A new research study by the Africa Economic Research Consortium (AERC) has established that public policy architects must move with speed to prioritise access to clean energy solutions, especially for women in rural areas.
Speaking during an AERC Side Event at the Supporting Pastoralism and Agriculture in Recurrent and Protracted Crises Programme (SPARC) & Jameel Observatory Joint Conference held at a Nairobi Hotel, AERC Executive Director Prof Victor Murinde underscored the urgent need to prioritise policy interventions to provide clean energy access for women in rural areas.
“The persistence of high food and fertiliser prices continues to affect the well-being of many vulnerable households. This research shows that whereas these shocks often begin globally, in this case, the Russia-Ukraine war, their effects are deeply felt at the household level across Africa,” Prof Murinde said.
The AERC study findings, he said, highlight the reality that women, already heavily impacted by the economic challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, faced further burdens due to rising fuel prices.
According to recent study findings, Prof. Murinde noted that during economic shocks, women are more likely to switch to cheaper, traditional cooking fuels, despite their adverse effects. Switching to such fuels exposes women to spending significantly more time on fuel collection and meal preparation than men.
“The study uncovered significant gendered differences in cooking strategies. About two-thirds of the households that stopped using kerosene following the Russia-Ukraine war switched to LPG, a cleaner fuel. This was less in women than in men. Further, only about 8% of the households switched to firewood, and this was mainly in rural areas, with women being more likely to switch to this fuel than men,” Prof Murinde said.
He added, “Ensuring that clean cooking energy is available and affordable, especially for women in rural areas, should be a policy priority.”
The study, published by AERC as a working paper, was undertaken by Researchers Onyango Dickson Wandeda, Macharia Kenneth Kigundu, Ngui Dianah, and Maloi Lanoi. The researchers investigated gendered cooking coping strategies in Kenya following the Russia-Ukraine war. It also examined gender differences in time savings related to these strategies. It assessed the effectiveness of a fuel subsidy introduced to mitigate the adverse effects of the war on households.
The AERC side event today brought together national policymakers, NGOs and other implementing organisations, and multilaterals based in Nairobi, including UN agencies, development banks, CGIAR agricultural research centres, and other key stakeholders who have important roles to play in shaping new research findings, paving new policy directions, and initiating innovative practices in the areas of food security.
The discussions emphasised the urgency of translating research into practical solutions that safeguard low-income households. As Africa continues to navigate the realities of high food prices, the findings provide a vital roadmap for shaping policies that advance food security, equity, and sustainable growth across the continent.
Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) has announced the successful completion of the sale of its entire working interest in Kenya to Auron Energy E&P Limited, an affiliate of Gulf Energy Ltd, following satisfaction of all conditions precedent under the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) announced on 21 July 2025.
In a press release published on the London Stock Exchange, Tullow has confirmed receipt of the full proceeds of Tranche A (US$40 million) under the terms of the SPA.
Contacted for comment, Tullow Kenya BV Managing Director Madhan Srinivasan confirmed the successful sale completion.
“The transaction represents the sale of 100% of the shares in Tullow’s subsidiary Tullow Kenya BV, which holds Tullow’s entire working interests in Kenya, for a minimum cash consideration of US$120 million, subject to customary adjustments,” Madhan said.
He added that the transaction proceeds will be used to strengthen Tullow’s balance sheet. Tullow will also retain royalty payments, subject to certain conditions, and a no-cost back-in right for a 30% participation in potential future development phases.
He further expressed TKBV’s gratitude to various Government of Kenya arms and agencies including the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) and the County Government of Turkana among others for their support since 2011.
“After 14 years in Kenya, Tullow leaves behind strong assets, and we are delighted to pass the baton to Gulf Energy, a capable Kenyan company in the lead up to first oil, making Kenya an oil-producing country. We are very grateful for the support and co-operation extended to TKBV by various stakeholders in the Government of Kenya,” he said.
On his part, Gulf Energy Ltd Chief Executive Officer Paul Limoh said: “We are delighted to complete this transaction and to bring these assets under the stewardship of Gulf Energy Ltd. This project will play an important role in advancing Kenya’s domestic energy sector, creating opportunities for growth and development in the Turkana region, as well as supporting the country’s long-term energy security. We thank Tullow for its years of investment and commitment, and we look forward to building on that foundation as we work with partners and stakeholders to take the project forward.”
