and Innovation Week will be held today 19th August 2024 at 2.00 p.m. at the Kenya School of TVET, Gigiri, Nairobi. The Chief guest of this event will be Hon. Julius Migosi Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Education.

This event is expected to attract about 5,000 people. The main activities will include Skills Competition, Innovation, Exhibitions/Pitching (commercialization), Keynote addresses and panel discussions.
Around 130 competitors from 48 TVET institutions will compete in 21 skill areas at the national competition. 17 skills will be held at The Kenya School of TVET, 2 at Boma International College of Hospitality and 2 at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.
The skills areas at the Kenya School of TVET include Information Network Cabling, CNC Turning, Mobile Applications Development, IT Software Solutions for Business, Welding, Wall and Floor Tiling, Autobody Repair, Plumbing and Heating, Electronics, Electrical Installations, Bricklaying, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Fashion Technology, IT Network Systems Administration, Cyber Security and Water Technology.

Boma International Hospitality College will host Cooking and Restaurant Services while Dedan Kimathi University of Technology will host Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering CAD. However, the competition at DeKUT will be held a week later.

WorldSkills Kenya has trained 50 Experts and Judges who will adjudicate during competition on how to develop marking schemes and test projects.
The competitions in the National Skills Competition 2024 will be enriched with industry-based developed test projects. These test projects have been meticulously crafted in collaboration with industry experts, ensuring that they reflect real-world challenges and requirements. By incorporating industry-based test projects, we aim to elevate the competition to new heights of authenticity and relevance.

The National Skills competition will bring together young people, industry, government and education institutions to create linkages for collaboration in skills development. The event is a national platform for promotion and recognition of skilled people through TVET and their importance in achieving economic growth. The National Skills Competition will encompass practical skill challenges, industry- standard assessments, and showcasing of interactive Innovations. Competitors will be evaluated based on their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, time management, and teamwork.
Each participant will have the opportunity to learn from international best practices and gain valuable insights to enrich their skills. Participants will engage in practical simulations, problem-solving exercises, and collaborative projects that highlight the transformative capabilities of their skills. Adhering to international best practices, the competition will be conducted with utmost fairness and transparency, ensuring a level playing field for all.

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
CS Mvurya Launches Kenya Quality Policy Draft

Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has launched the Kenya Quality Policy draft at the National Validation
Workshop in Nairobi today.

The proposed policy is aimed at addressing the quality and accreditation gaps
of products by providing a framework to coordinate the accreditation of quality of goods and services manufactured locally before export.

“We have a number of organizations in government who are looking at the issues of
quality and accreditation, however, we have not had a well-coordinated mechanism and therefore this policy is a framework of proper coordination.”
he said.

The policy comes at an ideal time where Kenya has effectively positioned itself globally following several partnership agreements such as the European
Union & the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“All these markets, including our national market, require quality products and services and therefore this policy will graduate Kenya acceptance of products in the global market” he added.

The policy will complement the existing standards authorities to ensure that
they operate within a framework that is well coordinated. “The policy will prepare the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), which form the biggest population of investors in our country, to have a framework of accreditation” he concluded.

August 16, 2024
Salim Mvurya Pledges Changes Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry

Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Trade, Investment and Industry.

The Appointed Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya has committed to resolving challenges that have contributed towards the turndown of manufacturing over the last decade.

The promises were made during the handing over ceremony which was witnessed by three Principal Secretaries in the Ministry: Dr Juma Mukhwana (Industry); Abubakar Hassan (Investment), and Dr Alfred K’Ombudo (Trade).

The Cabinet Minister, who officially took over from the outgoing CS Rebecca Miano, promised to provide stewardship and guaranteed acceleration in the manufacturing sector besides bringing new investors.

“In April, President William Ruto said the government is rolling out incentives to attract investors to the manufacturing sector.
The President said the goal is to grow the country’s manufacturing sector to an ambitious 20 percent of our GDP by 2030.
Kenya will continue to open new markets for local products abroad and at the same time facilitate the private sector to take advantage of these markets to increase exports,” Said Salim Mvurya Cabinet Secretary Investments, Trade and Industry.

CS Mvurya further observed that strategic investment in manufacturing will increase exports, create employment opportunities, boost economic activity using local resources, and generate attractive returns for investors.
Kenya must take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which has created a vast market for the country’s exports.

