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Author: KBC Digital

  • Creatives Garage to host conversation on AI’s impact on African culture, creativity

    Creatives Garage to host conversation on AI’s impact on African culture, creativity

    Artificial Intelligence continues to be a topic of discussion globally as creatives, musicians, artists and the like ponder the future of creative arts. As such, a new Nairobi forum is set to examine what this technology means for African cultural heritage, artistic ownership and the future of creative practice.

    Creatives Garage has announced the first event under its new Legacy Project, a series of creative experiences exploring the relationship between culture, technology, identity and the future of African creativity.

    Dubbed Unfold Conversations: AI X Culture, the event will take place on June 24 at Nairobi Street Kitchen and will bring together artists, researchers, legal experts and cultural practitioners to discuss how emerging technologies are transforming the creative landscape.

    According to the organisers, “the initiative seeks to leave behind stronger creative networks, new collaborations, cultural documentation and innovative approaches to storytelling, while creating public conversations around issues shaping the future of African creativity.”

    Central to the conversation will be questions around cultural safeguarding in the age of artificial intelligence, including how traditional knowledge, languages, music, stories and other cultural expressions can be protected as AI systems increasingly draw from vast amounts of digital content.

    The discussion will also explore what happens when cultural material is reused, reproduced or monetised through technology, and how AI systems can be developed in ways that respect cultural context, attribution and community ownership.

    Set to lead the conversations will be Oyinkansola Onwuchekwa, also known as KKC, an AI and Data Science researcher whose work focuses on ethical AI, African languages and responsible technology. She is also a musician and songwriter, bringing both technical and creative perspectives to the discussion.

    She will be joined by intellectual property lawyer and musician Wandiri Karimi, whose work focuses on creative rights, cultural heritage, AI and sustainable development for African creators.

    Also participating are poet and curator Emmaus Kimani, who works on archiving and documenting contemporary East African creative practice, and Bukonola Ngobi, an urban designer and creative who explores the relationship between culture, creativity and emerging technologies through her work at the Nairobi Contemporary Art Institute.

    The event follows the success of the 2025 UKKE collaboration and marks the launch of the Creatives Garage Legacy Project, which aims to create platforms where artists, audiences and collaborators can engage with new ideas, experiment across disciplines and build sustainable creative ecosystems.

  • Chongqing releases first forestry biodiversity report, targets 95% protection rate by 2030

    Chongqing releases first forestry biodiversity report, targets 95% protection rate by 2030

    Chongqing has released its first forestry biodiversity report, presenting a citywide assessment of wildlife, plant resources, conservation systems, and ecological management, local officials said at a press conference on May 19.

    Wang Shuxiang, deputy director of the Chongqing Forestry Bureau, said the Chongqing Forestry Biodiversity Bulletin 2025 is the city’s first comprehensive forestry biodiversity review and China’s sixth provincial-level report of its kind.

    The bulletin covers biodiversity status, conservation systems, management practices, and future priorities, providing a record of Chongqing’s natural resources and protection work.

    Since the start of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan period, which runs from 2021 to 2025, Chongqing has pursued ecological protection alongside green industrial development. By the end of the period, forest coverage remained above 55%, while total forestry output reached 182.2 billion yuan (about 26.8 billion U.S. dollars), according to the bulletin.

    The municipality also completed ecological restoration across 4.68 million mu (312,000 hectares) of key areas and treated 1.55 million mu of rocky desertification land. Officials said Chongqing recorded zero summer forest fires in 2025 for the first time.

    By the end of 2025, Chongqing had more than 4.5 million hectares of forest, 29,000 hectares of grassland, and over 270,000 hectares of wetlands. Authorities had identified more than 800 species of terrestrial wild vertebrates and over 6,000 species of wild vascular plants.

    The bulletin said the number of key protected animal species rose from 112 in 2022 to 124. It cited species such as the black leaf monkey and forest musk deer, which depend on intact forest ecosystems, as examples of wildlife whose populations have remained stable or increased.

    Chongqing has built a two-layer conservation network. The first is in situ conservation. After optimization, the city is expected to have 116 protected areas, eight important terrestrial wildlife habitats, and nine migratory bird corridors. Officials said more than 90% of Chongqing’s key protected wild animals and plants are concentrated in these zones.

    The second layer is ex-situ conservation, which protects endangered species outside their original habitats through zoos, rescue centers, breeding institutions, and germplasm resource banks. Chongqing has bred more than 1,800 nationally protected animals, rescued about 7,000 wild animals, and preserved 5,229 valuable plant germplasm samples. The protection of the endangered Chinese thuja was cited as a leading local example.

