Memoi Africa, a leading ecosystem for African developers driving innovation and empowerment in Africa’s developer landscape, held a two day Code Africa Conference 2024.
The conference takes place on May 10th and 11th with a theme; ‘Pioneering the Future of Developers’ .The global event which is hosted in Nairobi, provides accessibility to participants from the emerging African tech space and top ecosystem shapers from around the world.
“Web3 is the imminent future, with
enormous opportunities for young people in this field which has no limits.
New funding models and collaborations will enable access to money. Students in any University can tap into this web3 which enables one to be hired anywhere in the world. Coding and token economics are part of skills required. One can be an entrpreneur, or work in companies provided they have skills in this aspect.” Said Jason Eisen founder and Ceo Utu Technologies.
The Code Africa Virtual Conference 2024 brings together developers, VCs,
industry leaders, and innovators from the blockchain industry and other emerging
technologies. This milestone event follows the highly anticipated Code Africa Hackathon, which fosters collaboration and showcases the talents of African developers.
Participants during the Code Africa Conference
Sponsored by Leading Blockchain Protocols,
The Code Africa Virtual Conference 2024 is proudly sponsored by top blockchain
protocols in Web3, including The Graph, Ethereum Support Program, Scroll, Lisk, Base, Celo Africa DAO, ICP Hub Kenya, Ubuntu Tribe, Tether, NoOnes, Yellow Card, Safari DAO,and Flincap.
Right to left, Monalisa Agbata, Moses Kemibaro, Elizabeth Ndungu, Jason Kettman, Joan Jerop group Photo during Code Africa Conference Nairobi.
The event features esteemed speakers from the blockchain industry, providing
insights and expertise on the future of technology in Africa.
Speakers include: Stanley Kamanguya, CEO of ICT Authority, Ray Yousef, CEO of NoOnes, Yin Zhang, Co-founder of Scroll, Prof. Stephen Gitahi Kiama, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Dr. Bright G. Mawudor, Founder of Africahackon, Tim Theuri, Executive Head of Cybersecurity at M-PESA Africa, Elizabeth Ndungu, Director of Digital Economy & Startups at Nairobi City County, Josephine Ndambuki, Chief Manager of Business Development and Innovation at Konza Technopolis Development Authority.
During the AHF forum at Heron Portico Hotel Nairobi.
In a resounding declaration against profit-driven policies at the expense of global health, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) alongside civil society organizations, convened have condemned the deeply flawed Proposal for the WHO Pandemic Agreement.
The April 16, 2024, Proposal for the WHO Pandemic Agreement has undergone extensive negotiations, resulting in a text that has been watered down and lacks accountability.
“The recent iteration of the text is filled with platitudes, anemic in obligations, and devoid of any accountability,” remarked Dr. Samuel Kinyanjui, Country Director of AHF Kenya. The proposal, criticized by The Lancet as “shameful, unjust, and inequitable,” fails to prioritize global health security over profit-driven interests.
From May 27th to June 1st, 2024, during the World Health Assembly, UN member countries are expected to agree on a pandemic agreement. Under the present terms, only 20% of pandemic-related health products are guaranteed to the WHO, leaving the remaining 80% vulnerable to market forces. “Such an arrangement will effectively leave 80% of crucial vaccines, treatments, and diagnostics prey to the international scramble seen in COVID-19,” noted Dr. Kinyanjui. The statistics underscore the urgent need for equitable access to life-saving medical resources.
Equally troubling is the absence of effective mechanisms for accountability and enforcement. “Equity will not be operationalized without effective mechanisms for accountability and enforcement,” emphasized Mr. Timothy Wafula, Programme Manager, Kenya Legal & Ethical Issues Network on HIV and AIDS (KELIN). The proposal lacks tangible provisions for monitoring and compliance, perpetuating past failures in global health security.
Calls for accountability have been widespread, echoed by the United Nations General Assembly and prominent international bodies. “Relying solely on state self-reporting mechanisms does not work,” stated Kinyanjui. The absence of independent oversight and clear enforcement frameworks undermines the agreement’s effectiveness.
