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Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:26:48 +0300

Over 2,000 Kenyans Could Die from Heat-Related Causes by February 2027, Study Warns Kenya could record an estimated 2,100 additional heat-related deaths between September 2026 and February 2027 as unusually high temperatures affect parts of the country According to an analysis by the University of Chicago’s Climate Impact Lab, 451,000 excess heat deaths worldwide are projected during the current El Niño episode. Kenya’s projected toll forms part of a wider regional risk, with neighbouring countries also expected to experience additional heat-related deaths. The Climate Impact Lab estimates 3,800 additional deaths in Uganda and 3,000 in Tanzania, Somalia 2,600, while Ethiopia faces an estimated 4,800. Nigeria faces the largest projected national toll at 31,400, Sudan 17,500, while DRC and Niger could experience 10,000 deaths each. The warning comes as Kenyans contend with persistent heat and delayed rainfall, raising questions about how the expected rainy season can coincide with prolonged sunshine and uncomfortable daytime temperatures. The Climate Impact Lab’s findings point to the risk that prolonged exposure to high temperatures poses to human life, particularly among people whose health, living conditions or work leave them with limited protection from the heat. The researchers estimate that global land temperatures will average 1.2°C above normal during the coming months, with 44 per cent more extremely hot days than in a normal year These conditions can increase heat exposure among outdoor workers, including construction workers, street vendors, farmers and transport operators. Older people, young children and people with existing health vulnerabilities may also face greater risks, particularly where access to cool indoor spaces, water and timely medical care is limited. The Climate Impact Lab argues that heat mortality should be treated as a priority in disaster preparedness rather than as a secondary consequence of climate events. Its projections focus on deaths above those expected in an average year, not the total number of people who die from heat-related causes. The researchers identify several measures governments can deploy to reduce heat-related deaths, including heat alerts, cooling centres, hydration stations, targeted health outreach to vulnerable people, protections for outdoor workers and additional capacity in health facilities. For Kenya, applying these measures would require public warnings to reach people in the locations and occupations most exposed to dangerous heat, while health facilities need to recognise and respond to heat-related illness. Employers can also reduce exposure by providing drinking water and shaded rest areas, adjusting working hours during the hottest periods where feasible, and allowing workers to take breContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Fri, 23 Oct 2026 08:57:10 +0300

Ardena Launches ESG Platform Ahead of 2027 Sustainability Reporting Rules A Kenyan-built digital platform that enables businesses to track greenhouse gas emissions and prepare sustainability reports has been launched ahead of new reporting requirements set to take effect in 2027. The Ardena Platform, launched by Ardena Consulting at the GreenShift Forum 2026 in Nairobi on October 22, is designed to help businesses collect environmental, social and governance (ESG) data, calculate emissions, monitor performance and prepare disclosures using a single system. Its launch comes as Kenya’s Institute of Certified Public Accountants (ICPAK) and regulators work to prepare businesses for the adoption of international sustainability disclosure standards, which require organisations to report material sustainability-related risks and, under climate-specific requirements, provide information on greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks. A readiness assessment released in September by the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) found that Kenya’s public-interest entities scored 1.51 out of four on preparedness for the new reporting requirements, indicating that significant gaps remain. The assessment identified weaknesses in climate scenario analysis, greenhouse gas measurement and other sustainability metrics. Ardena Consulting Chief Executive Officer, Njoki Kamau-Mbugua, noted that the platform combines automated data collection, greenhouse gas calculations, performance dashboards and reporting tools intended to reduce the time businesses spend compiling sustainability information. Its emissions calculator covers Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions. These refer respectively to direct emissions from sources a company owns or controls, indirect emissions associated with purchased energy, and other indirect emissions across its value chain, including suppliers and product use. “This information can help businesses establish emissions baselines, identify major sources of pollution and track progress towards reduction targets. Companies can use the findings to assess options such as improving energy efficiency, switching to cleaner energy, reducing fuel consumption and engaging suppliers to lower value-chain emissions,” said Stephanie Ojee, Ardena’s Chief Operating Officer Ardena says the system can collect data from operational systems, utility providers, human resource platforms and supply chain partners. Built-in validation is intended to flag anomalies before information is incorporated into reports. The platform also offers mobile data collection for field teams working in low-connectivity areas, a feature that could support data gathering from agricultural operations, remote project sites and suppliers that lack sophisticated digital systems. Stephanie Ojee and Njoki Kamau-Mbugua from Ardena Consult have officially launched the Ardena Platform at Green Shift Forum 2026 | Photo Courtesy X Other functions include dashboards for sustainability managers and board committees, automated tracking of reporting deadlines, and an audit trail that records and attributes data entries. The company says these functions can reduce reporting time by up to 70 per cent. Kenya is moving towards a more structured system for sustainability disclosures, increasing pressure on organisations to establish reliable processes for measuring and reporting environmental performance. Under the country’s phased adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation’s sustainability disclosure standards, IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, public-interest entities are due to begin mandatory application for reporting periods starting January 1, 2027. Large non-public-interest entities follow in 2028, while small and medium-sized entities are scheduled for 2029. IFRS S1 sets general requirements for disclosing material sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could affect an organisation’s prospects. IFRS S2 focuses specifically on climate-related disclosures, including governance, strategy, risk management, emissions metrics and targets. For companies, this means sustainability reporting increasingly requires documented processes and consistent data rather than broad statements about environmental responsibility. The regulatory transition also matters for access to finance. Banks and development finance institutions may need credible information to assess climate-related risks and the environmental performance of projects they finance. Businesses seeking investment or supplying multinational companies may face additional requests for emissions and sustainability data. According to Ardena CEO, the platform is designed to map one dataset against several reporting frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board Standards, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards and disclosures associated with Kenya’s Capital Markets Authority (CMA). “This could reduce the duplication that occurs when organisations prepare different reports from the same underlying information. The platform also includes deadline tracking for requirements associated with the CMA, the Central Bank of Kenya, the Nairobi Securities Exchange and international lenders. The broader environmental significance of such systems lies in their potential to connect reporting with operational decisions. For instance, a company that measures electricity consumption alongside its emissions can identify energy-intensive operations and assess whether efficiency measures are reducing its carbon footprint. Monitoring water use and waste generation can reveal opportunities to conserve resources, reduce pollution and improve production processes. Consistent supplier data can also help organisations identify environmental risks beyond their immediate premises, including emissions and resource use in their supply chains. Ardena says the platform includes audit trails and version control to support accountability and external assurance to help establish where informationContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 09:12:01 +0300

Tropical Storm Agueda Blamed for Delayed Rains, Rising Heat in Parts of Kenya Tropical Storm Agueda is disrupting the formation of rain clouds over large parts of Kenya, helping explain why areas that had been forecast to receive early heavy rains are instead experiencing unusually hot and dry conditions. According to meteorologist Maithya wa Vilivu, the storm is reinforcing atmospheric wind patterns over the Horn of Africa that are unfavourable for the development of deep clouds and rainfall, particularly across north-eastern and eastern Kenya, the Coast, Central Kenya and Nairobi. The conditions have left these regions unusually sunny and hot as the October-November-December (OND) rainy season gets underway, raising questions among residents about forecasts of heavy rainfall associated with the El Niño phenomenon. According to Vilivu, the prevailing wind patterns are interfering with rain-cloud formation, with attempts by clouds to develop over the affected areas being disrupted before they can produce significant rainfall. The explanation comes as Kenyans contend with high temperatures despite forecasts pointing to the possibility of above-average rainfall during the season. The explanation of the current conditions points to a more immediate atmospheric factor, meaning that even where moisture is available, unfavourable wind patterns can inhibit the upward movement of moist air needed for deep cloud development and rainfall. The tropical cyclone that formed in the western Indian Ocean, near the Victoria Islands and east of the Kenyan coast has gotten new name (AGUEDA). | Courtesy of Facebook The resulting clear skies allow more solar radiation to reach the ground, contributing to the high daytime temperatures being experienced across the affected regions. The delayed rains are also occurring against a broader forecast of above-average temperatures in Kenya during the final quarter of 2026 and into early 2027, where temperature projections indicate anomalies of between 0.5 and 1.5 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average, with a median projection of about 1.1 degrees. This means that even as rainfall eventually develops, temperatures may remain higher than normal in many parts of the country. The situation highlights the complexity of predicting the timing and distribution of rainfall, particularly when several atmospheric and oceanic systems are interacting to influence weather conditions across East Africa. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that a very strong El Niño could have far-reaching consequences, including increased temperatures across large parts of the world. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the latest global outlook pointed to potentially significant impacts from the climate phenomenon, although the effects would vary by region. For Kenya, the current hot and dry spell illustrates why a forecast of a wetter-than-normal season does not necessarily mean that rain will begin early or fall consistently across the country. Vilivu says that the performance of the OND season remains uncertain because El Niño is interacting with other atmospheric and oceanic systems, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation, Kelvin waves and the Indian Ocean Dipole. These systems influence moisture movement and the development of weather systems that produce rainfall. The combination of heat and delayed rainfall could increase pressure on water supplies, crops and livestock, particularly in communities that depend on seasonal rains for farming and pasture regeneration. The effects will depend on the duration of the dry spell and the amount and distribution of rainfall received in the coming weeks. The WMO outlook shows that El Niño’s effects will differ across the world. Wetter-than-normal conditions are more likely in parts of East Africa during the October-December season, increasing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. Parts of southern Africa, meanwhile, face an increased likelihood of drier conditions from November. Other regions, including parts of Southeast Asia and the Americas, also face varying risks of heat, rainfall defContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 09:07:04 +0300

Kenya's Drought-Proof Camels Face a New Test, Are They Warming the Planet? The 24 camels grazing the drylands of Kapiti in Machakos County, Kenya, this September looked much like any other herd, apart from what they were wearing. Each camel carried a light harness fitted with small canisters that, over 24 hours, slowly filled with its breath. What those canisters held could settle a question Kenya has not been able to answer. The camels were part of the first trial in Africa to directly measure how much methane camels produce. Researchers from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development) conducted it over four weeks at ILRI’s Kapiti Research Station and Wildlife Conservancy. Their aim was to answer a question that matters more each year in Kenya’s drylands: are camels good for the climate, or bad for it? Kenya now has more than 4 million camels, and the number is growing. As recurring droughts and rising temperatures weaken cattle, sheep and goats, pastoralist families in arid and semi-arid areas are adding camels to their herds. The animals tolerate heat, scarce water and poor forage, and keep producing milk when other livestock falter. “Pastoral communities are among the hardest hit by climate change,” said Dr Mohamed Habibou Assouma, a joint appointment scientist at ILRI. “Their cows, sheep and goats are struggling to cope with repeated droughts, so camels are stepping in.” Camels have long had a reputation for being more climate-friendly than other animals, but the claim has never been tested in Africa. “We have long believed that camels are climate-friendly animals, but we have never had the data to prove it,” Assouma said. Proving it comes down to one gas: methane. Like cattle, camels ferment their food in their stomachs and release the gas, mostly by belching. Over a century, methane is approximately 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide at warming the planet. Yet there is little locally generated data on how much methane African camels produce. That leaves countries unable to account accurately for camel emissions in their national climate reports. Kenya relies instead on default figures from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), based on data from other countries. As more herders switch to camels, that gap is becoming harder to ignore: Kenya cannot say with confidence what the shift means for its methane emissions. Measuring the emissions of a free-grazing camel is not straightforward. The researchers’ answer was to catch the methane where it leaves the animal. Each camel swallowed a small tube that slowly released a harmless tracer gas, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), at a known rate. “Think of it as a slow leak,” Assouma said. “Because we know exactly how much gas the tube releases each day, we can use it to measure the methane.” The canisters on the harness collected the camel’s breath over 24 hours without changing how it normally grazed in the drylands. In the laboratory, scientists compared the SF6 in each sample with the methane to analyze how much the camel releases in a day. They also recorded each camel’s milk yield, weight and feed intake, and took samples of the microbes in its stomach. Total emissions are only part of the picture, Assouma said. “What really matters is how much methane is produced per litre of milk and per kilogram of feed. That will show whether camels are climate-friendly or not.” How productive the camels are could make a big difference. Animals that give little milk or meat release more methane for every litre or kilogram they produce. If camels follow the same pattern, healthier, better-fed animals could give families more milk through droughts while cutting methane emissions per litre of milk. When it comes to coping with a hotter, drier climate, camels have already proved their worth. Whether they also help limit global warming will not be known until the trial results are published. For the first time, the findings will give Kenya its own figures on the climate impact of its camels, instead of relying on default numbers from other countries. They could also help herders breed camels that give more milk while producing less methane for every litre. A second trial, with a new group of Somali camels, is planned for the 2027 rainy season to capture how diet and season change methane emissions. The researchers hope other African countries will be able to share and adopt the evidence on camel methane emissions. For Assouma, the work is about more than climate accounting. “Camels should not be seen as a last resort,” he said. “They should be a strategic solution to climate change. That is why we need more evidence and more research on camel production and methane emissions.” The camel methane measurement trial research is implemented under the Regional Livestock Programme, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD) and implemented with Mercy Corps, with additional support from the CGIAR ClimateContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 08:22:16 +0300

Seven Of Nine Planetary Boundaries Breached as Climate Risks Deepen, Scientists Warn Humanity is pushing the planet further beyond the environmental limits that have helped sustain civilisation, with worsening climate indicators coinciding with growing damage to forests, oceans, freshwater systems and biodiversity, according to two major scientific assessments recently released. The 2026 State of the Climate Report: Challenges and Opportunities report finds that seven of 16 climate-related indicators are at record extremes. Meanwhile, the Planetary Health Check 2026 reports that seven of the nine planetary boundaries, the critical processes that regulate Earth’s stability and ability to support life, have been breached. Together, the findings paint a picture of a planet under mounting strain, in which global warming is part of a wider environmental crisis. Scientists warn that continued deterioration could increase the risk of irreversible changes, threatening food production, water security, human health and livelihoods. The Planetary Health Check, published by Planetary Boundaries Science, says all seven breached boundaries are moving in the wrong direction. These include climate change, biodiversity loss, land-system change, freshwater disruption, excessive nutrient flows, ocean acidification and the introduction of human-made substances such as plastics and synthetic chemicals. The report stresses that crossing a boundary does not mean immediate collapse, but that the risks of destabilising the Earth system are increasing, with the possibility of severe and potentially irreversible damage rising as pressures intensify. The climate report identifies fossil fuel combustion as the dominant driver of the current changes. Atmospheric carbon dioxide exceeded 428 parts per million in May 2026, about 50 per cent above pre-industrial levels. Global fossil fuel consumption increased by 0.9 per cent in 2025, while energy-related carbon dioxide emissions exceeded 41 billion tonnes, according to the assessment. Although wind and solar energy consumption grew by about 18 per cent, the expansion has not yet displaced fossil fuels at the scale required to stabilise the climate. The Planetary Health Check reinforces the warning, reporting that global warming has accelerated in recent years. It estimates that global temperatures rose at an observed rate of about 0.30 degrees Celsius per decade between 2016 and 2025, compared with an average of 0.19 degrees per decade over 1980–2020. The assessment also reports that the Earth’s energy imbalance, the difference between the energy absorbed by the planet and the energy released back into space, has more than doubled since 1976–1995. One of the most serious concerns in the Planetary Health Check is the weakening capacity of forests and other land ecosystems to absorb carbon dioxide. Forests, wetlands and oceans have historically absorbed a substantial share of human-generated carbon emissions, helping to limit the pace of warming. But the report says the land carbon sink is showing signs of weakening and stagnation. This raises the prospect of a dangerous feedback loop. As forests are degraded by logging, agricultural expansion, fires and drought, they store less carbon and become less effective at regulating local temperatures and water cycles. Further warming can then increase the likelihood of fires and forest loss, releasing more carbon into the atmosphere. The climate report also highlights the continuing threat from forest fires. It estimates that fires destroyed 10.8 million hectares of tree cover in 2025, even as tropical primary forest loss declined by 36 per cent. The Planetary Health Check broadens the picture by examining environmental pressures that cannot be addressed through emissions reductions alone. Freshwater change has crossed its safe boundary, with human activities disrupting both water in rivers and lakes and moisture stored in soils. These changes can intensify droughts and floods, threaten crops and increase pressure on drinking-water supplies. Excessive flows of nitrogen and phosphorus, largely associated with fertiliser use, are polluting waterways and contributing to algal blooms and oxygen-depleted areas in lakes and oceans. Ocean acidification, caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide, is also making conditions more difficult for some marine organisms to build shells and skeletons. The report raises concern about pollution from plastics, synthetic chemicals and “forever chemicals”, which can persist in the environment for long periods. Many substances are being produced and released faster than their effects can be adequately assessed, monitored or regulated. The Planetary Health Check identifies continuing drought and food insecurity in East Africa, where environmental pressures and conflict can combine to deepen hardship. It reports that a drought affecting Kenya in 2025 and continuing into the reporting period had affected an estimated 2.2 million people. The climate report also warns that adaptation remains underfunded. International public adaptation finance for developing countries was estimated at about US$64 billion in 2024, far below the annual US$310 billion to US$365 billion estimated to be needed by 2035. Without stronger investment in early-warning systems, climate-resilient agriculture, water management, infrastructure and ecosystem restoration, vulnerable communities risk facing repeated losses with insufficient time or resources to recover. Both assessments point to a narrow but still open opportunity to reduce future risks. The climate report calls for rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, effective adaptation, ecosystem protection and wider changes in how societies produce and consume energy. The Planetary Health Check similarly argues that phasing out fossil fuels must go hand in hand with restoring nature and reducing pressure on other planetary boundaries. That means protecting existing forests, restoring degraded landscapes, safeguarding freshwater systems, reducing pollution and improving protection of marine ecosystems. It also requires stronger coordination between policies governing climate, biodiversity, land use, water and development. The reports acknowledge signs of progress, including the rapid growth of renewable electricity and battery storage, as well as evidence of recovery in the stratospheric ozone layer following international controls on ozone-depleting chemicals. But the scientists warn that progress remains insufficienContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:17:42 +0300

