By Daniel Dembede 

The World Health Organization (WHO) and TikTok, a platform for short-form mobile videos, announced a year-long collaboration aimed at providing people with reliable, science-based health information. 

This reflects WHO's commitment to leveraging multiple digital communication platforms to increase outreach to people globally, to promote health literacy, healthy behaviours and actions in an increasingly digitised world.

Statistics indicate that one in four young adults actively seek news content on social media platforms, including TikTok. 

“The intersection of health and technology presents an opportunity to reach people of all ages, where they are, when they want to access,” said Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist.

“By working with TikTok and others, we are helping people access credible information and engage in scientific discourse that collectively helps shape a healthier future for all,” he added.

With over 1 billion people as part of its global community, TikTok is using its platform and technology to raise health awareness and increase access to trustworthy information.

"We know that millions of people come to TikTok every day to share and find community in all areas of their life, including their well-being, and we strive to ensure they can find reliable information on this important topic,” said Valiant Richey, Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, TikTok.

“That's why today we are delighted to be collaborating with the World Health Organization's Fides network of health influencers, to further strengthen this commitment by bringing engaging and authoritative mental well-being content to our community."

WHO’s Fides network, launched in 2020, has been mobilising health content creators to counter misinformation and elevate evidence-based content.

With a community of over 800 creators reaching 150 million people across various platforms, Fides can help enhance targeted, credible communication to help people access better health information.

Dr Alain Labrique, WHO’s Director of Digital Health and Innovation, emphasised the importance of this initiative.

He said, “Creators who understand their audience's needs have a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between science and everyday life. This is where WHO can step in to support influencers in delivering evidence-based information, ensuring that health conversations on platforms like TikTok are both impactful and informed.”

The collaboration will expand efforts around a number of relevant health topics, translating science-based information into relatable and digestible video content, with more support for influencers provided through TikTok's creator training programs.

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By Daniel Dembede

Kenya has officially joined the high ambition coalition aimed at eliminating plastic pollution.

The alliance now comprises 67 nations dedicated to establishing a robust international legally binding instrument, based on a comprehensive and circular approach that mandates urgent actions and effective measures throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics.

The decision represents a significant development at a crucial juncture, in the negotiations for a plastics treaty.

There is an urgent need for a strong and unified commitment to conclude discussions for a comprehensive and effective treaty, during the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) scheduled to take place in Busan, South Korea in November 2024.

In light of what is at stake, Gerance Mutwol, Plastic campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, stated:

“As Kenya demonstrates commitment and political goodwill towards a robust treaty, we urge the Kenyan government to endorse and sign the Bridge to Busan Declaration. Kenya should champion a treaty that prioritises reducing plastic production by at least 75% by 2040, based on the 2019 baseline, in order to maintain global temperatures below 1.5° C and safeguard our health, rights, communities and the planet.”

“Kenya must endeavour to eradicate plastic pollution throughout its entire lifecycle to protect both the environment and human health, while also eliminating single-use plastics, beginning with problematic items such as sachets. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to transition towards a just and inclusive low-carbon, zero-waste, toxic-free, reuse-oriented economy,” Gerance added.

Kenya, alongside nations like Rwanda, has been in the forefront towards a continent free from single-use plastics.

Governments across Africa and globally must recognize that the Global Plastics Treaty presents a unique opportunity to address this mounting global crisis.

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By Jabali Media

Over 15 Kisumu based journalists have been trained on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (ASRHR) reporting, aimed at accurate media coverage.

The two-day training held on Wednesday and Thursday at a Kisumu hotel, by the Centre for the Study of Adolescents (CSA) targeted journalists attached to various media houses based in Kisumu.

CSA is implementing a three-year Youth for Health (Y4H) project, that seeks to expand access to life-changing ASRHR services for the most vulnerable adolescent girls, including those with disabilities, residing in rural and remote regions of Kenya, with a focus on Muhoroni and Seme Sub counties.  