Ian Perks, Chief Executive Officer of Tullow, commented: “The successful completion of this transaction marks a significant milestone for the company and the achievement of another one of our key 2025 strategic priorities. The use of proceeds helps to strengthen our balance sheet further, and I would like to thank the team for their hard work and commitment, which have helped position the company strongly as we look to refinance our capital structure this year. On behalf of everyone at Tullow, I extend our best wishes to the people and Government of Kenya and wish Gulf Energy every success as they advance this project.”
Marking World Cancer Research Day, the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC), in partnership with Bio Usawa, Inc., has announced a landmark initiative to fuel homegrown innovation: the inaugural AORTIC Microgrant Program.
The program is designed to provide crucial seed funding-grants of up to USD $5,000-to early-career African researchers developing novel solutions to strengthen cancer care systems across the continent. The focus is on equity-focused ideas that can directly improve cancer care delivery.
“On a day dedicated to cancer research worldwide, we are thrilled to invest in African innovation for African solutions,” said Dr. Miriam Mutebi, President of AORTIC. “This program creates new opportunities for early-career researchers to lead the charge against cancer in their communities.”
Dr. Menghis Bairu, Co-founder, President and CEO of Bio Usawa, echoed this commitment, stating, “Bio Usawa is invested in building capacity in Africa and is committed to supporting local researchers to develop real world solutions for the gaps in care in our setting.”
The microgrants aim to support practical, pilot-stage projects over a 12-month period, from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026. Funding can be used for project design, tools, small pilots, and materials.
Beyond funding, awardees will gain visibility by being invited to present their findings at AORTIC events and will be encouraged to submit their research to the AORTIC Journal for publication consideration. The program will be managed by Bio Usawa.
The program is open to early-career researchers who have completed their terminal degree within the last five years and are currently based in or formally affiliated with an African institution.
The call for proposals officially opens on October 1, 2025, and the final deadline for all applications is October 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM GMT. Successful applicants will be notified on November 1, 2025, with the funded project period running for exactly twelve months, from November 1, 2025, to October 31, 2026.
Kenya is a leading global advocate for international cooperation, with 72per cent of its population backing the idea, according to a new global poll released by The Rockefeller Foundation.
The findings place Kenya among the top five nations worldwide, alongside India (81%), South Korea (73%), Nigeria (71%), and South Africa (70%).
The survey, which polled 36,405 adults across 34 countries including Kenya, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and South Africa, captures public sentiment at a time of massive global disruption and dramatic cuts to humanitarian and development work.
Alongside the poll’s release, The Rockefeller Foundation announced the launch of a new US $50 million Build the Shared Future initiative. The 112-year-old philanthropic organization aims to develop innovative solutions that more effectively respond to global crises and promote a healthier, more prosperous, and secure future for all.
The results reveal that despite rising nationalist rhetoric and cuts to development aid, a strong majority of people globally still want nations to work together on common threats. This support is particularly robust in Sub-Saharan Africa, which showed an overall 68% approval rate for international cooperation.
However, the findings also indicate that this support is conditional. While people back cooperation when it delivers tangible results, scepticism remains. Globally, 75% of respondents said they would support international cooperation if it is proven to effectively solve global problems, and 76% would support it if it solves problems in their own countries. Yet, today, less than half (42%) of those surveyed believe international cooperation is in their personal interests.
“At a moment when the world is struggling to cooperate on addressing shared threats, The Rockefeller Foundation can once again help bring people together from across the world and across political divides to test new ideas and catalyze innovative solutions that will save lives,” said Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, President and CEO of the ONE Campaign and member of The Rockefeller Foundation’s Board of Trustees.
Commenting on the implications for Africa, William Asiko, Vice President of Africa at The Rockefeller Foundation, said: “For too long, the narrative around development in Africa has been focused on aid rather than on partnership and mutual benefit. This new data confirms what we’ve always known—that Africans want a system of international cooperation that is not only effective but also equitable. Build the Shared Future provides a powerful opportunity to design and implement solutions that prioritize local leadership, leverage innovation, and build a more resilient and prosperous future for the continent.”
The poll also found overwhelming global consensus that cooperation is crucial for tackling key issues: jobs (90%), trade and economic development (92%), food and water security (93%), global health (91%), climate (86%), and poverty and inequality (90%). Despite this, trust in the institutions that drive this cooperation is relatively lower, including the United Nations (58%), the World Health Organization (60%), and the International Monetary Fund (44%).
