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Author: Christine Muchira/Release

  • Kenya hosts ISO leadership workshop, spotlighting future of standards

    Kenya hosts ISO leadership workshop, spotlighting future of standards

    Kenya is hosting the 9th Leadership and Management Development (LMD) Workshop this week, organized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

    The event has brought together CEOs, directors, and senior leaders from national standards bodies around the world to focus on developing strategic leadership skills suited to the challenges of modern economies.

    Representing the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Dr. Henry Rotich, Director of Metrology & Testing, officially opened the session, emphasizing that impactful leadership today calls for more than technical excellence.

    “It requires strategic vision, emotional intelligence, and adaptive thinking the very skills that reinforce trust in trade, safety in products, and fairness in services,” he noted.

    Dr. Rotich underlined that the decisions leaders make in their boardrooms ripple across industries, economies, and communities, making leadership development critical to sustaining the future of standards and innovation.

    “By strengthening ourselves intellectually, we empower our institutions, and stronger institutions underpin the smart systems that millions rely on for quality, safety, and confidence,” Dr. Rotich added.

    He thanked ISO for its longstanding leadership in capacity-building across regions, including the Americas, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and most recently Asia, and celebrated Kenya’s pride in hosting this important milestone.

    Erick Kieck, Director of Capacity Building at ISO, emphasized ISO’s deep commitment to leadership development, particularly among members from developing countries.

    “It is essential for us to invest in growing the leadership competencies of our members. They are the ones helping us navigate the complexities and challenges facing global standardization today,” Kieck remarked.

    He noted that three-quarters of ISO’s 175 members come from the developing world, underscoring the need for inclusive approaches to resilience and innovation.

    Zakaria Lukorito, Director of Standards Development and Trade at KEBS, highlighted the importance of Kenya actively participating in shaping the future of standardization.

    “This program gives us a valuable opportunity to both learn and contribute. We are taking full advantage to strengthen leadership within our institutions and to share our experiences at regional and international levels,” he said.

    Over the coming days, delegates will explore strategic governance, institutional resilience, innovation leadership, and emerging technology trends, including the fast-evolving impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on global trade and standards development.

    Further, Dr. Rotich urged participants to approach the workshop with curiosity and courage:

    “Let us listen with openness, share boldly, and leave wiser, re-energized, and ready to lead with renewed purpose,” he said.

  • 40pc of tasks in Africa’s growing tech outsourcing sector may be affected by AI by 2030

    40pc of tasks in Africa’s growing tech outsourcing sector may be affected by AI by 2030

    40pc of tasks in Africa’s tech outsourcing sector, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and IT-Enabled Services (ITES), could be automated by 2030, creating new pathways for workers to move into higher-skilled, higher-paying roles. 

    This according to a new research by Caribou and Genesis Analytics, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation which highlights that with just 10pc of tasks fully resilient to automation, strategic investment in widespread AI upskilling and training will be key to unlocking Africa’s $35 billion BPO potential by 2028.

    Kenya’s BPO market is undergoing significant growth, with revenues expected to reach US $272.10 million in 2025 with an annual growth rate of 5.96pc.

    This has resulted in a projected market volume of US $343.00 million by 2029.

    The Kenyan government also plans to create 1 million BPO/ITES jobs in the next five years through supportive policies and incentives.

    However, according to the research, the rise of automation could slow down this growth.

    The Director of Digital Economy Pan African Programs at the Mastercard Foundation, Rodwell Mangisi stated, “Africa’s tech outsourcing industry is expanding rapidly, adding new jobs and opportunities each year. As AI transforms global business processes, Africa can lead by ensuring its workforce is AI-ready. By investing in targeted upskilling programs, especially for women and young professionals, we can ensure this 6pc annual growth translates into sustainable, high-value employment that benefits all demographics.”

    The newly published research further states that, AI is already deeply integrated into Africa’s BPO and ITES sectors, driving efficiency and innovation and workers are using tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and in-house chatbots to enhance productivity, creativity, and accuracy.

    These AI-powered technologies assist with coding, debugging, content generation, and customer service, enabling employees to focus on strategic problem-solving, decision-making, and higher-value tasks. As a result, they see opportunities for career advancement and transitioning into higher-level roles.

