EAST AFRICA BUSINESS COUNCIL CEO CALLS FOR SHIFT OF BUSINESS MODELS FROM LINEAR TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Friday, 31st March 2023,

Government officials, captains of industries and partners have forged stronger alliances and strategies to attain zero waste in East Africa.

Speaking at the CEO RoundTable on International Day on Zero Waste, Mr. John Bosco Kalisa, EABC CEO urged all actors to embrace the paradigm of Zero Waste and shift business models from linear to circular economy.

In her opening remarks, the Chief Guest, Hon. Emmanuela Kaganda, District Commissioner of Arumeru said Tanzania has an Investment Guide on Waste Management opportunities and offers incentives. She said investing in waste resources can spur economic and social development in Tanzania and East Africa at large.


The CEO RoundTable was organized under the theme: Promoting Private Sector Investment in Waste Management & Circular Economy to Achieve 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Growth and Development” by East African Business Council (EABC) in partnership with GIZ-GFA, Azania Bank, Salinero Hotel, Coca-Cola Bonite Bottlers, A to Z Textiles Mills, Tanzania Coffee Association and Tanzania Horticulture Association.

Mr. John Patrick Mwesigye, Regional Expert on Pharmaceuticals GIZ-GFA elaborated on the importance of regulations and technical know-how on disposing of pharmaceutical waste to protect bio-diversity.

In her presentation, Ms. Ester Mengi, Serensic Africa elaborated that globally, over 50 million tons of electronics are discarded as waste each year. She stated that there is a vast untapped business opportunity in the re-manufacturing of electronic waste.

Mr. Yahya Mbanka, Finance Manager of Azania Bank said “Azania Bank is devoted to offering financial solutions to SMEs and businesses in the circular economy and waste management sector to boost more jobs for the youthful population.

Eng. Masud Omari shared a case study on how Kilimanjaro International Leather Industries Co. Ltd is recycling leather cuttings and shavings to manufacture key holders and glue.

Eng. Allen Kimabo from Zaidi Recyclers said, “According to United Nations, the Circular economy offers 4.5 trillion in economic opportunities. Globally 300 million tons of plastic and a third of food are thrown away.”

He expounded Dar es Salaam is estimated to generate 4,600 tons of solid waste per day (Study,2019).

In her presentation, Julia Seifert from NetZero said “The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended.”

She shared case studies on generative agriculture such as coffee by-products used for mushroom farming and agroforestry and Sugar industries upscaling their business models to produce biogas and replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions.

The RoundTable convened over 50 actors who learn about business models for the circular economy, shared experiences and success stories in waste management solutions, technologies, innovative projects and programs in East Africa and beyond.

Businesses should embrace a circular economy to promote sustainable business models, reduce raw material and waste management costs, demonstrate thought leadership and increase societal acceptance and compliance with national, regional and global treaties.

Zero Waste is an integral part of the circular economy. The circular economy favours activities that preserve value in the form of energy, labour, and materials.

COCA-COLA JOINS OTHER CORPORATES AT THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS SUMMIT

The AmCham Business Summit charted new paths for enhanced U.S. commercial engagement with Kenya and the East Africa region


Nairobi, Kenya 31st March 2023

The Coca-Cola system in Kenya joined other corporates in the two-day 2023 American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Business Summit and charted new paths for enhanced U.S. commercial engagement with Kenya and the East Africa region.

The Summit provided a strategic platform for enhancing two-way trade and investment between the United States and the East Africa region.

“As a company with a presence of over seven decades in East Africa, we understand the critical role of inclusive growth in achieving long-term economic stability and progress. We believe that building strong partnerships between governments, the private sector, civil society, and development partners is crucial in addressing the region’s challenges and creating opportunities for sustainable economic recovery, resilience, and transformation across Africa’s economies,’’ said Debra Mallowah, Vice President, East, and Central Africa Franchise.



She added, “Private sector collaborations with the government strengthen economic resilience especially after the COVID-19 pandemic and the urge and need to work with all stakeholders on an economically dynamic growth agenda across the region especially when working with SME’s. As a company, we work with over 500,000 Micro Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and they make up at least 40% of the Coca-Cola trade across the region. These partnerships are vital for the survival of not only our business but every other business across the region.”



