By Doreen Kinja, Sales Team Leader at Infobip Africa

When it comes to gender equality in the workplace, the African continent remains varied, with some regions – such as the southern, western and eastern parts of the continent – showing better progress in creating more gender-equal environments than others.

A study by the McKinsey Global Institute found that African firms had the highest share of female representation on company boards – 25% compared to the global average of 17%.

But while progress has been made at the top level of firms, women are less well represented in middle management. Notably, women make up 43% of individuals who receive a tertiary education yet hold only 28% of formal sector jobs.

On a global scale, a PwC report shows that women currently hold 19% of technology-related jobs at the top 10 global tech companies, compared to men who hold 81%.

In leadership positions at these global tech giants, women make up 28% of the workforce, with men representing 72%.

Despite Research Professional News claiming that the ICT sector attracts more and more women across the African continent, which has the highest proportion of female STEM graduates, more needs to be done to address gender inequality.

Insufficient transformation

Not all parts of Africa have transformed sufficiently to meaningfully tackle the gender equality gap. In some countries, many industry sectors, including ICT, remain male-dominated.

This  is the result of a legacy culture, where women’s contribution to business is neglected. These attitudes need to change and are best overcome by developing a corporate culture that does not recognise gender, but the contributions made by all employees.

Instead of driving male-female quotas, companies should develop a culture that instils a balanced outlook across the entire organisation and that relies on the skills and abilities of the individual and what each employee can bring to the table.

More women leaders in mature markets

According to Grant Thornton, we’re starting to see a pronounced shift in some regions as women take up leadership roles.

This trend is particularly evident in more mature markets (e.g. Southern, Western and East African regions), where sustained efforts to drive gender equality over the last 10 to 15 years have resulted in greater workplace parity.

Organisational culture must filter down from senior leadership and needs to be shaped by the input of all employees. Critically, organisational culture must also be inculcated across the entire organisation, so that it is the same in the company’s African office as it is at its European headquarters, giving employees a sense of being part of a single, focused environment.

Companies that instil this type of organisational culture across their global footprint are usually those that enjoy strong leadership that encourages collaboration among everyone in the organisation.

Gender equality is usually part of these organisations’ DNA and they do not dwell on different genders and cultures but focus on a company culture that all employees adhere to.

Companies should realise that an effective leadership structure can no longer be based on a carrot and stick approach.

By fostering an environment that is conducive to gender equality, only then will we start to see more balance in Africa’s ICT industry.

Serviced Apartment Operator – Somerset Westview Nairobi has set up its own Chef’s Kitchen & Herb Garden and portable apartment gardens in an effort to become a more sustainable Aparthotel.

Measuring 3 by 6 metres, the outdoor Herb Garden, situated in one of the open spaces of the property, will grow herbs such as mint lemon, verbena lemon, thyme, rosemary, chives and dhania, to meet the needs of the kitchen. It is targeted to become the main supplier of herbs and vegetables, in a few years’ time, making the Somerset kitchen operations sustainable.

“We fully believe and stand for Sustainability as a way of life, and so these gardens are part of our long-term plans to champion a greener and cleaner environment and to protect the planet, we all call home,” said Mr. Ashwin Vijayasekar - General Manager, Somerset Westview Nairobi.

Complementing the Chef’s Garden, Somerset has also set up indoor portable gardens in its 162 apartments. Long stay guests will be encouraged to adopt and maintain the gardens. Guests who wish to whip up a meal in their fully-equipped kitchen of their apartment need only to harvest key ingredients from their portable herb gardens, to give their dishes that extra flavour.

"Having their own apartment Herb Garden is one of the ways we make our residents feel at home. At the same time, it helps to reduce wastage. With the garden, residents don't have to keep unnecessary stock in the kitchen. They can simply pick the herbs for their cooking needs," explained Mr Ashwin.

The launch of the chef’s kitchen and portable apartment herb gardens is part of several eco-friendly initiatives that the serviced residence has introduced Ranging from saving water and energy consumption to recycling waste to protect the environment.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has deployed 24 election observers across the country ahead of next week polls.

The IGAD head of election observation Dr. Mulatu Teshome flagged off the observers who have been deployed to 18 constituencies across 11 counties.

“I am particularly working closely with leaders of African regional and continental organisations like the African Union (AU) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) election observation missions among others. We have one common interest and it is to see a peaceful and credible election in the country and a peaceful transition of power. This will also pave the way for further consolidation of democracy in the republic of Kenya,” said Dr. Teshome.

 The team drawn from six IGAD member states underwent an orientation programme touching on relevant legal frameworks for the polls as well as IGAD code of conduct for election observers.

The team will be stationed in Mombasa, Machakos, Kakamega, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Nairobi, Kakamega, Kisii, Kisumu, Nakuru and Kajiado.

Dr Teshome noted “The mission will share its findings in a preliminary statement after election day. A final report containing a more in-depth analysis on the conduct of the electoral process as well as recommendations for future electoral processes will be presented in due course."