The Rockefeller Foundation’s Build the Shared Future initiative aims to galvanize the global community to move beyond the current status quo and foster smarter, more creative, and collaborative approaches to the world’s biggest threats.
The survey was conducted by research technology company FocalData between August 8 and September 10, 2023.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has been a cornerstone of Kenya’s education system since its inception in 1995, turning academic dreams into reality for 1.23 million students. But behind the billions disbursed lies a critical balancing act: funding the next generation of students while ensuring past beneficiaries repay their loans to keep the cycle going.
In a televised interview on KBC Channel 1 on Thursday evening, HELB’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Monari, provided a transparent look at the board’s monumental impact, the stubborn challenge of loan defaults, and the strategic shifts needed to secure its future.
The Scale of Impact
HELB’s footprint on Kenya’s educational landscape is profound, according to the CEO, this year alone they have been able to fund 983,107 students some whom have already reported to various universities with 514,000 students already paid Ksh 20.4 billion for the academic year.
“Since its inception, HELB has supported over 1.9 million students with a cumulative total of KSh 195 billion in which KSh 33 billion of that total has been recycled from loan repayments by past beneficiaries. Currently, we have 488,000 students repaying their loans and these are the students who are supporting the current students,” Monari emphasized, highlighting the model’s design. “Last year alone, KSh 5.2 billion in repayments funded 49,000 university students and 114,000 in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET),”He added.
Tracking down the defaulters
The success of the revolving fund model depends on timely repayments. Here, HELB faces its biggest test. Out of the 1.9 million beneficiaries, a significant portion have not yet entered the repayment phase. According to Monari, 256,000 have fully repaid their loans, while 488,000 are currently repaying. This leaves over a million beneficiaries outside the “repaid or repaying” bracket. Monari clarified that this includes 78,000 currently in university and 300,000 recent graduates who have just entered the grace period. However, a substantial number are yet to pay.
“Approximately 100,000 graduates are holding an estimated KSh 32 billion in outstanding loans that are due,” he noted.
Categorizing the Defaulters
Monari broke down the defaulters into three distinct categories, each requiring a different strategy. The first group he named is the “Hardcore” Non-Payers who are now around 15,000 people. Saying that these are people who can pay but won’t pay. Adding that these are often individuals with loans over 20 years old who actively refuse to repay. The other group is the ‘willing but unable’; these are graduates who are unemployed, underemployed, or in low-paying casual jobs that lack the means to repay. The third group is the procrastinators; who he said really want to pay but they keep on postponing,” Monari explained that this group needs convenience and reminders to trigger action.
HELB’s recovery arsenal
To tackle this, he noted that HELB employs a multi-pronged approach like loan waiver campaigns encourage payment, while listings with Credit Reference Bureaus (CRBs) have affected 64,000 individuals, blocking their access to further credit. Another strategy is HELB conducts employer inspections (236 this year, identifying 28,000 new loanees) and works with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to pursue Kenyans in the diaspora, who repaid KSh 100 million last year and the last measure for the “hardcore” group is that HELB uses debt collectors (who charge a 20% fee to the defaulter), writes to guarantors, and applies penalties that increase the debt.
Strengthening the Bite
The CEO identified two critical amendments needed in the HELB Act for stronger legal tools namely the power to freeze and attach the assets of those who can pay but refuse and a law to freeze the accounts of companies that deduct loan repayments from employees but fail to remit the KSh 34 million currently held by such firms.
“Those are areas that can be strengthened for HELB to carry out its mandate effectively,” Monari said, noting that draft amendments are already with the Attorney General’s office.
Shaming of defaulters
Monari explained that the “list of shame” was discontinued due to data privacy laws, shifting the focus to individual legal pursuit.
The Future: New Funding Model
Looking ahead, HELB is adapting to new challenges, including the rise of the gig economy, which makes income tracking difficult. Monari cited collaboration with the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) as a potential solution.
On operations, he noted that while technology has helped, a shortage of about 40 staff members affects front-office service and recovery efforts, which will be addressed progressively.
Finally, Monari assured Kenyans that the new Student-Centered Funding Model is being refined based on a presidential committee’s review, which has already led to reduced program costs and a more refined means-testing instrument to ensure need-based funding.
Listed non-banking financial services company Sanlam Kenya Plc has announced that it will hold a virtual Extra-Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) on Thursday, October 9, 2025 to seek shareholder approval for a formal name change to Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC.