The Summit was the first high-level event on the continent following the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit and comes when the United States and Kenya have just concluded a productive first round of talks on the U.S. – Kenya Strategic Trade and Investment Partnership (STIP). The Summit is expected to drive new ideas on re-energizing the region’s economy through two-way trade and investment with the United States.

His Excellency President William Ruto was the Chief Guest, with over 500 delegates from both public and private sector, senior U.S., Kenyan and regional government officials attending the event.

A wide range of topics critical to the East Africa region’s economic development, including the role of small businesses in powering international trade, accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a force for driving economic transformation, digital economy, and climate adaptation for economic transformation was held in a series of discussions, keynotes and roundtables moderated by experts from public and private sectors.

CASTROL AND RUBIS ENERGY KENYA PARTNER TO LAUNCH A WIDE RANGE OF CASTROL OIL LUBRICANTS IN KENYA

Nairobi, Kenya 31ST March 2023

Castrol and RUBiS Energy Kenya have partnered to launch Castrol oil lubricants products in Kenya. Castrol oils are readily available at the over 260 RUBiS Energy Kenya stations countrywide.
Castrol has a wide range of oils and fluids suited for the various market segments including car, motorcycle, and commercial vehicle engines as well as industrial, marine, technology and innovation applications.

Speaking during the launch of the partnership, Ed Savage, Castrol Kenya – Country Manager said, “Globally, the Castrol brand is renowned for quality, innovation, and high performance. The brand has been redefining liquid engineering to ensure optimization of engines. The partnership with RUBiS Energy Kenya is timely as customers seek oil products that are designed to suit their everyday mechanical needs. Castrol will leverage RUBiS Energy Kenya’s countrywide footprint to ensure that customers are able to get the oil lubricants at all service stations countrywide.”

He added, “Castrol also provides a ‘Car Engine Oil Finder tool’ to ensure customers are getting the right oil. The app makes it quick and easy for customers to have all options and make the right choice when it comes to oil. This supplements the owner’s manual and dictate’s the industry specification, type, and grade of oil the manufacturer specifies for the engine.”

The engine oils cater for petrol, diesel, and transmission machinery.

“In our journey to provide our customers with the best quality products and experience, we are strategically partnering with leading brands that are customer centric and offer quality products to our customers. Through our partnership with Castrol, customers will be able to access a wide range of premium quality lubricants,” said RUBiS Energy East Africa Group CEO and Managing Director for Rubis Energy Kenya, Mr. Jean-Christian Bergeron.

He added, “Castrol’s world-class innovative products provide oils, fluids and lubricants for every driver, every rider, and every industry. As the exclusive distributor of Castrol Lubricants in Kenya, we will continue ensuring our customer’s oils and lubricants needs are fully met.”

Castrol oil lubricants will be available at over 260 RUBiS Energy Kenya retail stations, all major lubricant distributors and wholesalers, franchise workshops and spares shops countrywide. The range of products includes Castrol EDGE, Castrol MAGNATEC, Castrol GTX, Castrol VECTON, Castrol CRB and Castrol Transmax fluids.

INTERVIEW WITH GLOBAL CEO OF HOME BIOGAS COMPANY

Nairobi, Kenya 29th March 2023

By Clive Ayuko

Climate change, according to a report by the United Nations Development Program Titled; the Human Development Report 2020, the Next Frontier Human Development and the Anthropocene, is not a distant threat. The effects of climate change is already being felt in the loss of biodiversity, the increase in frequency of floods, draught in various African nations not to mention heatwaves are some of the glaring ubiquity of the effects of climate change.

In Africa and for the rest of the world the report continues to add the World is in the midst of it’s sixth mass extinction event also referred to as the Anthropocene. A situation the report argues a dangerous and geological age during which human activity has become the dominant influence of the climate and the environment.

At the Centre of climate change is the resource or not sustainable energy requirements required to meet the demand of the growing world population. The fossil fuel growth model of human development that has brought prosperity to many nations of the world the report holds is eroding the ecological basis of humanity.

This disturbing reports by the agency has fuelled the need by various companies to development renewable energy sources building on the tenets of nature based type renewable sources of energy. It’s is estimated that the Africa population will grow to 2.489 billion by 2050 from the 1.216 billion recorded in 2016 creating an urgent need for renewable energy supply to cater to the needs of this growing population.