Civil society’s participation in decision-making processes remains marginalized, despite their critical contributions during past health crises. “The voices of civil society remain marginalized in the decision-making processes of the WHO and its implementation,” remarked Mr. Fitsum Lakew Alemayehu, AU Liaison Manager/CiSPHA Coordinator at WACI Health. Their inclusion is vital for meaningful participation and effective governance.
James Kamau, CEO of the Kenya Treatment Access Movement (KETAM), emphasized the need for binding financial commitments to establish a robust pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response architecture. “Without binding financial commitments and a coherent long-term financing strategy, we risk repeating the failures of the past,” warned Kamau.
As negotiations enter their final stretch, the coalition of civil society organizations urges delegates to heed the warnings of experts and take decisive action. “Empty handshakes in Geneva will not prevent another global health disaster,” concluded Kinyanjui. The time for meaningful action is now.
AHF Kenya was registered as an NGO in Kenya in 2008 to provide and run the following programs in the country: HIV testing, condom education and distribution, the Adolescents and Youth Program, Girls ACT program, Boys 2 Men program, management of HIV, TB, STI, and opportunistic infections, advocacy, and marketing. With a presence in 10 counties and over 100,000 clients in care, AHF has been at the forefront of the battle against HIV/AIDS in Kenya for 15 years. The organization’s legacy is characterized by unwavering dedication to those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS and a relentless pursuit of a world where the epidemic is not just treated but ultimately eradicated.
The Donkey Sanctuary Vet Dr. E Otieno attending to the sick donkeys during WDD
The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya has today honoured the vital role of working donkeys and their indispensable contribution to the lives of people across Kenya.
The World Donkey Day this year’s theme is “Punda Poa, Kazi Poa” which is a Swahili phrase to mean if your donkey is healthy or in good welfare then it will do a great job for you.
To commemorate this significant day, The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya hosted a special event in the village of Manda-Maweni on Manda Island, one of the islands comprising the Lamu Archipelago. The village is home to approximately 120 donkeys. These gentle creatures play a crucial role in the local community, primarily tasked with transporting heavy coral stone and ballast from nearby quarries to the seaport. Additionally, they assist in fetching and transporting water and carrying essential household goods from the shore to inland villages.
The labour performed by Manda-Maweni’s donkeys leaves them susceptible to a range of welfare issues such as sores due to inadequate harnessing, cart-related injuries, and lameness.
People following the speeches during the celebration and donkeys relaxing after treatment, awaiting feeding.
The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya is committed to improving the welfare of working donkeys. Therefore, ass part of the event, The Donkey Sanctuary’s dedicated veterinary team in collaboration with the County Government of Lamu are providing comprehensive health checks and treatments to donkeys in need, alongside distributing nutritious feed to ensure their well-being and vitality.
Moreover, The Donkey Sanctuary has joined forces with the Lamu Art and Theatre Alliance (LATA) to deliver a captivating interactive drama piece to the residents of Manda. This engaging performance aims to promote understanding of donkeys as sentient beings with the capacity to experience a wide range of emotional responses to events or situations. This is important because evidence suggests that owners who recognise sentience in their donkeys are more likely to work in a manner that is good for their welfare.
The drama was collaboratively developed by LATA and researchers from the University of Portsmouth, incorporating valuable insights from Lamu’s donkey owners. This marks the first-time the performance is being showcased in Manda, following its successful debut on Lamu Island.
Audiences can expect an accessible and entertaining medium of theatre, coupled with impactful messaging that celebrates the intrinsic value of these beloved creatures and advocates for their well-being.
Dr Solomon Onyango, the Country Director for The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya stated that “As we come together to celebrate World Donkey Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to protecting and cherishing these noble animals who play an irreplaceable role in the fabric of our society.”
The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. We provide lifelong care to over 7,000 donkeys in the UK and Europe, and reach many more globally through our international programmes and partnerships. Our colleagues are based all over the world and we work with a global network of partners, NGOs and governments, who share our vision of a world where every donkey has a good quality of life.
The County Executive Committee Member (CECM), Department of Fisheries Blue Economy Livestock and Cooperative Development, Lamu County government Mr. Faiz Fankupi giving a speech at Manda during World Donkey Day celebration
The Donkey Sanctuary has been working in Kenya since 1987, where our mission remains to improve the welfare of donkeys and, in doing so, help safeguard the livelihood of millions of people who depend on donkeys for their everyday sustenance.
