Big3Africa.org | Site-Wide Activity

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

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

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

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

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

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

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

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

The Hidden Mental Toll of Firewood Collection AcrContinue Reading

Big3Africa Desk wrote a new post

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

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

Dr. Millicent Kabara wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Big3Africa Desk wrote a new post

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

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

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

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

Africa Forward Summit Climate and Green Growth ThContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

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

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

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

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

How Climate Stress Is Fueling Kenya’s Diabetes Burden At 27, Josephat Kamusa thought securing a job as a high school teacher in Nairobi would finally bring stability to his life. Instead, much of his salary now disappears into a silent and growing crisis at the intersection of health, poverty, and environmental inequality. After turning 25, Kamusa lost support from the Diabetes Management and Information Centre (DMI), the implementing partner for the Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) programme in Kenya. For four years, the programme had helped him access insulin and diabetes care, shielding him from the crushing financial burden of living with Type 1 diabetes. But aging out of the programme exposed him to a harsh reality that thousands of young Kenyans now face: surviving chronic illness in cities increasingly strained by pollution, rising food prices, urban stress, and weak public health systems. “I used to get insulin, but now I have to buy it for myself, and you know how expensive it is,” he says. Today, Kamusa spends about Sh2,500 every month on insulin alone, depending on pharmacy prices and dosage. Between rent, transport, food, and treatment, life in the capital has become a balancing act. Yet for many young adults living with diabetes, the struggle goes beyond medicine. It is also shaped by the environments they live in. Health experts warn that rapid urbanisation, changing diets, pollution, sedentary lifestyles, and climate-related food insecurity are contributing to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes across Kenya and Africa. In crowded low-income settlements, access to healthy food is limited, safe recreational spaces are scarce, and healthcare facilities remain overstretched. Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns are also disrupting food systems, making nutritious diets more expensive and pushing vulnerable families toward cheaper processed foods linked to chronic illnesses. Kamusa’s story reflects this wider crisis, where environmental pressures and fragile health systems combine to deepen vulnerability for young people living with lifelong conditions. The DMI Kenya is among organisations trying to close that gap by supporting children and adolescents with diabetes through structured care programmes. However, continuity into adulthood remains a major challenge. “The age limit is by programme design. It falls under the Global Health Equity Programme, which promotes access to care among children and youth living with Type 1 diabetes across low- and middle-income countries,” says Erick Omondi, Project Coordinator of CDiC-Kenya. Omondi explains that the programme assumes beneficiaries will have attained some level of independence by age 25. But the transition is often difficult because public health systems are not equipped to absorb young adults leaving donor-supported programmes. Photo caption: Elizabeth Nyawira Muriithi, who is living with Type 1 diabetes. | Courtesy “Another setback includes the out-of-pocket costs for insulin, needles, and self-monitoring of blood glucose,” he says. “Social Health Authority coverage is still limited, especially at primary health facilities.” He adds that continuity of care after patients exit the programme remains “a thorny issue.” “Most beneficiaries are still dependent after this age, at least in one way or another,” he says. “The best bet would be a Universal Health Coverage model with strengthened public health services and financing.” According to Omondi, Kenya still lacks a national diabetes registry capable of tracking long-term outcomes such as treatment adherence, complications, and glycaemic control after patients transition out of support programmes. The growing diabetes burden is emerging at a time when Kenya’s health system is already under pressure from climate-linked disease outbreaks, pollution-related illnesses, malnutrition, and recurring droughts. A 2024 presentation at the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology estimated that about 127,000 children in Kenya are living with Type 1 diabetes, yet only around 5,000 are receiving treatment. To bridge the gap, the CDiC programme, launched in Kenya in 2009, had supported about 6,100 children and adolescents by 2025 and helped refurbish 41 diabetes clinics across the country. But despite these efforts, many young people still struggle with interrupted treatment, transport costs, stigma, and the rising cost of insulin. For those aging out of support systems, the burden can become overwhelming. For 27-year-old Elizabeth Nyawira Muriithi, survival now comes with a steep monthly cost. “A single vial of insulin costs more than Sh2,000, and I need several each month,” she says. “Test strips are about Sh1,200 for 50, and I test multiple times a day.” After marriage, she was able to access diabetes care through her husband’s insurance cover, a privilege she says many young Kenyans do not have. Health experts argue that the diabetes crisis cannot be separated from wider environmental and social realities. “There is an alarming rise in non-communicable diseases among children and youth, yet our health systems are still largely designed for infectious diseases,” says Dr Catherine Karekezi, Executive Director of the Kenya NCD Alliance. “This leaves young people vulnerable during transition into adulthood.” Dr Jeremiah Nganda, a health systems researcher at Strathmore University, says the problem is deeply structural. “What we are seeing is a break in continuity of care,” he says. “Young people are supported in childhood, but once they age out, they are expected to independently manage conditions that require lifelong, expensive care.” He notes that environmental and economic realities in informal settlements make self-management even harder. “In contexts where income is unstable, food insecurity is rising, and access to healthy living environments is limited, managing diabetes becomes extremely difficult,” he says. “We are transferring responsibility without building systems strong enough to support it.” As Kenya confronts climate change and rapid urban growth, experts say the country must rethink healthcare not only as a medical issue, but also as an environmental justiceContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

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

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

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Correspondent wrote a new post

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

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

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

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

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

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

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

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

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

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

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

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:09:46 +0300

Kenya’s Flagship Climate Fund Hits 2.5 Million Beneficiaries Ahead of 2026 Deadline Five years after its launch, Kenya’s flagship Financing Locally Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme is beginning to show what happens when climate finance is pushed down to the grassroots. What started as an ambitious experiment in devolved climate financing has now reached at least one million people directly across participating counties, with total beneficiaries, both direct and indirect, rising to 2.5 million. Notably, women account for 56 per cent of those reached, underscoring the programme’s emphasis on inclusive climate action. Speaking in Nairobi, Head of the Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit under FLLoCA, Peter Odhengo, described the programme as one that has steadily translated funding into tangible community impact. Over five years, FLLoCA has spent approximately $295 million, channelled into projects that range from water systems and climate-smart agriculture to ecosystem restoration. In total, 1,610 projects have been initiated, with 1,060 already completed and 516 still underway across counties. These projects span 1,238 wards, embedding resilience efforts deep within local governance structures. Beyond the numbers, the environmental footprint is significant. More than 28,000 hectares of landscapes, covering both terrestrial and inland water ecosystems, have been conserved through sustainable land and water management practices. Sector-specific gains are also emerging with agriculture and livestock systems improving by 22 per cent, water access and management by 46 per cent, and environmental outcomes by 25 per cent in areas where interventions have been implemented. Head of Climate Finance and Green Economy Unit and the programme coordinator for FLLoCA at the National Treasury, Peter Odhengo | Courtesy Star The programme’s core insight is that communities are not passive victims of climate change but central actors in confronting it. Lessons from implementation point to the growing importance of structured engagement platforms, where local stakeholders collectively plan, finance, and execute resilience projects. County Climate Resilience Investment (CCRI) Plans have become a key tool in this process, helping counties move from reactive responses to more strategic, forward-looking climate planning. At the same time, integrating climate priorities into county budgeting processes is proving essential in ensuring that adaptation efforts are not treated as stand-alone projects, but as part of everyday governance. Technology, too, is supporting early warning systems, improving water management, and strengthening agricultural productivity in climate-stressed regions. As the programme approaches its scheduled end on December 31, 2026, attention is turning to what comes next. There are growing calls to scale and replicate FLLoCA’s model beyond Kenya, positioning it as a potential blueprint for locally led climate action across the continent. At the policy level, this future hinges on the implementation of Kenya’s Green Fiscal Incentives framework, outlined in Sessional Paper No. 5 of 2024, as well as the operationalisation of the Green Bonds Framework. Plans are also underway to establish a Kenya Green Investment Bank aimed at mobilising up to $100 billion over the next decade, alongside the creation of a National Climate Change Fund. FLLoCA itself is backed by a coalition of funders, with the World Bank providing $150 million through its IDA facility. Additional contributions have come from Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands ($21.4 million), the Government of Kenya ($80 million), and KfW, which has committed $33.5 million targeting 16 counties in Western Kenya. As climate shocks intensify across the region, FLLoCA’s early outcomes offer a compelling case that resilience is most effective when it is local, inclContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 04 May 2026 07:46:36 +0300

