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State of the climate in Africa 2022 launched during Africa Climate Summit

By Ronald Njoroge

The State of the climate in Africa 2022 was launched during Africa Climate Summit that took place at the in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi during the Africa climate summit.

NGALLE BIBEHE Jean Ernest Masséna, Cameroon, Minister of Transport and Chairman of African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET) said that the current State of Africa’s Climate report, the fourth in the series, provides scientific information on climate trends in Africa, observed extreme weather and climate events and their associated impacts on key and sensitive development sectors.

“It also highlights information on climate policies, mitigation and adaptation strategies implemented in Africa to address climate-related impacts,” Massena said.

He observed that the report provides the scientific evidence needed to make the right decisions and is a valuable guide for decision makers, development partners and all stakeholders in climate negotiations.

The minister added that the  report on the state of climate in Africa is part of the implementation of the Integrated African Strategy on Meteorology, the reviewed version of which was adopted by Heads of State of the African Union.

“On the continent, it has been noted that the socio-economic benefits of weather information are barely recognized, even though early warnings help to save lives and protect investments. This is the place to make it known that by investing in Meteorological Services, we are contributing to the provision of reliable information for the protection of lives and property,” he revealed.

 AMCOMET is working to ensure that building the capacity of the Meteorological Services is a priority in national policies of each country, and that these services are in turn able to produce an annual report on the state of climate at national level.

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Non- State Actors have urge African leaders to reject false solutions ahead during climate summit

By Bruno Aero

More than 500 African civil society organisations warn that the summit has been hijacked by Western governments, consultancies and philanthropic organisations hell-bent on pushing a pro-Western agenda and interests at the expense of Africa.

Statistic show that between 600 and 900 million people are facing systemic food and water shortages, debilitating poverty and lack of access to energy or clean energy, forcing them to flee their homes and migrate from their countries due to climate change.

“The civil society organisations have issued seven hard-hitting demands to their governments and wealthy nations, which they hope will be addressed.”, Augustine Njamnshi, Chair Political and Technical,PACJA

He said the Africa Climate present a unique opportunity for the continent to address the climate emergency and protecting the livelihood of Africa.

The summit has attracted more than 20 heads of state and 30,000 delegates from across Africa and the world.

The African People are demanding justice, decolonisation of the continent’s economic systems, and repayment of climate debt,” said the Non-State actors

“They are also demanding an end to energy capture, an immediate stop to fossil fuel projects, and a rejection of false solutions in a move that will bring the plight of over 900 million people into the global spotlight.”he added

Other demands include decolonising economics and development, repaying the climate debt and delivering the money, building global solidarity, peace and justice, no new fossil fuels, new commitments to international cooperation, and ending energy agency capture and energy system capture.

Speaking on behalf of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance Mr. Njamnshi said Africans are tired of leaders and governments paying endless lip service to the impact of climate change on Africa’s people.

“We are calling for the decolonisation of Africa’s economy and development agenda, the repayment of the climate debt and the provision of much-needed funds to Africa for climate adaptation and loss and damage, as well as real solutions to this gripping problem facing the continent,” said Mr Njamnshi.

Statistics show that Africa is trapped in a never-ending cycle of poverty, hunger, undue exposure to climate-related disasters and dwindling investment in climate change adaptation and mitigation.

“It is a serious indictment of world leaders and corporations that African people, through no fault of their own, continue to disproportionately experience the devastating effects of climate change,” said Hon. Esther Passaris, Nairobi Women Representative

In addition, climate-related disasters are both increasing the cost of borrowing and exacerbating the risk of debt crises.

Most countries have no choice but to borrow to meet the costs of recovery and reconstruction after disasters.

“The unsustainable debt levels that many countries face today also mean less fiscal space to invest in adaptation and mitigation, and to address the losses and damages already being experienced,” said Njamnshi.

He added: “By putting African people at the centre of the climate and development agenda, the PACJA believes that this is an opportunity to put people’s voices, needs, well-being and the well-being of the earth at the centre of the climate and development discourse.”

“Africa is ready to rise, but only if leaders have the courage to stop the capture of our government agencies, processes and energy systems by the fossil fuel industry and foreign interests to serve their interests and not the interests of the African people,” Njamnshi added.