Farmers Explore Indigenous Seeds, Soil Health and Clean Energy By Daniel Kipchumba It is midmorning in Kigogo village, Gilgil, Nakuru County, and farmers are arriving at the home of Lilian Ngatia, where tents mark the venue of a field day bringing together 120 farmers, agricultural exhibitors and community leaders. The gathering is an opportunity for farmers to exchange knowledge on preserving indigenous seeds, restoring soil fertility and adopting renewable energy technologies that can reduce production costs and strengthen their resilience to climate change. Organised by Ngatia, who leads the Kigogo Self-Help Women Group, the event marks the village’s first field day dedicated to promoting regenerative agriculture, resilient community seed systems and the productive use of renewable energy. On display are indigenous seeds, soil improvement products and clean energy technologies, each offering a possible response to challenges facing smallholder farmers, including declining soil fertility, unpredictable rainfall and the rising cost of farm inputs. “We are excited because this is the first event of its kind to happen in this village,” says Ngatia. The women spent months preparing for the event, which builds on the group’s work as a farmer field school. The group has 20 members who are using shared learning and practical demonstrations to promote sustainable farming methods. Its demonstration farms provide space for farmers to learn and practise different techniques, with the group planning to continue the activities beyond the field day. Grace Wakonyo Mwangi an agronomist at Safi Organics based in Mwea that produces soil Amender produced from biochar obtained by burning rice husks designed to improve soil conditions enhance water retention and support crop Photo by Daniel Kipchumba For Ngatia, bringing farmers together is an important step towards making agricultural knowledge and practical solutions more accessible within the community. The emphasis on indigenous seeds reflects the need to conserve crop varieties that have been passed down through generations. Such varieties can contribute to agricultural diversity and provide farmers with alternatives suited to different growing conditions. Their performance, however, depends on the crop, variety and local environment. Preserving seeds also allows farmers to maintain some control over what they plant, while reducing the risk of losing locally adapted varieties as farming systems change. Soil health is another major concern at the field day, where exhibitors are demonstrating alternatives and complementary approaches to conventional fertiliser use. Among them is Grace Wakonyo Mwangi, an agronomist at Safi Organic Fertiliser, a company based in Mwea. She is showcasing a soil amendment made from biochar produced by burning rice husks. Biochar is a carbon-rich material that can improve soil properties, including water retention, depending on the characteristics of the material and the soil in which it is applied. Its effectiveness varies with production methods, application rates and existing soil conditions. Mwangi says the company recommends combining its soil amendment with conventional fertilisers for farmers who want to improve their soils but are not yet ready to move entirely away from synthetic inputs. The recommended application depends on the amount of conventional fertiliser a farmer normally uses. For example, a farmer applying two bags of conventional fertiliser is advised to use one bag of the soil amendment, according to the company’s guidance. The product retails at KSh 2,850, while soil testing costs KSh 3,000, and the esults are typically available within a week. She cautions farmers against applying soil amendments without first establishing the condition of their soils. Testing helps identify nutrient deficiencies and other constraints, allowing farmers to make more informed decisions about the interventions their farms require. Although some farmers buy the product without testing their soils, the company encourages them to obtain the necessary information before choosing an application method. “I would like to encourage farmers to try organic farming, and also, let us do soil tests for future purposes,” she says. A section of farmers in Kigogo Village in Gilgil keenly listening to Lilian Ngatia train them on regenerative agriculture using indigeneous seeds. Photo by Daniel Kipchumba The field day also demonstrates how renewable energy can complement efforts to improve agricultural productivity. Jane Kimani, representing Systema Bio, an organisation involved in biodigester technology and biogas production, is encouraging farmers to turn livestock waste into fuel for household cooking. A biodigester processes organic waste, such as cow dung, under oxygen-free conditions to produce biogas, which contains methane. The gas can replace some conventional cooking fuels, while the remaining digestate can potentially be used as a soil amendment, subject to appropriate handling and application. For farmers who keep livestock, the technology offers a way to derive additional value from waste that might otherwise be discarded or poorly managed. “Any farmer who owns cows, even as few as two, can install our biodigester, and it will be beneficial to them,” says Kimani. Systema is showcasing the Systema 8, a biodigester designed for small-scale farmers keeping between two and eight cows. The system costs KSh 89,000 and is particularly suited to zero-grazing operations, where collecting animal waste is relatively straightforward. Recognising that the upfront cost can be a barrier, the company offers instalment payment plans extending to 25 months and has partnered with financial institutions to help farmers finance the systems. For households that depend on purchased cooking fuels, biogas could reduce recurring expenditure. The actual savings, however, would depend on the quantity of gas produced, household energy needs, the cost of alternative fuels and the expenses associated with installing and maintaining the system. The technology also illustrates the connection between agricultural production and energy. Farms generate organic waste that can be used to produce fuel, while the resulting digestate may support nutrient recycling. A Sistema 8 Biogas balloon full of biogas installed by Sistema Kenya in Nakuru. Photo courtesy Photo by Daniel Kipchumba Area chief Ngige Mbogo welcomes the initiative, saying farmers are more likely to benefit when agricultural knowledge and technologies are brought directly to their communities. Holding demonstrations within villages, he says, gives farmers an opportunity to learn about available technologies, ask questions and assess their practical relevance before deciding whether to adopt them. The approach also creates space for farmers to learn from one another rather than relying solely on external experts. The field day is linked to the Power for Food partnership, a movement comprising eight implementing partners and operating in seven counties in Kenya. Terryann Wamucii, a programme officer with the partnership, says its objective is to build resilient food systems powered by renewable energy. On its part, Seed Savers Network (SSN) is working to generate and document evidence on how integrated approaches to agriculture and energy can strengthen the resilience of farming communities in Nakuru and Kericho counties. As climate change contributes to shifts in rainfall patterns and increases the risks associated with drought and other weather extremes, farmers need approaches that can help them manage uncertainty while maintaining production and protecting their livelihoods. Through collaboration with county governments, research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, farmer groups and other organisations, SSN is promoting the integration of regenerative agriculture, the productive use of renewable energy and resilient commuContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 08:18:21 +0300

Elephant Twins Born in Amboseli as Conservationists Face Survival Challenge A 30-year-old elephant has given birth to twins at Kimana Sanctuary in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem, marking the sixth recorded set of elephant twins in the region and raising hopes for wildlife conservation. The two calves were born on October 7 to Twain, a member of the TC elephant family, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). “Twain, a remarkable 30-year-old elephant from the TC family in Kimana Sanctuary, has made history by welcoming a set of twins,” KWS said in a statement. The birth is a rare event in elephant populations, with twins accounting for about one per cent of elephant births. However, the survival of both calves could prove challenging because raising twins places additional demands on the mother, particularly during the period when the young elephants depend on her milk for nourishment. Amboseli has previously recorded difficulties associated with twin births. In 2020, an elephant named Angelina gave birth to male and female twins, but the calves became underweight amid concerns that their mother was struggling to produce enough milk. Twain’s calves will similarly require close monitoring to establish whether they are receiving sufficient nourishment and developing normally. Their survival will depend on maternal care and their ability to withstand the vulnerable early months of life. The birth comes as conservation authorities continue to address threats to elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem. Multiple elephant deaths were reported this year, raising concerns and prompting investigations into possible poisoning. Amboseli’s elephants rely on access to food, water and connected habitats across protected areas and community-owned lands. Maintaining these connections is important for their movement and survival, particularly as environmental pressures affect the availContinue Reading

Mwangi Ndirangu wrote a new post

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 08:04:26 +0300

Big3Africa Journalist Pauline Ongaji Wins 2026 Energy of Words International Award Big3Africa’s Energy and Health Writer Pauline Ongaji has won the 2026 Energy of Words International Award following an international competition that attracted 257 entries from 40 countries. Ongaji received the award at a ceremony in Moscow, Russia, organised by the Global Energy Association. Her recognition marks an international milestone for the journalist, who joined Big3 Africa in early 2026 and has since contributed to the publication’s coverage of energy and health issues through story ideas and original content. “Since joining the media organisation, Ongaji has demonstrated an ability to identify compelling story angles, develop ideas and produce content on complex subjects,” said Big3Africa Editorial Director Peter Ngare. Congratulating her on the award, Ngare said her achievement reflected the dedication, focus and resourcefulness she brings to her work. “Pauline’s achievement is a proud moment for her, for Big3Africa and for African journalism,” he said. Ngare noted that reporting on energy and health requires journalists to go beyond writing skills to demonstrate sound judgement, persistence and a willingness to understand complicated issues and their implications for the public. He said Ongaji’s approach to journalism reflected these qualities, adding that her international recognition affirmed the value of producing stories that inform public understanding and connect audiences with issues affecting their lives. The award also comes as Big3Africa seeks to strengthen its coverage of issues at the intersection of energy, health, climate change and sustainable development. Ngare said the organisation remained committed to nurturing journalistic talent and producing reporting that contributes to public understanding. He congratulated Ongaji on the recognition and expressed confidence in her continued growth as a journalist. Her award adds to the growing visibility of African journalists working on specialised subjects that have significant implications for public policy, ecoContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:31:14 +0300

Healthy Diets Remain Beyond Reach for Two-Thirds of Africa’s Population, UN Report Finds As the world marks World Food Day, new findings show that high food costs and weaknesses across agricultural supply chains continue to deny millions access to nutritious meals. In Africa, more than two-thirds of the population could not afford a healthy diet in 2025, highlighting the gap between food availability and access to nutritious meals. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2026 report, jointly published by five United Nations agencies, estimates that 66.6 per cent of Africa’s population was unable to afford a healthy diet last year, compared with 28.9 per cent in Asia and 25.7 per cent in Latin America and the Caribbean. The findings expose a persistent challenge for African countries, where improving food security requires households to be able to afford diverse, nutritious foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes and animal-source foods. Globally, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet declined from nearly three billion in 2021 to 2.69 billion in 2025, representing 32.7 per cent of the world’s population. Africa moved in the opposite direction, with the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet rising from 935 million in 2021 to approximately 1.03 billion in 2025. The report attributes the challenge partly to rising food prices and structural weaknesses in agrifood systems that affect the cost of producing, transporting, processing and selling nutritious foods. The global average cost of a healthy diet reached 4.28 purchasing power parity dollars per person per day in 2025, up from 3.44 dollars in 2021 and 2.94 dollars in 2017. The report also estimates that 645 million people faced hunger globally in 2025, equivalent to 7.8 per cent of the population. Africa accounted for 309 million of those affected, or 20 per cent of its population, making it the region with the largest number of people facing hunger. Although the global hunger rate has declined for three consecutive years, the report warns that progress remains uneven. Between 510 million and 520 million people could still face hunger in 2030, with 56 per cent expected to be in Africa. The report identifies the high cost of nutritious foods as a central obstacle to better diets. Animal-source foods are, on average, the most expensive food group in Africa, while fruits and vegetables also account for a disproportionate share of the cost of a healthy diet. Staple foods contribute substantial dietary energy at a relatively low cost, but access to staples alone does not guarantee adequate nutrition as healthy diet must provide sufficient nutrients, balance, diversity and moderation. The five UN agencies argue that governments should address costs throughout the food supply chain rather than rely on isolated interventions. Agricultural research, improved crop yields, irrigation, better roads, efficient transport, reliable electricity and stronger market connections are among the measures associated with lower costs for healthy diets. The report notes that post-farmgate activities account for between 70 and 75 per cent of what consumers pay for food. Processing, logistics and wholesale activities alone can account for up to 40 per cent of value-chain costs, making inefficiencies beyond the farm a major target for reform. The report says investments in cold chains and better post-harvest handling could also reduce food losses and improve the supply of perishable produce. Expanding domestic production and facilitating trade could increase the availability of nutritious foods while helping to moderate prices. However, the report cautions that cost-reduction measures must protect environmental sustainability, public health and decent rural livelihoods. Small-scale farmers, women and young people should also benefit from reforms and investment. The affordability crisis is reflected in dietary diversity among vulnerable groups. Globally, only 30.8 per cent of children aged six to 23 months achieved minimum dietary diversity, compared with 20.5 per cent in Africa. Among women aged 15 to 49 years, the corresponding global figure was 62.7 per cent, against 43 per cent in Africa. These findings underline the importance of making nutritious foods accessible during pregnancy and early childhood, when adequate dieContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 10:05:30 +0300

Why Science, People and Agroforestry Hold the Key to Africa’s Food Future Dr Monica Nderitu As the world marks World Food Day 2026 under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow,” we are reminded that the future of food security depends on the choices we make today. Innovation is not only about new technologies, it is about combining science, indigenous knowledge, data, institutions and human creativity to build productive, resilient and nutritious food systems while protecting the natural resources future generations depend on. The theme resonates strongly with Vi Agroforestry’s mission of strengthening sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry, Sustainable Agricultural Land Management (SALM), strong farmer organisations and climate resilience. Across East Africa, food systems are under immense pressure. Climate change is driving prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, land degradation and declining soil fertility, nowhere more visibly than in drylands such as the Karamoja Cluster spanning Kenya and Uganda, where food production, livestock productivity and nutrition are increasingly threatened. Yet partnerships between farmers, scientists, governments and development organisations are showing how innovation can transform landscapes and livelihoods. At Vi Agroforestry, science is the foundation. Through Restor4More and Include2Restore, researchers, universities and communities are generating evidence for large-scale restoration and resilient food systems, using systematic soil and land health assessments, participatory research and Livestock Cafés, knowledge-sharing platforms where communities and researchers jointly test and refine restoration practices. These innovations are practical, scalable and rooted in nature: soil health monitoring, water and soil conservation, pasture reseeding, fodder development, water harvesting and Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), a cost-effective approach that restores trees and vegetation from existing root systems. FMNR improves soil fertility and water infiltration, provides livestock fodder and strengthens drought resilience. Agroforestry, integrating trees, crops and livestock, further improves soil health, diversifies food production, increases carbon storage and strengthens ecosystem services. Dr Monica Nderitu Regional Environment and Climate Change Advisor at Vi Agroforestry | Courtesy Innovation is also increasingly powered by data. Satellite technologies such as Landsat, combined with field assessments, allow practitioners to monitor vegetation recovery, soil health and restoration outcomes across vast landscapes. Digital tools and climate information systems help communities anticipate droughts and plan for shocks. Through collaboration with ICRAF and the Regreening App, farmers and partners gain information for smarter land-use and agroforestry decisions. Data is becoming essential for understanding climate impacts, measuring progress and ensuring investments deliver results. However, technology alone will not nourish tomorrow. Some of the most powerful innovations already exist within communities, particularly among women, the custodians of Africa’s food systems. They produce food, preserve seeds, manage household nutrition and pass knowledge across generations. Their indigenous understanding of local ecosystems, drought coping strategies, traditional crops and sustainable land management is invaluable for climate-resilient agriculture. Yet women are often excluded from decision-making, resources and innovation. Empowering them as leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs is not only a matter of equity; it is essential for food and nutrition security. A woman’s knowledge of native fodder species, seasonal grazing patterns or traditional food preservation can complement soil analysis, climate modelling and restoration planning. The most effective solutions combine both. Young people are equally important. As digital natives, they are positioned to drive innovation across agricultural value chains through climate information services, digital extension, agribusiness applications, e-commerce, precision agriculture and food processing, making agriculture modern, profitable and attractive. They are also developing new approaches to value addition, food preservation, cold storage and waste reduction that improve nutrition and reduce food loss. Strong farmer organisations are another critical ingredient. They enable collective action and knowledge sharing, aggregate produce, strengthen bargaining power and connect farmers to markets, finance and advisory services. By organising production and marketing, they reduce supply chain disruptions, improve food distribution, raise smallholder incomes and help scale climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land management. Ultimately, the future of food lies in bringing together science, technology, nature and people. East Africa’s drylands show that restoring landscapes, strengthening livelihoods and improving nutrition are not competing objectives. They can and must advance together. As we celebrate World Food Day 2026, let us recognise that innovation lives not only in research laboratories and digital tools, but in the wisdom of rural women, the creativity of young people, the determination of farmers and the power of collective action. By investing in evidence-based agroforestry, empowering women, harnessing youth innovation, strengthening farmer organisations and scaling SALM practices, we can truly innovate today and nourish tomorrow. Dr Monica Nderitu is Regional Environment and Climate ChanContinue Reading

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Fri, 16 Oct 2026 09:38:54 +0300

Satellite Technology Offers New Approach to Tracking Kenya’s Tree Cover Kenya is testing satellite imagery and machine learning to improve tree-cover monitoring, as the country seeks to grow 15 billion trees and achieve 30 per cent tree cover by 2032. A pilot project in Makueni County has demonstrated how satellite-based mapping can help authorities track trees both inside gazetted forests and on farms, private land and other areas outside protected forests. The approach could strengthen restoration planning and help the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) assess progress towards national tree-growing targets. The 2026 assessment found that tree cover accounted for 14.72 per cent of Makueni County, while forest cover stood at 6.83 per cent. The satellite-based classification achieved an overall accuracy of 84.4 per cent, indicating its potential to support forest management and environmental planning. The pilot, implemented by KFS with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), used Sentinel-2 satellite imagery and a Random Forest machine-learning algorithm to classify tree cover. The technology offers a potentially scalable way to generate forestry data, although the assessment identified limitations in detecting scattered and newly planted trees, as well as difficulties obtaining clear imagery during wet seasons. The Makueni pilot offers a starting point, but wider testing and continued technical improvements will be necessary before the approach can reliably support tree-cover monitoring across Kenya’s varied landscapes. Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Clement Ng’oriareng speaking at the Seminar | Courtesy Speaking at the final seminar of the Strengthening Forestry Sector Development and Community Resilience to Climate Change through Sustainable Forest Management and Landscape Restoration (SFS-CORECC) project, Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Dr Clement Ng’oriareng’, representing Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko, said the monitoring tools developed through the initiative should become part of routine KFS operations. He called for continued capacity-building, regular data updates and clear institutional responsibilities to ensure the system remains useful beyond the project period. However, improving tree-cover monitoring is only one part of Kenya’s forestry challenge. The country must also ensure that restoration efforts deliver long-term ecological benefits and create economic opportunities for communities, particularly in dryland areas where conventional forestry models may be less suitable. Japanese Ambassador to Kenya Matsuura Hiroshi speaking on the collaboration of KFS and JICA | Courtesy “The National Commercial Forestry Strategy 2025–2035 provides a clear framework for advancing this agenda. Our responsibility is to translate its strategic direction into practical actions and measurable results,” Ng’oriareng’ said. The project, he said, has supported policy development, forestry extension, tree breeding and genetic improvement, including the development of second-generation Melia volkensii suited to dryland conditions. It has also strengthened forest information systems and promoted knowledge-sharing among forestry institutions in East Africa. Forest Development Secretary George Tarus at the seminar | Courtesy In a speech read on his behalf by Forest Development Secretary George Tarus, Forestry Principal Secretary Mugambi Gitonga called for commercially viable forestry models capable of attracting investment from communities and the private sector. “The future of forestry is not only about protecting forests. It is also about creating sustainable economic opportunities from them,” he said. The KFS-JICA project’s final seminar brought together forestry stakeholders to review its achievements and consider how they could be sustained after the initiative ended. Kenya and Japan have maintained a forestry-sector partnershContinue Reading