Canadian Environmentalist Sets New Tree-Planting World Record in Mombasa’s Tudor Creek By Amina Rajab A new world record for tree planting has been set at Tudor Creek in Mombasa County, after Canadian environmentalist Antoine Moses planted 47,460 mangrove propagules within 24 hours at Mirarani. Witnesses at the site said celebrations broke out immediately after the final count was confirmed, with the event framed as both a personal milestone and a broader statement on environmental restoration. Moses, who already holds a record recognised by Guinness World Records for the most trees planted in 24 hours, has now extended his achievement by focusing on mangrove restoration. The attempt comes amid heightened attention on tree-planting records in Kenya, with Hillary Kibiwott, currently under review by Guinness World Records for a separate bid to surpass Moses’ earlier terrestrial tree-planting record. Canadian environmentalist Antoine Moses planting trees at Tudor Creek in Mombasa County | Courtesy The Mirarani exercise was backed by the Kenya Forest Service, alongside local communities and conservation partners, including Earthlungs. Officials said the initiative aimed not only at breaking records but also at drawing attention to the importance of mangrove ecosystems, which act as coastal buffers against erosion, storms, and rising sea levels. Mangroves along Kenya’s coastline, particularly in areas such as Tudor Creek, have faced pressure from urban expansion, pollution, and overharvesting, prompting renewed conservation efforts in recent years. Organisers said the record-setting exercise has placed a global spotlight on Kenya’s restoration efforts, positioning mangrove conservation as a key frontContinue Reading

Bernard Gitau wrote a new post

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:46:19 +0300

Toxic Spill Threatens Nairobi National Park Ecosystem The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has activated an emergency multi-agency operation involving the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) following a suspected chemical discharge threatening ecosystems within Nairobi National Park. Teams are already on the ground collecting water samples, mapping the pollution pathway, and working to contain the contaminated flow before it causes further damage to wildlife and critical water systems. The rapid response was triggered on the morning of April 30, 2026, after KWS officers observed abnormal foamy water entering the park through the Mlolongo drainage corridor. The inflow, described as white, effervescent, and unnaturally coloured, raised immediate concerns of toxic contamination. Investigators have begun tracing the source of the discharge, with early attention on nearby industrial areas around Mlolongo, including zones near Orbit Chemical Industries Ltd. Authorities say laboratory analysis will be key in confirming the origin and composition of the pollutants. Foaming streams in Nairobi National Park showing indication of possible contamination in the water | Bernard Gitau The contaminated water is flowing into the Mbagathi River and Athi River systems, placing Athi Dam and downstream users at risk. The potential impact extends to aquatic life, wildlife, and communities that depend on the water for farming, livestock, and domestic use. KWS has issued a public advisory urging residents to avoid contact with affected water bodies, refrain from fishing, and report any unusual water conditions or distressed wildlife. At the same time, the agency has warned industries within the catchment against illegal discharge of untreated waste, stating that offenders will face prosecution, fines, closure of facilities, and liability for environmental restoration. Investigations remain ongoing as authorities race to contain the pollution and prevent further harm to one of Kenya’s most vital eContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:10:39 +0300

France Unveils Landmark Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuels by 2050 Santa Marta, Colombia France has published a comprehensive national roadmap outlining how it will gradually phase out fossil fuels across its economy, setting clear timelines to eliminate coal, oil and gas over the next three decades. The roadmap, released by the Ministry of Ecological Transition, was unveiled during a global conference on fossil fuel transition in Santa Marta, Colombia. According to the plan, France will end the use of coal by 2030, phase out oil by 2045, and eliminate fossil gas by 2050. Officials say the document consolidates existing climate and energy policies into a single, structured strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality while reducing dependence on imported energy. French authorities described the roadmap as a “first-of-its-kind” framework that provides a clear trajectory for ending fossil fuel use across all sectors of the economy, including transport, buildings, industry and agriculture. The strategy emphasises electrification as a central pillar of the transition, encouraging industries, small businesses and households to replace fossil-fuel-based systems with electric alternatives. This includes machinery, heating systems and transport technologies. France generates a small fraction of its electricity from fossil fuels due to its extensive nuclear power capabilities. | Courttesy Yahoo The roadmap builds on France’s broader energy strategy for 2026–2035, which aims to significantly expand low-carbon electricity production while sharply reducing fossil fuel consumption. At the same time, France intends to increase its reliance on carbon-free energy sources, including nuclear and renewables, tp support electrification and meet rising energy demand. Analysts say the roadmap does not introduce entirely new targets but instead strengthens policy coherence by aligning existing commitments under a unified timeline. They note that its clarity sends a strong political signal at a time when many countries are still struggling to define concrete fossil fuel exit strategies. The announcement comes as more than 50 countries gather in Colombia for the first international conference dedicated specifically to phasing out fossil fuels in an effort seen as filling gaps left by previous global climate negotiations. Despite its ambition, challenges remain. Fossil fuels still account for a significant share of France’s overall energy consumption, particularly in transport, which remains the country’s largest source of emissions. Officials say the success of the roadmap will depend on sustained investment, technological innovation and public acceptance, as well as coordinated action across sectors. The plan positions France among a growing group of nations attempting to translate long-standing climate commitments into detailed, time-bound pathways foContinue Reading

Dr. Millicent Kabara wrote a new post

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:43:07 +0300

Artificial Intelligence Could Help Africa Navigate a Warming Future On his small farm in Naro Moru, Nyeri County, Benson Muriuki stands at the edge of his maize field and studies the sky with the kind of patience only farmers understand. The rains are late again. Last season, they came too early and vanished too soon, leaving his crop stunted and his income uncertain. In February this year, the question weighed heavily: plant now and risk another loss, or wait and gamble on a shortening season? This quiet anxiety is no longer unique to Muriuki. It is the lived reality of millions across Kenya and, increasingly, the world. What farmers have long sensed is now firmly backed by science that the climate is changing faster than expected, and the pace is accelerating. According to findings cited in recent climate research, global greenhouse gas emissions have surged at an unprecedented pace. Over a span of 140 years, from 1850 to 1989, emissions rose by about 58 percent. But in just 30 years, between 1990 and 2019, they increased by another 42 percent, almost matching the previous century and a half. This acceleration is pushing the planet toward dangerous thresholds as scientists project that global temperatures could rise by 1.5°C between 2030 and 2050, and exceed 2°C by mid-century if emissions are not drastically reduced. For communities on the frontlines, these numbers translate into failed harvests, more pests and diseases, and deepening poverty. In East Africa, erratic rainfall and rising temperatures are already cutting yields of staple crops like maize, because delayed rain can mean seeds never germinate and a sudden heatwave can destroy crops at their most delicate stage. Elsewhere, floods are becoming more intense, washing away homes, contaminating water sources, and triggering outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and malaria. And yet, there is a clear injustice at the heart of the crisis. The sectors driving most global emissions, which include energy, industry, and transport, accounted for roughly 79 per cent of greenhouse gases in 2019, while agriculture, forestry, and land use contributed about 22 per cent, and many African countries, with relatively low emissions, are bearing the brunt of impacts they did little to cause. This has created what experts describe as a “development paradox.” Nations striving for economic growth often rely on the very activities that increase emissions including industrialization, energy expansion, and infrastructure development. Growth fuels emissions, emissions fuel climate change, and climate change in turn erodes the gains of growth. It is a cycle that is proving difficult to break. But amid the worsening crisis, a new set of tools powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to reshape how the world responds. This means that Muriuki did not have to rely solely on instinct and experience to decide when to plant. Instead, he receives a message on his phone informing him that rainfall is expected in five days, with a high probability of continuing for two weeks. Plant now. Another alert warns of a potential dry spell later in the season and suggests drought-resistant seeds. Artificial intelligence systems are increasingly capable of analyzing massive amounts of climate data in real time. They can forecast temperature and rainfall patterns, predict extreme events such as floods and droughts, and even simulate how different policy decisions might affect future emissions. Some technologies are already demonstrating their impact. AI-powered flood forecasting systems can predict disasters up to seven days in advance, giving governments and communities critical time to prepare. In some cases, these systems have significantly reduced both economic losses and fatalities. Other platforms can run climate simulations hundreds of times faster than traditional models while using far less energy. For instance, digital “twins” of cities, virtual replicas built from satellite and meteorological data, allow planners to test how adding vegetation or redesigning urban spaces could reduce heat and flooding. On the other hand, real-time carbon emissions tracking tools are helping organisations understand and reduce their environmental footprint. For Africa, the implications could be transformative. Agriculture remains the backbone of many economies, yet it is highly vulnerable to climate shocks. AI-driven advisories could help farmers decide when to plant, irrigate, or harvest. In pastoral communities, early warnings of drought could guide migration patterns and protect livestock. In cities, better forecasting could prevent flood-related disasters and improve infrastructure planning. Perhaps most importantly, AI offers a shift from reactive to proactive adaptation and from responding to disasters after they occur to anticipating and minimizing their impact. But the path to this future is far from guaranteed. Across much of Africa, the foundations needed to support these technologies are still fragile. Weather monitoring systems are often incomplete or fail to meet global standards, limiting the accuracy of forecasts. Digital infrastructure remains uneven, and high data costs make it difficult for many people, especially smallholder farmers, to access critical information. There is also a skills gap. Without sufficient training in digital and AI technologies, the ability to develop, deploy, and maintain these systems remains limited. At the policy level, many countries lack clear regulations governing the use of AI, slowing adoption and creating uncertainty. Investment is another major constraint. Governments balancing urgent needs in health, education, and infrastructure often struggle to prioritize funding for digital climate solutions, yet experts argue that these barriers are not insurmountable. Expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening meteorological networks, and integrating climate adaptation into all sectors, from agriculture to education, are seen as critical steps. Building local expertise through science and technology education could empower countries to develop their own solutions rather than relying solely on imported technologies. There is also growing recognition of the need for regional cooperation, with institutions like the African Union (AU) and regional blocs playing a key role in scaling solutions across borders. Still, even the most advanced technologies have their limits. AI can predict floods, but it cannot stop the rains from falling. It can model future climate scenarios, but it cannot on its own reduce emissions. As scientists emphasize, the ultimate solution to the climate crisis remains cutting greenhouse gases at their source. Without that, adaptation efforts, no matter how sophisticated, risk being overwhelmed. Back in Naro Moru, the stakes remain deeply personal for Muriuki as for him, watching the skies, the difference between a good forecast and a failed season can mean the difference between stability and hardship. In that fragile space between uncertainty and survival, technology is beginning to offer something clearer, and in a changing climate, that may be one of the mostContinue Reading