One particular global company specialising in renewable energy has taken qué and is already having major impact in the Lives of cattle keeping Kenyans in the Central Province is The Company Home Biogas. Recognised by the Cable News Network, Acknowledged by the United Nations. here is an interview with the CEO Mr. With his Team at the Home Biogas in Kiambu Kenya

Whistling African: When did you get to the Kenyan Market and is this your first time Investing in Kenya?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI AND TEAM: We are in Over 100 hundred counties and we do B2B in most of the Countries. In Kenya we started in 2018. With the distributer. The product has been in Kenya for 4 or 5 years. It’s is not a new Product. But the Subsidiary company of Home Biogas was formed last year. That is in 2022. We started in Kiambu. We moved to Murang’a, We are in Meru, In Embu, We are in part of Kirinyaga and we are also moving to Nyeri.

Whistling African: Would you want to expound of why you are in those areas and not in other areas in Kenya?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI AND TEAM: Well it’s strategic expansion. We understand the concentration of farmers. First Kiambu is strategic. It is the hub of Dairy Farming. Fresher, Githunguri. More than 20,000 farmers supplying to one supplier. Very many farmers within a Small area. If you go to Nakuru it is very vast and the farmers are sparsely populated. To add toy that so far we have managed to install 1500 system within the last year and 3 months Mostly in Kiambu and in various other places.

Whistling African: What about durability. We have seen various companies take up the Biogas business. What is the shelf life of your product?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI AND TEAM: As a company we have some few principles which guide our success. One ofcourse is the product, the offer that we give to the customers and the third is the after sales support. Durability is very important. We have a Research and Development Centre Israel. And here we are developing all the materials and all the components that we are using in the feild. We leading globally in the area of prefabricated domestic biogas. All the material here are made by us. Custom made after years of research. Building material that is durable that will last for over 10 years. As you can see this system comes in a box and is immediately affecting the scalability.

Whistling African: Mr CEO could you describe to us that Eureka moment when this idea hit you and how you felt. Because you company is quite similar with the growth models of Uber and Airbnb. You are using animal waste which is here in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania

CEO OSHIK EFRATI: So specifically I consider myself an Innovator. Before the Biogas I had a number of innovations that went into the market. 20 years ago I was travelling the world for 3 years. I travelled here to Africa and central America, in the far East and in India and I have seen that there is a need for clean energy. I have seen women travelling vast distances to collect firewood. I have seen them cooking indoors suffering from indoor pollution and you cannot sit in such a room for more than two minutes before you start coughing. So I came back to Israel and thought of how I can help these women. Israel is a hub for innovation. A lot of support for start-ups and so I thought of how I can transform something that is as problematic as waste and turn it into something valuable. It is not a new concept. There have been fixed dome installations which were expensive to construct and we though of developing a bio-gas system that comes like IKEA. That comes in a box which is easy to ship so the vision was to make Biogas affordable and available to everyone in the world. In my house in Israel I have been using Biogas for 9 years.

Whistling African: the thing will technology is that over time it becomes smaller and cheaper. The first computer conceptualised in the 1950’s was bigger than were we are currently sitting and was very expensive. I understand installing this Biogas in a home takes between Ksh80,000 – Ksh100,00. Do you foresee a period where the gadget will become smaller and over time cheaper for many others to afford?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI AND TEAM: As is said before the vision is to make it affordable and always try to give the best price for many people to be able to afford. When we started the technology was 4 times larger and of lessee quality but now it is much better and fairly cheaper. The cost of it as we see it now is not Ksh 80,000 but it is Ksh3300 per month. Which is equal to what most families pay for firewood or charcoal. So if you by the homebiogas make the monthly payments and after 2 years you own it is yours. After 6 months of you are not happy you have you money back guarantee.

Whistling African: Are you working with Savings and Credit Societies to take the Installations easily accessible for farmers?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI AND TEAM: At the moment we have not yet struck any deals with farmer cooperative societies. However we have started conversations with a number of Sacco’s like producer cooperatives like the Githunguri Savings and Credit cooperatives. So we are actually initiating two levels. Working with cooperative which can help in the financing of the purchased is actually a key element of our strategy.

