The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) continues to foster strong collaborations with global conservation organizations to enhance wildlife protection and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. This morning, KWS Director General Prof. Erustus Kanga hosted a delegation from the Born Free Foundation, led by Will Travers OBE, Co-founder and Executive President, for a courtesy meeting aimed at strengthening conservation efforts in key ecosystems.
During the discussions, the two teams explored opportunities for deeper collaboration, particularly in the Meru, Kora, and Amboseli ecosystems. These areas are crucial wildlife habitats but are also hotspots for human-wildlife interactions, which often result in conflicts that threaten both community livelihoods and wildlife survival. Enhancing cooperation in these regions is essential to developing sustainable solutions that benefit both people and nature.
Born Free Foundation has been at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Kenya for over 40 years, implementing projects that address critical challenges in biodiversity protection. The organization has played a pivotal role in constructing lion-proof bomas to prevent predators from attacking livestock, thereby reducing retaliation killings by herders. They have also installed lion lights, an innovative deterrent system that helps keep lions and other predators away from homesteads, and have spearheaded conservation awareness programs to educate and empower local communities on peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
These initiatives have proven highly effective in mitigating human-wildlife conflict, ultimately promoting harmonious coexistence between communities and wildlife. By reducing livestock losses and fostering local engagement in conservation, Born Free has contributed to long-term wildlife protection while also supporting the well-being of people living near protected areas.
Prof. Kanga emphasized that strong partnerships between government agencies and conservation organizations are essential for the long-term success of wildlife conservation efforts. He highlighted the importance of leveraging expertise, resources, and community-driven approaches to ensure that conservation initiatives have a lasting impact.
Will Travers reaffirmed Born Free Foundation’s commitment to working closely with KWS to enhance conservation strategies, particularly in areas facing high human-wildlife conflict. He acknowledged the critical role that KWS plays in protecting Kenya’s wildlife and expressed optimism that through strategic collaboration, significant progress can be made in ensuring the survival of key species and securing their habitats for future generations.
This renewed collaboration between KWS and Born Free Foundation represents a shared vision for a future where Kenya’s wildlife and communities can thrive together. By combining scientific research, community engagement, and innovative conservation strategies, both organizations are setting a strong foundation for sustainable wildlife protection.
As Kenya continues to lead in wildlife conservation across Africa, partnerships like this remain vital in addressing conservation challenges, promoting biodiversity, and securing a better future for both people and wildlife.
In a resounding testament to her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to service, Hon. Rose Mumo Museo, the esteemed Woman Representative for Makueni County, has once again risen to the top, emerging as the best-performing Woman Representative in the Lower Eastern Region. The latest Infotrak survey, released on Wednesday, ranked her an impressive 2nd nationwide, securing a remarkable 46% approval rating—a feat that cements her place as one of Kenya’s most outstanding leaders.
This achievement is not just a number; it is a reflection of the trust, admiration, and confidence that the people of Makueni have in their leader. It speaks to her tireless dedication, strategic leadership, and relentless pursuit of progress, ensuring that Makueni remains a model of good governance and development.
Hon. Museo’s leadership transcends mere politics—she embodies true servant leadership, championing causes that uplift her people. From advocating for women’s empowerment, fighting for better education opportunities, and initiating youth employment programs to spearheading development projects that transform lives, she has etched her name in the hearts of many. Her passion for service and commitment to excellence have set her apart, making her a symbol of hope and inspiration not just in Makueni but across Kenya. She has defied odds, shattered glass ceilings, and consistently raised the bar in leadership, proving that women can lead with both compassion and impact.
Speaking on this historic achievement, Hon. Museo expressed her deep gratitude to both God and the people of Makueni for their unwavering support.
“Makueni has been blessed with yet another great win! I am humbled to announce that Infotrak has ranked my overall performance as the 2nd Best Performing Woman Representative Nationwide. This is a remarkable achievement for my people and my service in the August House. I give all thanks to God.”
Beyond gratitude, she remains steadfast in her commitment to delivering even greater results, declaring that “this is only the beginning; greater things lie ahead!”
Melbourne, Australia – Kenya’s tourism game just went up a notch, and Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano is leading the charge! Touching down in Melbourne, she didn’t just promote Kenya—she sold the dream. Speaking to top-tier Australian travel journalists, she pitched Magical Kenya as the ultimate adventure destination, packed with thrilling safaris, pristine beaches, luxury stays, and vibrant culture.