Dr. Millicent Kabara changed their profile picture

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:46:46 +0300

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:33:09 +0300

Mountain Bongo Return Marks Historic Conservation Win Kenya has achieved a major milestone in wildlife preservation following the successful repatriation of four critically endangered mountain bongos from the Czech Republic. The rare antelopes arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) aboard a KLM cargo flight, marking a significant step in the nation’s long-term species recovery efforts. The delegation receiving the animals was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano. The event brought together key conservation partners, including the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy (MKWC), where the bongos will eventually be settled. The return of these four males is part of the National Recovery and Action Plan for the Mountain Bongo. This strategic initiative aims to rebuild a wild population that has dwindled to fewer than 100 individuals due to habitat loss, disease, and poaching. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at the JKIA receiving the rare antelopes Bongo | Courtesy KWS Genetics play a vital role in this homecoming. By introducing these genetically diverse individuals from Zoo Dvůr Králové, conservationists hope to strengthen the breeding resilience of the existing population at the MKWC sanctuary. This is essential for the long-term survival of the species in their native highland forests. The mountain bongo is often described as a “water tower” species. Protecting their habitat in the Aberdares and Mount Kenya forests ensures the preservation of vital water catchment areas that supply millions of Kenyans. Their survival is intrinsically linked to the health of the entire ecosystem. Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano was also present at the JKIA to receive the rare antelopes. | Coutesy KWS Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi noted that the milestone demonstrates the power of international collaboration and science-led policy. The arrival of the bongos is not just a win for biodiversity but a symbol of Kenya’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable natural treasures for future generations. The four bongos have been moved to the Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy for monitoring and acclimatization. They join a growing community at the world’s first mountain bongo sanctuary, bringing renewed hope to a species once on the brink of totalContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:28:55 +0300

Heavy Rains Batter Nairobi as Flood Risk and Road Closures Intensify A sustained period of heavy rainfall has gripped Nairobi and the wider metropolitan region, triggering widespread flooding, road closures, and heightened safety concerns according to a new advisory issued for the period between April 27 and May 2. The advisory, based on data from the Kenya Meteorological Department, warns that continuous downpours have already saturated the ground in highland areas such as Limuru, Kikuyu and Ngong, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods across the city and its surroundings. Officials say major rivers feeding into the city, including the Nairobi, Mathare, Ngong and Kamiti rivers are currently running at elevated and potentially dangerous levels, raising the likelihood of overflow into residential and commercial areas. The meteorological agency forecasts rainfall exceeding 20 millimetres within 24 hours, accompanied by strong winds of over 25 knots. The probability of continued rainfall between Tuesday and Wednesday stands at 90 to 95 percent, marking what authorities describe as the most critical window of the week. “Because the ground is fully saturated, virtually all new rainfall becomes immediate surface runoff,” the advisory notes, warning that floodwaters from highland regions can reach central Nairobi within three to six hours. Several key roads across the city have already been affected, with some rendered completely impassable. Among the worst-hit areas are Westlands and Parklands, where sections of Limuru Road and Parklands avenues are reported to be flooded or blocked due to river overflow. Traffic disruptions have also been reported along major transport corridors, including Waiyaki Way, Kangundi Road, the Nairobi Expressway, and Mombasa Road, where motorists are being advised to expect significant delays or avoid travel altogether. Authorities have urged residents to avoid driving through flooded roads, citing hidden dangers such as open manholes, deep potholes and submerged debris. Residents living near riverbanks have been advised to move valuables to higher ground and prepare for possible relocation. The advisory further identifies Eastleigh, the Industrial Area, Gikomba Market, and parts of South B and South C as high-risk zones, with potential flooding expected to worsen during peak rainfall periods. While conditions are expected to gradually ease towards the end of the week, officials caution that saturated ground will slow drainage, prolonging flood risks even aftContinue Reading

Dan Kaburu wrote a new post

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:27:08 +0300

Buzeki Joins Kenyan Trailblazers Driving Global Conservation Efforts Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, popularly known as Buzeki, has joined a growing list of Kenyans earning global recognition for environmental conservation after setting a new Guinness World Records benchmark by planting 23,326 trees in 24 hours. The record was set at Kessup Forest Station in Keiyo North, Elgeyo-Marakwet County, surpassing the previous record of 23,060 trees set by Canada’s Antoine Moses in 2021. Officials said the effort contributes to Kenya’s national target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032 as part of broader climate action and forest restoration goals. Buzeki now joins other Kenyan environmental figures who have gained international attention for conservation-related achievements. Among them is Truphena Muthoni, who in December 2025 set a record for hugging a tree for 72 consecutive hours in a campaign aimed at raising awareness on forest protection and the cultural value of trees. Kenyan environmentalist Hillary Kiplagat Kibiwott, popularly known as Buzeki, in his tree planting marathon | Courtesy Environmental experts say such high-profile actions reflect a wider trend in Kenya, where conservation efforts are increasingly combining grassroots activism with global visibility. They point to the legacy of Wangari Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, who mobilised communities, particularly women to plant millions of trees across the country. Her work linked environmental conservation with human rights and livelihoods, earning her the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004. Forestry officials involved in Buzeki’s attempt said the exercise was not only about breaking a record but also about demonstrating scalable solutions to climate change through afforestation. Kenya has in recent years intensified its reforestation drive, with national and county governments, schools and community groups taking part in tree-planting campaigns. The initiatives aim to increase forest cover, restore degraded landscapes and enhance resilience to climate impacts such as drought. Analysts say the emergence of record-setting conservation efforts signals a shift towards measurable and globally recognised climate action, positioning Kenya as a leader in nature-based solutions. However, they caution that long-term success will depend on the survival and management of planted trees, as well as sustained funding and cContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:11:18 +0300