A study conducted by CSA revealed that the two areas have a high prevalence of teen pregnancy and HIV/AIDS among young people.   

According to Collins Festo Owino, Y4H project officer, the initiative aims to enhance ASRHR by expanding access to high-quality information, education, and services, with a specific emphasis on underserved adolescents in Kisumu County.

He said journalists play a major role in shaping opinion in communities, making them the ‘go to guys’ for awareness creation on ASRHR issues.

“The media plays a very critical role in educating members of the public, conducting advocacy and helping us to highlight challenges for proper action,” he said.

“They can also help us in highlighting success stories as far as ASRHR issues are concerned. We want the media to be part of the changes we want to see in our communities and the country at large.”

He said parents and religious leaders play a critical role in the socialisation of young people, urging them to provide a listening ear in a bid to reign in on the challenge of rampant teenage pregnancies.

“If the church could come in and have age-appropriate conversations on issues of sexuality with young people, then we are able to give them the right information to make informed choices about their reproductive health,” added Owino.  

The project is co-funded by the European Union, through Marie Stopes International (MSI) and implemented in Kenya by a consortium of three organisations. They are CSA, DSW and Marie Stopes Kenya. 

Journalists who attended the training pledged to put to use the information acquired, to improve their ASRHR and SRHR reporting.  

By Leonard Murunga

The National Council of Churches (NCCK) and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) Nyanza region leadership wants the County government of Kisumu and the national government to resolve various issues affecting residents of Kisumu.

Addressing the press in Kisumu on Wednesday, the leaders said the issues which include lack of security and tough economic situations, require immediate action.

NCCK Kisumu branch chairman, Bishop Clement Otieno said residents of Kisumu are ailing from land and border conflicts, matters that must be addressed urgently.

“We call upon the County government of Kisumu to enhance local conflict resolution mechanisms and partnerships with the national government so as to strengthen security in areas such as Nyakach and Muhoroni,” he said.

He additionally urged the government to keep youth busy and active through engaging them in various economic activities, stating that the move will help reduce crime rates.

By Zuleikha Salim

The memorial service for 21 pupils who perished in the Hillside Endarasha Academy fire tragedy in Nyeri County on September 05, was held on Thursday, with names of the learners being revealed.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and opposition leaders including Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugne Ludovic Wamalwa, were among those in attendance.

The 21 were among over 100 boys who were sleeping in the dormitory when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Here are the names of those who died, and their attributes:

1. Roy Victor - enthusiastic and responsible

2. John Komu - outgoing and adventurous

3. Timothy Wamae - persistent and reserved

4. Emmanuel Maina - creative and calm

5. Success King'ori - responsible and disciplined

6. Samvin Munene - cheerful and well-groomed

7. Timothy Weru - kindhearted and jovial

8. Kent Mungai - compassionate and industrious

9. Ferdinand Karuku - humble and innovative

10. Kevin Kabogo - social and ambitious

11. Travis Kariuki - humble and well-mannered

12. Roy Branton - empathetic and hardworking

13. Lewis Machira - curious and gentle

14. Collins Mureithi - confident and lively

15. Robinson Theuri - diligent and generous

16. Bernard Warutere - influential and approachable

17. John Munga - God-fearing and warm-hearted

18. Michael Ndung'u - artistic and quiet

19. Lewis Wairagu - brilliant and organised

20. Emmanuel Gachoroyo - outstanding and realistic

21. Ernest Ngaruhia - talented and visionary

By Daniel Dembede 

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has lauded a recent regional learning exchange visit to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), describing it as a significant eye-opener. 

The visit, which took place from September 3-5, 2024, involved a delegation from the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA), the Ministry of Education, Parliament, the Commission for University Education (CUE) and IGAD.

In a statement, IGAD emphasised that the exchange would significantly advance regional educational frameworks. National Assembly’s Education Committee Chairman Julius Melly highlighted the benchmarking event as crucial for implementing the IGAD Qualifications Framework (IGADQF).

