MediaMax journalist, Catherine Wanjeri was injured during protests.
Mediamax Limited journalist Catherine Wanjeri was on Tuesday, July 16 shot while covering anti-government protests in Nakuru city county.
The journalist was allegedly shot twice in the thigh by police officers from the photos depicted online.
During the demos, the reports indicate how Wanjeri was wearing a press jacket and had a press card during the shooting incident only to be shot while exercising her duty.
The Mediamax scribe was rushed to the Valley Hospital in Nakuru for immediate treatment as the Nakuru-based Press association released a statement condemning the act.
The Association has called for a thorough probe into the matter. “We condemn such violence against journalists and demand that the government and police take immediate action against the rogue officers involved” Nakuru Journalists Association statement read.
The statement further read, “We will not relent in our further pursuit of justice. We extend our deepest appreciation to the good Samaritan who acted swiftly to take Ms. Catherine to the hospital.”
Wanjeri was among three people who were shot at by the police in Nakuru. The second person was shot in the leg while the third one was shot in the back.
The shooting of the journalist caused uproar online with netizens condemning security officers over the incident.
Nakuru-based journalist said, “This arbitrary and violent act against a member of the press, who was identified by her press jacket, is unacceptable. Such attacks on journalists and the clampdown on the fourth estate undermine the fundamental principles of press freedom and threaten the very core of our democracy.”
Other social media users wondered why the journalist was shot yet she was wearing a press jacket.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) Director Dr Ruth Laibon Masha.
The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC), a state corporation under the State Corporations Act through the National AIDS Control Council Order, appeared before the Senate Committee on National Cohesion, Equal Opportunity, and Regional Integration, chaired by Senator Mohammed Chute of Marsabit. The NSDCC informed the committee that as of June 30, 2024, it has an in-post staff complement of 143 employees from diverse backgrounds.
The report highlighted that 56% (80) of the employees are male, while 44% (63) are female.
Gender Composition
The report emphasized that the NSDCC strives for gender parity, integrating both perspectives in decision-making processes and program implementations. “NSDCC is committed to providing equal opportunities for persons living with disabilities and persons living with HIV, ensuring their needs are integrated into the organization’s daily operations,” part of the statement read.
The Chief Executive Officer, Ruth Masha, noted that there have been no new recruitments due to government austerity measures over the past five years. Additionally, three persons living with disabilities retired during this period, resulting in a decline in their representation within the workforce. Masha stated, “The NSDCC has prioritized and reserved positions in the approved establishment, subject to the lifting of the recruitment freeze, to ensure that the NSDCC recruits a minimum of three persons with disabilities, aligning with the expectations and guidelines for persons living with disabilities in Kenya.”
Age Diversity
The report detailed the age distribution of NSDCC employees aged 27 to 59 years old. It noted that five employees are aged 30 years and below, 37 are between 30-40 years, 67 are between 40-50 years, and 34 are between 51-59 years. “This age diversity ensures a blend of youthful energy and experienced insights, fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture,” Masha said.
The report also indicated that the NSDCC maintains a balance in community representation and takes affirmative action where necessary to ensure constitutional compliance. Strategies have been implemented to ensure the inclusion and representation of women, persons living with disabilities, and minority groups. “NSDCC adopts inclusive hiring practices to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Whenever vacancies are declared, the NSDCC posts these opportunities in every Regional Office to ensure that Kenyans in devolved structures are aware of and have access to these opportunities,” the report reads.
The report stated, “The council has ensured that all facilities are accessible to persons living with disabilities. We have developed policies promoting gender equality, non-discrimination, and support for persons living with disabilities. Regular training programs are conducted to raise awareness about inclusivity and diversity.”
Senator Mohammed Chute urged the department to ensure equitable distribution of funds to enable the organization to run its activities smoothly.
Leading retailer Naivas Supermarket has been awarded the esteemed Superbrands becoming the first retail chain to achieve the prestigious recognition.
The award is a recognition of its exceptional brand reputation and consumer trust, cements the supermarket’s status as a leader in the retail industry.