Global Experts Outline 12 Urgent Actions to Accelerate Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Santa Marta, Colombia Governments attending the landmark international talks on transitioning away from fossil fuels have been handed a sweeping set of science-backed policy recommendations, with researchers saying the shift to clean energy is immediately achievable. The proposals, captured in the newly released Santa Marta Action Repertoire (SMART) Summary, were developed by leading global experts contributing to the Academic Dialogue supporting the high-level conference. The report frames the ongoing global energy crisis as a critical opportunity to fast-track the transition toward cleaner, more secure and socially just energy systems. According to the report, a successful transition requires governments to move beyond fragmented, market-driven approaches and adopt coordinated, whole-economy strategies anchored in science, equity and long-term planning. At the heart of the recommendations are 12 “Action Insights” that span economic reform, energy system transformation and international cooperation. Experts emphasise that dismantling the deep-rooted economic and political dependence on fossil fuels must be the starting point. The report calls on governments to develop comprehensive national roadmaps to phase out fossil fuels, including clear timelines, financing strategies and mechanisms to overcome entrenched interests. It warns that current energy policies remain misaligned with climate science and risk locking countries into decades of continued emissions. Protecting workers and communities is also highlighted as a central pillar of the transition. The researchers urge early investment in retraining, skills development and alternative livelihoods to prevent job losses and social resistance. They argue that a fair distribution of the costs and benefits of transition is essential to building political support and long-term stability. The report further underscores the importance of public communication, noting that while global support for climate action is strong, it is often underestimated and undermined by misinformation. Experts recommend stricter regulation of fossil fuel advertising and stronger action against climate disinformation, alongside expanded environmental education and protection for journalists and activists. On the supply side, the scientists recommend halting all new fossil fuel infrastructure projects. They argue that approving new oil, gas or coal developments risks locking in emissions for decades and undermining global climate targets. Instead, countries are urged to accelerate electrification, scale up renewable energy and commit to binding methane emission cuts, which could deliver rapid climate benefits. Economic tools such as carbon pricing and the removal of fossil fuel subsidies are also identified as key levers. The report recommends that revenues from carbon taxes be reinvested to support vulnerable populations and fund the transition, while calling for international coordination to ensure fair competition and avoid carbon leakage. Financial systems, including central banks, are expected to play a more active role. The report suggests that monetary and financial policies should be aligned to lower the cost of clean energy investments and shield economies from fossil fuel-driven inflation shocks. At the international level, the document calls for stronger cooperation both within and beyond existing climate frameworks. It proposes the development of a dedicated global legal instrument to govern fossil fuel supply, alongside reforms to international investment rules that currently allow corporations to challenge climate policies through arbitration mechanisms. The report also places strong emphasis on justice and inclusion, urging governments to integrate indigenous knowledge, community voices and local development priorities into transition planning. It warns that failure to do so risks deepening existing inequalities and undermining trust in public institutions. In framing the transition, the researchers highlight not only environmental necessity but also human wellbeing. They argue that moving away from fossil fuels would deliver immediate health benefits, improved energy security and long-term economic resilience, describing it as a “moral, economic and public health imperative.” As negotiations continue in Santa Marta, the SMART report is expected to shape discussions among participating countries, many of which are seeking practical pathways to move beyond fossil fuels wContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:24:06 +0300

Rains Trigger Ecological Revival Across Kenya as Earth Day 2026 Sparks Climate Action Across Kenya’s, the transformation is almost cinematic. What was, only weeks ago, a stretch of brittle earth and dust has softened into green with grass pushing through cracked soil, seasonal rivers stirring back to life, livestock grazing where they once wandered in search of pasture, and in the distance, wildlife returning with growing confidence. Thanks to the rains that are telling a powerful story of recovery. For David Kaelo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association, this shift is evidence of the land’s ability to regenerate when given the chance. “Nature is healing,” he has observed in recent reflections on the rains. And across Kenya, that healing is visible in the renewed rhythm of ecosystems that had been pushed to the brink by prolonged drought. This moment of renewal arrives just as the world marked Earth Day 2026 on April 22, under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet.” The message this year is that the future of the environment will be shaped by deliberate and sustained human action. In Kenya, that message is already taking root. From the arid north to the coastal forests, more than 200 community conservancies now dot the country, forming a patchwork of locally managed landscapes that balance conservation with livelihoods. These conservancies, many of them born out of necessity during harsher climatic cycles, have become critical spaces where people and nature coexist, each sustaining the other. In places like Laikipia, Samburu, and parts of Kajiado, communities have spent years restoring degraded land, regulating grazing, and protecting wildlife corridors. The recent rains have accelerated these efforts, revealing what is possible when stewardship meets opportunity. “The resilience we are seeing now is not accidental,” conservationists say. “It is the result of years of community commitment.” David Kaelo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association | Courtesy KWCA That resilience is central to the broader Earth Day 2026 agenda, which places strong emphasis on renewable energy, climate education, and environmental justice. The campaign calls for a transition away from fossil fuels, but also for a shift in mindset to empowersindividuals and communities to take ownership of their environments. In many Kenyan communities, this shift is already underway. School children are planting trees as part of environmental clubs, youth groups are organizing cleanups in towns and conservation areas and local leaders are integrating climate awareness into everyday decision-making. These actions may seem small in isolation, but together they form the foundation of a larger movement that recognizes sustainability not as a distant goal, but as a daily practice. At the same time, Kenya’s growing investment in renewable energy is reinforcing this transition at a national level. With geothermal, wind, and solar power increasingly shaping the country’s energy mix, the pathway toward a low-carbon future is becoming more tangible. Still, the scale of the climate challenge demands more than national effort. It requires global cooperation, yet even within the global frameworks, the most enduring solutions often emerge locally. In Kenya’s conservancies, traditional knowledge continues to guide land management practices such as seasonal patterns, grazing cycles, and ecological signals that modern science is only beginning to quantify. When combined with contemporary conservation strategies, this knowledge creates systems that are both adaptive and deeply rooted in place. It is this blend of old and new that may hold the key to long-term sustainability. As clouds gather and disperse over Kenya’s now-green landscapes, there is a sense that something has shifted. The rains may not have solved the climate crisis or erased the pressures of population growth, land degradation, or economic strain, but they have offered a glimpse of possibility, a reminder that ecosystems can recover, conservation efforts can bear fruit and that human action when aligned with nature can restore what once seemed lost. For many, this is the real meaning of Earth Day 2026 as a lived experience, and thatContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 07:48:02 +0300

Extreme Heat is Pushing Agrifood Systems to the Brink Worldwide, says FAO, WMO The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have warned that extreme heat is pushing global agrifood systems to the brink, threatening food production, livelihoods and economies worldwide. In a report, titled Extreme Heat and Agriculture, the two United Nation’s bodies say that rising temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves are damaging crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, while exposing more than one billion people to growing risks. Extreme heat refers to situations where daytime and nighttime temperatures rise above their usual ranges for a protracted period, leading to physiological stress and direct physical damages to food crops, livestock, fish, trees and human beings. According to the findings, extreme heat events have become more intense, prolonged and widespread over the past five decades, significantly increasing pressure on food systems. These conditions, the report shows, are already reducing crop yields, stressing livestock and disrupting marine ecosystems, with staple crops such as wheat, maize and rice particularly vulnerable when temperatures exceed critical thresholds. The report notes that heat stress in livestock begins at around 25°C, while higher temperatures can impair plant growth and reduce photosynthesis, ultimately lowering agricultural productivity. “For the most common livestock species, stress begins at above 25 degrees Celsius, and a bit lower for chickens and pigs, which are unable to cool themselves by sweating. Above that threshold, animals begin to suffer, initially seeking shade, drinking more water, eating and moving less, while if exposure persists, they begin to suffer from digestive tract breakdowns, organ failure and cardiovascular shock. “Even when not lethal, extreme heat reduces dairy yields as well as fat and protein content – which inter alia worsens the carbon footprint of animal-sourced foods,” the report notes. “In marine environments, heatwaves reduce oxygen levels in water, threatening fish populations and fisheries. Fish can suffer cardiac failure as they struggle to maintain elevated respiration rates in waters where extreme heat events drive dissolved oxygen levels lower.” For most major agricultural crops, the report says, yield declines begin to occur above 30 degrees Celsius, lower for some crops such as potatoes and barley, leading to weakened cell walls, sterile pollens and the production of toxic oxidative compounds. Under extreme temperatures rates of tree photosynthesis and respiration diverge, creating an energy imbalance, resulting in reduced growth and less carbon removal from the atmosphere. Evidence points to a strong correlation between heat waves and wildfires, with longer and more intense fire seasons.” FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. at the FAO headquarters | Courtesy FAO The report also highlights the human cost, warning that extreme heat is already causing the loss of hundreds of billions of labour hours annually and making outdoor work unsafe for agricultural workers in many regions. Critically extreme heat also takes a toll on humans, especially agricultural laborers, for whom it can be fatal. The number of days each year when it is simply too hot to work may rise to 250 in much of South Asia, tropical Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Central and South America, according to the report. “This work highlights how extreme heat is a major risk multiplier, exerting mounting pressure on crops, livestock, fisheries and forests, and on the communities and economies that depend upon them.” said FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. “Extreme heat is increasingly defining the conditions under which agrifood systems operate,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “More than simply an isolated climatic hazard, it acts as a compounding risk factor that magnifies existing weaknesses across agricultural systems.” WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. at a past conference | Courtesy unognewsroom.org Experts caution that the impacts of heat are often compounded by other climate-related stresses such as drought, water scarcity, wildfires and pests, further undermining food security. To address the growing threat, the FAO and WMO are calling for urgent adaptation measures, including improved early warning systems, climate-informed farming practices, and the development of heat- and drought-resistant crops. It points to the need for innovation and the implementation of adaptative measures such as selective breeding and crop choices adjusted to the new climate reality, adjusting planting windows and altering management practices that can shelter crops and agricultural activities from the impacts of extreme heat. Early warning systems are a particularly important tool in aiding farmers in their efforts to respond to extreme heat. “Access to financial services such as cash transfers, insurance and payment schemes, shock-responsive social protection schemes and other forms underpins all categories of adaptation options. Technical solutions are necessary but by themselves will be insufficient without addressing pervasive socio-economic barriers in low- and middle-income countries, including limited access to information, education, awareness and training,” the report states. “Protecting the future of agriculture and ensuring global food security will require not only building on-farm resilience but also exercising international solidarity and collective political will for risk sharing, and a decisive transition away from a hiContinue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0300