Dr. Alice Kande, the KNQA Director General praised IGAD and SAQA for organising the benchmarking event. Kenya was the first IGAD member state to establish a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and an implementing authority.

“For this reason, KNQA was eager to learn from the experiences of African countries that have developed and implemented their own NQFs,” she said. 

South Africa was chosen for the exchange due to its early adoption of both an NQF and an implementing agency (SQA). Following Kenya, Ethiopia has become the second IGAD member state to endorse an NQF, with Uganda preparing to follow suit.

Dr. Kande explained that all IGAD member states are working on their NQFs, and IGAD must scale up support for the implementation of the IGADQF. Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda participated in the learning exchange mission to SAQA, with plans to include Djibouti and Sudan in future missions.

The meeting, described as informative and participatory, achieved its objectives according to IGAD standards.

“This significant three-day event was designed to enhance the region’s National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs) and foster a collective vision for Africa-centred leadership in educational excellence, providing quality and relevant education for all,” the statement said.

Discussions during the visit highlighted the importance of regional integration, governance, and lifelong learning in advancing quality education standards across IGAD member states.

Emphasising inclusive education, one participant remarked, “This is part of the Jua Kali movement; it is for those at the margins,” stressing the need to reach underserved and marginalised communities through flexible and accessible learning pathways.”

By Daniel Dembede

Africa's youth are being encouraged to embrace engineering as a crucial driver of development and innovation across the continent.

Speaking at the 10th annual UNESCO Africa Engineering Week High-Level Workshop held in Nairobi, Eng. Maureen Mwaniki, Director of Public Affairs and Policy at Huawei Kenya, expressed concern over the shortage of engineers in Africa and the rest of the world.

“There has been declining interest in the profession from the youth, with the enrolment of young people, especially women in the profession dwindling. The continent is facing a situation where there are a lot of older more experienced engineers, but not enough young candidate engineers entering the profession. Our ability to sustain the profession lies in the number of young people choosing engineering as a career,” Eng. Mwaniki said.

She noted that Africa’s future depends on its youth embracing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, particularly engineering, which lies at the core of solving the continent’s most pressing challenges.

Eng. Mwaniki explained, “The growing need for infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience offers a unique opportunity for engineers to shape Africa’s path toward sustainable growth.  But more efforts need to be put in attracting younger people, especially women, to the profession.”

She continued, "Women, in particular, need to step out of their comfort zones and grab the opportunities that are offered by companies such as Huawei. Programs like Seeds for the future, ICT Competition and Women Collaboration programs with our partners will help expose the Women Engineers to advanced technologies that can enable them to create solutions for their country."

The Africa Engineering Week provides a platform for government representatives, industry leaders, and academia to discuss policy frameworks and partnerships that can accelerate engineering education and innovation on the continent.

This year’s event was themed, “Engineering and for Sustainable Development’, highlights the urgent need for technical solutions to address challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development and digital transformation.”

Celebrated across the region every year, UNESCO Africa Engineering Week promotes engineering solutions and awareness among students, society and policy-makers. It aims to inspire and educate youth and the public on the vital role of engineers in societies. 

This year's edition was hosted by the Ordem dos Engenheiros de Angola in Luanda, Angola, and organised jointly by UNESCO, the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) and the Federation of African Engineering Organisations (FAEO).

By Jabali Media

KCB Bank Kenya and Airtel Money Kenya Limited have announced a partnership where Airtel Money customers will now be able to make payments directly to KCB merchants’ tills through the Lipa Na KCB service.

KCB Bank Kenya Managing Director, Annastacia Kimtai noted that the move is part of the Bank’s promise anchored on creating an efficient payments ecosystem that will be instrumental in accelerating financial inclusion.

“Reaching critical mass will require mobile money ecosystems to become more dynamic and productive and such a move will enable us to scale our offering while giving customers the freedom to empower themselves,” Kimtai said.

Airtel Money Managing Director Anne Kinuthia-Otieno, attributed the partnership to the evolution of mobile money interoperability, which now provides customers with limitless choices for conducting their mobile transfers and payments.

