The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the US Centre for disease control and prevention (CDC)  have renewed their MoU to continue partnering and enhance collaborative activities in cutting-edge research on a reciprocal basis

The signing was done by KEMRI acting Director General  Professor Elijah Songok and CDC Global Health Director, Dr. Kayla Laseron in the presence of President William Ruto during his state visit to the USA which started on Monday.

"This collaboration will encompass human health research and program implementation at KEMRI facilities and in Kenyan communities, research and capacity building for public health threats and emergencies, dissemination and application of research findings for policy formulation, training of public health professionals, strengthening research leadership and laboratory capabilities, staff exchanges, and sharing of research information and materials in accordance with Kenyan laws, as well as any other mutually beneficial health-related research activities." reads a statement from KEMRI.

Another importnat MoU signed during the event was between the Ministry of Health and the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in developing a Sustainability Roadmap for Kenya’s HIV Programme and the joint proclamation for the operationalisation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute.

The agreements that will accelerate the Kenyan government’s efforts to achieve Universal Healthcare include the joint proclamation for the operationalisation of the Kenya National Public Health Institute.

During the visit to the CDC Headquarters in Atlanta, President Ruto  hailed the US government as a key ally in Kenya’s healthcare advancement.

“The United States of America has been Kenya’s true ally in healthcare from infrastructure, pioneering research to the tackling of infectious diseases. We intend to escalate this journey of partnership, including the local manufacturing of vaccines, for the prosperity of all” he said.

Researchers have published results that show that household air pollution from cooking is the main source of Carbon Monoxide (CO) exposure of school going children in Nairobi.

The study, christened Tupumue, a Kiswahili word meaning ‘let us breathe’ notes that despite most of the urban homes in the two contrasting study areas- an informal and a more affluent settlement of Nairobi, Kenya, using liquid or gas fuels, concentrations of Carbon Monoxide levels were comparable with those previously reported in rural homes that predominantly use more polluting solid fuels such as charcoal and wood.

The study has just been published in the Environmental Pollution scientific journal and is a multidisciplinary study bring together researchers from Kenya including those from KEMRI, and their United Kingdom counterparts from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Storkholm Environmental Institute, and the University of Stirling among others.

The non-communicable lung disease in Kenya study sought to determine the burden and early life determinants and air pollution concentrations that were measured for 24 hours in nearly 200 homes in Nairobi.

According to a statement from the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the study  established that a substantial proportion of homes (nearly 1 in 10) had concentrations that would activate a European-standard Carbon Monoxide alarm, suggesting that there is likely to be a considerable unquantified burden on health from acute carbon monoxide exposure and carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels burning fuels on poorly ventilated stoves, chronic health effects, particularly in terms of child development, may be occurring because of the carbon monoxide exposures reported here. The study underscores the urgent need to address household air pollution in urban settings with targeted interventions essential to mitigate Carbon Monoxide exposure and safeguard public health as this study corroborate findings that suggest that ‘cleaner’ fuels do not always generate the desired levels of reduction in household air pollution." reads the statement from KEMRI.

There is a need to better understand carbon monoxide exposures in urban settings and to target interventions, including community education on household air pollution, that reduce exposure from evening cooking activity within the home

Kwale based Radio Kaya has suffered a blow after Mo Radio poached two of it's top presenters.

Mo Radio has poached Robby and his 'radio bae' Caroline Mkamburi.

The duo were previously the face of Radio Kaya's youth and entertainment programe, Kaya Flavaz .

Robbie and Mkamburi will now be hosting the mid morning show from 10am to 2pm, with their first show being on Monday, 20th May 2023.

Global Afropop superstar Yemi Alade has released a new single “Tomorrow” a lead up to her upcoming tenth body of work titled ‘Rebel Queen’, set for release in 2024.

“Tomorrow” is an uplifting and up-beat track produced by Yasso.