Kenya has a large manufacturing sector serving both the local market and exports to the East African region.
The sector is dominated by subsidiaries of multinational corporations. There is also a need to encourage the local investors and business people to join the trade Sector.

August 15, 2024
RCMRD Holds International Conference 2024

Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) has held an International conference that began from 13th and ends 15th today August 2024, Nairobi, Kenya.

The theme of this year’s Conference is “EARTH: Our only Home”, added Dr. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, RCMRD’s Director General. He went further and delivered a keynote address at the 2024 RCMRD International Conference by also welcoming all the Guests and stakeholders to the Conference.

The conference saw discussions intensified on leveraging Earth Observation (EO) data and solutions to drive sustainable development across various stakeholders.

The plenary session featured contributions from key experts in the field including:

Ms Marie Makuate from GEOSPATIAL GIRLS AND KIDS, Cameroon, presented the importance of geospatial education and empowerment among young girls and children, particularly in leveraging EO technologies for societal benefit.

Priscilla Niyokwirindwa from the University of Rwanda-CGIS discussed integrating EO data in academic research and its impact on policy formulation and implementation.

Dr Judith Atukunda from the International Land Coalition explored the intersection of land rights, EO data, and sustainable land management practices in Africa.

Dr Paula Kahumbu from Wildlife Direct, Kenya, provided insights into the role of EO in wildlife conservation and the protection of biodiversity in the region.

These presentations were followed by parallel thematic sessions focusing on “Land Administration and Management“, where experts discussed the application of EO in addressing land administration challenges and improving land management practices. This session was moderated by Joseph Murage, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at RCMRD, and featured the following presentations:

Chinenye Mezie Nwafor from Orizu College of Education Nsugbe, Nigeria, presented on “Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change on Agricultural Lands using Geographical Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) in Nigeria,” exploring how EO tools can be used to monitor and mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Kananelo Bookholane discussed the development of water resources management plans in Lesotho, focusing on enhanced management, protection, and sustainable utilisation of water resources through EO-based strategies.

Iradukunda Valentine from the Africa Center of Excellence for Water Management, Addis Ababa University, presented the “Impacts of Land Use Land Cover Change on Water Balance Components,” using the Gobele watershed in the Wabe Shebelle Basin, Ethiopia, as a case study to illustrate the effects of land cover changes on water resources.

Kelvin Muli from the Conservation Alliance of Kenya Land Management presented a case study on the “Preservation of Knowledge Systems through Integration of Indigenous Knowledge System,” focusing on the Ogiek community in Mau Forest, Kenya, and how indigenous knowledge can complement EO data for sustainable land management.

Dimitrios and Douglas Rono from the World Resources Institute (WRI) discussed “Land Cover for Africa, Land Administration, Sustainable Urban Development, and Energy Access Explorer,” highlighting using EO data to support urban development and improve access to energy in Africa.

RIC2024 offers a unique opportunity to showcase organization’s work, areas to learn, and networking avenues.

The third day of the AfriGEO Symposium and the second day of the RCMRD International Conference 2024 concluded with comprehensive discussions on the importance of EO data, in-situ data, policy linkages, and decision-makers adopting EO-based solutions. Furthermore, these discussions underscored the need to effectively implement EO strategies to accelerate social and economic growth across Africa, emphasising the continent’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements for sustainable development.

RIC2024 offers a unique opportunity to showcase organization’s work, learn, and network with other professionals. With more than 4,000 attendees over the past six years, including ministers, government officials, scientists, development partners, researchers, academics, and media groups. We anticipate to host over 1,500 delegates

The Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), previously known as Regional Centre for Services in Surveying, Mapping and Remote Sensing (RCSSMRS) was established in Nairobi, Kenya in 1975 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).

August 15, 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
Kenya National Innovation Agency Launches Unpacking 10 years Innovation Masterplan

CEO Kenia Dr. Tonny Omwansa address the press during the Launch in Moven Pick Hotel Nairobi.

Kenya National Innovation Agency (Kenia) has today launched the Unpacking 10 years Innovation Masterplan.

The innovation masterplan assesses the current state of Kenya’s National Innovation ecosystem, outlining The Kenya National Innovation Agency’s vision for its growth over the next decade.
Targeting various institutional leaders from key sectors with an intention of advancing the national commercialisation infrastructure.

