KBC Channel 1

Author: Claire Wanja

  • Faced with scarcity of water, turn to borehole could slowly sink Nairobi, say researchers

    Faced with scarcity of water, turn to borehole could slowly sink Nairobi, say researchers

    Scientists have issued a clarion call for the use of artificial groundwater recharge to help Nairobi from gentle sinking due to many upcoming boreholes around pavements and buildings.

    Artificial groundwater recharge refers to the intentional process of adding water to underground (aquifer)- an underground layer of rock which acts as a storage reservoir for groundwater to replenish depleted groundwater levels.

    Speaking during a panel discussion on data platforms on how to improve data access sharing at Regional Center for Mapping and Resources Development’s (RCMRD’s three day international conference, Patrick Murunga, assistant director Research and Mapping at Regional Center for Groundwater Resources (RCGW) said artificial ground water recharge will be the only solution.

    “Artificial groundwater recharge is where we have to accelerate water recharge and merely leaving it to nature. The government needs to come up with structures that will ensure more of the water is captured, stored and recharges the aquifers,”said Murunga.

    The three day conference themed ‘NEXT LEVEL,Space to Community’ brought together over 1,000 delegates drawn from all its 20 RCMRD member countries to provide an excellent platform of how geo-science can effectively be used to inform policymakers.

    According to Murunga, if the city does not take up that initiative, then Nairobi might end up sinking.

    “If we don’t do that then it means the weight of the city will take up these voids that are free spaces and therefore they will cause the sinking of the city because of the overburden of the buildings and boreholes,” added Murunga.

    Murunga also urged the critical need to share comprehensive data among researches to avoid overcrowding boreholes that have led to declining groundwater levels.

    “In the past, we used to have water boreholes as low as 100 meters but currently we are going up to 300 to 400 meters because we are obstructing too much and pumping out much of the water,”said Murunga.

    Murunga urged the urgency of the mitigation measures because Kenya is very close to many volcanic and tectonic centers.

    “This collaborative approach aims to harness collective knowledge and pave the way for innovative solutions that can safeguard Nairobi’s future against the threat of subsidence,”added Murunga.

    Murunga said as a researcher they have started mapping for possible urgent areas but lack data.

    “We have started mapping but still lack data, where the data is available it is not organized together, we have data owned by different community agencies that is not easily accessible,” added Murunga.

    He called upon different stakeholders to synchronize and synergize their efforts and ensure data is available.

    According to Murunga, there has been a lowering of the water table because of a lot of obstruction of water.

    “The traditional places where groundwater will be recharged are no longer the same and therefore need to come up with mitigation measures,” added Murunga.

  • Govt urged to fast-track formation of national spatial data infrastructure

    Govt urged to fast-track formation of national spatial data infrastructure

    The government has been urged to fast-track the formation of a national spatial data infrastructure to impact community livelihoods. 

    Speaking on the sidelines during the ongoing 7th Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) International Conference in Nairobi, scientists have said critically important geospatial data is often insufficient or unavailable in many areas due to a lack of national coordination.

    They also decried the need for a national method for coordinating policies, data, tech, and resources for supporting geospatial data sharing and application.

    Pheobe Oduor, Point of Contact for the AfriGEO Secretariat said the lack of a shared data infrastructure puts lives and livelihoods at risk. AfriGEO is an initiative that supports global earth observation in terms of prioritising activities on the continent.

    “In Kenya, we have had challenges around data and particularly, the national spatial data infrastructure. This is a conversation that has been there since 2009, and still, to date, we do not have one national spatial data infrastructure, yet the value of why we need to share the data is very apparent to everybody,” said Mrs Oduor.

    “But I think it’s about time that we start acting proactively considering that the challenges that we are getting are becoming more and more complex,” she added.

    Several African communities, including in Kenya, still lack the geospatial data, tools, and capabilities to better understand their risks and identify mitigation measures.

    Mrs Oduor elaborated the need of utilizing the date we have to create useful information that is impactful and working for the communities.

    Patrick Murunga, from Research and Mapping at Regional Centre on Ground Water noted that there are still numerous challenges when it comes to data access and sharing.

    “In most countries across Africa, Kenya included, there are several data gaps. Most of the data still exists in silos and has a lot of inaccuracies. There is a need to validate the data that already exists,” said Mr Murunga.

    Murunga warned that Nairobi City for example is already nearing a tipping point by over-abstracting its groundwater noting that, “We are likely to have more problems if this is not addressed.”