“Kenya is not just a place; it’s an experience! From the Big Five to our breathtaking coastlines, we have everything an adventure seeker could ever dream of. Our world-class hospitality and unique travel experiences set us apart. It’s time for the world to see Kenya through a fresh, exciting lens,” Miano declared.
And guess what? The Aussies were all in! Many who’ve been to Kenya shared glowing reviews of their experiences—wildlife encounters straight out of National Geographic, jaw-dropping sunsets over the savannah, and the warmth of the Kenyan people. Some were even ready to book their next trip, promising to bring friends along for the ride.
Miano’s visit wasn’t just about showcasing what Kenya already has—it was about the future. She highlighted Kenya’s expanding tourism frontiers, from sports and wellness tourism to agri-tourism and cultural adventures. The goal? To make Kenya the go-to destination for every kind of traveler.
With Magical Kenya making waves globally, Miano’s mission is clear: put Kenya on every traveler’s bucket list. And from the buzz in Australia, it’s safe to say she’s doing just that.
Kirinyaga County is making headlines after two of its leaders emerged as the best-performing legislators in Kenya, according to a new InfoTrak survey. The county’s Woman Representative, Hon. Njeri Maina, and Senator Kamau Murango have topped national rankings, cementing their influence in the country’s political landscape.
Hon. Njeri Maina, popularly known as “Gasheri Gaitu”, was ranked as the best-performing Woman Representative in Kenya, a recognition that reflects her growing popularity and impactful leadership. The firebrand legislator has captivated the nation with her fearless advocacy, strong development agenda, and unwavering commitment to her constituents.
She outshone her peers, with Makueni Woman Representative Hon. Rose Museo Mumo and Homa Bay’s Hon. Bensuda Osogo Atieno tying in second place with a 46% approval rating.
Meanwhile, Kirinyaga’s Senator Kamau Murango also made waves, securing the top spot as Kenya’s most popular senator, according to the survey. With a commanding 52% popularity rating, Murango’s performance and leadership style have resonated not just in Kirinyaga but across the country. His rise in national politics signals growing influence and confidence among his electorate.
The survey further revealed that Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo tied with Murango, also earning 52% popularity, making the two the highest-ranked senators in Kenya.
This double triumph for Kirinyaga County underscores its increasing prominence in national politics. The stellar performance of Njeri Maina and Kamau Murango is a testament to their dedication, leadership, and the faith their constituents have placed in them.
With the spotlight now on these two rising political stars, the question remains: Will they leverage this momentum to drive transformative change, not just in Kirinyaga but across the nation? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Kirinyaga is on the rise!
Githunguri Member of Parliament, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, has cemented her place as one of Kenya’s most formidable leaders after being ranked the best-performing female MP nationwide in the latest Infotrak Countrytrak Performance Index 2024.
With a stellar performance score of 61%, Hon. Wamuchomba outshone her peers, proving once again that leadership is about action, not just words. Known for her fearless advocacy and unwavering commitment to the people of Githunguri, she has become a household name in Kenyan politics—a force to reckon with.
Her recognition among the nation’s top legislators speaks volumes about her dedication to transforming lives. From championing women’s rights, fighting for social justice, improving education, and pushing for better infrastructure, Hon. Wamuchomba has continuously demonstrated that she is not just a politician but a true servant of the people.
While Embakasi East MP Babu Owino topped the overall list with 72%, followed by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro (71%), Hon. Wamuchomba’s position as the highest-ranked female MP sets her apart as a leader breaking barriers and rewriting the rules.
Her boldness in taking on government excesses, defending the oppressed, and calling out injustices has made her a beacon of hope—not just in Kiambu County but across the nation. In a male-dominated political space, she has stood tall, proving that women can lead, deliver, and outshine the best.
As Kenya charts its political future, one thing is certain—Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba is a name that will not be forgotten. Her stellar performance is a challenge to all leaders: Leadership is about service, and she has mastered the art!
Nairobi, Kenya – February 12, 2025 ,By Brenda Asugu Faith leaders, economists, and social justice advocates gathered in Nairobi today to launch the Jubilee 2025 Africa Campaign, a bold initiative urging the cancellation of unjust debts that hinder Africa’s development. Led by the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA), in collaboration with Caritas Africa and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), the campaign calls for global financial reforms to create a fairer economic system.
The campaign builds on the historic success of Jubilee 2000, a movement that secured over $100 billion in debt relief for some of the world’s poorest nations, including Uganda, Mozambique, and Tanzania. These cancellations allowed governments to invest in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, dramatically improving lives.
