FAWE – KENYA ORGANIZES SENSITIZATION FORUM ON GOVERNMENTS COMPREHENSIVE GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL RE-ENTRY IN BID TO TAME DROP OUT RATES

New Measures Aimed at Addressing Complex Challenges Facing Education System

In a bid to combat the persistent challenge of school dropouts and ensure equitable access to education, the Ministry of Education has announced a comprehensive set of guidelines for school  re-entry in a forum organized by the Forum for African Women Educationists FAWE. These guidelines represent a concerted effort to tackle the myriad factors contributing to dropout rates across Kenya’s basic education institutions.

Since the implementation of Free Primary Education (FPE) in 2003 and Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) in 2008, significant strides have been made in improving access to quality education. However, issues such as early pregnancy, cultural practices like child marriages and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), as well as HIV/AIDS and gender-based violence, continue to impede the educational journey of many children.

The newly unveiled guidelines outline a systematic approach to support learners who drop out of school, including those with special needs and disabilities, with the overarching goal of enhancing retention, transition, and completion rates at all levels of basic education.
Some of the key highlights from the guidelines include:

Emphasizing inclusion and non-discrimination to address the diverse needs of all learners, regardless of age, gender, or disabilities.

-Ensuring equal opportunities for girls and boys to access and complete their education.

Safeguarding children from all forms of abuse, including neglect, exploitation, and violence.

Taking measures to combat inhibitive cultural practices such as FGM/C and child marriage, which adversely affect school attendance and achievements.

– Ensuring that learners living with or affected by HIV/AIDS have equal access to education and support services.

Mobilizing community leaders and stakeholders to create a conducive environment for re-entry and combatting school-related gender-based violence.

The successful implementation of these guidelines relies on a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, other government agencies, county governments, schools, parents, and community leaders. Key responsibilities have been outlined for each stakeholder to ensure effective coordination and support for re-entry programs.
In conclusion these guidelines represent a significant step forward in addressing the complex challenges facing the education system, they are not static. The Ministry of Education emphasizes the need for continuous review and adaptation to ensure their relevance and responsiveness to evolving needs.

As Kenya strives to build a more inclusive and equitable education system, the unveiling of these guidelines marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards ensuring that every child has the opportunity to realize their full potential through education.

The forum for African Women Educationists- Kenya Chaper in Conjunction with the Mastercard Foundation has a program dubbed Imarisha Msichana program which aims to forestall rising cases of girl drop out rates in schools.

Net-zero target is within reach if pursued deliberately

Opinion Editorial

By Marius van der Ham

As of 2022, air travel carbon emissions reached an estimated 800 Mt or 2% of the global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. And while this was approximately 80% of the pre-pandemic levels, increasing demand for aviation services – projected to grow at between 2% and 5% by 2050 – will ultimately drive up the quantity of carbon emissions generated by the airline industry.

However, this adverse trajectory can be averted. By ramping up innovative aircraft technologies, “streamlining” flight operations and increasing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), airlines can reduce the generation of carbon emissions by the quantities required to achieve Net Zero earlier than the 2050 target.

At Air France, we have taken the prerogative to accelerate our impact in this regard. For instance, we are continually upgrading our fleets to modern technologies, which generate much lower emissions. As of 2025, we will have added 38 Airbus A350s to our long-haul fleet and 60 Airbus A220s on our short and medium-haul fleet, replacing the A318 and A319 fleets. The new-generation aircraft produce 20% to 25% less carbon emissions, and their noise footprint has been reduced by a significant 40%. They also consume significantly lesser fuel. The aircraft on our fleet currently consume an average of 3.3 litres per passenger/100km.  In comparison, the A350 consumes nearly 25% less at 2.5 litres per passenger/100km. This is as the A220 expends 2.6 litres per passenger/100km, thanks to the incorporation of close to 40% lighter materials (lithium aluminium and composite materials) in its construction.