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Thu, 15 Oct 2026 10:31:48 +0300

MPs Pass Bill to Establish Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Kenya is set to establish a statutory professional body to regulate environmental practitioners following the passage of the Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya Bill by the National Assembly. The legislation seeks to establish the Environmental Professionals Institute of Kenya, with a mandate to register, license and regulate environmental professionals while promoting professional development, research and knowledge sharing. The proposed institute is set to introduce a formal framework for overseeing practitioners whose expertise informs decisions on environmental impact assessments, pollution control, natural resource management and conservation. Environmental professionals play a role in assessing the potential effects of development projects on ecosystems and communities. Their work informs decisions on infrastructure, housing, industrial development and other activities that may affect land, water, air quality and biodiversity. Under the proposed law, the institute will register and supervise environmental professionals, oversee their professional development and promote research and the exchange of information on environmental practice. The proposed framework is intended to strengthen professional accountability in a sector where technical assessments and advice can influence decisions with long-term environmental and economic consequences. The legislation will provide a statutory basis for setting professional standards and determining the qualifications required to practise as an environmental professional. Registration and licensing requirements will give employers, project developers and public institutions a formal mechanism for verifying practitioners’ professional credentials. The framework will also provide a basis for addressing professional misconduct and enforcing applicable standards. The institute’s mandate to promote continuous professional development is meant to help practitioners update their skills as environmental challenges evolve, particularly in areas such as climate change, pollution management and biodiversity conservation. For environmental firms, the framework is expected to introduce additional compliance requirements, depending on the registration, licensing and transition provisions ultimately enacted and implemented. The practical impact would depend on how the institute defines eligibility, administers registration and licensing, and enfContinue Reading

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Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:50:30 +0300

Ol Kalou Court Halts Logging in Aberdare Forest TContinue Reading

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Wed, 14 Oct 2026 10:06:53 +0300

Africa Needs 30-Fold Increase in Renewable Power Capacity by 2050, IRENA Warns Africa will need to expand its installed renewable power capacity nearly sevenfold by 2035 and about 30-fold by 2050 to align with a global pathway for limiting warming to 1.5°C. The scale of the required expansion highlights the challenge facing African countries as they seek to meet rising electricity demand, extend power access to underserved communities and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. In its World Energy Transition Outlook 2026: 1.5°C Pathway, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says Africa’s renewable power capacity stood at about 82 gigawatts in 2025. Under the agency’s 1.5°C scenario, this would need to rise to approximately 607GW by 2035 and 2,510GW by 2050. The report identifies inadequate investment, high financing costs and insufficient electricity infrastructure as major obstacles to accelerating the transition, particularly in developing economies. “Africa’s challenge is not simply to install more solar panels, wind turbines and other renewable energy technologies. Countries must also expand electricity grids, develop storage capacity and improve the systems needed to deliver power reliably to homes, businesses and industries,” the agency note in its outlook report. It says the global energy transition is already being constrained by electricity networks that are failing to keep pace with new renewable generation and growing demand, with delays in connecting new projects to the grid risking slow deployment even where renewable technologies are available. The investment gap is particularly significant for Africa. The report estimates that the continent will require about $3.2 trillion in cumulative investment in renewable power generation between 2026 and 2050 under the 1.5°C scenario. Yet Africa and other least-developed countries continue to receive only a small share of global energy transition investment, which remains concentrated in China and advanced economies. High borrowing costs, currency risks, limited fiscal space and perceived project risks make it harder for developing countries to attract the capital needed for large-scale energy infrastructure. IRENA argues that governments and development partners must use concessional finance, guarantees and other risk-sharing instruments to mobilise private investment. Stronger domestic financial markets and predictable regulatory frameworks will also be necessary to make projects more attractive to investors. According to the agency, the transition extends beyond climate targets with more than 565 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lacking access to electricity. “IRENA estimates that mini-grids and standalone solar photovoltaic systems could provide about 60 per cent of the additional electricity connections needed in the region by 2030, equivalent to approximately 401 million people. The agency says decentralised renewable energy should complement national electricity grids rather than replace them. “Combining grid expansion with mini-grids and standalone systems could help countries reach remote communities where extending conventional networks may be more expensive.” For African economies, expanding electricity access is also linked to industrial development, job creation and improved living standards, and reliable and affordable power is needed to support manufacturing, agricultural processing, digital services and other productive activities to achieve these. The report warns, however, that countries will not automatically capture the economic benefits of the energy transition simply by importing clean technologies. “Governments will need to develop domestic skills, manufacturing capabilities and competitive industries to participate in emerging renewable energy supply chains,” the report says. IRENA’s modelling indicates that accelerating the transition can improve long-term economic performance, but the benefits will vary across countries, depending partly on their ability to attract investment and build local productive capacity. The report calls for renewable energy deployment to advance alongside investment in transmission and distribution networks, electricity storage and system flexibility. Under IRENA’s global 1.5°C scenario, annual investment in electricity grids would need to rise from about $500 billion in 2025 to approximately $1 trillion annually between 2026 and 2035. The wider transition would require more than $256 trillion in cumulative investment and expenditure worldwide between 2026 and 2050, equivalent to about $10.3 trillion annually. IRENA says the technologies needed for the transition are increasingly available, but deployment remains too slow and uneven to meet climate objectives. Existing government plans, if implemented as modelled, would leave the world on a warming pathway above 2°C. The agency’s revised 1.5°C scenario accounts for a limited and temporary overshoot of the temperature threshold following delayed action. Returning to a 1.5°C-compatible pathway would require faster emissions reductions, a deeper expansion of renewables, greater energy efficiency, widespread electrificContinue Reading

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Tue, 13 Oct 2026 13:14:43 +0300

Conservation Group Opposes Plan to Alter Ngong Road Forest Boundary The Green Belt Movement has opposed a proposed variation of the Ngong Road Forest boundary that could regularise the occupation of 34 acres of disputed land, calling on Parliament to reject the proposal until the legality of the land’s acquisition and allocation is established. The conservation organisation has urged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the transactions involving the land and called on the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to protect the existing forest boundary while the dispute is resolved. The disputed parcel is occupied by several residential developments, including KMA Estate, Shalom Estate, Lang’ata View Estate, Lang’ata Gardens Estate, Lang’ata Place, LA Springs, Forest View Estate and Forest Edge View Estate. It also hosts St Mary’s Hospital and St Mary’s Apartments. The proposed boundary variation raises questions about whether public forest land can be removed from a protected area after development has taken place, particularly where the original process of excision and allocation has been challenged. The Green Belt Movement argues that changing the boundary under these circumstances could legitimise an acquisition that has not been shown to comply with the law. It wants the EACC to investigate the full chain of acquisition, allocation, transfer and registration to establish how the land left the forest reserve, whether the required legal procedures were followed and whether any public officers or private entities engaged in corruption, fraud or other offences. The organisation also called on Parliament to examine historical land records, the legality of the original allocation and the environmental consequences of the proposed boundary change before making a decision. The statement also questioned the public participation exercise held on 12 October at St Michael Catholic Church, describing it as inadequate. The organisation argued that public participation must give residents and conservation stakeholders access to relevant documents, sufficient time to scrutinise the proposal and a genuine opportunity to question its legal basis and environmental implications. The dispute comes as Ngong Road Forest faces continued pressure from urban expansion and infrastructure development. According to the Green Belt Movement, the forest covered 7,232 acres when it was gazetted in 1932. Its area has since declined to 3,025 acres, following excisions, infrastructure projects and other developments. The figures indicate a loss of approximately 58 per cent of the forest’s original area, leaving less than half of the land that was initially protected. The remaining forest is an important ecological asset within Nairobi, providing green space and habitat while contributing to the environmental functions of a rapidly urbanising city. Continued loss of forest cover can reduce habitat, fragment ecosystems and weaken the capacity of urban green spaces to support biodiversity and regulate local environmental conditions. The Green Belt Movement said the scale of the historical loss makes the protection of the remaining forest more urgent and warned against surrendering another 34 acres before the disputed land’s legal status is resolved. The organisation also cited other development pressures, including a proposed road linking Talanta Stadium to the Bomas International Convention Centre and a proposed luxury hotel within the forest. The Green Belt Movement wants KFS and other responsible public agencies to maintain the existing forest boundary while the dispute is examined, arguing that no action should prejudice the legal status of the land or the wider public interest. It further urged Parliament to ensure that any decision on the proposed variation is based on credible evidence, compliance with the law and the long-term public interest rather than pressure arising from developments already established onContinue Reading

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Mon, 12 Oct 2026 08:06:52 +0300

KFS Defends Tree Harvesting as Logging Outcry Spreads Across Kenya’s Forests The Kenya Forest Service (KFS) has defended commercial tree harvesting in public forest plantations amid growing public concern over massive cutting of trees in Aberdare ranges and Kereita Forest. The agency issued the statement after the circulation of videos showing convoys of lorries carrying timber from forested areas, prompting Kenyans to question whether logging operations are compatible with the government’s conservation commitments. The controversy has emerged as the government intensifies its campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032, raising questions about how the country can expand tree cover while protecting existing forests, biodiversity and water catchments. According to KFS, Kenya’s forest estate covers approximately 2.602 million hectares, of which 152,790.1 hectares are industrial plantation forests managed for commercial timber production. The agency says the remaining forest estate comprises indigenous and natural forests, alongside dryland woodlands. The agency says public plantation forests are managed under approved Plantation Forest Management Plans, with harvesting subject to environmental assessments, licensing and supervision by forestry officials. KFS identifies cypress, pine and eucalyptus among the principal commercial plantation species, arguing that harvesting mature plantation trees is part of a managed production cycle rather than necessarily an act of deforestation. It says delaying harvesting beyond maturity can result in decay, increased fire risk and commercial losses, while preventing land from being prepared for the next planting cycle. In Nyandarua County, residents and local leaders have raised concerns about the volume of timber being transported from the Aberdare Forest ecosystem, warning that extensive harvesting could affect water sources and undermine conservation efforts. Residents said the scale of the activity had caused alarm, while local leaders called for greater public involvement in decisions affecting the forest. Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha raised concerns about water supplies, saying some small streams at water intake points he had visited had dried up. Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also questioned the scope and duration of the lifting of the logging ban and said she had raised the matter in Parliament. Responding to the concerns, Nyandarua County Forest Conservator Daniel Mkung said 50 sawmillers had been authorised to harvest mature and over-mature trees in designated plantations. The Rift Valley, Central and Eastern Association of Sawmillers also defended the exercise, arguing that harvesting mature plantation trees generates revenue, supplies timber to local markets and allows the next planting cycle to begin. Logging has also been reported in Kereita Forest, prompting concerns about whether the trees being removed were part of authorised commercial plantations or whether harvesting was affecting ecologicallyContinue Reading

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Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:43:48 +0300

Climate Change is Taking a Toll on Mental Health, Scientists Warn Climate change is increasingly threatening mental health, with extreme heat, floods, drought, air pollution and food insecurity contributing to psychological distress, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to a new report published by the Neuro Climate Science and Policy Report 2026, the effects of environmental change affect how people sleep, think, manage emotions and cope with uncertainty about their future. Rising temperatures are among the most immediate threats to brain and mental health identified in the report, noting that extreme heat can disrupt sleep, impair concentration and interfere with emotional regulation, making it harder for people to manage stress and perform everyday tasks. Heat exposure has also been associated with worsening symptoms among people living with mental health conditions, increased psychiatric emergencies and higher risks of depression, anxiety and suicide. The report indicates that mental-health-related mortality rises by approximately 2.2 per cent for every 1°C increase above the local temperature baseline. “The risks may be compounded when high temperatures coincide with inadequate housing, limited access to cooling, outdoor work and unreliable electricity. People who cannot avoid working in the heat or retreat to cooler environments may have fewer opportunities to recover from prolonged exposure,” it states. Sleep disruption is another concern, with persistently hot nights undermining restorative sleep, thereby affecting mood, attention and the ability to cope with daily pressures. For people already experiencing psychological distress, repeated heat exposure may intensify existing difficulties. Extreme weather can produce psychological consequences that continue long after floodwaters recede or rainfall returns. According to the report, people who survive floods, storms and other disasters may experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and prolonged distress. “Losing a home, business, farm or livestock can undermine financial security and a person’s sense of control over life. Displacement can deepen these effects by separating families, disrupting social networks and interrupting access to healthcare, education and community support. Even after damaged infrastructure is repaired, uncertainty over future disasters, compensation and livelihood recovery may sustain psychological strain,” the report states. Drought presents a different but equally serious challenge, as farmers and pastoralists facing repeated crop failures, livestock losses or unreliable rainfall may experience chronic stress as they struggle to provide food, pay debts and support their families. The report also examines climate anxiety associated with climate change and fears about its consequences. Environmental grief describes sorrow over the loss of ecosystems, species, landscapes and ways of life. The report also discusses solastalgia, which is the distress experienced when a person’s familiar environment changes or deteriorates while they remain in it. These feelings, says the report, may be particularly pronounced among people whose identities, livelihoods and cultural practices are closely connected to land, forests, rivers or wildlife. According to the report, children are especially vulnerable because their brains and emotional coping capacities are still developing. “Heat, air pollution, food insecurity and disruptions to schooling can affect their wellbeing, learning and daily routines. Children may also absorb the anxiety of parents facing displacement, financial hardship or livelihood losses. Following disasters, the loss of familiar surroundings and social connections can further undermine their sense of safety,” it argues. The report identifies a major policy gap with a review of national adaptation planning across 160 countries finding no national adaptation plans addressing children’s mental health. The finding raises questions about whether climate policies adequately account for the needs of young people, including access to psychological support after disasters, continuity of education and assistance for families experiencing prolonged climate-related hardship. According to the report, climate-related mental health risks are shaped by social and economic circumstances. “People living in poverty may have fewer resources to recover from disasters or adapt to extreme heat. Older people, pregnant women, displaced populations, outdoor workers and those with existing health conditions may face additional vulnerabilities. Communities dependent on rain-fed agriculture, livestock and natural resources are particularly exposed to climate-related livelihood uncertainty,” it says. Air pollution and food insecurity add further pressures. The report identifies environmental exposures, including contaminated water and soil, as part of a wider set of threats to brain health. It adds that malnutrition and unreliable access to food can compound household stress, while polluted environments may create additional risks to neurological and psychological wellbeing. The report calls for governments to incorporate mental health into climate adaptation plans, heat-health action plans, emergency preparedness and long-term disaster recovery. Recommended measures include psychosocial first aid after disasters, referral pathways to mental health services, continuity of care for people with existing conditions, school-based support and stronger community support networks. It also advocates practical measures that reduce exposure to environmental hazards, including improved urban cooling, cleaner air, food and water security, and more resContinue Reading

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Mon, 12 Oct 2026 07:19:43 +0300

African Climate Experts Push for Ocean Finance and Action Ahead of COP31 African climate experts are pushing for increased climate finance, stronger ocean-monitoring systems and clear implementation commitments as the continent prepares a common negotiating position ahead of the United Nations climate summit, COP31. The proposals were discussed at the two-day Pre-COP31 Strategy Meeting in Nairobi convened by the African Group of Negotiators Experts Support (AGNES) and its partners. The meeting brought together climate negotiators, researchers and practitioners to coordinate Africa’s priorities on adaptation finance, agriculture and food security, gender, the Global Goal on Adaptation and oceans. In the ocean discussions, participants sought to move international climate negotiations beyond recognising the ocean’s role in regulating the climate towards concrete measures backed by funding, technology and accountability. The push comes as the COP31 Presidency seeks to better integrate ocean-related action into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). African experts want any resulting commitments to require UNFCCC work programmes and constituted bodies to incorporate ocean-based action into their existing mandates and report on progress, building on the Glasgow Climate Pact. They are also calling for the Standing Committee on Finance to reflect ocean-related priorities in its reporting, particularly following its focus on ocean and water issues. Climate finance is central to the proposed African position, with participants calling for increased support for implementing ocean-related measures in countries’ nationally determined contributions (NDCs), with funding tailored to assessed national needs. They argue that financing must cover project preparation, long-term operations and maintenance, access to data and technical capacity. African small island developing states and vulnerable coastal communities require particular attention because monitoring extensive maritime areas and delivering services across dispersed islands is costly. The proposals also call for technology transfer to support marine research and implementation, alongside stronger national capacity to account for ocean ecosystems and estimate emissions and removals from coastal blue-carbon ecosystems. Beyond international negotiations, African countries are being urged to develop locally owned project pipelines that translate ocean-related climate commitments into practical investments. The experts want coastal communities involved in setting priorities. The wider AGNES meeting also examined adaptation finance, food systems and gender priorities ahead of COP31 and the forthcoming UN climaContinue Reading

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Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:34:43 +0300