The proposed name change is part of a larger, continental business growth strategy following the newly formed joint venture between Sanlam and Allianz, called SanlamAllianz. This partnership combines the two companies’ operations across Africa to form the continent’s largest pan-African non-banking financial services entity.
“The proposed name change is a key step in our alignment with the new SanlamAllianz brand,” said Dr Patrick Tumbo, Group CEO of Sanlam Kenya PLC. “By formally establishing ourselves as Sanlam Allianz Holdings (Kenya) PLC, we are moving to leverage the combined expertise and financial strength of two respected and well-known global brands.”
Dr Tumbo said that, ahead of the proposed formal rebrand, which is subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals, Sanlam Kenya will continue to strengthen its foothold as a client-centric business that is both resilient and well-positioned for sustained growth.
“Across Africa, Sanlam and Allianz are leveraging their mutual strengths to unlock synergies and provide clients with best-in-class, innovative insurance solutions and technical excellence. This creates value for its stakeholders through greater economies of scale, broader geographic presence, larger combined market share, and a more diversified product offering,” he said.
SanlamAllianz operates in 26 countries and holds a combined total group equity value of over 33 Billion South African Rand (approximately 2 Billion Euros).
Ahead of the proposed formal rebrand, Sanlam Kenya has demonstrated steady insurance revenue growth in recent months.
As of 30 June 2025, the company reported an Insurance revenue growth reaching KShs 3.73 Billion, up from KShs 3.52 Billion; Sanlam Life Insurance and Sanlam General Insurance reported solvency rates of 220% and 194%, respectively, at the end of the period and an increased total assets rising to KShs 41.3 billion from KShs 39.2 billion as of December 31, 2024.
Additionally, a recent Rights Issue successfully raised the company’s issued share capital to Kshs 3.22 Billion, with shareholders’ funds more than doubling to Kshs 3.85 Billion. This has significantly strengthened the company’s capital base and solvency, positioning it for continued growth and innovation.
About an hour’s drive from Machakos town, 63 kilometers southeast of Nairobi along a dusty road that cuts through rolling hills, sits Kivai Comprehensive School in eastern Kenya. At the entrance, flower beds don’t welcome visitors instead visitors are welcomed by neat rows of spinach, sukuma wiki, managu, and onions.
The once bare compound now looks green and alive, thanks to an organic farming project that has turned the school into a place of learning and nourishment. On this particular day, a team of journalists from across the country arrived to witness how this small rural school in an arid land has turned farming into a lifeline for learning and survival.
These crops have transformed what was once a barren compound with a handful number of learners into a space of nourishment and learning. For Eliud Mutungi, the school’s headteacher, the gardens symbolize hope for the learners.
“The vegetables are not just for food, they also give the children hope,” he says. “When learners walk in and see them, they know they won’t go hungry. Even if they left home without food, they are assured of a meal here.”
The Transformation
The school’s transformation began in August 2023, when SCOPE Kenya (Schools and Colleges Permaculture Program) trained school leaders on permaculture, an agricultural system that relies on organic methods instead of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Kivai was among the first schools selected to pioneer the project. Teachers, parents, and pupils worked side by side to establish the gardens, planting climate-resilient crops such as cassava, sweet potatoes, bananas, and indigenous vegetables.
The results were immediate. “Before, the school looked deserted, and learners had very low self-esteem,” recalls Mr. Mutungi. “But once the gardens came, morale rose, classrooms felt alive, and even exam performance improved.”
By the end of 2023, Kivai topped Makueni Sub-County in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams an achievement the headteacher credits partly to better nutrition and a renewed sense of pride among pupils.
Why Permaculture?
According to John Macharia, National Coordinator at SCOPE Kenya, the program was born out of necessity. “Most schools had no feeding programs, and where food was provided, it was usually just maize and beans,” he explains. “This diet left children malnourished, absenteeism was high, and academic performance suffered.”
SCOPE introduced a model that connects farming to learning. Schools receive training on permaculture designs such as sack gardens, mulching, and water harvesting, allowing children to learn by doing.
“We wanted children to link what they study in class with practical life skills, while also restoring dignity to their school environments,” says Macharia. Today, SCOPE works with 140 schools across 15 counties, training teachers and pupils to grow food and conserve the environment.