On Saturday the team led by Dr Teshome met deputy president William Ruto at his official Karen residence.

Preparation for next week polls are complete in Mombasa.

According to the county elections manager Swalha Yusuf the county has a total of 641,000 registered voters and 1041 polling stations.

The county tallying centre will be at the Kenya school of government.

Four prisons, Shimo la Tewa main prison, Shimo la Tewa Women prison, Shimo la Tewa medium and the Kingorani prison (Jela baridi)  will also act as polling stations with inmates only voting for the president.

Addressing members of the press at county IEBC offices on Sunday afternoon, Yusuf said more police officers including GSU officers have been deployed to areas that have been marked as hotspots which are Nyali, Likoni and Kisauni.

"We want to make sure that residents elect their leaders peaceful'' said Yusuf.

Yusuf also noted that they expect a voter turnout of more than 80%.

The Media council of Kenya (MCK) has set up a media centre for journalists who will be covering the egeneral election in Mombasa.

The centre which is at the Kenya school of government (MCK) will be accessible to accredited journalists who will also be offered technical and logistical support and information on election related matters.

"This is in line with the council's strategic efforts to strengthen the work of journalists towards a free, fair and credible general election" reads a statement from MCK.

MCK Coast region coordinator Maureen Mudi said "The centre can host up to 40 journalists. We want to ensure that accredited journalists are well equipped to conduct their work in a conducive environment. The centre has reliable internet that will see them operate near the IEBC tallying centre,"

MCK has also established other media centres in six other areas, Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, Kisumu, Kisii, Meru and nyeri.

The council has at the same time deployed 150 press freedom monitors to observe adherence to provision of and access to information for journalists.

Former Mombasa senator and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate Hassan Omar has unveiled his 5 point agenda for Mombasa county if elected to succeed  Hassan Joho.

Reviving Mombasa's economy and strengthening devolution are Omar's top priorities.

"Over the last five years, I have held 840 meetings in Mombasa's 30 wards and 67 interactions with its stakeholders. My unpublicised memos of these engagements have enabled my team to develop a blueprint of ward based executive committees. These committees will roll out devolved functions, enhance transparent online interaction and create dignified employement and wealth which Mombasa has long sort in vain" said Omar.

Adding "We will strengthen devolution in Mombasa, develop a model of civic engagement, foster resident associations and reorganise the priorities of this county government. We will account for every penny and demonstrate why integrity in leadership matters"

His main plan christened 'Wheel' features sectors like water, health, economy, education and Land.

Addressing members of the press during a media briefing which he termed as closing statement, Omar who has been holding media briefings every Monday also promised to make sure that port services are brought back to Mombasa.

"My government has charted the plan into short and mid term but I want to make a public oath that port operations and services will be back to the people of Mombasa before we implement this plan. A good plan can't ignore the glaring injustices of Mombasa when their best developed saset and resource is intentionally directed to benefit a few people."

Omar who was flanked by his running mate Selina Maitha called on UDA supporters in Mombasa to come out in large numbers next week and vote for him and their presidential candidate William Ruto assuring them of enough security.

"Let no one try to scare you, we will have enough security and we will guard our votes, that I can assure you, so just come out and exercise your right. I believe we will form the next county and national government."

In preparation for the upcoming Elections, ISIRIKA has prepared a fact Sheet to provide useful information to encourage young people to participate in the general elections in a safe way.

In addition to this fact sheet, they have set up an emergency response team of young people who will be providing timely information and updates on 8 – 10 August 2022 as well as providing virtual emergency response services to community members in need. 

This initiative is part of ISIRIKA’s approach to promoting community care as a sustainable means of development.

They seek to provide care to young people in a way that centers their needs; whether big or small. Political participation is community care, they  want to support as many community members to go out and vote without fear for their safety or lives. 

The protection protocol document can be accessed on their website here - Isirika – Equal Generosity. 

ISIRIKA is a youth-led grassroots social enterprise that brings people together to care for one another and take action in their communities with most members situated in Mombasa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged 350 newly hired seafarers to be good brand ambassadors of the Kenyan nation saying their conduct will determine the demand for Kenyan maritime professionals by international shipping lines.

“To the new recruits that we are commissioning today, let me remind you that you sail out as our ambassadors.  How many more Kenyans are recruited in the future will, to a large extent, depend on the image of Kenya you project abroad,” the President said.

The Head of State spoke on Wednesday at the Kenya Maritime Academy in Mombasa County during the flagging off ceremony of 350 young Kenyan seafarers recently recruited by Atlanta based Celebrity Cruises.

The President recalled with nostalgia the good old days when Kenya used to be the leading regional source market for seafarers, serving major shipping lines across the world.

“I remember the many Kenyans who used to come here with good money after serving abroad. We wish you the very best as you embark on your new career.