Yet flight renewal is only part of our multi-pronged strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of our airline. We are also pioneering the transition to SAFs, which will be the main lever for decarbonising air transport in coming years. Produced from non-fossil fuel sources, the SAFs selected by Air France reduce carbon emissions by at least 75% over the entire life cycle, and can be used today without any modification to aircraft and flight operations. As part of the supportive ecosystem, we have engaged our customers to support the accelerated adoption of SAFs through a subscription option that allows them to voluntarily contribute during ticketing a fee to facilitate the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in our flights, including cargo hauls. Customers are free to choose their level of investment, with a guarantee that their contribution will be exclusively used to purchase SAFs, cleaner alternatives to conventional jet fuel.

Meanwhile, we also run arrangements that favor low-carbon alternatives on shorter journeys, and more energy-efficient flights on longer journeys, helping our customers to minimise the overall carbon footprint of their trips. For example, in France, we have over the last 25 years offered a service that allows our customers to combine train and air travel in the same reservation, with guaranteed connections. This ‘intermodiality’ option is popular with customers travelling to and from Paris-Charles de Gaulle and the Paris-Orly airports, with more than 160,000 travellers using it every year.

Finally, from an operational standpoint, we are implementing eco-piloting techniques that significantly reduce aircraft fuel consumption. For instance, our pilots are trained to use single-engine taxiing, saving up to 700kg of fuel per departure and arrival for the Airbus A350. They also leverage AI-powered tools to optimize flight trajectories for fuel efficiency. Moreover, pilots can use bridge electricity instead of the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU) before engine start-up, further reducing fuel usage.

All the aforementioned efforts align with Air France’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility through prudent energy management and deliberate emissions reduction. By implementing innovative aircraft technologies, including the adoption of fuel-efficient aircraft, and investing in alternative fuels, as well as business practices that are considerate of our energy usage and waste production, Air France continues to set a benchmark for the aviation industry. 

The writer is the General Manager for East, Southern, Nigeria, and Ghana at Air France-KLM.

LG Unveils Power-Packed Audio, Innovative Monitors, and Stunning Micro LED Display at Showcase

Nairobi, Kenya 2nd May 2024

LG showcased a range of powerful speakers, like the XBOOM XL9T and XL5S, with booming sound and cool lights for parties. Portable options, such as the XBOOM Go XG8T, offer strong sound on the move. Guests liked the LG TONE Fit TF7 earbuds for comfort and sound quality, including a UVnano tech for cleanliness. In projectors, the LG CineBeam Q offers 4K quality in a compact design. LG also presented gaming monitors and the LG MyView Smart Monitor for productivity and entertainment. They also unveiled the LG MAGNIT, a huge Micro LED display for top-notch picture quality.

KRA to Partner with the Banking Industry for Enhanced Revenue Mobilization

Nairobi, Kenya 30th April 2024

Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and the Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) are set to benefit from reaffirmed commitment to foster stronger partnerships and streamline processes that drive revenue mobilization. This follows a high-level engagement between the Leadership of the two organizations that emphasized the critical role played by the banking industry and the tax agency in economic development and prosperity of the nation.

During the engagement, KRA Commissioner General Mr Humphrey Wattanga acknowledged the banking sector as a key stakeholder in Kenya’s financial sphere with a significant contribution to revenue. ‘The banking industry contributes about 10% of the total revenue that we collect and we welcome these consultative interactions for better facilitation of the sector,’ he said.

KBA Ag. Chief Executive Officer Mr Raimond Malonje reiterated KBA’s commitment to contribute to Kenya’s economic growth and support the Government in fulfilling its mandate to the people. He further added that the banking industry would collaborate with KRA to unlock any bottlenecks within the ecosystem to drive revenue growth.

KRA and KBA have previously collaborated in technical expertise and research assistance during the development of the 2022 Total Tax Contribution studies where 39 banks participated.

The Leadership engagement draws from KRA’s service-focus approach whose key objective is to enhance efficiency of the tax administration, through technology driven service delivery and tax base expansion. Through these engagements, KRA envisions a conducive environment for businesses while advancing its mission to modernize tax administration through innovative, user-friendly, and technology-driven solutions.

KRA remains committed to collaborate and continues to engage with stakeholders for enhanced compliance and service support.