“We are thrilled about our partnership with KCB, which allows our customers to seamlessly transact through their Airtel Money wallets. This collaboration underscores Airtel Money’s ongoing commitment to improving customer experience and promoting financial inclusion through innovative partnerships. With the integration of Lipa na KCB into Airtel Money's ecosystem, customers now have greater flexibility and convenience in paying for goods and services,” she stated.

To access the new payment option, registered Airtel Money customers need to follow these steps:

USSD Journey:

1. Dial *334#

2. Select "Paybill and Till Payment"

3. Select Paybill

4. Select Airtel Paybill (including bank paybills)

5. Enter Paybill number: 522533

6. Enter Account Number as displayed at the merchant’s outlet

7. Enter Amount

8. Enter PIN to confirm the transaction

App Journey:

1. Launch the My Airtel App - https://bit.ly/keAPP

2. Select "Paybill"

3. Choose "Airtel Paybill"

4. Enter Paybill number: 522533

5. Enter Account Number as displayed at the merchant’s outlet

6. Enter Amount

7. Enter PIN to confirm the transaction

By Jabali Media

President William Ruto Monday held talks with the President of Ford Foundation, Darren Walker in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

During the meeting, President Ruto underscored Kenya’s commitment to Democratic Governance, Rule of Law, and respect for Human Rights.

He noted that with the democratic backsliding in many parts of the world, it was imperative to safeguard democracy particularly in Africa, from dangers of disinformation and manipulation of the digital space for non-democratic ends.

Ford Foundation’s President applauded President Ruto for being a strong voice at the international stage on matters touching on reforming global economic governance institutions, climate change, and technology regulation and committed Ford’s willingness to support Kenya.

President Ruto thanked the Foundation for investing in Kenya’s Development over the last 60 years and agreed on the need to upgrade the institution’s Host Country Agreement and provide a robust framework for realisation of mutual objectives.

Present at the meeting were Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

The meeting came weeks after Ruto accused the organisation of funding anarchy and violence, during the June and July anti-government protests.

Ford Foundation denied the allegations.  

By Leonard Murunga

Former Kajiado Senator Peter Ole Mositet has challenged Kenyans to make good use of government opportunities and resources for self-employment, which will in turn save them from relying on politicians for survival.

The former legislator who is the chairman, Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), said the government has rolled out several development initiatives across the country, adding that Kenyans only need to embrace them to reap maximum benefits.

He spoke when he made a visit to the institute, in Kisumu on Monday.

"Today we are telling Kenyans we have a lot of things we can do through KIRDI and we can make sure that our young people are self-employed, and they can come up with cottage industries and out of that, we will not see the levels of poverty we are seeing. Through the national government, this facility is here to make sure we support our young men and women to become more industrialists,” he stated.

Through KIRDI, the Senator said, Kenyans have the opportunity to develop themselves regardless of their levels of education.

He added that they intend to empower Western Kenya residents on value addition, so as to make farming and fishing among other economic ventures, profitable.

"In this region, a number of people engage in farming and fishing. We are trying to see how we can make sure they make their feed, process or dry fish and even have enough ice so that fish does not rot, through this organisation."

On his part, Dr. Calvin Onyango, KIRDI Director General said they are working closely with county governments, in a bid to take their services closer to the people.

KIRDI’s mandate is to undertake research, development and innovation in industrial and allied technologies, and disseminate research findings to support industrial development.

By Jabali Media

Pentecostal Assemblies of Kenya (PAG) Church General Superintendent (GS) Patrick Lihanda has distanced himself from claims of stalling the religious outfit’s electoral process. 

Addressing the press in his office at the Nyang’ori Mission headquarters on Monday, Lihanda blamed the registrar of societies, Goretti Nyariki for allegedly having a hand in the delayed electoral process.

“The situation we are in today as a Church has not been caused by General Superintendent Patrick Lihanda. It has been caused by the registrar of societies,” he said.