Public participation on proposed new graphic health warnings for tobacco products kicked off in Kisumu yesterday where a section of stakeholders who turned up to share their views accused the Ministry of Health (MoH) of laziness in coming up with the proposed warnings which are to be used on packaging of tobacco and nicotine products.
Speaking at the exercise held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu yesterday, stakeholders took on the MoH over what they said was lack of research on the Ministry’s part in formulating the new warning, adding that there’s need to ensure that the proposed warnings conform to existing laws.
The stakeholders asked the Ministry to rethink its approach to new products being introduced in the tobacco industry which, they say, is meant to help smokers transition from the more harmful traditional cigarettes to the less-riskier modern nicotine products.
The public participation exercise in Kisumu was the second for the day, with another taking place concurrently in Nyeri. The Kisumu session was however marred with delays owing to lack of venue booking by the ministry, leading to a three-hour delay in commencing the proceedings.
Dr. Kariuki Michael of Harm Reduction address the stakeholders
Speaking at the event, Boniface Gachoka, Secretary-General of the Bars, Hotels, and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) urged the Ministry to undertake wider consultations in considering new proposals to regulate the tobacco sector, adding that there is opportunity for the Government to consider new innovations in the industry.
“There is a lot of laziness from the Ministry of Health, because what we have witnessed is the copy-pasting of images from different places, some which do not comply with data protection laws. We are very serious about control of tobacco products, but some of the efforts we are seeing are discouraging investments that have been made in this country for many years. That is why we are asking the Ministry of Health to undertake a lot of consultations and to undertake serious research in this regard,” he said.
He added: “As an organization, we have decided to support the harm reduction campaign – which is a global campaign that has introduced nicotine pouches, e-cigarettes, and others. This is because they are the future just as everyone else across other industries is adopting new technologies, innovating, and improving on their products.”
On his part, the Harm Reduction Society of Kenya (HRS) Secretary-General, Dr. Michael Kariuki said:
“When coming up with these graphic health warnings, relevant authorities need to check whether they are appropriate and, particularly, whether they conform to the law because some of these products also need to have other information printed on them such as their composition, warnings, and manufacturers’ emblems. What we are saying is that we need a balanced approach to this issue and the Government through the Ministry of Health needs to engage stakeholders more in a bid to ensure that the health warnings being presented are aligned to the law.”
The Ministry of Health has invited stakeholders to submit their comments, views, representations, and memoranda on the proposed graphic warnings with in-person submissions taking place across seven counties namely Kisumu, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nyeri, Machakos, Mombasa, and Embu.
The public participation sessions continue today in Kakamega and Embu counties.
Religious Leaders drawn from the National Council of Churches of Kenya, (NCCK) the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, (KCCB) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, convened the 4th National Dialogue Conference at Ufungamano House over the last two days to review the NADCO report.
The goal of the 4th National Dialogue Conference was to review the report presented to Parliament by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) as well as the attendant Parliamentary Bills. The delegates from across the country were inspired by the words of the National Anthem.
This prayer is in tandem with the assertion in the Preamble of the Constitution of Kenya
2010 which states recognizing the aspiration of all Kenyans for a government based on the essential values of human rights, equality, freedom, democracy, social justice and
the rule of law.
The following are the recommendations made from the conference;
1. Mourning the Devastation of Floods
The delegates in the National Dialogue Conference are deeply saddened by the deaths of more than 200 Kenyans occasioned by the ongoing rains and floods. The lives of
hundreds of thousands of Kenyans have been destroyed. We mourn with all the bereaved.
We continue to pray for all the affected families for quick recovery. Our places of worship across the country are open at all times to house and support all who have been displaced. We are also mobilizing worshippers in our congregations to collect relief materials to share with the affected families.
2.End the Doctors’ Strike
Also deeply saddening all Kenyans are the deaths and massive suffering arising from the ongoing strike by doctors and other medical workers. We call upon the national and county governments, as well as the medical workers, to engage in genuine and meaningful dialogue to bring the suffering of Kenyans to an end. It is painful for Kenyans to watch their loved ones die from easily treatable conditions.We restate that the religious leaders are ready and willing to mediate in the dialogue process.
