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Correspondent wrote a new post

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:30:12 +0300

Meru's Plan to Carve Up Imenti Forest Sparks Uproar Over Deforestation Fears By Waweru Wairimu A plan by the Meru County Government to excise hundreds of acres of Imenti Forest for the construction of a State Lodge, golf course and related infrastructure has triggered a fierce backlash from conservation groups, who warn the move could accelerate deforestation in one of Kenya’s most important forest ecosystems. The proposal has drawn criticism from environmentalists who argue that clearing indigenous forest land for luxury developments risks undermining national efforts to restore forest cover and combat climate change. The Green Belt Movement has emerged as one of the most vocal opponents of the project, accusing authorities of placing commercial and political interests ahead of environmental protection. “This is not development; it is thuggery dressed up as economic progress,” the organisation said in a statement protesting the planned developments. The environmental lobby further questioned the rationale of converting a protected public forest into high-end facilities, saying such projects threaten the ecological integrity of the forest. Green Belt Movement is mobilising communities to reclaim degraded landscapes in a past event. | Courtesy of Green Belt Movement “Forests are held in trust for the people of Kenya and are not personal assets to be allocated for political convenience,” the organisation said. Imenti Forest forms part of the larger Mount Kenya ecosystem and serves as a critical water catchment area feeding rivers that support agriculture, households and wildlife across Meru and neighbouring counties. Environmental experts warn that any reduction in forest cover could increase soil erosion, disrupt water flows, reduce biodiversity and weaken the area’s resilience to climate change. Beyond the immediate loss of forest land, conservationists fear the project could open the door to further encroachment and fragmentation of the ecosystem. Environmental groups say experience from other parts of the country has shown that once public forests are opened up for infrastructure and commercial projects, pressure for additional allocations often follows, leading to gradual but significant forest degradation. The controversy comes as Kenya pursues an ambitious programme to increase national tree cover to 30 per cent and restore millions of hectares of degraded landscapes. Critics argue that clearing existing forests sends a contradictory message at a time when government agencies are urging citizens, communities and private companies to plant and protect trees. The Green Belt Movement has formally sought clarification from government authorities regarding the reported plans. “The Green Belt Movement writes to you seeking urgent clarification on the alleged plan to excise part of Imenti Forest in Meru County to construct a State Lodge and a golf course,” the organisation said in a letter to forestry officials. Forest officer inspecting the electric fence at Imenti Forest in Meru. | Courtesy KTN News Meru County leaders, however, have defended the project, arguing that it is necessary to unlock the region’s economic potential and strengthen its position as an investment and tourism destination. Governor Isaac Mutuma has previously supported the development: “The golf course and State Lodge are needed, along with an airstrip, to spur the region’s agricultural and tourism sectors.” Supporters of the project argue that the facilities would attract investors, create jobs and provide infrastructure capable of hosting high-level government functions and international visitors. But conservationists insist that economic development should not come at the expense of irreplaceable natural ecosystems. The dispute is expected to intensify as environmental groups push for greater transparency on the exact acreage targeted for excision, the approvals granted for the project and the environmental impact assessments undertaken. If approved, the project would represent one of the most controversial forest excisions in recent years, reigniting long-standing concerns about the future of Kenya’s public forests and the growing pressures they face fromContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 09:20:25 +0300

The Engineer who Shaped Kenya’s Renewable Energy Story By Moraa Obiria By the time the morning sunlight stretches across the grass beneath the wind turbine on the northern edge of the Ngong Hills, Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen) has already been counting hours of generation of clean energy. “Standing on this point and seeing this wind turbine generating clean energy for the country… I feel that this is an example that all the countries need to emulate,” said Jennifer Gache, an engineer behind the turning blades and the quiet triumph of Kenya’s early wind energy ambitions. When she graduated from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in 1995 with a degree in mechanical engineering, women in engineering spaces were still rare. Entering the profession then felt like lighting a candle against a storm, she explained. Years later, figures from the Engineers Board of Kenya show just how steep that climb was. 2024 data from the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) shows that in Kenya’s engineering sector, women remain significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 11 per cent of registered professional engineers, while female enrolment in STEM courses at universities stands at just 22 per cent. This highlights the persistent gender gap within the country’s technical and leadership pipeline. KenGen’s Ngong Wind Farm began with two wind turbines commissioned in 1993 as a donation from the Belgian government. Before that, KenGen had spent 14 years studying the area’s favourable wind regime through experimental turbines installed on the hills in the early 1990s. The two original turbines have long since been retired and a row of huge turbines now stands like sentinels along the ridgeline of the Ngong Hills. And Gache has carved a place for herself in an arena where few women stood before her. “You have to come and start everything from scratch,” Gache recalled of a time early on in Kenya’s wind projects when she would have to visit remote greenfield sites, vast stretches of land with little infrastructure and few signs that such ambitious projects could succeed. At a time when Kenya was still heavily reliant on conventional energy sources, Gache found herself among a few engineers pushing Kenyan institutions to take wind power seriously. “I was able to tell my story and indicate that wind power was a feasible energy source,” she said. Gache later went to Malmö, Sweden, to train in wind power technology and wind modeling, an experience that deepened her belief in renewable energy at a time when the sector was still regarded as experimental in Kenya. “When I came back with that knowledge, I was empowered to convince the organisation that we needed to balance our energy using both renewable and non-renewable sources,” she said. Jennifer Gache posing for a photo at the Ngong Wind Farm on April 7, 2026. | Courtesy Moraa Obiria, Bird Story Agency She worked as chief energy planner, overseeing supply and demand forecasts for Kenya and the wider region, conceptualizing the capital pipeline, and driving strategic planning. It was during this period that she helped lay the foundation for Kenya’s wind energy sector. “I kicked off the installation of the 5.1MW wind farm at Ngong Hills, helping establish the wind sector in the region,” she said. Today, when she stands beneath the turbines at Ngong, the achievement still feels personal. “When you come and see a project that you initiated has taken ground and is working, and people are looking at it as an example, you get so much joy,” she said. “It was very fulfilling work.” For materials engineer and entrepreneur Nzambi Matee, the experiences of women engineers reflected both progress and persistence. “The first fundamental step is investing more in development spaces for women engineers,” Nzambi said. “Sometimes you just can’t wait for that space to be given to you,” she said. “Sometimes you have to take it.” She recalled having to work significantly harder than male colleagues early in her career to be taken seriously. Gache then worked with the Ministry of Energy to establish a national wind energy map. Her footprints stretched beyond Ngong. In Bubisa in Marsabit and Loiyangalani in Turkana, she developed technical specifications for 50-metre-high wind masts distributed across 12 sites. The work often took her into isolated terrain few engineers wanted to navigate. She recalled volunteering for difficult assignments, including traveling to Loiyangalani to scout wind sites in Kenya’s north. “I’m a trailblazer,” she said with a laugh. “I have a very strong pioneer spirit. I like very tough assignments. I’m resilient, resourceful, and adaptable, and I get along with people very easily. That made it easier to initiate new things and convince people to give new ideas a chance.” Today, KenGen reports about 26 MW of installed wind energy capacity at Ngong, accounting for roughly two per cent of its total installed capacity. But for Gache, successful engineering was never just about the number of megawatts. While introducing the wind projects to local communities, she often reminded residents that development did not have to displace livelihoods. “We told the community they could still graze their cattle here,” she said. “We are generating power, but the community is still able to continue with their activities. That is what good project management is.” Jennifer Gache at the leather testing laboratory at the Kenya Bureau of Standards on 7 April 2026. | Courtesy Moraa Obiria, Bbird Story Agency Gache did not stop at wind energy. She moved into another complex and highly technical space: nuclear energy. In 2009, she coordinated a regional meeting aimed at increasing awareness among decision-makers on the requirements and challenges of developing a nuclear power program. Her work also focused on building technical capacity and helping institutions understand the infrastructure needed for nuclear energy development. “My efforts led to the establishment of NUPEA (Nuclear Power and Energy Agency), and the conversation on nuclear energy is now well established in the country,” she said. Away from policy rooms and energy planning meetings, Gache steadily became a mentor to younger women engineers navigating spaces that still often questioned their presence. She encouraged young women engineers to continuously build their skills and seek opportunities in difficult projects rather than shrinking from them. “It’s a challenging profession,” she said. “But that does not mean women cannot succeed.” In 2022, she was elected as a council member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK), later serving as chairperson of the Women Engineers Committee from 2024 to 2025. Among the initiatives she championed was the first-ever Women Engineers Committee Summit. She also organised mentorship forums, webinars on job hunting and contract skills and networking walks that created spaces for young women engineers to connect and learn. One of the young engineers shaped by that mentorship was Linda Lichuma, a graduate civil engineer and intern at the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Fresh from graduating from the University of Nairobi in September 2024, Lichuma found herself adjusting to the realities of engineering practice while working on a 200-kilometre road project. “Nothing really fully prepares you for how difficult it is going to be,” she said. “But what sustains you is passion and the belief that you belong in STEM.” Through Gache’s mentorship and the Women Engineers Committee, Lichuma gained access to spaces where engineers and industry professionals made decisions and shaped projects. “That opportunity showed me that young people need to be brought into rooms where decisions are made,” she said. Today, Gache works as an East African Community regional consultant for GFA Consulting Group and as a consultant for Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, the German National Metrology Institute. Her work now focuses on strengthening regional value chains and improving industrial standards. Gache now hopes to push even further. She plans to vie for the position of treasurer of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya in the next elections, with her sights eventually set on the presidency, a position no woman has ever held within the institution. “In all this, my goal is to inspire a generation of engineers, especially women, to see no limits to what they can achieve,” she said, “while leaving behind structures that make it easier for them to succeed.” Courtesy of bird story agency: https://agency.birdstoryagency.com/stories/this-engineer-helped-shape-kenya-s-renewable-energy-story?lo Continue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 08:55:26 +0300

Kenya Targets $50bn in Green Deals at Africa Investment Forum Kenya will host Africa’s first Green Investment Forum later this year, seeking to mobilize more than US$50 billion (KES 6.5 trillion) in investment commitments as African countries intensify efforts to close a widening climate finance gap and attract private capital for climate action. The high-level forum comes at a time when traditional donor funding for climate action is shrinking and African nations are increasingly looking to private investors to finance adaptation, renewable energy and low-carbon development projects. Officials say the conference will mark a significant shift in how Africa approaches climate finance, moving away from dependence on grants and aid towards investment-led partnerships capable of financing large-scale green infrastructure and climate-resilient development. “The conference will serve as a continental platform for mobilizing climate capital, innovation and strategic partnerships. It will focus on unlocking investments that support low-carbon and climate-resilient development,” said Peter Odhengo, Head of the Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit at the National Treasury and Economic Planning. The forum, themed “Unlocking Scalable Green Investments for a Low-Carbon and Resilient Future,” is being organized by the National Treasury in collaboration with the Ministries of Environment, Energy and Foreign Affairs. The planned event builds on momentum generated by the 2023 Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, which elevated Africa’s calls for climate justice and reforms in global financial systems. Kenyan officials now want to position the country as a regional hub for climate finance, green technology and sustainable investment. Peter Odhengo, Head of the Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit at the National Treasury and Economic Planning, at a past event. | Courtesy The announcement comes against a backdrop of mounting climate impacts across Africa. The continent is experiencing more frequent droughts, floods, heatwaves and food insecurity, yet continues to receive a disproportionately small share of global climate finance. According to government officials, Africa receives only about five percent of global climate finance flows despite contributing less than four percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and facing some of the most severe consequences of climate change. Experts have long warned that the financing shortfall is slowing investments in renewable energy, climate adaptation, resilient agriculture, water infrastructure and nature-based solutions needed to protect vulnerable communities and economies. Odhengo said the forum aims to address that gap by making African countries more attractive destinations for climate-related investments. “As a continent and as a country, we are not there to ask for aid. We are there to make ourselves attractive so that we attract investments,” he said. He noted that the global climate finance landscape is undergoing a major transformation as governments and international donors reduce available public funding while private investors and philanthropic organizations assume a larger role in financing climate projects. “Public finance is declining. If you want climate funding from governments and international organizations, your portfolio has declined. Where the money now is for climate action is private sector finance and philanthropic organizations,” Odhengo said. Government officials describe the proposed forum as an African equivalent of the World Economic Forum in Davos, focused specifically on climate and green investments. The intention, they say, is to establish a permanent platform where investors, governments, and project developers can negotiate deals and partnerships capable of unlocking billions of dollars for Africa’s green economy. “It is no longer about grants. It is business. We want to create opportunities that attract investments,” Odhengo added. As part of the initiative, Kenya is also expected to unveil plans for a new Green Investment Facility, a financing mechanism currently under development that will provide concessional capital for climate projects and green enterprises. The facility is intended to address a longstanding challenge in climate finance by ensuring that affordable funding reaches vulnerable communities, small businesses, and local climate projects that often struggle to access commercial financing. According to Odhengo, conventional banking systems are not always structured to deliver low-cost climate finance without distorting commercial lending markets, creating barriers for projects that require patient and affordable capital. “This facility will ensure that resources meant for vulnerable communities and green investments do not become expensive or inaccessible at the last mile,” he said. If successful, the forum could become one of Africa’s largest climate investment platforms, signaling a broader shift in the continent’s climate strategy from lobbying for climate assistance to competing for green capital in a rapidly expanding globalContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:49:37 +0300

Bomet Biogas Project Powers Homes and Protects Forests In Kipsirat village, on the edge of Chepalungu Forest in Bomet County, Flouncy Cheruiyot strikes a match, not to spark wood fire, but to ignite a biogas flame that now lights her kitchen. After years of relying on firewood that cost her household more than Sh8,000 a month, Flouncy says her life has changed dramatically since her village embraced clean energy through a community biogas project. “I use biogas for cooking and lighting the house. The project has changed our lives completely. The time we used to go look for firewood is now diverted to other activities,” she said. Flouncy is a member of the Kipsirat Youth Group, which runs a shared biogas system powered by livestock waste from its dairy herd. The project has not only reduced dependence on the forest but also reshaped how the group farms and earns a living. At the centre of the initiative is a herd of 25 cows, kept on the farm of one member. The herd has grown from 12 animals to 25 in just two years, as the project expanded. “We are using one of our group member’s farm to run the biogas project which is currently lighting one home, but our plan is to light up seven homes from this one biogas system,” said Mike Cheruiyot, the group’s chairperson. Beyond household energy, the biogas system now powers a chaff cutter used to prepare feed for the cattle. The savings, members say, are significant. “If the chaff cutter was using fuel, the group could be spending over ten thousand shillings every week to make food for our 25 cows,” Cheruiyot said. “We use a little fuel to jump-start the machine, after which energy from the biogas takes over.” The benefits extend beyond energy and livestock. Slurry from the biogas digester is used as organic manure in the group’s greenhouse tomato project, while excess is shared among members for use in their individual farms. The shift has reduced dependence on chemical fertilisers and strengthened food production within the community. For the group, the project represents more than energy access—it is also an environmental intervention. Formed in 2007 under the Ministry of Social Services with 15 members—seven men and eight women—the group says it has since focused on restoring degraded landscapes around Chepalungu Forest. According to Flouncy, they have also raised and distributed more than one million tree seedlings, supporting forest restoration and farm planting efforts across the region. Use of Biogas in a rural setting | Courtesy The biogas initiative was further strengthened after the group secured funding through a successful proposal submitted via the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to the Green Zone Development Support Project in 2022. The support enabled expansion of livestock numbers, installation of a biogas unit, and establishment of fodder crops. Green Zones Project Manager Jerome Mwanzia said the intervention included the provision of 10 Sahiwal cows and a bull, construction of the biogas facility, and development of fodder systems, at a cost of Sh1.25 million. A few kilometres away, however, the reality is different. In another village within the same Chepalungu Forest ecosystem, smoke drifts from Sharon Chepkemoi’s kitchen as she prepares breakfast for her children. Later, she will head into the forest to harvest grass, which she sells as animal feed and also uses for her own livestock. Unlike Flouncy’s village, Chepkemoi’s household is still dependent on firewood and traditional cooking methods. There is no organised clean energy initiative in her community to ease the pressure on the forest. She is among millions of Kenyans still exposed to household air pollution caused by wood smoke. According to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), more than 26,000 deaths in Kenya were attributed to hazardous air pollution last year, with warnings that the figure could rise if cleaner energy solutions are not scaled up. Globally, air pollution is linked to an estimated eight million premature deaths annually. Both communities sit within the wider Chepalungu Forest ecosystem, a landscape that has endured both destruction and recovery. Following the disputed 2007 presidential election, parts of the forest were heavily degraded as communities turned to charcoal burning, timber, and firewood harvesting in large-scale clearing. In the years that followed, deforestation contributed to worsening droughts and failed rainfall patterns across the region. Today, restoration efforts led by the Kenya Forest Service and other partners are slowly reversing the damage. A Sh40.9 million solar-powered fence covering 22.1 kilometres of the Siongiroi Forest block, funded by the African Development Bank and the Government of Kenya under the Green Zones Development Support Project Phase II, has strengthened protection and allowed natural regeneration to begin. Chepalungu Forest Station Manager Josh Patel said the violence of 2007 left a major gap in forest protection and management, but ongoing conservation work is now bearing fruit. “Community Forest Associations have been very instrumental in supporting the recovery efforts,” Patel said. As the forest regenerates, signs of recovery are becoming visible: rainfall patterns are improving, farms are becoming more productive, and communities that once depended on the destruction of the forest are now beginning to rebuild around its sContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:29:59 +0300

