Feature

The First Lady, Mama Rachel Ruto has established her first three ’Mama Kitchen Garden’ at State House Primary School, Nairobi Primary School, and St. Georges Primary School.

The Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5), tasked with formulating modalities for the gradual end to plastic pollution, ended in utter disappointment after negotiators failed to agree on a landmark treaty.

A critical negotiation to craft the world’s first global plastic treaty is underway in Busan, South Korea. Still, the likelihood of a final agreement to end plastic pollution seems increasingly slim. Delegates attending the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC5.2) conference are deeply divided, prompting discussions about extending the negotiation process.

By Bernard Gitau Kenya’s efforts to combat the escalating threat of forest fires, which are rapidly depleting its forest cover, have received a major boost with the introduction of advanced fire detection technologies worth Sh 2.8 billion from the French government. Speaking at Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Headquarters, Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale said Kenya faces escalating climate change impacts; prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures, heightening forest fire risks. “These fires threaten biodiversity, human lives, and livelihoods, making proactive management essential,” he said in a ceremony graced by France Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships Thani Mohamed Soilihi. The project is worth Sh 2.8 billion (USD 22 million) supported by the French government, and introduces cutting-edge technologies for fire detection, surveillance, and suppression. “It includes drones, advanced firefighting vehicles, PPE, and training to equip Kenya Forest Service teams for effective response,” he said. The partnership has helped Kenya to erect three masts mounted with cameras fitted with sensors to detect forest fire and the cameras can scan through the forest within seven minutes. The masts are erected in Karura forest, Mt Kenya, and Aberdare forests with the Command center hosted at KFS headquarters for monitoring and quick response. Wildfires have continued to slowly eat up Kenya’s forest cover, with the recent Global Watch report revealing a total of 749 fire alerts so far in 2024, considering high-confidence alerts only. The report has also revealed there were 40 fire alerts reported in Kenya between the 19th of November 2024 and the 26th of November 2024, of which 2.5 percent were high confidence alerts The partnership between France and Kenya has spanned decades, yielding impactful projects such as the Mikokomangrove restoration, Lake Victoria Ecosystem Management, and the Kenya Climate-Smart Agriculture Project. Today’s initiative further solidifies our shared commitment to forest protection, climate action, and sustainable development. “Aligned with our national goal to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 and achieve 30% tree cover, we prioritize forest protection,” he said. He said this collaboration exemplifies the power of technology and global partnerships in tackling climate change. “As we advance, we remain dedicated to sustainable forest management and community involvement,” he added.

BY WANJA MWANIKI Demand for sustainable energy solutions is growing rapidly, fueled by technological advancements. One of the latest innovations is a solar-powered refrigerator developed by Kenyan engineer Norah Magero. The device, named Vaccibox, has been mounted on an electric bike, allowing it to maintain a consistent cooling temperature using its battery. The electric bike also has its own battery, which can be charged via solar power or traditional electricity. “Essentially, we are reducing carbon emissions from deliveries while also ensuring the integrity and potency of medicines during transport,” says Magero.The box’s mounting is an advanced development from the initial innovation, which only had the fridge powered by solar energy. This innovation is particularly beneficial for remote areas, where deliveries can be made without the risk of spoilage, thanks to Vaccibox’s reliable cooling system. The idea for Vaccibox was born out of the challenge of providing cooling solutions in rural regions with no access to electricity. The concept became more urgent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Magero faced difficulties accessing vaccines for her newborn. “I had a baby at the time, and I realized that rural areas were struggling with vaccine storage and distribution,” Magero explains. “This experience, combined with my background in helping farmers store milk for longer, inspired me to develop a solution.” Magero, a graduate in mechanical engineering from the University of Nairobi, turned these challenges into an innovation. Vaccibox is a portable, solar-powered fridge designed primarily to transport and store vaccines. “The key features I focused on were portability, allowing it to be transported by car or motorbike, and real-time cold-chain monitoring and stock management,” Magero says. “Today, we’re also adding a vaccine scheduling feature to enhance its functionality.” When the first prototype of the Vaccibox was rolled out, it received positive feedback. Through her company, Drop Access Limited—which she registered separately from her NGO—Magero now manufactures and supplies fridges to health institutions. The Vaccibox is used by both human and animal health organizations to store and transport vaccines, as well as for storing other medical products, including blood, oxytocin, and various fluids. “I opted for local manufacturing after several costly attempts to ship the fridges internationally. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries were hoarding these critical products,” Magero explains. Magero’s research also revealed a key issue: most existing companies rely on large, power-hungry machines. “Africa has become a dumping ground for outdated equipment that no longer serves its purpose in the countries of manufacture, largely due to their high-power consumption,” she adds. This, she believes, is mainly due to the lack of proper regulations on imports, which allows inefficient technology to flood the market. Magero notes that some of the lessons in her journey is the importance of mindset and community involvement. She believes that with the right attitude and determination, Kenyans can shift from being consumers of foreign-made products to active manufacturers in their own right. “Kenya has a wealth of talent and innovation, and with the right mindset, we can begin manufacturing locally instead of relying solely on imports,” Magero says. “One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that involving the community you’re targeting is crucial during the manufacturing process. Understanding their needs and preferences helps ensure that your product will succeed in the market. Without that, it risks being rejected.” Magero is also passionate about the role of women in technology and innovation. She acknowledges that there are still relatively few women in this field and emphasizes the need to inspire and encourage more women to enter the space. “There’s a lot of untapped potential, and we need to bring more women into technology and manufacturing,” she asserts. “Their unique perspectives can drive even greater innovation.” Looking ahead, Magero has ambitious plans for scaling her innovation. “My ultimate goal is to expand production to other African countries. We are currently working towards obtaining certification from the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a critical step in making that vision a reality,” she notes. Magero’s dedication to expanding access to reliable, solar-powered medical solutions in Africa reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to improving healthcare systems across the continent. With her sights set on international recognition, she is paving the way for a future where local manufacturing is the backbone of Africa’s medical infrastructure.