Whistling African: Use of renewable energy is quite low. Your invention here do you see it changing the power dynamics in terms of energy demand and supply?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI AND TEAM: it’s a step by step process. Even if you look at the development of smartphones and landlines. Everyone jumped from not having a phone to most having mobile phones with the development of the smartphone. So even in Israel Frist we were cooking on charcoal, then we went to LPG and then we moved to Biogas. Thousands of companies are cooking on Biogas. And I think the same thing happened with technology from no electricity to solar. So it’s takes years step by step but change is coming.

Whistling African: Your Organization is not a normal Organization it is not an Organization that grow linearly. It is more of an exponential Organization. What is the value of the company?

CEO OSHIK EFRATI: I think it’s around USD 40 Million dollars now.

AZIMIO PROTEST DOES NOT CONSTITUTE WAR PROPAGANDA LAW SOCIETY

Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 28th March 2023

The Law Society of Kenya LSK has come out to say that the protests organized by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya coalitions are centred on electoral malpractices and economic grievances and does not constitute war propaganda as earlier asserted by the inspector General of Police.

Speaking today afternoon along LSK offices along Gatanga road Nairobi the Societies President Mr Eric Theuri Said ” the right to protest is guaranteed under Article 37 of the Kenya Constitution which provides that every person has the right, peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to pocket and to present petitions to public authorities” He continued to add; ” the right is also guaranteed under regional and international Human Rights instruments ratifies by Kenya to include the African Charter of Human and People’s rights and Under Article 21 on the International covenant on civil and political Rights.”

The society also came out to condemn recent attempts by the Communications Authority to restrict Press freedom for covering the protests, use of force by security personnel during the demonstrations and the intended ancillary legislative amendments to be introduced as declared by Ministry of Interiors as catastrophic as they continue to undermine democratic principles, social stability and peace terming it tragic for a country that worked hard to establish progressive legislation for the benefit of public harmony and healing following a difficult time.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE REPORT INSENSITIVE TO DEVELOPING NATIONS ORGANIZATION SAYS

Nairobi Kenya, 22 March 2023

In its latest report, released on March 20, 2023, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) again classified Africa among the most vulnerable regions to climate change, and called a transformational change in all sectors of society to achieve climate-resilient development in Africa.

According to the report, the region is projected to experience more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, floods, storms, and wildfires under all emission scenarios.

These extreme events will have negative consequences for human health, food security, water availability, biodiversity, and ecosystem services.

The effects of the climate crisis are already dire, the report shows. It warns, for instance, that as warming continues some regions of Africa may become uninhabitable or lose their agricultural potential by the end of this century under high-emission scenarios.
This is happening against a backdrop of scaled up exploration of oil and opening of coal mines by developed countries and sustained pressure on Africa countries with such resources to sign concessions with developed countries for extraction of more dirty energy and further contribute to worsening emissions and further spikes in global temperatures. It just seems the global conspiracy on less developed countries has reached monumental proportion, and impunity for rich nations is becoming the new global order.

Economic costs are already piling up. The IPCC estimates that Africa has incurred annual losses of $7 billion due to climate change between 2010 and 2019, which could rise to $50 billion by 2040 under a high-emissions scenario. In addition, climate change could reduce gross domestic product (GDP) growth in Africa by 2-4% per year by 2040, and by 10-25% by 2100, compared to a no-climate-change scenario.
The report was released against the backdrop of Cyclone Freddy, a powerful and deadly tropical storm hit Malawi and Mozambique, causing widespread flooding, landslides, and cholera outbreaks. According to the UN, more than half a million people were displaced by

the cyclone in Malawi alone, and hundreds of people lost their lives in both countries.

Cyclone Freddy also damaged infrastructure and social services, hampering relief efforts and access to health care.
Yet, one of the key findings of the report is that there is a large gap between the climate finance needs and flows for adaptation and mitigation in Africa and other developing regions.
According to the IPCC, developing countries alone will need $127 billion per year by 2030 and $295 billion per year by 2050 to adapt to climate change. But funds for adaptation reached just $23 billion to $46 billion from 2017 to 2018, accounting for only 4% to 8% of tracked climate finance.