    The bulletin also highlights stronger governance measures. Chongqing has adopted wildlife protection regulations and implemented the forest chief system, a Chinese ecological governance mechanism that assigns forestry protection responsibilities to officials at different administrative levels.

    Under the system, Chongqing established a “one chief, three officers” structure involving forest chiefs, supervisors, technical advisers, and forest rangers. Over the past five years, officials have conducted more than 3 million forest inspections. The city has also deployed more than 30,000 ecological forest rangers and nearly 5,000 supervisors and advisers.

    Authorities said conservation efforts are also being linked with rural development. Chongqing has promoted under-forest industries and eco-tourism, cultivated 45 prosperity villages, and supported 79 major forestry operators.

    In Datianchi Village in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, local forestry programs combine woodland-based farming with cold-water fish breeding across about 800 mu. The projects have also supported small wetland restoration, created more than 200 jobs, and raised average household income by over 3,000 yuan.

    Public engagement has also expanded. Chongqing has developed more than 30 nature education sites, including protected areas such as Jinyun Mountain, Fairy Mountain, Shuanggui Lake, and Jinfo Mountain. These venues offer public programs such as plant identification and birdwatching, helping expand environmental awareness among residents.

    Looking ahead, Wang said Chongqing aims to raise the effective protection rate for key wild animals and plants from the current above 90% to more than 95% by 2030.

    Courtesy/iChongqing.info

  • Stakeholders advocate joint action for Kenya’s water future

    Stakeholders advocate joint action for Kenya’s water future

    Stakeholders from both the public and private sectors are urging greater collaboration to resolve Kenya’s recurring water shortages. They caution that sustainable solutions depend on coordinated governance, investment, and responsible resource management.

    During a High-Level Roundtable Dialogue on Basin Water Resource Committees (BWRCs) in Nairobi, Eric Mugaa, Cabinet Secretary for Water and Irrigation, acknowledged Kenya’s significant strides in water sector reforms, achieved through successive legislative frameworks. He announced the initiation of a five-year plan aimed at bolstering water security by refining governance systems, enhancing catchment management, and broadening access to safe and dependable water.

    “Robust governance institutions and strong stakeholder collaboration are essential if we are to effectively address our water challenges,” Mugaa said, underscoring the need for integrated approaches across the sector.

    The dialogue convened government officials, development partners, and private sector representatives, all of whom underscored the importance of collective action in managing Kenya’s water resources. Henk Jan Bakker, Dutch Ambassador to Kenya, highlighted water’s pivotal role in social and economic development. He noted that Dutch-supported initiatives, such as the Catchment to Tap Programme, are designed to strengthen Integrated Water Resources Management and improve long-term water resilience.

    Jackson Kiplagat, Chief Executive Officer of the World Wide Fund (WWF), also called for closer cooperation among government agencies, counties, communities, and development partners to ensure the sustainable management of water systems. He affirmed that effective coordination is crucial for safeguarding catchment areas and improving service delivery.

    Mohammed Shurie, Chief Executive Officer of the Water Resources Authority, pointed to existing inter-agency collaboration within the sector, noting that these joint efforts are reinforcing institutional coordination and the implementation of water reforms.

    Key achievements highlighted during the forum included improved water access for households and livestock through infrastructure investment, strengthened governance frameworks, enhanced citizen science for water quality monitoring, and expanded capacity building for Water Resource User Associations.

    Participants also acknowledged progress towards the operationalisation of BWRCs as vital water management governance structures. However, they emphasised the need for further reforms, including private sector involvement in BWRCs, the development of innovative financing tools such as green bonds and water stewardship funds, increased investment in catchment restoration, and improved access to water data for evidence-based decision-making.

    The forum concluded with a unified call for deeper cross-sector collaboration to secure Kenya’s long-term water future.

  • Kenya secures hosting rights for REAIM summit 2027

    Kenya secures hosting rights for REAIM summit 2027

    Kenya will host the 4th Responsible AI in the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit in Nairobi in April 2027. The event will convene global leaders and experts to discuss the responsible application of artificial intelligence in security and defence.

    The announcement was made in Geneva by Ambassador Philip Thigo, President William Ruto’s Special Envoy on Technology, who represented Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya at the AI, Security and Ethics Conference.