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NON-STATE ACTORS STEERING COMMITTEE FOR AFRICA CLIMATE SUMMIT 2023

NON STATE ACTORS AND PAN AFRICAN PARLIAMENTARIAN

BY NJOKI KARANJA

As African leaders prepare to gather for the upcoming Africa Climate Summit (ACS), we, a collective of non-state actors bringing together diverse groups across sectors, express deep concern and disappointment over the preparation and agenda of the Summit. Organisational lapses, apparent civil society exclusion, and Western interest dominance are also set to mar the Summit.

The hallmark of the organisational confusion and inertia manifests in the accreditation process where exhausted delegates are tossed from the  accreditation venue to the Ministry of Environment for clearance process for what is said to be approval. Beyond the ACS, this confusion will direct impact Africa participation in another critical UNFCCC process, the Africa Climate Week as both events are under one accreditaion umbrella.

Summit organisers have deliberately failed to ensure adequate participation and consultation of non-state actors, especially those from the most vulnerable and marginalised communities, in the planning and implementation of the Summit. The African parliamentarians are more conspicuously missing in the consultation process, yet their representation, legislation and oversight role is apparent in processes such as the ACS.
We are deeply concerned that the Summit agenda remains too inclined to promote market-based solutions and Transnational Corporations’ involvement while neglecting the people’s and the planet’s needs and rights.

We believe that, though we have few hours to the kick-off of the Summit, we still think that President Ruto and the African Union have an opportunity to rethink the agenda to allow more space for dialogue and action on climate justice, adaptation, finance, loss and damage, and human rights – issues we strongly believe fundamentally crucial for Africa’s wellbeing, but which have tactfully been relegated to the periphery.
We do not wish this Summit to be a missed opportunity to address Africa’s climate crisis and amplify African people’s voices and solutions.

African citizens have waited too long to have such a gathering, and thus, once again, we urge the organisers to ensure that the Summit is genuinely inclusive, transparent and accountable.
While noting the front line role non-state actors play in climate response, we reiterate that no single stakeholder – governmental or non-governmental – can defeat the threats posed by the climate crisis. We call upon the African governments and leaders to listen to and engage with non-state actors as equal partners.

Our demands are informed by the alarming devastation of climate change on the continent and the failure of the developed countries responsible for this devastation to provide adequate support to the most vulnerable countries and communities.
They also reflect the Africa Climate Summit Non-State Actors Steering Committee’s (ACS-NSA) shared vision and emphasise the critical need to address the impact of the climate crisis on the continent and its inhabitants.
We have issued a document outlining minimum expectations from the summit. Over 2,294 groups and individuals across the continent have signed the redlines document.

Therefore, Africa Climate Summit presents a unique opportunity for the continent to raise the urgency of addressing the climate emergency and protecting the rights and livelihoods of its citizens.
Moreover, it is an opportunity to build momentum and solidarity for the African agenda at COP28 and beyond by highlighting African countries’ common interests and aspirations in achieving a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive development.ACS-NSA is a pan-African platform advocating for a pro-African agenda in all critical spaces at the summit and beyond.

The ACS-NSA has a Secretariat supported by the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) and is organised into clusters that draw members from regional CSOs, Indigenous People, Faith Actors, Trade Unions, the African Private Sector, Farmer Organizations, Women and Gender Constituencies, Youth Movements Academia and Research Institutions, Foundations and Finance Institutions.
ACS-NSA has been advocating for a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future that respects the rights and dignity of all people. Despite their engagements with the Kenyan government, the African Union Commission, and the ClimDev-Africa Initiative, our concern remains that the summit may fall short of our aspirations. Therefore, ACS-NSA has formulated a set of demands or redlines that they expect African leaders to uphold and champion at the summit.

The first demand is for African leaders to acknowledge the urgent need to address the climate emergency and protect the rights and livelihoods of its citizens. The redlines document also calls for a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future that respects the rights and dignity of all people.
Ahead of the summit, the group has called on African leaders to stand by the principles of climate justice, human rights, gender equality, and intergenerational equity in all climate policies and actions.
In addition, they demand that developed countries fulfil their historical responsibility and provide adequate and predictable finance, technology transfer, and capacity building to support adaptation, mitigation, and loss and damage in Africa.

The group also rejects false solutions and narratives undermining African communities’ rights, interests, and sovereignty, such as carbon markets, geoengineering, nuclear energy, and shared responsibility principles. They further reject promoting carbon markets as they do not serve the climate justice agenda for Africa. The redlines also call for a just and equitable transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future that respects the rights and dignity of all people. The group demands that African leaders commit to a just and fair transition to renewable energy, prioritising energy access for the poor and marginalised and guaranteeing community ownership and participation.