The CEO of KeNIA, Dr. Tony Omwansa broke down the 10-year master plan that was
launched a year ago, into two major focus areas: research commercialization and
the start-up ecosystem. Through partnership with private sectors, the is a need to
build capacity and institutional levels and the use of data in policy and regulatory
environments to foster a more innovation-friendly environment. Through
commercialization, over the next 10 years, KeNIA hopes to:
• Foster leadership, governance, and funding
• Achieve adequate infrastructure for innovation
• Improve human capital
• Create linkages and partnerships for innovation
• Entrepreneurial education
• Foster Policies and Strategies that promote innovation

Prof. Peter N. Muchiri VC Dedan Kimathi observed that the universities are key towards innovation by increasing research on manufacturing, agriculture, and value addition processes. Society needs more innovation solutions. Technology is also key while doing all this, hence digital transformation, and there is a need to create strong cluster areas like; Climate Change, manufacturing, agriculture, and others for young people to explore and innovate.

“The president launched the plan in November last year. 6bmonths later, we have a portal to track the developments.
Plan consist of Tracking portal, Mid Year Round Table, Kenya Innovation week,
I have a duty to ensure that each component keeps getting better.
Human capacity, access to finance, access to markets, infrastructure, and policies are all important towards achieving that plan.
Enterpreneurs and innovators have an important role to play towards building a strong ecosystem in innovation that is more competitive globally. We have also collaborated with few partners to ensure the Master plan is better.” Said CEO Dr. Tonny Omwansa CEO Kenia.

In one year since the launch, more than 10 universities adopted the entrepreneurial education approach and the ongoing commercialisation andentrepreneurial institutionss Leaders (CEIL) Summit scheduledd to happen on the
29th to 30th of August 2024) to help in capacity building. The start-up’s approach,
we have existing partnerships with;
1. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – designing start-up
ecosystem support policy
2. Africa Development Fund (AfDB) – designing Kenya Innovation Fund of $42M
by 2028
3. IDRC.CRDI – designing regional innovation collaboration framework
4. Presidential Innovation Award – scouting, recognizing, and commercializing
promising innovations in Kenya
5. Kenya Innovation Week – annual showcasing of innovations and celebrating
the start-up economy that fosters more partnerships
Still seeking more partnerships and collaborations to increase innovation thus
creating more job opportunities for the youth and creating wealth.

Kenia supports the identification, recording, and protection of innovative ideas to coordinate the establishment and implementation of appropriate policies, standards, processes, infrastructure, and partnerships to nurture innovative ideas. The agency also works with partners to ensure appropriate prioritisation, relevant capacity development, innovation recognition, and publication of the same.

August 12, 2024
A New Dawn For Hassan Joho Who takes New Role as Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary

Hassan Joho Takes over the office from Salim Mvurya,

Hassan Joho appointed Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy officially assumed office on Friday, pledging to drive significant changes in the sector.

Following that, Joho outlined his strategic priorities, focusing on the expansion of mineral mapping and enhancing value addition processes to maximize economic benefits for Kenya.

Joho emphasized the need to scale up the mapping of new mineral deposits across the country. “Our goal is to identify and catalogue mineral resources comprehensively to facilitate easier marketing and better management,” he said. This move is expected to boost the country’s capacity to attract investment and optimize resource utilization.

Joho also highlighted his commitment to shifting the sector’s focus from merely exporting raw materials to developing value addition strategies. He believes that processing minerals locally will lead to greater economic returns and create more job opportunities for Kenyans.

“We must move beyond exporting raw materials. Our focus will be on enhancing local processing and value addition to ensure that Kenyans benefit directly from our mineral wealth,” said Hassan Joho Cabinet secretary Mining and Blue Economy.

August 10, 2024
National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism Launched to Enhance Biodiversity Conservation in Kenya

PS. Festus K. Ng’eno State Department Environment and Climate Change, During the launch of National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism in Serena Hotel Nairobi.

National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism Launched to Enhance Biodiversity Conservation in Kenya

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry (MoECCF) proudly announces the launch of Kenya’s National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism (NBCM), a vital initiative aimed at bolstering the conservation and sustainable use of the nation’s rich and diverse biological resources.