El Niño to Peak in December as Kenya Faces Prospect of a Very Wet Christmas This year’s Christmas could fall in the middle of an unusually wet season in Kenya with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasting that El Niño will peak in December. WMO forecasts sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific to reach about 3.7°C above normal for October–December, with the warming expected to peak around December. “El Niño will continue to intensify ahead of its forecast peak in December. It is likely to bring above-average temperatures to much of the globe and shift rainfall patterns, increasing the risk of drought and floods in different regions,” the agency says, adding the event could be one of the strongest since 1950. “El Niño is firmly established and strengthening rapidly. WMO forecasts indicate a near-100 per cent likelihood that it will persist through February 2027, potentially being one of the strongest since at least 1950,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. The seasonal average Niño 3.4 sea surface temperature anomaly is forecast to reach approximately +3.7°C, peaking around December. This is the highest since observations began and is stronger than the previous record of + 2.6 °C in November 2015-January 2016. “El Niño doesn’t add new heat to the planet. It releases heat the ocean has already been storing beneath the surface, which is why a strong event so often becomes one of the hottest years measured,” Saulo told the Global Heat Forum in Bangkok. Other ocean basins are also contributing to the seasonal outlook. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), a climate pattern that can strongly influence rainfall around the Indian Ocean, is expected to peak in October and then decline. In Kenya, the Meteorological Service Authority expects above-average rainfall in many counties, including Nairobi, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera and Mombasa. It forecasts near-average to above-average rain in Turkana and some parts of West Pokot, Samburu and Marsabit.. The rainfall picture varies across Africa. The Southern African Development Community’s October–December outlook favours below-normal rainfall across much of Angola, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, even as wetter conditions are forecastContinue Reading

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Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:18:35 +0300

Kakamega Youth Show How to Make Tree Planting Meaningful A tree planted today will help restore Kenya’s landscapes only if someone helps it grow. That was the message behind a youth-led tree-planting exercise in Kakamega Town, where members of Our Pride Youth Association (OPYA) planted grafted fruit trees at a school on August 6. Led by Organising Secretary Armstrong Ayanga, the group joined other youth organisations for an activity held ahead of International Youth Day on August 12. For OPYA Chairperson Dan Ocholi, planting trees is one way for young people to take part in shaping that future. “Our goal is to ensure young people are not only part of conversations about the environment, but are leading practical solutions. By planting and caring for fruit trees, we can strengthen our communities while creating opportunities for the future,” he said. The association works on employment, economic empowerment, green businesses, climate action, digital skills and community development. Fruit trees can connect several of those goals: once mature, they may provide food, shade and a source of income for schools or households. Members of Our Pride Youth Association (OPYA) in Kakamega Kenya at past even of tree planing | Photo Courtesy OPYA The trees planted in Kakamega were grafted to help produce fruit with preferred qualities. Grafted trees can also bear fruit sooner than trees grown from seed, though success depends on the variety, planting site and care. Fruit trees can bring food and income, while trees planted among crops can also help protect soil and support wildlife. After planting, the everyday work begins: watering young trees, adding mulch to help the soil hold moisture, protecting them from grazing animals and replacing those that fail. The Kakamega effort is part of a much larger national goal. Kenya’s 15 Billion Tree Growing Campaign aims to restore 10.6 million hectares of degraded land and raise tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032. The work spans forests, farms, rangelands, wetlands and towns, so schools and community groups have a role alongside government. On October 5, the Kenya Forest Service reported that 2.2 billion trees had been planted toward the national target. Counting trees shows the scale of the effort, while tracking whether they survive shows what is taking root. This year’s Mazingira Day preparations include plans to track trees after planting, alongside watering, protection and other care. Mazingira Day will be marked on October 10 under the theme “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.” The government says 5.3 million fruit-tree seedlings will be flagged off as part of the week’s activities. For the young people in Kakamega, the lasting result of their planting day will be measured over time in trees that survive, bear fruit and benefit theContinue Reading

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Wed, 07 Oct 2026 08:49:04 +0300

Kenya's Carbon Market Faces Fresh Legal Test MoreContinue Reading

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Tue, 06 Oct 2026 15:08:58 +0300

Kenya Signs MoU for KES 390 Billion in Electric Mobility Kenya has signed a memorandum of understanding for a proposed KES 390 billion electric-vehicle manufacturing and green-mobility programme. The proposal, involving the Government and Endelevu Enterprise Corporation, envisages an integrated electric mobility system that includes an assembly facility with an annual capacity of 50,000 four-wheel vehicles, another facility capable of producing up to 100,000 two-wheelers and light mobility vehicles, 1,000 solar-powered charging hubs and a digital platform designed to support up to 100,000 vehicles. If implemented at the proposed scale, the programme would seek to move part of Kenya’s transport system from imported vehicles and petroleum products towards locally assembled electric vehicles powered increasingly by domestic electricity. President William Ruto [center] with Lee Kinyanjui CS Investments Trade and Industry of Kenya [on his left], Abubakar Hassan PS Investment Promotion [Far left], Mr Susong Tong of Endelevu Enterprise Corporation with his team [ right of president] at Statehouse led by at Statehouse Nairobi. | Photo courtesy of State House President William Ruto, who witnessed the signing on October 6, framed the proposal around reducing Kenya’s dependence on imported transport fuels and vehicles. The Ministry of Transport estimates that the country spends about KES 650 billion a year on petroleum imports. Electrification of transport could therefore reduce demand for petrol and diesel and make the transport sector less exposed to international oil prices. The extent of those benefits, however, depends on how quickly electric vehicles are adopted, the cost of vehicles, the availability of charging infrastructure, reliability and affordability of electricity. Susong Tong, the Chairperson of Endelevu Enterprise Corporation signing MOU with Abubakar Hassan Abubakar, Kenya’s PS Investment Promotion at State House, Nairobi | Photo Courtesy Statehouse The proposed manufacturing component also gives the MoU an industrial-policy dimension, as local assembly could create demand for manufacturing, engineering, maintenance, software and other services around electric mobility. The MOU comes only days after President Ruto and Dangote Group founder Aliko Dangote broke ground on a proposed KES 2 trillion refinery in Lamu, designed to process up to 700,000 barrels of crude oil a day. The two projects present different environmental challenges: a large refinery requires stringent controls on emissions, waste, water, and marine impacts, while electric vehicle manufacturing and battery supply chains would create their own environmental requirements, including responsible management of batteries andContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 09:08:39 +0300

Extreme Heat Is Making Pregnancy More Dangerous EContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 08:08:47 +0300

Community-Led Project Restores 68 Hectares Of Dundori Forest By Daniel Kipchumba A three-year community-led restoration project has rehabilitated 68 hectares of Dundori Forest, an area damaged by illegal logging, and helped local residents earn income from conservation activities. The project, which began in 2023, was handed over to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) in a ceremony that brought together the Green Belt Movement, community forest associations, KFS, Nakuru County officials, the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the French ambassador to Kenya. Community members played a central role in the work, producing seedlings in local nurseries and planting them in the forest. Nyaguthii Chege of the Green Belt Movement said this involvement had helped build a sense of ownership among residents. The project also created a source of income for participating households. Fifteen nursery groups in Dundori earned hundreds of thousands of shillings over the past three years through their work supplying seedlings. Fruit trees distributed through the initiative are expected to provide further income while supporting conservation. AnnGael Chapuis the county director Agence Française de Développement (AFD), during the handover of restored forest section by the community to Kenya Forest service. | Photo by Daniel Kipchumba Ann Gael Chapuis, AFD’s country director, said linking conservation with livelihoods was essential to the project’s long-term impact. “A very key component of this project is to ensure that the communities continue to see their wealth growing through income-generating activities,” she said, adding that such opportunities can help reduce illegal forest activities associated with poverty. The Dundori initiative is the second phase of a €2.6 million project that has supported the livelihoods of 1,000 households and contributed to the planting of thousands of trees. Boniface Mulwa, Head of Natural Forest Management at Kenya Forest Service (KFS) speaking deep inside Dundori forest section where it was resrored through community efforts. | Photo By Daniel Kipchumba Boniface Muluwa, the KFS head of natural forest management, said KFS was expanding tree nurseries to increase seedling supply and strengthen the forestry value chain. “We can only wish that such partnerships will continue so that we can even bridge gaps in technology, expertise and resources in managing our forests,” Muluwa said. Wadid Bernabou the French ambassador to Kenya adressing journalist during at the community tree nursery that has consistently supplied trees seeedlings to restore Dundori forest. | Photo by Daniel Kipchumba French ambassador Wadid Bernaabou said the partnership between France, AFD, the Green Belt Movement, KFS and Nakuru County had combined forest restoration with support for livelihoods and food security. He said the community’s participation offered encouragement as Kenya works toward its tree-groContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:41:10 +0300

Kenya Heads into a Wetter Season as Heavy Rains Raise Flood Risk Kenya is entering the October–December short-rains season with forecasts pointing to above-average rainfall across much of the country, raising the prospect of improved water availability and agricultural conditions but also heightened risks of flooding, landslides, waterlogging and disruption of transport and other economic activities. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) outlook for October-November-December shows the season is likely to be characterised by prolonged wet spells as well as episodes of heavy rainfall. The authority says some areas began receiving rainfall in September, while most parts of the country are expected to experience the onset of the short rains between the second and fourth weeks of October. The KMSA attributes the enhanced rainfall outlook to the evolving El Niño and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions, warning that the wetter conditions may extend into early 2027. It also forecast warmer-than-average temperatures, particularly in parts of the Coast and northeastern Kenya. The latest outlook forecast above-average rainfall across much of Kenya in October 2026, with higher probabilities in Kwale, Mombasa, Kilifi, Lamu and Mandera, as well as parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa and Wajir counties. According to the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority outlook for October-November-December, above-average rainfall is also expected in Makueni, Kajiado, Machakos, Nairobi, Kiambu, Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Meru, Isiolo, Nyandarua and Nyeri, and parts of Taita Taveta, Tana River, Garissa, Wajir, Marsabit, Laikipia, Nakuru and Narok. Near-average to above-average rainfall is expected in Baringo, Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori, Nandi, Nyamira, Samburu, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Uasin Gishu, Vihiga and West Pokot, as well as parts of Narok, Nakuru and Laikipia. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority’s outlook for October-November-December attributes the wetter conditions to a very strong El Niño and an expected positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). According to the authority, the timing of the rains will vary by region. In Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Busia, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira, Kericho, Bomet, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori and Narok, rainfall is already underway and is expected to continue into January 2027. In Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi, Nairobi, Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta and inland parts of Tana River, the onset is expected in the second or third week of October, with rains continuing into January. In Mombasa, Kwale, Lamu, Kilifi and the Tana Delta, rainfall will continue from September and is expected to cease in the first or second week of December. Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo are expected to receive the onset in the third or fourth week of October, with cessation in the first to second week of December. According to the outlook, while the rains are expected to improve food production, heavier rainfall in some areas could cause waterlogging, delay farm work, increase crop diseases and make it harder to transport produce. Heavy rainfall could also disrupt transport through flooding, waterlogging and erosion affecting roads and bridges. Rural access roads may become impassable after sustained rain, while overwhelmed drainage systems could cause traffic disruption in urban areas. Stagnant water may create breeding grounds for mosquitoes, potentially increasing malaria transmission in susceptible areas. Flooding and poor drainage could also raise the risk of water-borne diseases where sanitation and water quality are compromised. The outlook points to a higher likelihood of flash floods, riverine flooding, landslides and localized infrastructure damage. Low-lying coastal areas, flood-prone river basins, poorly drained urban centres and steep highland areas are among the locations identified as particularly vulnerable. Rainfall is also expected to replenish rivers, dams, water pans and groundwater, improving supplies for domestic, agricultural and industrial use. The gains could be significant in arid and semi-arid areas recovering from the dry season, although intense rain may produce heavy runoff and localized flooding in catchments with inContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 07:19:21 +0300

Kenya Unveils New Environment Policy to Drive Green Growth and Climate Resilience Kenya has unveiled the first draft of a new National Environment Policy that seeks to strengthen environmental governance, address growing climate risks and position the environment sector as a driver of economic growth. Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’eno launched the draft on October 1, 2026, in Nairobi, urging Kenyans to actively participate in shaping the policy before its final adoption. Ng’eno said the review was necessary because the existing policy, developed 13 years ago, had been overtaken by major changes in Kenya’s environmental and climate landscape. “When this country last wrote its Environment Policy, County Governments had barely begun to exist, there was no Paris Agreement, Climate Change Act, legal framework on carbon markets and Sustainable Waste Management Act,” he said. The draft seeks to align environmental governance with the Constitution while strengthening cooperation between the national government and the counties. It also addresses emerging challenges including climate-driven changes such as rising lakes in the Rift Valley, waste management, environmental data, artificial intelligence, nature-based solutions and the rights of nature. The policy supports Kenya’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2035 and increase the proportion of land under protection from the current 14 per cent to 30 per cent. Ng’eno said environmental protection must remain central to Kenya’s development beyond Vision 2030, noting that agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and cities all depend on healthy ecosystems. UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya Jean-Luc Stalon described it as a framework for determining how Kenya grows its economy, manages natural resources and builds resilience. Stalon warned that climate change was already carrying a heavy economic cost, with climate variability estimated to cost Kenya between three and five per cent of its GDP every year. “Without sustained action,” he said, “climate change could reduce real GDP by up to 7.25 per cent by 2050 and push an additional 1.1 million people into poverty.” He said Kenya must not view environmental protection and economic development as competing priorities. “The challenge, therefore, is not choosing between development and the environment, but ensuring that one sustains the other.” Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Eng. Festus Ng’en with UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya Jean-Luc Stalon at the unveiling of National Environment Policy in Nairobi Kenya. | Photo Dan Kaburu Stalon said there was need for the policy to strengthen the role of counties and communities in developing environmental solutions while maintaining national coordination, adding that to turn the environmental transition into an economic opportunity. The draft policy will now undergo stakeholder and public participation before validation and finalisation. The Ministry aims to complete the review by December 12, 2026. Ng’eno urged Kenyans to take part in the process, saying the policy must carry the voices of the people it is intended to serve. One of the significant developments in the policy review is the greater attention being given to climate finance and carbon markets. It also reflects the growing importance of the circular economy, including waste management, resource efficiency and plastics. Biodiversity and natural-resource management are another major component of the review with the aim of addressing forests, wetlands, land degradation, biodiversity and other ecosystems alongside emerging areas such as the blue economy and nature-based solutions. This widens the scope of environmental policy beyond pollution control. Devolution is another fundamental change that the new policy seeks to accommodate. The 2013 policy was developed before Kenya’s devolved system had matured. Under the revie draft, environmental functions are now distributed across national and county institutions, creating a need for clearer coordination and responsibilities. This is expected to strengthen the integration of environmental considerations into both national and county development planning. The review has also brought several newer environmental questions into the policy discussion. These include loss and damage, just transition, nature-based solutions, environmental data governance, artificial intelligence, rights of nature and ecocide, alongside carbon markets and climate finance. Their inclusion reflects the rapid expansion of environmental policy since 2013. The review further addresses environmental data and artificial intelligence (AI), pointing to a changing environmental-governance environment in which satellite information, early-warning systems, digital reporting and other technologies are becoming increasingly important. Another fundamental change in the review is the attempt to make environmental considerations part of development decisions rather than treating environmental managemeContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:23:09 +0300

Bondo Nuclear Plant Faces Court Challenge Over Lake Victoria Risks By Elodie Toto A case has been filed at the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) over the Kenyan government’s plan to build a 2,000-5,000-megawatt nuclear power plant in Bondo, near the eastern shore of Victoria Lake, Africa’s largest freshwater lake. The project has been the source of numerous protests from residents since it was announced. “I filed a reference at the East African Court of Justice on September 23 on two grounds,” human rights lawyer Dickens Ochieng told Mongabay. “First, I want the court to determine if we should even have that nuclear power plant in Lake Victoria given the ecological and environmental risk that may be associated with it,” Ochieng said. “Then, I am asking for the project to have a trans-boundary environmental impact assessment, as Victoria Lake is not only a Kenyan matter.” The case puts fresh focus on a 2023 Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) prepared for Kenya’s nuclear power programme. The report’s site analysis ranked four candidate locations in the Lake Victoria region, but its later sensitivity analysis concluded that candidate sites in the region could be exposed to hazards associated with Quaternary volcanoes, including ash fall and volcanic tsunamis. The assessment team recommended avoiding the Lake Victoria and Lake Turkana regions because those hazards could impair the safety of a nuclear power plant. The SEA also identifies potential transboundary concerns that connect to that request. These include radioactive exposure across borders, contamination of shared waters, effects on migratory species, regional insecurity and possible disputes involving water transfers in the Nile Basin. The lake is shared by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania with roughly 40 million people across the three countries depending on the lake for their livelihoods, food security and drinking water. Millions more depend on the river that drains from Lake Victoria and meanders north to empty into Egypt’s Nile Delta and the Mediterranean Sea. If the lake and river were to become polluted, the 11 countries of the Nile Basin could be affected. The shores of Lake Victoria | Photo Mongabay “I want to know if these countries have been consulted and, if so, if they agree with the project. If not, maybe they should be consulted first,” Ochieng said. He said it’s also an issue of national security. “We have seen nuclear power plants being targeted in Ukraine, in Iran. Here, we have issues with Al-Shabaab who keep attacking facilities in Kenya. I want the court to determine if putting up a nuclear power plant in Victoria Lake is a regional security issue.” According to the official petition, the law firm also accuses the Kenyan government of failing to properly consult local communities in Kenya and failing to propose mitigation measures for the Lake Victoria basin. The Kenyan government has 45 days to respond. The SEA report recommended further work on safeguards and public engagement. Among its priorities were a radioactive-waste policy and spent-fuel management strategy; environmental and social impact assessment guidelines for nuclear projects; guidance for consulting project-affected people; a public-participation and consultation manual; improved agency capacity and coordination; and emergency-response arrangements for nuclear incidents. Those recommendations may inform the court’s consideration of whether the project’s environmental safeguards and consultation process are adequate. Mongabay contacted the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, which coordinates sustainable development for the basin, and Kenya’s attorney general, but did not receive a response by the time of publication. Republished from Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/short-artic Continue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:46:39 +0300