    Mrs Oduor noted that Kenya still does not have a national data policy. However, there are institutional policies around sharing data that are adhered to.

    “We need to have these policies at a national level. To achieve this, it will require policy frameworks and strategies for implementation at the national level. It is very challenging to make decisions that are not backed by data,” she said.

    She further noted the importance of data sharing including reduction of redundancy, and exploiting minimal resources by creating value addition products.

    “For instance, within Kenya, the same data will have so many versions that it is almost impossible to know which is the original. And this creates a lot of challenges on issues of credibility data that is out there. What we are doing at the AfriGEO national coordination mechanism to create a centralized way where people can be able to access baseline data,” explained Mrs Oduor.

    “As a country, we need to embrace data sharing. There are a lot of ill and skewed concepts around data sharing that we need to break and make sure that we are working together to enhance the data that we have. When we do share data, there is a lot of value that we get.”

    Dr Michael Kizza, Deputy Executive Director, Nile Basin Initiative Uganda said leveraging earth observation data is crucial in addressing the country’s gaps in our decision-making and planning. He also challenged governments “to put more effort in investments on data monitoring.”

    Mrs Oduor noted the critical role of data standards including how the data is collected, stored, and shared. There are principles around data creation that calls for meticulous observation like making sure the format is interoperable in different systems, consistently documenting the process of data collection, and when the data was created.

  • Google introduces new privacy tool updates

    Google introduces new privacy tool updates

    Google has announced updates of new privacy tools in Google Search to give its users more control of their personal information, privacy, and online safety.

    The updated  Results about you, new SafeSearch, and updated policies on personal explicit images are the tools that are now available for safeguarding personal information for users online.

    The Results about you tool, which was launched last year, has been updated to include a new dashboard that reveals if web results with contact information are showing up on Search. Using the tool, users can then quickly request the removal of those results from Google.

    The tool will also notify individuals when new results from the web containing personal contact information pops up in Search. Individuals can access this tool in the Google app by clicking on their Google account photo and selecting “Results about you”. This tool is available in the U.S in English for now and will be rolled out in other languages and locations soon.

    The new SafeSearch tool comes with a blurring setting for explicit imagery — such as adult or graphic violent content — that will now be blurred by default when it appears in Search results. This gives more control for the family from accidentally encountering explicit imagery on Search.  Individuals can adjust the settings and turn it off at any time, unless a guardian or school network administrator has locked the setting.

    Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for Google in sub-Saharan Africa, said: “Protecting the personal information of people on the internet is a priority for Google, and the introduction of these tools and updates will give people more control over private information appearing in Google Search.”

    These new privacy tool updates come at a time when there is growing concern about privacy and safety online, particularly in Kenya.

    A study by Ipsos found that 93 percent of Kenyans voiced concerns over privacy and control of information, higher than the 79 percent country average.

    Another study report, ‘Disrupting Harm in Kenya,’ published in 2021 by a consortium of organizations including UNICEF Office of Research, found that 67 percent of children aged between 12-17 in Kenya are internet users, with about two-thirds of internet-using children not having been taught how to stay safe while engaging in the online space.

    Google has also updated policies on personal explicit images. Individuals are now able to remove from Search any of their personal, explicit images that they no longer wish to be visible in Search. While this content does not apply to content that are currently being commercialized, it allows an avenue to remove non-consensual explicit imagery from Search.

    “Whether it’s for websites containing personal information, explicit imagery or any other removal requests, we’ve updated and simplified the forms you use to submit requests,” added Dorothy.

    “Of course, removing content from Google Search does not remove it from the web or other search engines, but we hope these changes give people more control over private information appearing in Google Search.” She added.

    The new privacy tool updates are crucial to helping individuals stay in control of their online experience and are some of the ways Google reinforces their commitment to the individual’s trust and safety on the internet.

  • Paradigm Shift in Education: Kenya’s effort to integrate technology in the classroom

    Paradigm Shift in Education: Kenya’s effort to integrate technology in the classroom

    By Fidelis Nthenge

    In a world constantly evolving with technological advancements, the integration of technology in classrooms has become an essential aspect of today’s education.

    In Kenya, this transformation took a significant leap forward when the previous government promised free laptops to all pupils joining primary school every year. Though the delivery of laptops did not quite materialize on the scale previously promised, it ignited a wave of digital infrastructure improvements that revolutionized the learning process from kindergarten to university.