    Despite these opportunities, the research says AI’s rapid rise could impact certain roles in the BPO sector. Entry-level jobs comprising 68pc of the workforce are particularly affected, with more than half of tasks being automatable.

    To futureproof the sector, AI-driven upskilling programs are needed to enable workers to shift into higher-skilled, better-paying roles in cybersecurity, AI management, and data services.

    On her part, Program Director at Caribou Charlene Migwe, noted that: “Africa’s tech outsourcing sector is at a pivotal moment. With the right investments in skills development, ethical AI, and inclusive policies, we can transform the risks of automation into new opportunities for innovation and resilience.”

    According the research, while AI presents significant opportunities, it also poses challenges, particularly for women and youth who predominantly occupy entry-level roles.

    The report highlights tasks performed by women are on average 10pc more susceptible to automation than those by men in the sector. This disparity risks exacerbating gender-based inequalities in the sector’s workforce if not proactively addressed.

    Customer Experience roles, which account for 44pc of employment in the BPO sector, are among the most affected, with half of tasks in these roles being automatable. Finance and Accounting positions in the BPO sector face similar challenges, with nearly two-thirds of junior-level tasks at risk.

    The research notes that without intervention, these shifts could disproportionately impact the livelihoods of young workers and women in the sector.

    To mitigate these risks, the report stresses the urgency of equitable AI upskilling and reskilling efforts to ensure all demographics can transition into future-proof roles.

  • Myanmar earthquake tragedy ‘compounds already dire crisis’

    Myanmar earthquake tragedy ‘compounds already dire crisis’

    Entire communities in central Myanmar have been devastated and the full scale of the earthquake disaster “remains unclear”, the UN’s top humanitarian coordinator in the country said on Monday.

    Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator Marcoluigi Corsi expressed the UN’s profound sorry at the immense loss of life stemming from Friday’s 7.7 and 6.4 magnitude quakes with the death toll rising to around 2,000, according to the country’s military junta.

    “The latest reports indicate significant loss of life, widespread injuries, and many still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue,” Corsi said in a statement on behalf of the UN Country Team.

    Urgent support operation continues

    He stressed that the UN and partners continue to urgently mobilise in support of the emergency response, standing ready to assist all communities “wherever they are”.

    The earthquakes struck near Mandalay and Sagaing, with impacts felt across Bago, Magway, Nay Pyi Taw, and parts of Shan State. Hospitals are overwhelmed, while communication and transport routes have been severely disrupted.

    Thousands are sleeping in the open, fearful of aftershocks and unable to return to damaged homes.

    UN-facilitated rescue teams from around 20 countries, including sniffer dogs, paramedics and medical supplies, supported by millions of dollars in aid, continue to arrive in Myanmar where millions were already displaced by civil war, arising from the military coup of February 2021.

    Resilience further eroded

    “Even before this earthquake, nearly 20 million people in Myanmar were in need of humanitarian assistance,” Corsi emphasized. “This latest tragedy compounds an already dire crisis and risks further eroding the resilience of communities already battered by conflict, displacement, and past disasters.”

    The UN Humanitarian Country Team is actively conducting rapid needs assessment missions in coordination with UN agencies, humanitarian partners, local authorities and community-based organizations, paying particular attention to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, who are disproportionately affected in such disasters.

    “Beyond the immediate response, this crisis highlights the urgent need to strengthen efforts towards recovery and to invest in measures that help communities withstand future shocks,” Corsi said.

    Significant UN presence

    An initial $15 million in emergency funds has been allocated by the UN to support the lifesaving response. Medical teams, shelter materials, and critical water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) items are arriving alongside prepositioned and supplementary food aid.

    “We have a significant presence in Mandalay and surrounding areas, and we are doing everything we can to reach people in need despite serious logistical challenges,” Corsi said. “But much more will be required in the days and weeks ahead.”

    More than ever, timely support is critical to prevent further deterioration of the crisis, he added.

    The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that it aims to support 100,000 of the worst hit with ready-to-eat meals, following by food and cash-for-food assistance to around 800,000 for the next month.

    Myanmar
    WFP Myanmar/Chit Min Htet Severe damage to Naypyidaw’s road infrastructure following the ea​rthquake in Myanmar.