Coffee farmers and exporters can now breathe a sigh of relief after the European Union deferred the implementation of its deforestation regulations.

By Melisa Mong’ina Waste Pickers play a crucial role in recycling and managing waste, yet their rights and health frequently go unprotected. In the heart of Dandora, a bustling area in Nairobi, these individuals navigate the harsh realities of their environment, striving to make ends meet amidst the challenging conditions around them. Plastic pollution has been the most common pollutant in Kenya, particularly in urban areas like Dandora, where waste management systems are often overwhelmed. As one of the most common pollutants, plastic waste clogs drains, pollutes waterways, and contributes to unsightly littering. This pollution not only poses severe threats to human health but also significantly impacts climate change. Nairobi Recyclable Waste Welfare Association chairperson Solomon Njoroge explained the critical role the association plays in safeguarding the welfare and rights of waste pickers.The association advocates for fair and consistent prices for recyclables and addresses health issues, particularly ensuring children of waste pickers are not exposed to the dangers of landfill. “It’s an association that safeguards the welfare and rights of the waste pickers. We advocate across various dimensions. When it comes to prices, we push for fair and consistent prices, while addressing health issues, making sure that the children are kept away from the landfill,” stated Njoroge. Njoroge noted that their main challenge is health issues due to lack of protective gear for waste pickers. He also highlighted the issue of price fluctuations, dictated by a few individuals. When prices drop waste pickers are notified but when they rise no one informs them. “The common challenges we face are the health issues because the waste pickers often work without protective gear, such as gloves, boots, and overalls. When it comes to the selling recyclables, prices are dictated by a few, and the price keeps changing. Whenever the price drop, they say, and when it rises, we are kept in the dark. These are some of the challenges,” he shared. In response to the injuries, the association provides basic first aid and refers patients to hospitals or clinics for further treatment. He further reflected on the high rates of illness among people living near the dump site. “Our association can only offer first aid. After treating an injured person at the dump site, we refer them to a hospital or we take them to the nearest clinic,” explained Njoroge. The association was formalized in 2021 and received a certificate with the help of Center for Environment Justice and Development (CEJAD). Njoroge noted that networking with other groups and organizations has improved the association’s capacity and mindset. “Many people often suffer from ailments but they don’t share with others due to poverty. CEJAD helped us to formalise our operations in 2021, giving us the certificate we lacked. Through this support, and networking with other groups and organisations, we have greatly improved our capacity and mindset,” noted Njoroge. When plastics are burned to dispose of them, they release toxic fumes that can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions and contribute to overall air quality degradation. In Kenya, women represent a substantial number of between 40% – 50% of waste pickers in urban areas. Joyce Wangari, a waste picker in the Dandora dump site, expressed the particular challenges faced by women, particularly the health impacts from smoke produced by burning plastics. “Women suffer a lot in Dandora due to the smoke from the burnt plastics. They find it difficult to breathe and can sometimes lead to suffocation,” said Wangari. She advocated for a halt to the production of single-use plastics if there is no market for them and urged leaders to champion policies that protect informal workers. “For single-use plastics, they should stop producing it if there’s no market. African leaders must ensure that a just transition for waste pickers is captured in the treaty. This includes access to safe, dignified, and regulated employment, skill development, fair wages, and social protections,” urged Wangari. CSOs Call for Reduction of Primary Plastics Production and Elimination of Hazardous Chemicals in Plastics at INC-5. Griffins Ochieng, Executive Director of CEJAD emphasized the need for a global agreement to reduce plastic production, highlighting the importance of setting a global target. He added that the treaty should include mandatory reporting requirements to monitor the effectiveness of the reduction targets and countries producing plastics should report on their production levels to ensure transparency and accountability. “To start on production, we are calling for a reduction of plastics, which are the polymers,” said Ochieng. “We are also seeking a global target where there is going to be a global agreement as an ambition to reduce plastic production. It also has to set some mandatory reporting requirements as obligations, so that there will be a way to monitor the effectiveness of this treaty in terms of countries that are producing and will be able to report on the production levels of their country.” He urged the elimination of toxic chemicals in the production of plastics and the need for provisions that will regulate health concerns throughout the entire life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal, to protecting public health and the environment. “The second crucial element is looking at the health aspects throughout the life cycle of clusters. There is evidence around the impact of the health concerns around the chemical attitudes, we want the treaty to regulate by eliminating toxic chemicals in the production of clusters,” said Ochieng. Griffins highlighted the importance of solidarity among African nations, urging African leaders to join forces and demand a treaty that would eliminate hazardous chemicals. “African countries as net importers bear the brunt of plastic pollution. It’s time for African leaders to stand united and demand a treaty that prioritizes elimination of hazardous chemicals, ensures transparency, and includes mechanisms for, labeling, tracking, monitoring, and data-sharing,” saidOchieng. Dorothy Otieno, Program Officer at CEJAD, echoed the need for reducing plastic production, highlighting the importance of establishing clear reduction targets. “We are calling for reductions in plastic production. We also seek clear targets for this reduction, needing quantifiable…