    Kenya’s journey towards educational technology has been both promising and challenging, reflecting the global shift towards embracing digital solutions. Kenya’s effort made strides in enhancing the country’s digital infrastructure, fostering a conducive environment for the integration of technology in education. The improved digital infrastructure brought the internet to places where its access was non-existent before. This enabled better access to information and knowledge for students and educators alike. This, in turn, facilitated the adoption of digital tools and resources in classrooms, fostering a more dynamic and engaging learning experience for students.

    One of the most significant developments in this digital transformation has been the incorporation of virtual classrooms. Remote learning became a reality, allowing students to attend classes, collaborate with peers, and access educational materials without physical limitations.

    The pandemic only accelerated this trend, making digital education a necessity rather than a mere choice.The same was true for the IB. In 2022, the IB launched a flexible, accessible and inclusive online Diploma Programme (DP) pilot to explore new pathways to better understand the needs of students who may not be able to attend traditional brick-and-mortar education.

    Technology’s growth and diversification has been inspiring. Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of this revolution, altering the landscape of education in unprecedented ways, and the IB was the first to embrace it.The IB believes that AI technology will become part of our everyday lives – like spell checkers, translation software and calculators. We, therefore, need to adapt and transform our educational programmes and assessment practices so that students can use these new AI tools ethically and effectively.Allowing its use within school’s principles of academy integrity will empower Kenyan students and teachers with valuable learning experiences while upholding ethical academic standards.

    With technological advancements, students can delve into vast knowledge through digital libraries online, explore complex topics and develop critical thinking skills. These advancements have transcended traditional learning methods, provided personalized guidance and enabled students to become not just knowledge consumers but creators as well.

    IB progressively celebrates an ongoing commitment to innovative education and takes great care in ensuring the assessment is purposely designed to reflect the flexible curriculum framework in the programmes offered, suiting the wide variety of school contexts globally.In 2016,IB launched the MYP eAssessment, a multi-award-winning assessment that encourages teachers to meaningfully integrate digital technology in the learning, teaching and assessment practices, and for students, it helps them to build digital literacy and measures their ability to transfer their learning and deeper conceptual understanding, offering practitioners valuable insights into how students learn and think.

    The integration of technology into classrooms needs to go beyond mere digitalization. To date, it has nurtured a generation of critical thinkers, risk-takers, and compassionate individuals. The digital era demands adaptability and creativity, qualities that students now cultivate through their interactions with technology.

    As the world faces unprecedented challenges, the future requires individuals capable of empathy and compassion. The incorporation of technology has made it possible for students to connect with global communities, understand diverse perspectives, and develop a strong sense of empathy. This will shape them into responsible global citizens ready to tackle the world’s most pressing issues.

    The digital revolution in Kenyan classrooms is a testament to the transformative power of technology in education. However, we must remember that technology is a tool, not a replacement for effective teaching and genuine human connections. Educators and policymakers must strike a balance between traditional methods and technological integration, ensuring that technology enhances, rather than undermines, the learning experience.

    To unleash the full potential of technology in education, continuous investment in digital infrastructure, teacher training, and the development of locally relevant digital content is crucial.

    IB’s continuous curriculum evaluation and adaptation ensures that students and teachers will benefit from up-to-date best-practice learning and curriculum that develops future-fit knowledge and attributes that are relevant to today’s generation and context. Also, it equips educators with the necessary resources to enhance their professional development as well as provide students with the best education possible.

    The progress made in integrating technology in Kenyan classrooms should be applauded. However, this should be done while acknowledging the challenges that might lie ahead. Let us envision an education system that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and empathy among students, empowering them to become trailblazers in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

    The future of education in Kenya as embedded in the Social Pillar in Kenya’s Vision 2030, aims at creating a comprehensive, equitable and just society based on democratic ideals and it is under this pillar that education and training are expected to be the principal catalyst towards the realization of Vision 2030.

    Therefore, by embracing technology mindfully and fostering a continuous curriculum evaluation and adaptation, we get a step closer to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age and their future ahead.  This will help nurture a generation of leaders who will contribute positively to the global community.

    Fidelis Nthenge is the Director of Curriculum Development, International Baccalaureate

     

     

  • Digital Earth Africa launches operations in Kenya to boost research

    Digital Earth Africa launches operations in Kenya to boost research

    Digital Earth Africa has launched its operations in Kenya in a planned move to boost research and spearhead policy-making processes across the country.