    “Kenya looks forward to welcoming the global community to Nairobi for this important conversation on AI, security and international peace and security,” he said.

    Ambassador Thigo stated that the summit will concentrate on the practical implementation of responsible AI. Key areas of focus will include capacity building, institutional preparedness, international cooperation, and enhanced collaboration among governments, defence organisations, industry, academia, and international bodies.

    The summit is expected to further solidify Kenya’s standing as a regional and global centre for technology policy, innovation, and digital governance.

  • Dr. Oluga: Kenya strengthening sickle cell disease care through Taifa Care reforms

    Dr. Oluga: Kenya strengthening sickle cell disease care through Taifa Care reforms

    Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to improving prevention, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care for people living with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), saying ongoing Taifa Care reforms are strengthening access to quality healthcare across the country.

    Speaking during the national commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day 2026 at Bunyala TVET College in Budalangi, Busia County, Dr. Oluga said this year’s theme, “Closing the Survival Gap: Equity in Sickle Cell Disease,” aligns with Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage agenda by promoting equitable access to lifesaving services.

    He noted that the four pillars of Taifa Care health financing, primary healthcare, digital health and health products and technologies are supporting improved care for SCD patients. As of 8 June 2026, 31.39 million Kenyans had registered with the Social Health Authority, with 9.01 million accessing services through the Primary Health Care Fund and 4.4 million through the Social Health Insurance Fund.

    Dr. Oluga said primary healthcare and digital health reforms are enhancing early diagnosis, continuity of care and disease surveillance, while plans are underway to establish a National Sickle Cell Disease Registry to improve planning and patient outcomes. He observed that an estimated 14,000 children are born with sickle cell disease annually in Kenya, particularly in 17 high-burden counties, and stressed the importance of early diagnosis to reduce preventable deaths among affected children.

    The Ministry has developed key policy frameworks to strengthen SCD prevention and management, while more than 7,000 infants have been screened and linked to care through Ministry-led and partner-supported programmes. In addition, over 800 healthcare workers, 700 Community Health Promoters and 215 Sickle Cell Champions have been trained to support service delivery and community awareness.

    To improve access to specialised care, Dr. Oluga said the SHA benefit package now includes Red Blood Cell Exchange transfusion support of up to KES 70,000 annually for eligible patients. He also reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines, diagnostics, hydroxyurea and safe blood products.

    The Principal Secretary welcomed the launch of the IMARA Care Framework, a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies aimed at expanding access to safe blood and advanced transfusion services for people living with SCD. He also commended Busia County for being among the first counties selected for the expansion of the PEN-Plus programme beyond the pilot phase, demonstrating the potential for decentralised specialised care.

    The event brought together national and county government leaders, development partners, healthcare professionals, patient organisations and community representatives to advance awareness and action on sickle cell disease care and prevention.

  • Gov’t urges responsible exercise of constitutional rights, warns against violence

    Gov’t urges responsible exercise of constitutional rights, warns against violence

    The Government has urged Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly and peacefully, warning that violence, destruction of property and lawlessness threaten national stability, economic progress and democratic gains.

    Speaking during the Prize Giving Day at Chinga Boys Senior School in Nyeri County, Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo said constitutional freedoms must be exercised within the law and with respect for the rights of others.

    He noted that responsible citizenship and adherence to the rule of law are essential for safeguarding democracy, maintaining national cohesion and supporting the country’s development agenda.

    “The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to express themselves, to demonstrate, to picket and to petition public authorities. However, those rights must be exercised peacefully, lawfully and in a manner that respects the rights and safety of others,” said Omollo.

    The PS condemned violence, looting, destruction of property and attacks on innocent citizens during demonstrations, saying criminal acts should not be disguised as the exercise of constitutional rights.

    “There is a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrations and criminal acts. Burning businesses, looting property, attacking fellow citizens and destroying public infrastructure does not advance any cause,” he said.

    Omollo reiterated the Government’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms while maintaining law and order, adding that security agencies will continue facilitating lawful civic engagement while taking action against criminal activities.

    He called on political leaders, parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities to promote a culture of responsibility, respect and peaceful coexistence.

    The PS also used the occasion to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to education, describing it as a key driver of social transformation and national development.

    He said the education sector has received more than Ksh740 billion in the current financial year, up from about Ksh500 billion when the Kenya Kwanza administration took office, reflecting the Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education.

    According to Omollo, the Government has continued to invest in teacher recruitment and school infrastructure to support the transition to Senior School under the Competency-Based Education framework.