In conclusion, the group emphasises the need for African leaders to put the African people above all personal and collective political and economic interests.
As a collective, the Africa Climate Summit Non-State Actors hopes that the African leaders will champion and uphold these demands at the upcoming Africa Climate Summit and beyond.

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PACJA Engages in Dialogue with African Environment Parliamentarians ahead of Africa Climate Summit

Reporting by JAMES MUTUA in Nairobi

The Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and the African Environment Parliamentarians conducted a productive parliamentary dialogue preceding the 11th conference on climate change and development in Africa, held alongside the Africa Climate Summit.

With the theme “Implementing Pan-African Parliament’s Resolutions and Recommendations on Climate Policy and Equity in Africa,” the dialogue aimed at uniting African Parliament members from the environment committee, civil society representatives, researchers, environmental think tanks, and journalists covering environmental issues.

Coming a week before the Africa Climate Summit, the dialogue sought to rally and synchronize the endeavors of African legislatures and parliamentarians around the climate justice and equity resolutions and recommendations. These efforts are intended to exert influence on the global climate agenda, fostering a sustainable future for Africa and the world.

In his opening statement, PACJA’s Executive Director, Mr. Mithika Mwenda, highlighted the pivotal role of parliamentarians in shaping climate change policies, both regionally and internationally. Emphasizing the need for low-carbon development pathways, he stressed the importance of bolstering energy, food, water, and health security across the continent while conserving its natural resources and biodiversity.

Mwenda underscored the significance of empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, to actively participate in decision-making and the execution of climate solutions at all levels.

“We extend our appreciation to the Pan-African Parliament for its leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing climate justice and equity in Africa. Your resolutions and recommendations on critical climate-related matters such as renewable energy, climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, and human rights are commendable,” Mwenda remarked.

Meanwhile, the Vice President of the Cameroonian Senate Mr. Robert Nkili emphasized that Africa must not rely solely on developed nations to provide solutions. He called on Africa’s leaders to avoid falling into the fossil fuel trap and lead the continent towards a clean, renewable, affordable and sustainable energy future.

“We need policies that incentivise investments in the continent’s exceptionally high potential for decentralised renewable energy”, concluded Nkili.

According to the World Bank, an estimated 600 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa have limited to no access to electricity, and renewable energy has the potential to deliver distributed energy access to all. Instead of pushing for the continued extraction of dead-end fossil fuels, Africa can lead the world in a just transition to 100% renewable, secure and affordable energy, which empowers communities and workers. Renewable energy technology has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, becoming the cheapest form of energy, also generating a boom in employment.

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“No decision about us without us!” – Africa’s Leading Farmer Groups Call Out AGRA Over Corporate Interference

AGRA, until recently known as The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa — will hold its annual Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania from 5-8 September. Branded as ‘the Africa Food Systems Summit’, the event brings together agribusiness leaders, experts, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors of the food industry. The forum claims to be “a unique platform for CEOs to build meaningful connections and partnerships within the food and agriculture sector.”

At a virtual press conference on 30 August, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) and its collaborators, representing hundreds of small-scale food producer groups across Africa, rejected the validity of the AGRA Forum. They highlighted the silenced narratives of those at the heart of Africa’s agriculture: its farmers.

“Where are the farmers? They are clearly excluded in the coming 2023 AGRF meeting in Tanzania, a country with more than 70 per cent of its population engaged in agriculture,” said farmer leader Juma Shabani.

Gabriel Manyangadze of the multi-faith environmental network Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) expressed the faith community’s concerns: “The green revolution approach of AGRA through the Gates Foundation does not alleviate hunger and poverty in Africa. It supports the dominance of corporations over African food production and farmers.”

“We are called to be custodians for all creation,” he continued. “Yet, AGRA’s approach grows corporate profits at the expense of all living beings. The Gates Foundation must prioritise solutions like agroecology that protect biodiversity and the needs of African farmers.”

“AGRA is a total failure for many reasons,” added Mali’s Mamadou Goïta of the Institute for Research and Promotion of Alternatives in Development. “Farmer groups have never accepted these technological fixes. People have been working on their own food systems, to push back on what AGRA was planting.”

African small-scale food producers challenge AGRA’s legitimacy as an African-led organisation and its interventions in African food systems on the following grounds:

Origin and Accountability: AGRA, registered in the USA and principally funded from outside Africa, remains unaccountable to African constituencies or governments. AGRA has responded to critics with cosmetic changes, removing the words “green revolution” from its name rather than rethinking the wisdom of its failing policies.