    The state-of-the-art satellite office launched in Kenya, at the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), will enable individuals to do research and analysis using open and ready-to-use data to empower communities with satellite information.

    Earth observation data are satellite images of the whole of the African continent that goes back more than 30 years.

    While launching the satellite office on the sidelines of the ongoing 7th Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development  International Conference (RIC 2023) in Nairobi, Dr Thembi Xaba, Managing Director of Digital Earth Africa said, “Accessing the data is free. And this will enable researchers to use earth observation data for transformation purposes.”

    Earth observation data will enable governments, industry leaders and researchers to collaborate to address some of Africa’s most significant challenges-food security, habitat conservation and reducing the impact of climate change.

    “One of the things that we are suffering from is climate change….and we are supporting climate action in particular.So if you want to understand how the agricultural season has changed, you actually can see it on our platform. How did agriculture look in the 1980s,90’s and 2000 and 2020’s all of that by analyzing,” said Zviko Mudimu, Head of Operations at Digital Earth Africa.

    “For example, if you want to analyse Nairobi, how things looked between August 2022, and August 1995. And we are able to use that information to conduct research to see what are the changes that we are seeing in the environment, water management and coastal areas, for agriculture,” said Mudimu.

    Mudimu said that the organisation chose Kenya because of the user demand and an existing partnership with the regional centre.

    “We value partnerships and one of our close partners is the regional centre for monetary resources and development. We made a conscious decision to expand our first office out of South Africa into East Africa and specifically to our partner RCMRD. We chose Kenya to launch our satellite office because most number of users in our platforms are from Kenya,” noted Mudimu.

    Dr Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director General, Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development noted how African nations are eager to use space capabilities to address socioeconomic challenges the continent face.

    “This launch marks an important milestone for our centre. We will commit to continue to support this initiative to improve the use of earth observation data,” said Dr Nkurunziza.

    Mudimu stressed the need to raise awareness of the availability of earth observation data.

    “Let people know that this information is available. This is important because previously data that we are offering could take time to analyse, and be able to work with it. We can also help them build a use-case for a better understanding of what happened, ”said Mr Mudimu.

    Kenya is already working with Digital Earth Africa on a project that will show how urbanization across African cities has grown.

     

     

     

  • Kakuzi unveils new brand

    Kakuzi unveils new brand

    Listed agribusiness firm Kakuzi has formally adopted a new corporate identity that underscores its commitments to agricultural development for the domestic and export markets.

    The new Kakuzi brand is aligned with the national agricultural transformation agenda, with sustainability and climate-smart agriculture at its core.

    Speaking at the launch of the new Kakuzi brand, the State Department for Crop Development Principal Secretary Mr Phillip KelloHarsama said the government is committed to advancing agricultural transformation through various avenues, including private partnerships, as they allow for accelerated and rapid results achievement.

    While noting that Kakuzi is set to unveil a range of Macadamia Cold pressed cooking oil products, PS Harsama said the government is sparing no effort to advance the National Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project.

    “This development offers a route to double up the consumption of macadamia nuts locally through value addition in the face of the current global glut,” noted the PS.

    Through resources from the exchequer, the State Department Mr Harsama said plans to spend more than KSh 40 billion this financial year to implement agricultural transformation initiatives under the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BeTA) priorities.

    “The government plans to provide 720 Metric Tonnes of certified sunflower seeds by the use of the e-voucher input subsidy services, 200 Metric Tonnes of assorted canola seeds, sunflower, soya and 10,000 coconut seedlings, and disburse KSh.42million to 840 farmers as loans in Kwale, Mombasa, Taita Taveta Tana River and Kilifi Counties under the National Edible Oil Crops Project,” he said.

    He added that “I am impressed that as the government advances the National Edible Oil Crops Project, Kakuzi Plc, as part of its branding programme, is set to introduce competitively priced Macadamia Cooking oil in the local market. This is a significant milestone that complements the National Edible Oil Crops Project and provides an avenue to diversify the pool of edible oils-producing crops beyond Sunflower, Canola and Soybeans to Macadamia.”

    The new Kakuzi identity, the firm’s first defined brand visual system and strategy in 95 years, also signifies a transition to the contemporary world of superfoods growing for both the domestic and export markets based on a strategic decision to prioritise the production of such foods.