Huawei Advocates for Inclusive Connectivity at Connected Africa Summit

Nairobi, April 30, 2024 –  Huawei Kenya is advocating for inclusive connectivity to accelerate national digital transformation

Speaking at the Connected Africa Summit 2024 held in Nairobi last week, Vice President of Huawei Sub-Sahara Africa Mr. Wan Wei highlighted the importance of building network & cloud infrastructure to drive economic growth, social progress, and sustainable development across the continent.

He also presented a proposal for ubiquitous intelligent connectivity networks combined with cloud-based data driven innovation to enable inclusive intelligent service.

“Beyond mere connectivity, such infrastructure holds the key to enhancing social welfare, fostering innovation, promoting economic competitiveness, facilitating regional integration, and ultimately advancing the sustainable development agenda in Africa. It is not just a means to an end, but an end in itself, capable of enriching the lives and well-being of all people,” Mr. Wei said.

Mr. Wei provided insights on policy and technical measures to build low-cost rural mobile networks and speed up fibre-optic networks to ensure high-speed broadband for all people, all homes, all businesses, and all institutions. He highlighted the regulatory interventions that can help, such as lower cost wayleaves, tax incentives for investment, infrastructure sharing between power and telecoms infrastructure and lower taxes for affordable devices.

“Through our collective actions and shared commitment, we aim to lay a solid foundation for Africa’s digital future, positioning our continent at the forefront of the global digital revolution. Let us work together diligently and purposefully to build a digital ecosystem that not only empowers our economies but also uplifts our societies and enhances the quality of life for all citizens across Africa. Through the strategic development of Network and Cloud infrastructure, we pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous digital future for our continent,” he said.

Huawei’s exhibition at the Summit included sharing insights on how to speed up the roll-out of fibre-optic networks and lower the build-out costs though technology innovations such as Quick-ODN as well as regulatory interventions, such as the new Building Code that is being reformed to “ensure all new buildings are fibre-optic-ready” as His Excellency President Ruto highlighted in his opening remarks at the Summit. This includes common ducting outside and inside buildings that telecoms companies can use to quickly and easily run their cables into, manholes and easy-access points for engineers to use to connect fibre and run it into properties as well as maintain it, and the provision of equipment rooms or spaces in buildings.

MOST WEALTHY KENYANS CONSIDER HOME COUNTRY BEST FOR BUYING MULTIPLE HOMES NEW REPORT BY KNIGHT FRANK

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 30th April 2024

Most of the High Net worth Individuals in Kenya – persons who purchase homes in with prices valued at US dollar 1 million and above- consider the country as the most ideal location for purchase or ownership of 1st, 2nd, 3rd and subsequent homes.
This according to the the 2024 Annual Wealth Report by the global property consultancy Knight Frank LLP.
The report which derived it’s finding from interviews with private bankers and wealth advisors based in the country also found out that most of the High Net worth Individuals HNWI hold 60 percent of their wealth in home ownership, with 30 percent of these individuals purchasing a home in 2023 with the same 30 percent also planning to buy a home in 2024.

According to the International Monetary Fund IMF Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product GDP projected to grow at an average of 5 percent well above the global average of 3.1 percent and 4.2 percent for world developing and emerging economies a situation which the CEO of Knight Frank Mr. Mark Dunford Kenya Offices said is bringing a resurgence of HNWI’s buying Kenyan property. This to include second and third home purchases in addition to commercial property investments.

Additionally Mr Dunford who was speaking at the Capital Club in Westlands Nairobi argued that most Wealthy Kenyans have taken a step back from investing in foreign countries in favor of investing more money in the country.

Kenya To Unveil Maisha Card for Lifetime Citizen Services: Workshop on Registration Guidelines Held

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 29th April 2024

In a landmark move aimed at streamlining citizen services and ensuring the integrity of Kenya’s citizenship registry, a workshop was convened at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi. Led by Prof. Amb. Julius Bitok, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Immigration and Citizen Services, along with counterparts from the State Department of Internal Secretary, the workshop focused on outlining registration guidelines for border and cosmopolitan counties.

