EAST AFRICA TIMES

 Reporting by JAMES MUTUA  May 24, 2024 - Nairobi, Kenya Reproductive health stakeholders on Friday convened in Nairobi to address the escalating triple threat of HIV, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV) in Nairobi County. The  meeting organized by  the Center for Reproductive Rights and the Reproductive Health Network Kenya  brought together government officials, healthcare providers, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community leaders, and civil society partners to strategize and implement comprehensive solutions to these pressing issues. During the meeting, participants emphasized the necessity of providing integrated healthcare services to collectively address HIV, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence (GBV). This includes expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services, enhancing HIV prevention and treatment programs, and offering comprehensive support for GBV survivors. They also highlighted the critical role of e...

 By James Mutua Matatu Owners Association president Mr. Albert Karakacha during a sensitization session in Machakos town. He has urged drivers and conductors to obey traffic rules. Picture: Courtesy.  The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), in partnership with National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the traffic police, have conducted a road safety clinic in Machakos to sensitize Matatu owners and the crew on road safety. Speaking during the road safety clinic at Machakos bus stage, Albert Karakacha, the president of MOA, said that the association is engaging members, drivers and stakeholders in road safety clinics to reduce the number of accidents on the roads. Karakacha said MOA plans to conduct the road safety clinics in every county and called for support from stakeholders. “We had a meeting with the president and we agreed that within 90 days the number of accidents must go down,” he said. The MOA boss also noted that the clinics are also meant to help stop the cra...

 By Jameson Mutua The Nairobi County Digital Economy and Startups subsector hosted a roundtable meeting with stakeholders at the Weston Hotel. The meeting centered on this year’s theme, “Innovation for All: Crafting a Tech-Driven Future of Boundless Opportunity.” Participants discussed stakeholders' expectations and the anticipated outcomes for the upcoming Innovation Technology Week, set to take place in August. Mike Gumo, the County Executive for Innovation and Digital Economy Sector, announced that this year's Innovate Nairobi Tech Week will be community-driven, fostering collaboration and mutual learning. The event will connect investors with startups and like-minded individuals, focusing on achieving tangible outcomes. Gumo emphasized, "Together, we will fulfill the expectations of everyone involved." Tiras Njoroge, the County Chief Officer for Smart Nairobi, added that the county plans to integrate the startup community into the government during this year's...

 Reporting by James Mutua Nairobi, May 10, 2024 – The Kenyan government's recent push to bolster regulations within the tobacco industry has sparked a heated debate among various stakeholders, highlighting differing opinions on how best to address tobacco control. The current discourse stems from the government's initiative to revisit the Tobacco Control Act of 2007 and the Tobacco Control Regulations of 2014, with the aim of accommodating emerging tobacco-free products. These products are touted as potential reduced-risk alternatives to traditional cigarettes, purportedly aiding smokers in their journey to quit. Joel Gitari, Chairman of the Kenya Tobacco Control and Health Promotion Alliance, shed light on ongoing efforts to align domestic regulations with international standards. Gitari revealed plans by the Ministry to enhance graphic health warnings, increasing coverage to 80% from the existing 50%. At the same time, Celine Awuor, Chief Executive Officer of the Internationa...

 Reporting by James Mutua Amid global turmoil and post-COVID slowdowns, Kenya has emerged as a safe haven for its wealthiest investors, drawing funds back home with its promising growth prospects. According to Knight Frank's annual Wealth Report 2024, based on responses from private bankers and wealth advisors, Kenyan High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) are increasingly optimistic about wealth growth, with 62.5 percent anticipating increases in 2024. Mark Dunford, CEO of Knight Frank Kenya, noted, “Kenya’s growth is bringing a resurgence in HNWIs buying Kenyan property. This includes second and third homes in addition to their commercial property investments. Wealthy investors have also taken a step back from foreign assets in favor of building bigger positions at home.” The survey revealed that HNWIs are now allocating about 60 percent of their wealth to homes, with nearly 30 percent purchasing a home in 2023 and a similar percentage planning to buy another in 2024. Consequently, t...

 By James Mutua Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership in Africa Mr. Denise Kodhe. He has criticized Mr. Sakaja for mismanaging Nairobi.  In a scathing rebuke of Nairobi's incumbent Governor Johnson Sakaja, Denise Kodhe, Executive Director of the Institute for Democracy and Leadership in Africa and former Nairobi gubernatorial aspirant, has lambasted the current administration for its failure to uplift Nairobi to its rightful stature. Speaking to the press on Monday in Nairobi, Kodhe who contested in the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial race under the banner of the Liberal Democratic Party, lamented the lack of visionary leadership from Governor Sakaja.  What is happening in Nairobi County is not surprising, I was an aspirant under the Party of Liberal Democratic Party and I talked about these issues during my campaigns, the current governor is not only incompetent, he's corrupt to the core. Instead of fixing simple things like drainage and sewer he's ...