    As part of the new branding, Kakuzi has also officially launched a range of private-label consumer products developed over the last two years for the domestic market, including ready-to-eat macadamia, gluten-free macadamia flour, cold-pressed macadamia oil and blueberry packs. Following an intensive research and development (R&D) programme by the Kakuzi team, the new branded consumer products will be progressively availed to the local market.

    Speaking at the brand launch ceremony, Kakuzi Plc Chairman Mr Nick Ng’ang’a described the new identity as a growth driver for the firm that currently holds Kshs 7.1 billion net current assets.

    Kakuzi, he explained, will focus on sharing its expertise and quality standards with local and international consumers.

    “Over the last 95 years, Kakuzi has grown from a sisal grower, citrus, passion and pineapple fruits grower to a superfoods producer and exporter of repute. We have over that period gained immense experience in all our stakeholder engagements and can now aim to unlock value with a distinct corporate identity that underlines our commitment to growing together with all our stakeholders,” said Mr Ng’ang’a.

    Attesting to the firm’s growth trajectory, Kakuzi, Mr Ng’ang’a said it had significantly expanded its avocado and macadamia orchards to meet growing demand. The firm, he disclosed, is on course to convert all its former pineapple-growing fields to avocado orchards by 2026.

    On his part, Kakuzi Managing Director Mr Chris Flowers said: “Whilst we make our profits from the land, we fundamentally believe that our value is generated by what our brand promises and, critically, what it is seen to stand for. For the first time in our century-old age, we have defined who we are with utmost clarity and pledged to meet the needs of Our community, Our Staff, Our customers and business partners, Our shareholders, and Regulatory and Government leaders, among others. The new Brand, Kakuzi, provides a market differentiation and promises to unlock value for all stakeholders.”

    The management team, Mr Flowers confirmed, is actively working to unlock further value by delivering domestic market products. The firm’s introduction of the Kakuzi branded range of ready-to-eat macadamia products for the domestic market, he said, is a vital part of this transformation. “The products are expanding as we strive to provide nutritious, healthy and affordable food responsibly grown in Kenya,” said Mr Flowers.

    As part of a shareholder returns enhancement strategy, Kakuzi Plc is gearing up to make its pioneer property development investment in the retail sector as it develops Kakuzi Farmers Market. The retail enterprise, located opposite the firm’s headquarters on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, will allow Kakuzi to sell its recently introduced range of value-added products and provide a decent place for up-country travelers to stop and refresh.

    Kakuzi is also in the final stages of a commercial appraisal process for a full-scale Blueberries production venture at a Ksh 4 Billion estimated cost.

    The firm has also recently commissioned a Macadamia Oil Extraction Plant to meet the growing demand for value-added products within its superfood portfolio. Domestic sales of value-added macadamia products will also help mitigate challenges in the international arena due to a prevailing macadamia glut in the global market.

     

  • LG records 24pc reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

    LG records 24pc reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

    LG Electronics has recorded a 24pc reduction in its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emission from 114.7 million tons of GHG to 92.7 million tons in line with its pledge to achieve net-zero(direct and indirect) by 2030.

    According to its recently released 2022-2023 Sustainability Report, LG Electronics also recorded a renewable energy conversion rate of 8.2pc.

    This comes after it committed to only using renewable energy at its global business sites by 2050 and successfully joined RE100(Renewable Energy 100), an initiative advocating for businesses to convert to100 percent renewable energy.

    Commenting on the milestone, LG Electronics Managing Director Dongwon Lee said the Sustainability report discloses LGs achievements and strategy for each area of the six strategic tasks which have been carefully designed to realize its Better Life for All ESG vision, to customers and stakeholders around the world.

    “The six are divided into two major areas: ‘3Cs’ for the planet, which are carbon neutrality, circularity and clean technology, and ‘3Ds’for people, which are design for all, a delightful workplace and diversity& inclusion”. Said Dongwon Lee

    Furthermore, on the 3Cs, LG electronics also accelerating carbon reduction in the product use stage by expanding the application of highly efficient eco-friendly technologies.

    Approximately 80 percent of LG’s total carbon emissions come from the product use stage, and includes indirect emissions (scope 3) that are generated outside the company’s operational facilities.

    Last year, the functional unit carbon emissions of seven major products, which accounts for about 80 percent of the carbon emissions generated during the product use stage, decreased by 13.1 percent compared to 2020.

    Functional unit carbon emission refers to the value obtained by dividing the amount of GHG emitted during the average period of product use by the functional unit of the product. For example, a refrigerator’s GHG emissions are expressed per liter while a washing machine’s GHG emissions are conveyed per kilogram.