The new single showcases Yemi's vocal range on different levels. She sang lead and all the backing vocals that made up the choir in the background. 

Ahead of the release Yemi Alade reveals, “Tomorrow is a timeless piece that honors the aspirations of the future and the ongoing pursuit of turning them into achievements. This is a dedication to all those envisioning brighter days, serving as an anthem for champions.” 

The single speaks on the importance of the gift of tomorrow and its promise for a better day. It’s about having another opportunity to achieve things we couldn't today. It encourages one to place their trust in the divine guidance from God despite the uncertainty of the future.

Yemi Alade is excited to present a wholesome body of work with the new album.

She revealed that ‘Rebel Queen’ album will be a cocktail of different genres with multiple flavours designed to appeal to every single music lover from any corner in the world.

She says, “I created this album with the sole purpose of creating music I grew up loving and the variety I have grown to love now. I was inspired by the core African music of Highlife and different genres that got us excited as Africans.”

'Rebel Queen’ album represents Yemi Alade’s originality, bold spirit and global domination to a great degree.

She is revered for her electrifying live music performances not only on big stages and stadiums across the world but also for exclusive audiences such as the United Nations, Global Citizen and the British Royal Family to name a few. 

Having started the year 2024 on a big note - performing at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening ceremony, Yemi Alade is now set to headline her solo show in Zenith, Paris - La Villete, France on 21st September 2024 alongside her African Train Band, as part of 2024 tour series.

Mombasa county has heightened regulations onto the sale and consumption of Miraa and muguka in the region.

In the new regulations, the county government has now directed that there will be no sale of Miraa and muguka around schools and places of worship.

All shops selling the products must be far away from the learning institutions to cushion school going children from engaging in drug and substance use.

Speaking on Wednesday after a joint meeting with Embu governor Cecil Mbarire, governor Nasir said sellers and traders of the product will now be required to get specified licenses.

The two governors accompanied by members of their respective county assemblies  met to discuss how the two counties can both benefit from the control of the cash crop produced majorly in Embu.

Governor Nassir said the county will deploy officers to enforce the regulations. Buses and canters engaged in the transportation of the products will also be required to get special licenses from Mombasa county.

"We will send a team to go round giving out notices to shop owners that also sell miraa and muguka, they have to decide that they will run a general shop or sell miraa and muguka said Nassir

On her side, Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, along with several of the county’s members of her county assembly, supported the initiative, noting that the easy accessibility of these substances to children necessitated stringent regulations.

"Muguka and Miraa are scheduled cash crops, and we need to coordinate their trade effectively. As the people of Embu, we support the need to regulate their trade in Mombasa to protect our children," she stated. 

During the meeting, the Embu governor suggested the cess fee be reduced from 80,000 to 60,000 so that traders in the business will not be disadvantaged due to exorbitant charges.

Nassir has asked the county assembly to ensure consideration of the charges adjustments as well as ensure the regulation does not victimize sellers of the product.

eBee, a leading pan-African e-mobility company, has opened a new Sales and Service shop in Mombasa, marking a significant step in expanding sustainable transportation solutions in the region.

This new station aims to enhance accessibility to e-mobility options for both individuals and businesses, contributing to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The facility will also serve as a hub for eBee's innovative electric mobility services, providing rentals, sales, and maintenance for e-bicycles, thereby fostering economic growth through job creation in the e-mobility sector.

"Our new Sales and Service shop in Mombasa reflects our strong commitment to advancing sustainable urban mobility and creating eco-friendly employment opportunities," said Isidoor Maljers, Commercial Director and Founder of eBee. "We are dedicated to providing innovative, environmentally friendly transportation options and contributing to the city’s environmental and economic goals."