Climate Smart Agriculture Lessons from Rwanda RwaContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 13:38:55 +0300

Half the World’s Economy Joins Landmark Talks to Phase Out Fossil Fuels By Agencies A historic shift in global climate action has started in Colombia with countries representing more than half of the world’s economic output convening for the first-ever international talks focused explicitly on phasing out fossil fuels. The high-level meeting in Santa Marta has brought together 57 countries in what observers are calling a “coalition of the willing”, a group of nations attempting to do what years of global climate negotiations have struggled to achieve by moving from pledges to a coordinated plan to wind down coal, oil and gas. Unlike traditional United Nations climate summits, which rely on consensus and are often slowed by competing interests, this new process is designed to accelerate action by those ready to move first. The strategy marks a decisive pivot in global climate diplomacy that could reshape energy systems without waiting for universal agreement. At the heart of the talks is a recognition that the fossil fuel era is ending through a gradual and managed transition driven by economics, policy, and risk. The Santa Marta discussions aim to build the frameworks consisting of financial, scientific and institutional needed to guide that transition before it is forced chaotically by crises. The participating countries collectively represent over 50 percent of global GDP, giving the initiative significant economic weight even in the absence of some of the world’s largest emitters such as China, the United States and India. However, the presence of countries like Brazil, Canada and Nigeria underscores the growing recognition that fossil fuel dependency carries rising economic and geopolitical risks. The agenda extends beyond emissions cuts as delegates are working to define national roadmaps for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, mobilising climate finance, and managing the social and economic consequences of transition, particularly for developing economies. A new global expert panel launched alongside the talks is expected to provide scientific and policy guidance to countries navigating this shift. The panel will focus on aligning national energy strategies to limit global warming to 1.5°C, while addressing concerns around energy security, economic stability and development. Many African economies remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels for export revenues and energy access, yet the continent is also among the most vulnerable to climate impacts and holds vast untapped renewable energy potential from solar to geothermal. The Santa Marta talks signal that timed for transition is ripe with financial markets already adjusting through capital that is increasingly flowing toward renewable energy and away from fossil fuel assets perceived as high-risk in a decarbonising world. At the same time, recent geopolitical shocks, including disruptions in global oil supply, have exposed the fragility of fossil fuel–dependent energy systems, reinforcinContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:34:37 +0300

East Africa Hunger Crisis Worsens as Climate and Costs Surge A new global assessment of hunger has painted a stark picture for Kenya and the wider East African region, warning that repeated climate shocks, rising food prices and regional instability are driving millions deeper into acute food insecurity. The Global Report on Food Crises 2026 finds that East Africa remains one of the world’s most fragile food systems, with crises persisting across the Horn of Africa and showing little sign of easing in the near term. Globally, the report estimates that about 266 million people faced acute food insecurity in 2025. A significant share of these is concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa, with East Africa standing out as a region where hunger is increasingly prolonged rather than seasonal. The report identifies a convergence of drivers behind the crisis in the region, led primarily by extreme climate variability. Countries including Somalia, Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan are highlighted as part of an adjoining belt of food insecurity where drought, floods and conflict intersect to disrupt food production and access. In Kenya, the report indicates that millions of people continue to face acute food insecurity, particularly in arid and semi-arid counties. National and humanitarian assessments cited alongside the report estimate that more than three million Kenyans are currently in IPC Phase 3 or above, meaning they are experiencing crisis-level hunger or worse. The report attributes Kenya’s situation largely to climate-related shocks, noting that the country is still recovering from one of the worst droughts in decades, which stretched from 2020 to 2023 and devastated pastoral and agricultural livelihoods. The prolonged dry period led to widespread livestock deaths, crop failures and depletion of household coping mechanisms. While rains have since returned in some parts of the country, the report cautions that the recovery has been uneven and fragile. Episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding have followed the drought, destroying infrastructure, displacing communities and undermining efforts to rebuild livelihoods. This pattern of alternating drought and floods, the report notes, is becoming increasingly common across East Africa and is complicating recovery efforts. Devastation and hunger in the desert-stricken areas in the north of Kenya, 2022 drought | Courtesy Concern World Wide In pastoral regions of northern Kenya, the loss of livestock has had long-lasting impacts on food security. The report notes that many households have yet to rebuild their herds, which serve as their primary source of food and income. As a result, families remain highly dependent on humanitarian assistance and are more vulnerable to future shocks. At the same time, economic pressures are exacerbating the crisis. The report highlights rising food prices and reduced purchasing power as key factors limiting access to food, even in areas where markets remain functional. Across the region, the report underscores that food insecurity is increasingly being driven by access. In Kenya and neighbouring countries, food may be present in markets, but many households are unable to afford it, leading to reduced consumption, fewer meals and worsening nutrition outcomes. The report also raises concern over persistently high levels of malnutrition, particularly among children and pregnant women. East Africa continues to record some of the highest rates of acute malnutrition globally, with the situation aggravated by repeated shocks that erode household resilience and strain health systems. Regional dynamics are further compounding the crisis. Ongoing conflicts in parts of Sudan and South Sudan, as well as instability in Ethiopia, are contributing to displacement and disrupting cross-border trade and pastoral movement. The report notes that these factors have spillover effects on neighbouring countries, including Kenya, by increasing pressure on resources and humanitarian systems. Despite the scale of the crisis, the report warns that funding for humanitarian and development responses is declining. Reduced international support is limiting the ability of governments and aid agencies to respond effectively, leaving significant gaps in food assistance and recovery programmes. Looking ahead, the outlook for Kenya and the wider East African region remains concerning. The report points to continued climate uncertainty, including the potential influence of El Niño conditions starting between May and July 2026, which could bring further disruptions to rainfall patterns. Combined with ongoing economic challenges and regional instability, these factors are expected to sustain high levels of food insecurity through 2026. The report calls for urgent and sustained investment in resilience-building measures, including climate-smart agriculture, improved water management, and strengthened social protection systems. It also emphasises the need for coordinated regional approaches to address cross-border drivers of food insecurity. For Kenya, the findings highlight the importance of long-term strategies to support vulnerable communities, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas, where the impacts of climate change are most pronounced. Strengthening early warning systems, expanding safety nets and investing in livelihood diversification are identified as critical steps to reduce vulnerability to future shocks. The report concludes that without a significant scale-up in both humanitarian assistance and development interventions, the region risks becoming locked in a cycle of recuContinue Reading

Peter Ngare wrote a new post

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:12:32 +0300

El Niño Set to Hit Within Weeks, Says WMO TheContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:54:00 +0300

Twin fossil fuel shocks could accelerate global shift to clean energy, report says Agency A new report by global energy think tank, Ember, suggests that recent disruptions in fossil fuel supply could hasten the world’s transition to clean energy, marking a potential turning point in global energy systems. The report, finds that two major crises, the 2022 war in Ukraine and the 2026 closure of the Strait of Hormuz following USA and Israel attacks on Iran on March 28, have triggered shocks to global oil and gas markets more severe than those experienced during the oil crises of the 1970s. According to the analysis, these “twin fossil shocks” could accelerate electrification and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, provided that governments adopt the right policy responses. The report draws parallels with the oil shocks of 1973 and 1979, which reshaped global energy demand. In that period, the first shock slowed oil consumption growth, while the second contributed to a long-term decline in oil use for electricity generation. However, the report notes a key difference between the two eras in that today, alternatives such as solar, wind, battery storage and electric vehicles are not only cleaner but often cheaper and faster to deploy than fossil fuels. “Once installed, they are not exposed to fuel price volatility or import disruption,” the report states, arguing that this makes the current crisis potentially transformative rather than cyclical. The findings suggest that global fossil fuel demand could be closer to an absolute decline than widely assumed. Among the expected trends, the report highlights faster electrification in Asia, growing pressure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) in power generation, and declining oil demand in transport due to rising electric vehicle adoption. To fully leverage the moment, the report outlines four key priorities for governments which are removing fossil fuel subsidies and regulatory barriers, prioritising electrification across sectors, lowering electricity prices to encourage uptake, and building institutions suited to an electric-based energy system. The Ember report warns against reverting to traditional responses such as expanding fossil fuel production or increasing subsidies, arguing that such approaches are outdated in a context where viable clean energy alContinue Reading