The conservation of biodiversity is not only a constitutional mandate, as outlined in Chapter 5, Article 6(1) of the Constitution of Kenya, but also a critical element of Kenya’s Vision 2030, which underscores the importance of sustainable natural resource management for long-term economic growth and livelihood improvement. As a committed party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and several other international environmental treaties, Kenya has consistently worked towards fulfilling its obligations to conserve biodiversity for people and nature. The National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) has been central to these efforts, guiding national actions to protect and sustain Kenya’s natural heritage. However, the effective coordination of biodiversity conservation efforts among various stakeholders has been a persistent challenge.

The newly established NBCM addresses this challenge by providing a robust framework for the coordination and collaboration of state and non-state actors involved in biodiversity conservation across the country. The mechanism will facilitate the alignment of biodiversity conservation goals, policies, and practices at the national, county, and community levels, ensuring a unified approach to protecting Kenya’s natural resources.

The process of establishing the NBCM has been highly consultative, involving over 60 participants from various sectors, including state and non-state actors, indigenous peoples and local communities, youth, the private sector, academia, and research institutions. This inclusive approach ensured that diverse perspectives and expertise were integrated into the design and structure of the mechanism. This will also be important for the successful implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

The development of the NBCM was supported by a broad range of partners, including the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, WWF-Kenya, African Wildlife Foundation, among others. Their contributions were invaluable in shaping a mechanism that is both comprehensive and responsive to the needs of all stakeholders involved in biodiversity conservation in Kenya.

The NBCM will be governed by a multi-tiered structure, including a National Steering Committee (NSC), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and Thematic Working Groups (TWGs). The NSC, composed of Principal Secretaries, key development partners, and representatives from various sectors, will provide strategic guidance and oversight. The TAC will offer technical advice, while the TWGs will focus on implementing specific biodiversity targets aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

A Secretariat, under the guidance of the MECCF, will coordinate NBCM activities, ensuring effective communication, sustainable resource mobilization, benefits to communities are mainstreamed at household level, effective monitoring and evaluation and the alignment of national biodiversity efforts with international commitments.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno, Principal Secretary, State Department for Environment and Climate Change, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts in biodiversity conservation:

“The launch of the National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s conservation journey. It is a clear demonstration of the country’s commitment to safeguarding its natural heritage through collaboration and strategic alignment across all sectors. The Ministry is proud to support this initiative, which will undoubtedly strengthen our collective capacity to address the challenges facing biodiversity today.”

Innocent Kabenga, Kenya Country Representative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) affirmed the organization’s continued support:

“As we move forward, IUCN will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, as well as with other stakeholders, to ensure that the NBCM is not just a coordination mechanism, but a dynamic and effective platform that drives real change on the ground. We will leverage our expertise, networks, and resources to support the NBCM’s goals towards supporting the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.”

Nancy Githaiga, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Kenya Country Director reiterated AWF’s commitment: “African Wildlife Foundation supports the National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism which is founded on the whole-of-government, whole -of -society approach. By enhancing collaboration with various state and non-state actors and aligning our efforts with global biodiversity targets, we are not only enhancing our strategies but also ensuring that our natural resources are protected for current and future generations”

Munira Anyonge Bashir HSC, Government Relations and Policy Director at The Nature Conservancy stated: “Kenya’s launch of the National Biodiversity Coordination Mechanism is a transformative step in Kenya’s conservation journey, setting a new standard for conservation efforts that benefit both the environment and communities. This achievement aligns with The Nature Conservancy’s dedication to helping nations achieve their biodiversity goals. Our continued support for this coordination enforces our commitment to preserving Kenya’s rich natural heritage for the benefit of all. We are proud to have played a role in this collaborative effort and will continue to support the effective coordination of actions to ensure the enduring protection of our nation’s natural wealth.”

The NBCM is a significant step forward in Kenya’s journey towards sustainable development, ensuring that the country’s rich biodiversity is conserved for current and future generations. By bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including government ministries, county governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, local communities, and development partners, the NBCM will play a critical role in safeguarding Kenya’s natural capital.

The MECCF invites all stakeholders to actively participate in the NBCM, contributing to a concerted national effort to protect and sustainably manage Kenya’s invaluable biodiversity.

August 9, 2024