    In addition, in 2021, LG became the first South Korean appliance manufacturer to have its GHG emissions reduction target at the product use stage (scope 3) validated by Science Based Targets initiative(SBTi).

    To establish a circular ecosystem, the company recovered a total of 472,876 tons of electronic waste from 52 countries last year. Since 2006, LG has recovered a cumulative total of recovered electronic waste that amounts to 3,992,768 tons.

    As of 2022, the number of recycled plastics used in the company’s products reached 32,987 tons, 25 percent higher than 2021 figures. What’s more, the company’s South Korean business sites recently received Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) verification.

    LG has also been prioritizing accessibility by integrating voice recognition and voice guidance features into its major products and distributing braille stickers that attach to every LG home appliance.

    The company also plans to expand the universal design concept– products designed in a way that makes them easy to use by everyone – to all products going forward.

    In October 2021, LG introduced a service that combines rentals with sign language counseling which has already surpassed 1,500 cases. Concurrently, in Korea, LG is rolling out various activities to enhance customer experience. These include providing care service for the disabled and counseling service for seniors, operating kiosks equipped with sign language capabilities and conducting lectures on in-store safety, IT and culture.

    The company also hopes to create an inclusive corporate culture based on diversity, equity and inclusion. Earlier this year, LG was honored by the Korea Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW) with its Gold Award for promoting a gender-equal corporate culture, an achievement that recognizes the company’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as well as its dedication to discover and foster female talent.

    Last year, the company surveyed its major Tier 1suppliers about their energy usage and carbon emissions, and then verified this data through a third party. Since this year, LG has been raising awareness among the executives and employees of its partners through a carbon neutrality education program. A total of 152 suppliers have participated in the program as of the first half of this year.

    In addition, in accordance with international Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) standards, the company is also providing support through third-party ESG certification reviews to preemptively respond to ESG risks of suppliers in areas such as labor, environment, ethics as well as health and safety. Beginning this year, the scope has been expanded to include partners based not only in Korea but around the world.

    LG continues to expand the role of the ESG Committee which reports to its board of directors to internalize ESG management. The committee, made up of 4 independent directors and 1 executive CEO, is overseen by chairman Seo Seung-woo, an independent director who was appointed to the role earlier this year.

    Last year, to ensure transparency in the management and governance of the board of directors and governance structure, the ESG Committee established guidelines for the independence, diversity and expertise of independent directors as well as the corporate governance charter.

    Since 2006, the company has published its sustainability report every year. Starting last year, alongside the LG ESG Fact Book which outlines its ESG management goals, activities and performance, the company has published the ESG Story Book which helps customers and stakeholders understand LG’s ESG activities in a more engaging story format.

     

  • BMI-DAC partner for research and access to dementia care in Africa

    BMI-DAC partner for research and access to dementia care in Africa

    The Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative (DAC) has partnered with the Aga Khan University’s Brain & Mind Institute (BMI), to launch a two-part research programme for dementia.

    The collaboration aims to address the lack of diversity in dementia research, improve care, and increase access to innovative treatments across Africa.

    According to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of the world’s population over 60 years old will live in low- and middle-income countries by 2050. Kenya’s aging population is expected to double in the next three decades, with a 316% increase in people living with dementia by 2050, as reported by Strengthening Responses to Dementia in Developing Countries (STRIDE) Kenya.

    Moreover, dementia research has been predominantly focused on Global North societies, resulting in a severe lack of scientific information about dementia in the Global South.

    To address these pressing needs and research gaps, BMI, has joined forces with DAC to tackle brain aging and dementia in Kenya. In this collaboration, BMI aims to explore the various factors influencing brain aging and dementia from a comprehensive perspective that includes ecological,biological, psychological, and social elements.

    BMI’s goal is to take a holistic approach to tackle dementia, especially when it occurs alongside other diseases, by promoting brain health resilience throughout a person’s life.Additionally, the Institute will focus on understanding and addressing the disparities in brain aging that affect different individuals.

    “DAC is committed to working with researchers,communities, and healthcare systems around the world to advance understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease among diverse populations. We are delighted to partner with the Brain Mind Institute at the Aga Khan University to realize this mission,” said Dr Vaibhav Narayan, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Executive Vice President and Head of Strategy and Innovation.