How Climate, Pollution, And Inequality Are Shaping Asthma In Africa In Nairobi’s Mathare estate, 12-year-old Maina wakes each morning with one question quietly weighing on his young mind: how easily will he breathe today? On good days, he runs to school laughing. On bad days, he slows down, his chest tightening with each shallow breath. His mother has learned to read the signs as a result of the heat, dust, and smoke rising from nearby roads and cooking fires. “Hot days are the worst, and when it’s dusty, he struggles before he even gets to school,” she says. Maina’s experience is becoming common throughout Africa, as asthma and allergy cases continue to rise steadily, with health experts linking the trend to climate change, worsening air pollution, and rapid urbanisation. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, asthma is increasing across the continent, particularly among children, with outdoor pollution, traffic emissions, indoor smoke, and environmental allergens identified as major risk factors. A study published in The Lancet titled Child and Adolescent Health warns that millions of adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa may be living with undiagnosed asthma. The research, conducted across six countries including Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, links rising symptoms to rapid urban growth and climate-related environmental changes. Africa is also warming faster than the global average, intensifying environmental health risks. Scientists increasingly describe asthma as a “climate-sensitive disease,” shaped by shifting temperatures, deteriorating air quality, and changing ecosystems. Globally, at least 400,000 people die prematurely from asthma each year, according to the WHO, with the greatest burden in low- and middle-income countries. Sandstorms in Sudan, frequently referred to as Haboobs, are intense walls of dust generated by thunderstorm downdrafts. | Courtesy Air pollution, which is closely tied to climate change, poses an even larger threat. Research published in The Lancet estimates that pollution contributes to around nine million deaths annually worldwide. In Kenya alone, about 19,000 people die every year due to air pollution exposure, while nine out of ten people breathe air that exceeds WHO safety limits. The burden is already visible in health systems. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics Economic Survey 2025, respiratory illnesses account for 30.2 per cent of the country’s 66.2 million outpatient visits recorded in 2024. These include asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other pulmonary diseases. Climate change affects asthma through multiple pathways, and there is evidence to support this. A study by researchers at the University of Cape Town found that rising temperatures, combined with pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), significantly increase asthma attacks in children. The study, titled “The Interlinkages Between Ambient Temperature and Air Pollution in Exacerbating Childhood Asthma: A Time Series Study in Cape Town, South Africa,” was published on December 1, 2025, in the journal Children. The researchers analysed more than 7,700 hospital records alongside air quality and weather data, finding that temperature variability, PM2.5, PM10, and NO₂ were all associated with increased childhood asthma exacerbations, especially in urban areas. Even small environmental shifts matter, with studies showing that slight increases in temperature variability can lead to measurable rises in respiratory hospital admissions. At the same time, climate change is altering plant biology. Warmer temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels are increasing pollen production and extending pollen seasons. According to Professor Mike Levin, a medical specialist and academic in the field of paediatrics and allergy, based at the University of Cape Town, climate change is altering our environment in ways that directly affect respiratory health. “We are seeing pollen seasons starting earlier, lasting longer, and becoming more intense,” he adds. In Africa, this effect is magnified. Pollen seasons are already longer than in many regions, making allergies and related asthma often year-round conditions. “Asthma rarely exists in isolation. It is closely linked to allergies such as pollen, dust mites, mould, and food triggers. There is a very important intersection between food allergy and asthma. The biggest risk factor for dying from a food allergy is having poorly controlled asthma,” says Prof Levin. This relationship is backed by immunology, as both conditions share overlapping immune pathways. But despite this, diagnosis across the continent remains severely limited. “There are very few centres across Africa that can properly diagnose and manage food allergies. One in Nairobi, one in Dar es Salaam, two in Lagos, and two in Accra. That’s about it,” Prof Levin says. A 2022 study titled “Mapping Allergic Diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa,” published in Frontiers in Allergy, confirms this gap. It finds that many African countries lack allergy testing facilities, trained specialists, and confirmatory diagnostic systems. The study further notes that health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa have historically prioritised infectious diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, leaving allergy care underdeveloped. Without diagnosis, Prof Levin warns, patients continue to be exposed to triggers unknowingly. In Kenya, environmental conditions further intensify the problem. Professor Nicholas Oguge, an environmental scientist at the University of Nairobi, identifies transport emissions, industrial activity, and open waste burning as the main drivers of air pollution in Nairobi. He links these directly to asthma, respiratory infections, and cardiovascular disease. Evidence from air quality studies suggests transport alone contributes roughly 35–40 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in Nairobi, making it the city’s leading source of urban air contamination. These pollutants are well known to inflame airways and trigger asthma attacks. Dr Andrew Owuor, a Kenyan pulmonologist, observes a direct clinical trend. “The more pollution we have, the more the number of patients presenting with asthma and chronic bronchitis,” he says. A 2023 Thorax study comparing 2,373 schoolchildren in Nairobi found stark inequalities between informal and affluent areas. Children in informal settlements were exposed to higher pollution levels and reported more asthma-like symptoms, yet were less likely to be formally diagnosed compared to children in wealthier neighbourhoods. Urban city in Africa with smog showcasing the low quality of breathable air. | Courtesy Beyond outdoor pollution, household exposure is also a major driver. Many households in Kenya rely on biomass fuels such as charcoal and firewood, releasing harmful pollutants including carbon monoxide and fine particles. Globally, household air pollution is linked to over 3.8 million deaths annually. In Kenya, indoor air pollution is especially prevalent in low-income and rural households where ventilation is poor, and exposure is constant. For children like Maina, exposure does not end outdoors but continues at home. Africa’s rapid urbanisation is expected to intensify these risks. The United Nations projects that Africa’s urban population will rise from 43 per cent in 2020 to nearly 60 per cent by 2050. According to Prof Levin, urban environments fundamentally reshape immune development. “Allergies are much more common in urban populations than rural ones, and that’s driven by environmental factors, not genetics.” He explains that in rural areas, exposure to animals and microbes helps regulate immune responses, while urban environments reduce this exposure and increase pollution-related triggers. “There’s a strong evolutionary component. The same immune pathways that fight parasites can drive allergic reactions,” he adds. This may explain why Africa could experience a faster rise in allergic diseases than high-income regions. What makes matters worse is that on the continent, treatment gaps remain. “Access to inhaled corticosteroids (the ‘brown inhaler ‘) is essential. But access is uneven. Inhalers are often unavailable or unaffordable, and diagnostic tools like spirometers are limited,” says Prof Levin. A 2019 multi-country study across Sub-Saharan Africa confirms this, finding that inhaled corticosteroids are available in fewer than half of health facilities in some areas, while spirometers are available in less than one-third. Education is another challenge. “Patients often stop using their medication because they don’t feel immediate effects,” Prof Levin says. And without consistent treatment, asthma can become life-threatening even when medication is prescribed. Evidence from the WHO shows that asthma can become life-threatening in severe cases and may lead to death if not properly controlled. Clinical research further indicates that poor adherence to prescribed treatment is a major contributor to severe asthma attacks and preventable fatalities, even among patients who have been diagnosed and given medication. Looking ahead, experts warn the next decade will be critical. “In the next 10 to 15 years, we are likely to see a significant rise in asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis across Africa,” Prof Levin says. Addressing this crisis will require coordinated action across multiple fronts, moving beyond isolated interventions toward an integrated response. “This includes reducing transport and industrial emissions through stronger regulation and cleaner technologies, alongside efforts to curb household air pollution,” Prof Levin explains. At the same time, there is growing emphasis on expanding access to clean cooking fuels, especially in low-income urban settlements where reliance on biomass fuels continues to expose families to harmful indoor air pollution. Health specialists also stress the need to invest in allergy diagnosis and treatment in systems where respiratory conditions remain wContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Fri, 29 May 2026 06:21:56 +0300

New WMO Report Predicts Hotter Years and Growing Climate Risks for Africa The world is likely to experience more record-breaking temperatures in the comingContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:54:56 +0300

Climate Change's Silent Toll on African Minds ClimContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:49:35 +0300

Opposition Grows Over Proposed Nuclear Power Plant Near Lake Victoria By Cece Siago Opposition is mounting against Kenya’s proposed nuclear power plant, which authorities are considering siting near the Lake Victoria basin, with environmental groups, residents, and policy think tanks warning of severe ecological, economic, and safety risks. The project, spearheaded by the Nuclear Power and Energy Agency (NuPEA), is part of Kenya’s long-term plan to diversify Kenya’s energy mix by producing 2,000 megawatts of energy and cost roughly KES 500 billion to build. However, the possible relocation of the plant from earlier coastal sites to Siaya County near Lake Victoria has triggered renewed resistance. The project was initially earmarked for Kilifi County, on Kenya’s coast, but after residents rejected the plan, the government shifted to the new site in Siaya County. A coalition of civil society organisations, led by Power Shift Africa (PSA), has strongly criticised the proposal, arguing that it places one of Africa’s most important freshwater ecosystems at risk. “Lake Victoria is not a cooling tank,” Power Shift Africa said in a statement, warning that nuclear reactors require vast quantities of water for cooling and could return heated water back into the lake, disrupting aquatic ecosystems that support millions of livelihoods across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It further warned that the project could deepen environmental vulnerability in a region already facing climate stress, overfishing, and pollution pressures. Shows of Lake Victoria | Courtesy Thomas Stellmach/Flickr, Local communities in Bondo, Siaya and surrounding areas have also voiced concern, saying they were not adequately consulted. Residents participating in recent public forums and protests have argued that the plant could threaten fishing activities, agriculture, and access to clean water. Environmental advocates say the siting process reflects deeper governance concerns. PSA and other organisations argue that the nuclear plant decisions are being driven more by political considerations than technical or environmental suitability, raising questions about transparency in Kenya’s energy planning. Experts opposing the project have also pointed to Kenya’s current energy profile, noting that the country already generates a significant share of its electricity from renewable sources such as geothermal, wind, and hydro. They argue that investment should instead prioritise expanding these systems and improving grid reliability. According to PSA Director, Mohamed Adow a nuclear facility can take more than a decade to become operational. “For comparison, the 55MW solar plant in Garissa took only one year to finalize. If we really need to get this electricity to people at record speeds, then we have to look no further than renewables.” NuPEA has defended the plant saying the project is still in the planning phase and that environmental and safety assessments will guide final site selection. “We hear and respect the voices of the residents of Siaya. Public participation is not a mere procedural formality. It is a constitutional right and the project wouldn’t proceed without the broad informed consent of the community,” the agency said in a statement. The statement came two days after protests from residents living near the proposed nuclear power project who voiced concerns about potential nuclear contamination and ecological risks to Africa’s largest fresh-water lake. Critics insist that no level of mitigation can eliminate the risks associated with siting a nuclear facility on a fragile freshwater system like Lake Victoria. Adow warned nuclear contamination in Lake Victoria would be devastating. He pointed to a 2024 report by The Council on Strategic Risks, which, he said, found that “biodiversity collapse in the Lake Victoria Basin could trigger conflict, economic instability, migration and iContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:31:04 +0300

Argentina Seizes Over 700 Trafficked Marine Animals From Kenya By Waweru Wairimu More than 700 live marine animals trafficked from Kenya have been seized in Argentina in what conservation groups and authorities describe as a major international wildlife trafficking operation targeting the global exotic aquarium trade, according to news agencies. The animals were intercepted at Ezeiza International Airport near Buenos Aires during a joint operation involving Argentina’s Environmental Control Brigade, customs officials, agricultural health authorities, wildlife rescue organisation Fundación Temaikèn and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). According to the reports, the shipment originated from Kenya and contained 709 live marine animals representing 102 species commonly traded for ornamental aquariums and exotic collections. The animals included surgeonfish, butterflyfish, lionfish, puffer fish, octopuses, crabs and starfish. AP and The Washington Post reported that many of the animals arrived dead after spending nearly 120 hours in transit, while surviving specimens were found severely weakened and stressed. Cristian Gillet, wildlife director at Fundación Temaikèn, said the rescued animals were in critical condition upon arrival: “Many of these animals were extracted from reef ecosystems and arrived at the limit of survival,” Gillet told the AP. A lion fish | Courtesy Pexel The Washington Post reported that veterinarians and marine specialists worked for more than 28 hours to stabilize the surviving animals, setting up emergency tanks equipped with filtration, heating and water-conditioning systems suitable for tropical marine species. Wildlife trafficking experts warned that the growing global demand for exotic aquarium species is fuelling organised criminal networks and threatening fragile reef ecosystems. Christian Plowman of IFAW described the operation as highly coordinated. “This is an industrialized crime. It requires coordination along every link of the chain,” Plowman told AP. Plowman said the seizure was the third wildlife trafficking interception at the same Argentine entry point within a year, suggesting the existence of an established trafficking corridor. The incident adds to growing international concern over wildlife trafficking involving live animals. A 2024 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime warned that illegal wildlife trade continues to expand globally, threatening biodiversity and fuelling organised crime networks. Conservation groups say marine species trafficked for ornamental trade often suffer high mortality rates during capture and transport, while wild populations face mounting pressure from overexploitatContinue Reading

Mwangi Ndirangu wrote a new post

Thu, 28 May 2026 07:09:41 +0300

Rare Albino Antelope Spotted in Sibiloi National Park A rare albino antelope has been spotted in northern Kenya’s Sibiloi National Park, drawing excitement among conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts. The unusual animal, identified as an albino Tiang, a subspecies of the Northern Topi antelope, was seen by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers during a routine patrol near Alia Bay along the shores of Lake Turkana. KWS described the sighting as “truly rare” and said the animal was spotted moving among a herd of normally coloured topis across the park’s grasslands. Photos released by KWS showed the antelope’s striking pale-white coat sharply contrasting with the reddish-brown colouring typical of the species. Wildlife officials said the rare appearance is caused by albinism, a genetic condition resulting from the absence of melanin pigment. “Moments like these remind us of the beauty and surprises nature continues to reveal, and of the importance of protecting these wild spaces for generations to come,” KWS said in a statement. Conservation experts note that albino animals often face major survival challenges in the wild because their bright colouring makes them more visible to predators and may also affect eyesight. According to KWS, The Tiang, also known as the Northern Topi, is among the wildlife species found in the semi-arid ecosystem of Sibiloi National Park, which lies on the northeastern shores of Lake Turkana and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. The sighting adds to a growing list of rare wildlife encounters recorded in Kenya in recent years, including sightings of black panthers in Laikipia and unusually dark-maned lions in the MaasaiContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Wed, 27 May 2026 09:56:36 +0300

Kenya's Agri-Insurance Boom Climate Resilience ErrContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Tue, 26 May 2026 09:55:53 +0300

Maize Aggregation Defends Against Climate-Driven Hunger and Aflatoxin In the semi-arid plains of Ng’arua in Laikipia County, maize farmers are not only battling low prices and unreliable markets. They are confronting a growing climate and public health crisis fuelled by rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and the silent spread of aflatoxin contamination in food systems. For many households, maize is the foundation of daily survival. Yet climate change is increasingly threatening both the quantity and safety of this staple food. During harvest seasons, farmers often record temporary surpluses, only to face food shortages months later as droughts, failed rains, and post-harvest losses wipe out reserves. At the same time, poor drying conditions and rising humidity fluctuations are accelerating the growth of toxic fungi that produce aflatoxins, which are dangerous poisons linked to liver cancer, weakened immunity, stunted growth in children, and even death. In response, farmers in Nga’rua are turning to maize aggregation as a climate adaptation strategy that protects food security, safeguards public health, and reduces post-harvest losses. Through the Ng’arua Cereals and Produce Cooperative Society, 134 farmers – 58 women and 76 men – collectively dry, clean, and store maize under controlled conditions before selling it when prices improve. “The store was created as a buffer where harvested maize could be stored for three to four months to take advantage of better prices,” says cooperative chairperson Nahashon Kanyiri. Nahashon Kagiri, Chairperson of the Ngarua Cereals and Produce Cooperative Society, speaks during an interview in Laikipia. | Courtesy PAULINE ONGAJI But what began as an economic solution has evolved into a critical defence against climate-related hunger and food contamination. Climate change and the rise of aflatoxin According to Prof. Paul Kiprotich Kimurto, Professor of Crop Science and Director of the Agroscience Park at Egerton University, climate change is creating ideal conditions for aflatoxin-producing fungi such as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. “These fungi thrive under conditions of heat stress, drought, and poor storage,” explains Prof. Kimurto. “When maize plants are weakened by drought and then exposed to moisture during storage, the risk of fungal infection and aflatoxin contamination rises sharply.” He says warming temperatures and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns across Kenya are worsening the problem, especially in maize-growing regions already vulnerable to food insecurity. Aflatoxins are invisible, tasteless, and difficult to detect without proper testing, making them one of the most dangerous hidden threats in food systems. Once contaminated maize enters households or markets, the toxins can accumulate in the human body over time. Scientific studies have linked chronic aflatoxin exposure to liver cancer, immune suppression, malnutrition, and impaired child development. In severe cases, high exposure can trigger acute aflatoxicosis, which causes rapid liver failure and death. Kenya has experienced several deadly aflatoxin outbreaks over the years, particularly in eastern regions where poor drying and storage conditions have combined with extreme weather stress. Prof. Kimurto warns that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and spread of contamination unless communities strengthen post-harvest management systems. “Food security is not only about having enough food,” he says. “It is also about ensuring that the food people consume is safe.” Aggregation as a climate adaptation solution The cooperative’s aggregation model is helping farmers tackle these interconnected threats through science-based storage and food safety practices. Instead of drying maize on bare ground under unpredictable weather conditions, farmers now use modern drying machines that quickly reduce moisture content to safe levels. “The drying machine helps us achieve the recommended moisture content of 13.5 percent,” says Kanyiri. “This reduces fungal growth and aflatoxin contamination while preserving grain quality.” Nahashon Kagiri, Chairperson of the Ngarua Cereals and Produce Cooperative Society, speaks during an interview in Laikipia. | Courtesy PAULINE ONGAJI The cooperative also uses sieving machines to remove damaged, mouldy, and discoloured kernels, which often contain the highest concentration of toxins. “Aggregation centres make it possible to conduct rapid quality control measures that individual farmers cannot easily afford,” says Prof. Kimurto. “Through cleaning, sorting, rapid drying, and proper storage, contamination risks can be significantly reduced.” The cooperative is also embracing hermetic storage technologies such as PICS bags, which create airtight conditions that suppress oxygen, preventing fungal growth and insect infestation without excessive use of chemicals. “These technologies reduce post-harvest losses while protecting both human health and the environment,” Prof. Kimurto explains. Hunger, climate shocks, and food resilience For communities facing repeated drought cycles, the cooperative has also become a food security buffer against climate shocks. Before maize is released to the market, vulnerable households and cooperative members can access grain from the store to feed their families during difficult periods. “By the fifth month after harvest, many families used to run out of maize and were forced to buy expensive food,” recalls Kanyiri. “Now the store helps cushion households during dry periods and unstable seasons.” Members who borrow maize later return it with a small surplus, strengthening the collective reserve and ensuring food remains available within the community. This system has become increasingly important as climate change destabilises agricultural production and drives up food prices across the country. Experts warn that Africa could face worsening food insecurity as rising temperatures reduce crop yields, increase pest outbreaks, and intensify droughts and floods. Reducing post-harvest losses has therefore become as important as increasing production itself. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly one-third of food produced globally is lost or wasted, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions while millions remain food insecure. By preserving harvested maize safely, aggregation reduces waste, stabilises local food supplies, and lowers pressure to clear forests or fragile ecosystems for additional farming land. “When farmers lose less food after harvest, they become more resilient economically and environmentally,” says Prof. Kimurto. “It reduces pressure on land and strengthens community adaptation to climate change.” Diversification for climate resilience Beyond maize storage, the cooperative is encouraging farmers to diversify livelihoods to reduce dependence on a single climate-sensitive crop. Members are now engaging in fruit tree nurseries, kitchen gardens, tea seedlings, and beekeeping projects that support biodiversity restoration and alternative income generation. A planned tree nursery supported through grants from FAO and E4Impact is expected to further strengthen ecosystem restoration efforts in the area. The cooperative also operates a small solar-powered maize mill, signalling a gradual shift toward cleaner and more sustainable rural food systems. For farmers in Nga’arua, aggregation is becoming a community-led climate resilience model that connects science, health, environmental conservation, and food security in the fighContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Mon, 25 May 2026 09:46:33 +0300