Elephants May Be Using Herbal Medicines When Sick, Study Finds By Leopold Obi Researchers have found that African elephants in Mt. Elgon in western Kenya appear to select particular plants when they are unwell, while elephant mothers have been observed administering plant material to their sick or vulnerable calves, according to new research published in Scientific Reports. The findings offer intriguing clues that the elephants may use plants in ways that resemble medicinal treatment, a behaviour scientists describe as putative self-medication. But how and where they learnt the unusual habit is yet to be established. Fabien Schultz, the lead author of the study, said the findings reveal how closely the elephants’ lives may be intertwined with the plants around them, hence the need for habitat protection. The researchers documented 35 plant species and four types of soils, minerals or clays that local experts reported elephants consuming. Of the 34 plant species that the experts identified as having traditional medicinal uses to people, 25 were perceived by the experts as having a medicinal function for elephants. Eight plants showed particularly strong behavioural indications of possible medicinal use, according to the researchers. Local experts linked some of the plants to elephants that appeared sick or vulnerable, while others were associated with mothers administering plant material to their offspring. Mt. Elgon elephants are not new to unusual behaviours as they are already renowned for entering caves and using their tusks to mine mineral-rich rock. The observations are particularly significant because they draw on the knowledge of eight local Sabaot experts who have decades of experience observing elephants and the plants in their habitat. But while the researchers caution the findings do not necessarily prove the plants have a therapeutic effect on elephants, they provide a basis for further study into whether the plants contain compounds with therapeutic properties and whether elephants deliberately seek them out when they are sick. “In the coming years, together with our partners, we want to investigate whether and how these behaviours are learned or socially transmitted, and which plants and locations may be particularly important to protect.” said Dr. Schultz, a zoopharmacognosist leContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 08:26:13 +0300

Divisi Brings Location-Based Farm Advice to African Farmers By Lerato Pooe Growing up in Dema, Zimbabwe, Isaac Chikutukutu watched his parents combine full-time jobs with farming. What stayed with him was how dramatically the results from the same field could change from one season to the next. “It used to bother me that one year we would have such a bumper harvest that we ran out of storage, but the next year, on the same field, we would get nothing at all,” he said. That experience led the software developer and technology entrepreneur, who studied Business Studies and Computer Science at the University of Zimbabwe before pursuing postgraduate studies in Development Finance at Stellenbosch University, to build Divisi, a platform that gives small-scale farmers advice based on the location and conditions of their farms. What began as a WhatsApp chatbot was released publicly in early August 2026. By early September, Chikutukutu told bird it had more almost 1,000 users. The adoption has been cross-border. According to usage data Chikutukutu consulted during an interview, the platform’s five leading markets over the preceding 28 days were Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Malawi and Uganda. Zimbabwe, where most of the development focus group was based, was outside the top five. “Number one is Kenya, number two is Nigeria, number three is South Africa, then Malawi and Uganda,” he said. “I thought Zimbabwe was going to be on top, but it’s not.” People in Kenya and Tanzania had begun finding and installing the app before its formal launch. “I was seeing people from East Africa already picking it up before we even started saying, ‘This is out for everyone,’” Chikutukutu said. To recommend crops and guide farmers on production, Divisi uses information about a farmer’s specific location. Chikutukutu says the system is based on the FAO (UN Food and Agriculture Organisation) Global Agro-Ecological Zoning framework, combined with Harvard data sources. “We have about 30 years of climate data going back to 1996, and we use the climate variables, the minimum temperatures, maximum temperatures, rainfall and so forth, and then we match that against the crop profiles”, he says. Isaac Chikutukutu (left) posing for a picture with friends |. Photo: Isaac Chikutukutu, bird story agency Chikutukutu ensures the app’s recommendations are not generated by AI but uses a deterministic system. Once a farmer has set the app on their field, Divisi can also provide customised advice for each season. “The advice is not AI, the engine is a fully deterministic, and it can be audited to actually so we can interrogate why did you tell this farmer to grow these crops at this time,” he says. A key part of the app’s design is that it does not require internet connection to function. Farmers need internet for initial set up and can use the app’s features offline but synchronises with the server when connected to the internet. Some of the features that farmers can access offline include farm records, diary and ledger entries, recording crop sales, and receiving notifications on farm guides. “Most farmers are in rural areas, and sometimes the network might be a challenge,” he said. “Offline, you can access the entire farm diary [and] record everything that’s happening. When it goes online, it just synchronises with the server.” Chikutukutu says the app is not meant to replace experts or extension officers, but to multiply the impact that they’re already making and make their job easier. He acknowledges that because the app is still new, there hasn’t been enough time to evaluate whether it has improved farmers’ yields. The app is free to farmers. Chikutukutu abandoned an earlier plan for a paid version because payment systems and access to financial services differ across the continent. “Putting up a paywall would disadvantage the people who need the app the most,” he said. The company instead plans to charge contracting companies, agricultural dealers and other organisations that benefit when farmers produce consistent yields and quality. Divisi’s development is still an ongoing process based on feedback such as requests to add a chat section where farmers can connect with agronomists remotely. Chikutukutu’s mother, Basi Tsiga, was the platform’s first user. She has farmed for about 20 years on two acres in Dema, Zimbabwe, growing maize and vegetables. Before trying the app, she relied largely on neighbouring farmers and agricultural consultants. Isaac Chikutukutu (left) posing for a picture with friends. | Photo: Isaac Chikutukutu, bird story agency “When Isaac asked me to try it, I was initially sceptical,” she said. “I thought, ‘Let’s see how a phone can help me,’ because I was tired of constantly travelling to find extension officers.” Tsiga began using the platform to decide what to plant according to the season and weather. She expanded into beetroot, strawberries and mooli, a long white radish. Chikutukutu said the app recommended mooli because its planting window was open after those for crops the family had initially considered had passed. Tsiga says she has also diversified into fish farming and raising free-range chickens, and hired an assistant. Digital agriculture researcher Dr Farai Alice Gwelo of the University of Johannesburg said developers must recognise that small-scale farmers are not a uniform group. Their experience, crops, resources, connectivity and access to expert support differ widely. “Involving the farmers is so important because they’ll let you know exactly what they need,” she said. “Farmers understand their own situation better than anyone else ever can.” The article has been republished from Bird Story Agency: https://agency.birdstoryagency.com/stories/this-african-built-app-gives Continue Reading

Big3Africa Desk wrote a new post

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 09:24:31 +0300

Kenya’s EV Transition Opens New Opportunities for Women By Seth Onyango As Kenya’s green-energy transition gains momentum, Irene Wali is moving to ensure women are not left behind. From her Chixz Auto Garage and Services in Kilifi, Wali is training young women to repair vehicles, service electric motorcycles, diagnose battery faults and work with solar systems. Her goal is to position women for the jobs, businesses and leadership opportunities emerging as Kenya shifts towards cleaner transport. For years, garages have been seen as male territory. Wali’s workshop is challenging that image and offering a practical answer to a larger question facing Kenya’s energy transition on who will benefit from the new green economy. Electric motorcycles, tuk-tuks and vehicles are becoming more common across the country, particularly in towns and peri-urban areas where boda bodas are central to daily life and commerce. Yet the number of people with skills to repair and maintain them remains limited, especially outside the major cities. Wali sees that shortage as an opening for women. “Our focus has been to equip young women, young mothers between 16 and 24 years from low-income settlements with technical skills in repair and maintenance of electric motor vehicles to earn an income in the sector,” she says. Chixz began with automotive mechanics but has expanded into electric mobility and solarisation. Its courses cover vehicle maintenance, electric motorcycle repair, EV battery repair and job placement. The centre is also certified to train people with disabilities. Trainees working together on a suspension strut beside a car during a practical vehicle repair session. | Chixz Auto Garage and Serives The training is arriving at a pivotal moment. Kenya had registered 39,324 electric vehicles cumulatively by the end of 2025, a sharp rise from 1,378 in 2022, according to the Ministry of Roads and Transport. This is creating an ecosystem of new work around vehicle servicing, charging, battery management, solar integration, fleet operations, spare parts and last-mile delivery. For women, that ecosystem could create routes into occupations where they have traditionally been underrepresented. “In rural and peri-urban areas where electric motorcycles and three-wheelers are the common mode of transport, electric transport is fast penetrating these areas, but there are no mechanics with the skills to do the work,” Wali says. “Our trained women therefore have an opportunity to get in and earn a living.” Kenya’s green transport ambitions are also supported by its energy mix. Much of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable sources, including geothermal, hydropower, wind and solar. That means the transition to electric mobility can help reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels while cutting emissions and improving air quality. But the clean-energy shift will only be truly transformative if its economic benefits reach beyond large companies and urban centres. Trainees at Chixz Garage examining a car engine bay during a practical session on vehicle maintenance.| Chixz Auto Garage and Services Wali is already thinking beyond her garage. She plans to establish Chixz Hubs, which are local, one-stop centres in towns where electric motorcycles are spreading but specialised repair services remain scarce. The hubs would combine training, repairs, spare parts, charging, battery swapping and motorcycle conversions. They would be managed by experienced technicians, with Chixz offering mentorship and incubation support. The aim is for trained women to operate their own businesses and serve the communities where they live. The hub model could help turn women from trainees into entrepreneurs. Rather than depending solely on jobs in established companies, they could own workshops, manage battery-swapping stations, provide repair services or run fleets. This is important because women remain largely absent from many parts of Kenya’s transport sector. Research connected to an e-mobility programme in Homa Bay found that women accounted for just 5% of electric-vehicle drivers in the country. Some women have faced family pressure or social stigma for entering boda boda work and other transport-related jobs. Flo Mwangi, founder and chief executive of fleet-management and last-mile delivery company Ubuntu Rides, says the sector needs to deliberately create space for women beyond traditional office roles. “Women really need to move beyond the rooms. Women need to move beyond the administration work,” she says. Ubuntu Rides recruits, trains and manages riders using motorcycles, electric motorcycles and bicycles. Within six months of launch, it had reached 64 riders, though only three were women drivers. The company has become part of the employment pathway for some women trained by Chixz. Still, technical skills are only one part of the solution. Women also need access to financing, tools, mentorship, market opportunities and workplaces that allow them to remain and progress in the sector. That is the focus of initiatives such as Flone Initiative’s Women in E-Mobility Network, which supports skills development, mentorship, research, advocacy and access to finance. In Homa Bay, women trained in electric-vehicle technology, battery systems, licensing and technical skills have gone on to work as technicians and battery-swap attendants, while others have launched electric boda boda and delivery businesses. The government’s National Electric Mobility Policy, launched in February, is designed to support charging infrastructure, local production, skills development and investment in the sector. It recognises that the transition will need workers across manufacturing, assembly, servicing, charging, logistics and fleet management. Wali’s work is helping make sure they are not merely passengers in Kenya’s green transition, but active participants and owners in the opportunities it creates. The article has been republished from Bird Story Agency: https://agency.birdstoryagency.com/Continue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 06:36:19 +0300

The Worst El Niño in Recorded History is Brewing, Warn Experts This year’s El Niño has more than a 90 per cent chance of becoming the strongest event observed since records began in the 1870s, as exceptionally warm Pacific waters raise the prospect of sharply contrasting weather risks around the world. In an article in Nature, climate scientist Zeke Hausfather says sea-surface temperatures in the central tropical Pacific were about 2.9°C above the current 30-year climate baseline in early September. That was more than 1°C warmer than at the same stage of the powerful 1997 and 2015 El Niño events. For the Horn of Africa, one of the clearest risks is unusually heavy short rains and flooding between October and December 2026, particularly across parts of Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia. The scale of the impact will also depend on the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), another major climate driver that affects rainfall in the region. The regional outlook from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) points in the same direction. It gives a 90 per cent chance of enhanced rainfall over southern Ethiopia, central and southern Somalia, and north-eastern Kenya during the October–December season. ICPAC also forecasts a high likelihood of seasonal rainfall exceeding 400 millimetres in parts of central and southern Somalia, central Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin, as well as parts of Burundi, western Rwanda and western Tanzania. ICPAC also expects warmer-than-average temperatures across much of the region, with particularly high probabilities over eastern Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia. El Niño is the warm phase of a recurring climate pattern marked by unusually warm sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific. The warming alters atmospheric circulation, shifting rainfall and temperature patterns thousands of kilometres away. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) forecasts nearly 100 per cent likelihood that the event will persist through February 2027, reaching very strong intensity before peaking towards the end of the year. The global assessment highlights the contrasting hazards expected elsewhere. Southern Africa faces drought between December 2026 and February 2027, with risks to maize production and food security. The region is one of the most consistent drought hotspots during El Niño events. During the four strongest El Niño events between 1980 and 2016, southern Africa had roughly an 80 per cent chance of below-normal rainfall during the December–February wet season, Hausfather writes. The 2023–24 event triggered severe drought and disaster declarations in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi. During the 2015–16 El Niño, South Africa’s maize harvest fell by nearly half. These risks show how one climate event can threaten communities through very different pathways such flooding in parts of East Africa, and drought, crop losses and fires in other regions. *Based on the Nature World View by Zeke Hausfather, “The worst El Niño in recorded history is brewing — here’s how governments must prepare,” published 22 September 2026, and the ICPAContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 06:20:53 +0300

How Agroforestry Is Transforming Farming in Bungoma When George Matete bought seven acres of land in Kimaeti, Bungoma County in 1983, he hoped farming would provide food and income for his family after his career as a teacher. But for years, the farm struggled to fulfil that promise. Maize harvests averaged only two to three sacks per acre, soil erosion carried away fertile topsoil, crop diseases reduced production and the household had little surplus to sell. Matete frequently bought food to cover the shortfall, placing additional pressure on an income that also had to meet school fees and other family expenses. Today, much of the homestead is shaded by mature trees and younger avocado trees. Crops, fodder and fruit trees occupy different parts of the farm while grass strips slow the movement of rainwater across the fields and mulch protects exposed soil. Sitting with his wife beneath a Java plum tree, commonly known as zambarau, Matete can point to a practical change in the farm’s fortunes. He says maize yields have risen to between 10 and 12 sacks per acre, depending on the season. George Matete and his wife Imelda Matete smiling while working their farm in Kimaeti, Bungoma County | Photo: David Maeri for Vi Agroforestry The improvement did not result from a single new crop or expensive technology. It followed years of learning how to manage soil, water, trees and crops as parts of the same farming system. “Low productivity necessitated buying extra food because we lacked knowledge of good agricultural practices such as sustainable agricultural land management,” says Matete, now 65. The turning point came around 2009, when Matete joined the Tulukuyi Women Group, a local farmer organisation, and began receiving training supported by Vi Agroforestry. The training introduced him to sustainable agricultural land management, an approach that helps farmers maintain soil fertility, control erosion, conserve water and produce food without continually degrading the land. Matete began applying the lessons gradually. He planted indigenous trees along the farm boundaries and introduced avocado and fodder trees. He established grass strips across sloping sections of the land to slow runoff and hold soil in place. He also adopted mulching and crop rotation. Instead of depending heavily on maize, the household diversified its production, and the farm now grows beans, cassava, sweet potatoes, finger millet, sorghum, bananas, sesame and vegetables alongside maize, and also fodder crops that support livestock. This diversity gives the household several sources of food and reduces the risk of losing an entire season’s production when one crop performs poorly. Crop residues and livestock manure can also be returned to the soil, while trees provide shade, organic matter and protection from wind. The system is particularly useful as farmers contend with increasingly unreliable rainfall. Mulch reduces the loss of moisture from the soil, while grass strips help water soak into the ground instead of washing soil away. Trees protect exposed land and can provide fruit, fodder, fuelwood or timber, depending on the species planted and how they are managed. According to Lordvicus Okwach, an agroforestry expert at Vi Angoforestry, the practice entails choosing the right tree for the right place and the right purpose. “We work with nitrogen-fixing trees like Sesbania and Calliandra to naturally enrich the soil, fruit trees to provide nutrition and income, and fodder trees to feed livestock. By creating these multi-layered, diverse ecosystems on a single piece of land, we mimic the efficiency of a natural forest while producing food,” says Okwach. George Matete, his wife Imelda and their grandchildren walking on their farm in Kimaeti, Bungoma County. | Photo: David Maeri for Vi Agroforestry While these practices do not prevent droughts or intense rainfall, they help reduce some of the damage by improving the farm’s ability to retain water during dry periods and control runoff during heavy rain. The clearest measure of change for Matete is the maize harvest. His reported increase from two or three sacks to as many as 12 sacks per acre means the household is better able to meet its food needs and sell part of the surplus. The benefits extend beyond maize. Growing different food crops gives the family more dietary choices and allows harvesting at different times of the year. For a household of about 15 people, including children and grandchildren, that greater supply of food matters. Before the changes, low harvests forced the family to spend limited cash on staples that could otherwise have been produced at home. Matete’s experience also shows why improving smallholder agriculture cannot be reduced to distributing seeds or fertilizer, because farmers need knowledge suited to the conditions of their land, followed by enough time and support to test, adapt and maintain new practices. The recovery of degraded soil is usually gradual. Trees take years to mature, and grass strips require land that might otherwise be planted with crops. Some farmers may also lack labour, seedlings, tools or secure rights to the land they cultivate, issues that constraints influence on who can adopt the practices and how quickly benefits emerge. George Matete and his wife Imelda Matete inspect their banana plant in full fruit on their farm in Kimaeti, Bungoma County. | Photo: David Maeri for Vi Agroforestry In Matete’s case, owning the land and receiving training over time allowed him to make long-term changes. His results offer a useful example, but they should not be treated as a guarantee that every farm will achieve the same yields. Higher production has not resolved every problem. Poor rural roads and weak access to reliable markets continue to affect farmers in the area. When produce is ready for sale, smallholders may have few buyers and limited bargaining power, and perishable crops can spoil before reaching a market, particularly when roads become difficult to use during rainy periods. These obstacles show the limits of farm-level solutions, including training that can help a farmer restore soil and increase production, but it cannot repair roads, organise transport or guarantee a fair price. Expanding the benefits of sustainable land management will therefore require support beyond individual farms including extension services that can provide technical guidance and farmer groups that can help members obtain seedlings and share knowledge, while better storage, transport and market information can reduce losses after harvesting. Matete now wants to expand his agroforestry system and produce more fodder for livestock., while also sharing what he has learnt with other farmers. “Agroforestry is more than a farming technique. It is a lifeline for our future,” Matete says. “With the right knowledge, we can feed our families, protect our land and build a sustainable legacy for the next generaContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 10:08:00 +0300