3. Urgently Constitute the IEBC
As provided for in the Constitution of Kenya, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries
Commission (IEBC) is the only body mandated to manage elections. The Constitution does not anticipate a situation where the country is without a capacity to constitute its democratic organs. It is therefore a strong breach of the Constitution that Kenya has now gone for 16 months without a properly constituted Commission.
Already, there are two constituencies, Banissa and Lagdera, and four wards, Nyamaiwa,
Kisa East, Lakezone, and Chewena, that are without Members of National Assembly and
Members of County Assembly respectively. On its part, Kisii County is without a Deputy
Governor since there is no Commission to gazette the new appointment. This is a breach of the constitutional rights of these Kenyan citizens. In addition, the country is in a state of a constitutional crisis following the breach of the deadline for delimitation of boundaries.
4. Make the Reform Process People Driven
In the wake of the political tussle for realignments and positioning in the post 2022 elections period, the country went through a period of destructive mass action and massive of lives due to police brutality. To end the strife, the leading political coalitions created a bipartisan team referred to as the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO). The NADCO thereafter had some sessions to receive memoranda from Kenyans, leading to the development of a report that recommends wide-ranging, far reaching, and heavily disruptive reforms.
By its nature, therefore, NADCO is an elitist process that did not address the issues of
concern of the people of Kenya. While ostensibly set up to address the challenges
surrounding the 2022 General Elections, the recommendations in the report by NADCO
are bound to make the journey to the 2027 elections worse than the past cycles.
We thus strongly urge the Speakers of the National Assembly and the Senate to make the reform process put in motion by the NADCO people driven. This will be achieved by:One, publish the NADCO report in a way accessible to all Kenyans so they understand what is being said about their future
Two, have the joint Justice and Legal Affairs Committee visit all the counties to receive
feedback from the citizens, and then use that feedback to review the report and proposed
legal and policy reforms, ensure comprehensive nation-wide public engagement on the Bills of Parliament that are being tabled.
5. Involve Kenyans in Constitution Review Discussions
The report by the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) has recommended 33
amendments to the Constitution of Kenya 2010. Comparatively, the Constitution of Kenya was amended 39 times in the period between 1963 and 2010. The proposed amendment
of the Constitution, which has been formulated as the Constitution of Kenya (Amendment)
Bill 2023, is a major engagement that goes beyond the mandate of Parliamentarians
alone. Such a process requires a Constituent Assembly whose outcome is thereafter subjected to a referendum. We call upon Parliament to put in place the legal framework of this process to be people driven.
6. Call to Kenyans to Engage in the Reform Process Different surveys have shown that less than 30 per cent of the citizens of Kenya have read or are familiar with the NADCO report or the Bills that are amending elections related laws. They call upon all citizens to actively engage in the ongoing reforms process. Do not leave the shaping of your future in the hands of the politicians who are primarily driven by their selfish interests.
Take time to read the reports and Bills and attend public participation forums.
On our part, we have committed to use our platforms to educate Kenyans on the reform
process.
7. Take the Two Thirds Gender Rule Seriously
Recognizably, the Constitution of Kenya 2010 enshrined the principle of inclusivity, and
requires that no gender should occupy more than two thirds of positions in any elective or appointive organ. The persistent failure to implement this provision is not only a denial of the rights of women and men, but also a breach of the Constitution. It is worryingly notable that NADCO did not include the attainment of two thirds gender rule in the Bills they have published.We call upon Parliament to fast track the implementation of the report of the Multi Sectoral Working Group.
During the press Briefing at Kayana Create offices Nairobi.
Kayana Create, a leading platform dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, proudly announces the nominees for the prestigious 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards.
This annual event, now in its third year, shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond, celebrating their innovation, resilience, and leadership in driving economic growth and social impact.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of global business,constituting 90 percent of businesses worldwide.
In Kenya, these enterprises play a pivotal role, contributing approximately 40% to
the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Moreover, SMEs represent a staggering 98 percent of all businesses in the country, generating 30 percent of new jobs annually.
