By Bernard Gitau @benagitau The Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi has been officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, making it Kenya’s eighth World Heritage Site. This accolade highlights the significance of Gedi’s historical and cultural value. Dr. Fredrick Manthi, Director of Antiquities, Sites and Monuments, commented, “The inscription of Gedi underscores the National Museums of Kenya’s commitment to conserving and promoting Kenya’s heritage for posterity. This recognition underscores the historical and cultural significance of Gedi, solidifying its place as a vital part of Kenya’s rich heritage.” Situated in Kenya’s coastal region, Gedi offers a glimpse into Swahili culture from the 13th to 17th centuries. The site features stone houses, a palace, and a mosque within a lush forest, reflecting the sophisticated architecture and urban planning of the Swahili civilization. Prof. Mary Gikungu, Director-General of the National Museums of Kenya, expressed, “We are deeply honoured by this inscription, which highlights the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage. The recognition of Gedi as a World Heritage Site not only elevates its status globally but also reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding our national treasures for future generations.” The addition of Gedi follows a rigorous evaluation by the World Heritage Committee, which recognized its outstanding universal value. Professor Peter Ngure represented Kenya at the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee in New Delhi, India, on July 27, 2024. He stated, “Thank you for giving Kenya the opportunity to present the Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi—a prominent Swahili city-state on the East African Coast. The property is an outstanding testimony to the social and economic structure of its 13th-century inhabitants.” This new designation enhances conservation efforts and opens avenues for sustainable tourism, research, and international collaboration. The National Museums of Kenya, alongside local and international partners, will focus on preserving Gedi’s archaeological and biological integrity while improving visitor experiences through enhanced infrastructure and educational programs. With Gedi’s inclusion, Kenya now boasts eight World Heritage Sites: Lake Turkana National Parks, Mount Kenya National Park and Forests, Lamu Old Town, Sacred Mijikenda Kaya Forests, Fort Jesus, Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, Thimlich Ohinga Archaeological Site, and the Historic Town and Archaeological Site of Gedi. This addition enriches Kenya’s cultural landscape and contributes to global understanding of Swahili history.

In a world grappling with the consequences of climate change and environmental degradation, the role of faith communities in conservation efforts is increasingly pivotal.

Environmental advocates have issued a stark warning about the escalating threat of plastic waste in the Indian Ocean and along beaches, urging for enhanced waste management strategies across coastal areas.

Researchers are emphasizing the urgent need for governments to enhance carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies to meet global climate goals. The 2024 State of Carbon Dioxide Removal report, released by the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment, highlights a significant gap between current CDR efforts and what is necessary to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Currently, around 2 billion metric tons of CO2 are removed annually, primarily through conventional methods like reforestation and soil management. However, to achieve the 1.5 degrees Celsius target, this needs to increase to approximately 7-9 billion tons per year​ (Smith Enviro)​​ (Carbon Brief)​. The report identifies a major shortfall in the deployment of novel CDR technologies, such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS), and enhanced rock weathering. These technologies currently contribute only a fraction (0.1%) of total CDR efforts. To close this gap, the deployment of these technologies must increase dramatically—by a factor of 1,300 on average by 2050​ (Smith Enviro)​​ (Carbon Brief)​. Policymakers are urged to support a diverse portfolio of CDR methods, encompassing both conventional and novel technologies, to avoid over-reliance on any single method. This approach is essential to achieve net-zero emissions and stabilize global temperatures​ (Smith Enviro)​. The report also underscores the need for robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to track progress and ensure the effectiveness of CDR initiatives. Effective MRV is crucial for making informed decisions and accelerating progress in the CDR field​ (CO₂RE – The Greenhouse Gas Removal Hub)​. In summary, while there have been advancements in CDR technologies and increased awareness, significant policy support and investment are required to scale up these efforts to the necessary levels. Without this, meeting the Paris Agreement goals will be exceedingly difficult​ (Carbon Brief)​.

The Kenya Meteorological Department predicts continued rainfall across various regions from May 21 to May 27. Here is a detailed regional forecast:

The proposal by Kenyan Government to introduce a 16% Value Added Tax (VAT) on electric bicycles, solar batteries, and electric buses has raised concerns regarding its dedication to promoting the use of clean energy to combat pollution caused by fossil fuels. These products were previously zero-rated as part of a series of incentives introduced by the Government in 2023 to support the e-mobility sector and encourage the adoption of green energy in transportation. As a result of these incentives, there has been a notable increase in the use of electric buses and bicycles in Kenya, with several new start-ups emerging in the country. An analysis conducted by Bowman’s Kenya on the Finance Bill of 2024 suggests that the introduction of VAT on electric buses could lead to higher costs for these e-mobility products, potentially slowing down the growth of the sector. This shift in policy comes at a time when the use of green energy in the transportation sector is gaining momentum, raising doubts about Kenya’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which calls for the support and promotion of technologies that enhance climate resilience and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the proposal to tax solar batteries contradicts efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it would increase the cost of installing solar power systems, hindering their adoption as a means of mitigating the impacts of climate change. On a more positive note, there are provisions in the bill that, if approved by Parliament, could help promote the use of clean energy, particularly for households. One such provision is the proposal to exempt bioethanol vapor (BEV) stoves from VAT, which could encourage the adoption of cleaner cooking technologies. Another promising proposal is the implementation of an Eco Levy on certain goods, particularly electronics, that are either manufactured in Kenya or imported into the country. This levy would be paid by manufacturers and importers, the aim being to hold them accountable for the negative environmental impacts of their products. The concept of an Eco Levy is not new, as it has already been successfully implemented in various countries. In Ghana, producers and importers of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) are required to pay an advance “eco-levy” to ensure proper collection, treatment, recovery, and environmentally friendly disposal of EEE. “While this proposal is a step in the right direction, considering that electronic waste is notoriously difficult to dispose of due to its non-degradable nature, there is room for flexibility. Manufacturers and importers who can demonstrate that they have effective waste disposal and recycling systems in place could potentially receive relief from the levy,” Bowman’s analysis shows.

Source: Kenya Meteorological Department As we move into the third week of May, the weather across Kenya is expected to exhibit a mix of sunny intervals, occasional showers, and thunderstorms in various regions. Here are the highlights of the seven-day weather forecast issued by the Kenya Meteorological Department: The Highlands West of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin and the Rift Valley (Kisii, Nyamira, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Busia, Migori, Narok, Baringo, Nakuru, Trans-Nzoia, Uasin-Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet and West-Pokot Counties): Sunny intervals are expected in the morning though light rains may occur over few places. Afternoon showers and thunderstorms are expected over few places. Nights are likely to be partly cloudy but occasional showers may occur over a few places. North-western Kenya (Turkana and Samburu Counties): Sunny intervals are expected during the day while nights are likely to be partly cloudy. The Highlands East of the Rift Valley (including Nairobi County) (Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka-Nithi and Nairobi Counties): Mornings are likely to be cloudy breaking into sunny intervals. Occasional afternoon and night showers are expected over few places. North-eastern Kenya (Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Isiolo Counties): Sunny intervals are expected during the day while nights are likely to be partly cloudy. The South-eastern lowlands (Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado and Taita-Taveta Counties): Sunny intervals are expected during the day while nights are likely to be partly cloudy. The Coast (Mombasa, Tana-River, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale Counties): Sunny intervals are expected during the day while nights are likely to be partly cloudy. However, occasional morning and afternoon showers may occur over few places. Source: Kenya Meteorological Department