Benjamin Kivilu a teacher at teacher at Kivai Comprehensive School showcasing the project at the school farm/ Lenah Bosibori
Boosting Nutrition and Enrollment
When the program started, Kivai had just 64 pupils. Today, the number has more than doubled to 141 learners. Parents, many of whom struggle to provide regular meals at home, now prefer the school because their children are assured of food.
The feeding program has also diversified diets. Learners now eat vegetables, cassava, beans, and rabbit meat. Hibiscus tea has even replaced plain porridge for breakfast. Teachers report that children are healthier, more energetic, and more attentive in class.
“Some children used to come to school hungry and could not concentrate,” says Mr. Mutungi. “Now, they are alert and eager to learn. We are seeing a huge difference.”
The initiative has also breathed life into Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes practical learning. Pupils at Kivai prepare seedbeds, manage gardens, and learn soil conservation techniques.
“They also integrate farming into other subjects: in home science, they cook and serve food from the garden; in business studies, they sell produce to raise money for seedlings; in math, they measure plots and calculate costs; and in science, they observe plant growth and biological processes,” explains Mr. Mutungi.
Benjamin Kivilu, another teacher at Kivai School, adds that the SCOPE project has blended seamlessly with the CBC system. “In agriculture lessons, whether it’s animal husbandry or crop care, we bring learners here to practice. During planting season, they don’t just read about it they get their hands dirty,” he says.
With drought affecting much of the region, the school has introduced drought-resistant crops. Kivilu notes that the initiative has gone beyond academics, instilling discipline and responsibility in the pupils. “After playing, the children return to the gardens to continue their work. It’s teaching them to be accountable,” he says.
The program is also set to revive the school’s 4K Club, thanks to the availability of land and sack gardens that allow crops to thrive even in harsh conditions. “This way, learners are developing holistically. They will grow up knowing the value of farming and its role in building resilience,” Kivilu adds.
A Community Ripple Effect
Rebecca Mbevi, an ECD teacher at Kivai School, says the project has transformed both the school and the wider community. “This initiative has brought so many changes to our school. Parents were impressed, and many have gone ahead to implement it in their homes. When you visit households around here, you will find families practicing what we started at school,” she explains.
She adds that the shift to organic farming has reduced costs while improving health. “We realized it is better to depend on crops that don’t require chemicals or pesticides. Now we save a lot because we no longer buy vegetables but we grow everything ourselves. It has even put some money in people’s pockets,” Mbevi says.
Children, too, are part of the change. “Every child has a small project at home, even with limited water. We recycle what we use. Parents are also busy, if one visits homesteads, you won’t find anyone idle at home,” she notes.
As a grandmother, Mbevi has experienced the impact firsthand. “When I get home, my grandchildren remind me, ‘We were told to eat vegetables because they are healthy.’ We have been educated, and our children’s nutrition has greatly improved,” she adds with a smile.
The Challenge of Water
Still, the program faces one persistent challenge: water scarcity. Makueni is a semi-arid county where rain is unreliable, and sustaining the gardens during dry months is expensive.
“One 10,000-litre tank of water costs KES 3,500, which many parents cannot afford,” says Mr. Mutungi. “We rely on rivers far away or donations from well-wishers.”
“Our learners have also stepped in by bringing water from home using their parents’ donkeys,” explains Mr. Mutungi. “When the drought was at its worst, the pupils asked their parents to let them use the donkeys to fetch water. One day, we saw them arriving at school with donkeys carrying jerrycans. Each donkey brings about four 20-litre jerrycans from a nearby river, which is quite a distance from here.”
“We now have around five donkeys that supplement the water we use, notes Mutungi. “Thanks to this effort, we are able to water the gardens at least three times a week.”
SCOPE has also introduced techniques like banana circles and mulching to conserve soil moisture, but more is needed. “If the school had a borehole, this program could run throughout the year,” he adds.
Despite the hurdles, the project has transformed Kivai into a model of resilience. A once dull and uninspiring school now buzzes with life. Children smile more, classrooms feel lighter, and the community takes pride in the compound’s green makeover.
“This program has given us dignity and hope,” says Mr. Mutungi. “It has changed our school, our children, and even our community.”
According to Macharia schools already have land, teachers, and learners. “With the right support, every school in Kenya could feed its children, improve health, and teach the next generation vital agricultural skills.”
Health experts and patient advocates have hailed the launch of red blood cell exchange therapy at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) as a breakthrough in the fight against sickle cell disease in western Kenya.
The milestone procedure, performed in partnership with The Nairobi West Hospital, was enabled by a new state-of-the-art apheresis machine and specialist support.