    He further cited bursaries provided through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund and other support programmes as critical interventions in ensuring learners from disadvantaged backgrounds remain in school.

    Omollo challenged students to uphold discipline, integrity and personal responsibility, noting that academic success alone is not sufficient for success in life.

    “Knowledge alone is not enough. Character matters. Integrity matters. Discipline matters. Respect matters. The future belongs not only to those who are educated but also to those who are responsible,” he said.

    He urged learners to avoid drugs, alcohol, substance abuse, bullying and other harmful behaviours that could derail their future.

    The PS also stressed the need to strengthen school safety, saying learning institutions must remain secure environments where students can thrive academically and socially.

    He called for closer collaboration among parents, teachers, school administrators and communities to enhance the safety and wellbeing of learners.

  • Can Kenya’s new gambling regulator curb excessive betting?

    Can Kenya’s new gambling regulator curb excessive betting?

    Kenya’s gambling industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade. Thanks to widespread smartphone adoption, improved internet access, and the popularity of mobile money platforms, betting has become more accessible than ever.

    Kenya now boasts more than 100 registered betting sites, as the country moves into a new regulatory dispensation.

    For so long, gambling in Kenya was overseen by the Betting Control and Licensing Board, but that task has now been passed on to the Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) as the nation looks to exert more control over escalating betting rates.

    Kenya’s new gambling regulator faces a significant challenge – how to maintain a thriving, regulated industry while ensuring that betting does not become a source of financial hardship for vulnerable individuals.

    Indeed, the Kenya Revenue Authority had pulled in KSh. 28.45 billion in betting taxes by April 2026, an 11% increase from the KSh. 25.24 billion collected during the 2024/2025 financial year.

    At the same time, cases of problem gambling have been surging as more Kenyans turn to sports betting in the false hope of betting their way out of poverty.

    It’s a tough balancing act for the government. The revenue coming in from the industry is great, but it must not be at the detriment of the financial, mental and social well-being of the citizens.

    The fact is Kenyans gambling regulations, and more importantly, its execution and enforcement, need to be stronger in order to clean up the industry and protect vulnerable Kenyans.

    Effective gambling regulation serves several important purposes. First, it ensures that operators comply with licensing requirements and consumer protection standards. Second, it helps prevent underage gambling and fraudulent activities. Third, it promotes responsible gambling practices designed to reduce potential harm.

    Without strong oversight, gambling operators may prioritize customer acquisition and revenue growth at the expense of player welfare. A well-functioning regulator acts as a counterbalance by establishing rules that encourage sustainable industry growth.

    Kenya’s new regulator has an opportunity to modernize the country’s approach to gambling oversight and introduce measures that align with international best practices – some of which are discussed below.

    Tightening Advertising Rules

    Under the previous regulators, Kenya already took big steps towards tightening gambling advertisements. There was a strict limit to advertising times on Kenyan media, while celebrity endorsements of betting brands were banned.

    The GRA must continue in this same direction, and ensure that gambling advertisements aren’t aimed at minors, carry strong responsible gambling messages, and do not push misleading claims about guaranteed winnings.

    Such measures would not eliminate betting but could help ensure that consumers make informed decisions rather than being influenced by unrealistic promises.

    Strengthening Age Verification

    Protecting minors remains one of the most important responsibilities of any gambling regulator.

    Although licensed operators generally require identity verification, technological improvements can make these systems even more robust. Enhanced verification processes can help prevent underage users from accessing betting platforms and placing wagers.

    The regulator could also increase compliance audits and impose significant penalties on operators that fail to adequately verify customer ages. Reducing youth exposure to gambling is critical because early participation may increase the likelihood of risky gambling behavior later in life.

    Promoting Responsible Gambling Tools

    Modern gambling platforms can incorporate a variety of tools designed to help users maintain control over their betting activity. Tools like Deposit Limits, Spending Alerts, Time Limits and Self-Exclusion programs empower bettors to manage their gambling habits proactively. Regulators can require licensed operators to offer such tools prominently and make them easy to use.

    Rather than preventing people from gambling altogether, responsible gambling tools encourage moderation and informed decision-making.

    Leveraging Data to Identify Risk

    Technology provides regulators and operators with new opportunities to identify potentially harmful gambling patterns.

    Betting platforms collect significant amounts of data regarding customer activity. Certain behaviors that can indicate elevated risk include rapid increases in betting frequency, repeated large deposits and extended periods of continuous play.