Chameleons, Tortoises Dominate Kenya’s Expanding Exotic Animal Exports Chameleons and tortoises are among the most exported live animals from Kenya, according to a new study that has raised alarm over the country’s rapidly expanding role in the global exotic wildlife trade. The study found that 77 percent of the species exported from Kenya between 2013 and 2023 had populations in the wild that were either declining or poorly documented, raising fresh concerns about the long-term conservation impact of the trade. Among the species identified in the exports were the critically endangered pancake tortoise, endangered grey parrots and sun parakeets, as well as vulnerable species such as the African lion and Hermann’s tortoise. According to the report, more than 870,000 live animals were exported internationally from Kenya during the ten-year period, with reptiles accounting for the overwhelming majority of the trade. The study, titled Rising Reptile Trade from Kenya: Analysis of CITES-Listed Captive-Bred Wildlife Exports, found that reptiles accounted for 81 percent of all exports recorded, followed by birds at 15 percent and mammals at 4 percent. A chameleon captured in its habitat | Courtesy The report shows that live reptile exports increased tenfold over the decade, rising from 8,551 individuals in 2013 to 86,330 in 2023, reflecting what researchers described as a rapidly growing commercial trade in captive-bred and ranched wildlife. The researchers said the surge in reptile exports reflects Kenya’s growing position as a supplier to the global exotic pet and luxury wildlife market, with most exports destined for the United States, Germany, Spain, Taiwan and South Korea. More than 93 percent of the exports were classified as commercial trade. The report raises concerns over the sustainability and regulation of the trade, warning that captive-breeding systems can sometimes be used to disguise illegally sourced wildlife collected from natural ecosystems. Researchers also pointed to “substantial discrepancies” between exporter-reported and importer-reported quantities in CITES records, which they said could signal weaknesses in monitoring, enforcement and traceability systems. “Kenya’s expanding wildlife exports raise concerns about traceability and the potential for negative conservation outcomes,” the researchers noted in the report. The findings come amid increasing global scrutiny of the exotic pet industry and growing fears among conservationists that wildlife laundering through captive-breeding permits could place further pressure on already vulnerable species. The study further warns that the international movement of live reptiles and other exotic animals poses biosecurity and animal welfare risks, including the spread of diseases and ecological disruption if trade is poorly regulated. Researchers are now calling for tighter oversight of breeding facilities, improved traceability mechanisms and stronger international cooperation to ensure Kenya’s wildlife trade does not undermine biodiveContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Mon, 25 May 2026 06:00:00 +0300

Maasai Women Drive Climate Resilience Through Beekeeping in Laikipia The mid-morning sun over Mumonyot Location in Doldol, Laikipia County burns fiercely, casting heat across a fragile landscape where cracked earth stretches beneath scattered acacia trees. Dry riverbeds snake through the dusty plains, silent reminders of seasons that no longer arrive as they once did. For generations, the pastoralist communities here relied on predictable rains, healthy grazing fields, and livestock to sustain their lives. But climate change has altered that rhythm as prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, shrinking pasturelands, and rising temperatures steadily threaten livelihoods across semi-arid regions. Yet amid this climate uncertainty, a quiet transformation is unfolding. Suspended beneath acacia branches are rows of wooden beehives, carefully managed by the Namilok Women’s Group, a collective of 200 Maasai women and seven men who are using beekeeping not only to earn a living, but also to restore ecosystems, reduce environmental degradation, and adapt to a changing climate. On a five-acre piece of land, the group now manages 54 beehives, harvesting between seven and ten kilograms of honey per hive each season. The women harvest three times a year, producing approximately 370 kilograms annually depending on flowering cycles increasingly influenced by changing weather patterns. Through this initiative, what was once viewed as barren land has become a climate resilience hub. “Before this project, many families depended heavily on livestock alone, but droughts became too frequent and severe,” explains Everline Naleku, chairlady of the group. “Beekeeping has given us another source of survival that does not destroy the environment.” The women say the effects of climate change became impossible to ignore in recent years. Rivers dried earlier, pasture disappeared faster, and families were often forced to migrate long distances in search of water and grazing land. Rosemary Mosian, secretary of the Namilok Women’s Group, displays sample packaging bottles used for their honey in Mumonyot Location, Doldol, Laikipia County. | Courtesy PAULINE ONGAJI As livelihoods became more fragile, some households turned to charcoal burning to survive, accelerating deforestation in an already vulnerable ecosystem. But in March 2023, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), through its Forest and Farm Facility programme, partnered with the women’s group to support climate-smart livelihoods through sustainable beekeeping. The intervention included grants and extensive training in hive management, honey processing, environmental conservation, pollination systems, flowering seasons, branding, and value addition through products such as beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. The women also participated in exchange visits to other counties where they observed communities restoring degraded land while building profitable honey enterprises. “We realised beekeeping is deeply connected to conservation,” says Rosemary Mosian, the group’s secretary. “Without trees, there are no flowers. Without flowers, there are no bees and no honey.” That understanding has transformed how the community relates to the environment. Today, members of the group actively plant trees and protect indigenous vegetation around their apiaries. Charcoal burning, once common among some households, is steadily declining as honey production proves more profitable and sustainable. “Charcoal burning no longer attracts us,” Mosian explains. “Now we know trees are more valuable standing alive because they support bees, rainfall, shade, and even our livestock.” John Saikong, Senior Chief of Mumonyot Location, Laikipia County, addressing some members of the Namilok Women’s Group in Mumonyot Location, Doldol, Laikipia County. | Courtesy PAULINE ONGAJI According to Philip Kisoyan, a landscape ecology specialist and Project Lead in Natural Resource Management at FAO, bees play a critical role in ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation. “Beekeeping protects entire ecosystems because bees are essential pollinators,” he says. “They support biodiversity, forest regeneration, and food production. In dryland areas facing climate stress, beekeeping offers communities income while encouraging conservation instead of environmental destruction.” Climate experts increasingly identify sustainable apiculture as an important adaptation strategy for arid and semi-arid regions because it requires relatively little water compared to livestock or crop farming while still generating reliable income. The economic impact on the women has been significant. Initially, the group sold raw honey at Sh300 per kilogram. Today, after improving hygiene, packaging, and branding, their processed honey sells for up to Sh1,000 per kilogram. Some of their products are marketed online through the Kenya National Farmers Federation platform, while wholesale buyers purchase bulk honey at approximately Sh800 per kilogram. The income has allowed the women to diversify into goat farming, manage table banking schemes, and invest in water tanks to cope with worsening water scarcity caused by prolonged droughts. Their savings now total more than Sh600,000. “Climate change made life harder, but this project helped us become stronger,” says Naleku. “Now women can pay school fees, buy food, and even save money during drought periods.” The project is also changing diets and improving nutrition in a region where climate shocks have historically limited access to fruits and vegetables. Traditionally, many Maasai households depended heavily on milk, meat, and ugali. But with drought affecting livestock productivity, food insecurity became more severe. John Saikong, Senior Chief of Mumonyot Location, Laikipia County, during an interview in Mumonyot Location, Doldol, Laikipia County. | Courtesy PAULINE ONGAJI Using income from honey sales, the women have established kitchen gardens and a shared community garden where families grow vegetables and fruits. “Now our children can eat vegetables regularly,” says Elizabeth Milau, a member of the group. “We learned that climate change also affects nutrition, so we started growing food ourselves.” Beyond economics and nutrition, local leaders say the project is strengthening community stability in an era of climate displacement because with improved livelihoods, fewer families are migrating constantly in search of pasture. This means that children remain in school longer, and households experience greater stability despite recurring droughts. “This project has reduced movement caused by climate stress,” says John Saikong, the senior chief of Mumonyot Location. “Families are becoming more settled because women now have reliable incomes that support the household even during dry seasons.” But perhaps the most remarkable transformation is social. In a community where land ownership and economic decision-making traditionally belonged to men, the women’s success in environmental conservation and climate resilience is slowly reshaping gender norms. When the Namilok Women’s Group first requested land in 2023 to establish their beekeeping project, the decision to allocate it shocked many residents. In Maasai culture, women rarely receive communal land rights. Yet today, the same women are being celebrated as environmental stewards and economic leaders. “These women have shown that protecting the environment can also strengthen families and communities,” says Peter Moiyare, chairman of the Morupusi Community Land Group. “People now respect them because they have brought development through conservation.” Now, the group dreams of expanding even further. Within the next two years, the women hope to secure Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) certification to access international markets with their branded honey, beeswax candles, lip balm, propolis, and royal jelly products. For the women of Mumonyot, the future of climate adaptation is about restoring ecosystems, protecting forests, empowering women, and building livelihoods rooted not in environmental destruction, but in coContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Sat, 23 May 2026 11:21:43 +0300

Ruto Sends Contradictory Signals on Electric Vehicle Policy Kenya’s electric mobility drive has entered a policy contradiction, with President William Ruto directing duty-free importation for the first 100,000 electric vehicles even as his government proposes to impose a 16 percent VAT on EVs and related technologies in the Finance Bill 2026. The President announced on May 22 that the first batch of electric vehicles entering the country will be exempt from import duties as part of efforts to accelerate clean transport and attract manufacturers into the local market. However, industry stakeholders and environmental analysts say the Finance Bill proposal risks reversing those gains by increasing the cost of electric mobility technologies at the exact moment the sector is beginning to scale. According to the proposals, the standard VAT would be applied to electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries, electric motorcycles, electric buses and charging infrastructure, effectively raising costs across the value chain. President William Ruto speaks at State House, Mombasa, May 22, 2026. | Courtesy PCS Energy and transport sector players say the conflicting signals from government policy are already creating uncertainty in a market that has only recently begun to attract serious investment. Kenya’s electric mobility sector has expanded rapidly in the past three years, with startups such as BasiGo, Roam and Ampersand rolling out electric buses, motorcycles and battery-swapping systems in Nairobi and other urban centres. Industry data shows registered electric vehicles have grown from fewer than 1,000 units in 2022 to more than 24,000 by the end of 2025, driven largely by tax incentives and early-stage investor confidence. But that trajectory is now under threat. If the Finance Bill is passed in its current form, importers and assemblers will no longer benefit from input VAT recovery on key EV components, a shift that analysts say will raise final consumer prices significantly due to Kenya’s heavy reliance on imported technology. Kenya imports nearly all EV components, including batteries and charging systems, making the sector highly sensitive to taxation changes. The proposals have triggered concern among climate advocates who argue that the country is moving in opposite directions by promoting EV adoption on one hand while increasing the cost of adoption on the other. President William Ruto chauffeurs himself to the opening of Africa’s first Climate Summit in 2023| Courtesy The Finance Bill proposals also revive earlier tensions seen in the Finance Bill 2024, where similar attempts to tax electric bicycles, batteries and solar products were revised after public backlash. Critics now say the repeated reintroduction of such measures signals an unresolved policy tension between revenue mobilisation and climate transition goals. Ethical Business Africa has described the current proposal as “strategic incoherence,” arguing that the state is simultaneously trying to cushion citizens from fuel price shocks while taxing technologies that would reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The debate is now shifting to Parliament, where lawmakers are expected to review the Finance Bill proposals amid growing pressure from investors, environmental groups and transport sector stakeholders. If adopted unchanged, analysts say the measures could slow Kenya’s transition to electric mobility, weaken investor confidence in green industries, and delay the country’s ambition to become a regional hub for clean transport and mContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Sat, 23 May 2026 06:00:00 +0300

Africa Green Shift Biodiversity and Economic Resilience Intertwined Africa is witnessing a profound structural shift in how biodiversity conservation and renewable infrastructure projects are funded. Market analysts observe a strategic pivot, moving away from traditional models of environmental compliance. Instead, the focus is now firmly on economic resilience, ensuring projects generate tangible financial returns while safeguarding natural ecosystems. This new approach aims to protect vital habitats against the volatility of international climate funds. Investment in African renewables notably defied global cooling trends last year, experiencing a significant surge. Kenya, in particular, led this charge with an impressive fourteen-fold increase in renewable investment value. This remarkable growth highlights a proactive strategy to integrate clean energy with national development goals, often in harmony with biodiversity protection. It positions Kenya as a frontrunner in Africa’s green economic transformation. Policymakers and conservation entities are no longer treating clean energy and habitat preservation as solely environmental mandates. They are now viewed as critical components of economic growth and stability, recognizing the intrinsic value of healthy ecosystems. Coral reefs are vital for marine biodiversity, but face significant risks from climate change and human activity | Courtesy Projects are increasingly designed around core economic drivers such as energy security and the burgeoning power demand from data centers, while also considering their ecological footprint. This ensures their long-term viability and attractiveness to investors, alongside their environmental benefits. Furthermore, there is a strong emphasis on localized green manufacturing within these initiatives, often utilizing sustainable practices that minimize impact on local flora and fauna. This fosters domestic industrial growth and creates sustainable employment opportunities across the continent. This strategic reorientation ensures that green projects can remain financially self-sustaining, even when global climate funding fluctuates. It builds a robust foundation for enduring environmental and economic benefits, with biodiversity at its core. The shift represents a maturation of Africa’s approach to climate action and sustainable development. It recognizes the intrinsic link between ecological health, particularly biodiversity, and economic prosperity. By embedding financial resilience into conservation and renewable energy, African nations are creating a powerful model. This model can inspire other developing regions seeking sustainable growth that respects natural capital. This proactive stance not only secures vital funding but also empowers local communities through job creation and energy access, often through initiatives that directly support biodiversity. It fosters a sense of ownership and long-term commitment to these initiatives. The continent is demonstrating that environmental stewardship, especially biodiversity conservation, and economic advancement are not mutually exclusive. They are, in fact, deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing for a trulyContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:41:30 +0300

Makueni Leads Local Climate Action MakueniContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 22 May 2026 08:15:08 +0300

UN Backs Historic Climate Accountability In aContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Thu, 21 May 2026 11:18:11 +0300

Kenya’s Finance Bill 2026 Risks Derailing Green Transition, Industry Players Warn Kenya’s ambitious push toward green energy and electric mobility could suffer a major setback if proposals contained in the Finance Bill 2026 are adopted. Industry players and environmental analysts are warning that the proposed tax measures may reverse gains made in the country’s fast-growing electric vehicle sector. The proposed law seeks to introduce a 16 percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric vehicles, lithium-ion batteries and electric bicycles, effectively removing incentives that had helped position Kenya as one of Africa’s leading electric mobility markets. The move has triggered concern among climate advocates, renewable energy investors and e-mobility startups who argue that the tax proposals contradict Kenya’s public commitments on climate action and clean energy transition. According to the proposals, the standard VAT would now apply to imported electric buses, motorcycles, battery packs and charging infrastructure, increasing operational costs for firms that depend heavily on imported technology. Charging points for EV at Stima Plaza, Nairobi, Kenya | Courtesy The proposed tax comes at a time when Kenya has been marketing itself globally as a climate leader and a regional hub for green innovation. The country already generates more than 90 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy, giving it one of the cleanest electricity grids in Africa. Industry analysts say the Finance Bill risks undermining that advantage. According to Ethical Business Africa, the proposal is a “strategic incoherence dressed in fiscal clothing,” arguing that the government was simultaneously trying to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel costs while taxing technologies designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The concerns emerge against the backdrop of soaring global oil prices and rising fuel costs in Kenya. Diesel prices in Nairobi recently crossed record levels amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, increasing transport and production costs across the economy. Critics argue that instead of accelerating electric mobility to reduce exposure to global oil shocks, the government is making clean transport more expensive. The tax proposals could particularly affect electric mobility startups that have expanded rapidly across East Africa in recent years, which have invested heavily in electric buses, motorcycles, battery-swapping infrastructure and charging networks. Kenya’s EV market has grown significantly in recent years. Reports indicate that registered electric vehicles rose from fewer than 1,000 units in 2022 to more than 24,000 by the end of 2025, driven by tax incentives, startup expansion and increasing investment in battery-swapping infrastructure. However, sector players fear the 2026 Finance Bill could slow investor confidence and discourage adoption at a critical growth stage. Because most EV components are still imported, analysts say the proposed VAT will immediately translate into higher retail prices for electric buses, motorcycles and batteries. That could make electric transport less competitive compared to conventional fossil fuel-powered vehicles despite rising fuel prices. NETA V electric cars for the Nairobi taxi market. | Courtesy The proposals have also revived debate about the consistency of Kenya’s climate policies. While the government has unveiled a National Electric Mobility Policy and repeatedly pledged commitment to decarbonisation and green growth, critics argue that taxation policy is moving in the opposite direction. The Finance Bill also comes barely two years after widespread public backlash against the Finance Bill 2024, which had similarly proposed VAT on electric bicycles, electric buses, solar products and lithium-ion batteries before some clauses were amended following nationwide protests. Environmental groups say the recurring attempts to tax green technologies suggest a broader policy contradiction within government. Analysts warn that weakening incentives for renewable technologies could slow Kenya’s progress toward reducing emissions from the transport sector, one of the country’s fastest-growing sources of carbon pollution. Beyond electric vehicles, critics say the broader tax direction may also hurt digital and green innovation ecosystems. Proposed increases in taxes on electronic devices and digital services could affect access to smart technologies increasingly used in climate adaptation, energy management and environmental monitoring. There are also fears that heavy dependence on petroleum taxes for government revenue is creating a structural conflict between fiscal policy and climate goals. Kenya continues to collect significant revenue through fuel levies and petroleum taxes, even as it promotes green transition rhetoric internationally. Observers say this creates an economic incentive to maintain fossil fuel consumption rather than to aggressively accelerate alternatives, such as electric public transport and renewable-powered mobility systems. Climate and energy experts argue that countries serious about green transition are increasingly introducing subsidies, tax breaks and investment incentives for EVs and renewable technologies rather than expanding taxation on them. Several countries globally continue offering VAT exemptions and incentives for electric vehicles to encourage adoption and reduce emissions. In contrast, Kenya’s new proposals risk making the country less attractive to green investors at a time when African e-mobility is beginning to attract substantial international funding. Analysts now warn that, unless Parliament revises the proposals, the Finance Bill 2026 could slow Kenya’s transition to clean transport, weaken investor confidence in green industries, and expose the economy to prolonged dependence onContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Thu, 21 May 2026 10:03:57 +0300