Dr Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance said:
“What we read in this report is an unbelievable level of insensitivity and indifference to the suffering of millions in Africa, who are unjustly burdened by the effect of a crisis they neither caused nor have the means to address. Industrialized countries that are responsible for this crisis must come to terms with the inhumanity of the effects of their pursuit of self-gain. For such grim statistics as captured in this report to make sense, we need a new order for global climate governance.

Without a new thinking on the required international cooperation and support for African countries to implement effective policies and measures that are consistent with the scale of the climate challenge they are experiencing, their development goals and priorities, this report will be another warming that gets ignored.”
Beyond Africa, the synthesis report concludes that urgent action is needed to limit warming to well below 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels; adapt to unavoidable impacts; enhance resilience; reduce vulnerability; support sustainable development; protect human rights; ensure equity; promote justice; foster cooperation; enhance participation; strengthen governance; increase ambition; accelerate transformation; mobilize resources; harness innovation; empower people; protect nature; respect diversity; build solidarity; secure peace; and safeguard our common future.

The IPCC’s report will shape climate change dialogues in the buildup to the 28th UN Conference on Climate Change (COP28). The conference, hosted by the United Arab Emirates in November 2023, has already drawn criticism following the appointment of Sultan al-Jaber, head of an oil giant, to lead the negotiations.

Dr Augustine B Njamnshi, chair of the Political and Technical Affairs Committee at PACJA said:
“COP28 should be a defining moment for climate action in the light of this report. However, we are all but optimistic. Appointing an oil executive to lead climate negotiations shows that the UEA authorities do not fully appreciate the severity of the declining trust and faith in the ability of the global community to step up to the challenge at hand. We doubt that the UAE authorities can deliver the trustworthy leadership needed to take transformative decisions at COP28 and beyond. That is why we still believe that Sultan al-Jaber needs to step down.”
The IPCC AR6 Synthesis Report is the most comprehensive and authoritative assessment of climate change to date. It summarizes the findings of three previous reports on the physical science, impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, and mitigation of climate change.

BSD Group and Ipsos in Kenya Release the 3rd Edition of Consumer Market Research – The Top 100 Most Loved Brands by Women in Kenya

Tuesday 21st, March 2023, Nairobi

Ipsos in Kenya and BSD Group have released the 3rd edition of The Top 100 Most Loved Brands by Women in Kenya. The Study establishes the authority of women consumers as an emerging, significant, and profitable consumer market. This Study is the first of its kind to be done in the country and in the continent.

In 2021, Ipsos in Kenya undertook the first countrywide research among women aged 18 – 65 to identify the Top 100 Kenyan Brands Most Loved by Women. Today, we release the third of these series following the most recent study, carried out in February- March 2023.

Insights drawn from the study elaborate how the Kenyan woman drives consumer purchase decisions within her household as the primary shopper.

The study also details key reasons why the Top 100 brands made it to the 3rd edition based on data collected and how women markets contribute to the financial and reputational performance of brands and organisations.

In his remarks, Ipsos Kenya Managing Director, Chris Githaiga points out that the study seeks to bridge the knowledge and insights gap in understanding the female consumer market.

“This is a huge opportunity for most brands that actively seek to engage women as an opportunity for growth since women play a critical role in our economy. They truly control multiple market segments – through their influence and purchasing power. 97% of adult women play a key role in purchase of products or services used in their households and on average, 78% of their income goes to household purchases. Additionally, the percentage of female-headed households is increasing and can no longer be ignored. Our recent studies show that close to 50% of households in Kenya have a woman (a mother) as the head. Therefore, empowering women impacts the overall economic growth and value creation,” says Githaiga.

“Brand owners, policy makers, investors can now get a better understanding of women’s consumption habits after we realized that the demographic and value of women consumers in Kenya was understated, misunderstood, and ignored,” adds Githaiga.

Most organizations have been making decisions based on uncertain business intuition and general market insights with limited focus on research-based approach to women markets.

“Research by McKinsey shows that if women participated in the economy on the same basis as men, it would add $12 trillion, or 11%, to the annual global GDP by 2025. This translates to developing products and services that meet women’s explicit and implied needs. Recognising and promoting women’s active participation in the economy while contributing to their empowerment should be intentional rather than a reaction,” says Ms. Eva Muraya, Founder and C.E.O, BSD Group.

Ms. Eva also notes that encouraging women to join positions or sectors where they are underrepresented greatly increases the labour pool which translates increase in talented and skilled workforce as well as new markets.

