Pauline Ongaji - Big3Africa.org

Understanding Why Heat is Now a Public Health Priority

Pauline Ongaji April 14, 2026

Extreme heat is rapidly emerging as a leading global public health threat, driven by climate change and urbanisation. Experts warn that cities must act urgently, as rising temperatures increasingly worsen chronic illnesses and put vulnerable populations at risk.

Climate Change

Extreme Heat Declared Major Public Health Threat as Cities Act

Pauline Ongaji April 7, 2026

Extreme heat is now officially recognised as a major public health threat, joining risks like air pollution and poor diets. As global temperatures rise, cities—especially in Africa—are stepping up efforts to protect vulnerable populations from growing heat-related illnesses and deaths.

Tech & Energy

Makueni County Signs MoU to Advance Clean Cooking in Public Institutions

Pauline Ongaji April 2, 2026

Makueni County has partnered with CLASP to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking solutions in public institutions, targeting over 4,500 beneficiaries across 63 vocational training centres. The agreement, signed at the Kenyan International Investment Conference, signals growing momentum to unlock a Sh72 billion clean cooking investment opportunity in Kenya’s institutional sector.

Climate Change Food Systems

Kenya Climate Report Warns of Rising Food, Health and Economic Risks

Pauline Ongaji March 30, 2026

Kenya is facing a more volatile climate future as rising temperatures, erratic rainfall and extreme weather disrupt agriculture, strain health systems and threaten economic stability, according to the latest State of the Climate report.

Climate Change

Turkana Genetic Adaptation Reveals Climate Survival Edge and Emerging Health Risks

Pauline Ongaji March 25, 2026

A groundbreaking study shows how the Turkana people evolved to survive extreme dehydration in Kenya’s arid north. But as climate change and urban migration reshape lifestyles, these same genetic advantages may now increase the risk of chronic diseases, highlighting a growing public health challenge.

Conservation

How Cape Town’s Air Pollution Fight Offer Lessons for African Cities

Pauline Ongaji March 24, 2026

Cape Town’s evolving fight against air pollution is offering critical lessons for rapidly urbanising African cities. While stronger laws, real-time monitoring, and local enforcement have improved air quality management, challenges like vehicle emissions, high monitoring costs, and reliance on biomass fuels persist.

Climate Change

Global Warming Tightens Grip on Human Health as Heat and Disease Risks Surge

Pauline Ongaji March 23, 2026

Global warming is rapidly becoming a public health emergency, warns the World Meteorological Organization. Rising heat and shifting climates are accelerating disease spread and putting over a billion people at risk. Experts say urgent action is needed as climate impacts intensify worldwide.

Climate Change

Africa Launches First Climate–Health Desk to Turn Weather Data into Disease Warnings

Pauline Ongaji March 17, 2026

Africa has launched its first Climate–Health Desk to turn weather data into early warnings for disease outbreaks, marking a major step in linking climate science with public health across the continent.

Conservation

Kenya Busts Ant-Smuggling Ring, Exposing New Threat to Biodiversity

Pauline Ongaji March 13, 2026

Kenyan authorities arrested a suspect at Nairobi's JKIA after discovering more than 2,000 live queen ants hidden in luggage. The insects, identified as the giant African harvester ant (Messor cephalotes), are vital to ecosystem health through seed dispersal and soil aeration. Experts warn that the case highlights a growing global trade in exotic insects that could pose new threats to biodiversity.