Kenya’s Electric Mobility Receives Regulatory Boost Kenya’s electric-mobility sector has received a regulatory boost after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) removed the 15,000 kilowatt-hour monthly ceiling that previously limited access to the special electricity tariff for electric-vehicle charging. Under the previous arrangement, operators crossing the 15,000 kWh threshold could face higher electricity costs, potentially weakening the economics of expanding high-volume charging networks. The change means charging-station operators can continue accessing the e-mobility tariff even after exceeding the previous monthly consumption threshold. Electricity for e-mobility customers remains priced at KES 16 per kilowatt-hour during peak hours and KES 8 during designated off-peak hours, including the overnight period from 10pm to 6am. The regulatory change comes as electricity demand from electric mobility is rising rapidly. Kenya Power reported that electricity consumption by the e-mobility sector reached 8.43 million kWh in 2025, up from 2.92 million kWh in 2024, an increase of 188 per cent. The removal of the ceiling addresses a constraint that could become increasingly important as larger electric buses, motorcycles, cars and commercial fleets enter the market. Kenya’s National Electric Mobility Policy identifies electric mobility as part of the strategy to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, improve energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. According to the industry, the next challenge is more about where and how the charging network develops. At the launch of the National Electric Mobility Policy in February, the Ministry of Roads and Transport said charging infrastructure was concentrated in Nairobi and needed to expand to other towns and transport corridors. For climate policy, this matters because an electric-mobility transition concentrated among private vehicles in Nairobi would have a different impact from one that also reaches public transport, boda bodas, logistics fleets and regional transport corridors. The government says its e-mobility strategy is intended to support public transport, two- and three-wheelers, logistics and other transport modes while encouraging investment in charging infContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 04:56:47 +0300

How Simple Electric Fence Changes Are Helping Protect Kenya’s Giant Pangolins By Pauline Kairu Naserian, a giant ground pangolin, spent about two years moving through Nyekweri Forest, one of Kenya’s last strongholds for the endangered species. At night, Naserian left the forest and travelled through a changing landscape of woodland, farms and grazing land on the western edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Researchers from The Pangolin Project tracked her movements using GPS, watching as she crossed privately owned plots separated by fences. Then, one night, her signal stopped. When the team reached her location, they found Naserian dead beneath an electric fence. Her death highlights a growing danger for giant ground pangolins in Kenya. While poaching remains a serious threat to pangolins around the world, in Nyekweri, electric fences and habitat loss are now among the most immediate risks. Since 2022, researchers have recorded 15 pangolin deaths in the area, 14 of which were caused by electrocution on electric fences, with fewer than 30 giant ground pangolins believed to remain in Kenya, meaning every loss matters. “People often assume poaching is the greatest danger facing pangolins, but in Nyekweri the reality is far more alarming,” says Michael Koskei, conservation monitoring and data manager at The Pangolin Project. “Right now, these fences are killing pangolins faster than traffickers are taking them.” Nyekweri Forest was once part of a larger, connected landscape where wildlife could move freely across communal Maasai land. Today, more than 80% of the forest has been cleared over the past 20 years, according to conservation group, Legado, and what remains is home to many species, including giant ground pangolins. Peter Ole Tompoy, chairperson of the Nyekweri-Kimintet Community Forest Conservation Trust, has lived in the area all his life. He remembers a time when wildlife could move without barriers. Now, land subdivision and fencing have broken up the routes that animals have used for generations. Researchers have mapped about 268 kilometres of electrified fencing across Nyekweri, and for a pangolin, this can be deadly. Unlike many animals, pangolins cannot jump over a fence. When frightened, they curl into a tight ball, which is an effective defence against predators, but it offers no protection from an electric current. Landowner Ole Manguyo says electric fencing on part of his land has made it difficult even for his cattle to access grazing areas. | Photo Courtesy/The Pangolin Project. For many families living beside the Maasai Mara, fencing is not a choice made lightly as wildlife regularly enters farms and grazing areas. Naisenya Rakita, whose property sits near the Maasai Mara National Reserve, says fences help protect her family’s crops and animals. “Lions often follow wild prey into the area and, in the process, end up preying on our livestock,” she says. For people who depend on cattle, sheep and goats, losing animals can mean losing income, food and security. Compensation for wildlife damage exists under Kenyan law, but residents say it is not always available when they need it. That is why conservationists are not asking landowners to remove fences completely. Instead, they are working with them to make fences safer by leaving the bottom two or three wires of an electric fence unpowered. The gap is small enough to keep livestock protected and discourage larger wildlife from entering farms but it allows pangolins to pass underneath safely. Across Nyekweri, landowners have voluntarily de-electrified lower strands along about 134 kilometres of fencing. That is roughly half of the mapped electric fencing in the area. Resident Ben Sulel also agreed to change his fence after learning that pangolins still lived nearby. He now encourages neighbours to do the same. “When I understood what pangolins need to survive, I realised my land is part of something much bigger,” he says. Farmer Ole Manguyo has taken another approach. Rather than fence his entire property, he has concentrated fencing around areas used for farming and grazing, leaving more natural habitat open. He has also kept the lower wires unpowered. “Before, I thought pangolins might become a problem for my farm,” he says. “It wasn’t until I learned more about them that I realised they don’t damage crops.” In fact, pangolins can be helpful to farms and ecosystems as they feed mainly on ants and termites, using their long sticky tongues to collect insects. A single pangolin can eat millions of insects each year. The Pangolin Project uses GPS tracking and digital fence maps to monitor tagged pangolins in the area. Through the EarthRanger monitoring platform, researchers can receive alerts when a tracked pangolin approaches a high-risk fence. This gives field teams a chance to respond before an animal reaches danger. However, only seven giant ground pangolins in Nyekweri currently carry GPS tags, meaning many others still move through the landscape unseen. The tracking data has nevertheless helped conservationists show landowners how often pangolins cross private land and why safer fencing matters. Not everyone has adopted the approach yet. But Wilson Parkesui, a habitat protection officer with The Pangolin Project, says attitudes are shifting. “Little by little, more landowners are beginning to understand that making space for pangolins doesn’t mean giving up their livelihoods,” he says. The Pangolin Project and local communities are also using voluntary conservation agreements to protect remaining forest and restore wildlife corridors and more than 6,000 hectares of private land have so far been placed under conservation easements. Beryl Makori, the organisation’s chief programme officer, says pangolins cannot survive without connected habitat. “Switching off the lower fence wires removes one immediate threat, but it is only part of the solution,” she says. “Without protecting what remains of the forest, there will be nowhere left for pangolins to feed, shelter and breed.” For Nyekweri’s communities, protecting pangolins is also about protecting forests, water sources, livelihoods and the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem. Naserian’s death was a warning. But the response from local landowners shows that small changes, made across a shared landscape, can give Kenya’s remaining giant pangolins a safer path forward. This article has been republished from Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/09/electric-fences-that Continue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 08:57:26 +0300

Mafuriko Platform Launches to Track El Nino Flooding in Real Time As Kenya prepares for the possibility of heavy rains and flooding during the October–December season, a new community-powered platform is seeking to keep Kenyans informed of what is happening on the ground in real time. Called Mafuriko, the free online platform, mafuriko.co.ke, maps flood-prone locations in Nairobi and allows members of the public to report flooding and other emerging conditions during El Nino. The platform was developed by Esoteric Strats and is powered by AIVERSE Africa. Its launch comes as national and county governments step up preparations for the anticipated El Niño rains, with all 47 counties required to identify flood-prone areas, evacuation grounds and measures to protect communities and critical infrastructure. Mafuriko brings together information on historical flood hotspots, rainfall data, affected roads and reports submitted by residents. The developers say the objective is to build a more immediate picture of flooding from information generated by people experiencing it. That community reporting element could be particularly relevant during rapidly developing floods, when conditions can change faster than official assessments can be communicated. The platform is positioned as a public awareness and information tool, rather than an official early-warning or weather forecasting system. Mafuriko adds a different layer to the preparedness effort through citizen-generated situational information. “A resident who encounters a flooded road, rising water or an affected neighbourhood can submit a report, potentially providing information that may be useful to other residents and response actors,” the platform informContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 21:03:07 +0300

Kenya Turns to Bamboo to Restore Water Sources and Create Jobs Residents of Mbeu in Meru County had struggled with dwindling water from local streams. Today, Joseph Tharimbo says bamboo planted around water sources is helping change that. “The planting of bamboo in our community has helped restore the water springs,” said Tharimbo, chairperson of the Mbeu Community Forest Association. “This has helped the animals and the community to get fresh water.” For Tharimbo and other residents, apart from being a conservation crop, bamboo is becoming part of everyday life protecting water, restoring degraded areas and supporting livelihoods. These testimonials were shared as Kenya celebrated World Bamboo Day at Meru University of Science and Technology, where farmers, community groups, researchers, investors and government officials gathered for the National Bamboo Expo. Joseph Tharimbo Chair Mbeu CFA in Meru | Photo/Neville Ng’ambwa For women in Meru, the crop is also opening a path to income. Dorothy Naitore, secretary of the Meru Forest Environment, Conservation and Protection Group, said women involved in bamboo processing are earning from products made in their workshop. “This has helped the women in our community be empowered from selling the products we create in our workshop here in Meru,” she said. “The work has brought together environmental conservation and economic independence and we are glad we have more women who have embraced bamboo planting and conservation.” Dorothy Naitore, secretary of the Meru Forest Environment, Conservation and Protection Group During World Bamboo | Photo/Neville Ng’ambwa The experiences shared by Tharimbo and Naitore reflect what the government hopes to achieve nationally through the National Bamboo Development Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2035. Kenya plans to add 150,000 hectares of bamboo under the strategy. The country already has an estimated 130,000 hectares of natural bamboo forests, mainly indigenous highland bamboo, as well as bamboo cultivated on private land. But speakers at the event said planting more bamboo will not be enough unless communities can access quality seedlings, technical support, processing facilities and reliable markets. Forest Development Secretary George Tarus delivered a message from Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa on behalf of the CS and Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi. “Bamboo connects restoration with enterprise, farmers with manufacturers, research with markets and environmental stewardship with economic opportunity,” Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa said in her message. She said the goal should be to build a competitive, investment-ready and market-driven bamboo industry rather than focus only on increasing acreage. [Right] Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko with [Left] Dan Kaburu of Big3Africa.org | Photo/Francis Mwangi For communities such as Mbeu, that ambition is already taking shape in small but tangible ways, evident in cleaner water from restored springs, greener landscapes and products that can be sold for income. Kenya Forest Service Chief Conservator of Forests Alex Lemarkoko said bamboo could help protect water catchments, restore river lines and rehabilitate degraded land because of its rapid growth. “The plant can supply raw materials for construction, furniture, energy, textiles and crafts. The government is encouraging investors to put money into processing and manufacturing, rather than trading raw bamboo, so that more jobs and value remain in Kenya,” said Lemarkoko. Kenya’s indigenous highland bamboo, Yushania alpina, grows between 2,400 and 3,400 metres above sea level in the Aberdare Range, Mount Elgon, Mount Kenya and the Cherangany Hills, and it is important for water catchment protection, soil stabilisation and habitat conservation. Officials have stressed, however, that expansion must be sustainable and must not endanger indigenous forests or sensitive water-Continue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 21:01:26 +0300

World’s Rivers Suffer One of the Driest Years in More than Three Decades, WMO Warns Rivers across the globe in 2025 had one of the driest years in more than three decades, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It shows a continuation of the long-term decline in Earth’s freshwater storage and in glacier retreat – trends with serious implications for people and economies in the future. The WMO State of Global Water Resources Report shows that the water cycle has become more erratic and unpredictable, swinging between too little or too much. Asia and Africa together accounted for at least half of all recorded water-related extreme events and more than 80% of reported associated deaths over the past five years, it says. “The water cycle has become more erratic and unpredictable, swinging between too little or too much,” the WMO said in the report. In Africa, that uncertainty is already being felt across some of the continent’s most important river systems. In 2025, flows were much below normal in the Nile, Congo and Zambezi basins. On the other hand, Senegal, Niger, Lake Chad, Orange and Limpopo had above-normal flows in 2025. During the year, the Greater Horn of Africa was hit by severe drought after one of its driest October-to-December seasons on record. In West and Central Africa, repeated floods continued to cause damage, mostly in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to WMO, the water reserves people rely on during dry times are under pressure with uneven changes across Africa. Central and Southern Africa had much-above-normal land water storage in 2025, while North Africa had below-normal storage. Parts of southern Africa have also faced persistent groundwater shortages since 2022. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo compared the planet’s slow-moving water reserves to savings that help people through difficult times. “We are depleting that savings account. Global terrestrial water storage has shown a declining trend since 2014–2016 – a persistent, decade-long signal. For the fourth consecutive year, every major glaciated region on Earth lost ice mass. Groundwater tells a similar story: nearly two-thirds of monitored wells worldwide showed conditions outside the historical norm in 2025, and the balance shifted further toward deficit compared with 2024, not toward recovery,” said Saulo. “At the same time, we are seeing more water-related disasters. The strengthening El Niño will increase the risk of drought in some arContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 15:23:30 +0300

Kenya Looks to Bamboo to Turn Climate Action into Rural Enterprise EnterpriseKenya is seeking to turn bamboo from an underused forest resource into a commercially competitive crop that can create rural jobs, restore degraded landscapes and strengthen the country’s response to climate change. Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa made the case while opening the Bamboo Expo in Meru, running from September 16 to 18 as part of this year’s World Bamboo Day celebrations. “Bamboo offers an opportunity to grow incomes while conserving the environment,” Dr Barasa said, urging farmers, investors and institutions to support the sector. The push comes as Kenya works to diversify agriculture and build livelihoods that can better withstand climate shocks. The government’s National Bamboo Development Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2035 identifies bamboo as a tool for ecosystem restoration, climate resilience, green enterprise and value addition. The State Department for Forestry says Kenya has more than 130,000 hectares of natural and planted bamboo and is targeting an additional 150,000 hectares of coverage under the strategy. Kenya’s indigenous highland bamboo, Yushania alpina, commonly known as African alpine bamboo, is particularly important. The species grows between 2,400 and 3,400 metres above sea level in the Aberdare Range, Mount Elgon, Mount Kenya and the Cherangany Hills, which are vital water towers and biodiversity areas. Cabinet Secretary for Environment Dr. Deborah Barasa and other stakeholders planting bamboo during the Bamboo Expo and Meru University in Meru County. | Courtesy Highland bamboo helps stabilise soils, protect water catchments and provide habitat in ecosystems already under pressure from land degradation and a changing climate. That ecological role gives bamboo a double value as it can help repair damaged landscapes while supplying renewable material for enterprise. Stakeholders are however cautioning that commercial expansion must not lead to the clearing of indigenous forests or undermine water-tower protection, saying that sustainable sourcing, sound land-use planning and safeguards for native bamboo ecosystems will be central to the sector’s credibility. For farmers and young entrepreneurs, the opportunity lies in durable incomes that are likely to come from well-organised value chains including quality seedlings, farmer training, harvesting standards, aggregation, processing, product design and dependable buyers. The Meru expo has brought together farmers, researchers, government agencies, private-sector players and community stakeholders to showcase products, technologies and investment opportunities. It is expected to promote propagation, share practical knowledge and demonstrate how bamboo can move from a seedling to aContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 13:46:47 +0300

Africa’s Climate Finance Gap Is Holding Back Proven Local Solutions By Seth Onyango Across Africa, communities are restoring degraded farmland, rebuilding mangrove forests and creating businesses that protect natural resources while generating income. These initiatives show that the continent has practical responses to climate change, but what many lack is reliable finance to expand beyond individual communities and short funding cycles. Projects in East Africa illustrate both the potential of locally implemented climate action and the financial barriers holding it back. In Tanzania’s Mwanza region, within the Lake Victoria watershed, Trees for the Future is using a $2.9 million grant from a United States foundation to expand an agroforestry programme that replaces single-crop fields with combinations of trees, fruit, vegetables, grain and livestock fodder. The programme plans to support 2,780 smallholder farmers annually between 2026 and 2029, where each participating farm will grow between 2,500 and 4,000 trees. The system is intended to restore depleted soils, diversify food production and help households cope with increasingly unpredictable rainfall. About 3,000 acres are expected to be restored each year, with approximately 21,900 family members benefiting from improved food supplies. The programme also incorporates savings groups and land-use planning to help participating households retain the benefits after the grant ends. Trees for the Future says it has trained more than 12,000 farmers and planted over 36 million trees in Tanzania since 2016. Its experience shows that land restoration can be integrated with food production and household income, but also exposes a recurring problem where successful projects often depend on grants whose expiry can limit expansion or leave communities searching for replacement funding. Along Kenya’s southern coast, communities are using a different model to restore mangrove forests and strengthen livelihoods. At Gazi Bay, the Aga Khan Foundation and Portugal’s Camões Institute are supporting the restoration of 226 hectares of mangrove forest. About 65,000 seedlings have been planted across six hectares. The Gazi initiative combines restoration with conservation training, enterprises led by women and young people, and efforts to increase revenue from the Gazi Boardwalk. These activities recognise that communities are more likely to protect restored ecosystems when conservation also supports household income. In Zanzibar, a community-led initiative is rehabilitating 3,300 hectares of mangrove and coral-rag forest across 16 areas. Rather than depending entirely on donor grants, the project plans to generate high-integrity carbon credits to help finance continued restoration. The projects in Mwanza, Gazi Bay and Zanzibar use different approaches, but they point to the same conclusion that African communities are already restoring soils, protecting coastlines, conserving forests and building climate-related enterprises. The financing challenge is to help these initiatives grow without burdening communities with unaffordable debt or leaving them dependent on short-term grants. That challenge is expected to feature prominently as African leaders gather for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). African countries are seeking increased adaptation finance, delivery of loss and damage commitments, and changes to an international financial system marked by high borrowing costs, mounting debt and complicated funding procedures. The central question is whether global climate finance can move from pledges and specialised funding mechanisms to capital that African institutions and communities can access and use. The 2026 Africa Sustainable Development Report underlines the scale of the problem. It records progress in 12 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, but concludes that the advances are neither fast nor extensive enough to meet the 2030 targets. The report identifies financing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, limited institutional capacity, conflict, climate shocks and rising debt-service costs as major barriers. “Structural constraints including financing shortfalls, limited institutional capacities, and frequent climate and economic shocks have slowed progress and, in some areas, reversed gains,” it says. Climate finance is therefore not a separate environmental concern, as it influences whether farmers can protect food production, coastal settlements can withstand storms and erosion, and climate-vulnerable countries an preserve development gains. Philip Kilonzo, head of policy, advocacy and communication at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, says the main problem is not an absence of local solutions but financing systems that failed to reflect conditions at the community level. “Adaptation is local, and African communities have demonstrated that they have requisite solutions,” he says. “The unjustifiable gap is in complex financing models and modalities that are yet to come to reality with what is needed to deliver climate action at the front line.” According to Diana Nabiruma, manager of programmes and communications at Uganda’s Africa Institute for Energy Governance, financing could also help communities build businesses around clean energy and conservation. She cites clean-energy enterprises, beekeeping and sustainable nature-based tourism as activities that allow people to earn an income while conserving forests or reducing dependence on polluting energy sources. “Africa does not lack climate solutions. It lacks the scale, finance and enabling systems needed to take proven African solutions from communities to national and continental levels,” said Imali Ngusale, strategic lead at the Africa Centre for Health, Climate and Gender Justice Alliance. The article has been republished from Bird Story Agency: https://agency.birdstory Continue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 12:38:46 +0300