New report urges governments to prioritise clean air in fight against NCDs Governments across the world have been urged to take urgent action on air pollution to help deal with a silent epidemic of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. A report titled, A Breathable Planet: Best Practices for Clean Air Policies to Meet NCD Targets, released by the NCD Alliance with support from Haleon, says air pollution causes nearly eight million deaths annually, with 86 percent linked to NCDs such as heart disease, stroke, chronic respiratory illnesses, dementia, diabetes and cancer. The warning comes as Kenya continues grappling with rising cases of asthma, hypertension, stroke and other chronic illnesses, especially in urban areas heavily affected by traffic emissions, industrial pollution and the use of dirty cooking fuels. According to the World Health Organiastion (WHO), noncommunicable diseases account for about 39 percent of all deaths in Kenya, with air pollution increasingly recognised as a major contributor. The new report argues that despite the scale of the crisis, air pollution still receives far less policy attention than other health risks. “Clean air policies bring shared benefits for health, equity, the economy and the environment. Acting on air pollution is not only essential for reducing the NCD burden, but also for achieving sustainable development,” said Liz Arnanz, NCD Alliance Policy and Advocacy Manager. The report highlights practical and cost-effective interventions already working in several countries and cities, including restricting vehicle emissions, expanding access to clean public transport, phasing out fossil fuels and investing in cleaner household energy. Burning of tyres to retrieve the wires in it in Ghana, in the process extreme pollution of the air. | Courtesy For Kenya, where many households still rely on charcoal, kerosene and firewood for cooking, public health advocates say cleaner energy transitions could significantly reduce respiratory diseases among women and children. The report also comes months after countries committed through the 2025 UN Political Declaration on NCDs and Mental Health to strengthen action on air pollution as part of broader efforts to tackle chronic diseases. However, health experts warn that political promises must now translate into concrete policies and financing. “What this report makes clear is that the challenge is making political and financing decisions consistent with public health goals,” said Jose Luis Castro, WHO Special Envoy. “Governments now face fundamental choices on whether to continue subsidizing systems that drive chronic respiratory disease, whether prevention will truly become a cross-government priority, and whether air pollution will finally be integrated into NCD and development strategies rather than treated as a separate environmental issue,” he added. Castro noted that communities do not experience air pollution, climate change and chronic diseases as separate crises, even though governments often address them independently. In Kenya, environmental activists and health organisations have repeatedly raised concerns over rising vehicle emissions, unregulated industrial pollution and weak enforcement of air quality regulations. The report warns that low- and middle-income countries bear the heaviest burden of air pollution-related diseases, deepening existing health and economic inequalities. It further notes that clean air policies offer economic gains by lowering healthcare costs, improving productivity and supporting climate goals. With the UN High-Level Meeting on Universal Health Coverage scheduled for 2027 and ongoing global climate negotiations, the report urges governments not to lose momentum in implemeContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:48:27 +0300

Green Hydrogen Power Fuels Africa Industrial Growth Nairobi recently hosted the 4th Green Hydrogen Symposium, a pivotal event co-hosted by the governments of Kenya and Germany. This gathering underscored Africa’s strategic shift towards green hydrogen. It is now seen not just as an energy transition tool, but as a foundational platform for green industrialization. This initiative aims to foster regional integration and boost export growth across the continent. Kenya possesses a significant competitive advantage in this emerging sector. Over 90 percent of its national grid is already powered by renewable sources. Geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar energy provide a robust foundation. This allows the country to produce low-cost green hydrogen at scale, positioning it as a leader in sustainable energy. The symposium showcased an impressive new project pipeline. This includes an upcoming green hydrogen project slated for Nyeri. Furthermore, a newly integrated green hydrogen curriculum will be introduced in TVET institutions. This will train a specialized local workforce, ensuring sustained growth and expertise in the sector. Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi addressing the 4th Green Hydrogen Symposium in Nairobi. He reaffirmed Kenya’s position as a regional leader in green energy and sustainable industrial transformation. | Courtesy Nairobi also recently welcomed the major Africa Forward Summit. This event saw European and African business leaders commit substantial investments. Roughly €27 billion ($31.5 billion) was pledged across 30 clean energy and infrastructure projects. These commitments signal a strong belief in Africa’s green future. East Africa is set to benefit significantly from these new deals. Infrastructure investor Meridiam announced a $200 million investment. This will double the capacity of Kenya’s Kipeto Wind Project. This expansion highlights the growing confidence in Kenya’s renewable energy potential. It also demonstrates a commitment to scaling up clean power generation. TotalEnergies also pledged $400 million towards vital clean cooking initiatives. These efforts will stretch across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, addressing critical energy needs. This investment will help millions transition from traditional biomass fuels. It will improve health outcomes and reduce deforestation across the region. At a community level, initiatives are already making a tangible difference. The KPC Foundation and Vivo Energy Kenya launched a localized clean cooking program in Mombasa County. They distributed LPG kits to vulnerable households in Jomvu Kuu. This directly combats indoor air pollution and reduces deforestation caused by charcoal and firewood use. Such grassroots efforts are crucial for equitable energy access. Nairobi is also preparing to host the global Second Summit on Clean Cooking in Africa later this year. This crucial summit will address access for nearly one billion people across the continent. These individuals still lack clean cooking solutions, highlighting the urgent need for continued innovation and investment. The summit aims to accelerate solutions and mobilize further resources. Kenya is at the forefront of driving these transformative changes. Its proactive approach to green hydrogen and renewable energy positions it as a beacon of sustainable development. The nation is not only securing its own energy future but also paving the way for a greener, more prosperous Africa. This commitment to innovation and collaboration sets a powerful example for the entire contiContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Wed, 20 May 2026 12:24:17 +0300

Kenya Forest Service Launches Bee Conservation Partnership The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has partnered with the National Bee Institute to train its officers in sustainable beekeeping and management. Hosted at the Ngong’ Road Forest, the institute will equip KFS officers to promote apiculture among Community Forest Associations (CFAs). These officers will play a critical role in ensuring that forests remain safe habitats for bees and other vital pollinators. As the globe marks World Bee Day, the ecological importance of bees is in the spotlight. Despite their major role in maintaining ecological balance, bees remain highly threatened by emerging environmental degradation across the continent. Their populations are increasingly declining due to the adverse effects of pesticides, herbicides, habitat loss, and climate change driven by human activities. In a press statement, Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko highlighted the value of the new collaboration. He noted that the initiative will empower KFS officers, who serve as the primary protectors of Kenya’s forests with the support of CFAs. “This partnership marks a significant milestone in advancing bee conservation, apiculture development, environmental awareness, and community empowerment,” said Lemarkoko. “It also demonstrates the importance of collaborative approaches in addressing environmental challenges while improving livelihoods and building resilient ecosystems.” Bees populations are increasingly declining due to the adverse effects of pesticides, herbicides, habitat loss, and climate change driven by human activities. | Courtesy birdlife.org The partnership aims to promote sustainable beekeeping and apiculture-based livelihoods while enhancing the conservation of bee habitats within forest ecosystems. It will also support research, training, and knowledge exchange on pollinator conservation. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to empower forest-adjacent communities through income-generating activities linked to beekeeping. These efforts will encourage the restoration of degraded landscapes using bee-friendly and indigenous tree species. Ultimately, the collaboration is expected to strengthen climate change mitigation and biodiversity conservation initiatives across the country. “The decline in pollinator populations poses a significant risk not only to biodiversity and ecosystem stability but also to national food systems and rural livelihoods,” Lemarkoko added. “This calls for urgent and collective action from governments, communities, institutions, and individuals.” Currently, Kenya faces a critical honey deficit, producing only 19,000 metric tonnes against a national demand of over 43,000 metric tonnes. To meet this shortfall, the industry relies heavily on imports. According to the Directorate of Livestock Production, the decline of bee populations due to environmental degradation and pesticide use severely threatens this esseContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:36:20 +0300

Kenya Drives Green with New Law Mandating Solar E-Mobility Kenya is on the cusp of a significant transformation in its transport sector. A groundbreaking Draft Bill, proposed by Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, aims to revolutionize government and public service vehicle fleets. This legislation seeks to mandate a complete transition to solar-powered electric mobility. This bold initiative follows the launch of Kenya’s National E-Mobility Policy in February 2026. The policy established a comprehensive framework for integrating electric mobility solutions across the nation. Kaluma’s bill now translates these strategic goals into aggressive, legally binding actions. The proposed law underscores Kenya’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. It also aims to decrease the country’s reliance on imported fossil fuels. This legislative move positions Kenya as a leader in sustainable development within Africa. Regional developments highlight the urgency of this transition. Ethiopia’s recent ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle imports serves as a compelling example. Kenya aims to accelerate its e-mobility initiatives to avoid falling behind in the green transport revolution. The e-mobility bill is being proposed to revolutionise the sector completely. | AI Generated Beyond environmental benefits, the legislation addresses critical societal issues. It targets high fuel costs and the vulnerability of public transport systems. The shift to solar-powered electric vehicles promises a more stable and cost-effective transportation future. The bill also proposes structured electric rail and commuter networks for Nairobi. These networks are designed to improve urban mobility. They also aim to reduce the influence of private transport cartels. Implementing this transformative policy requires substantial infrastructure development. Kenya Power reported a 188% increase in electricity consumption for EV charging in 2025. The government plans to deploy 10,000 charging stations by 2030. Upgrading the national electricity grid is crucial to support increased demand. Integrating solar and wind energy will be vital for a sustainable power supply. Local innovation in e-mobility solutions will also play a key role. Significant investments are already underway for public transport infrastructure. The World Bank is planning $500 million for Nairobi’s commuter rail upgrades. Kenya Railways is also developing electric traction for both passenger and freight services. These efforts will expand the Nairobi Commuter Rail (NCR) service from 35 to 53 stations. This expansion will improve access to affordable and reliable transport for metropolitan areas. Kenya’s legislative push sets a precedent for a cleaner, moreContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:01:30 +0300

Africa Takes a Giant Leap in Climate Resilience with New Satellite Facility The African Union has officially launched a continental space partnership with the European Union to deploy advanced satellite technology. This initiative aims to establish robust early warning systems against extreme weather events, significantly boosting community resilience across the continent. The launch marks a pivotal moment in Africa’s proactive approach to climate change mitigation and disaster management. It showcases a strong commitment to safeguarding its people and vital resources through international cooperation. Meeting at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa from May 18–19, 2026, the Directorate of Sustainable Environment and Blue Economy formally inaugurated the African Meteorological Satellite Applications Facility (AMSAF). This project operates under the broader Strengthening Early Warning in Africa (SEWA) initiative. The strategic location and timing underscore the urgency of this continental endeavor. By bringing together key stakeholders, the project aims to enhance meteorological capabilities across the entire continent for a common goal. AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Courtesy AMSAF leverages cutting-edge space science by deploying AMSAF-Nowcasting and Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) technologies. These sophisticated systems enable real-time tracking of rapid-onset extreme weather events. Utilizing advanced satellite data products, the facility provides timely and accurate information to vulnerable communities. This technological leap transforms disaster management from a reactive to a proactive stance. By offering early warnings for droughts, floods, and severe storms, AMSAF empowers farmers to make informed decisions. This protection of crops is essential for ensuring food security and economic stability. This African-led space technology provides crucial data sovereignty, allowing the continent to manage its own environmental challenges. After consecutive seasons of heavy weather impacts, such as El Niño, AMSAF offers a tailored solution. Indigenous technological advancements, supported by international partnerships, can fortify communities against environmental adversities. This approach is key to building a more resilient future for all African nations. Sahel aerial shot, particularly Burkina Faso, | Courtesy AFP The initiative aligns with the €27 billion ($31.5 billion) Africa Forward Summit clean energy deals recently secured in Nairobi. These substantial investments demonstrate that capital is increasingly flowing into Africa alongside legislative and technological advancements. The synergy between these developments signals a robust future for sustainable growth. It positions Africa as a global leader in proactive climate action and environmental management. AMSAF contributes directly to the Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology (2021-2030). This strategy focuses on weather, water, and climate services to reinforce monitoring and disaster preparedness. The project is a testament to Africa’s unwavering commitment to self-reliance and regional cooperation. It provides innovative solutions to address global challenges like climate change at the local level. The collaboration between the African Union and the European Union through the SEWA project exemplifies a powerful model for international cooperation. It transfers critical technology while building essential local capacity. African institutions are now better equipped to manage and utilize these advanced systems effectively. This partnership fosters a shared vision for a climate-resilient Africa where commContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Mon, 18 May 2026 13:45:59 +0300

Climate Change is Damaging Human Relationships and Social Well-being, Study Warns Climate change is weakening human relationships, increasing loneliness, disrupting communities, and undermining society’s ability to respond collectively to environmental crises, a new global study has established The study, published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour, argues that “social health”, defined as people’s ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships and community connections should be treated as a central pillar of climate resilience and public health policy. Researchers from institutions across Australia, Kenya, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Nigeria found that climate change is increasingly eroding the social fabric of societies through displacement, disasters, food insecurity, economic stress, forced migration, and mental health pressures. At the same time, they found that loneliness and social disconnection are weakening collective climate action and reducing communities’ resilience to environmental shocks. The study, titled Climate change and social health, brought together evidence from dozens of studies examining the links between environmental disruption and human social wellbeing. The authors described the relationship as “bidirectional,” meaning climate change damages social cohesion while weakened social ties make it harder for societies to adapt to climate threats. The researchers said extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, wildfires and heatwaves are increasingly displacing populations, fracturing communities, and increasing social isolation. They noted that vulnerable groups including older people, rural populations, migrants, Indigenous communities and low-income households face heightened risks of loneliness and psychological distress during climate-related crises. The study also highlighted how prolonged climate stress can intensify conflict within families and communities. Rising temperatures and resource scarcity were linked in earlier research to increased interpersonal violence, migration pressures and political tensions. Researchers warned that climate anxiety and ecological grief are becoming major psychological burdens, especially among young people who fear environmental collapse and uncertain futures. The paper cited evidence showing climate-related distress can influence reproductive decisions, social participation, and people’s sense of identity and belonging. In East Africa, the study referenced research on climate-related displacement affecting communities such as the Maasai, where prolonged droughts and environmental degradation have disrupted traditional livelihoods, migration patterns and social structures. The authors argue that social relationships are not merely emotional support systems but are critical infrastructure during crises. Communities with stronger social cohesion were found to recover faster from disasters, share resources more effectively, and mobilize more successfully around climate adaptation measures. The study drew on evidence from previous disasters and heatwaves showing socially connected communities experience lower mortality rates and improved recovery outcomes. Researchers said isolated individuals are often at greater risk during extreme weather because they lack support networks, access to information, transportation, or emergency assistance. The paper also suggests that social connection can become a powerful driver of climate action. Researchers found that people embedded in strong community networks are more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviour, climate advocacy and collective adaptation programmes. The authors propose a new conceptual framework showing how climate change affects social health through pathways such as housing instability, forced mobility, economic insecurity, environmental grief, and declining community cohesion. In turn, deteriorating social health can fuel political disengagement, mistrust, anxiety and weakened climate cooperation. The study calls on governments and international organizations to integrate social health into climate and health governance. Researchers say policies should focus not only on physical infrastructure and emissions reduction but also on strengthening community ties, social protection systems, inclusive urban planning and mental health support. The authors further urge policymakers to treat loneliness and social isolation as public health concerns linked directly to climate vulnerability. They point to earlier studies showing loneliness is associated with inflammation, cardiovascular disease, stroke risk and higher mortality rates. The paper comes amid growing evidence that climate change is affecting human health in increasingly complex ways. Recent studies have warned that extreme heat is already reaching potentially critical conditions in some parts of the world, particularly for older people, while climate-linked environmental stress is also being linked to declining fertility and worsening mental health outcomes. Researchers concluded that strengthening human connection may become one of the most important tools in confronting the climate crisis. They argue that resilient societies will depend not only on technology and infrastructure, but also on trust, solidarity, collContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 18 May 2026 10:13:23 +0300

Global Climate Experts Warn East Africa to Prepare for Extreme El Niño Weather By Matthew Stewart Scientists and climate agencies worldwide are warning that aContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:31:51 +0300