“Debt is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one,” said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J., Director of JENA. “The burden of unjust debt undermines dignity, stifles development, and traps nations in cycles of poverty. Our vision for Jubilee 2025 is an Africa liberated from these constraints, thriving within a fair financial system, and strengthened by ethical leadership.”
The campaign is inspired by Pope Francis’s call for a Jubilee Year, which emphasizes renewal, hope, and economic justice. The 2025 theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” reflects the movement’s mission to advocate for a more just and compassionate financial system that protects the most vulnerable.
Africa is at a critical crossroads, with over 22 countries currently in debt distress or at high risk, according to recent data. The COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shocks have worsened the situation, forcing nations to divert scarce resources to debt repayments instead of essential services.
Promoting reforms in the global financial system to ensure fairness, accountability, and sustainability.
Raising awareness about the ethical dimensions of debt through education, advocacy, and media engagement.
Ahead of the campaign launch, a media workshop was held in Nairobi, bringing together journalists and editors from leading media houses. The workshop aimed to equip media professionals with expert insights and actionable data to drive impactful coverage of Africa’s debt crisis.
“Jubilee 2000 showed us the power of global solidarity,” said Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, Chairman of AMECEA. “It proved that when faith communities, civil society, and governments unite, transformative change is possible. Now, Jubilee 2025 seeks to reignite that spirit of hope and action.” With advocacy, grassroots mobilization, and global partnerships, the Catholic Church and its allies are determined to push for debt justice, ensuring that African by nations can invest in their people rather than remain trapped in cycles of debt and dependency.
By Dr Miriam Mutebi, Consultant Breast Surgical Oncologist at Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
We now have a new theme for World Cancer day for the next three years “United in our goals, unique in our needs”. But what does this mean for patients, caregivers and clinicians?
This stems from the fact that everybody’s journey is unique, and it’s really about understanding the intricacies of that unique journey and supporting them throughout their care. As much as patients may share common medications and common treatment approaches, they still need to be contextualized differently through the individual patient’s lens. The new theme tries to bring the unique face of cancer for each patient undergoing therapy. In line with this theme, we have had many developments coming up as I have pointed out in the below questions.
How has the management of cancer patients evolved over time when it comes to this theme?
The management of patients has evolved over time based on our greater understanding of tumor biology and disease processes. I would also say that as a medical community, we have grown and evolved quite a bit. We have moved away from the paternalistic approach to medicine, where figuratively ‘come down from the mountain’, and give decrees, such a many tablets to take etc. We are now leaning more towards shared decision making, where there is an opportunity to have a discussion with patients around what their treatments options are, to discuss the benefits and risks of treatment and to arrive at a common and agreed on treatment strategy.
What kind of issues do most patients present with and how important is it to consider their interests in managing them?
Everybody’s journey is unique, but some of the most common concerns patients have in our setting are really around financials and the costs of treatment which are often out of pocket resulting in financial toxicity. This is a cause of considerable stress for most patients. We also tend to have younger patients diagnosed in our setting, so future fertility and sexuality concerns, especially for reproductive cancers, are a stressor for many patients. This is because this can be affected by different treatments and it is important to put these in mind when outlining a treatment plan. It is equally important to have candid discussions around some of the effects of therapies on these aspects.
African cancer patients also have to deal with a great number of social cultural concerns. Cancer fatalism; the belief that cancer is always fatal and stigma still persists around many cancers. Patients are constantly dealing with, how will I be perceived in my community and how will I navigate my cultural moors? This is in the setting where explicit discrimination still exists and many patients lose their jobs and livelihoods just because of a cancer diagnosis.
Does considering a patient’s/caregivers interests pose a challenge/dilemma to clinicians, please highlight some of these challenges?
As a community, we have matured. Considering a patient’s or caregiver’s interests does not necessarily pose a challenge or dilemma to clinicians. I think it’s actually integral that clinicians have these in mind when we’re thinking of a treatment plan because sometimes unless we’re able to put ourselves in the patient’s shoes, then we’re not actually able to fully treat the patients because you need to have a sense of what is the understanding of disease for the patient, what are some of the issues that they might encounter, what is their interpretation and understanding of that in order for them to start and continue with their care.
Many patients unfortunately are diagnosed with advanced disease and often do not complete their care. Unless we start to address some of these concerns as to why this happens, then we might not necessarily have patients completing their treatment journeys.
How do you navigate these dilemmas without compromising the quality of patient care?