    Ceasefire now: UN Special Envoy

    The UN Special Envoy on Myanmar Julie Bishop issued a statement on Monday saying she stands in solidarity with the people of Myanmar.

    “The earthquake has laid bare the deeper vulnerabilities facing Myanmar’s people and underscored the need for sustained international attention to the broader crisis.”

    Referencing the ongoing conflict which has seen military forces lose control of a majority of the country to opposition armed groups amid brutal fighting and airstrikes, she said that “all sides must urgently allow space for humanitarian relief and ensure that aid workers can operate in safety.”

    Continuing military operations in quake-affected areas “risks further loss of life and undermines the shared imperative to respond,” she continued.

    Bishop called for an immediate ceasefire by all parties, to prioritise the rescue, aid and recovery effort, including protection of civilians.

    She said she was in close contact with Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher and the UN Country Team in Myanmar who are working in partnership with neighboring countries and others, supported by the UN’s regional and global network.

  • UN chief condemns killing of Kenyan peacekeeper in Central African Republic

    UN chief condemns killing of Kenyan peacekeeper in Central African Republic

    The UN Secretary-General on Saturday strongly condemned an attack on peacekeepers serving with UN mission MINUSCA in the Central African Republic which left one Kenyan ‘blue helmet’ dead.

    A statement from the UN Spokesperson’s Office on behalf of António Guterres said the peacekeeper had been killed on Friday by so-far unknown assailants when his unit was on a long-range patrol near the village of Tabane in the Haut-Mbomou prefecture, in the southeast of the country.

    “The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government and the people of Kenya,” the statement continued.

    Possible war crime

    “The Secretary-General recalls that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He calls on the Central African authorities to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this tragedy so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”

    The Central African Republic, or CAR, has been in a state of internal conflict along sectarian lines since 2012 when predominantly Muslim militia began battling mostly Christian anti-Balaka militia, resulting in thousands of deaths and leaving many more dependent on aid.

    In 2013, armed groups seized the capital forcing President François Bozizé to flee. After a brief period of reduced violence in 2015, and elections held in 2016, fighting intensified.

    Peace talks got underway in early 2019 under the auspices of the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR, led by the African Union (AU) with UN support. A deal was agreed in Khartoum and formally signed in CAR’s capital, Bangui.

    ‘Heinous attack’

    The head of the MINUSCA, Valentine Rubwabiza,  said in a statement she was “extremely shocked by this heinous attack on peacekeepers whose mission is to protect civilians.”

    A rapid intervention team has been deployed to the site of the incident to secure the area, she added.

    The MINUSCA chief who also serves as UN Special Representative in the country called on authorities in CAR “to spare no effort in identifying the perpetrators of this attack so that they can be brought to justice swiftly.”

    She said cowardly attacks would not diminish peacekeepers’ determination to carry out their mandate “in service of peace and stability”.

  • KPA unveils plans to boost performance, global competitiveness

    KPA unveils plans to boost performance, global competitiveness

    The Kenya Ports Authority has announced ambitious plans aimed at enhancing the port’s performance and aligning to global standards.

    Speaking during an Iftar dinner for staff at the KPA Sports Club Mbaraki, Managing Director Capt. William Ruto emphasized on the importance of skills development and capacity building for employees to boost productivity.

    He said there are plans for a section of staff to get exposure through benchmarking initiatives to leading ports in the world.

    “By fostering a high-performance culture, we aim to solidify our status as a regional hub and compete on the international stage,” he added.

    KPA Board Chairman Benjamin Tayari expressed gratitude for the workforce commitment and dedication to work and urged them to intensify efforts to elevate the port’s reputation.

    He praised the cooperation among staff over the years, which has been the cornerstone of KPA’s success.

    Besides the KPA Board, management and staff, the iftar dinner brought together key stakeholders from the shipping and logistics industry, senior government officials and Coast political leaders.

  • Ugali under threat: Soaring maize prices push Kenyans towards food crisis

    Ugali under threat: Soaring maize prices push Kenyans towards food crisis

    The cost of living is rapidly escalating for millions of Kenyans as the price of maize, the nation’s staple food, surges to alarming levels.