Parenting Type 1 Diabetes Amid Climate and Food Crises On most nights, while other parents sleep uninterrupted, Hottensiah wakes up every two hours to check whether her son is still safe. The ritual begins with a glucometer, insulin, and fear. Her son, Kellab, 3, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes on December 8, 2025, a day she says shattered the emotional certainty she once carried as a mother. “Immediately he was diagnosed, I felt like my life had crumbled,” she says quietly. “I hate seeing him struggling or sick.” Before the diagnosis, Kellab had been energetic and healthy. Nothing appeared wrong until Hottensiah noticed subtle changes like weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. At first, she dismissed it as part of normal growth. “I thought maybe he was becoming taller,” she recalls. But within weeks, his blood sugar levels spiraled dangerously high, triggering a medical emergency. At the hospital, doctors referred the family to a diabetes management centre, where a diabetes educator at became one of her strongest pillars of support. “He walked the journey with me,” she says. “I would call him now and then just to ask questions and let him know how Kellab was doing.” According to clinical psychologist Miriam Wanjiku, parents raising children with Type 1 diabetes often become emotionally dependent on constant reassurance because the condition demands continuous vigilance. She explains that caregivers must constantly calculate carbohydrates, administer insulin injections, monitor blood sugar fluctuations, prepare emergency snacks, and remain alert for dangerous drops in sugar levels, even during the child’s sleep. And for many parents, survival becomes a full time psychological occupation. “Managing the sugars begins from the time he wakes up to the time he sleeps and wakes up again,” Hottensiah. Her words echo the lived reality of thousands of caregivers globally who describe chronic exhaustion, hypervigilance, and anxiety as part of parenting children with Type 1 diabetes. A typical day for her involves checking Kellab’s sugar levels before meals, administering insulin, monitoring his food intake, and testing his blood sugar again two hours later. At night, the monitoring continues to avoid hypoglycemia, dangerously low blood sugar that can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or death if left untreated. “With diabetes, you don’t fall into slumber and lose yourself in it,” she says. “You have to keep checking how he is doing after every two hours.” weight loss, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. At first, she dismissed it as part of normal growth: “I thought maybe he was becoming taller,” she recalls. But within weeks, his blood sugar levels spiralled dangerously high, triggering a medical emergency. At the hospital, doctors referred the family to a diabetes management centre, where a diabetes educator became one of her strongest pillars of support. “He walked the journey with me,” she says. “I would call him now and then just to ask questions and let him know how Kellab was doing.” According to clinical psychologist Miriam Wanjiku, parents raising children with Type 1 diabetes often become emotionally dependent on constant reassurance because the condition demands continuous vigilance. Wanjiku explains that caregivers must constantly calculate carbohydrates, administer insulin injections, monitor blood sugar fluctuations, prepare emergency snacks, and remain alert for dangerous drops in sugar levels, even during the child’s sleep. And for many parents, survival becomes a full-time psychological occupation. “Managing the sugars begins from the time he wakes up to the time he sleeps and wakes up again,” Hottensiah. Her words echo the lived reality of thousands of caregivers globally who describe chronic exhaustion, hypervigilance, and anxiety as part of parenting children with Type 1 diabetes. A typical day for her involves checking Kellab’s sugar levels before meals, administering insulin, monitoring his food intake, and testing his blood sugar again two hours later. At night, the monitoring continues to avoid hypoglycemia, dangerously low blood sugar that can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or death if left untreated. “With diabetes, you don’t fall into slumber and lose yourself in it,” she says. “You have to keep checking how he is doing every two hours.” The emotional cost is immense. “The constant thought and worry have affected me mentally,” she says. “I keep thinking about him every second. What is he eating? Are his sugars okay?” For 37-year-old Emmy, not her real name, the emotional strain intensified when both of her sons, now aged 10 and 13, were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes several years apart. Her first son was diagnosed in June 2017. Her second followed in February 2020. “Life changed completely,” she says. “Emotionally, it was heartbreaking and traumatic.” She remembers the fear and confusion that settled over her household almost overnight. “Suddenly, our daily life depended on insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, strict meal planning, and constant attention.” The emotional cost is immense. “The constant thought and worry has affected me mentally,” she says. “I keep thinking about him every second. What is he eating? Are his sugars okay?” For 37 year old Emmy, not her real name, the emotional strain intensified when both of her sons, now aged 10 and 13, were diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes several years apart. Her first son was diagnosed in June 2017. Her second followed in February 2020. “Life changed completely,” she says. “Emotionally, it was heartbreaking and traumatic.” She remembers the fear and confusion that settled over her household almost overnight. “Suddenly our daily life depended on insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, strict meal planning, and constant attention.” Today, her days revolve around monitoring blood sugar levels, counting carbohydrates, preparing school supplies, and watching for emergencies. Her nights are fragmented by fear. “I often wake up to check their blood sugar to avoid dangerous highs or lows while they sleep,” she says. The emotional exhaustion, she explains, is difficult for outsiders to understand. “Even when they seem fine, as a parent you are constantly thinking about their sugar levels, food, medication, and possible emergencies.” According to Dr. Wanjiku, parents of children with Type 1 diabetes often experience what experts call “caregiver hypervigilance.” “These parents live in a permanent state of anticipation,” she explains. “They are always preparing for the next low sugar episode, the next emergency, the next hospital visit. The body and mind rarely get a chance to rest.” She says many caregivers develop symptoms associated with chronic anxiety, sleep deprivation, burnout, and trauma. “Some parents experience panic attacks, depression, guilt, and emotional exhaustion,” Dr. Wanjiku says. “There is also fear of making mistakes because insulin management is literally life saving treatment.” The diagnosis itself can also trigger grief. “Parents mourn the life they imagined for their child,” she explains. “There is grief for lost normalcy, lost spontaneity, and the fear of an uncertain future.” Both Hottensiah and Emmy describe feelings that align closely with this psychological experience. “Immediately he was diagnosed, I fell into trauma and I had to seek counselling,” Hottensiah says. Emmy says there are moments she cries privately, then gathers herself again because her children need her strength. “There were moments I felt afraid I may lose them,” she says. “But at the same time I had to stay calm for them.” Dr. Wanjiku says emotional support for parents is often neglected in diabetes care. “The focus is usually on the child’s physical health, but parents are carrying enormous emotional weight,” she says. “They also need counselling, peer support, and spaces where they can talk honestly about fear and exhaustion.” But the burden of Type 1 diabetes extends far beyond insulin injections and sleepless nights. According to Immaculate Nyaugo, climate change, food insecurity, and poverty are increasingly making diabetes management more difficult for vulnerable families. Nyaugo says managing diabetes requires consistent access to nutritious food in the right proportions, something many low income households in Kenya struggle to maintain. “Food security is very critical for all populations,” she explains. “To manage diabetes, we need food available at any given time in appropriate proportions.” But climate related shocks such as droughts and floods have disrupted food production across the country, making nutritious foods harder to access. According to Nyaugo, many families now depend on cheaper, energy dense foods because healthier options such as fruits and vegetables are increasingly expensive or unavailable. “When people do not know what tomorrow holds, they tend to eat whatever is available and sometimes in excess,” she says. “That negatively impacts diabetic clients.” For children with Type 1 diabetes, the challenge is even greater. “We need the right proportions for this child, and we need foods that provide adequate nutrients,” Nyaugo explains. “But because of climate impacts, people are now producing foods that grow fast and fill stomachs rather than foods that are nutrient dense.” For mothers like Hottensiah, nutrition has become one of the hardest balancing acts. Children with Type 1 diabetes require stable meals to help regulate blood sugar, yet restricting food entirely is impossible for growing children. “He needs all the nutrients to grow,” Hottensiah says. “He is active and I cannot avoid starch completely.” Nyaugo warns that low income households are disproportionately affected because they are often forced to choose between affordability and nutrition. Cheap processed foods, sugary beverages, bread, and wheat products have become more accessible than healthier alternatives. “These foods are affordable even for low income populations,” she says. “But they do not add value to a diabetic client.” The effects of climate instability stretch beyond food itself. Floods and droughts also disrupt healthcare access, particularly in remote and underserved communities. “In the recent floods, some roads were cut off and people could not access clinics or medication,” Nyaugo explains. “Some facilities even closed because healthcare workers themselves were affected.” She says pastoralist communities in northern Kenya have been particularly vulnerable. During drought periods, families often migrate with livestock in search of pasture, leaving women and children behind without stable food supplies or income. “If the cows move away, milk is no longer available for the family,” she says. “That migration affects women and children most.” Healthcare workers supporting children with Type 1 diabetes say the financial burden on families is already overwhelming even without climate related disruptions. Eunice Munyiri, a clinical officer at the Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI), an implementing partner of the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) programme supported by the World Diabetes Foundation, says the cost of insulin remains one of the biggest challenges facing caregivers. “Most parents do not have stable jobs, so even affording insulin becomes difficult,” the nurse explains. To bridge some of the gaps, DMI organizes subsidized clinic days and supports children and young adults with insulin, glucometers, and diabetes supplies whenever resources allow. The centre also runs psychosocial support forums for parents and children. “We have psychologists who help families navigate their concerns,” the nurse says. However, myths, misinformation, and stigma continue to isolate many caregivers. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that people think diabetes is caused simply by eating too much sugar or poor parenting,” Emmy says. Others wrongly assume the condition is temporary or curable. “The hardest misconception is knowing that it’s not treatable and we can only manage it,” Hottensiah says. Nyaugo believes communities already possess important indigenous knowledge that could help families cope better with food insecurity and chronic illness. She says older generations understood how to prepare balanced meals using locally available foods, but that knowledge has gradually been ignored. “Our grandmothers knew how children should be fed,” she says. “We have devalued indigenous knowledge on food.” She argues that community health systems should place greater emphasis on nutrition education and prevention rather than focusing almost entirely on medication. “The government prioritizes treatment,” she says. “But these are people who just need information on how to manage themselves nutritionally.” According to Nyaugo, strengthening community health workers and local support systems could significantly reduce the burden on families living with diabetes. “If preventive nutrition strategies were emphasized, many patients could reduce dependence on medication,” she says. For parents already carrying the emotional weight of constant monitoring, these broader structural failures deepen the strain. Financial pressure, emotional exhaustion, food insecurity, and fear often collide in the same household. But despite the exhaustion, many families continue to survive through resilience, faith, and support networks. Hottensiah says family support has made survival possible. “My mum and dad have also learned how to manage him,” she says. “Now I am able to work because I know someone is taking care of him.” |Emmy says faith and community support continue to sustain her family. For Dr. Wanjiku, these support systems are essential. “When caregivers feel supported emotionally and socially, their mental resilience improves significantly,” she says. “No parent should carry this buContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 15 May 2026 10:28:32 +0300

Kenya’s New Energy Reality Amid Record Fuel Surge Continue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:58:26 +0300

The Hidden Mental Toll of Firewood Collection AcrContinue Reading

Big3Africa Desk wrote a new post

Wed, 13 May 2026 21:04:01 +0300

Students Turn Farm Waste into Award-Winning Vehicle Exhaust Filter By Malavika Vyawahare, Mary Mwendwa Two 17-year-old students from KiambuContinue Reading

Dr. Millicent Kabara wrote a new post

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:29:25 +0300

Indigenous Knowledge Is the Missing Link in Climate Resilience The climate crisis is accelerating faster than many nations can respond. Rivers are drying up and seasons are becoming increasingly unpredictable. Across continents, extreme weather events are intensifying with alarming frequency. Farmers can no longer rely on familiar rainfall patterns. Coastal communities watch shorelines disappear while entire populations face displacement. Floods, droughts, and environmental collapse are becoming the new global reality. In response, the world has turned to satellites and artificial intelligence. Renewable energy is replacing fossil fuels as governments invest billions in adaptation. Yet, climate vulnerability continues to deepen despite these technological advances. This growing gap has forced a critical question for global leaders. Have we ignored the knowledge systems that protected communities for centuries? Experts are now looking back to move forward. Global climate experts acknowledge that indigenous knowledge is underutilized. For generations, these communities developed sophisticated ways of understanding nature. They predicted environmental change through observation and survival. What modern science is now discovering, many communities have long practiced. Long before modern meteorology, indigenous groups predicted seasonal shifts. They observed animal migration, bird movements, and flowering plants. Wind direction, moon cycles, and insect behaviour built survival systems. These were not myths but carefully developed environmental intelligence systems. This knowledge was passed down through centuries of collective memory. Communities revitalize Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems and lifeways | Courtesy In East Africa, pastoralists still accurately anticipate drought cycles. They observe livestock behaviour and vegetation patterns to prepare for shifts. These methods have sustained communities through the harshest dry seasons. Traditional water harvesting in the Sahel has proven its worth for generations. Indigenous forest governance often preserves biodiversity more effectively than state models. These practices are finally gaining the global respect they deserve. The global climate conversation is finally shifting its perspective. The Paris Agreement formally recognized the importance of indigenous knowledge. This led to new platforms for collaboration between scientists and local experts. The IPCC now acknowledges that this knowledge strengthens global resilience. It contributes to more equitable environmental outcomes for vulnerable populations. Indigenous peoples are the world’s most important environmental custodians. Indigenous groups protect territories containing the planet’s critical carbon sinks. Research shows measurable improvements in ecosystem restoration through their leadership. The evidence for their impact is becoming impossible to ignore. Despite this recognition, most systems still treat indigenous knowledge as secondary. Traditional wisdom is celebrated in reports but rarely integrated into budgets. It is often missing from national scientific planning frameworks. Recognition without genuine inclusion remains a major global contradiction. Africa’s climate story clearly demonstrates the importance of this knowledge. The continent contributes minimally to emissions but is hit the hardest. African traditional dancers | Courtesy African communities have survived environmental uncertainty for centuries. They use sophisticated traditional ecological systems to manage resources. These systems guided grazing and water conservation long before modern policy. In Malawi, farmers using indigenous early warning systems saw lower losses. Ghanaian traditional land stewardship is now supporting forest conservation. Climate adaptation works best when communities are treated as partners. Kenya is emerging as a leading example of this hybrid knowledge model. The country faces severe challenges from recurrent droughts and flooding. However, it possesses deep ecological knowledge within its diverse communities. Groups like the Maasai and Turkana rely on complex forecasting systems. They interpret animal behaviour and ecological signals to anticipate rainfall. These systems are now being combined with scientific meteorological data. In Isiolo County, this hybrid approach supports community disaster preparedness. Kenya’s legal framework is also evolving to support these initiatives. The Climate Change Act of 2016 integrates adaptation into government planning. The National Climate Change Action Plan identifies indigenous knowledge as a pillar. It supports resilience in agriculture, forestry, and water management. This signals a philosophical shift in how we understand climate knowledge. The future of resilience belongs to systems that combine both worlds. Traditional water harvesting is being enhanced through satellite mapping. Indigenous grazing now informs modern rangeland management strategies. These are practical, locally trusted climate solutions for the modern age. They ground global action in lived experience and historical success. The climate crisis is not just a battle for the future. It is also a battle against the risk of forgetting our past. As older generations pass away, valuable ecological knowledge risks disappearing. Humanity does not need to choose between science and tradition. We must combine innovation with memory to survive the coming shifts. Modern technologies remain essential, but wisdom provides the context. Wisdom offers a deep understanding of living within nature’s limits. Climate resilience depends on what we choose to remember and invent. Integrating these two worlds is the only way to ensure a future. It is time to embrace the missing link in ourContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 12 May 2026 10:25:41 +0300

Rwanda Healers Preserve Medicinal Plant Knowledge Amid Climate Threats By Alice Kayibanda Kayisire In a small garden in Rwanda’s Eastern Province, 55-year-old traditional healer Angelique Nyirantwari carefully clips the leaves of igisura, a stinging medicinal plant known scientifically as Urtica massaica. She handles the plant with the confidence of someone who has spent a lifetime learning the language of nature. The leaves are for a neighbour seeking treatment. For Nyirantwari, every plant carries a purpose. “Every plant is a medicine,” she says quietly. A mother of two from Rukira, Nyirantwari has mastered more than 200 medicinal plants. Her journey began when she was just six years old, learning from her father how to identify herbs and prepare remedies. Growing up far from health clinics, her family depended on traditional medicine for survival. By the age of 10, she could already treat illnesses using at least ten different plants. After losing her father during the 1994 Genocide, she continued learning through oral traditions passed down within the community. Today, she is teaching the same knowledge to her daughter. Although she deeply believes in traditional medicine, Nyirantwari also recognizes the importance of modern healthcare. When she suffered a snake bite, hospital treatment saved her life. Still, she used herbal mixtures to ease the pain and reduce swelling during recovery. “Plants are free,” she says. “God made them for humans and animals. That is why ancestral medicine should be free.” Angelique Nyirantwari is collecting Guizotia scabra (Igishikashike) for her neighbour in her field in Rukira, Eastern Province, Rwanda. Photo: Alice Kayibanda Kayisire | Courtesy Bird Story Agency Across Rwanda, traditional medicine remains widely used. According the World Health Organization, about 70 percent of the population relies on herbal remedies for both human and livestock treatment. Traditional healers like Nyirantwari remain an important source of healthcare, cultural knowledge, and environmental wisdom within their communities. But this ancient knowledge is increasingly under threat. Climate change is rapidly altering Rwanda’s ecosystems, threatening the plants and biodiversity that traditional healers depend on. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, invasive species, and soil erosion are disrupting fragile habitats across the country. Rwanda’s 2023 Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy warned that changing weather patterns are putting native species at risk, including the iconic giant Senecio tree. Invasive plants such as water hyacinth are spreading across wetlands, while sensitive amphibians and reptiles in the Albertine Rift are facing growing pressure on their survival. In forests like Gishwati, climate stress and land degradation are damaging ecosystems that support countless species. The environmental crisis extends beyond wildlife. It also threatens Rwanda’s tourism industry, ecosystem stability, and generations of indigenous knowledge tied to medicinal plants. To address the challenge, the government has intensified restoration efforts under the 2016 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. Indigenous trees are being replanted in areas such as Gishwati–Mukura National Park and Volcanoes National Park, while conservation zones continue to expand. In Kigali, wetlands including Rugenge, Rwampara, Kibumba, Gikondo, and Nyabugogo are being transformed into eco-friendly public spaces. The Nyandungu Eco-Park, completed in 2022 and currently expanding, now hosts a medicinal garden with 54 plant species traditionally used for healing. Conservation efforts are not only being driven by the government. Local researchers and plant enthusiasts are also working to preserve Rwanda’s indigenous plants and traditional knowledge. Portrait of Kagame Geoffrey and Kanyandekwe Jean Pierre in the botanical garden at Ikambere, Southern Province, Ruyenzi. The garden houses indigenous plant species collected from across Rwanda. Photo: Alice Kayibanda Kayisire | Courtesy Bird Story Agency Historian and researcher Kanyandekwe Jean Pierre partnered with Geoffrey Kagame, founder of the Youth Empowerment for Community Work Organization, to launch a privately funded project focused on indigenous trees and shrubs. Together, they identified more than 200 native plant species. Kanyandekwe relied on historical texts and the knowledge of traditional healers to trace rare species across Rwanda. His fascination with plants began after reading about the abiru, ancient custodians of royal rituals who used plants in sacred ceremonies. Their work reflects the findings of a 2024 report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which emphasized that biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being are deeply interconnected. The report also highlighted the importance of indigenous and local knowledge in conservation efforts. At the Kambere Botanical Garden, Kanyandekwe and Kagame now maintain a two-hectare sanctuary for endangered indigenous plants. Since 2022, they have organized botanical tours to educate visitors about the cultural and medicinal value of native species. The initiative also seeks to challenge long-standing stigma surrounding traditional medicine. Many healers, including Nyirantwari, have faced discrimination because herbal healing is sometimes wrongly associated with witchcraft or occult practices. Plants such as umukuyu (Ficus sycomorus) and umugote (Syzygium guineense), now thriving in the garden, are helping restore local biodiversity. For Nyirantwari and others protecting Rwanda’s botanical heritage, the mission goes beyond medicine. It is about preserving culture, protecting nature, and ensuring that future generations continue to understand the healing power rooted in the land. Courtesy of bird story agency: https://agency.birdstorya Continue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:39:14 +0300