The initiative comes in response to a directive from the Presidency to eliminate vetting committees for the registration of persons, citing violations of Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. The primary objective is to guarantee that only genuine Kenyans are registered as citizens.

Central to this initiative is the introduction of the Maisha Card, which every Kenyan will receive at birth. The Maisha Card, essentially a digital identification, will serve as a multifunctional tool for accessing citizen services. It will function as a driving license, birth certificate, identification document, university admission number, and national examination identification.

This isn’t the first time such a digital identification system has been proposed by the government. Previous attempts were made during the administrations of President Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta. However, this latest effort aims to overcome past challenges and successfully implement a comprehensive digital identification system for all Kenyan citizens.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, legal experts, and civil society representatives, to collaborate on refining the registration guidelines and ensuring a smooth rollout of the Maisha Card system. With a focus on transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency, the government aims to transform the way citizen services are accessed and administered in Kenya.

Huawei Introduces a series of products and solutions for Wi-Fi 7 campuses.

Nairobi Kenya, 29th April 2024: Huawei introduced a series of products and solutions for Wi-Fi 7 campuses, production networks in the power and transportation industries, and smart home networks, during Huawei Kenya IP & OptiX Club 2024 held in Nairobi under the them  “F5G Advanced, the Foundation for Industry Intelligence”.

Huawei IP & OptiX Club is a platform for IP and optical technology exchanges among industries. It is organized to facilitate the exchange of ideas on the latest solutions, as well as share Huawei’s best practices worldwide. In addition, future trends of the IP and optical industry are also discussed. This year, customers from the Government, Transportation, ISP, Finance, Energy and Commercial industries attended the event to discuss the innovative applications of IP communication, optical fiber communication and optical fiber sensing in their respective industries.

“Our Value proposition is that Huawei invests heavily in our Research and Development (R&D) producing high quality solutions. Our Company is customer focused in approach and we are committed to always improving customer experience. We look forward to continue working with our customers and partners in delivering our innovative and reliable solutions.”  Kevin Wenkai, Managing Director, Huawei Eastern Africa Enterprise said.


Speaking at the event ICT Director, MOIC & DE Mr. Loyford Murithi, congratulated Huawei for the investment the Company continues to make in Kenya and its  continued partnership with the ICT ministry.

“At the Connected Africa Summit, Huawei introduced the future technology development trend in the network and transmission fields. AI will accelerate network intelligence. Advanced technologies such as digital maps will greatly improve network O&M efficiency. fifth-generation fixed network (F5G), fgOTN and 50G PON, those new transmission technologies will speed up fiber to home, to enterprise, to machine, and to computing, building accurate sensing and ultra-broadband, deterministic networks for industries. I wish to thank Huawei for the investment it has and continues to make in Kenya and in its people. We are looking forward to the success of these products and solutions in the Kenyan market and beyond,”  Mr Murithi said.

The essence of intelligent transformation is to provide more intelligent digital services, thereby helping various industries improve efficiency and productivity. Network quality affects the quality of digital services. Thus, in intelligent transformation, improving network quality is the key for improving digital productivity.


Huawei is at the forefront of Kenya’s ICT landscape, pioneering innovative solutions and driving digital transformation across the nation. We are committed to bringing digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected world To this end, we will drive ubiquitous connectivity and promote equal access to networks that lay the foundation for a digital Kenya and the world. We hope to continue building long-term relationships with you, in both the private and public sector.

Faulu Bank and Tuk Tuk Operators Network Collaborate to Provide Loans for Three-Wheeler Vehicles

NAIROBI, Kenya, 29 April 2024 – Faulu Bank, a leading financial institution committed to inclusive finance, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the Tuk Tuk Operators Network to offer loans for three-wheeler vehicles. This partnership aims to empower individuals and members of the Tuk Tuk Operators Network by providing them with accessible financing options for entrepreneurship in the transportation sector.