    Both the Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK) and the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKAFEMA) are sounding the alarm, highlighting a dramatic increase in maize prices a 45% jump since January, reaching Ksh. 4,800 per bag, with projections indicating a climb to Ksh. 5,500 by April.

    For a country where maize flour (unga) is the foundation of the daily meal, ugali, this spike threatens basic food security and household budgets.

    The crisis stems from a confirmed maize shortage, impacting not only consumers facing increasingly expensive unga, but also the vital animal feed sector. Poultry farmers are particularly hard-hit, with rising feed costs inevitably leading to higher prices for chicken and eggs.

    AKAFEMA Chairman Joseph Karuri warns that ugali, a cornerstone of Kenyan diets, risks becoming unaffordable for many. Both associations are urgently appealing to the government for immediate intervention, primarily advocating for a waiver of import duties on maize to stabilize prices and ensure availability.

    Failure to act swiftly risks plunging more Kenyans into food insecurity and further destabilizing the economy.

    Kenyans are facing an alarming rise in the cost of living, driven primarily by the sharp increase in maize prices. As maize and maize flour form the backbone of the country’s daily diet, the recent surge in prices is putting immense pressure on households and businesses alike.

    The Poultry Breeders Association of Kenya (PBAK), which represents over 90% of day-old chick producers and 80% of the formal processed chicken market, has raised urgent concerns over the scarcity and rising costs of maize.

    The association is calling on the government, particularly Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, to intervene immediately.

    A dire warning from industry leaders

    The Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers (AKAFEMA) has also issued a stark warning regarding the rapidly escalating maize prices. According to AKAFEMA Chairman, Karuri, the current shortage is being driven by multiple factors, including adverse weather conditions, reduced harvests, and disruptions in regional supply chains.

    “The current trajectory of maize prices is deeply concerning and threatens the food security of millions of Kenyans,” stated Karuri. “We are already witnessing a sharp increase in the cost of unga, and if this trend continues unchecked, ugali, a fundamental part of our daily diet, will become increasingly unaffordable for a large segment of the population.”

    Beyond the direct impact on household food budgets, the crisis is also threatening the sustainability of Kenya’s livestock sector. With feed costs soaring, poultry and livestock farmers are facing severe financial strain, leading to increased meat, poultry, and dairy prices. This, in turn, exacerbates the economic challenges for Kenyan families.
    A Call for Immediate Government Action

    In response to this worsening crisis, AKAFEMA and PBAK are urgently appealing to the government to implement swift and decisive measures. Chief among them is the immediate waiver of import duties on maize, which would help stabilize prices and ensure sufficient supply in the market.

    “Waiving taxes on imported maize will provide much-needed relief to consumers by stabilizing and potentially reducing the price of unga and other maize-based products,” emphasized Karuri. “Furthermore, it will ensure that animal feed manufacturers have access to affordable raw materials, preventing further price hikes in the livestock sector and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods.”

    PBAK and AKAFEMA stress that this temporary measure is crucial in preventing a full-blown food crisis. The associations are calling for an immediate dialogue with relevant government bodies to discuss the urgent implementation of these measures and explore long-term solutions for sustainable food security in Kenya.

    The time for action is now. Without immediate intervention, millions of Kenyans will face worsening food insecurity, businesses will struggle, and the economy will continue to suffer. The government must act swiftly to protect the nation from the devastating consequences of an unchecked maize crisis.

  • New senior leadership of African Union Commission assumes office

    New senior leadership of African Union Commission assumes office

    The African Union Commission (AUC) ushered in the newly elected leaders Thursday, following formal handover from the outgoing leadership.

    On 15 February 2025, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson were elected and sworn-in at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

    Four of the six Commissioners were sworn-in on Thursday at the handover ceremony following their election and appointment at the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council on 12 February 2025.

    Speaking when he took over as the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf pledged his commitment to address institutional challenges and to assert Africa’s position in the global architecture.

    He stated “Africa must take its destiny into its own hands. It’s time to assert ourselves as a determined continent, capable of influencing major global decisions and proposing solutions to the crises that affect us. I pledge today to act with determination to raise our Union to the level of our peoples’ expectations. We must breathe new life into our organization, strengthen our unity and assert Africa’s place in the concert of nations.”