Corporate Dominance: AGRA’s agenda of “market-led technology adoption” leans heavily towards the industrialisation of African food systems. With over $500 million in grants, AGRA incentivises the adoption of Green Revolution technologies predominantly produced by global corporations.

Unfulfilled Promises: Despite its ambitious claims, AGRA failed in its commitment to significantly increase agricultural yields, incomes, and food security for small-scale producers. Independent assessments and even a 2022 donor-commissioned evaluation demonstrate that AGRA’s initiatives led to increasing undernourishment, environmental consequences, and declining crop diversity.

Inappropriate Influence over Policy: AGRA’s direct intervention and influence over African government policies, particularly in seeds and biosafety, have tilted the scales in favour of commercial seed providers and Green Revolution technologies. This level of interference has squeezed out alternative voices and approaches like agroecology.

“A huge chunk of our hard-earned GDP in Kenya goes to subsidising synthetic fertiliser, destroying soil fertility and our environment”, said Anne Maina of Kenya’s Biodiversity and Biosafety Association (BIBA Kenya).

In response to the AGRF Summit’s message on centring women, Anne Maina said, “Women in Kenya have always cared for our food cultures and the health of communities. But AGRA’s work does not honour their role as leaders. It does not respect their agency. It puts the real power into the hands of corporations.”

AFSA asserts that investment in Africa’s agriculture must be democratic, grassroots-oriented, and led by the true stakeholders of agriculture – the farmers. Concentrated power and profit in the hands of a few corporations is not the way forward for a sustainable and inclusive African agricultural future.

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PUBLIC, PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO DISCLOSE NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN THEIR REPORTS

From left. Mr. Fredrick Riaga, CEO, Public Sector Accounting Standards Board, Mr. Geoffrey Odundo, CEO of NSE, Dr. Grace Kamau, CEO of ICPAK, Ms Sarah Baraka representing CEO of RBA and Mr. Wyckliffe Shamiah, CEO of CMA

BY NJOKI KARANJA

The public and private sectors in the country have been urged by promoters of the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Award to embrace disclosure of non-financial information as it plays a key role in business sustainability. The disclosure of non-financial information is essential for building trust amongst the public by responding to their expectations and needs and by communicating with external stakeholders, including investors, on the need for sound decision making.

The coveted FiRe Award is organized by five promoters namely Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK), the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB), Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Capital Markets Authority (CMA) and the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA). This year’s FiRe Award theme is “utilizing technology and innovation to enhance transparency of sustainability, governance and financial information.” The theme resonates with the critical role that technology plays in ensuring transparency of non-financial information disclosures, which give a wholesome view of organizational performance and its relevance in decision-making.

Speaking during the launch of the 22nd Edition of the FiRe Award, the Chairman of the FiRe Award Executive Committee, who is also the NSE CEO, Mr. Geoffrey Odundo, said that FiRe Award promotes financial reporting excellence, fosters sound corporate governance practices, and enhances corporate investment and environmental reporting in public and private sectors. The CEO of Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB), Mr. Fredrick Riaga, said that as the demand for non-financial information disclosure increases, data collection and metrics development become a challenge.

Therefore,to surmount this, public sector entities should leverage on technology to enhance transparency and sustainability in financial reporting. “Even as PSASB and the National Treasury are making final touches on modalities of transitioning the country from cash to accrual accounting, public sector entities should strike a balance in reporting financial and non-financial information,” Mr. Riaga said.

ICPAK Chief Executive Officer, CPA Dr. Grace Kamau, added that the FiRe Award has recognized and awarded the best reporting entities in East Africa. The Award aims to promote integrated reporting by enhancing accountability, transparency, and integrity in compliance with appropriate financial reporting framework and other disclosures on governance, social and environmental reporting by private, public and other entities domiciled in East Africa.”   “The disclosure of non-financial reporting will address the growing expectation from stakeholders on transparency and accountability. The changing market dynamics calls for disclosure on long term value creation and future trends.

In conclusion, the disclosure of non-financial information will restore trust in business, reinforce the stability and predictability of business performance,” RBA Chief Executive, Mr. Charles Machira observed.The CMA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wyckliffe Shamiah, noted that ‘’the adoption of a wholistic approach to financial reporting to include disclosure of non-financial information is critical due to the growing concerns around governance practices, business sustainability and the contribution of corporate activity to climate change.”Mr. Shamiah also welcomed the publication of the final standards for Sustainability-Related Financial Information (IFRS S1) and Climate-Related (IFRS S2) Disclosures by the International Sustainability Standards Board.

