Category: Uncategorized

By John Kariuki

Outrage has erupted across Kenya’s rights movement following the shocking BBC Africa Eye documentary “Madams”, which exposed the recruitment, trafficking, and abuse of young girls. The sex workers movement, civil society organizations, and feminist leaders have come out strongly, branding the revelations a gross violation of human rights.

Leading the outcry, Phelister Abdalla, National Coordinator of the Kenya Sex Workers Alliance (KESWA), drew a firm line:

“The exploitation of children is not sex work. It is trafficking, it is abuse, and it is a grave violation of human rights. We must never confuse or conflate these terms.”

Abdalla emphasized that the documentary laid bare a grim reality of child abuse disguised under the false notion of sex work. She stressed that sex work involves consenting adults, while what was exposed is nothing but coercion, violence, and systemic exploitation of minors.

The Kenya Sex Workers Alliance has called on the government to fulfill its constitutional obligation to protect children and prioritize the fight against trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable girls. According to Abdalla, failure to take swift action would embolden predators while leaving children trapped in cycles of abuse.

KESWA is also urging the state to provide survivor-centered interventions, including protection, justice, and rehabilitation, noting that true justice goes beyond arrests and prosecutions—it must restore dignity to survivors.

Abdalla’s message sends a strong warning against dangerous narratives that attempt to legitimize child abuse and blurs the lines between consensual adult sex work and exploitation. She reaffirmed that the two should never be conflated, insisting that protecting children is a collective responsibility that cannot be compromised.

The revelations from “Madams” have reignited calls for accountability and systemic reform. As rights movements rally behind Abdalla’s call, the demand is clear: Kenya must confront child trafficking and exploitation head-on, dismantle the networks that fuel it, and safeguard the future of its children.

Cabinet Secretary Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano has announced a series of new measures aimed at strengthening visitor safety and wildlife protection in the Maasai Mara, following widely circulated footage showing tourists outside their vehicles during the annual wildebeest migration.

The incident, which occurred at the flooded Purungat Gate, drew widespread concern after images showed visitors standing in close proximity to wildlife. According to the County Government of Narok, tourists had alighted from their vans while waiting for floodwaters to recede. While the clarification provided important context, the Ministry noted that the images risk undermining Kenya’s global reputation for conservation and sustainable tourism.

Miano emphasized that Kenya remains a global leader in conservation and must uphold the highest standards in managing one of the world’s most iconic natural spectacles.

“Kenya’s tourism future is anchored in our ability to protect both visitors and wildlife. We must act decisively to preserve the Maasai Mara’s integrity, uphold visitor safety, and demonstrate Kenya’s unwavering commitment to conservation,” Miano said in a statement.

To prevent similar incidents, the Ministry has outlined a four-point action plan in collaboration with Narok County and the Kenya Wildlife Service. Key measures include stricter enforcement of park rules, increased ranger presence at sensitive crossing points, and clearer accountability for tour operators. Drivers, guides, or companies that allow visitors to disregard regulations will face disciplinary or legal action.

Visitor safety and wildlife protection will remain the top priority, with the government stressing that preventing dangerous interactions safeguards both lives and conservation integrity. Additionally, joint oversight efforts will be strengthened, with harmonized visitor management systems and awareness campaigns targeting both tourists and operators. New signage and educational materials will be introduced at key gates and migration viewing areas.

The wildebeest migration, often described as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and is a cornerstone of Kenya’s tourism industry. The Ministry underscored that maintaining the reserve’s global reputation requires cooperation between government authorities, tour operators, and visitors themselves.

“As custodians of one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, we all share a responsibility to ensure the Maasai Mara remains a symbol of Kenya’s leadership in conservation,” Miano added.

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — A series of think tank reports released Thursday expound on the historical and legal basis of China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in the South China Sea, reveal the truth about external forces interfering in the South China Sea issue, and construe China’s actions in building the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation.

Titled “The Truths about the South China Sea,” the series was published in both Chinese and English by Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency.

The series consists of three reports, including two newly released reports of “Historical and Legal Basis of China’s Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea” and “Incitement, Threats, and Lies — The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue,” and a June publication titled “Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation: China’s Actions.”

The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The reports stated that eight decades ago, as part of the post-war international order and global landscape, China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao — known in English as the South China Sea islands — in accordance with international legal instruments such as the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. China’s sovereignty over Nanhai Zhudao has been widely recognized by the international community.

According to the reports, in recent years, non-regional forces have launched “great power competition” targeting China in the so-called “Indo-Pacific region” and leveraged the South China Sea issue as a means to contain China, instigating relevant claimant states including the Philippines to provoke China and escalating tensions in the South China Sea.

The reports said the erroneous actions of the non-regional forces to smear and contain China reflect a self-projection of a modern Western strategic outlook, centered on the contest and maintenance of hegemony.