According to the GS, a court ruling in July directed the Church to conduct elections within 60 days, with a leeway for 30 days extension.

On 18th July, Lihanda said, he issued a notice to have elections for two days – August 29th and 30th, but the registrar reportedly only gave an okay of one day – August 30th.

On the material day, the process went on smoothly but could not go beyond the nomination stage, as Kenneth Adiara emerged the winner after garnering 1,670 votes, against Dr Christopher Kilasi’s 1,288. Lihanda got 1,040 votes.

After nominations, Lihanda says the registrar, ‘by word of mouth’ directed them to have elections for the new GS conducted on September 17.

“Remember the court had given us only 60 days, which were ending on 11th September. According to the directive by the court, the registrar was supposed to give an extension of 30 days,” Lihanda stated.

“I have written to her severally, she has not given an extension nor has she responded. I have not refused to issue a notice for elections. I will do so immediately if the registrar provides a clear written communication on when to hold elections.” 

We reached out to the registrar via a phone call on Tuesday afternoon, and this was her response: “Tell him to tell you the truth. Just tell him to tell you the truth. He knows all the truth.”

Some leaders, led by PAG General Administrator Patrick Oyondi, had earlier on Monday indicated that elections of the new GS will be held on October 01, 2024.

“The church Council in its wisdom has decided to ensure that we have this election on time as the court order directed,” said Oyondi.

“Therefore, I want to urge every stakeholder, please let us remain peaceful as we prepare to come here to elect the GS, General Secretary and General Treasurer of the Church,” he added.

However, Lihanda denounced the announcement, saying that as the GS, he is the only one mandated to issue a notice for elections.

He said he is willing to peacefully hand over power to whoever will be elected in accordance with the PAG Church’s constitution. 

By Lameck Baraza

Rarieda Artisanal Gold Miners Cooperative Society leadership has warned the government against any attempt to shut down a gold mining site in Ramba, Siaya County.

They were reacting to a September 19, 2024 letter from the Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, State Department for Mining.

The miners on Monday staged a day-long street protest in Ndori Market, stating that the site has been their only source of livelihood since time immemorial.

They claim the site is being handed over to a foreigner.

“We use simple tools to mine gold at this site. The foreigner is deploying heavy machinery that is denying many of us opportunities,” lamented George Olengo.

Another visibly wounded miner explained that he was recently injured while working for the foreign company, but has since been neglected in treatment. 

The site is situated next to Ramba Boys, and is owned by a cooperative.

“We have a single entrance to the mining caves, but different people own different caves underneath. The government must consult all of us through our cooperative and elected (political) leaders,” said George Owada.

They implied that they are ready to protest continuously, until they are heard. The artisans accused the government of allegedly embracing income-generating activities in other parts of the country, such as Mogoka farming, while frustrating those from Siaya County.

The local community observed that the Cooperative has continued to help the community as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program.

In particular, they said that they have benefited from the drilling of boreholes that have helped to raise sanitation standards at home.

“The cooperative has drilled boreholes here in Lumba village. The one we have here was installed at a cost of Sh6 million. The loan is yet to be repaid, and closing the mining site will leave us with no source of water,” observed Caroline Akinyi.

In the meantime, the leadership of the cooperative threatened to go to court to quash the order on cessation of operations.

The letter signed by Regional Mining Officer Ben Bera,states that the San Martin Gold Mine site  is operating illegally.

“The purpose of this letter is to order with immediate effect cessation of all illegal mining at San Martin Gold Mining site. Failure to comply with the lawful order is an offence under Section 205 (1)(b) of the Mining Act 306,” reads parts of the letter to Isaac Owang, the alleged proprietor.

 “Any person who engages in activities and operations for, or connected with, the dealings, disposition, search for, prospecting or mining, processing, refining, export or import of a mineral or mineral deposits whether they are processed or unprocessed in Kenya without a valid licence or permit granted under this act commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding Sh10 million or both.”

The artisans have called upon all elected leaders in Siaya, led by Governor James Orengo, to intervene.