    While outlining the priority areas, Youssouf underscored the urgency to accelerate the implementation of the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063 to meet the expectations of the African population; to work towards the financial autonomy of the African Union to reduce dependence on external funding by exploring innovative financing mechanisms; to strengthen the collaboration between African Union institutions; to fast track the implementation of institutional reforms to address administrative and structural blockages, and relatedly, expedite the completion of the Commission’s Skills Audit and Competency Assessment process. He added, “we must be an agile player, capable of responding to emergencies and anticipating future challenges.”

    In his appreciation note recalling the impact and challenges of leading the continental organization in the last eight years, Moussa Faki Mahamat remained optimistic in the human capacity, determination and passion of the African people to move forward the agenda towards the Africa We Want.

    He noted, “we have done what we can. As I have said, there are certainly gaps and shortcomings. I’m sure that, with your fresh impetus and your faith in our organization, you’ll go far beyond the frontiers that are ours today and the legacy we’re leaving you. Everywhere, as you know as well as I do, new projects have been launched. It will be up to you to deepen, to correct, to change, to imagine new solutions that we have not been able to create or find. The dynamics of change will be your best support. Dare to go where we couldn’t.”

    He also rallied on the dynamism of the continent’s lifeblood, in particular its women and young people. He concluded with expression of his support to the new leadership.  “We will remain disciplined soldiers, even in retirement, to bring you what remains of our energy and experience.”

    In his remarks at the ceremony, Taye Atske-Selassie, President of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia observed that the new leadership of the Commission have assumed their mandates at a time when the global order is facing unprecedented challenges, and multilateralism is under increasing strain.

    The escalating conflicts, scourge of terrorism and climate crisis continues to threaten Africa’s development aspirations.

    The President however noted that beyond the challenges lie extraordinary opportunities stating that “our G-20 membership is not merely a seat at the table; it is a platform that will make Africa an active contributor in shaping our collective economic destiny.  Without meaningful African participation, the G20’s Common Framework for Debt Treatment has proven to be inadequate, and inundated by inefficiency, delays, and a lack of clarity. We must also push for Africa’s permanent membership in the UN Security Council so that we will sure be part of the decisions that will affect and determine the destiny of our continent.”

    He expressed his confidence in the new leadership to resolutely pursue  peace and security on the continent by addressing the drivers of conflict, championing Africa’s food sovereignty through strategic agricultural investment; forging an interconnected continent by leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), securing an energy-sufficient-Africa by encouraging member states to implement strong policy frameworks, and to pursue financial sustainability by garnering the support of African financial institutions such as the African Credit Rating Agency to advance development.

    João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola and the African Union Chairperson, lauded the work of the outgoing leadership and their impactful delivery on the implementation of the programmes and projects of Agenda 2063.

    He also expressed his confidence in the ability of the new leadership to steer the continent towards a more industrialized, peaceful and inclusive Africa where all Africa citizens can benefit from the economic growth, improved well-being and welfare, justice, and freedoms.

    He underscored the need to have a look at the challenges facing the continent and to find more creative solutions. “I have observed the unreserved commitment by the leadership to the realization of our great aspirations, which essentially consist of promoting the development of the continent, the construction and modernization of the infrastructure we need to ensure the functioning of our industries, the efficient performance of our services, the flow of our export products, and enhanced intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Area. The issue of infrastructure deserves special attention from this commission, which I urge to craft a strategy aimed at mobilizing Africa’s International partners interested in making investment with mutual advantages. Infrastructure is an essential pillar of the Agenda 2063 and that obliges us to mobilize the largest possible volume of financial resources to achieve the goals we have set such as technological innovation and energy transition”, he stated.

    The elected officials of the African Union Commission serve for a four-year term, renewable once. The elections of the posts of two Commissioners – Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry, Mining (ETTIM), and Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (ESTI)-, will be conducted in the upcoming 24th Extraordinary session of the Executive Council.

    The African Union Commission is the key organ playing a central role in the day-to-day management of the African Union.

    Among others, it represents the Union and defends its interests; elaborates draft common positions of the Union; prepares strategic plans and studies for the consideration of the Executive Council; elaborates, promotes, coordinates and harmonizes the programmes and policies of the Union with those of the Regional Economic Communities, and ensures the mainstreaming of gender in all programmes and activities of the Union. Members of the Commission include the Chairperson; the Deputy Chairperson; six (6) Commissioners, and staff members.