The reports called for seeing through the U.S.-led Western maneuvers of instigation, coercion and division over the South China Sea, maintaining regional peace and stability as well as achieving prosperity for all countries, and jointly making the South China Sea a sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, as the world faces increasing uncertainty and challenges.

A book compiling the reports, “Beneath the Waves — The Truths about the South China Sea,” was also published on Thursday.

Xinhua Institute, with policy research as its main focus, has in recent years carried out forward-looking, strategic and preparatory research concerning major domestic and global issues — producing many influential research outcomes in the process. 

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — The interference of extra-regional powers, particularly the United States, has significantly intensified the militarization of the South China Sea, says a report released on Thursday.

The report, titled “Incitement, Threats, and Lies — The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue,” was released by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency.

According to the document, in recent years, the United States has ramped up its support for South China Sea nations, particularly the Philippines, through military aid, joint exercises, technical cooperation, and personnel training.

The report underscores that all these have reinforced the U.S. military presence in the region, deepened interference in South China Sea disputes, escalated regional tensions, and undermined the collective efforts of China and ASEAN nations to safeguard peace and stability.

In addition, the United States has long conducted so-called “freedom of navigation operations” in the South China Sea and reinforced its alliance network across the so-called “Indo-Pacific region.”

In 2023, the number of U.S. military bases in the Philippines increased from five to nine. In 2024, the United States deployed the “Typhon” medium-range missile system in Luzon, further strengthening its tactical deterrence against China, according to the report.

Beyond bilateral initiatives, the United States has strengthened military cooperation with regional allies, deepening trilateral security ties with Japan and the Republic of Korea, expanding military collaboration with Japan and Australia, and advancing the AUKUS security partnership with the United Kingdom and Australia, the report stresses.

This report is part of a series of three reports on South China Sea issue released by the Xinhua Institute. The other two reports are titled “Historical and Legal Basis of China’s Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea,” and “Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China’s Actions.” ■

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — The United States has played the disgraceful role of a sheer lie-monger on the South China Sea issue, according to a report released on Thursday.

The report, titled “Incitement, Threats, and Lies — The Truth about External Forces Interfering in the South China Sea Issue,” is published by the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency.

The report reveals that Washington has long engaged in extensive theoretical research, leveraging its dominant position in international discourse to fabricate false narratives, distort facts, and obscure the truth. Consequently, misleading information has been widely disseminated under the guise of authoritative journalism.

While media reports attempt to portray China as an aggressive power that bullies smaller nations, they conveniently ignore the root cause of the South China Sea issue: the Philippine occupation of Chinese islands and reefs, and its role in fueling maritime boundary disputes.

As emphasized in the report, researchers have discovered that the United States has consistently played a dominant role in shaping international narratives on the South China Sea.

Since the Obama administration, various U.S. government agencies, think tanks, and media outlets have persistently promoted narratives like “China seeks to control the South China Sea,” “China does not abide by international law,” “China is undermining the rules-based international order,” and “China is coercing its maritime neighbors.”

These narratives, often based on selective or even distorted information, have been used to comprehensively stigmatize China’s policies and actions in safeguarding its maritime rights. In recent years, U.S. tactics in this regard have escalated, becoming increasingly direct and vociferous, the report notes.

Furthermore, the report underscores that the United States and its Western allies leverage their dominance in international discourse to mischaracterize the intrusions and provocations by certain claimant states in the South China Sea as safeguarding sovereignty, and frame China’s legitimate rights protection and law enforcement as “hegemonic” actions of a powerful nation “bullying” regional countries.

This report is part of a series of three reports on South China Sea issue released by the Xinhua Institute. The other two reports are titled “Historical and Legal Basis of China’s Territorial Sovereignty and Maritime Rights in the South China Sea,” and “Making the South China Sea a Sea of Peace, Friendship and Cooperation: China’s Actions.”  ■

 IFC has unveiled two key initiatives, the Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise and the Respect@Work Program, to address gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in workplaces around the globe. These initiatives aim to create safer, more inclusive business environments, recognizing that eliminating GBVH is essential to advancing gender equality, improving business performance, and unlocking the full economic potential of women and other marginalized groups.

The Gender-Based Violence Center of Expertise will serve as a global knowledge hub, supporting IFC clients and private sector actors with toolkits, training, and provide advisory support to better prevent and respond to GBVH. The Center will also help companies worldwide implement policies and practices that contribute to safer, more resilient work environments and communities, fostering a culture of respect and accountability.

The Respect@Work program is the latest addition to IFC’s Kenya2Equal Initiative in partnership with the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE). It will complement the Center’s efforts by providing companies with a peer-learning platform to collaborate, learn, and implement strategies to create safer working environments. The platform will draw on real-world case studies and guidance rooted in international best practice, including the ILO Convention 190. The Respect@Work Program forms part of IFC’s broader efforts to build respectful workplaces.