    The collaborative DAC-BMI projects will focus on understanding and preventing dementia in Kenya. The first phase will utilize rapid ethnographic approaches to explore contextual meanings, attitudes, and perceptions around dementia through qualitative interviews and focus group discussions.

    “The BMI-DAC partnership addresses the growing challenge of dementia, which we will all be increasingly facing in the near future, especially in LMICs. By acting now, especially in Africa where the population is young(median age of 20 years), we have the opportunity to avert the Alzheimer’s pandemic,” said Prof Zul Merali, Founding Director, BMI.

    In the second phase of the project, researchers will work closely with neurologists at Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi to characterize a large cohort of people living with dementia alongside a parallel group of typically aging Kenyan adults.

    “The partnership we are starting here is just the beginning of our work to support the development of a life course approach to brain health and healthy aging.Our goal is to create the required infrastructure for reducing risks,conducting research, and developing personalized treatments for neurological health. Precision medicine in neuroscience is our vision, and this collaboration marks just the start of our efforts,” said Drew Holzapfel, Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative Chief Operating Officer.

    Dr Carl Amrhein, Provost, and Vice President, Academic at the Aga Khan University expressed his belief that these research efforts will lead to significant improvements in dementia research, education, outreach, and healthcare services at BMI, benefiting the communities they serve, remarking “I expect that these efforts will also lead to the further expansion and growth of the BMI-DAC partnership and will ultimately result in vast improvements in the lives of those living with this debilitating condition in the communities we serve.”

  • KEPSA calls for increased investment in social entrepreneurship

    KEPSA calls for increased investment in social entrepreneurship

    The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) has called on the County Government of Mombasa to work closely with private sector players to increase investments in social entrepreneurship.

    During an Intergenerational Forum held in Mombasa on Monday funded by the French Embassy in Kenya and Somalia, various stakeholders identified social entrepreneurship as a feasible solution to the County’s high unemployment rates.

    “About 47% of our youth need more reliable jobs. It, therefore, gives me great pride to realize that partners are working tirelessly on business programs and initiatives to improve the business environment and the economic welfare of Mombasa residents and Kenyans. My department will continue working with all stakeholders to create more opportunities for the youth and women through all avenues, including the immense potential of our cultural heritage,” said Mohammed Osman, the CECM for the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Trade, Mombasa County Government.

    His sentiments were echoed by Dr. Emmanuel Nzai, the CEO of Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, noting KEPSA’s efforts in addressing social issues to improve the business environment at county levels through enterprise development and productivity, education, youth, women, and gender empowerment.

    “As we engage these entrepreneurs, we must understand the different ways of communicating with the Coastal people, mainly through culture. This is how you connect, help them understand the goal, and collectively move towards that goal,” he said.

    In Mombasa, more youth and women are venturing into social enterprising, especially in the arts and creative industries, waste management, manufacturing, and services. They identify gaps in traditional systems and develop creative solutions to bridge them, tackling problems such as poverty, access to education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability using innovative approaches.

    “We aim to enrich the entrepreneurial women and youth of Mombasa County with skills to help them become self-reliant and simultaneously create employment opportunities through sustainable trade,” said Mr. Hassan Musa, the Kenya Red Cross Society Coast Regional Manager.

    Social entrepreneurship plays a significant role in youth and women empowerment, making it an increasingly important space to explore, particularly for those often on the sidelines of the formal economy.

    “It provides an opportunity to deliver products and services for social issues affecting local communities and offers flexibility and independence that formal employment may not provide,”noted Mohammed Hersi, the Group Director of Operations at Pollmans Tour and Safaris Limited, represented by Mr. Julius Owino, CEO of the Kenya Coast Tourism Association.

    However, many challenges hinder scaling efforts for most young social entrepreneurs in Mombasa and beyond. These include a lack of resources and experience, little mentorship from the pioneers, lack of access to funding, and sometimes, a reluctance from the formal business sector to support their enterprises. The private sector is, therefore, crucial in unlocking innovative solutions, fostering economic growth, and creating a positive social impact that benefits all.

    “It is our responsibility as the private sector to intensify efforts and investments towards empowering the younger entrepreneurs and bridging the unemployment gap in Kenya. Let us provide access to networks and opportunities, mentorship, and expertise in marketing, logistics, and operations to help them navigate the entrepreneurship landscape,” emphasized Josephine Wawira, the Communications Lead at KEPSA.