The partnership between Faulu Bank and the Tuk Tuk Operators Network marks a significant milestone in promoting economic empowerment and fostering financial inclusion within communities. By leveraging Faulu Bank’s expertise in financial services and the Tuk Tuk Operators Network’s deep understanding of the transportation industry, the collaboration seeks to address the financing needs of aspiring entrepreneurs and members of the association.

Through this partnership, individuals and the network members will have access to tailored loan products designed specifically for the acquisition of three-wheeler vehicles, commonly known as tuk tuks. These loans will enable entrepreneurs to enter the transportation sector, expand their businesses, and contribute to local economic development.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Tuk Tuk Operators Network to extend loans for three-wheeler vehicles,” said Justus Kittony, Head of Business Growth & Bancassurance at Faulu Bank. “This collaboration reflects our commitment to providing inclusive financial solutions and empowering individuals to achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations. By working together, we can unlock new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.”

“The partnership with Faulu Bank represents a significant milestone for the Tuk Tuk Association and our members,” said Vincent Were, Lead of the Tuk Tuk Operators Network. “Access to financing has been a longstanding challenge for aspiring tuk tuk operators and the network. Through this collaboration, we aim to overcome these barriers and empower entrepreneurs to thrive in the transportation industry.”

Faulu Bank and the Tuk Tuk Operators Network are committed to ensuring that individuals and the network members receive the support they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial journey. By providing accessible financing options for three-wheeler vehicles, the partnership aims to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and foster sustainable development within communities.

Echoes of Nairobi: A Tale of Love, Betrayal, and Redemption PART 5

Chapter Thirty: Forgiveness

Forgiveness was a slow and arduous process, but Abughi and Njambi were committed to it. They knew that in order to move forward, they had to let go of the past and embrace the future with open hearts. It was a journey filled with pain and tears, but also with moments of grace and healing. As they learned to forgive each other, they discovered a newfound strength in their love, a resilience that could withstand even the greatest of trials.

Chapter Thirty-One: Love’s Resilience 

Despite the odds, love endured, a beacon of hope in the darkness. It was a testament to the power of the human spirit and the resilience of the heart. Abughi and Njambi’s love had weathered the storm, emerging stronger and more vibrant than ever before. With each passing day, they grew closer, their bond deepening with every shared moment. In the face of adversity, their love remained steadfast, a guiding light in the darkest of times.

Chapter Thirty-Two: Abughi’s Epiphany

Abughi had an epiphany about the nature of love and the importance of forgiveness. It was a revelation that changed him to his core, reshaping his understanding of what it meant to truly love someone. He realized that love was not just about passion and romance, but also about acceptance and understanding. In forgiving Njambi, he found a sense of liberation, freeing himself from the shackles of resentment and bitterness. With his newfound wisdom, he embraced the beauty of imperfection, recognizing that it was the flaws that made their love truly remarkable.

Chapter Thirty-Three: Njambi’s Redemption 

Njambi embarked on a journey of redemption, determined to prove her love and loyalty. Her actions spoke louder than words as she worked tirelessly to regain Abughi’s trust. She made amends for her past mistakes, demonstrating a genuine commitment to their relationship. With each act of kindness and selflessness, she showed Abughi that she was worthy of his love. As they walked hand in hand towards the future, they left behind the pain of the past, embracing a new chapter filled with hope and possibility.

Chapter Thirty-Four: The Pastor’s Blessing

 
The pastor and his wife offered their blessing, recognizing the sincerity of Abughi and Njambi’s love. It was a moment of validation for the couple, a sign that they were on the right path. With the pastor’s words of encouragement echoing in their hearts, they felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Their love had been tested, but it had emerged stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Chapter Thirty-Five: Abughi’s Resolve 

With newfound resolve, Abughi vowed to protect their love at all costs. He knew that their relationship was worth fighting for, and he would stop at nothing to ensure its survival. Gone were the doubts and insecurities that had plagued him in the past. In their place was a steely determination to cherish and nurture the love he shared with Njambi. With each passing day, his resolve only grew stronger, fueling their journey towards a future filled with love and happiness.