“This is a major step in decentralising highly specialised treatment,” said Dr. Kibet Shikuku, Medical Director at The Nairobi West Hospital. “Our priority is to transfer expertise so patients in Kisumu and across the lake region can access life-saving interventions closer to home.”
Acting JOOTRH CEO Joshua Clinton said the programme will ease the burden of families long forced to travel to Nairobi for care.
“With the support of The Nairobi West Hospital, we can now provide world-class therapy right here in Kisumu,” he said.
Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni praised the collaboration as “exactly the model of partnership we need to strengthen universal health coverage,” noting that it brings lifesaving therapy to the region most affected by sickle cell disease.
The Social Health Authority confirmed that qualifying patients will receive subsidised treatment and urged Kenyans to step up blood donations to sustain the programme.
Among the first beneficiaries was Michelle Omulo, 32, a patient advocate who has battled sickle cell since childhood.
“I feel like the apheresis machine is going to really reduce the number of crises that we are always having,” she said. “For the first time, I feel hopeful that I can live a more stable and productive life.”
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has challenged African youth to seize the mantle of innovation and industry, calling them the ‘heartbeat of Africa’s industrial revolution.’
Speaking in Nairobi at the 10th Africa Tech Challenge (ATC) award ceremony, Ogamba celebrated the creativity and resilience of young competitors drawn from 12 African countries, saying their skills and discipline were proof that Africa is ready for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“Go beyond competing. Be innovators, solution creators, and mentors. Do not wait for opportunities — create them. You are the heartbeat of Africa’s future.” He said.
The ceremony brought together government leaders, Chinese and African diplomats, corporate partners, and 52 finalists who showcased their talents in CNC Turning, Mechanical Engineering CAD, and Mobile Application Development.
Ogamba underlined that the initiative complements Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) by equipping young people with practical skills to drive manufacturing and job creation.
“The government is investing in modern equipment, rolling out the modular Competency-Based Training curriculum, and expanding industry linkages,” Ogamba said.
“Competitions like ATC help ensure our graduates are globally competitive and locally relevant,”he added.
Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for Technical and Vocational Training, hailed the competition as proof that TVET institutions are no longer training youth to simply ‘know’ but to ‘do.’
“This platform is where finesse, skill, and innovation meet,” she said. “Africa’s youth must rise to meet the demands of a global workforce. Competitions like ATC sharpen our collective ability to grow together.”
From the diplomatic front, PS Korir Sing’Oei of Foreign Affairs highlighted how ATC has strengthened the friendship between Africa and China.
“The young people trained here will not only impact their own lives, but also their families, communities, and countries. This is what sustainable development truly means,” he said.
Chinese representatives reinforced this spirit of collaboration. Zhang Zhizhong, Chargé d’affaires at the Chinese Embassy, described ATC as “a vital bridge between learning and industry.” He reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting African youth through scholarships, vocational training, and investments in TVET infrastructure.
Li Qingtang, Executive Vice President of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), revealed that AVIC has already upgraded 189 vocational institutions across Africa and trained more than 20,000 teachers and students annually.
This year marked the 10th anniversary of the ATC, co-hosted by Kenya’s Ministry of Education, AVIC Innovation Holding Ltd., and the China Education Association for International Exchange (CEAIE). What began in 2014 as a small technical competition has grown into one of Africa’s premier youth-skilling platforms.
Among the big winners was Victor Kamau, a final-year mechanical engineering student at the Technical University of Kenya. Kamau credited discipline and persistence for his success in the CAD category.
“We had just two hours to produce complex drawings under pressure,” he recalled. “It was tough, but determination kept me going. This win means the world to me.”
Kamau and other top performers will travel to China for WorldSkills training, with six individual champions receiving full scholarships for further study.
“This has been my dream for years,” Kamau said, beaming. “I want to use this opportunity to grow, and to tell other young innovators: keep practicing, keep pushing. One day, it pays off.”
Over the past five weeks, ATC 10 brought together youth from 14 African countries in intensive training, cultural exchange, and innovation challenges. Participants took part in Chinese cultural workshops, from calligraphy to lion dancing, forging bonds that went beyond technical skills.
The event also released the ATC 10th Anniversary Corporate Social Responsibility Report, showcasing a decade of achievements under the banner “Empowering Africa, Lighting the Future.”