Kenya’s Indigenous Seeds Face a Defining Legal and Policy Test By Daniel Kipchumba Kenya’s rules governing indigenous seeds are entering a decisive period as the government challenges a High Court judgment that expanded farmers’ seed rights while simultaneously reviewing the country’s seed law. At stake is whether smallholder farmers can continue saving, exchanging and selling indigenous seed without undergoing certification procedures designed largely for commercially bred varieties. For generations, farmers have preserved crop diversity by selecting seed from successful harvests and sharing it through families, communities and local markets. Seed advocates argue that restricting these practices threatens food security, agricultural biodiversity and farmers’ control over what they grow. The dispute intensified on November 27, 2025, when the High Court in Machakos declared several provisions of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act unconstitutional. The judgment followed a case brought by Seed Savers Network and 15 farmers challenging provisions that affected their ability to sell and share uncertified indigenous seed. The government, acting through the Attorney-General on behalf of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service, has appealed against the decision. The appeal could determine whether the protections secured through the judgment remain in place. Robert Kiiru an advocate of the High Court at Seed Savers Network, headquarters Nakuru County. | Photo Daniel Kipchumba. “The outcome will have a direct effect on farmers’ ability to save, exchange, share and market their seed,” said High Court advocate Robert Kiiru. According to Kiiru, overturning the judgment could restore restrictions that prevent farmers from selling or marketing seed unless it has been registered or certified. He said the certification system requires characteristics such as distinctness, uniformity and stability, standards that says may be difficult and expensive for smallholder farmers maintaining genetically diverse indigenous varieties to meet. The government’s position is that indigenous seed cannot easily be released into the formal market without certification because regulators must safeguard seed quality. Seed advocates argue the law should distinguish farmer-managed seed systems from commercial seed production and create proportionate rules for each. Kiiru also raised concerns about provisions granting inspectors access to farms and about sanctions that may be imposed where a protected plant variety is found. He argued that enforcement must respect privacy, property rights and the constitutional right to fair administrative action. “Whoever controls your seed controls your food and ultimately controls your life,” he said. The consequences of the case are practical for farmers such as Mary Chamakani of Marigat in Baringo County. Chamakani grows indigenous yellow and red maize, African nightshade, locally known as managu, and beans. She also exchanges seed with other farmers. Mary Chamakany, a farmer from Marigat in Baringo county during a recent meeting at Seed Savers Network Kenya. | Photo Daniel Kipchumba. For her, seed sharing allows farmers to retain varieties adapted to local food preferences and growing conditions without purchasing new seed every season. “I pray that the Machakos ruling is upheld. It will help us to produce more,” she said. Indigenous varieties can carry traits selected by farmers over many seasons, including suitability for particular soils, tastes and rainfall conditions. Maintaining that diversity may become increasingly important as farmers confront drought, erratic rainfall, pests and other climate-related pressures. Restricting circulation of such seed could therefore affect not only farmers’ rights but also the resilience of local food systems. The court case is unfolding alongside a government review of the Seeds and Plant Varieties Act. That process provides another route through which Kenya could recognise farmer-managed seed systems while retaining safeguards against misrepresentation and poor-quality seed. Tabby Munyiri, Seed Savers Network’s communication and advocacy officer, said the organisation expects a draft seed Bill to be released for public participation. She called for farmers to be adequately informed and included in that process. Tabby Munyiri, the communication and advocacy officer at Seed Savers Network Kenya, in a recent agriculture workshop. | Photo Daniel Kipchumba “We are raising awareness about the importance of indigenous seeds and the need for their recognition and protection, both in practice and in law,” Munyiri said. She said this during the Seed Savers Network in Naivasha during a forum to examine the court appeal and the expected legislative review. The legal campaign began in 2018, when Seed Savers Network sought pro bono legal assistance through TrustLaw. The organisation later worked with Greenpeace Africa to build legal capacity and intensify advocacy. The case was filed in 2022, with 15 farmers participating as petitioners. The Biodiversity and Biosafety Association of Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya subsequently joined the proceedings as interested parties. The appeal process could take several years, according to Kiiru, who added that the review of the Act may move faster and could reshape the law before the appeal is concluded. Both processes will determine how Kenya balances formal seed regulation with the rights of farmers who conserve and circulate indiContinue Reading

Big3Africa Desk wrote a new post

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:54:16 +0300

Carbon Credits Must Deliver More Than Cash to Farmers Carbon markets are often discussed in technical terms such as carbon credits, verification systems and international standards. For smallholder farmers, however, their value lies in the practical benefits they deliver on the farm. A carbon project is meaningful when it helps farmers restore depleted soils, conserve water, protect crops from extreme weather and strengthen household incomes. While carbon credits may provide additional income, they should be treated as one outcome of the project and not the sole measure of its success. Vi Agroforestry has spent more than 15 years developing and managing agricultural carbon projects with smallholder farmers. Its experience through the Kenya Agricultural Carbon Project (KACP) and the Livelihoods Mount Elgon Project offers practical evidence of what these projects can achieve, as well as the difficulties that must be addressed. Since 2009, the project has worked with approximately 30,000 farmers organised into 1,730 groups, who adopted practices such as agroforestry, composting, keeping soil covered, reducing unnecessary soil disturbance and improving water management. Project monitoring recorded higher crop productivity alongside increased carbon storage in soil and trees. The significance of these results extends beyond carbon. Compost helps restore soil fertility and can reduce reliance on purchased fertilizer, trees provide fodder, fruit, fuelwood and shade while protecting the soil, and ground cover slows moisture loss and reduces erosion. These are direct farm benefits, particularly as farmers face irregular rainfall, prolonged dry periods and rising input costs. KACP also exposed the demands of producing credible carbon credits with farmers continuing to apply the agreed practices, while groups and field officers maintain records. Project teams collect and verify data, and independent auditors examine farm activities, soil information, maps and participation records before validating the claimed results. The Livelihoods Mount Elgon Project provides further evidence of how carbon interventions can be integrated into farming livelihoods. The project works with about 16,000 smallholder farmers in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, combining sustainable agriculture, agroforestry and dairy development. Farmers are supported to prepare compost, mulch their fields, rotate crops, plant cover crops and establish trees. They also receive support in soil and water conservation, while dairy farmers learn about fodder production, animal feeding and farm management. These interventions address identifiable problems such as how loss of soil fertility reduces harvests, runoff carries away topsoil during heavy rainfall, while inadequate fodder limits milk production during dry periods. The project’s impact must nevertheless be examined alongside its shortcomings. Implementation has faced logistical problems including changes in scope and disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic. An environmental and social audit identified delays in delivering inputs, limited youth participation, land-tenure barriers affecting women, drought-related water shortages and insufficient communication about carbon-credit processes. These findings are important because development impact cannot be demonstrated by reporting successes alone, and independent assessment, disclosure of weaknesses and corrective action are necessary to establish whether a project is delivering what it promised. The experience also shows that farmers cannot be treated merely as suppliers of carbon credits. They provide the labour required to dig terraces, prepare compost, plant seedlings, protect trees and maintain farming practices over many years. They also carry risks when seedlings die, drought reduces production, inputs arrive late or land must be prioritised for immediate food needs. Benefits should therefore include more than eventual carbon payments. Seedlings, training, extension support, healthier soils, improved production, stronger farmer groups and market access can deliver value before credits are issued. Where carbon sales generate revenue, farmers must understand how costs are deducted, how benefits are divided and when payments can reasonably be expected. The recent Letter of Approval issued to KACP after it met Kenya’s national carbon-market requirements marks progress, but approval alone is not proof of impact. The stronger test is whether participating farmers experience lasting improvements in their land, production and resilience. It is therefore important to appreciate that agricultural carbon markets will earn farmers’ trust only when that work is recognised, the evidence is openly reported and the value created is shared fairly. The writer is the Resource Mobilization and Communication Officer at Vi Agroforestry Kenya, LeahContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:44:46 +0300

Coastal Counties First in Line as El Niño Rains Start Kenya’s coastal counties are projected to be the first to experience heavy rainfall associated with a strengthening El Niño and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), according to an analysis of seasonal weather models. According to weather and climate analyst Maithya wa Vilivū, moderate to heavy rainfall that are falling in the coastal counties are expected to continue before spreading to other parts of the country. Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and the Tana Delta area of Tana River County are already receiving significant rains with Mombasa receiving rainfall exceeding 100mm in the last 72 hours. According to the forecast, the next in line are North Eastern counties of Mandera, Wajir and Marsabit. The forecast indicates that rainfall could subsequently extend inland, eventually reaching counties including Isiolo, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, Kitui, Garissa, Tana River and Taita Taveta by early to mid-October. The projected coastal onset raises the risk of flash floods in Mombasa and other densely settled urban areas where inadequate drainage regularly causes roads, homes and businesses to flood. Low-lying settlements and communities near seasonal rivers in Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River could also face displacement, crop damage and disruption of transport. Tana River and Garissa may face an additional threat as heavy local rainfall combines with increased river flows from upstream catchments. This could expose communities along the Tana River to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas where homes, farms and livestock are concentrated. The Water Resources Authority has warned that sustained heavy rainfall can cause rivers to overtop their banks, flood neighbouring settlements and damage water infrastructure. Saturated soils may also increase surface runoff and reduce the time available for communities to respond. In the eastern counties, intense rainfall could produce flash floods along seasonal rivers and dry valleys. Motorists and pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when attempting to cross flooded roads or riverbeds, where water levels can rise rapidly even when rain has fallen many kilometres upstream. The emerging forecast is consistent with the wider regional outlook. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in August that the Greater Horn of Africa was expected to be warmer and wetter than usual during the final quarter of 2026 as El Niño strengthened. El Niño occurs when surface waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become unusually warm, altering atmospheric circulation and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world. In equatorial East Africa, it is frequently associated with enhanced rainfall during the October–December season. The IOD, which reflects differences in sea-surface temperatures between the western and eastern Indian Ocean, can reinforce that rainfall. When El Niño and a positive IOD occur together, the probability of widespread and unusually heavy rain over Kenya and neighbouring countries can increase. The forecast gives national and county governments time to clear drainage systems, inspect bridges and culverts, identify evacuation centres and pre-position emergency supplies. Farmers will also need location-specific guidance on planting dates, crop selection, soil protection and livestock safety. Residents should continue following forecasts and warnings issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department and disaster-management authorities as shorter-range predictions become available. These will provide greater detail on when hazardous rainfall is likely to occur and which areas face the most immediatContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 12:23:28 +0300

World Records Hottest Month as El Niño Threat Grows August 2026 was the world’s warmest month on record, extending an exceptional period of global heat as a strengthening El Niño raises the risk of disruptive weather well into 2027. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said August 2026 was also the joint-hottest month ever measured, matching July 2023. The Northern Hemisphere experienced its warmest summer on record, while the Southern Hemisphere had a near-record warm winter. Data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (CCCS) showed that the average global surface temperature during August was 1.65 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial level. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) separately found that the global temperature was 1.32°C above the 20th-century average, making August the warmest in a record extending back to 1850. All 10 of the hottest Augusts have occurred since 2016, according to NOAA. Record temperatures covered large parts of Africa, Greenland, Europe, Asia and the Americas, as well as extensive areas of the Atlantic, Indian, Southern and Arctic oceans. The findings were based on separate assessments by Copernicus, NOAA and the US space agency NASA. The oceans also entered unprecedented territory as average sea-surface temperatures outside the polar regions reached a daily record of 21.11°C during the month. Exceptional warmth covered much of the tropical Pacific Ocean, where El Niño has become firmly established. El Niño is a naturally occurring warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific that alters atmospheric circulation and influences rainfall and temperature patterns across the world. Its effects are now being added to the longer-term warming caused mainly by human emissions of greenhouse gases. WMO said the current El Niño is expected to intensify into a very strong event over the coming months, with major effects on rainfall and temperature patterns continuing into 2027. El Niño does not affect every part of the continent in the same way, but it can shift rainy seasons and contribute to excessive rainfall in some regions and dry conditions in others. The Greater Horn of Africa is among the regions where El Niño can significantly influence seasonal rainfall, although local outcomes depend on other ocean and atmospheric conditions. Globally, El Niño also influenced tropical cyclone activity during August. Nineteen tropical storms were recorded, five of which reached hurricane or typhoon strength. During the month of August, Europe experienced heatwaves after months of exceptional warmth. Severe drought was reported in France, Britain, Hungary, Romania and Serbia, while flows in major rivers, including the Rhine and Danube, fell to exceptionally low levels. Sea ice extent remained below average in both the Arctic and Antarctic, adding to evidence that the August warmth extended across the climate system rather than being confined to land temperaContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:07:19 +0300

Mount Kenya Fire Leaves Water, Wildlife and Tourism at Risk The wildfire that has burnt thousands of hectares on Mount Kenya could have consequences affecting water supplies, wildlife habitats, tourism and the livelihoods of communities surrounding the mountain. Firefighters have contained about 85 per cent of the blaze, but teams are still battling hotspots and fresh flare-ups, and the full ecological and economic cost will only become clear after the fire is extinguished and detailed assessments are completed. The fire started near Rutundu Lodge on September 1 and spread towards Marania Forest in the north and Chogoria in the south-west. Strong winds, high temperatures, dry grass and invasive vegetation accelerated its movement through steep, inaccessible terrain. Estimates of the area affected vary, with Government figures indicating that more than 3,000 hectares have burnt, while Rhino Ark estimated that the fire had consumed about 8,700 hectares of moorland by September 6. Mount Kenya’s forests, wetlands and moorlands collect, store and gradually release water into rivers feeding the Tana and Ewaso Ng’iro basins. These rivers support homes, farms, livestock, wildlife, industry and hydropower generation across a large part of the country. Loss of vegetation to the fire can weaken the mountain’s ability to retain water and protect soil, allowing water to flow rapidly over burnt ground during brains, carrying ash, soil and plant material into streams. This could reduce water quality, increase erosion and deposit sediment in downstream reservoirs. Wildlife has also lost feeding, breeding and shelter areas. Officials have reported no human casualties and say many large animals moved away from the fire, but smaller mammals, reptiles, insects and ground-nesting birds may have been killed or displaced. The Mount Kenya ecosystem is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and supports tourism businesses, guides, porters, accommodation providers and traders. Closure of routes, damaged scenery and safety concerns could disrupt visitor activity and reduce local earnings. More than 400 personnel from the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Forest Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, local communities and conservation organisations are involved in the response, with aerial surveillance helping crews locate activContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:47:25 +0300

East African Farmers Set for KES 25.8 Billion Climate Investment Boost Smallholder farmers and rural businesses in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda are set to access financing for irrigation, water harvesting, better storage and other investments intended to protect agricultural production from worsening climate shocks. This is after Equity Group and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) launched a $200 million (KES 25.8 billion) financing mechanism targeting farmers and agricultural enterprises that often struggle to obtain conventional bank loans. The programme known as Africa Rural Climate Adaptation Finance Mechanism (ARCAFIM) will operate for 12 years and use a mixture of concessional and commercial capital. Its practical test will be whether it makes climate-resilience investments affordable and accessible to farmers exposed to droughts, floods, erratic rainfall and rising production costs. The facility consists of $180 million in lending capital and about $20 million for technical assistance. Equity will contribute $90 million from its balance sheet, matching the concessional lending capital provided by IFAD. The financing will support investments such as irrigation and rainwater harvesting systems, climate-resilient livestock and dairy production, post-harvest storage, renewable energy and agricultural processing designed to withstand climate-related disruptions. The programme plans to reach about 260,000 smallholder producers and 500 rural micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across the four countries, with at least half of the beneficiaries expected to be women and 30 per cent young people. “Through ARCAFIM, we will finance smallholder farmers and agricultural producers directly and through microfinance institutions, SACCOs and value-chain companies, while extending financing to rural MSMEs,” Equity Bank Kenya Managing Director Moses Nyabanda said. The facility also includes training for lenders, farmers and rural businesses. Financial institutions will be helped to identify viable climate-adaptation projects, while borrowers will receive technical guidance on selecting investments suited to their production risks. IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana said the programme seeks to make rural climate adaptation a viable and permanent area of business for African financial institutions. If the East African phase succeeds, IFAD and Equity say the model could be extended to SContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:56:27 +0300