The Superbrands Certification is bestowed upon brands that demonstrate outstanding quality, reliability, and distinction within their respective industries. Qualified brands, such as Naivas, receive the Superbrands Award Seal, which can be prominently displayed on advertising and marketing materials, websites, packaging, and other brand assets.
Research conducted by leading market research firms including Nielsen, Synovate, BDRC, TNS, and others consistently highlights the significant impact of the Superbrands Award Seal on consumer behavior.
Studies have shown that consumers are more than 70% more likely to purchase products or services displaying the Superbrands Award Seal, underscoring the importance of this prestigious certification.
Speaking about the achievement, Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations at Naivas, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reiterated Naivas’ commitment to living up to its mission of delivering a world-class shopping experience.
“We are honored to receive the Superbrands Certification, which reflects our dedication to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. This esteemed recognition further motivates us to continue innovating and exceeding the expectations of our valued customers.”
Naivas Supermarket has distinguished itself within the retail industry through its commitment to always delivering value to customers.
It has remained ahead of the curve through innovation and delivering quality all geared towards customer satisfaction.
With a wide range of products including its fresh offering, convenient locations, and a reputation for excellence, Naivas has truly earned the trust of Kenyan consumers. As a Kenyan homegrown brand that has brought the global shopping experience to the country, it has always remained true to its values. Serving every customer with the unmistakable Kenyan hospitality who in turn have crowned it with one of the greatest honors a brand can earn globally.
In an ouster petition filed at the High Court, a lobby group has accused the former CS of spending Ksh94 billion of taxpayers’ money on white elephant power generation projects.
She is accused of contributing to recent frequent national blackouts by commissioning unusable high voltage transmission lines and commissioning feasibility studies on two new power plants that never worked.
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has also been cited as an interested party in the case whose mention is slated for January 29, 2024, before Justice Lawrence Mugambi.
“There was illegal, unlawful, and irregular misuse of taxpayers’ money a fact confirmed by the Auditor General in her reports for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022,” says an affidavit by Francis Awino filed in support of the suit.
According to Awino, the former CS Miano is also why Kenyans suffer huge power bills and blackouts because huge losses were reported due to funds wastage and incomplete projects.
The CS is also accused of flouting procurement rules by spending Ksh645 million on feasibility studies for new power production plants that have never been constructed to date.
According to court documents, this includes Ksh592 million spent on a feasibility study for the construction of the Meru Wind Power plant and Ksh82 million for the Karura Hydro Power plant.
Miano was moved from the East African Community, ASALS, and Regional Development Ministry in October 2023 to the recent Trade Ministry in the last Cabinet reshuffle by President William Ruto and was finally fired for corruption and incompetence in the ministry.
While appearing before the National Assembly’s Energy Committee on December 21, 2023, former Energy Cabinet Secretary Davies Chirchir blamed the incessant nationwide blackouts on network overloads due to years of lack of investment in the country’s power generation and transmission capacity.
However, according to the petition filed before Justice Mugambi, Kengen spent Ksh79,324,783,562 on drilling geothermal wells between the years 2011 and 2015 but was never connected to the national grid.
The wells were financed through a loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, according to the court documents.
Despite the wells remaining idle, taxpayers continue to pay the principal sum and interest of the loans while at the same time paying through the nose for electricity procured from thermal Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
“No corresponding revenue had been realized to date and the Respondent did not give the details of when the wells are likely to be utilized in generation of power. As a result, there was no value for money obtained on the investment of Sh79,324,783,562 on drilling wells,” states the petition.
The petitioner also accused the former CS of allowing power transmission lines constructed by Kengen for Ksh4 billion in 2009 to be used by another company to generate revenue while committing taxpayers to service a loan used for their construction.
Also listed is the alleged irregular contract award for the construction of Hydro Plaza.
“Further, a review of procurement records revealed the works were initially awarded at a cost of Sh150,005,216 but the contract was terminated on nonperformance and subsequently awarded to another contractor at a contract sum of Sh261,264,205, an increase of or 74 percent of the earlier contract sum,” says the petition.