     

    Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/raila-loses-bid-for-auc-chairperson-to-mahamoud-youssouf-of-djibouti/

  • Performance Management Bill to enforce accountability, says Owalo

    Performance Management Bill to enforce accountability, says Owalo

    The Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President, Performance and Delivery Management, Eliud Owalo, has announced a new approach to performance management in government organizations, emphasizing accountability and efficiency.

    The initiative is a response to growing concerns over some underperforming government agencies and the negative impact this has on the nation’s development.

    Speaking during a performance evaluation exercise at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) headquarters in Mombasa, Owalo stated that a comprehensive legal framework would soon be in place to ensure that all public institutions justify their existence and meet their mandates effectively.

    He was accompanied by the Performance Unit Principal Administrative Secretary Joshua Mwiranga, and officials from the Government Delivery Unit in the Coast region.

    According to Owalo, the draft Performance Management Bill will require that government organizations demonstrate tangible results in line with their specific mandates. The Bill, once enacted into law, will hold entities accountable by making performance appraisals legally enforceable.

    “Organizations must justify their existence in line with their mandate. To augment this process, we are going to anchor performance evaluation and performance management into law,” Owalo emphasized. “We already have a draft Bill, The Performance Management Bill, which will soon be getting its way into Parliament for the necessary processes towards becoming the Performance Management Act. This will ensure that the results of performance appraisal are legally enforceable.”

    Owalo said that the new law would create a robust framework for monitoring the efficiency of public institutions, with performance reviews becoming an essential part of the accountability process.

    Under the proposed legislation, a reward and sanction regime will be instituted, aiming to incentivize high-performing organizations while allowing underperforming ones to “die naturally.”

    “We don’t want a situation where certain organizations don’t deliver on their mandate, and it negatively impacts the performance of other organizations,” Owalo said. “The system will ensure that any agency failing to meet its objectives will face consequences, while high-performing entities will be recognized and rewarded.”

    Owalo was responding to concerns raised by the KPA Chairperson, Benjamin Tayari, and KPA Managing Director, Capt. William Ruto, who proposed new criteria of performance evaluation that would consider external factors that affect delivery. The two called for arrangements that would ensure seamless operations in a multi-agency approach.

    “Most of the issues affecting us, especially in operations, stem from other stakeholders and government agencies that we are supposed to work with. If we can establish a seamless operation with these agencies, many of the performance challenges we face won’t exist,” KPA Chairperson, Tayari said.

    His sentiments were echoed by the MD, Capt. Ruto. “We have other agencies that are supposed to support us, but they can sometimes derail our operations. We recommend that, moving forward, the evaluation criteria should be adjusted to capture issues that are outside our control. For instance, while the truck turnaround time is supposed to be three hours, delays can occur when trucks arrive and other agencies need to handle the goods, and there are issues such as non-functioning scanners. Our evaluations focus on the actual results, rather than these external factors. Therefore, we would like to see future evaluations consider the commitment of these institutions and the external factors that also affect our performance.”

    A key feature of the proposed new performance management structure will be the introduction of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between government agencies. This will be particularly important for organizations that operate within shared spaces or rely on each other to meet national objectives.

    For example, the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), which oversees a range of port operations, will be expected to establish clear SLAs with other government agencies that interact with the port infrastructure, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.

    Owalo said that the creation of SLAs will provide a clear framework for accountability and will help reduce inefficiencies caused by a lack of coordination between different agencies. By holding each entity accountable for its specific duties, the government hopes to create a more cohesive and productive public sector.

    “Moving forward, we will ensure that we have service level agreements between Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and other sister organizations which are also involved in the operations of the port so that each organization meets its obligations within the stipulated timelines. We will ensure that where we have a multiplicity of players in terms of government agencies, these government agencies will have to enter into service level agreements. This will facilitate efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery so that each entity is committed to meeting timelines,” Owalo said.

     

    KPA operates the Port of Mombasa, Port of Lamu, Kisumu Port, and several inland container depots, including those in Nairobi, Naivasha, Kisumu, and Eldoret. Additionally, KPA provides ferry services along the Likoni and Mtongwe channels between Mombasa Island and Mainland South.