Mwangi Ndirangu wrote a new post

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:31:29 +0300

Kenya Issues New Guidelines for Accessing Green Climate Fund Financing The National Treasury has released new guidelines outlining how public and private entities can access funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), in a move aimed at strengthening oversight, aligning projects with national priorities, and accelerating climate financing. In Treasury Circular No. 2/2026, the government detailed a structured “No Objection Procedure” that all project proposals must undergo before being submitted to the global fund. The procedure requires applicants to obtain a No Objection Letter (NOL), which is a mandatory endorsement confirming that proposed projects align with Kenya’s climate strategies and development priorities. The circular emphasizes that the NOL is central to ensuring country ownership of climate projects, signaling that the government has reviewed and approved proposals as consistent with national laws, policies, and international commitments. The GCF, headquartered in South Korea, finances projects that help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to climate change. Kenya’s new framework seeks to streamline access to these funds while ensuring accountability and coherence with national plans such as Vision 2030, the Climate Change Act, and the National Climate Change Action Plan. Under the new guidelines, all applicants, including public institutions, private sector actors, and civil society organizations must first submit a concept note to the National Treasury, which serves as Kenya’s National Designated Authority (NDA) to the GCF. The Treasury will then review the proposal for alignment with national priorities and GCF investment criteria. Farmers picking tea leaves in Kenya. | Courtesy FAO A key feature of the process is the involvement of the Inter-Ministerial Technical Committee (IMTC) on Climate Finance, which will assess proposals within one month of submission. Applicants may be invited to present their projects before the committee, which evaluates them based on criteria such as impact, sustainability, innovation, and alignment with climate goals. If a proposal is deemed inconsistent with national priorities, it will be rejected, with applicants given up to two months to revise and resubmit. Successful proposals will receive a No Objection Letter signed by the Principal Secretary to the National Treasury. The guidelines also introduce safeguards to prevent duplication of projects, require stakeholder consultation, and ensure that local communities are involved in planning and implementation. International entities seeking funding must demonstrate added value beyond what local institutions can access and are encouraged to partner with Kenyan organizations. Additionally, the Treasury has set conditions under which a No Objection Letter may become invalid, including failure to develop a full proposal within two years or significant deviation from the original concept note. The framework includes a formal grievance mechanism, allowing applicants to appeal rejected proposals within two months, provided they address the reasons for rejection and propose corrective actions. Officials say the new procedure will enhance transparency, improve coordination among stakeholders, and position Kenya to better leverage international climate finance. The Treasury noted that it will periodically disseminate information on the procedure through media briefings and stakeholder engagements, and will review the guidelines every four years to ensure continued relevance. The move comes as Kenya intensifies efforts to mobilize climate finance to support adaptation and mitigation initiatives amid growing climate risks, including droughts, floods, aContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:45:29 +0300

Africa Faces Growing Lung Disease Crisis from Air Pollution In a ward at Heideveld Community Day Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa, 78-year-old Evelyn Samaai pauses between sentences to take a deep breath, as she struggles to speak. For more than a decade, she has lived with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a progressive illness that has slowly tightened its grip on her lungs. “I get tired so quickly, and breathing, which to some may seem normal, is an uphill task,” she says. Years of smoking, she admits, played a role, a habit she wishes she had never picked up. Evelyn Samaai speaks during the interview at Heideveld Community Day Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. | Courtesy But her story is no longer unusual. In Africa, COPD is emerging not just as a smoker’s disease, but as a complex public health crisis shaped by lack of access to clean energy and weaker emissions standards. Globally, chronic respiratory diseases are responsible for around 4.2 million deaths each year, making COPD the third leading cause of death worldwide after heart disease and stroke. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), COPD affects hundreds of millions of people, yet remains largely overlooked in global health priorities. “People are dying, and it’s like the leaves from the trees that fall every autumn, and nobody stops to see why the leaves are falling,” says José Luis Castro, the WHO Director-General’s Special Envoy on chronic respiratory diseases. Despite causing more deaths than infectious diseases like HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria combined, chronic respiratory diseases have historically received less funding and attention. Castro argues that this imbalance reflects a deeper issue of how global health systems tend to react to crises that are immediate and visible, rather than slow-moving epidemics like COPD. “Public health does not move at the speed of science. It moves at the speed of political will, and political will moves at the speed of public understanding.” While smoking remains a major risk factor, Africa’s COPD burden is driven by a wider set of exposures. Across the continent, millions of households rely on biomass fuels, including firewood, charcoal, and crop waste, for daily cooking. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 900 million people in Africa still depend on such fuels. In Limuru, in Kenya’s highlands, Valia Njeri’s family lives this reality daily. Each morning, she lights a firewood stove in her small kitchen. Over time, the smoke has become part of life, with the sting in her eyes, the coughs from her children and the soot clinging to walls being a testament to their reality. José Luis Castro, the WHO Director-General’s Special Envoy on chronic respiratory diseases, during a presentation in Cape Town. | Courtesy Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit, a pulmonologist at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, explains that indoor air pollution is a major contributor to chronic lung disease in Africa: “There is no such thing as safe pollution, because everything in the air has the potential to damage the lungs.” He points to the dual threat of particulate matter and toxic gases: “Air pollution is a mix of fine particles and chemicals like nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, many of which are linked to cancer and chronic lung disease.” These particles, especially fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing long-term damage and inflammation. In rapidly growing African cities, transport is another major contributor. Old, poorly maintained vehicles, often imported second-hand, emit high levels of pollutants. “Vehicles producing heavy smoke are a major contributor to air pollution,” van Zyl-Smit says. The paradox, experts say, is that increased mobility, often seen as a sign of development, comes with rising exposure to pollution. Older vehicles from high-income countries are frequently exported to Africa, where weaker emissions standards allow them to remain in use. This creates a dangerous mix in which urban residents inhale polluted air outdoors, then return home to homes filled with indoor smoke. Over time, the cumulative exposure significantly increases the risk of developing chronic respiratory diseases. Another challenge is that distinguishing between Asthma and COPD is not always straightforward. “Patients themselves usually cannot tell the difference. “It takes time, careful history taking, and lung function testing,” van Zyl-Smit explains. Asthma often begins in childhood, with symptoms that come and go, including wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. COPD, by contrast, develops slowly and progressively. Professor Richard van Zyl-Smit, a pulmonologist at the University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital | Courtesy “COPD is insidious. People just feel increasingly breathless and unable to keep up with daily life,” he says. In many African health systems, however, diagnosis is delayed. Primary care facilities often lack spirometers, which are essential tools for measuring lung function, and healthcare workers may not receive adequate training in chronic respiratory diseases. This gap means many patients are diagnosed late, when the disease is already advanced and harder to manage. For Castro, poverty is the root cause of COPD in Africa. “Poverty underpins many of these diseases, from dirty fuels to limited access to healthcare and nutrition.” In many households, cleaner energy sources such as electricity or liquefied petroleum gas remain unaffordable or inaccessible. As a result, families continue to rely on biomass fuels despite the health risks. Women and children are particularly vulnerable. “They are the most exposed because they spend more time around indoor cooking smoke,” van Zyl-Smit notes. At the same time, limited access to healthcare means that even when symptoms appear, treatment may be delayed or unavailable. Inhalers, essential for managing both asthma and COPD, are included on the WHO’s essential medicines list, yet remain out of reach for many patients. “Inaccessible medicines are not acts of nature. They are policy choices,” Castro says. Against this backdrop, experts agree that tackling COPD in Africa requires a multi-layered approach. At the policy level, van Zyl-Smit says, stricter vehicle emissions standards, investment in cleaner energy, and improved urban planning can help reduce exposure to pollution. “At the household level, simple interventions, such as improved ventilation, cooking outdoors, or installing chimneys, can significantly reduce indoor smoke,” he adds. But perhaps most importantly, Castro insists, there is a need to strengthen primary healthcare systems. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression, improve quality of life, and reduce the economic burden on families and heaContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:43:49 +0300