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Presidential Working Party on Educational Reform Addresses Inclusive Education for Learners with Disabilities

By Meresia Aloo

Nairobi, Kenya, 25th August 2023: The Kenya National Disability Caucus (KNDC), comprised of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), has welcomed the report of the Presidential Working Party on Educational Reform. Released in June 2023, the report takes strides towards fostering Inclusive Education for learners with disabilities, a pivotal step towards ensuring equitable participation in societal development.

Education stands as the cornerstone for enabling all learners, regardless of disabilities, to contribute significantly to the broader development agenda of society. Barriers that have historically hindered the inclusion of learners with disabilities in educational spaces have been identified and addressed in the recently released report.

The report has gained appreciation from the KNDC for its recognition of critical components that pave the way for Inclusive Education. The inclusion of legal and policy frameworks designed to enhance Inclusive Education, such as the Learners and Trainees with Disabilities 2018 and the Children Act 2022, showcases the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible educational environment.

As the implementation process of the Presidential Working Party’s report commences, the KNDC emphasizes the importance of several considerations. First and foremost, the meaningful and effective engagement of persons with disabilities and their representative organizations in the implementation process is crucial. This ensures that the voices and perspectives of those directly affected by the policies are at the forefront of decision-making.

Furthermore, the KNDC advocates for the mainstreaming of disability issues, particularly the aspects related to Inclusive Education, across all thematic areas covered in the report. This holistic approach ensures that disability-related concerns are woven into the fabric of various policy areas, creating a more integrated and comprehensive strategy for societal progress.

Finally, the KNDC calls for sufficient resources to be allocated to the components of Inclusive Education as outlined in the report. Proper funding is essential for the successful implementation of the education sector policy on Trainees and Learners with Disabilities, as well as the Children Act 2022. Adequate resourcing guarantees that these policies translate into tangible improvements in the educational experiences and opportunities for learners with disabilities.

With the report’s release marking a significant step forward, the KNDC stands ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the ideals of Inclusive Education are upheld and manifested in the educational landscape. As Kenya takes strides towards an inclusive and equitable society, the partnership between governmental bodies and disability-focused organizations holds the promise of transformative change for learners with disabilities

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Heifer International Champions Youth-led Agritech Solutions for Africa’s Food Systems at AGRF 2023

Heifer International, a leading global nonprofit working to end hunger and poverty in low- and middle-income countries, is heading to this year’s AGRF Africa Food Systems Forum in Tanzania to engage agriculture sector stakeholders on how increased innovative financing and support for youth-led transformative solutions can improve African food systems. 

The AGRF 2023, taking place September 4-8 in Dar es Salaam, is Africa’s leading venue for agriculture stakeholders to come together and agree on practical actions to transform food systems and end hunger. This year’s summit will convene more than 3000 attendees from over 70 countries. More than 350 experts and policymakers will present ways that Africa can build back better food systems and strengthen the continent’s food sovereignty – with youth and women at the centre.

Heifer International has been working with farmers and communities in Africa for nearly 50 years to help them build resilient food systems that can withstand shocks and stresses. Heifer has also ramped up innovative investments in young Africans working on transformative solutions and products within the agriculture ecosystem that have led to improved livelihoods, increased climate-smart and sustainable practices, job creation and improved food productivity and storage infrastructure.

“We believe that the gathering of vital stakeholders for Africa’s agricultural development at the AGRF 2023 is a critical opportunity to share our knowledge and experience in leveraging innovative funding and strategic partnerships to build more resilient and sustainable food systems,” said Adesuwa Ifedi, Senior Vice President, Africa Programs, Heifer International.

Ifedi added: “The summit also presents an exciting opportunity for us to show the critical role that young innovators and technology are playing in helping Africa’s smallholder farmers increase their productivity and incomes, catalysing improvements across the agricultural value chain and improving food systems.”

Heifer International will host a side event on Sept. 4 that will bring together youth innovators, policymakers, experts in finance and technology, and other stakeholders to discuss leveraging innovative capital for youth in agriculture. A second Heifer-hosted event will be the Pitch AgriHack/AYuTe Showcase on Sept. 6, promoting ICT innovation and entrepreneurship in agriculture by identifying and amplifying efforts of young innovators using technology to reimagine farming and food production across the continent.