    By analyzing this information, operators can intervene when warning signs appear. Interventions might include sending responsible gambling messages, encouraging the use of betting limits, or directing customers toward support services.

    Data-driven oversight represents one of the most promising tools available to modern regulators.

    Tackling Illegal Gambling Operators

    Efforts to reduce excessive betting must also address the challenge posed by unlicensed operators.

    Illegal gambling websites often operate outside regulatory frameworks and may ignore consumer protection standards altogether. These platforms can target vulnerable users while avoiding taxation and compliance obligations.

    Consumers are generally safer when using regulated platforms that comply with established standards and oversight requirements.

    Public Education and Awareness

    Regulation alone cannot solve every gambling-related challenge. Public education plays a vital role in helping people understand both the risks and realities of betting. Many bettors overestimate their chances of winning or view gambling as a reliable source of income.

    Educational campaigns can emphasize that betting should be treated as entertainment rather than a financial strategy. Schools, community organizations, and media outlets can all contribute to greater awareness.

    By promoting financial literacy and responsible gambling practices, regulators can help individuals make better-informed decisions.

    Learning from International Experience

    Countries around the world have introduced various measures to address gambling-related concerns.

    Some jurisdictions have implemented stricter advertising rules, while others have focused on affordability checks, enhanced player monitoring, and mandatory responsible gambling features. These experiences provide valuable lessons for Kenya as it develops its regulatory framework.

    The most successful approaches tend to combine multiple strategies rather than relying on a single solution. Enforcement, education, technology, and industry cooperation all play important roles.

    Balance is Key for GRA

    The ultimate challenge for Kenya’s new gambling regulator is finding the right balance between consumer protection and industry growth.

    A complete crackdown on betting is unlikely to succeed and could drive consumers toward unregulated operators. Conversely, a hands-off approach may fail to address legitimate concerns about excessive gambling participation.

    Stronger age verification, responsible gambling tools, tighter advertising standards, and enhanced monitoring can all contribute to reducing gambling-related harm. However, long-term success will require cooperation between regulators, operators, policymakers, and the public.

    As Kenya’s gambling landscape continues to evolve, the GRA has a unique opportunity to shape an industry that remains both economically valuable and socially responsible. If implemented effectively, modern regulatory measures can help ensure that betting remains a form of entertainment rather than a source of financial distress for vulnerable consumers.

  • Women leaders from Africa, Europe gather in Berlin for empowerment summit

    Women leaders from Africa, Europe gather in Berlin for empowerment summit

    Women leaders, diplomats, entrepreneurs and advocates from Africa and Europe have gathered in Berlin for the inaugural Empower Her Berlin 2026, a networking and empowerment dinner aimed at advancing women’s leadership, collaboration and social impact.

    The event, organised by Simply Feminine Network (SFN), was held at the Schloss Hotel Berlin under the theme “Leadership, Empowerment, Healing and Global Collaboration,” bringing together influential voices from the diplomatic community, private sector, international organisations and the African diaspora.

    Among those in attendance were Kenya’s Ambassador to Germany, Stella Mokaya Orina, keynote speaker Esther Bornefeld, and Miss Africa International Stephanie Oben, alongside other women leaders and entrepreneurs.

    The gathering provided a platform for discussions on women’s leadership, entrepreneurship, social justice, healing and community transformation, with participants calling for stronger partnerships between Africa and Europe to expand opportunities for women and girls.

    The evening featured keynote addresses, networking sessions, an SFN impact presentation, cultural showcases and a charity segment supporting future empowerment initiatives. The event was also documented through photography, videography, interviews and documentary production.

    SFN Founder Agnes Vorreiter said the initiative was designed to amplify women’s voices while creating opportunities for collaboration and growth.

    “Empower Her Berlin is more than a celebration. It is a platform that amplifies women’s voices, promotes healing, encourages leadership, and creates international opportunities for women to thrive and make a lasting impact in society,” Vorreiter said.

    The event also recognised the contribution of Kenyans and other African communities in the diaspora in driving innovation, entrepreneurship and social change globally.

    SFN said Empower Her Berlin aligns with its mission of restoring dignity, purpose and opportunity for women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, healing and community development programmes.

    The organisation continues to support initiatives focused on entrepreneurship empowerment, support for formerly incarcerated women, endometriosis awareness, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) advocacy, mentorship and outreach programmes for vulnerable families and children.