Escobar Hippos Face Culling as Colombia Battles Ecological Threat By Agencies Colombia has authorized the culling of up to 80 hippos descended from animals illegally imported decades ago by notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Officials say the move is necessary to protect ecosystems and human life, but animal welfare groups have criticized it. The decision marks the latest chapter in a bizarre and growing environmental dilemma rooted in Escobar’s private zoo. In the 1980s, Escobar smuggled several exotic animals, including hippos, into his sprawling estate, Hacienda Nápoles. After he died in 1993, many of the animals were relocated. Still, the hippos, well adapted to Colombia’s warm climate and lacking natural predators, were left behind, and over the decades, their population has exploded. The hippos have multiplied into a herd estimated at more than 150 animals, roaming freely along the Magdalena River basin. Colombian environmental authorities warn that without intervention, the number could exceed 1,000 within the next decade. Officials say the animals pose increasing risks to nearby communities. Hippos are highly territorial and can be aggressive, especially when humans encroach on waterways where they graze and breed. Beyond human safety, scientists warn of deep ecological disruption, explaining that the hippos are altering river systems by depositing large amounts of waste, which can change water chemistry, reduce oxygen levels, and threaten native fish and plant species. Authorities argue that culling is the only practical way to quickly reduce the population. Previous attempts to control the herd through sterilization have proven slow, expensive, and logistically difficult as each procedure requires capturing and anesthetizing massive animals that can weigh over 1,500 kilograms. Relocation has also been explored, including proposals to send hippos to sanctuaries abroad, but costs and limited capacity have made such options unfeasible at scale. Faced with mounting risks and limited alternatives, the government approved a controlled culling program targeting up to 80 animals as an initial step. The decision has sparked strong opposition from animal rights organizations both in Colombia and internationally. Activists argue that the hippos are not to blame for their presence and should not be killed for a problem created by human actions. They have called instead for expanded sterilization programs, international relocation efforts, or the establishment of protected reserves. Colombian authorities say the culling will be carefully managed and combined with other measures, including sterilization, to control long-term population growth. However, legal challenges and public protests could slow or reshape the plan as animal welfare groups are already exploring court action to block the killings, setting the stage for a protracted battle between conservation prioContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:47 +0300

Africa Must Lead Its Own Fossil Fuel Phaseout ByContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:05:55 +0300

Rising Lake Turkana Reshapes Traditional Livelihoods By Christopher Clark At sunrise on Komote Island, 36-year-old James Lekubo walks his two children down a rocky hillside to the water’s edge. They climb into a small fishing boat alongside a couple of dozen other passengers, setting off across a stretch of water that did not exist a few years ago. On the far side lie the school and the nearest clinics, which were once within walking distance before the lake rose and swallowed the land between them. Lekubo belongs to the El Molo, one of Kenya’s smallest and most marginalised communities, who have lived for generations along the eastern shores of Lake Turkana. For centuries, the lake has sustained them, shaping their culture, diet, and identity. But in recent years, the world’s largest desert lake has begun to transform in ways that threaten not only their livelihoods, but their very existence as a distinct people. Over the past decade, Lake Turkana’s water levels have risen dramatically, driven largely by heavier rainfall in the Ethiopian highlands that feed the lake through the Omo River. According to a 2021 report by Kenya’s environment ministry, over the preceding decade, Turkana’s water levels rose by several meters, expanding the lake’s total surface area by around 10%. Since then, the lake has continued to grow, submerging up to 1,000 square feet of the surrounding landscape, including roads, grazing land, ancient burial sites, and even entire villages. Komote is one of the places most visibly altered. As the lake expanded, it gradually cut the area off from the mainland, turning it into an island. Lekubo watched helplessly: “Most people left as the water came up. Even my family has been separated. I have cousins and uncles who are now on that side,” he says, gesturing at the new shoreline about 600 meters away. “I don’t really see them anymore.” Lekubo, his wife, and children are among the few dozen El Molo households that have so far refused to leave the newly formed island, despite additional obstacles and repeated calls from the government of Marsabit County for them to relocate to mainland villages. “This is my home,” Lekubo says. “It is what I know.” But it may only be a matter of time. Rising water levels have altered nearshore ecosystems, flooding fish breeding grounds and changing migration patterns. For communities like the El Molo, whose lives revolve around fishing, the consequences are immediate and severe. Primary school children getting off the boat that now ferries them to school. | Christopher Clark [Mongabay]. Lekubo has fished these waters since he was a teenager. Today, he says his monthly catch has dropped by more than half. “It’s not enough,” he admits. Across the lake, similar stories echo. On the opposite shore, Lucy Lenapir runs a small roadside kiosk selling chapati and chai to fishermen and traders. She has watched the changes unfold over time. “The men still go out to fish because there is no other option,” she says. “But there are no more fish.” The pressure on the lake’s fisheries extends far beyond the El Molo. Over the past two decades, fishing on Lake Turkana has expanded rapidly, transforming from a relatively small-scale activity into a critical economic lifeline for hundreds of thousands of people. Much of this shift has been driven by climate stress elsewhere. Prolonged drought across northern Kenya and southern Ethiopia has devastated pastoralist communities, killing livestock and pushing herders toward fishing as an alternative source of income. At the same time, improved infrastructure and growing urban demand have made it easier to transport fish to distant markets, drawing more people into the sector. A comparison of recent estimates from a 2024 World Food Programme (WFP) report and historical government fisheries data suggests the total number of fishers on the Kenyan side of Lake Turkana has more than doubled, from around 7,000 to more than 14,000, in the last 15 years. “More people are coming to fish every day,” says Stephen Ekuwom, a community fisheries leader in Kalokol. “They are coming from all over.” As competition intensifies, fishing practices have also evolved. Traditional wooden boats and handwoven nets are increasingly being replaced or supplemented by motorized vessels and larger, more efficient gear capable of reaching deeper waters. While this has temporarily boosted catches, it has also accelerated the depletion of key fish species. Researchers studying the lake have observed a notable shift in fish populations. Larger, commercially valuable species such as tilapia and Nile perch are becoming harder to find, replaced by smaller fish that reproduce quickly but fetch lower prices. This ecological shift is reflected in production trends. While total fish output rose significantly over the past decade, recent figures suggest a decline, attributed in part to rising water levels that have made traditional fishing grounds less accessible. Kenya Fisheries Service statistics show fish production on Lake Turkana rising from 6,430 metric tons in 2010 to 17,251 metric tons in 2022, before falling to around 15,600 metric tons in 2023, the most recent year for which full data are available. The WFP report attributes this decline to rising water levels restricting access to fishing grounds. The consequences are not just economic as they are increasingly becoming social and political. As fishermen travel farther in search of dwindling stocks, tensions have escalated in contested areas, particularly along the Kenya–Ethiopia border. James Lekubo fishes in the early evening on Lake Turkana. | Christopher Clark [Mongabay]. In recent years, clashes between Turkana and Dassanech fishers have intensified, sometimes turning deadly. In 2025, more than 20 fishermen were killed in an attack near Todonyang, underscoring the growing volatility around the lake. For individuals like 32-year-old Kute Hero, the lake represents both survival and risk. Once a pastoralist, Hero lost nearly all his livestock to drought and turned to fishing as a last resort. “I had about 1,000 animals,” he says. “All of them died except for two goats and a sheep.” The transition has been difficult, not only economically, but culturally. Among his community, fishing was once seen as a lesser occupation. Now, it is a necessity. “Fishing is very difficult,” he says. Hero has also witnessed the rising violence firsthand. Not long ago, his boat came under fire while fishing near the border. A close friend was killed in the attack. “Now my family is crying every time I go back onto the lake,” he says. To reduce the risk, he and others have begun fishing closer to shore. But this has further reduced their catches, compounding the hardship. These overlapping pressures of rising waters, declining fish stocks, population influx, and conflict are converging at a time when climate forecasts suggest the situation may worsen. Scientists warn that increased rainfall in the lake’s catchment could drive further expansion in the coming decades, deepening the disruption already unfolding. Lake Turkana has always been shaped by environmental variability. But what is happening now is different in both scale and speed. Multiple forces, climatic and human, are shifting simultaneously, creating a system that is increasingly difficult to predict. Back on Komote Island, as the day draws to a close, Lekubo prepares for another night on the water. The wind softens, and the lake’s surface settles into a muted calm. He paddles out on a traditional log raft, casting his net into the deepening expanse. “We depend on this lake. It is our daily bread,” he says. A few miles away, at the Desert Museum near Loiyangalani, artefacts tell the story of that enduring relationship with hand-carved harpoons, woven nets and tools fashioned from fish, reminding of a culture shaped by water. Yet even here, the signs of erosion are evident. The El Molo population has dwindled, their language has disappeared, and many traditions have faded through intermarriage and modernization. “Many of our traditions have slowly disappeared,” said Lucas Lemoto, a caretaker at the museum. “Our language was already extinct when I was growing up.” Across the Rift Valley, Lake Turkana is not alone. Other lakes, including Baringo, Bogoria, Naivasha, and Nakuru, have also expanded in recent years, submerging settlements and farmland, displacing communities, and redrawing landscapes. Together, they point to a broader environmental shift whose full consequences are only beginning to unfold. This article has been republished from Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/04/in-northern-kenya-a-shifting-lake-turkana-reshapes-traditional-Continue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:50:01 +0300