The case was expected to be mentioned before Justice Lawrence Mugambi on January 29, 2024, at the Milimani Law Courts.
Group photo for stakeholders during the Kayana Awards.
The highly anticipated Kayana Awards took place Yesterday in Nairobi where Various winners in various business categories were celebrated.
The event honoured the outstanding achievements of female entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium Enterprises (MSME) sector across various categories, showcasing their innovation, resilience, and commitment to community impact.
The award process, renowned for its transparency and inclusivity, began with the close of nominations on February 29, 2024. This was followed by the judges’ finalist selection from March 8 to April 5, 2024. Finalist voting took place from April 15 to June 7, 2024, overseen by our esteemed judges, including Victor Otieno, Chris Maara, Chebet Cheruiyot, and Mercy Kimalat.
“This year’s nominees represented a diverse array of businesses, each making significant
contributions to their communities and industries,” said Victor Otieno.
Voting Categories:
1. Commitment to Staff Development: This category acknowledged small business
owners who tapped into the strengths and talents of their employees, providing
mentorship, skill-based training, flexible learning options, and fostering a supportive
working environment.
2. Community Impact: This category highlighted businesses that significantly contributed to their communities through economic sustainability, social consciousness, community
cohesion, and cultivating relationships.
3.Environmental Impact: Recognized MSMEs committed to environmental sustainability,
showcasing their achievements to inspire others and promote best practices in the
business community.
4.Kayana’s Choice Award: Honoured business excellence based on reputation,
professionalism, customer satisfaction, and quality of service or product within the
Kayana Community.
5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology: This category celebrated MSMEs that embraced
technology solutions to offer efficient customer service, enhancing their operations in the modern business landscape.
6.Most Innovative Business: Acknowledged businesses that introduced new ideas,
services, and products, meeting the evolving demands of the market through constant
innovation.
7.Most Resilient Business: Recognized businesses demonstrating exceptional resilience in the face of challenges, showcasing strategic planning and readiness to navigate market shifts.
8.
Strong Leadership: Sought to honour business owners who inspired their teams, made
responsible decisions, valued diversity, managed finances well, and created a culture of teamwork.
9.The Diaspora Excellence Award: This special category celebrated exceptional African
women entrepreneurs who successfully launched and scaled businesses across the
continent, contributing to economic growth and social development.
Kayana Female MSME Awards 2024 Nominees List:
1. Commitment to Staff Development:
● Winner: Essenpark Limited
● 1st Runner-up: MRX Media Limited
● 2nd Runner-up: Spectrum Engineering
2. Community Impact:
● Winner: Minat Bakery & Cake Zone
● 1st Runner-up: Kaya Nuts
● 2nd Runner-up: Soraya Teen Moms & Girls
3.Environmental Impact:
● Winner: Eco Makaa Solutions
● 1st Runner-up: Tupike Ventures
● 2nd Runner-up: Kiasili Farm
4.Kayana’s Choice Award:
● Winner: Diro Jewellers
● 1st Runner-up: Mutitu Honey
● 2nd Runner-up: HB Leather
5. Most Adaptive Use of Technology:
● Winner: Gwiji for Women
● 1st Runner-up: GRise Systems Solutions
● 2nd Runner-up: Nyumba Zetu
6.Most Innovative Business:
● Winner: Eco Nasi Leather
● 1st Runner-up: Viv’s In-houz Spa
● 2nd Runner-up: Zidallie Technologies Limited.
7. Most Resilient Business:
● Winner: De Vani Chocolatier
● 1st Runner-up: Virtually Yours by Connie
● 2nd Runner-up: Everest Enterprises Limited
8.Strong Leadership:
● Winner: The Chic Evangelist Collection
● 1st Runner-up: Teach for Kenya
● 2nd Runner-up: African Woman Global Network,
9.The Diaspora Excellence Award:
● Winner: Africana Woman
● 1st Runner-up: Lamalo Essentials
● 2nd Runner-up: Krypia Finance
Kayana Create cultivates a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to flourish. Their ethos revolves around fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, providing a platform where dreamers, doers, and visionaries can thrive.