  • 15 countries adopt Mombasa Declaration to fight illegal fishing

    15 countries adopt Mombasa Declaration to fight illegal fishing

    Fifteen national governments from across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific adopted the Mombasa Declaration at the 11th Our Ocean Conference, committing to advance global fisheries transparency and strengthen efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

    The Mombasa Declaration is a call to action for coastal and flag States on fisheries transparency, with a particular focus on better collection and dissemination of vessel information and allowing for better access to fisheries data.

    “Fisheries are a matter of culture and national security for us. I’m happy that Ghana is among the first countries to sign the Mombasa Declaration, because it provides a platform for all of us, the different governments, to come together and declare on an international platform that we are working together, fighting together for transparency in the fisheries sector,” said Emelia Arthur, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Ghana.

    The declaration builds support and momentum for the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, which outlines 10 low-cost or no-cost policy principles that governments can adopt globally, in law and in practice.

    Endorsed at Our Ocean by a diverse coalition of countries, including Belgium, Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, France (on behalf of its overseas territories), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Senegal, Somalia, South Korea, and The Republic of Congo, the Mombasa Declaration unites nations committed to strengthening ocean governance and leading global action on fisheries transparency.

    “France is proud to be among the first supporters of the Mombasa Declaration on Fisheries Transparency, through its Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs),” said Madame Catherine Chabaud, Minister Delegate for the Sea and Fishery, France.
    Once adopted, signatory countries will begin putting the Declaration into action. The signing launches a campaign for other nations to join the effort in advance of the next Our Ocean Conference in 2027.

    Coastal communities, small-scale fishers, and economies that depend on marine wildlife bear the brunt of IUU fishing, which threatens livelihoods, food security, and the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.

    “For too long, fisheries have operated far from shore, with inadequate oversight and opaque supply chains. These fishing practices have depleted fish stocks, undermined coastal communities, and enabled illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and human rights abuses. Transparency is essential to protecting our oceans and the livelihoods of those that depend on them. The Mombasa Declaration signals that governments around the world are ready to act against illegal fishing, and to work together for a more transparent, equitable, and sustainable ocean for all,” added Beth Lowell, Vice President at Oceana.

    The Mombasa Declaration responds to these challenges by advancing practical transparency measures, outlined in the Global Charter, to improve access to information on vessel ownership, licensing, and fishing activity; strengthening accountability; and enabling more sustainable and equitable management of marine resources.

    “Transparency is how we expose abuses, support coastal communities, and rebuild trust that fisheries can be managed sustainably and fairly. I applaud the leadership of every state endorsing the Mombasa Declaration today, and urge others to follow,” added Steve Trent, CEO and Founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation.

    The Mombasa Declaration was developed with support from the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency and its partners, including academics and practitioners, who are working with governments to advance increased transparency and accountability in fisheries governance and management.

    Through the Declaration, signatory countries commit to advancing concrete transparency reforms, including modernizing vessel registries, publishing fishing authorizations, and strengthening information-sharing to support enforcement and accountability across fisheries sectors.

    IUU fishing is a pervasive global challenge that undermines coastal communities, distorts markets, and weakens sound ocean governance.

    Experts estimate this costs the global economy up to $50 billion annually, while depriving legitimate fishers—particularly in low-and middle-income countries, of income and access to resources.

    IUU fishing contributes to declining fish stocks, threatening food security and livelihoods, and is often linked to serious human rights abuses, including unsafe working conditions and forced labor.

    Limited transparency in vessel ownership, tracking, and fishing activity and supply chains allows these practices to persist, making stronger access to reliable fisheries data and accountability mechanisms essential to protecting marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

  • Commonwealth Secretary-General arrives in Kenya for official visit

    Commonwealth Secretary-General arrives in Kenya for official visit

    Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has arrived in Kenya for an official visit.

    The visit is aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Kenya and the Commonwealth family of nations.

    Botchwey is expected to hold high-level engagements with government leaders and key stakeholders on shared priorities including governance, sustainable development, youth empowerment, trade, as well as regional peace and security.

    The visit comes as Kenya continues to play an active role in Commonwealth affairs, with discussions expected to focus on ways of deepening collaboration in advancing inclusive growth, democratic governance and economic resilience among member states.

    The engagement also provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships on issues affecting citizens across the organisation, including efforts aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods.

    “The visit underscores Kenya’s active engagement within the Commonwealth and reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to supporting member states in advancing inclusive growth, democratic governance, economic resilience, and shared prosperity for their citizens,” the State Department for Foreign Affairs said in statement on X