TotalEnergies Accelerates EV Charging Expansion in Kenya With 30 Stations Nationwide By Mwangi Ndirangu TotalEnergies has accelerated its transition from fossil fuels by expanding its electric vehicle charging network to 30 stations across Kenya, marking one of the most significant investments in Kenya’s growing e-mobility sector. The company said the rollout includes 28 charging stations dedicated to electric motorbikes and two designed for electric motor vehicles, reflecting the rapid growth of electric mobility in Kenya, particularly for the boda boda transport. The expansion represents a sharp rise from only three EV charging sites in 2022, underscoring the company’s shift toward cleaner energy solutions as demand for electric transport continues to increase. The charging network is concentrated mainly in Nairobi, with operational sites in areas including Gigiri, Lusaka Road, Waiyaki Way and Outering Road. The Gigiri station features a 22-kilowatt Type 2 charger for electric vehicles. The company also plans to expand into Dagoretti and South C as part of its next phase of deployment. To strengthen the network, TotalEnergies has entered partnerships with several e-mobility companies, including Roam, Ampersand and Arc Ride. The collaborations focus on battery swapping and charging infrastructure for electric motorcycles, a segment that is rapidly transforming Kenya’s boda boda transport industry. The company said the strategy involves converting existing retail fuel stations into multi-energy service hubs that incorporate EV charging infrastructure alongside traditional fuel services. The expansion comes amid rising adoption of electric vehicles in Kenya. Industry data shows that the number of registered EVs in the country increased significantly in 2023, driven by growing fuel costs, government support for clean transport and increased privaContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 12 May 2026 09:09:32 +0300

Kenya Eyes Greener Milk Production With New Climate Financing By Waweru Wairimu Kenya has secured Sh5.4 billion (US$42 million) in international climate financing to help curb methane emissions from the dairy sector. The funding, provided through the Green Climate Fund, will support the Dairy Interventions for Mitigation and Adaptation (DaIMA) project, a regional programme targeting Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. The initiative seeks to transform dairy farming through improved breeding, feed systems, manure management, and animal health practices designed to lower methane emissions while increasing milk productivity. Officials say methane from cattle digestion, known as enteric fermentation, remains the country’s largest agricultural climate challenge. Principal Secretary for Livestock Development Jonathan Mueke says that without intervention, emissions from Kenya’s livestock sector could rise sharply over the next decade: “The main source of these methane emissions is through enteric fermentation,” Mueke said, adding that livestock emissions could increase by nearly 50 percent by 2030 if no action is taken. Unlike climate proposals that call for reducing cattle numbers, Kenya’s strategy is focused on productivity. Government officials say the goal is to produce more milk and meat with fewer emissions per animal rather than shrinking the livestock economy that millions of rural households depend on. The DaIMA programme is expected to run until 2031 and forms part of a broader US$358 million East African climate-resilient dairy initiative co-financed by the International Fund for Agricultural Development and the Green Climate Fund. The programme is projected to directly benefit about 2.5 million rural people across the region. Climate experts say methane has become an increasingly urgent focus in global climate diplomacy because it traps significantly more heat than carbon dioxide over shorter periods. Reducing methane emissions is now viewed as one of the fastest ways to slow global warming while countries transition away from fossil fuels. Researchers believe better feed quality may offer one of the quickest and cheapest ways to reduce methane intensity in African dairy systems. Scientists are also exploring selective breeding programmes for lower-emitting cattle. The climate financing comes as Kenya intensifies its alignment with the Global Methane Pledge, an international agreement backed by around 150 countries seeking to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030. But methane reduction efforts in the livestock sector have also sparked controversy and misinformation in parts of Kenya, particularly around fears that climate policies could threaten pastoral livelihoods or introduce foreign-controlled agricultural systems. Online debates have previously linked methane discussions to conspiracy theories surrounding livestock vaccines and carbon credit programmes. Some critics also warn that carbon-focused livestock projects risk prioritising emissions accounting over farmers’ economic realities, especially if international financiers gain influence over grazing systems and land use decisions. Still, supporters argue that climate-smart dairy farming could become an economic opportunity for Kenya rather than a burden, arguing that improved feeds, healthier animals, reduced milk losses, and cleaner manure systems will increase farmer incomes while lowering enContinue Reading

Big3Africa Desk wrote a new post

Tue, 12 May 2026 08:36:57 +0300

Doubt on Kenya’s Oil Ambitions as Africa’s Fossil Fuel Promise Crumbles By Dan Kaburu and Peter Ngare A new report by Power Shift Africa and Oil Change International is intensifying debate over Kenya’s growing fossil fuel ambitions, warning that decades of oil and gas extraction across Africa have largely failed to reduce poverty, improve livelihoods or deliver broad-based economic development. The report, titled Pipe Dreams: How Oil and Gas Fail to Deliver Economic Development in Africa, examined 13 African oil- and gas-producing countries and concluded that fossil fuel wealth has mostly benefited multinational corporations and political elites while leaving ordinary citizens exposed to inflation, debt, corruption, currency instability, conflicts and volatile global oil markets. Its release comes as Kenya accelerates plans to join the ranks of commercial oil-producing nations, with commercial drilling in Turkana expected to begin before the end of 2026 and a proposed US$17 billion refinery project by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote under consideration in Mombasa. But climate campaigners, economists, and energy analysts warn that Kenya may be moving in the opposite direction from global energy trends at a time when much of the world is rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy systems. “At a time when the world is moving on from fossil fuels, doubling down on this broken model risks locking African economies into stranded assets and rising debt,” said Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift Africa. Mohamed Adow, Director of Power Shift Africa. | Courtesy The report argues that the promise that oil wealth would transform African economies has repeatedly failed to materialize despite decades of extraction in countries such as Nigeria, Angola, Algeria, Libya, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Researchers found that many of Africa’s oil-producing states continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, weak industrialization and mounting debt despite generating billions of dollars from petroleum exports. Instead of creating inclusive prosperity, the report says, fossil fuel dependence often leaves economies vulnerable to external shocks, fluctuating oil prices and geopolitical crises beyond their control. “This model concentrates wealth in the hands of multinational corporations and political elites, while communities are harmed by pollution, lost livelihoods and rising costs of living,” said Thuli Makama, Oil Change International Africa’s Director. “Oil and gas have not and will not deliver development for Africa. Instead, this model concentrates wealth in the hands of multinational corporations and political elites, while communities are harmed by pollution, lost livelihoods, and rising costs of living. The only way forward is a shift to renewable energy that puts people first and delivers real, lasting development.” Said Thuli. The report’s findings are emerging against the backdrop of rising global geopolitical instability, particularly tensions in the Middle East, which have triggered reduced global fuel supply disruptions and renewed oil price volatility. Thuli Makama is a Senior Advisor at Oil Change International in Africa | Courtesy Supporters of Kenya’s refinery plans argue that such instability demonstrates why East Africa requires stronger regional refining capacity to reduce dependence on imported fuel from the Gulf region. Dangote recently announced he was favoring Kenya’s port city of Mombasa over Tanzania’s Tanga for a proposed 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery, arguing that Kenya offers a stronger fuel market, larger economy, and better port infrastructure. Backers of the project say the refinery could strengthen regional fuel security and position Kenya as a strategic petroleum hub for East Africa. However, environmental groups say the Middle East crisis actually exposes the dangers of remaining dependent on fossil fuel systems tied to global political instability and commodity speculation. “This should be the moment Africa doubles down on energy independence through renewables, not deepen dependence on fossil fuels,” says Amos Wemanya, Senior Climate Advisor at Power Shift Africa. The debate has intensified following the landmark Santa Marta Climate Conference in Colombia, where nearly 60 countries gathered to develop pathways for transitioning away from fossil fuels. The summit was widely viewed as the first major international gathering focused specifically on practical plans for fossil fuel phase-out rather than simply reducing emissions. Delegates repeatedly argued that fossil fuel dependence is no longer only an environmental problem but an economic and national security liability. Amos Wemanya, Senior Climate Advisor at Power Shift Africa | Courtesy Those arguments have now been reinforced by new findings from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) showing that renewable energy systems combining solar, wind, and battery storage can now generate reliable electricity at lower costs than many new coal and gas plants. In its report 24/7 renewables: The economics of firm solar and wind, IRENA said solar-plus-storage systems can already produce electricity at between USD 54 and USD 82 per megawatt-hour in regions with strong renewable resources, making renewables increasingly cheaper than fossil fuels. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the global energy transition had reached a turning point because renewable technologies are now commercially viable, scalable and increasingly affordable. The agency projects renewable electricity costs could decline by another 30 percent by 2030. Critics of Kenya’s new oil push say these global trends raise serious questions about whether long-term investments in oil infrastructure will remain economically viable over the coming decades. The Power Shift Africa report warns that many African countries risk being left with stranded oil assets as major economies accelerate clean energy transitions and global demand for fossil fuels weakens. Analysts also argue that Africa risks becoming what campaigners increasingly describe as “the world’s last fossil fuel frontier,” where multinational companies continue expanding oil extraction even as wealthier economies move toward electric vehicles, battery storage and renewable power. Kenya’s growing fossil fuel ambitions are particularly controversial because the country is already regarded as one of Africa’s leading renewable energy producers. Most of Kenya’s electricity already comes from geothermal, hydro and wind energy, while the government has increasingly promoted electric buses, motorcycles and green industrial development. The debate also reflects a wider ideological divide across Africa over the continent’s development future. Some leaders argue that Africa has a sovereign right to exploit oil and gas resources to industrialize and expand energy access, especially because wealthy nations built their economies on fossil fuels. But critics say Africa now has an opportunity to bypass the fossil fuel era entirely and leap directly into renewable energy systems that are becoming cheaper, cleaner and more secure. The Pipe Dreams report concludes that continuing to rely on fossil fuels risks repeating decades of extractive economic models that enriched elites while leaving producing countries poorer, more unequal and vulnerable to global crises. “Oil and gas extraction is not a reliable pathway to inclusive and sustainable development in Africa,” the report states. “The overall model has systematically failed to dContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:53:46 +0300

Africa Forward Summit Climate and Green Growth ThContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 11 May 2026 09:03:29 +0300

Nigeria Bets on Solar Manufacturing as Investments Hit US$425 Million By Bonface Orucho Nigeria is accelerating efforts to position itself as a renewable energy manufacturing hub in Africa after securing US$425 million in investments for eight new renewable energy manufacturing facilities. According to the country’s Rural Electrification Agency (REA), the investments are helping to rapidly expand local solar production capacity as Nigeria shifts from being largely an importer of solar products to a producer and exporter. The agency said Nigeria’s installed solar panel production capacity has grown from about 120 megawatts (MW) two years ago to nearly 300 MW today, representing a 150 per cent increase. An additional 3.7 gigawatts (GW) of manufacturing capacity is currently under development, signalling one of the continent’s most ambitious renewable energy industrial expansions. The expansion is beginning to translate into output. Panels assembled in Lagos are already being exported to Ghana, marking the first time Nigeria is participating in cross-border solar equipment trade at a meaningful level. “For the first time, Nigeria is producing solar panels locally, and they are already being exported,” said REA managing director Abba Aliyu, describing the development as part of a deliberate effort to build investor confidence and attract private capital. Nigeria pushes into solar manufacturing as Africa looks beyond imports | Courtesy Bird Story Agency According to Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s minister of energy, an October 2025 shipment to Ghana was the beginning of Nigeria’s participation in the regional renewable energy market. He added that the country is positioning itself not only to meet domestic energy targets but also to serve neighbouring demand.” Countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Mauritania, and Mozambique are already engaging with Nigeria’s electrification framework, according to the REA, signalling potential demand alignment beyond bilateral trade. According to the REA, the programme is expected to crowd in an additional US$1.1 billion in private capital, with backing from institutions including Citibank Nigeria, Lotus Bank, and the International Finance Corporation. This financing model is also beginning to evolve across the continent. Rather than relying solely on foreign direct investment, some markets are experimenting with credit guarantees and blended finance structures to pull in domestic institutional capital, particularly pension funds and insurers, into energy infrastructure and, increasingly, manufacturing-linked projects. Courtesy of Bird Story Agency: https://agency.bi Continue Reading

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Mon, 11 May 2026 08:37:21 +0300

Another mega-refinery won’t power Africa’s future; it will trap it in the past By Amos Wemanya East Africa stands on the brink of a major decision. Whether to ramp up fossil fuel infrastructure or leap decisively into the energy systems of the future. The proposed mega-refinery in East Africa, backed by Aliko Dangote and modelled after his 650,000-barrel-per-day facility in Nigeria, is being framed as a bold step toward energy security and regional integration. But it risks becoming a costly detour that could lock African economies into outdated energy pathways at precisely the wrong moment. The timing could hardly be more out of step with global trends. Today, oil majors are moving to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. Last week, world nations met in Colombia for the first international conference to coordinate efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. This alone makes the argument for an oil refinery superficially compelling. East Africa imports a significant share of its refined petroleum products, with regional demand estimated at 15 million metric tonnes per year and an annual import bill of around USD 15 billion. Given that most countries in the region almost entirely depend on imports due to limited domestic refining capacity, this exposes them to global price volatility and supply disruptions, particularly in the Middle East. Recent energy crises, worsened by geopolitical tensions, have shown just how fragile this dependency can be. A regional refinery supported by infrastructure like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline promises to localise value chains, reduce import bills, and enhance energy sovereignty. But this is a short-term fix masquerading as a long-term strategy. While refining crude oil locally may cushion economies from immediate shocks, it leaves African economies in uncertainty. What is guaranteed is that investors like Dangote will reap big in the near term. Africa must, however, ask itself a more fundamental question: is refining oil where the future lies? The global energy system is undergoing a profound transformation. Renewable technologies, solar, wind, and storage are advancing at a pace that is rapidly outcompeting fossil fuels on cost, scalability, and resilience. In 2026, the economics of clean energy are no longer theoretical. Solar is now the cheapest source of new electricity in many parts of the world, including in Africa, at approximately 40 percent lower than fossil fuel alternatives. Storage technologies are improving, and distributed energy systems are reshaping how power is generated and consumed. Investing billions into pipelines and refineries is a gamble that Africa can ill afford. These are capital-intensive, long-lived assets designed to operate for decades. What will happen when global oil demand peaks and then declines within that same timeframe? What will happen when electric mobility scales, when renewable technologies disrupt industrial fuel markets, when carbon regulations tighten globally? The risk is stranded assets and infrastructure that consumed scarce public and private capital but can no longer deliver returns. Amos Wemanya is a Senior Climate Advisor at Power Shift Africa | Courtesy Africa has been here before. The continent missed the peak of the oil and gas boom. Nigeria, for instance, began producing oil in 1956, but the window to become a dominant global refining hub closed decades ago. Today, competing with established giants like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in petrochemicals and refining oil is not just difficult. It is structurally improbable. Why, then, should Africa invest in catching up with a system that the rest of the world is beginning to move away from? Africa’s real advantage lies elsewhere. Unlike Europe or North America, it does not have deeply entrenched, aging fossil fuel infrastructure. This is not a weakness; it is an opportunity. A chance to leapfrog. To build energy systems designed for the 21st century, not bygone centuries. Imagine a different vision for East Africa. Instead of a mega-refinery tethered to volatile global oil markets, it could become a hub for renewable energy manufacturing, solar panels, battery assembly, and green industrial zones powered by clean energy. Partnerships with global leaders like China could accelerate technology transfer, local capacity building, and industrialisation aligned with the energy transition. Is it not time for Africa to begin reducing its dependence on oil? Beyond its well-documented environmental harm, oil has been linked to prolonged conflict and instability in several regions, often fuelling violence, displacing communities, and entrenching cycles of poverty and insecurity for communities. Equally, the volatility of global oil markets continues to expose African economies to external shocks, undermining livelihoods, straining public finances, and deepening poverty. In addition, many economies have suffered from the effects of Dutch disease, where overreliance on oil exports leads to currency appreciation, weakens other productive sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, and ultimately undermines long-term, diversified economic growth. East Africa cannot afford to follow this path. Energy sovereignty in the 21st century will not be defined by who refines the most, but by who controls the technologies, supply chains, and infrastructure of clean energy. It will be defined by resilience, systems that are not hostage to distant conflicts or shipping lanes. Systems that are decentralised, adaptable, and economically competitive. The proposed refinery at the East African coast and parallel projects like Uganda’s planned refinery in Hoima reflect a broader tension in Africa’s development pathway. The desire to extract value from existing resources is understandable. But the risk is that, in doing so, the continent locks itself into a model that is already losing relevance. Africa does not need to refer to the past to secure its future. The choice is not between development and decarbonisation. It is between two different development models, one anchored in the declining logic of fossil fuels, and another built on the accelerating momentum of clean energy innovation. The refinery may promise quick wins. But the energy systems of the future promise something far more valuable, competitive, and truly sovereign.Continue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:47:49 +0300