“For brands and organizations to be successful, they need strategies that deeply resonate with, prudent to consult and co-create with women in a top-down and bottom-up manner. They ultimately need to be included in developing and implementing brands and organizational strategies,” adds Ms. Eva.

Kenya, the East Africa region, and Africa at large need to capitalize on the potential growth of women-led emerging markets.

“By incorporating gender concerns into market research, businesses can ensure a strong understanding of women markets, gender norms and relationships that impact development of this special segment. Women have been an integral part of Kenya’s developmental agenda. The woman is encouraging organizations to be purposeful in creating products that meets their needs. It is evident that women have the power to accelerate growth of new markets and open new frontiers for brands and organisations,” Eva concludes.

The Top 100 Most Loved Brands by Women in Kenya serves as a first step towards exploring the power of women markets, with various studies globally indicating that women form a massive profitable audience that needs keen attention, locally and globally.

COCA-COLA TO REWARD KENYANS WITH A YEAR’S WORTH OF FOOD SHOPPING AND OVER 50 MILLION KES IN PRIZES

Monday, 21st March 2023

The Coca-Cola system in Kenya has launched the biggest national consumer promotion of the year, set to reward Kenyans with a year’s worth of food shopping. The promotion, which runs for 12 weeks, offers consumers a chance to win over 50 million Kenya Shillings worth of prizes, including cash (mobile money), airtime, and shopping vouchers.

To participate, consumers need to buy a 1L, 1.25L or 2L bottle of Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite and check under the green cap for a code. They will then need to send an SMS with the unique code found under the green cap to 40111 for a chance to win instant prizes and be entered into a draw for more prizes. The SMS to 40111 is free.

In addition to the grand prize of a year’s worth of food shopping other prizes include instant cash, airtime and shopping vouchers, enabling consumers to share meal moments with their loved ones. The promotion seeks to inspire Kenyans to continue enjoying meal moments together with a Coca-Cola.

Speaking at the launch of the promotion, Monique Katana, Coca-Cola Kenya Frontline Marketing Manager, said, “Our National campaign is dubbed “Recipe For Magic” alluding to the magic that comes when you have a tasty meal, a memorable moment, and an ice-cold Coke. Coke is the not-so-secret ingredient to make meals magical. The promotion will be rewarding our loyal consumers with opportunities to share a meal together with their loved ones through shopping and grocery vouchers as we know that meals become magical when they’re enjoyed together with family and friends.”

Grand prize winners will be contacted through a dedicated customer care number to be advised on their winnings. To take part in the competition, consumers must be eighteen years and above and registered users of either Safaricom, Airtel & Telkom.

The Coca-Cola Company has conducted unique brand experiences and consumer promotions to give Kenyans a chance to win magical prizes over the years. Last year, the brand took four lucky winners under the ‘Coca-Cola’s FIFA World Cup Buy and Win Promotion’ to the prestigious 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win a year’s worth of shopping and other amazing prizes. Grab a participating bottle of Coca-Cola, Fanta, or Sprite today and start sending the codes under the cap to 40111 for a chance to win!

Former KITUI COUNTY Senator Musila Calls Urges Kama Community to Keep of Monday Demonstration

By Clive Ayuko

Nairobi, Kenya 18th March 2023

Leaders hailed from Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties have urged the Kamba Community to Keep away from the Monday demonstrations organized by Azimio La Umoja one Kenya Alliance political movement.

Speaking today morning at a Nairobi Hotel the leaders led by former KITUI Senator Hon David Musila the outfit said that they are in support of the government of William Samoe Ruto because he was duly elected. He further urged the youth hailing from the regions they represent to keep off Azimio Agenda of trying to overthrow the government.

Also speaking during the Press conference was former Member of Parliament Hon Joe Mutambo who said the Kamba Community is suffering from ” Kingpinosis” a condition he described as ” if Hon Kalonzo Musyoka is part of the demonstrations then the whole community will also take part in the demonstrations. Concluded by saying the the government should also issue them will a permit to counter the demonstrations to be held by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Alliance.

Non Governmental Organization Pan African Climate Justice Alliance Partners with Kenyatta University in launch of third cohort of Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice

Nairobi, Kenya, Friday 17, 2022:

The Non Governmental Organization Pan African Climate Justice Alliance in partnership with Kenyatta University today launched the third cohort of Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice (NSSCJ Cohort III).