“We recall that in the early 70s we used to have more than 10,000 seafarers as a country, and these were men and women who actually breathed life not only to Mombasa but to many other towns in our country.

"But because of mismanagement of the sector this was reduced to almost nothing," President Kenyatta said as he thanked Celebrity Cruises and other shipping for continuing to offer young Kenyan seafarers employment opportunities on their vessels.

“I want to begin, in particular, to thank the Mediterranean Shipping Company MSC. Because they came in as our very first partners and as General (Rtd) Mwathethe said, you took some of our young men and women, both of whom I had the pleasure of launching, who have proven to be very successful,” President Kenyatta said.

He thanked Kenya's blue economy office led by General (Rtd) Samson Mwathethe and State House Deputy Chief of Staff responsible for policy and strategy Mrs Ruth Kagia for steering the restoration of the seafaring profession.

“I want to recognize the works that have been done by both the ministry in charge of maritime and a special vote of thanks to Retired General Samson Mwathethe and Madam Ruth Kagia who for the last five years have really been struggling to see how we can restore some of that lost glory,” the President said.

Earlier, President Kenyatta, who was on a day-long working tour of Mombasa County commissioned several infrastructural projects among them the new Ksh 4.5 billion Makupa Bridge, the offshore Kipevu Oil Terminal and the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex.

Speaking to wananchi at Makupa Bridge, President Kenyatta said the construction of Makupa Bridge in a record 17 months was a testimony of his successful 10-year tenure and rubbished his doubters as peddlers of falsehoods.

“Some leaders have been moving around the country saying after the handshake we achieved nothing. But this project is proof that we have done a lot. We have been able to do this because of the peace and stability we have experienced in the last few years, especially because of the handshake," the President said.

He said the completion of Makupa Bridge and the opening up of the 1929 causeway had restored Mombasa's enviable status as a true island.

Mombasa leaders led by Governor Ali Hassan Joho thanked the President for the projects successfully implemented by President Kenyatta's administration, and assured of the county's full backing of Azimio La Umoja's presidential candidate Raila Odinga in Tuesday's poll.

Cabinet Secretaries James Macharia (Infrastructure) and Monica Juma (Energy) accompanied the President on the day-long working tour.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned the electorate against what he termed as political liars out to hoodwink them with empty promises.

In what is seen as a direct attack at his deputy William Ruto,the president  dismissed Rutos claims that the two fell out due to his handshake with Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

 “Lies and chest thumping can’t bring leadership, let them wait first, let them allow Odinga to lead us, the rest can slow their ambitions first, and slowly they will get there,” said Kenyatta.

Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, after launching several development projects at the Makupa Causeway, Kenyatta defended his handshake with Odinga saying most of development was realized within the handshake period.

“There are those saying that we did nothing since the handshake, that’s what they have been saying therefore these projects, including the Makupa causeway, that started in 2020 is part of the handshake projects,” he said.

The president who was accompanied by Mombasa governor Hassan Joho defended his handshake with Odinga, acknowledging that Odinga has been supportive in the realization of many developments countrywide.

Kenyatta asked residents to be weary of leaders who propagate lies to gain political mileage. 

He said the projects that his administration has initiated will be fully actualized by the Raila Odinga government. He asked residents to come out in large numbers to vote for Odinga.

 “We ask you to elect leaders who are development oriented, not leaders who propagate hate and tribalism, I want to ask you people to join me in drumming up support for Raila Odinga because he has shown the will to lead with peace,” the president added.

Leaders who had accompanied the president led by Joho said the coastal region will unanimously vote for Odinga.Joho said the coastal region will deliver victory to the Azimio coalition in the upcoming general elections.

“The coast remains a stronghold of Raila Odinga,and we are optimistic that we will deliver victory to Odinga in the next general elections, if there is time that we will work for the people seriously is when we form the next government,” said Joho.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib expressed optimism that Odinga presidency will spur development in the coastal region, including completing projects that were initiated by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“The legacy the president has left for us, can only be continued by Raila Odinga,the people of the coastal region are ready to ensure Odinga captures power and succeeds president Kenyatta,” said Twalib.

On his part,Mvita Mp Abdulswamand Nassir said Mombasa has reaped development from the jubilee government due to the unity between the president and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Four people died in a road accident involving a car belonging to Lunga Lunga Mp Khatib Mwashetani, Thursday afternoon.

According to reports the accident was caused by a tyre burst thus rolling several times before landing on the left side of the road..

The car was heading to Lunga Lunga from Kanana for campaigns.

The four who perished in the accident includes a driver, two bodyguards and media officer attached to the Mp's office.

The only survivor in the accident is currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The Mp was not in the car during the accident.

In his statement the Mp alleged that the car had been tempered with.

"We believe that the four wheel drive car was tampered with the previous night resulting to the cause of death of Five colleagues. My sincere condolences to the families and #Teammwashetani fraternity for the great loss." Said Mwashetani.