Anchored on three core pillars, our commitment to the community is unwavering.
Participants during the People’s Anti-Corruption Summit 2024
By Melisa Mongina
Kenya has made little progress in enacting a whistleblower protection law despite numerous attempts from Transparency International-Kenya.
Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during The People’s Anti-Corruption Summit, Sheila Masinde, Executive Director of Transparency International-Kenya, noted their endless efforts in ensuring that whistleblowers in Kenya get the protection mechanism they deserve.
“As Transparency International Kenya, we have worked tirelessly in the last 10 or so years to push for a whistleblower protection mechanism in this country and unfortunately we are not yet there. In 2013, we started the process of drafting a whistleblower protection bill. 11 years later, we are yet to see this bill enacted into law. But it is something that we continue to push. Because as we stand now we don’t have an effective mechanism to protect Kenyans who risk life and limb to report cases of corruption or other actual acts of wrongdoing. And this is so critical for us,” stated Sheila.
She further adds that most whistleblowers, especially those working in the government, are always at risk whenever they report corruption cases and some end up losing their jobs.
“We have seen the number of corruption cases that we’ve had, and for every case, there’s a whistleblower. Sometimes it doesn’t go well, for many of those whistleblowers. Some of them, especially those in government, end up being demoted. They end up losing their jobs,” added Sheila.
Sheila emphasized the need to have an institution that can comprehensively protect those whistleblowers who risk their lives when reporting corruption. She also added that the 2022 Ethics and Anti-Corruption Survey shows that many people fear reporting corruption cases due to intimidation.
“We take this moment to think about the next critical steps towards finally getting in place a whistle-blower protection legislative and also institutional framework because as it is now we don’t even have an institution which can comprehensively protect those who whistle blow cases of corruption. When you look at the last ethics and anti-corruption survey of 2022, many people will not report cases of corruption because they fear acts of reprisal and intimidation. This is what whistleblowers go through and we really need to see how we can change the landscape to make it safe for people to report corruption cases,” emphasised Sheila.
According to Sheila Roquette, Deputy Mission Director USAID, whistleblowers should be celebrated for their courageous actions in fighting corruption in the country.
“It is vital to come together to discuss the efforts that can highlight the role of whistleblowing in Kenya to increase awareness on the adverse effects of corruption, the need for reforms and to celebrate the courageous actions of the people who have fought against corruption,” noted Roquette.
Further, she states the United States consistently supports on strengthening of governance, institutions, and processes in Kenya.
“The United States has consistently supported the strengthening of governance, institutions, and processes. This includes helping to improve compliance with Kenya’s public financial management laws and supporting reforms to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse at the national and county levels,” stated Roquette.
Roquette also notes the importance of whistleblower protection legislation in mitigating the risks associated with reporting corruption cases. She adds that such protection and the law of whistleblowers is critical for attracting foreign investment.
“Lack of whistleblower protection legislation provides a loophole for unscrupulous actors who would pressure subordinates to turn a blind eye or to cover up corrupt acts. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure that whistleblowers don’t face retaliation, harassment, intimidation, or dismissal from employment. In the United States, whistleblower protections have played an important role in rooting out unethical behaviour. It has become part and parcel of the way we operate. And each year I take mandatory whistleblower protection training as a requirement of my job as a civil servant. Enshrining whistleblower protections and laws are also critical to attracting foreign investment,” added Roquette.
Queenter Mbori, Executive Director of the Association of Media Women in Kenya (AMWIK), highlights the need for press freedom, especially for investigative journalists who endanger lives and work to uncover stories on corruption.
“The second thing that I would like to highlight is press freedom. There seems to be a direct correlation between press freedom and corruption in this way because as a media, our role is to provide information on public sector corruption particularly where government activities are not very clear. The media, particularly investigative journalists, play a crucial role in exposing corruption,” said Queenter.