Speaking during the launch function, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) said; “introspecting on the two years the initiative has been on, it’s worth jubilation.
“Two years back we commenced this noble initiative on the NSSCJ. To us it was a bold dream to see young people being in the stewardship of climate justice efforts in this continent. It was a dream that has become a reality”, said Dr. Mithika. He continued to add,
” the achievement would not have been possible if there was not hand of Kenyatta University with which PACJA is partnering as a hosting institution of the initiative”
“We appreciate the effort put in by Kenyatta University over the planning process for the NSSCJ that we have enjoyed for the last 2 years that has made the NSSCJ a premier process of strengthened pan African mobilizations and organizing of young people to drive bold, continental wide transformations”
Dr. Joseph Kurauka, the Chairperson of the Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development at Kenyatta University affirmed that University partnership with PACJA yielded results by equipping young generation with skills and knowledge of issues pertaining to climate change, environment and Climate Justice.
“To affirm our commitment, I am glad to share with you that Kenyatta University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Community Development is processing accredited certification and master’s studies in areas of climate Justice”, disclosed Dr. Kurauka.
Prof. Wanjohi who represented the Vice Chancellor emphasized the role of young generation in carrying forward awareness and commended the importance of equipping them with skills and knowledge on climate change and climate justice.


“I believe that Climate Change is everywhere and is affecting all of us. I hope that the applicants to be selected will be in that dynamism of bringing change because climate change has become a global Challenge we are currently facing”, said Prof. Wanjohi


Nancy Githaiga, Country Director, African Wildlife Foundation reminded participants that Climate change has hit Africa and Kenya in particular, hence joint efforts are needed to address the challenge. She said that youth equipped with knowledge will drive the change.
“We have responsibility because our action or inaction on matter of climate Change will definitely speak. Voices of young people must be heard but also there must be solutions through action,” reiterated Nancy.
During the launch of the third cohort of the NSSCJ the alumni of Nairobi Summer school of Climate Justice shared experiences of the knowledge earning from the last cohort. Mrs. Jiata Ekele from Nigeria says she managed to carry out sensitization and advocacy through creative content writing and storytelling across all her social media handles daily not forgetting her effort of speaking to webinars monthly.
“Nairobi Summer School on climate Justice equipped me with knowledge on climate change advocacy and other correlative concepts such as climate justice, climate finance tool kits, social media campaign strategy and good networking skills”, said Mrs. Jiata.

Salem Mihindeou Ayenan from the Republic of Benin, commended the knowledge gained from the school and the role it has played in supporting him in driving change in the community in Benin and on the continent.
“The experience and knowledge earned from the Nairobi Summer School gave me an opportunity to be trusted by UNESCO which selected me to be among eight members of UNESCO-African focus Group Discussion on greening curriculum on climate education, who participated to the survey of more than 17,400 young people around the world”, confirmed Salem.
Jesse David from Nairobi, Kenya engaged in climate change and climate Justice after being trained by Nairobi Summer School on climate Justice and that now he is engaging youth in matters relating to climate Justice.
“It really empowered me to be of impact, even at the institution level at Kenyatta University and being an ambassador of the Green Education Hub, I’ve been able to interact with students who are coming to learn, coming to express themselves, to understand what the opportunities look like for them and what role they can play to be of impact to the organization” testified Jesse David

Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice and application process
NSSCJ is conceptualized as an intergenerational platform to share, learn and network the
disruptive ideas needed to catalyze economy-wide transformation in a climate-catastrophic
world. The school adopts a society-wide focus, targeting sectoral and thematic experts and
frontline activists irrespective of formal education and cultural backgrounds. Since its
inception, the school has trained over 900 youth from diverse background and diverse
countries and continents.
Over two Years in action Nairobi Summer school Alumni, are contributing in shaping
narratives around climate Justice across Africa and beyond through campaigns, Climate
Change negotiations, and other advocacy processes at national, regional, continental and
global level.
For application for Nairobi Summer school of Climate Justice can be made through the link below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdFyCwXtqjH64rdLBw5KBSjNdT3Nzpq34J5mE9fDWGAYxEZuQ/viewform