These events are aligned with the summit’s theme of Recover, Regenerate, Act: Africa’s Solutions to Food Systems Transformation,” focusing on building back better food systems and food sovereignty with youth and women at the center.

“Young Africans are not only the future of the continent’s agricultural transformation but are leading present developmental efforts,” said Ifedi. “By leveraging innovative capital, young innovators are empowered to see agriculture as a viable career path and sector to scale tech products that build systems and markets. This leads to solutions that enable more productive market systems that transform our food systems, such as our AYuTe Africa Challenge program that focuses on creating opportunities for young African innovators to transform the agricultural landscape.”

Heifer’s AYuTe Africa Challenge is one of the most ambitious agriculture competitions on the continent, combining the power of African youth with the many possibilities of emerging technologies to support smallholder farmers across Africa to grow their businesses and incomes – a transformative force called AYuTe..

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Unga Group Ltd Launches Innovative Pasta Category, Embracing Post-Pandemic Health Trends

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Kello Harsama

Unga Group Ltd, a pioneering brand in the nutrition industry, marked a significant milestone as it unveiled a new entry into the pasta category. The Commercial Director of Unga Ltd, in a recent press conference, highlighted the company’s journey since its inception in Kenya back in 2014. The brand’s commitment to addressing nutritional needs has positioned it as a key player in the health-conscious landscape post-pandemic.

The Commercial Director noted that the decision to venture into the pasta category aligns with the company’s ongoing repositioning efforts within the food segment. This strategic move not only reflects consumer needs but also emphasizes Inga Ltd’s dedication to innovation and relevance in a rapidly evolving market.

Mr. Joseph Choge, the Managing Director of Unga Ltd, expressed his excitement at the “rebirth” of the brand, describing it as a transition from heritage to an innovative food company. He stressed that the decision to expand the product line was driven by consumer demand and would ensure the highest quality standards. He urged distributors to stock up on Unga products and emphasized the importance of catering to consumer needs in the new direction.

Willy Kimani, CEO of Naivasha Supermarket, applauded the move by Unga Group Ltd and pledged support for the “Buy Kenya, Build Kenya” initiative. This alignment with local business resonates well with Inga Group’s growth trajectory.

Isabella Ochola, speaking at the launch event, emphasized the pivotal nature of the product launch, noting that it marked a crucial turning point. She called on the government to allocate white maize for human consumption and shift yellow maize towards animal feeds, potentially lowering white maize prices. Isabella Ochola also expressed Unga Group’s readiness to collaborate with the government to bridge existing gaps.

The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Kello Harsama, praised the developmental strides of Unga Group Ltd and its contribution to meeting industrial demands. He lauded the brand’s efforts to align with government goals and facilitate connections with local retailers.

During the event, the Permanent Secretary shared compelling statistics, urging farmers to invest in edible oils. He revealed that the government is set to distribute seedlings across the country, opening the door for farmers to access significant benefits. Furthermore, he highlighted that Kenyans have the potential to produce up to 700 tonnes of edible oils, underscoring the opportunity for local growth and self-sufficiency. He also pointed out the disconcerting gap between wheat production and consumption, urging a collective effort to address this issue.

Unga Group Ltd’s foray into the pasta category echoes its commitment to fostering health-conscious choices and innovation, propelling the brand into a new era of culinary convenience.

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HUMMEL LAUNCHES ITS FIRST SHOP IN NAIROBI KENYA

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Hummel, an International Sport and Leisure brand opened its first Kenyan flagship store in Nairobi on the ground floor of the Westgate Mall.

Hummel has been brought to Kenya by WAMA International Group, which has more than 30+ stores in different regions with a massive expansion plan in East Africa. So far Hummel is present in three East African countries; Rwanda, Uganda and now Kenya.

According to WAMA International Group, Kenya has a friendly business environment that is ideal for this venture. Secondly, Nairobi is the hub of East Africa therefore an attractive location for global brands.

As one of the oldest sportswear brands in the world, Hummel is an internationally renowned manufacturer of sports & lifestyle apparel & footwear, luxury lounging apparel in its fashion sub-brand Hummel HIVE.

Hummel’s brand story is built behind character which is reflected in all Hummel’s products with each product expressing its own story with the same going for every team and individual player sponsored by the brand. The store plans to work with several local sports clubs in Kenya.

In conclusion, Hummel has honoured the camaraderie, celebrated the wins, and applauded the ability to play, share and enjoy sports and lifestyle throughout life and this is the brand heritage they look forward to sharing in Kenya.