She urges the government and stakeholders to recognise the vital role that whistleblowers play adding that the lack of whistleblowers protection law in Kenya has become a threat to press freedom.
“I urge all those here present governments and other stakeholders to recognize the very powerful and significant role of whistleblowers by establishing and going by the theme of this year’s day which is a critical tool in the fight against corruption. The lack of a comprehensive whistleblower protection Law in Kenya is a real threat to press freedom and is a matter that we need to collectively address,” emphasised Queenter Mbori.
The Kush Cultural Festival is a groundbreaking event that will
celebrate the ancient Kingdom of Kush’s rich history and cultural legacy. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Hell’s Gate
National Park in Naivasha, Kenya, this 7-day festival (October 7-13th 2024) will offer a unique blend of historical immersion, cultural exchange, artistic expression, and much more.
The Significance of Kush
The Kingdom of Kush, a powerful ancient civilization that flourished in what is now modern-day Sudan, played a pivotal role in shaping African and world history. Renowned for their advanced society, architectural marvels, and influential trade networks, the Kushites left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and intrigue. This
festival aims to:
● Educate: Shed light on the often-overlooked history of Kush, its achievements, and its impact on various cultures.
● Celebrate: Honour the resilience and creativity of the Kushite people through showcasing, music, dance, art, and storytelling.
● Connect: Foster cultural exchange and dialogue between diverse communities, both local and international.
● Empower: Provide a platform for contemporary artists and artisans to showcase their talents and connect with a global audience.
A Multi-Sensory Experience
The Kush Cultural Festival will transport attendees to the
heart of ancient Kush through a variety of immersive experiences:
● Open-Air Museum: Explore a meticulously recreated Kushite village, complete with traditional architecture, artifacts, and demonstrations of ancient crafts.
● Kush Street: Wander through a bustling marketplace featuring artisans and vendors showcasing traditional crafts,
textiles, jewelry, and cuisine inspired by the region.
● Royal Coronation: Witness a grand reenactment of a Kushite coronation ceremony, complete with authentic costumes and rituals.
● Performances: Enjoy a diverse lineup of music, dance, and
theatrical performances inspired by Kushite traditions and contemporary interpretations.
● Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops led by experts in various fields, including traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling.
● Food Court: Savor a culinary journey through the flavors of Kush and the surrounding regions, with a wide array of food vendors offering traditional dishes and modern interpretations.
Target Audience
The Kush Cultural Festival aims to attract a diverse audience, including:
● Students: The festival will cater to school students in primary and high schools, offering educational opportunities and
engaging activities that align with their curriculum.
Transportation will be provided for school groups from Nairobi and nearby areas.
● History and Culture Enthusiasts: Individuals interested in learning about ancient civilizations and their impact on the
modern world.
● Families: Parents and children seeking a fun and educational experience that celebrates cultural diversity. The
festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighboring regions.
● Art and Music Lovers: Those who appreciate traditional
and contemporary artistic expressions from Africa and beyond.
● Tourists: Visitors to Kenya looking for a unique cultural
experience that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
The festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighbouring regions.
● Local Communities: Residents of Naivasha and surrounding areas who are eager to celebrate their heritage and connect with others. The festival will provide shuttle buses from Nairobi for attendees from the city and neighbouring regions.
Festival Program and Activities
The Kush Cultural Festival will offer a diverse and engaging program that caters to a wide range of interests. Each day will
be filled with activities that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Kush and its enduring legacy. The festival program is designed to connect the past with the present, offering a unique blend of historical immersion and contemporary cultural exchange.
Daily Activities:
● Open-Air Museum: Guided tours and interactive exhibits showcasing Kushite history, architecture, and daily life.
● Kush Street: A vibrant marketplace featuring artisans, vendors, and traditional food stalls.
● Workshops: Hands-on workshops on traditional crafts, music, dance, and storytelling.
● Folk Music and Dance: Performances by local and international artists showcasing the diverse musical traditions
of the region.