Gender dynamics within Kenya’s SME landscape reveal a nuanced picture. Of the SMEs in Kenya, 31.4 percent are female-owned, while 48 percent are male-owned, with the remaining 17 percent co-owned
by both genders. Interestingly, women lead 61 percent of unlicensed SMEs, highlighting their entrepreneurial spirit despite facing hurdles such as regulatory compliance challenges.
Access to startup capital remains a significant obstacle for women-led SMEs due to stringent collateral requirements
imposed by financial institutions, further compounded by a lack of necessary entrepreneurial skills.
The Kayana Female MSME Awards, formerly known as the D.E.A.R MSME Awards, represent a commitment to fostering a nurturing environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish. With over
1000 nominations received across nine different categories, the awards recognize businesses that have demonstrated excellence in areas such as community impact, environmental sustainability, and the innovative use of technology.
“We are thrilled to honor the outstanding contributions of women entrepreneurs through the 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards. These awards not only celebrate the accomplishments of individual businesses but also highlight the collective strength and resilience of women in business, driving positive change and innovation across various sectors.” said Patricia Okelo, Founder and CEO of Kayana Create.
Among this year’s nominees are pioneering businesses such as MRX Media Limited, Spectrum Engineering, and Essenpark Limited, each exemplifying excellence in their respective fields. From fostering community cohesion to promoting environmental sustainability, these businesses represent the diverse and impactful work being done by women entrepreneurs in Kenya and beyond.
In addition to recognizing individual achievements, the Kayana Female MSME Awards also highlight the importance of collaboration and partnership in driving business success. Through initiatives such as the Kayana Female MSME Awards, Kayana Create aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the support,
resources, and recognition they need to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.
The public voting phase for the 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards is now open, allowing members of the community to show their support for their favorite nominees. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony scheduled for June 15, 2024, where they will receive recognition for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
For more information about the 2024 Kayana Female MSME Awards and to cast your vote, visit Kayana Create’s website. https://www.kayana.org/msme-awards-2024
About Kayana Create:
Kayana Create nurtures an environment where women entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners can thrive. Our mission is grounded in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, offering a platform
where dreamers, doers, and visionaries can flourish. Anchored on three core pillars, our dedication to the community is steadfast:
1. Building Community: Within our esteemed “Circle,” women discover a supportive ecosystem rich in camaraderie and shared purpose. With over 300 dedicated members and an extended reach of over 8,000 through our active mailing list, our community serves as a hub of collaboration and mutual upliftment. Our signature events, such as Candid Conversations: Circles
for Women in Business, the Kenya Cottage Industry Expo, and the prestigious Kayana Female MSMEs Awards, bring together over 25,000 women, fostering valuable connections and opportunities.
2. Growing Capacity: Through our comprehensive curriculum, Passport to Business, and a variety
of training programs held throughout the year, we empower entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds with essential skills and knowledge. Yet, our commitment goes beyond education;
we actively facilitate market access, equipping women with the tools necessary to expand their businesses and achieve new heights of success.
3. Creating Collaborations: Kayana Create acts as a vital conduit, forging connections not only within our network of businesses but also with government initiatives, entrepreneurial hubs, and organizations dedicated to fostering business growth. By facilitating partnerships andcollaborations, we magnify the impact of women entrepreneurs, driving innovation and economic empowerment across the region.
LSK members ready to address the press at the offices Nairobi.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised corruption concerns surrounding implementation of the National Fertilizer subsidy (NFSP).
National Fertilizer subsidy has recently coke under scrutiny due to reports of substantial Breaches of duty, acts of incompetence , and allegation of fraud and Corruption.
“The NFSP was rolled out in September 2022 to offer subsidised fertilizer at half the price of Commercial fertilizer to support agricultural productivity and stabilize food prices in Kenya. However in recent weeks, several complaints have been raised, indicating systemic severe issues within the Ministry of Agriculture and National cereals and produce Board (NCPB) and highliting an elaborate scheme to defraud farmers through the very program intended to bring them relief.” Said Faith Odhiambo President Law Society of Kenya.