IRENA Report Strengthens Santa Marta Push for Fossil Fuel Phase-Out The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is reinforcing the growing global momentum to phase out fossil fuels, offering fresh economic evidence that renewable energy can now provide reliable electricity around the clock at lower costs than coal and gas in many regions. The findings come just weeks after the landmark Santa Marta climate conference in Colombia, where nearly 60 countries gathered to develop practical roadmaps for transitioning away from fossil fuels. The conference marked a significant shift in global climate diplomacy, focusing not on whether fossil fuels should be phased out, but on how to do it. In its report, 24/7 renewables: The economics of firm solar and wind, IRENA⁠ says that combinations of solar power, wind energy and battery storage are now capable of delivering a dependable electricity supply at costs increasingly cheaper than fossil fuel systems. The agency notes that rapid declines in renewable energy and storage costs are fundamentally changing the economics of global power generation. According to IRENA, firm renewable electricity systems already outperform new coal and gas plants in regions with strong renewable resources such as China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Australia. The agency found that solar-plus-storage systems can produce electricity at between USD 54 and USD 82 per megawatt-hour in high-resource regions, lower than the cost of many new fossil fuel plants. The report strengthens one of the central arguments emerging from the Santa Marta conference that fossil fuel dependence is no longer only an environmental risk, but also an economic liability. Delegates at the Colombia summit repeatedly warned that volatile oil and gas markets, geopolitical conflicts and rising energy insecurity are accelerating the need for countries to shift toward renewable energy systems. Speakers and delegates during Santa Marta conference in Colombia | Courtesy The growing crisis in the Middle East has further intensified those concerns, with renewed regional instability raising fears of oil supply disruptions and fresh spikes in global energy prices. Analysts say tensions affecting key shipping routes and major oil-producing regions are once again exposing the vulnerability of economies heavily dependent on fossil fuel imports. The uncertainty has renewed pressure on governments to accelerate investments in domestic renewable energy systems that are less exposed to geopolitical shocks. Several participants at the Santa Marta summit pointed to previous global energy crises triggered by wars and political instability as evidence that energy security can no longer rely on fossil fuel supply chains concentrated in conflict-prone regions. Santa Marta was widely described as the first major international gathering dedicated entirely to building pathways away from fossil fuels. Co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands, the summit sought to create what organizers called a “coalition of the willing” capable of moving faster than the traditional United Nations climate negotiations, which many participants say have been slowed by fossil fuel interests. The conference ended with participating countries agreeing to develop voluntary national roadmaps for phasing out fossil fuels while expanding investments in renewable energy and clean technologies. Analysts say the new IRENA findings provide economic backing for those proposed transition plans by showing that renewable systems are increasingly the cheapest and most secure energy option available. The report also aligns with discussions at Santa Marta around energy security and industrial competitiveness. Participants at the summit argued that renewable energy can protect countries from fossil fuel price shocks while supporting growing electricity demand from sectors such as artificial intelligence, manufacturing and digital infrastructure. IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said the global energy transition has reached a turning point because renewable energy technologies are now commercially viable, scalable and increasingly affordable. The agency projects that the cost of firm renewable electricity could decline by a further 30 percent by 2030, potentially making renewable power systems dramatically cheaper than fossil fuel alternatives across much of the world. Environmental groups and climate advocates say the IRENA report demonstrates that the debate is rapidly shifting from climate ambitContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Mon, 11 May 2026 07:15:24 +0300

How Climate Stress Is Fueling Kenya’s Diabetes Burden At 27, Josephat Kamusa thought securing a job as a high school teacher in Nairobi would finally bring stability to his life. Instead, a significant portion of his income now goes toward managing diabetes after he lost support at age 25 from the Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI), the implementing partner of Kenya’s Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) programme funded by the World Diabetes Foundation. For four years, DMI helped him access insulin and diabetes care, shielding him from the heavy financial burden that often comes with living with the condition. But aging out of the programme marked a difficult transition. “I used to get insulin, but now I have to buy it for myself, and you know how expensive it is,” he says. Today, Josephat spends roughly Sh2,500 every month on insulin alone, depending on his dosage and changing pharmacy prices. Though employed, balancing the cost of treatment with rent, transport, and other daily expenses in Nairobi is a constant struggle. For many young adults living with diabetes, turning 25 does not only mark adulthood, it also means losing critical support and facing the harsh realities of paying for lifelong care on their own. Kamusa’s story reflects a wider struggle faced by young people with chronic illnesses in low-income urban communities, where access to care is fragile and often tied to temporary support systems. The DMI Kenya is one of the organisations working in this space, supporting children and adolescents with diabetes through structured care programmes. But officials acknowledge that continuity into adulthood remains a major challenge. “The age limit is by programme design. It falls under the Global Health Equity Programme, which promotes access to care among children and youth living with Type 1 diabetes across low- and middle-income countries,” says Erick Omondi, Project Coordinator, CDiC-Kenya. Omondi explains that the programme has always operated on the assumption that beneficiaries will have attained some level of independence by age 25. However, he says the transition is often difficult because both public and private hospitals are not yet prepared to match the level of support offered under the programme. “Another setback includes the out-of-pocket costs for insulin, needles, and self-monitoring of blood glucose,” he says. “Social Health Authority (SHA) coverage is still limited in terms of what it caters for, including the availability of most services, especially at primary health facilities.” Photo caption: Elizabeth Nyawira Muriithi, who is living with Type 1 diabetes. | Courtesy He adds that continuity of care after patients leave the programme remains “a thorny issue.” “Most of the beneficiaries are still dependent after this age, at least in one way or another,” says Omondi. “The best bet would be a Universal Health Coverage model with strengthened public health services and financing. We are also encouraging SHA enrolment, especially to cover admission bills.” According to Omondi, tracking long-term outcomes for beneficiaries after they exit the programme is still difficult due to the lack of a national diabetes registry. “This is still a challenge,” he says. “We do not have a national registry to comprehensively monitor outcomes such as glycaemic control, complications, or adherence to treatment after transition.” He says the biggest challenge for young adults transitioning out of support programmes is the high out-of-pocket cost of treatment and dependence on private pharmacies for essential diabetes commodities. Kenya is facing a growing burden of diabetes among children and young people, yet access to treatment remains limited for many. A 2024 presentation at the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) estimated that about 127,000 children in Kenya are living with Type 1 diabetes, but only around 5,000 are currently receiving treatment, meaning the vast majority struggle to access consistent care. To help bridge this gap, the CDiC programme, launched in Kenya in 2009, had supported about 6,100 children and adolescents by 2025 and helped refurbish 41 diabetes clinics across the country, according to the Access to Medicine Foundation. But despite these efforts, many young people continue to face major barriers in managing the condition. A 2015 Kenyan study found that 72 per cent of children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes had poor blood sugar control, largely linked to interrupted treatment, limited follow-up care, and the high cost of insulin. Research published in 2021 also highlighted the daily struggles families face, including transport costs, stigma, and difficulty affording medication. These challenges, according to Omondi, often intensify as young people transition into adulthood and lose access to donor-supported programmes that subsidise diabetes care for children and adolescents. For those who age out of structured support, the transition can be disruptive. For Elizabeth Nyawira Muriithi, now 27, that shift meant absorbing the full cost of survival. “A single vial of insulin costs more than Sh2,000, and I need several each month,” she says. “Test strips are about Sh1,200 for 50, and I test multiple times a day.” She says that after getting married, she was able to access diabetes care through her husband’s insurance cover, a privilege she acknowledges many young Kenyans do not have. Health experts say these experiences reflect a broader system gap. “There is an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases among children and youth, yet our health systems are still largely designed for infectious diseases,” says Dr Catherine Karekezi, Executive Director of the Kenya NCD Alliance. “This leaves young people vulnerable during transition into adulthood.” Health systems researcher Dr Jeremiah Nganda of Strathmore University adds that the problem is not only medical, but structural. “What we are seeing is a break in continuity of care,” he says. “Young people are supported in childhood, but once they age out, they are expected to independently manage conditions that require lifelong, expensive care.” Dr Nganda points out that this expectation often ignores lived realities in informal settlements. “In contexts where income is unstable and access to food is uncertain, self-management becomes very difficult,” he says. “We are transferring responsibility without ensuring systems are in place to support that responsibility.” He says Kenya still lacks a clear framework for managing chronic diseases in youth. “There is no national policy that specifically addresses chronic diseases among youth,” he says. “Transition from paediatric to adult care is not well structured, and that creates gaps where patients are lost in the system.” For young people like Kamusa, those gaps are lived daily in skipped doses, uncertain mornings, and the quiet fear that one bad day could become irrevContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:11:53 +0300

Kwale Farmers Turn to Mushroom Farming Amid Climate Change In the humid coastal village of Waa in Kwale County, Mohammed Suleiman walksContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Thu, 07 May 2026 05:55:01 +0300

Champions of Just Transition Question Proposed Tanga Oil Refinery Champions of the global just transition movement have questioned the proposed construction of a major oil refinery in Tanga, Tanzania, warning that the project risks locking East Africa into long-term fossil fuel dependency at a time when the world is accelerating toward renewable energy. The concerns emerged just days after more than 50 countries meeting at the First Conference on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels (TAFF) in Santa Marta, Colombia, agreed to develop national roadmaps for phasing out oil, gas, and coal in line with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C target. The conference, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands in April 2026, saw participating nations commit to actionable strategies aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels, while also exploring financing mechanisms such as debt-for-climate swaps to support developing countries. However, shortly after the conference, Kenya and Tanzania announced plans to establish a large-scale oil refinery in Tanga, modelled after billionaire Aliko Dangote’s 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery in Nigeria. Tanga port on the shores of Tanzania | Courtesy The proposed refinery is expected to process crude oil from Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Climate campaigners say the project directly contradicts commitments made under the just transition agenda. Amos Wemanya, Senior Climate Advisor at Power Shift Africa, warned that the refinery could deepen the region’s environmental and economic vulnerabilities. “Recent energy crises, worsened by geopolitical tensions, have shown just how fragile this dependency can be. A regional refinery supported by infrastructure like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline promises to localise value chains, reduce import bills, and enhance energy sovereignty. But this is a short-term fix masquerading as a long-term strategy,” said Wemanya. He argued that while the refinery may deliver short-term profits for investors, East African countries risk investing heavily in infrastructure that could soon become obsolete as global energy systems shift rapidly toward cleaner technologies. “What is guaranteed is that investors like Dangote will reap big in the near term. Africa must, however, ask itself a more fundamental question: is refining oil where the future lies?” he posed. According to Wemanya, renewable energy technologies, including solar, wind, and battery storage, are increasingly becoming cheaper and more competitive than fossil fuels. “Solar is now the cheapest source of new electricity in many parts of the world, including Africa, at approximately 40 percent lower than fossil fuel alternatives. Investing billions into pipelines and refineries is a gamble that Africa can ill afford,” he added. Amos Wemanya, Senior Climate Advisor at Power Shift Africa | Courtesy Greenpeace Africa oil and gas campaigner Sherelee Odayar also criticised the project, saying local communities likely to be affected had not been meaningfully consulted. “At a time when the world is accelerating towards renewable energy, it is deeply troubling that African governments are still locking the region into long-term fossil fuel dependency, despite the growing volatility of oil markets, which continue to drive up the cost of living and expose ordinary people to global instability,” said Odayar. “Africa should be investing in clean, affordable, and people-centred renewable energy solutions, not expanding infrastructure that risks deepening climate impacts and economic uncertainty,” she added. The proposed Tanga refinery is expected to form part of a wider regional oil infrastructure network linked to the East African Crude Oil Pipeline project, which has faced sustained criticism from environmental groups and climate activists globally. Advocates of the just transition say East African governments should instead prioritise investments in renewable energy systems capable of delivering affordable electricity, energy security and sustainable economic growth without worsening tContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Wed, 06 May 2026 21:01:13 +0300

The Agroforestry Model Powering Ethiopia’s Green Economy By Yasir Faiz In a quiet workspace in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Feven Tsehaye watches a bundle of wild-harvested herbs being sorted by hand after being air-dried to preserve their volatile oils. The result is a sensory alchemy of golden skincare oils that smell of earth and sun, and deep-hued herbal teas that carry the history of the Ethiopian highlands. For Tsehaye, this is the meticulous preservation of nature, turning raw, indigenous plants into high-value products the world has long overlooked. Tsehaye’s path to becoming a pioneer in Ethiopia’s emerging plant economy began far from the forest floor. Her background in social impact investing took her across the African continent, but it was the recurring gap between rural farmers and urban consumers that stayed with her. “There was a shortage of products I wanted to use myself, things that are natural, free of chemicals, and transparent,” she recalls. But beneath that observation lay a concern about natural systems that were being undervalued, and with that undervaluation came their destruction. In 2019, she founded Chaka Origin to challenge that pattern by not simply creating natural products but building a business model in which conservation itself becomes profitable, meaning that her business goes beyond oils and teas. It is a philosophy of development that begins not with clearing land, but with protecting it. For Tsehaye, the forest is not a barrier to economic growth; rather, it is the foundation of it. At the core of her company is a model rooted in agroforestry, an approach that treats forests not as obstacles to agriculture, but as allies. In a world where development has often meant deforestation, Tsehaye’s work offers a radical alternative of building with nature, not against it. Feven Tsehaye, posing for a photo in her workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. | Courtesy Yasir Faiz, bird Story Agency Instead of clearing land for monoculture farming, Chaka Origin operates within existing forest ecosystems. Herbs, spices, and medicinal plants are carefully harvested from intact landscapes. The result is a system where economic activity does not erode biodiversity but reinforces it. Ethiopia provides fertile ground for this vision. Its diverse ecosystems hold a wealth of indigenous plants, along with generations of knowledge about their uses. Yet much of that knowledge has been fading, squeezed out by global market pressures that favour standardization over diversity. By identifying new, high-value applications for traditional plants through turning a local herb into a premium tea, or a medicinal oil into a global skincare ingredient, Tsehaye is restoring economic relevance to ecosystems that might otherwise be degraded or replaced. But agroforestry is not only about plants. It is also about people, particularly women, who have long been the custodians of Ethiopia’s herbal knowledge. “In many cases, herbs and spices are crops that women are already looking after,” Tsehaye says. Through structured buy-back agreements and annual contracts, Chaka Origin transforms this often-invisible labour into stable income. The forest remains intact, and communities gain a direct stake in its survival. The environmental impact is both immediate and long-term. By avoiding deforestation, the model helps preserve biodiversity, protect soils, and maintain carbon sinks critical for climate regulation. Complementary practices such as Vermicomposting further restore soil health, turning organic waste into nutrient-rich compost and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. “It’s really cool to see those kinds of changes,” Tsehaye says. “Ideally, these interventions become owned by the community.” Feven Tsehaye, posing for a photo in her workshop in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. | Courtesy Yasir Faiz, bird Story Agency Climate change has only made this approach more urgent. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, and shifting seasons threaten both ecosystems and livelihoods. In response, Chaka Origin invests in training farmers in climate-smart agroforestry, helping them adapt while maintaining ecological balance. Inside Entoto Gallery, the results of this model are visible in the form of oils and teas that carry the scent of intact landscapes. Customers may come for quality, but what they are supporting is a value chain that rewards conservation. Shop manager Edom Mersha notes that demand is strong, with products selling quickly, a sign that markets, when given the option, can align with sustainability. Still, the model comes with constraints. Working within ecological limits means that scaling production is not straightforward. Forests can only provide so much without being compromised. For Tsehaye, this is the central tension on how to grow a business that depends on restraint. Experts like Yonas Chebude highlight sourcing as a major challenge for Ethiopia’s natural products sector. But Chaka Origin’s strength lies in its traceability and relationships as every product is linked back to a specific ecosystem and community, creating a level of transparency that is increasingly valuable in global markets. “That’s a very good strategy,” Chebude observes. What emerges from Tsehaye’s work is a redefinition of growth itself. Instead of expansion through extraction, it is growth through regeneration. “We’re still exploring,” she says of future plans. “But the goal is to build something that’s good for the planet, farmers, and business.” In an era defined by environmental crisis, the idea of f treating forests as allies rather than obstacles, may be one of the most important shifts of all. Courtsey of bird story agency: https://agency.birdstoryagency.com/stories/bottli Continue Reading

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Wed, 06 May 2026 20:23:18 +0300

Court directs enjoinment of Ministry of Energy in BP Kenya toxic waste lawsuit By Waweru Wairimu The Environment and Land Court in Isiolo has directed petitioners in the lawsuit against multinational oil giant BP over alleged environmental damage in Northern Kenya to enjoin the Ministry of Energy in the case following an advisory from the Attorney General’s office. The 299 petitioners had listed the Ministry of Mining among the respondents in the class action lawsuit, but were advised to instead include the Ministry of Energy as it was the one in charge when the company undertook the oil exploration activities in parts of Isiolo and Marsabit counties. Judge Oguttu Mboya on May 6, granted the petitioners leave to amend the petition, file it in seven days and serve all the respondents in a fortnight, with further court directions set to be issued on May 21, 2026. The court will, in two weeks, set a procedural roadmap for the full hearing of the petition. The petitioners’ lawyer, Kelvin Kubai, said: “We have documented over 300 deaths as a result of water contamination in Kalacha and Kargi areas, but no measures have been taken to remedy the situation. We want, besides the provision of alternative clean and safe water, compensation for all the affected families,”. In the suit filed in February 2026, the petitioners claim toxic waste from the company’s exploration activities contaminated groundwater, resulting in illnesses, deaths and ecological damage. Marsabit plains where residents accuse an oil drilling company of contamination of drinking water | Courtesy The case traces the origins of the dispute to the 1980s, when Amoco Corporation conducted exploratory drilling in the remote settlements of Kargi and Kalacha, on the edge of the Chalbi Desert. Amoco Corporation was later acquired by BP in 1998 Although the wells did not yield commercially viable oil, the petitioners argue that the operations left behind hazardous waste generated during drilling, which was improperly disposed of by either being dumped in unlined pits or left exposed, allowing toxic substances to seep into underground water sources used by local communities. The petitioners claim that the contamination included dangerous materials such as radium isotopes, arsenic, lead, and nitrates, which are associated with serious long-term health effects. They allege that more than 300 residents living near the former drilling sites have died from cancers and other illnesses linked to the consumption of polluted water, while livestock losses have further undermined livelihoods in the already fragile region. “During operations at the sites, hazardous and toxic contaminants were improperly disposed of, discharged, and released into the envirContinue Reading

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Tue, 05 May 2026 21:00:20 +0300