The Launch of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review Report 2024
By Melisa Mongina
Kenya’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Forum has released the 2024 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Voluntary National Review (VNR) Report, marking an important step towards achieving the SDGs. Poverty, one of the indicators in the implementation of SDGs has been listed among the various challenges affecting the country’s economy due to its rapid rise.
In his speech on Wednesday during the report overview of SDGs, Samuel Kimote cited poverty as one of the indicators that has affected and reduced the country’s performance in the implementation of SDGs, adding that they are focusing on its eradication as CSOs.
“When you look at goal number one, poverty, you can note that it is increasing. In 2015 we were at 38.6% but currently, we are at 39.8%. This shows that poverty is increasing and whatever we do as CSOs remains relevant. This year’s theme is reinforcing the agenda 2030 focusing mostly on eradicating poverty in Kenya,” said Kimote.
He further stated that their main focus as CSOs on goal number one was to ensure poverty ends in Kenya.
“The methodology that we followed to come up with this plan was highly consultative. Each CSO noted their contribution to ending poverty in Kenya,” added Kimote.
Kimote emphasizes that there should be clarifications from the government as to why poverty continues to rise despite the economic growth reported in the 2024 economic survey.
“The government has provided the data. The report has only documented the collective efforts of all involved. For example, goal number one states that poverty has increased. So the government will tell us why that is so, yet the 2024 economic survey states that the country is growing at 5.6%,” said Kimote.
The 2024 VNR report gives a balanced insight, detailing both the accomplishments and the obstacles encountered over the past four years. The report emphasizes the vital contribution of various stakeholders, particularly civil society organizations, in promoting sustainable development.
According to Benson Kimani from UNDP Kenya, the increase in poverty has raised a lot of concerns despite having 17 goals that are equal and undivided.
“I think despite us having 17 goals which are all important and undivided, we realized something that is of great importance to us stakeholders which is the increase in poverty. In 2014 Kenya made a deal to move from a low-income economy to a medium-income economy,” noted Kimani.
George Awala, Co-chair of the SDGs Kenya forum, states that a lot of people are now falling into poverty than before thus urging the civil society, government, UN agencies, academia, and private sector to have a deep look at the situation.
“More people are falling into poverty than previously. We need to ask ourselves what we can do as a civil society. What can the government do? What can the UN agencies do? What can the private sector do? and also what can academia do? And I think the value of having a platform where we all come together to discuss issues around SDGs is that richness that comes from all these different players being able to talk, dialogue, and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard,” noted Awala.
Festus Wangwe, Director of Planning in the State Department of MSME, noted that the progress among key indicators such as poverty is not performing well. Further, he added that for them to reach their Vision 2030 target, their efforts need to be redoubled.
“What is of concern is that the progress registered in all the SDGs indicators remains on a soft track, which means we are unlikely to achieve the SDGs by 2030. Unfortunately, the progress among key indicators such as poverty is not performing well. So it implies that we need to redouble our efforts if we have to make significant progress towards the achievement of these goals,” emphasized Wangwe.
The 2024 VNR report has offered a detailed account of Kenya’s progress since the last review in 2020.
Investors in Kenya’s tourism sector have been encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) to network and explore partnerships with global buyers, in a quest to improve tourism business in the country.
Tourism PS John Ololtuaa says that MKTE has been instrumental in facilitating local small and medium travel enterprises and start-ups to access international markets given that over 60% of the travel companies that exhibit at the expo can’t afford to participate in expos abroad.
This, he affirms, can be the catalyst to the exponential growth of Kenya’s tourism sector coupled with the diversification of our products.
“MKTE has over the years created linkages and partnerships between local tourism enterprises and regional and international source markets. This has opened up new opportunities that have seen tremendous growth for local businesses in the tourism value chain. As a ministry, we recognize the immense potential that MKTE offers, especially to MSMEs in the tourism sector looking to establish themselves globally,” said PS Ololtuaa.
The PS was speaking during an MKTE partners’ event whose 14th edition is set to be held from October 2nd-4th, 2024 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
The partners had come together to explore collaboration opportunities and ways of enhancing the premier travel show in the East Africa Region.