Across speeches and testimonies, one message stood out: Africa’s youth are ready, but they need consistent investment, mentorship, and opportunities.
“Do not limit your dreams, expand them. Build bridges through skills and technology. That is the key to Africa’s development.”
As the drums and cheers faded, the legacy of ATC Season 10 became clear. This was not just an award ceremony, but a rallying call: for governments to fund skills training, for industries to embrace young innovators, and for the youth themselves to see their talent as Africa’s most valuable resource.
In a historic breakthrough, the United Nations has unanimously adopted two new global institutions to govern Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Kenya’s leadership emerging as a defining force that highlights the Global South’s transition from bystander to key architect in the AI revolution.
All 193 UN Member States came together in a rare show of unity to establish the Independent Scientific Panel on AI and the Global Dialogue on AI Governance. In the main, the two institutions aim to provide science-based guidance and foster inclusive international cooperation on AI, addressing the urgent need for governance amid growing geopolitical tensions.
“The Independent Scientific Panel on AI will deliver evidence-based assessments of AI’s opportunities, risks, and impacts, while the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will provide a crucial platform for international cooperation,” noted Tony Oweke, Kenya’s economic and lead negotiator, before adding that “its establishment by consensus underscores the vital importance of AI governance, despite the challenging geopolitical and funding landscape at the United Nations.”
This landmark decision builds on momentum from March 2024, when the UN General Assembly unanimously passed its first-ever resolution on AI, co-sponsored by Kenya. The resolution, titled “Seizing the Opportunities of Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems for Sustainable Development” (A/RES/78/266), emphasized safe AI development, data protection, human rights, and bridging digital divides, as well as advancing provisions vital to the Global South, including technology transfer, capacity-building, and respect for linguistic, cultural, gender, disability, and racial diversity.
“In a room of divergent interests, Kenya’s bridge-building helped turn division into consensus. This was only possible thanks to fellow ambassadors who unlocked stalemates and the trust the G77 placed in us. It shows what multilateralism can achieve when given a chance.” Amb. Ekitela Lokaale, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN
Two Pillars of Global AI Governance
The newly established Independent Scientific Panel on AI, modeled after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), will synthesize global evidence on AI’s risks, opportunities, and societal impacts to guide governments and international bodies. Complementing this, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will bring together states, big tech, academia, civil society, and the UN system to deliberate shared principles, build trust, and reduce fragmentation in AI governance.
“These two institutions are designed to be mutually reinforcing: science guiding dialogue, and dialogue amplifying evidence into cooperation,” said Tony Oweke, Kenya’s Economic Advisor. “This has been an incredibly enriching experience, engaging with big tech, academia, civil society, and the UN system, while working shoulder-to-shoulder with esteemed colleagues from across the world.”
A Victory for Multilateralism
The decision comes at a moment when competition over AI dominance is straining relations among major powers, and trust in multilateralism has waned. That the UN achieved a full consensus of 193 states is being hailed as a breakthrough.
Principal Secretary, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei notes this outcome is not only about AI governance but also a victory for multilateralism itself — and a reaffirmation of the centrality of the United Nations in global governance. It also reflects President William Ruto’s decisive leadership in setting Kenya’s diplomatic priorities, positioning the country as a bridge-builder in international negotiations and reinforcing his support for a stronger, more effective UN.
Kenya’s Bridge-Building Diplomacy
Representing the G77 and China, the world’s largest negotiating bloc of 134 developing countries, Kenya’s Permanent Mission in New York was instrumental in brokering the final consensus. For Ambassador Philip Thigo, Kenya’s Special Envoy on Technology and member of the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on AI, the outcome represents both a technical and political victory.
“Kenya has proven that even in a divided world, through dialogue and collaboration, we can shape AI for the common good, guided by science, grounded in cooperation, and inclusive of all nations, with the Global South as a key architect, not a spectator,” he said.
He added, “I am grateful for the UN Secretary-General’s vision in appointing the Advisory Body that dared to imagine AI governance for humanity, ensuring that the Global South is not a spectator in the AI revolution, but a key architect of its governance.”
Analysts view this development as more than institutional progress but also a signal that AI governance must be global, inclusive, and science-based. For Kenya, it marks another milestone in its evolution as a thought leader in technology diplomacy.
Kenya’s pivotal role in this landmark UN decision cements its position at the forefront of shaping the future of AI governance, championing inclusive, science-driven, and cooperative approaches that reflect the interests and voices of the Global South.