Pesticide Poisoning Hits More Than Half of East Africa’s Farmers More than half of farmers and agricultural workers in East Africa may suffer unintentional acute pesticide poisoning each year, according to a new global study that places the region among the world’s worst-affected areas. The study, published in Frontiers in Public Health on September 2, estimates that 53.5 per cent of East Africa’s farming population experiences acute pesticide poisoning annually. This translates into about 49.3 million non-fatal cases across the region. Kenya’s estimated prevalence is 35.1 per cent. The rates are considerably higher in Malawi at 78 per cent, Tanzania at 70.8 per cent and Uganda at 66 per cent. Ethiopia recorded the lowest estimate among the six East African countries covered, at 26 per cent. The findings indicate that pesticide poisoning is a major but poorly documented occupational health crisis across Africa, where millions of smallholder farmers and farm workers routinely handle agrochemicals with limited protection, training or access to healthcare. Researchers Wolfgang Boedeker, Meriel Watts, Peter Clausing and Emily Marquez reviewed studies published between 2006 and 2023 and combined the findings with mortality data from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The researchers estimate that between 402 million and 433 million cases of unintentional acute pesticide poisoning occur worldwide every year, alongside approximately 11,000 deaths. With the global farming population estimated at 934 million, the findings suggest that about 46 per cent of farmers and farm workers are poisoned annually. Southern Asia recorded the largest estimated number of non-fatal cases, followed by South-East Asia and East Africa. Across Africa, the study estimates approximately 115 million non-fatal cases each year. Besides East Africa’s 49.3 million cases, West Africa accounts for an estimated 30.6 million, Central and Southern Africa 24.8 million, and North Africa 10.3 million. Country estimates vary sharply. Burkina Faso recorded Africa’s highest estimated prevalence at 83.8 per cent, followed by Malawi, Tanzania and Nigeria, where the rate was put at 69 per cent. Acute poisoning refers to illness or other health effects occurring shortly after suspected or confirmed exposure to a pesticide. Reported symptoms can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, skin irritation, breathing difficulties and more severe neurological or respiratory complications. The researchers warned that official figures substantially understate the problem because many affected people do not seek medical treatment. “Farmers may lack money, transport, health insurance or nearby medical facilities. Some also continue working for fear of losing income, while health workers may mistake pesticide poisoning for other illnesses or fail to report cases,” state the report. Africa’s actual burden may therefore be higher than the study estimates because calculations based on formal agricultural employment may exclude subsistence farmers and informal workers, who make up a large share of the continent’s agricultural labour force. The assessment comes as pesticide consumption in Africa has risen by 185 per cent since 1990, compared with a worldwide increase from 1.8 million tonnes to 3.8 million tonnes by 2023. The study calls on governments to strengthen national poisoning surveillance, require health facilities to report pesticide-related cases and distinguish between farmers, other workers and children in official records. It also urges countries to implement the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) recommendation to phase out highly hazardous pesticides. Under the United Nations-backed Global Framework on Chemicals, countries have set a 2035 target for phasing out such pesticides in agriculture where their risks cannot be adequately managed. The researchers argue that relying on protective clothing is often unrealistic for small-scale farmers, particularly where the equipment is expensive, unavailable or uncomfortable in hot climates. Where highly toxic pesticides remain in use, they recommend mandatory training, certification and an obligation on employers to provide suitable protContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 20:46:58 +0300

Parliament Approves Excision of Nearly 15,000 Acres from Public Forests Kenya’s Parliament has approved the removal of nearly 15,000 acres from three public forests even as the government mobilises the country to plant 15 billion trees and increase national tree cover to 30 per cent by 2032. The decision exposes a contradiction at the centre of Kenya’s environmental policy where the government is spending public resources and seeking international support to restore degraded landscapes while simultaneously reducing the amount of land legally protected as public forest. The National Assembly approved the alteration of boundaries covering 14,874 acres in Mount Elgon, Turbo and Kakamega forests on June 24 following a petition submitted by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa. The largest portion is 11,483 acres in the Chepyuk area of Mount Elgon Forest. Parliament also approved the removal of 3069 ares from the Manzini block of Turbo Forest, 235 acres at Shiru and another 89 acres at Shaviringa in Kakamega Forest. A further 2,444 acres of South Nandi Forest at Chepkumia was included in the Environment Cabinet Secretary’s original petition but was excluded from adoption because it was being considered separately by Parliament’s Public Petitions Committee. According to the National Assembly committee report, the land will be used to regularise settlements established by previous governments between the 1970s and 1990s for residents who have lived on the land for decades but cannot obtain title deeds because the settlement areas remain legally classified as forests. Parliament maintains that the decision does not involve opening intact forest for new settlements with environment committee saying the affected areas are already occupied, with little or no remaining forest cover. The decision removes the land from the protected forest estate and raises questions about the consistency of the government’s broader restoration and climate policies. President William Ruto launched the National Tree Growing and Restoration Campaign with a target of growing at least 15 billion trees by 2032. The programme, according to the government, is intended to restore degraded landscapes, increase tree cover to 30 per cent, protect water catchments and strengthen Kenya’s response to climate change The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies reducing deforestation and forest degradation as essential because it preserves carbon already stored in trees and soil. In its formal submission to Parliament, the National Land Commission (NLC) opposed the degazettement, warning that public forests provide water-catchment services, regulate local climates, protect communities against floods and landslides and support agriculture, biodiversity and livelihoods. The commission argued that removing land from protected forests would conflict with Kenya’s constitutional environmental obligations and could encourage similar claims over the Aberdares, Mount Kenya, Embobut, Ngong Hills and other public forests. It described the proposal as a potential “Pandora’s box” for forest governance and recommended that legitimate settlement claims be resolved using alternative land outside protected ecosystems. Mount Elgon presents particularly serious environmental considerations given that the mountain is one of Kenya’s major water towers and forms part of a transboundary ecosystem shared with Uganda. Its forests regulate water flows, protect soil, store carbon and support wildlife and communities on both sides of the border. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) identifies Mount Elgon as important for biodiversity conservation, water-catchment protection and climate regulation. Rivers originating from the mountain support households, farming, livestock and wildlife across western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Kakamega Forest is also one of Kenya’s most important biodiversity areas and a remnant of the tropical rainforest ecosystem that once extended across equatorial Africa. Although the Shiru and Shaviringa settlement areas are already developed, further fragmentation and pressure around the forest boundary could affect the remaining ecosystem. The parliamentary committee concluded that environmental impact assessments showed the excisions would not harm water catchments, biodiversity or threatened species. It also reported holding community consultations and inspection visits in the affected areas. However, the publicly available 28-page report does not include the listed annexures containing the environmental assessments, detailed submissions and beneficiary documents. This makes it difficult to assess the geographical scope of the studies, the ecological indicators examined or the safeguards proposed for the remaining forests. The decision also has implications for Kenya’s international climate commitments. Kenya’s second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) commits the country to reducing projected greenhouse-gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2035, and recognises deforestation and agricultural expansion as drivers of land-sector emissions and places forestry and ecosystem restoration withiContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 17:29:38 +0300

WMO Warns World to Brace for Stronger El Niño as Extreme Weather Risks Rise The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that an intensifying El Niño is almost certain to persist until at least February 2027. The UN weather agency said El Niño is firmly established and will intensify into a very strong event in the coming months, bringing major shifts in rainfall and temperature patterns and increasing the risks of floods, drought and extreme heat. Forecasts from WMO’s Global Producing Centres indicate an “exceptionally high likelihood of nearly 100%” that El Niño will persist through February 2027. The UN weather agency said exceptionally warm conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean are driving the intensification of the phenomenon, which is expected to reach very strong intensity before peaking towards the end of 2026. “Sea surface temperatures are rising, temperatures keep climbing, and the world is in the danger zone of extreme weather. The race now is between rising risks and our commitment to take climate action and protect people. We must win that race,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said. For Kenya and other countries in East Africa, the development will heighten concerns about possible disruptions to rainfall patterns, agriculture, water resources and livelihoods. El Niño is among the most powerful naturally occurring influences on the global climate system and can significantly alter rainfall, temperatures and atmospheric circulation thousands of kilometres away from the tropical Pacific. However, WMO cautioned that a very strong El Niño does not necessarily produce the same impacts everywhere. Its effects vary depending on location and season and can be influenced by other climate drivers, including conditions in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. This is particularly important for East Africa, where conditions in the Indian Ocean play a significant role in shaping seasonal rainfall. WMO said a positive phase of the Indian Ocean Dipole is expected to develop during the September-November 2026 period, while the equatorial Atlantic basin is also forecast to remain generally warm. The agency said these conditions could “reinforce, weaken or alter typical El Niño impacts in different regions”. For Kenya, this means that while the global El Niño forecast provides an important warning, the precise impacts on different parts of the country will depend on how several climate systems interact. WMO said national meteorological and hydrological services remain the authoritative source of official warnings and locally relevant climate information. A strong El Niño increases the likelihood of major shifts in rainfall and temperature patterns across many parts of the world. Big3Africa.org summarized report of the El Niño | Courtesy AI For some regions, this can mean unusually heavy rainfall and flooding, while others could experience suppressed rainfall, drought and worsening heat. On the continent, such climate disruptions could have serious implications for food production, water availability and livelihoods, particularly in communities that depend on rain-fed agriculture and livestock. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said the developing event could deliver severe consequences for communities and economies worldwide. “We are already seeing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods and we expect these impacts to increase as El Niño intensifies,” Saulo said. She called for urgent preparedness as countries brace for the possibility of an exceptional event. “This exceptional El Niño demands exceptional preparation and response,” Saulo said. “Never before in the 50-year history of the World Meteorological Organization have we launched such a major mobilization with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services who are on the frontline of delivering the forecasts and services to save lives and livelihoods.” The intensifying El Niño is being fuelled by exceptional warming across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Sea surface temperatures in the region, one of the key indicators of El Niño, are already well above average and continue to rise. The widely used Niño 3.4 index, which measures sea surface temperature anomalies in the central-eastern Pacific, averaged 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal between May and July 2026 before rising to 2 degrees Celsius above normal in July. Weekly values between late July and mid-August climbed further to between approximately 2.2°C and 2.6°C above average. Even more exceptional warming has been recorded below the ocean’s surface, where temperatures in some areas were more than 8°C above average during July and early August. WMO said the combination of unusually warm surface and subsurface ocean conditions provides strong support for continued El Niño conditions and further intensification in the coming months. Confidence in the outlook is high because of strong and mutually reinforcing oceanic and atmospheric signals, as well as close agreement among seasonal prediction systems. The effects of the developing El Niño will not be limited to rainfall. For September to November 2026, WMO’s multi-model forecasts indicate an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across almost all land areas. The agency said rainfall patterns are also expected to show a pronounced response to the strong Pacific El Niño. While El Niño is a naturally occurring climate phenomenon and is not caused by climate change, it is unfolding against a backdrop of exceptionally warm global oceans and rising temperatures. El Niño typically develops between March and June and reaches its peak intensity between November and February. Its effects on global temperatures, however, can continue beyond the period of peak ocean warming and may be most pronounced in the year following its development. This means that even after the phenomenon reaches its peak, countries could continue experiencing its climate and socio-economic consequences well into 2027. WMO said the high confidence in the forecast provides governments, humanitarian agencies, businesses and communities with valuable time to prepare. The organisation and national meteorological agencies are stepping up preparedness and early-warning efforts to help countries anticipate and respond to potential climate-related disasters. “WMO is committed to working closely with partners across the United Nations and humanitarian system to provide the climate intelligence and insights needed to support disaster management and climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, health, energy and watContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Thu, 03 Sep 2026 08:21:47 +0300

Sub-Saharan Africa’s Soils Among World’s Worst, FAO Warns of Food Security Threat Sub-Saharan Africa’s soils are in very poor condition, according to a new global assessment from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), a finding that puts the region’s agricultural production, rural livelihoods and food security at serious risk. The findings appear in the “Status of the World’s Soil Resources 2026” report, released by FAO through the Global Soil Partnership (GSP) and its scientific body, the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils (ITPS). The report updates the first global soil assessment published in 2015, drawing on scientific literature from 2015 to 2025 and input from more than 300 soil experts worldwide to track how countries are managing, or failing to manage one of agriculture’s most basic resources. The report’s regional scorecard for Sub-Saharan Africa rates the state of soil erosion, loss of soil organic carbon and nutrient mismanagement across the region as very poor, with erosion and nutrient loss both flagged as deteriorating. Loss of soil biodiversity is rated poor and worsening as well. Only soil pollution and soil sealing, the paving-over of land by urban expansion, show comparatively better ratings, with pollution improving from a low base. The report attributes the accelerating strain on soils worldwide to population growth, urbanization, geopolitical instability, price shocks and market volatility, compounded by climate change. Together, it says, these forces are driving up demand for food, feed, fibre and fuel, pushing land-use change, unsustainable farming and industrial expansion that erode soil health. “Healthy soils underpin roughly 95 percent of global food production, in addition to filtering and storing water, regulating climate and sustaining biodiversity,” the report notes. “When soils degrade, the damage radiates outward undermining water cycling, nutrient cycling, climate regulation and even the physical and cultural foundations of human communities, setting back progress on multiple UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those on hunger, health, water, cities and climate.” The report says that the world is “not moving fast enough”, with about half of all regions assessed reporting a decline in the adoption of sustainable soil management practices, while only about 10 percent show real progress. FAO researchers say the problem is more about failure to scale up practices such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, organic amendments, residue retention, terracing, and improved fertilizer and nutrient management. To reverse the trend, FAO and the ITPS are calling for governments and partners to take five broad categories of action: strengthening soil governance and legal frameworks; investing in education and capacity building; improving soil assessment and monitoring; creating financial and policy incentives that reward farmers and land managers for protecting soil health; and deepening partnerships among governments, scientists, farmers, Indigenous Peoples, the private sector and civil society. “We have to remove the barriers that prevent the assessment and adoption of sustainable soil management,” said Rosa Poch, who chaired the ITPS from 2018 to 2025. Her successor, Brajesh Singh, ITPS Chair for 2025–2028, struck a similar note of urgency. “Healthy soils are one of our greatest natural allies,” he said. “We already know how to protect them. Now is the time to pContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 08:58:00 +0300

Kenya Red Cross warns 46 Counties face El Niño Flood Risk The Kenya Red Cross Society has warned that 46 of the country’s 47 counties could receive above-average rainfall in the coming months, raising the possibility of widespread flooding during the October–December short-rains season. Turkana is the only county not placed squarely in the above-average rainfall category. Kenya Red Cross Emergency Response Manager Antony Muchiri said inadequate drainage, development along natural waterways and other existing vulnerabilities could magnify the effects of the anticipated El Niño rains. “Forty-six out of Kenya’s 47 counties are at risk of receiving above-average rainfall. If the systems are not in place to manage it, flooding will occur,” Muchiri said on Tuesday. He said heavy rainfall becomes a disaster when the ground cannot absorb the volume of water and natural outlets into rivers and the ocean are obstructed. “Construction along flood paths will inevitably worsen flooding, while improper disposal of waste will block drainage systems and further increase the risk of flooding,” he said. Muchiri said soil erosion and the accumulation of silt in rivers and drainage channels could also contribute to flooding. Although many of the country’s flood paths are already known, settlements and infrastructure have continued to encroach on some of them. Preparations are underway across the country, according to the Red Cross. They include clearing and expanding drainage systems, issuing early warnings, sensitising communities in high-risk areas and preparing evacuation plans. Muchiri, however, cautioned that weaknesses in Kenya’s disaster-preparedness systems could still result in deaths and extensive property damage. “There is a lot happening behind the scenes in preparation for El Niño, but with the systems we have in place, we are still likely to suffer significant loss of lives and extensive damage,” he said. He urged national and county authorities to use existing flood-risk information when approving settlements and infrastructure projects, noting that Kenya has often concentrated on responding to disasters instead of preventing them. Muchiri also called for shelter materials, rescue equipment and other emergency supplies to be positioned before families are displaced. “We need all hands on deck. It starts at the household level, then the community and ultimately the government. The buck stops with the government,” he said. Red Cross team on its rescue mission in Kenya. | Courtesy The Red Cross warning follows an official seasonal forecast issued on August 31 by the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority, which expects above-average rainfall in most of the country during the October–December season. The forecast says the rains could continue into January in western Kenya, the Rift Valley, central Kenya and parts of the southeast. El Niño is the warm phase of a recurring climate pattern caused by changes in sea-surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean. In East Africa, it can enhance rainfall, particularly when it occurs alongside a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, a pattern involving unusually warm waters in the western Indian Ocean relative to the eastern side. The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre said El Niño had already developed and was expected to strengthen during the remainder of 2026. A positive Indian Ocean Dipole was also anticipated, creating conditions that have historically produced enhanced rainfall across the region. The regional agency placed the probability of enhanced seasonal rainfall at about 90 per cent in northeastern Kenya, southern Ethiopia and central-to-southern Somalia. The latest warning comes as Kenya continues to recover from previous destructive rainy seasons. El Niño-enhanced rainfall in late 2023 was followed by exceptionally heavy long rains in early 2024. The combined crisis affected 46 counties, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. An IFRC report recorded 478 deaths, more than 240,000 affected households and over 119,000 displaced households. The rains also killed nearly 29,000 livestock, destroyed more than 65,000 acres of farmland and damaged roads, schools, health facilities and water sources. Communities that had already endured the prolonged 2021–2023 drought were among those hit by the floods, compounding livelihood losses and slowing recovery. In April 2024, water levels rose sharply in major rivers and reservoirs. Dams in the Seven Forks system began overflowing, worsening flooding along the lower Tana River, while settlements near Lake Victoria and the Nyando River remained inundated. Excessive rain may cause flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and soil erosion. Crops and livestock could be lost, transport routes disrupted and schools forced to close. It could also damage water and sanitation infrastructure, increasing the danger of cholera and other waterborne illnesses. Stagnant water and warmer temperatures may create conditions favourable for malaria, Rift Valley fever, chikungunya and other diseases. The approaching rains are expected to coincide with the school calendar, national examinations and increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 General Election, adding pressure on transport, security and emergency-Continue Reading