In 2023, MKTE hosted over 3,000 delegates from 25 countries showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings to the world. The 2024 edition will be targeting to attract 5,000 delegates and 160 hosted buyers including over 100 buyers’ clubs. MKTE also returns as a standalone expo after a successful joint expo last year with the East African Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE), which offered the EAC member states an opportunity to network and explore new tourism business opportunities.
PS Ololtuaa’s commitment to continued public-private sector engagement is geared towards creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive.
“As a ministry, we are keen on continuously reviewing and reforming our policies to ensure that we create a conducive environment that allows tourism businesses, especially those at the grassroots, to realize their full potential,” added the PS.
The PS also rallied stakeholders to focus efforts on promoting domestic tourism as well, which remains an untapped opportunity.
“As we seek to attract international visitors, we must not lose sight of the immense potential that lies in promoting domestic tourism as well. We need to further encourage Kenyans to explore their own country and take advantage of the high-quality experiences and facilities available right here at home,” said Ololtuaa.
On her part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei expressed optimism that MKTE 2024 will build on the successes of previous editions.
“MKTE has built its reputation over the years as a consistent and affordable platform for Kenyan travel trade, County Governments, and affiliated brands in providing access to international suppliers and markets,” Chepkemei stated.
“This year, we are looking to increase hosted buyers from new source markets such as Americas – Brazil and Mexico; Asia – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Australia besides the key source markets in Europe and Africa, in line with our destination diversification strategy,” said Chepkemei.
She added that KTB is working towards the targeted 3 million visitors by the end of 2024.
Astrid Schomaker of Germany has officially taken up her appointment as Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Assuming the role ahead of the sixteenth meeting of the CBD’s 196 Parties (COP 16), Ms. Schomaker brings extensive experience in international relations, negotiations and global environmental policy-making, and deep knowledge of the global sustainable development agenda and multilateral environment agreements.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the appointment in April, extending his appreciation and gratitude to Acting Executive Secretary David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who now resumes his role as Deputy Executive Secretary.
Ms. Schomaker has led work on a variety of issues ranging from bilateral and multilateral relations to chemicals, oceans, and the water industry. Most recently, as Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism with the European Commission in Brussels, she promoted a global transition to resource-efficient, low emission, nature-positive circular economies.
She also focused on increasing the EU’s effectiveness in addressing international environmental challenges, strengthening multilateralism and international environmental governance, and working towards the full implementation of multilateral environment agreements, among other priorities.
Says Ms. Schomaker: “Securing the future of biodiversity means securing the future of humankind. I am humbled to be joining the efforts of the United Nations, and all Parties to the Convention to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Our world is in desperate need of a global green transition and, while our individual paths may vary, our ambitions – the ambitions of the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework must be the same.”
“I want to thank Mr. David Cooper for stepping in as Acting Executive Secretary and leading the CBD through a critical time following the adoption of the Framework in December 2022, a landmark agreement to which he contributed and continues to contribute so much.”
“Let me also express my enthusiasm to work with the government of Colombia, and in particular H. E. Susana Muhamad, our incoming president, to ensure that the outcomes of COP 16 accelerate action at all levels to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.”
At the helm of the Secretariat of the world’s foremost Multilateral Environmental Agreement on biodiversity, Ms. Schomaker will work with Parties to translate their commitments into action at all levels. The four goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework—protect and restore, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly, and invest and collaborate for nature, shape the new UN Biodiversity Chief’s priorities.
COP 16 will take place from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia. By the time they meet in Cali, Parties to the Convention are expected to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and national targets that are aligned with The Biodiversity Plan.
At COP 16, Parties are expected to agree on a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on genetic resources, including a potentially multi-billion-dollar global fund by which users of the information compensate sources of the genetic material. Preparatory negotiations on this decision will be held in Montreal in August of this year.
As part of her high-level advocacy role, Ms. Schomaker will also foster agreement among the Parties on a robust monitoring and reporting framework, and on securing the means of implementation for the Global Biodiversity Framework, including appropriate finance and coordinated action.