She further observed that, thevpurpose of the NFSP is ostensibly moot. The programme was initiated to increase efficiency and productivity while reducing cost and delays. Farmers have raised concerns over bureaucratic inefficiencies, corruption and unprecedented delays in their attempts to access fertilizer. There are also confirmed instances of fake fertilzer being sold to unsuspecting farmers, greatly jeopardising farmers outputs and incomes.
Further frustrations has resulted from severe delays in the deliverly and distribution of fertilizer by the NCPB. There are reports also, of laste tendering and slow manufacturing process by contracted suppliers. Farmers have also decried the transition from a voucher based system to the distribution of fertilizers through the NCPB leading to inefficiencies in the distribution process.
The overall consequence of these is that, farmers have failed to break even, lost significant sums of money in buying fake fertilizer and the agricultural sector has been spun into a crisis at a time when Kenyans contend with strained economic realities that cannot survive food insecurity.
LSK therefore, Call out the Cabinet Secretary and demand that he takes action to address the unprecedented horror show guise as the National Fertilizer subsidy program and offer reparations to affected farmers. The CS should also implement several recommendations to address the real issues. LSK will petition Parliament to call for the immediate removal of Mr. Mithika Linturi from the office of Cabinet Secretary by dint of Article 152 (6) of the Constitution on the grounds of gross misconduct , violation of the Constitution and incompetence to hold public office. LSK will also, pursue a class action on behalf of farmers to seek compensation against the Cabinet Secretary in charge of the Ministry, NCPB, KEBS and the responsible officials.
Adaptation Consortium (ADA) and Climate and Development Knowledge Network (CDKN) on Tuesday 17th April, partnered and held a learning event for sharing knowledge and experiences from implementing and Championing locally led Climate Action.
The workshop brought together both state and non-state stakeholders working on climate change in the country, specifically devolved climate finance and climate action for local communities. In attendance were: representatives from the national government, county governments, economic blocs, development partners, CSOs NGOs and community representatives (Ward Climate Change Planning Committee members).
ADA conceptualized, designed and piloted the County Climate Change Fund (CCCF) Mechanism, a legal and institutional framework for devolving climate finance to the counties and communities.
The mechanism is now being scaled out to all counties through the national government.
ADA, in collaboration with partners including SouthSouthNorth (SSN), County governments and the communities of Isiolo, Kitui, Makueni, Garissa and Wajir, undertook an assessment of climate change investments made during the pilot phase (2013-2018) of the (CCCF) Mechanism. The study aimed at assessing the sustainability and functionality of climate change resilience investments funded through the CCCF.
ADA presented the results of the assessment and lessons during the National Learning Event titled “Learning from the Experiences of Climate-Resilient Public Good Investments” held at the Windsor Hotel, where the communities shared their experiences and perspectives at the local level and the counties and partners gained insights on best practices to inform future locally led investments tackling climate change.
Gianpiero Menza, Senior Manager Partnerships and Innovative Finance at CGIAR
The AgriTech4Kenya Consultation workshop took place at Windsor Hotel Kiambu to discuss on The Transformative Impact of Research and Innovation in Agri Tech.
The AgriTech4Kenya Consultation Workshop & Launch set the stage for a pivotal dialogue among key stakeholders, including government officials, academicians, researchers, incubators, accelerators, venture funds, startups, and farmers, to explore and enhance the agrifood and climate-tech innovation landscape in Kenya.
Kenya consistently imports more than USD 1.1 billion worth of food each year. In 2022 alone, food imports rose from 13.4 percent to 15.5 percent.
This marks a notable paradox given the country’s abundant fertile land. The heavy reliance on imports, coupled with the ever-growing challenges of climate change, poses significant obstacles to Kenya’s food security and economic and agricultural development. Water scarcity is a particularly critical impediment to Kenyan agriculture, with prolonged dry seasons severely minimizing yields and subsequently affecting both livelihoods and food security
Additionally, the dominance of traditional agricultural practices grapples with resource constraints and yield inconsistencies and exacerbate productivity shortfalls With 15 research centers globally, a network of over 9,000 scientists, researchers, technicians and staff, and Impact Areas in ‘Nutrition, Health and Food Security’ and ‘Climate Adaptation and Mitigation’, CGIAR is strategically positioned to address Kenya’s critical challenges.