How Youth Are Reviving Dunga Wetland and Protecting Lake Victoria By Achieng’ Otieno On a quiet morning at Dunga Beach in Kisumu County on the shores of Lake Victoria, a small group of bird-watchers follows a narrow wooden boardwalk into a dense fringe of papyrus. Their guide, Victor Ochieng’ Didi, pauses, scanning the reeds for movement. The visitors have travelled far for a glimpse of the papyrus gonolek, a near-threatened bird whose survival depends almost entirely on wetlands like this one. The sightings of these birds are a result of nearly two decades of work by a local community group, the Dunga Ecotourism and Environmental Association (DECTTA), whose efforts have helped restore a fragile ecosystem once on the brink of collapse. Dunga Wetland, a designated Key Biodiversity Area, supports a range of species, including the papyrus gonolek and the papyrus yellow warbler, both dependent on intact swamp habitats. It is also home to the elusive sitatunga antelope, whose population in Kenya remains critically low. Beyond biodiversity, the wetland acts as a carbon sink and a natural filtration system for Lake Victoria, often described by scientists as the lake’s “lungs.” Two decades ago, the picture was different. “In the early 2000s, this place was choking,” Didi says. Plastic waste clogged the shoreline, while papyrus reeds, vital for fish breeding and bird habitats, were harvested unsustainably. As fish stocks declined, many residents turned to crafting furniture and household items from the reeds, accelerating their depletion. Bird-watching guide Victor Ochieng’ Didi. | Achieng’ Otieno [Mongabay]. DECTTA emerged in 2002 out of this crisis. Initially formed by members of the Dunga Beach Cooperative, the group sought to tackle both environmental degradation and economic hardship by promoting ecotourism. Youths were mobilized to clean up waste, guide visitors, and operate boats along the lake. For a time, the model worked with cleaner beaches and renewed biodiversity, attracting tourists, but the momentum proved fragile. By 2006, conservation gains began to unravel. Fishers encroached on breeding zones, while demand for papyrus products surged. “Everyone became an artisan,” Didi recalls. “The reeds were being harvested faster than they could regenerate.” DECTTA itself weakened as community interest shifted back to short-term income. The turning point came in 2008 as economic and political instability in Kenya drove many young people back to the village, creating an opportunity to rebuild. DECTTA was revived, this time with a sharper focus on linking conservation directly to livelihoods. Today, that approach defines the group’s work. Visitors pay modest fees for guided tours through the wetland, generating income that supports conservation activities and community welfare programmes. The group operates boats for excursions and has introduced small-scale attractions such as zip-lining to diversify revenue. Proceeds help fund school programmes and food support for elderly residents. “At the end of the day, people want to earn a living,” Didi says. “When conservation brings income, it becomes easier to protect the wetland.” Faith Adhiambo, DECTTA’s treasurer, says this model has gradually shifted attitudes. “People now see the wetland as an asset worth protecting, not just a resource to exploit,” she says. The boardwalk at Dunga Beach, Lake Victoria. | Achieng’ Otieno [Mongabay]. DECTTA has also moved beyond tourism into advocacy and restoration. The group is working with partners, including the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Kisumu County authorities, to pilot a “wetland garden”, which is a small-scale recreation of the ecosystem designed to attract wildlife and demonstrate the value of conservation. At the same time, members conduct community outreach, urging residents to avoid encroaching on wetland areas and to adopt sustainable practices. These efforts are supported by collaborations with youth groups under the Dunga Swamp Site Support Group. Yet, despite these gains, major challenges remain. many of which are beyond the community’s control. One of the biggest obstacles is the lack of formal legal protection. Although Kenya has multiple policies touching on wetlands, there is no single, unified framework governing their management. As a result, enforcement is often weak and fragmented. “Currently, less than 10% of wetlands are under legal protection through gazettement,” says environmental scientist Faith Omole. Without such designation, wetlands like Dunga remain vulnerable to encroachment and development. Tom Togo, a former county environment official, says community dynamics complicate matters. According to him, much of the wetland overlaps with privately owned land, making it difficult for authorities to impose restrictions. “You cannot dictate how people use their land,” he says. “That is why degradation continues.” DECTTA members say this legal gap undermines their work. Didi points to the expansion of lakeside hotels and other infrastructure, which often involves clearing papyrus and disrupting habitats. “We rarely win these battles,” he says. “Our efforts are not backed by law.” There have been some signs of progress. In late 2025, Kenya’s Environment and Lands Court ordered the demolition of structures built illegally on riparian land around Lake Victoria, in a case that had dragged on for more than a decade. Conservationists see the ruling as a precedent that could strengthen future protection efforts, even as the path to formal gazettement of Dunga wetland remains uncertain. A little egret (Egretta garzetta) at Dunga Beach. | Achieng’ Otieno [Mongabay]. Another critical challenge is data. Didi, who holds a degree in environmental science, says the lack of comprehensive mapping and monitoring weakens the case for protection. “We don’t even know the exact size of the wetland,” he says. “Without data, it is hard to argue for its boundaries or measure the extent of degradation.” Regional research underscores the urgency. A 2025 study commissioned by the Lake Victoria Basin Commission found rising contamination in nearshore waters, driven by untreated wastewater, agricultural runoff and solid waste. Experts warn that without healthy wetlands to filter pollutants, the lake’s ecosystem could face severe decline. “Wetlands are the final filter,” says Christopher Aura of the Kenya Marine Fisheries and Research Institute. “If we lose them, the lake will suffer.” Against this backdrop, DECTTA’s work represents a grassroots response to a complex environmental crisis that links conservation, livelihoods and governance. The group is now saving to acquire a fibreglass boat to expand its ecotourism operations, with proceeds earmarked for conservation projects, including the wetland garden. It also continues to lobby for the gazettement of Dunga and other wetlands in the region. For Didi, the goal is securing both ecological and economic sustainability. “If we can show that conservation works for the community,” he says, “then it becomes much harder to destroy what we have built.” This article has been republished from Mongabay: https://news.mongabay.com/2026/04/on-the-shores-of-lake-victoria-a-youth-led-campaign-to Continue Reading

Neville Ng'ambwa wrote a new post

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:03:51 +0300

COP31 Türkiye Leads Global Climate Action TürkiyeContinue Reading

Correspondent wrote a new post

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:13:44 +0300

BP Faces Landmark Environmental Lawsuit in Isiolo, Marsabit By Waweru Wairimu A court in Isiolo has allowed a class action lawsuit to proceed against multinational oil giant BP, in a case that could expose decades of alleged environmental damage in northern Kenya. In a ruling delivered on April 16, the court gave the green light for 299 petitioners to pursue claims that toxic waste from oil exploration activities contaminated groundwater in parts of Isiolo and Marsabit counties, leaving behind a legacy of illness, death, and ecological harm. The suit, filed in February at the Environment and Land Court in Isiolo, traces the origins of the dispute to the 1980s, when Amoco Corporation conducted exploratory drilling in the remote settlements of Kargi and Kalacha, on the edge of the Chalbi Desert. Although the wells did not yield commercially viable oil, the petitioners argue that the operations left behind hazardous waste generated during drilling, which was improperly disposed of by either being dumped in unlined pits or left exposed, allowing toxic substances to seep into underground water sources used by local communities. The petitioners claim that the contamination included dangerous materials such as radium isotopes, arsenic, lead, and nitrates, which are associated with serious long-term health effects. They allege that more than 500 residents living near the former drilling sites have died from cancers and other illnesses linked to the consumption of polluted water, while livestock losses have further undermined livelihoods in the already fragile region. “During operations at the sites, hazardous and toxic contaminants were improperly disposed, discharged, and released into the environment,” the court filings state. The case also widens the net of responsibility beyond BP. Several Kenyan government ministries and regulatory agencies responsible for the environment, water, mining, and public health have been named in the suit, accused of failing to act despite what the petitioners describe as longstanding evidence of contamination. The court’s decision marks a significant moment for environmental litigation in Kenya, where large-scale class action cases against multinational corporations remain relatively rare. Legal observers say the outcome could set an important precedent for how historical environmental damage, particularly from legacy extractive industries, is addressed. BP, which acquired Amoco Corporation in 1998, has not issued a public response to the allegations. The matter is scheduled to return to court in May, when proceedings are expected to move into a more detailed examination of the evidence, including environmental assessments and medicContinue Reading

Pauline Ongaji wrote a new post

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 03:03:26 +0300

The Hidden Cost of What Schools Feed Children AsContinue Reading