Scientists say Moringa seeds could filter microplastics from drinking water By Alexis Dwyane A new study has found that seeds from the moringa tree can remove vast amounts of microplastics from tap water, offering a potentially low-cost and natural alternative to conventional treatment methods. According to research highlighted by CNN, extracts derived from Moringa oleifera seeds were shown to eliminate up to 98% of microplastic particles in contaminated water, performing at levels comparable to widely used chemical treatments. Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic less than five millimeters in size, have become a growing global concern after being detected in drinking water, food, and even human organs. Scientists say their long-term health effects are still being studied, but links to toxicity and disease risks are increasingly being examined. The study, conducted by researchers at São Paulo State University in Brazil, focused on how moringa seed extracts act as natural coagulants by binding particles together so they can be more easily filtered out. The plant-based solution was found to work as effectively as aluminum sulfate, a chemical commonly used in water treatment plants. A new study has found that seeds from the moringa tree can remove vast amounts of microplastics from tap water | Courtesy In some cases, researchers said the moringa extract performed even better than chemical alternatives, particularly in alkaline water conditions. The findings build on longstanding knowledge of moringa’s water purification properties. The plant has been used for centuries in parts of Africa and Asia for both nutrition and traditional water treatment. Scientists say the discovery could have significant implications, particularly for low-income or rural communities where access to advanced water treatment infrastructure is limited. Because moringa is biodegradable and widely available in tropical regions, it may offer a more sustainable and affordable solution. However, researchers caution that more testing is needed before the method can be applied on a large scale. One concern is that the natural extract can increase levels of dissolved organic carbon in treated water, which may complicate further purification processes. Despite these limitations, the study highlights growing interest in plant-based solutions to address global water challenges, as scientists search for safer and more environmentally friendly alContinue Reading

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Tue, 05 May 2026 21:00:10 +0300

As climate change deepens, African cities face the daunting prospect of more deadly rains By Andrew Raven As heavy rains descended on the Nairobi, Kenya suburb of Ruai in late April, they quickly overwhelmed its streets sweeping away three people standing alongside a road. It marked the second time in a little over a month that Nairobi had been hit by torrential rains. In March, floodwaters swamped several parts of the city, killing at least 37 people, according to media reports. The flooding was emblematic of the perils facing cities across East Africa, where experts say climate change and rapid urbanization are increasing the risk of water-related disasters. “Across African cities, water extremes – too much during intense rains and too little during droughts – are driving increasingly severe impacts,” said Fruzsina Straus, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). “Cities must adapt rapidly to this new water volatility.” East Africa, home to more than 400 million people – has long experienced wet weather from March to May, a period known as the “long rains.” But as cities like Nairobi, Kampala, Uganda and Juba, South Sudan have grown in recent decades, they have become dangerously exposed to seasonal downpours. Floods in Migori and Homa Bay Counties in Kenya | Courtesy Bernard Ojwang / Greenpeace In many places, ageing sewer systems are struggling to handle storm runoff. Roads and concrete surfaces have replaced the ground that once absorbed water and many open drains have become blocked by rubbish. These problems are being compounded by climate change, which experts believe is triggering a rash of extreme weather. In 2024, for example, heavy rains in Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania displaced some 700,000 people. Climate projections show annual precipitation rising across much of the region in the years to come, with jumps of 40 per cent or more possible in some areas. Experts say East African cities can shield themselves from some of those rains by changing how they think about water. For decades, many urban centres have attempted to channel water away through drains and spillways as fast as possible. Instead, Straus says, cities need to design and grow with water in mind. That means protecting the rivers, wetlands and open ground that naturally absorb rainfall, and weaving those natural spaces into the urban fabric. “Cities need to build with water, not fight it – managing floodwaters while also retaining them as a resource for the dry months,” says Straus. People salvage damaged vehicles from receding flood waters in downtown Nairobi following a night of heavy rainfall. | Courtesy Tony KARUMBA / AFP Some urban centres are already doing this. In Nakuru, Kenya, a “sponge city” programme is redesigning neighbourhoods to slow and capture rainfall. In Beira, Mozambique, the rehabilitation of the Chiveve River restored a natural drainage corridor that had been choked by development. African cities are urbanizing faster than anywhere else on the planet, and many have limited resources. But municipalities can make life-saving changes by working with local communities, drawing on international and homegrown experience, and harnessing the energy of the private sector, says Straus. “African cities have the ingenuity to meet this challenge,” she says. “But the window to get urban growth right is narrow. Decisions about roads, drainage and land use being made today will shape how these cities cope with floods for decades to come.” The article has been republished from UNEP: https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/climate-change-d Continue Reading

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Tue, 05 May 2026 10:53:25 +0300

Government Scales Up Forest Protection Through Strategic Fencing Programme By Stella Cheptoo The government has stepped up efforts to protect the country’s forests through an expanded fencing programme, even as conservationists caution that physical barriers alone may not be enough to shield critical ecosystems from powerful land interests. The initiative was reinforced on May 4 when Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, commissioned the Kaptagat ecosystem fencing project and officially handed over the site to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) fencing unit. The first phase of the project will cover 50 kilometers in the Kapkoi area within Sabor Forest Station in Elgeyo Marakwet County. KFS officials say the project is part of a broader national strategy aimed at curbing forest encroachment, reducing human-wildlife conflict, and restoring degraded ecosystems. Speaking during the commissioning, Lemarkoko said the fencing programme would play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and securing essential ecosystem services such as water catchment, carbon sequestration, and soil stability. Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, addressing the residents of Kapkoi during the fence commissioning. | Courtesy He also urged surrounding communities to act as “social fences” by safeguarding nearby forests, while encouraging Kenyans to take advantage of the ongoing rains to plant trees under national campaigns such as #JazaMiti and the 15-billion-tree target by 2032. Kenya is turning to fencing as a frontline conservation tool, particularly in key water towers and forest ecosystems, including the Mau Forest, Aberdare Forest, and Mount Kenya Forest. These landscapes are vital for sustaining rivers, regulating climate, and supporting agriculture and energy production. The push for fencing has gained momentum after years of widespread degradation driven by illegal logging, charcoal burning, and irregular land allocations. By clearly demarcating forest boundaries, authorities say fencing helps deter small-scale encroachment and limits human-wildlife conflict. However, environmental experts warn that while fencing may address grassroots pressures, it does little to stop large-scale, politically connected land grabbing. “Fencing is effective against everyday encroachment, but it is not a silver bullet,” said a Nairobi-based conservation policy analyst. “The bigger threat often comes from well-organized actors who can bypass or even legally alter protections.” Chief Conservator of Forests, Alex Lemarkoko, commissioned the Kaptagat ecosystem fencing project | Courtesy Today, forests are central to Kenya’s climate commitments, with the government targeting at least 10 percent forest cover and positioning tree growing as a key climate mitigation strategy. Programmes like the Kaptagat fencing project are therefore seen as part of a broader push to restore degraded landscapes and strengthen environmental resilience. Even so, conservationists argue that the success of such initiatives will depend on more than infrastructure. “There must be accountability and transparency in how forest land is managed,” said a member of a local Community Forest Association. “Without strong governance, even fenced forests can still be allocated, excised, or developed.” Experts are increasingly advocating for a combined approach that integrates fencing with community stewardship, legal enforcement, and institutional reforms. Community Forest Associations, in particular, have been highlighted as critical partners in protecting forests from day-to-day pressures, though their influence is often limited when faceContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Tue, 05 May 2026 08:02:14 +0300

Kenya to Host Global Flyways Summit as Migratory Birds Decline BirdLife International has warned that the loss of natural systems that sustain migratory bird species worldwide is pushing 40% of the birds into decline. The alert comes as Kenya prepares to host World Migratory Bird Day on May 9th, ahead of the Global Flyways Summit in Nairobi this September—the first time the landmark conservation gathering will be held on African soil. Observed in May and October each year, World Migratory Bird Day aligns with peak migration periods in each hemisphere, encouraging communities around the world to take part in one of nature’s greatest shared phenomena. BirdLife International CEO, Martin Harper | Courtesy According to BirdLife International CEO Martin Harper, birds help our health and ecosystems flourish by transporting nutrients across oceans, encouraging crop growth, and preventing diseases. He notes that the signals coming from great migratory routes are hard to ignore. “Migratory birds connect us across countries, continents and ocean currents. Protecting the major migratory highways of the world is how we reverse those declines. And when we do, people gain too: cleaner water, food security, flood protection, and more resilience to a changing climate,” said Harper. A flyway is a natural migration route used by birds as they travel between breeding grounds, feeding areas, and seasonal refuges. These connected pathways stretch across borders and oceans, linking habitats thousands of kilometers apart. If one link in a flyway is damaged, such as a wetland drained or a coastline degraded, entire species can decline. Birds use these routes as they travel between breeding grounds, feeding areas, and seasonal refuges. Around the world, they follow four major flyways on land: the African–Eurasian, East Asian–Australasian, Americas, and Central Asian. They also follow six marine flyways. These pathways stretch across borders and oceans, joining habitats that lie thousands of kilometers apart. Paul Matiku, Executive Director at Nature Kenya, says Africa has a central role to play in protecting these globally shared routes. Paul Matiku, Executive Director at Nature Kenya | Courtesy “Africa is central to some of the world’s great flyways. The health of our wetlands, rangelands and coastlines matters far beyond our borders. When we protect these habitats, we protect birds, biodiversity, and the communities that live alongside them. It is especially meaningful that the Global Flyways Summit will take place in Nairobi this September – the first time the summit is being held on the African continentContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Tue, 05 May 2026 07:29:12 +0300

Climate Change and Drug Resistance Threaten Africa’s Hard-Won Gains Against Malaria In the Kenyan highlands, where cool temperatures once offered a natural shield against malaria, a subtle but troubling change is taking hold as clinics that rarely saw malaria cases are now treating a steady flow of patients. Experts say the shift is being driven by changing environmental conditions that are allowing mosquitoes to survive and spread in new regions. But alongside this expansion is another, more complex threat where the malaria parasite is slowly developing resistance to the drugs used to treat it. Speaking on the sidelines of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, experts warned that climate change and drug resistance are converging, raising the risk of a resurgence in malaria deaths across Africa. According to the World Health Organization, malaria remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, with an estimated 280 million cases and more than 600,000 deaths recorded in 2024. The vast majority of these cases occur in sub-Saharan Africa. While earlier interventions have helped reduce infections, progress has slowed in recent years. In some areas, the disease is resurging, partly due to environmental changes that favour mosquito breeding and survival, with East Africa emerging as a critical hotspot. For decades, artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been the cornerstone of malaria treatment, helping to save millions of lives. But health experts are now observing early warning signs that these drugs may be losing their effectiveness. “We are currently observing what is known as partial artemisinin resistance,” said Dr. Dorothy Achu, Team Leader for Tropical and Vector-Borne Diseases at the WHO Regional Office for Africa. “Parasite clearance in patients is becoming slower, leading to delayed recovery. If not addressed, this can progress to full resistance,” she explained. World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 delegates pause for a photo during the conference | Courtesy This resistance is linked to genetic mutations in the malaria parasite, particularly in the Kelch 13 gene. First detected in Rwanda in 2014, these mutations have since been reported in countries including Tanzania, Uganda, and Eritrea. “ACTs remain effective largely because partner drugs are still working,” Dr. Achu added. “But continued pressure risks eventual full resistance.” Experts say the rise of drug resistance is also rooted in systemic challenges. “Malaria drugs are among the most falsified across the continent, and this is a very serious issue,” said André Tchouatieu, Head of Global Medical Affairs & Evidence at Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV). A significant proportion of antimalarial medicines circulating in Africa are believed to be substandard or falsified, meaning patients may receive ineffective treatment. This allows parasites to survive and adapt, accelerating resistance. “These figures likely represent only a fraction of the true scale because there is no comprehensive system to monitor the problem,” Dr. Tchouatieu says. “The consequence is severe as patients receive ineffective treatment, leading to prolonged illness or death, and over time this erodes trust in health systems.” Weak healthcare access is also contributing to the crisis. According go MMV estimates, 40–60% of children under five with fever in sub-Saharan Africa are taken to a healthcare provider, and just 40–50% receive antimalarial treatment. Even more concerning, 15–20% of treatments may involve non-quality-assured medicines, leaving many patients partially treated or untreated. Even as resistance grows, researchers are working to develop new tools to stay ahead of the disease. “There are also efforts to develop triple ACTs, which combine three drugs to slow the emergence of resistance. In addition, research is ongoing into simplified regimens, including potential single-dose treatments, some already approved for specific forms of malaria, while others remain in early clinical development, aimed at improving treatment adherence,” said Dr. Tchouatieu. These innovations aim to make treatment more effective while reducing the chances of incomplete dosing, which is a key factor in the development of resistance. Countries in East Africa are also adapting their approaches. Kenya and Rwanda have begun introducing multiple first-line therapies, rotating different drug combinations to reduce pressure on any single treatment. President William Ruto, with other leaders, just after the opening of the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya | Courtesy According to the Principal Secretary in Kenya’s State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, Kenya is set to roll out this strategy for uncomplicated malaria starting in October this year. Experts say this approach could help extend the life of existing drugs: “If you use one drug, the parasite adapts. If you use multiple drugs with different mechanisms, you confuse the parasite and prolong drug effectiveness,” said Gilbert Kokwaro, a pharmacology and health systems expert. The consequences of resistance are already being modelled by researchers, who warn that thousands of additional deaths could occur each year if current trends continue: “Severe cases will become more frequent and harder to treat, and health systems will face increased strain,” says Dr Achu. For families, this means higher medical costs and greater risk, while for health systems, it means increased pressure on already limited resources. Experts say the fight against malaria now requires a broader, more coordinated response. The WHO African Region is promoting a multi-pronged strategy that includes strengthening surveillance of drug resistance, improving regulation to eliminate counterfeit medicines, ensuring proper diagnosis, and expanding mosquito control efforts. “We must track molecular markers of resistance and use data to guide national treatment policies,” Dr. Achu emphasised. However, gaps in data systems remain a major challenge: “There is limited post-market surveillance, weak reporting of treatment failure, and continued reliance on paper-based systems,” Dr. Tchouatieu said. He is calling for integrated digital systems that can link laboratories, supply chains, and treatment data to allow for faster detection of resiContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Mon, 04 May 2026 11:09:31 +0300

Kenya Fuel Policy Shift Raises Health and Governance Concerns When Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui announced the temporary relaxation of fuel quality standards, he framed it as a necessary intervention to cushion Kenyans from global supply shocks triggered by instability in the Middle East. On paper, this sounds pragmatic, but in reality, it is a quiet policy decision that asks millions of Kenyans to inhale health risks so the government can mask its own failures. By raising the allowable sulphur content in petrol and diesel to 50mg/kg, Kenya has effectively reopened its market to dirtier fuels it had previously rejected in pursuit of cleaner air and better public health. This is therefore not a minor technical adjustment but a reversal, and turnarounds have consequences. Sulphur in fuel is released into the air as fine particulate matter and sulphur dioxide, pollutants that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream. These emissions are directly linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular disease, and premature death. The global burden is already staggering. According to the World Health Organisation, chronic respiratory diseases claim approximately 4.2 million lives annually, with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) ranking as the third leading cause of death worldwide. Kenya is not immune to these diseases; if anything, it is more vulnerable and more troubling, considering its critically sick health system. Fuel tankers queue at the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) depot to re-fuel their commercial supplies, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in the Industrial Area district of Nairobi, Kenya, March 24, 2026. | Courtesy REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya In our cities, millions rely on matatus, buses, and motorcycles, often in dense, poorly ventilated urban corridors where emissions accumulate. The people most exposed are those with the least protection, like schoolchildren commuting daily, roadside vendors inhaling exhaust for hours and drivers spending entire workdays in traffic. So, when fuel standards are lowered, it may become “cheaper” or more “available,” but consequently, it becomes more dangerous. The government argues that this is a temporary measure, driven by extraordinary global circumstances. But that explanation raises a more uncomfortable question on why is Kenya repeatedly caught off guard by crises that are, in fact, predictable? Energy markets are among the most geopolitically sensitive systems in the world. Disruptions in the Middle East, currency volatility, and supply chain shocks are not rare surprises but recurring features. Governments that take energy security seriously plan for these disruptions through strategic reserves, diversified supply chains, and forward-looking procurement policies. Kenya appears to have done none of these sufficiently. Instead, when the shock arrives, the response is reactive by lowering standards, dilute safeguards, and hoping the crisis passes before the long-term damage becomes visible. It is a pattern that exposes a deeper governance problem, not just in energy policy, but in how risk itself is understood and managed. The real cost of this decision will not be measured at the fuel pump. It will be measured in hospital admissions, in rising cases of asthma and chronic lung disease and in the quiet normalization of poor air quality as an unavoidable part of urban life. These are slow, cumulative costs that are easy to ignore in the short term, but devastating over time. There is also a profound contradiction at play. On the international stage, Kenya has positioned itself as a champion of climate action and environmental stewardship. It has spoken boldly at global forums, aligning itself with clean energy transitions and the Sustainable Development Goals. Yet at home, it is now rolling back one of the most basic protections against air pollution. Tankers delivering fuel | Courtesy This is a reputational risk as credibility in global climate leadership is not built on speeches but on alignment between what a government says abroad and what it does domestically. When those two diverge, the message is that commitments are conditional, and public health is negotiable. Governments do face difficult trade-offs, especially in times of crisis. Fuel shortages can paralyze economies, disrupt transport, and trigger inflation. But the choice should never be framed as a binary between availability and safety. That is a false choice and one that reflects limited preparation rather than unavoidable reality. Other countries facing similar shocks have invested in resilience through cleaner strategic reserves, regional supply coordination, and incentives for alternative energy adoption. Kenya, by contrast, is leaning on the oldest and easiest lever of lowering the bar. It is a short-term fix with long-term consequences, and the most troubling aspect of this decision is how quietly it has been made. There has been little public debate, minimal risk communication, and no clear articulation of mitigation measures to protect vulnerable populations during this six-month window. Good policy is not just about decisions. It is about transparency. If the government believes this move is unavoidable, it must also take responsibility for fully informing the public, strengthening air quality monitoring, and putting in place health safeguards for those most at risk. Anything less is not governance, it is abdication. Kenya stands at a crossroads where environmental policy, public health, and economic resilience intersect, and decisions made at this intersection define not just the quality of fuel but also the quality of life. Lowering fuel standards may keep vehicles moving, but it should not come at the cost of the air Kenyans breathe, because in the end, a government that cannot protect the air its citizens inhale is not merely managing a crisis, it is cContinue Reading