     

    The Performance Management Bill is poised to be a landmark piece of legislation in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to improve governance and service delivery. By holding government agencies to higher standards, the Bill, once enacted into law, will not only enhance the efficiency of individual institutions but also contribute to a broader culture of accountability in the public sector.

     

     

     

     

  • Breast Cancer cases to rise 40% by 2050, WHO warns

    Breast Cancer cases to rise 40% by 2050, WHO warns

    Breast cancer cases are expected to increase by 38 percent globally by 2050, with annual deaths from the disease projected to rise by 68 percent, according to a new report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised branch of the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    The findings, published in Nature Medicine on Monday, warn that if current trends continue, the world will see 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths each year by mid-century.

    The burden will be disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where access to early detection, treatment and care remains limited.

    “Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening,” said Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report.

    “Countries can mitigate or reverse these trends by adopting primary prevention policies, such as WHO’s recommended ‘best buys’ for noncommunicable disease prevention, and by investing in early detection and treatment,” she explained.

    A growing global burden

    Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall.

    In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, with 670,000 deaths reported. However, the report highlights significant disparities across regions.

    The highest incidence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Northern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in South-Central Asia and parts of Africa.

    Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates were reported in Melanesia, Polynesia and Western Africa, where limited access to healthcare contributes to poorer outcomes.

    The link between breast cancer survival and economic development is stark: in high-income countries, 83 percent of diagnosed women survive, whereas in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die from it.

    Urgent need for action

    The WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5 per cent per year, which could prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

    The initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality treatment.

    Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, emphasised the need for high-quality cancer data to drive better policies in lower-income regions.

    “Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide,” she said.

    The path forward

    The report underscores the importance of stronger health systems, increased funding for breast cancer screening and treatment, and the adoption of cost-effective prevention policies.

    With the projected rise in cases and deaths, the international community faces an urgent challenge – one that requires coordinated action to ensure millions of lives are not lost to a disease that is increasingly preventable and treatable.

  • Eastern DR Congo: Crisis deepens as crime, insecurity surges

    Eastern DR Congo: Crisis deepens as crime, insecurity surges

    The humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is worsening as M23 rebel attacks continue to drive tens of thousands from their homes and claim hundreds of lives, UN humanitarians warned on Monday.

    According to the UN relief coordination office, OCHA, aid workers have been among those killed, and widespread human rights violations have been reported, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular news briefing in New York.

    “In Lubero Territory, north of Goma, clashes last week forced more than 100,000 people – about half of them children – to flee their homes,” Dujarric said.

    “Several local health facilities had to suspend activities, and our partners report widespread human rights violations, including rape.”

    Escalating violence in North and South Kivu

    The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as M23 rebels push deeper into the region, capturing key towns and displacing thousands. The security situation remains volatile, with increasing reports of crime and targeted violence.

    In Goma, criminal activity has surged, with home invasions, kidnappings and vehicle hijackings targeting humanitarian agencies. Some incidents have resulted in deaths.

    A similar increase in crime and insecurity has been reported in South Kivu, particularly in Bukavu and Uvira, where rape and looting have also been documented, according to UN aid partners.

    In North Kivu, a humanitarian worker was struck by a stray bullet during clashes in Masisi Territory on 20 February and died from his injuries on Saturday, bringing the total number of aid workers killed in the region since January to six.

    “OCHA calls on all parties to conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” Dujarric said.

    Unstable and highly unpredictable

    The UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) also warned that the security situation in areas seized by M23 rebels remains “unstable and highly unpredictable”, with reports indicating further advances by the group towards Lubero.

    Dujarric reported MONUSCO’s ability to deliver on its mandate remains “significantly restricted” in M23-controlled areas in North Kivu.

    “However, the Mission continues to provide protection to thousands of people who have sought refuge within its various bases while seeking ways to ensure their safe transfer out of Goma,” he added.

    Earlier in the day, MONUSCO facilitated the medical evacuation of 19 troops from the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) from the eastern regional capital, Goma.

     

    Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/uhuru-kenyatta-among-former-leaders-appointed-to-lead-drc-peace-talks/