The launch aligns with Kenya's recently introduced e-Mobility Policy Paper, which underscores the government's commitment to promoting sustainable transportation solutions. This policy aims to reduce carbon emissions, improve urban air quality, and create new economic opportunities through the adoption of e mobility.

eBee's new facility aims to foster green job opportunities in Mombasa, particularly in areas such as delivery services and technical maintenance. This initiative is part of eBee’s broader strategy to support Kenya's green transition and urban development goals.

"We believe that by fostering meaningful partnerships and collaborations in Mombasa, we can amplify our collective efforts towards creating a greener, more sustainable city. Our mission is not only to provide sustainable e-mobility solutions but also to generate employment and support the local economy." he added.

The opening of the Mombasa shop marks a significant expansion of eBee's operations, reflecting the company’s dedication to enhancing urban mobility through electric transportation. This move is expected to contribute to Kenya’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined in the e-Mobility Policy Paper.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mombasa Bike Mayor John Kimani welcomed the gesture by the company to open it's shop in Mombasa.

"We have always been advocating for safety and green transport and this is a big step towards achieving this." said Kimani.

Adding " The move is timely since the county government is also planning to have secluded lanes in our roads for cyclers."

By Ifeanyi Odoh, Country President, Schneider Electric East Africa

The world is becoming increasingly electrified and with this comes challenges and opportunities. It is a time that sees countries across the globe witnessing a change in how we produce and consume energy.

It is a world that races against time to meet emissions reduction targets and the urgency to fulfil subsequent sustainable transformation.  It is a place which sees organisations prioritise digitalisation, decarbonisation and sustainability.

At the heart of it all lies the new energy landscape. 

Defining the new energy landscape

The new energy landscape represents the outcome of the global shift toward renewable energy sources, which is crucial to fight climate change.  And for each country this is somewhat unique, depending on the sum of the alternative energy resources that ultimately make up the part that is the new energy landscape.

In Kenya, for example, we’re seeing the emergence of an electric vehicle (EV) marketplace which will leverage the country’ geothermal and hydropower energies baseload.  This transition not only represents the adoption of new technology but also a cultural shift towards higher productivity driven, if you will, by alternative energy.

However, with this adoption should also come sound energy management practices. People tend to charge their EVs at their destination—be it their office, home, or shopping malls—accounting for almost 80% of charging behaviour. This shift could potentially double or triple the energy demand of buildings overnight.

To illustrate, a typical electric car might use approximately 7KW to charge, while in Kenya, has a power demand of about 2KW. Introducing an EV to a household could multiply its energy consumption by three to four times.

To meet this demand, and allow for the increased adoption of EVs, optimised energy management strategies should be implemented, allowing for the development of onsite renewable generation, such as rooftop solar and introducing efficiency measures, with digitised real-time monitoring to manage and reduce energy use.

Developing the skills for the new energy landscape

Africa, particularly East Africa, boasts a youthful population. For example, over 80 percent of Kenya’s population is aged 35 years and below. It’s a young, impressionable population that has the potential to change the course of history.

It is also this demographic which underscores the importance of training young people to drive forward the new energy landscape.  Here, vocational schools can play a critical role in preparing the youth for the future, ensuring that East Africa capitalises on its demographic advantage without the need to import skills.

Establishing this young, dynamic and skilled labour force can also extend to entrepreneurship and training, again emphasising the importance of partnerships with vocational schools and industry stakeholders.  This will equip the next generation with the necessary skills to thrive in the new energy landscape.

Indeed, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are set to become the backbone of East Africa’s new energy landscape movement. It is these organisations that will create jobs and with the support of large global organisations like Schneider Electric set benchmarks for the establishment of the new energy landscape.

Schneider Electric envisions a future shaped by countries like Kenya, acting at this intersection between technology and decarbonisation.  It is also leaders such as the youth and SMEs, which we refer to as impact makers, which are driving change and shaping a more resilient, electric, and net-zero world.

Kenya ports authority Managing Director (MD) Captain William Ruto has been praised for his efforts in improving services at the port of Mombasa.