    The forum is one of several ongoing initiatives by the private sector apex body through SIB-K to empower social entrepreneurs to scale their impact and make a meaningful difference on a larger scale. On Saturday, the 29th of July, KEPSA hosted a Career Fair to connect university students, youth, and women with potential employers in social entrepreneurship.

    In his address during the Fair, Mr. Kenneth Ambani, the CECM at the Department of Public Administration, Youth, and Social Services Mombasa County, commended the young entrepreneurs for being the driving force of change, the pioneers of innovation, and the catalysts for a more inclusive and equitable world.

    “To our youth, I encourage you to dream big and seize every opportunity that comes your way. Embrace the challenges, learn from failures, and never lose sight of your vision to make a positive change. Your passion and determination will be the driving force shaping our community’s future. This career fair is just beginning your journey into social entrepreneurship.”

    He further encouraged the women saying,“I want to emphasize that your voices, ideas, and leadership are invaluable. We recognize the immense potential within you and are dedicated to breaking down barriers and providing equal opportunities. Let this career fair be a platform where you feel empowered to share your vision for a better Mombasa and beyond.”

    For the next five months, KEPSA has committed to also work closely with different industry leaders to handhold about ten social entrepreneurs, mentoring them as they navigate the journey of scaling their businesses.

    Other speakers in the Monday forum included Arnaud Dupuis, the Project Officer of FSPI, Embassy of France in Kenya and Somalia; Ms. Priyanka Patel, Innovation Manager, Kenya Red Cross Society – Mombasa Chapter; Mrs. Rose Kebati Ssali, the Chief Operating Officer at Lafarge Ecosystems; Ms. Lorraine Osiany, the Head of Sustainability and Partnerships at TakaTaka ni Mali; and Mr. Alex Kubasu, Programme Coordinator of the Circular Economy Initiative at WWF-Kenya.

  • Google, USAID eTrade partner to expand Hustle Academy Program

    Google, USAID eTrade partner to expand Hustle Academy Program

    Google and the USAID eTrade Alliance have announced a partnership to expand the reach of the Hustle Academy Program in Kenya.

    This collaboration aims to provide 2,500 Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) with access to critical resources and digital tools to foster growth over 18 months. This will bring the number of SMBs trained in Kenya to 3,700.

    Small businesses form the backbone of the African economy, yet often lack the essential resources and expert knowledge required for growth and expansion. Google’s Hustle Academy, launched in 2022, was conceived to tackle this issue, providing SMBs across Sub-Saharan Africa with the requisite skills, tools, and knowledge to harness digital technology and secure funding.

    The effectiveness of the program is rooted in its 5-day bootcamp, which provides hands-on training and actionable advice. The comprehensive curriculum touches on key areas: business strategy, sales enhancement, digital marketing, financial planning, and successful pitching techniques.

    Through a strategic partnership with the USAID eTrade Alliance, capabilities in ecommerce are also integrated, creating a cohesive and practical learning journey. This equips small to medium businesses (SMBs) with the tools necessary to formulate growth plans, devise effective digital marketing strategies, identify and access funding opportunities, pitch successfully to investors, and harness the power of online selling.

    President William Ruto commended the program during the Jamhuri Day 2022 celebrations, stating, “the Hustle Academy showcases Google’s understanding of the entrepreneurial spirit and the desire for knowledge among aspiring hustlers in our society. I commend Google for their visionary approach and unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting Kenyan entrepreneurs. The Hustle Academy exemplifies the transformative power of public-private partnerships, creating a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship and propels Kenya towards a brighter future for all.”

    In 2022 when the program was launched, the Hustle Academy achieved positive results, graduating over 5,000 SMBs, with a striking 74% reporting significant business growth post-bootcamp.

    Agnes Gathaiya, the Country Director for Google in East Africa, affirmed, “Our partnership with the USAID e-Trade Alliance allows us to augment this impact, placing a special emphasis on harnessing e-commerce to catalyse a robust digital economy across Kenya.”

    Echoing these sentiments, USAID eTrade Alliance Sr. Manager for Africa Programs, Michael Poor, added, “The USAID eTrade Alliance is proud to launch the Google Hustle Academy eCommerce program in Kenya. With a core mandate to promote economic growth for MSMEs through digital commerce and trade, this partnership with Google’s Hustle Academy supports the Alliance’s commitment to deliver on its goals.”

    As the program enters its second year, the partnership promises to amplify its positive impact, with the graduation of an additional 2,500 Kenyan small businesses over 18 months, fostering a robust and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kenya.