Chapter Thirty-Six: Njambi’s Sacrifice

Njambi made sacrifices for the sake of their relationship, proving her commitment. It was a selfless act that spoke volumes about her love for Abughi and her desire to make things right. She put his needs above her own, demonstrating her willingness to go to great lengths to ensure their happiness. Her sacrifices were a testament to the depth of her love, reassuring Abughi that she was indeed his partner in every sense of the word.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Abughi’s Growth

Abughi grew as a person, learning to navigate the complexities of love and forgiveness. He emerged from the darkness stronger and wiser, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. His journey had taught him valuable lessons about trust, resilience, and the transformative power of love. With each trial they faced, he became more adept at handling the ups and downs of their relationship, confident in their ability to weather any storm. As he looked towards the future, he did so with a newfound sense of optimism and determination.

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Njambi’s Transformation

Njambi underwent a transformation, shedding her old ways and embracing a new path. She was determined to leave the past behind and start afresh, building a future filled with love and happiness. Her journey of self-discovery was marked by moments of introspection and growth, as she confronted her demons head-on and emerged stronger than ever before. With each step she took towards redemption, she became more confident in her ability to be the partner Abughi deserved.

Chapter Thirty-Nine: The Strength of Their Bond

Their bond grew stronger with each passing day, a testament to the power of love. Despite the trials they had faced, Abughi and Njambi remained steadfast in their commitment to each other. Their love had weathered the storm, emerging unscathed and more resilient than ever before. With a deep sense of trust and understanding, they forged ahead into the unknown, secure in the knowledge that together, they could overcome any obstacle that stood in their way.

Chapter Forty: Abughi’s Revelation

Abughi had a revelation that shifted his perspective on their relationship. He realized that love wasn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it was also about embracing the imperfections and quirks that made their bond unique. With this newfound understanding, he found a deeper appreciation for Njambi and the journey they had embarked on together. Every moment, whether challenging or blissful, became a testament to the strength of their connection.

Chapter Forty-One: Njambi’s Commitment

Njambi reaffirmed her commitment to Abughi, pledging to stand by his side through thick and thin. Her words were a soothing balm to his soul, dispelling any lingering doubts or insecurities. With unwavering determination, she vowed to be his rock, his confidante, and his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they faced the future with renewed optimism, ready to write the next chapter of their love story.

Chapter Forty-Two: Renewed Trust

As they continued to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, Abughi and Njambi found their trust in each other growing stronger with each passing day. They learned to communicate openly and honestly, sharing their hopes, fears, and dreams without reservation. Through mutual respect and understanding, they rebuilt the foundation of their love on a solid bedrock of trust, paving the way for a future filled with promise and possibility.

Chapter Forty-Three: Building Dreams

With their trust restored, Abughi and Njambi began to dream together once again. They envisioned a future filled with laughter, love, and shared adventures. With each passing day, their dreams grew bolder and more ambitious, fueled by the unwavering belief that together, they could accomplish anything. They made plans for their future, setting goals and aspirations that they were determined to achieve side by side.

Chapter Forty-Four: Weathering the Storm
Life threw its fair share of challenges their way, but Abughi and Njambi faced them with unwavering resolve. They stood firm in the face of adversity, drawing strength from the bond they shared. Together, they weathered the storms that threatened to tear them apart, emerging stronger and more united than ever before. Their love was a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding them through even the toughest of times.

Chapter Forty-Five: Celebrating Milestones

As they journeyed through life together, Abughi and Njambi celebrated countless milestones, both big and small. From birthdays and anniversaries to career achievements and personal victories, each moment was a cause for celebration. They cherished these milestones as symbols of their love and dedication to each other, creating memories that would last a lifetime. With each milestone reached, their love grew deeper and more meaningful, solidifying their commitment to each other.

Chapter Forty-Six: Forever and Always

In the end, Abughi and Njambi’s love stood the test of time, enduring through the trials and tribulations of life. They vowed to love each other fiercely, passionately, and unconditionally, for all eternity. With hearts full of love and gratitude, they looked towards the future with hope and excitement, knowing that as long as they had each other, they could conquer anything that came their way. And so, their love story continued, a testament to the enduring power of love in all its forms.

The End