The Government of Kenya’s initiatives – including the Big 4 Agendaiv and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policyv
within the Vision 2030, underscore the imperative for research-driven innovation to bolster food security and climate
resilience. The transition towards sustainable agricultural practices necessitates the harmonious integration of sciencebased innovations, equitable finance, improved market access, and capacity building within the agritech ecosystem.
This multifaceted approach, supported by research institutions and agri-food technology acceleration programs, is essential for empowering entrepreneurs and transforming Kenya’s agricultural landscape into a robust pillar of food security, rural development, and economic growth. Investing in agritech innovations not only holds the potential to revolutionize agriculture in Africa but also contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
A group photo for all
Through success stories from organizations like UjuziKilimo, and Farmshield, it is evident that agritech innovations are driving positive change, enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience, and sustainability across the continent.
The global downturn in agri-food technology investment in 2023, however, highlights the urgent need for targeted support and investment to revitalize the sector. A collaborative effort from the government, private sector, civil society,
and farmers is needed to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector into a powerful engine of innovation for food security, rural development and economic prosperity. CGIAR’s 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy prioritizes innovation
and scalability as key components of its mission and emphasizes the significance of innovative public and private
partnerships in bolstering cutting-edge solutions, thus optimizing its current participation in thousands of innovation
and scaling projects.
In this context, the AgriTech4Kenya Innovation Challenge 2024 has been designed to catalyze agrifood systems
transformation in Kenya by supporting the development, deployment, adoption, and scalability of high-impact, countryrelevant science-based agritech solutions.
There will be 25 slots up for grabs, with 20 allocated for early-stage startups and 5 for CGIAR-led innovations. The selected innovations will undergo a bootcamp, culminating in a pitching session during the CGIAR science week. Out of these, 10 will be early-stage startups, and 2 will be CGIAR-led. These innovations will then enter an acceleration program, with the top 3 winners receiving post-acceleration support. CGIAR will provide technical assistance as part of the post-acceleration support.
During the Press Briefing by CSOs at Sheraton Hotel Nairobi.
Civil Society Organisations held a capacity building workshop where sustainable development goals on energy and climate action were discussed.
Present were various organisations including; Alliance of Civil Society Organisations for Clean Energy Access, Kenya Climate Change Working Group, and Sustainable Energy Access Forum Kenya.
As part of its follow-up and review mechanisms, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development encourages member states to “conduct regular and inclusive reviews of progress at the national and sub-national levels, which are country-led and country-driven” (paragraph 79). These national reviews are expected to serve as a basis for the regular reviews by the high-level political forum (HLPF), meeting under the auspices of ECOSOC. As stipulated in paragraph 84 of the 2030 Agenda, regular reviews by the HLPF are to be voluntary, state-led, undertaken by both developed and developing countries, and involve multiple stakeholders.
“The world is at halfway mark in achieving the SDGs. SDG 7 stipulates access to clean affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. This target needs to be achieved, but increased financing is required, more investment in clean cooking and decentralized renewable energy systems. World Bank will have Spring Meetings in Washington DC while the African Development Bank will hold its annual meeting in Nairobi in May. We want to call on these banks to increase financing in energy in order to connect 600 million Africans not connected to electricity. This will enable social economic development in our communities and Nations, said Florence Gichoya from Alliance of Civil Society organisations for Clean Energy Access.
She further observed that the workshop intends to capacity build among the Civil Society Organisations. She also added that communities need one another to accelerate the work of achieving sustainable development goals.
Elizabeth Wanja of Kenya Climate Change Working group observed that, they were looking at developing comprehensive Voluntary National Reviews to be able to realise Universal access to energy for all.
The voluntary national reviews (VNRs) aim to facilitate the sharing of experiences, including successes, challenges, and lessons learned, with a view to accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The VNRs also seek to strengthen policies and institutions of governments and mobilize multi-stakeholder support and partnerships for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Issues of Advocacy on Renewable Energy are important. As a country, we have made tremendous steps in renewable energy, having 92 percent contribution. We are also calling upon the government to look at aspects, making our communities not make good use of electricity , affordability, and reliability. Monopoly is also an issue and there is need to see in how we can diversify on this aspect.” Said Brian Omenyi from Sustainble Energy Access Forum Kenya.