In addition to improving the lives of those affected, research shows that addressing gender-based violence and harassment can significantly enhance business outcomes. Companies that proactively tackle violence and harassment experience improved employee retention, increased productivity, and stronger reputations. Moreover, workplaces free from violence and harassment are better positioned to attract top talent and foster innovation.

Gender-based violence and harassment is not just a personal issue, it is a workplace issue, and one that demands urgent and collective action,” said Gillian Rogers, IFC’s Principal Country Officer in Kenya. “The evidence is clear: workplaces free from violence and harassment are more productive, innovative, and inclusive. IFC is committed to partnering with the private sector, offering evidence-based solutions and sharing practical experiences to create work environments where every worker feels safe, valued, and empowered.”

A moment of Pride – For the People of Garissa

I am deeply honored to have been recognized – alongside fellow Governors from Kenya and other African countries – at the recently concluded 2025 People’s Choice – Governors Excellence Awards in Paris.

This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable strides we’ve made so far in transforming healthcare across Garissa County – a journey made possible through the promise of devolution and the unwavering spirit of our people.

This recognition is not mine alone – it belongs to the resilient people of Garissa, our tireless healthcare heroes, and every partner who has stood with us along the way.

To be celebrated on a global stage for impact made at home – that is the true power of people-centered leadership.

The journey continues

NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) in the vocational training sector in Senegal with the Senegalese government, the Senegal-Japan Vocational Training Center (CFPT-SJ), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Toyota Tsusho Corporation (Toyota Tsusho), Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Daikin), Toda Construction Co., Ltd. (Toda Construction), and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Yamaha).   

Based on this memorandum, each company will provide training programs to CFPT-SJ to support the development of industrial human resources in Senegal. NEC will contribute to the development of industrial human resources by promoting the understanding and reach of digital technologies related to improving crop productivity, improving farming practices, and contributing to universal health coverage, which are some of the major goals of the Republic of Senegal and align with the Government of Japan’s Country Assistance Policy. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development will embark on a two-week registration exercise to onboard an additional 500,000 farmers from across the country onto the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS).

The registration process will kick off on Monday, 25th August in Murang’a County and will be rolled out across all 47 counties, including Nairobi and Mombasa. The initiative will run till the 8th of September 2025.  Registration will ease access to government subsidies for farmers, including access to fertilizer. 

The registration will be carried out by Agricultural Officers at the county level. To ease the registration process, the government will work with County governments to deploy additional personnel to carry out the registration. 

During the period, the Government will also register all coffee farmers to comply with the requirements of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The EUDR is a climate change mitigation regulation that seeks to stop deforestation by blocking the sale of coffee produced in deforested areas in all EU member countries. Registration of coffee farmers will require physical verification and geo-mapping of farm GPS coordinates to give traceability and reassure the EU of the origin of Kenyan coffee. The government has guaranteed support to all coffee farmers seeking to export their coffee to the EU.

LHASA, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged Xizang Autonomous Region to build a modern socialist new Xizang that is united, prosperous, civilized, harmonious and beautiful.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks after listening to work reports from the CPC Xizang regional committee and the regional government.

He emphasized that Xizang should steadily advance high-quality development and continue to make solid efforts on the four main tasks of ensuring stability, facilitating development, protecting the eco-environment, and strengthening the borders.

Xi noted that since the establishment of the Xizang Autonomous Region 60 years ago, its economic and social development has achieved remarkable progress, leading to profound changes in the plateau region.

Governing Xizang, ensuring its stability and promoting its prosperity must begin with maintaining political and social stability, ethnic unity and amity among different religions, Xi said, calling for further advancing the building of a community for the Chinese nation.

Xi emphasized the need to promote two-way exchanges in economy, culture, and personnel between Xizang and other parts of China, and to guide Tibetan Buddhism in adapting itself to socialist society.

He noted that Xizang needs to develop competitive plateau industries based on local conditions, with a particular focus on industries of agriculture and animal husbandry with local features, as well as the clean energy sector.

Xizang should advance major projects such as the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River and the Sichuan-Xizang Railway project in a vigorous, orderly and effective manner, Xi said. He also called on the region to promote ecological conservation, and to make coordinated efforts to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, expand green development, and pursue economic growth, so as to protect “the roof of the world” and “the water tower of Asia.”

Moreover, he stressed the importance of upholding the CPC’s leadership over work related to Xizang.

Senior leaders including Wang Huning and Cai Qi attended the meeting.

Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Lhasa, capital of Xizang, on Wednesday to attend activities in celebration of the region’s 60th founding anniversary. He will attend a grand gathering in Lhasa on Thursday. ■

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, listens to work reports from the CPC Xizang regional committee and the regional government and delivers an important speech in Lhasa, southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region, Aug. 20, 2025. Xi, who leads a central delegation, arrived in Lhasa, capital of Xizang, on Wednesday to attend activities in celebration of the region’s 60th founding anniversary. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)