In a report released on March this year (2024) KPA announced a  remarkable growth in cargo throughput in 2023, handling a total of 35.98 million metric tons, marking a significant 6.2 per cent increase compared to 2022, signalling a major surge in activities at the port.

Annual Review and Bulletin Statistics released by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) shows the growth was primarily driven by an increase in containerized cargo handling, which soared by 2.33 million metric tonnes, equivalent to 14.8 per cent.

Containerized cargo accounted for 50.4 percent of all cargo handled at the Port.

Moreover, the number of vessels calling at the Port increased to 1,835 in 2023, compared to 1,561 in the previous year.

Despite global uncertainties and tight financial conditions affecting exchange rates, the Port of Mombasa thrived in challenging conditions, tapping into emerging markets through competitive services offered at the facility.

According to Mombasa youth leader Evans Momanyi, the growth is a clear indication of Captain Ruto's transformative agenda.

"Figures speak for themselves and you have all seen what the MD has so far managed to achieve at the port. We would like to congratulate him for that" said Momanyi.

Momanyi added" The MD is transforming the port to a world class one and we should all support him in his efforts."

.Jambojet, Kenya's leading low-cost airline this year introduced the Jambojet Sustainability Challenge in the annual Kitenge Fashion Festival for which they awarded up to ksh.400,000 and return trips to any destination of choice, to the top three designers in the category.

This challenge is supposed to mark a milestone in the coming together of fashion, creativity, culture, and environmental consciousness. The entries in the category repurposed old airline materials including headrests, uniforms and seat covers into stunning fashion pieces.

The chilly streets of Eldoret were made alive with colour and creativity as the 7th Edition of the Kitenge Fashion Festival unfolded at Rupas Mall on Saturday. Within the excitement that comes with this high fashion event and the swish of Kitenge designs, a brand-new initiative was taking centre stage, championing sustainability and eco-conscious practices in fashion and design.

The festival’s highlight came when the models walked the runway showcasing the repurposed designs. The crowd stood amazed at how the young creatives were able to create the designs from previously used materials. The peak of the event came with the announcement of the winners, each being recognized for their innovative approach to sustainable fashion.

Caroline Wairimu of Empress Crafts won first place taking home the top prize of Ksh. 250,000 and a return trip on Jambojet’s inaugural flight to Zanzibar. Her designs were a remarkable fusion of creativity and sustainability. She transformed the old airplane headrests and seat covers into stylish uniforms, and upcycled suitcases, and bags infusing her craft and detailed designs utilising all the provided material.

Coming in second was Eileen Chepchumba of Lyn Crafts,  who was awarded Ksh. 100,000 and a return ticket for one to any local destination, Eileen's designs captivated the audience and judges with their intricate crochet work. She incorporated recycled materials into crochet bikinis and cover-ups for ladies, and sweaters for men.

The second runner up, Ashley Lugalia was recognised with an order of items worth up to Ksh. 50,000 and Jambojet’s limited-edition merchandise. Her designs exuded sophistication and style. She upcycled crew uniforms to seat covers and headrests fashioned into full outfits and duffel bags.

The designers of the category were up to par with the standards set which required them to repurpose the materials without losing their creative touch. They were able to showcase the merging of fashion and sustainability seamlessly. Their collections highlighted the transformative potential of sustainable fashion.

The challenge echoed Jambojet’s commitment to nurturing local talent and promoting sustainability within the communities it serves. The partnership with Kitenge Fashion Festival underscoring the belief in the power of creativity and sustainability. The airline’s sustainability involvement in Eldoret goes beyond the Kitenge Fashion Festival, they are a partner in the Eldoret City Marathon.

Through the empowering of designers and models and fostering collaboration within the cities they serve, Jambojet aims to pave the way for a more sustainable future. The Kitenge Fashion Festival serves as a reminder of the transformative power of collaboration not only celebrating African culture and creativity but also ushering in a new era of sustainable fashion.