It is about the approach we use of shared decision making. At the end of the day, irrespective of whatever condition they have, patients just want to be heard. Taking into account some of these considerations and using them in the sort of broader decision making or coming up with a treatment plan goes a long way towards ensuring that patients feel not just seen, but heard, and also that their wishes are respected, as long as it doesn’t compromise their care.
Sometimes young breast cancer survivors on follow-up hormonal treatment may choose not to disclose this when they get into new relationships. What is your take on this?
It is difficult to generalize this response as it needs to be largely contextual. Disclosure is very subjective, and indeed, in other parts of the world there are actually legislatures around the ‘rights to be forgotten’, which basically means that the rights of cancer survivors to resume a normal lifestyle without encountering financial discrimination based on their past cancer diagnosis is preserved, after they have been declared cured of the cancer. Having had a cancer diagnosis shouldn’t necessarily define you and you shouldn’t carry that with you after surviving it.
Part of the reason why it’s difficult to navigate in our setting is because discrimination, based on a cancer diagnosis is still prevalent. Patients still report getting terminated just because of a cancer diagnosis or not being promoted. This really speaks to the need to strengthen the framework needed to support patients through their journey. Of course in one to one personal relationships, it really depends on the context and setting of any disclosure. I think it’s really about safe disclosure to trusted individuals and then sort of thinking about what the implications of that disclosure would be. And so I think it would pretty much need to be on a case to case basis and not a one size fits all approach.
Mental health is critical when it comes to cancer care, yet most facilities may not factor this in their services, how can this be propagated in cancer care?
Mental health is one of the areas where we struggle as clinicians to get patients the support they need. There is still a lot of stigma around mental health. Sometimes when we advise patients that counseling is an important part of their cancer journey, quite a number of them get hesitant because of the stigma associated with it.
Part of the additional concerns have also been around the cost because counseling and psychosocial or psychological support is not just the one off service. Overtime, especially over COVID, there has been some democratization in terms of access to these services, but they still remain economically out of reach for quite a number of patients.
In fact, a number of patients who we recommend these services to, look at the costs and say, daktari si nipoone kwanza?, which literally means ‘can I heal first and then get the (other) treatments’? As clinicians, we try to emphasize that mental and physical healing go hand in hand, as we try from the back end to help improve access to these wellness services.
So I think there’s really an opportunity to one, normalize conversations around mental health and mental concerns. But two, to think about how we ‘mainstream’ these services into regular care as part of the standard of care for anyone with long standing health concerns and conditions like cancers. Any long standing chronic health concern is to have a psychological impact and really changes the quality of life for patients. It is important to recognize this and start to address the long term implications which could include anxiety, depression among others. How we develop sustainable models that work in our setting whether it is through peer support, patient and caregiver education and support etc. are some of the areas that we as a cancer care delivery team are trying to develop.
The Principal Secretary for Mining, Hon. Elijah Mwangi, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to harnessing Kenya’s vast mineral potential to create employment opportunities and improve livelihoods, particularly for artisanal miners. Speaking today after hosting veteran soapstone carver Mzee Peter Obegi Onyancha, PS Mwangi underscored the economic and artistic value of soapstone craftsmanship in Kenya.
Mzee Onyancha, who chairs the Kisii Scouts Soapstone Carving Group based in Tabaka township, leads a team of 50 skilled artisans renowned for their intricate sculptures and hand-carved artifacts. Over the years, the group has built a formidable reputation for their creativity and craftsmanship, producing stunning soapstone pieces that have gained local and international recognition.
During their discussions, PS Mwangi and the artisans delved into key aspects of the soapstone industry, including the value chain, mining practices, processing techniques, and market access. A major highlight of the talks was the issue of health and safety for miners and sculptors, with a focus on reducing occupational hazards in soapstone pits.
To support the growth of the soapstone cottage industry in Kisii, the State Department for Mining is deploying officials to train artisanal miners on crucial aspects of the trade. These include the formation of marketing cooperatives, improved safety measures, and strategies for expanding their market reach. PS Mwangi emphasized that equipping miners with the right knowledge and skills will empower them to adopt safer and more efficient mining practices, reducing accidents and injuries in the sector.
Additionally, the government is committed to enhancing the soapstone industry by providing capacity-building initiatives and modern equipment to improve efficiency and streamline operations. PS Mwangi reaffirmed the State Department’s dedication to fostering a thriving, sustainable soapstone industry that not only preserves Kenya’s rich artistic heritage but also boosts economic opportunities for local communities
In a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between Kenya and Jordan, I hosted a team from the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO) to explore key avenues for collaboration and expansion of the country’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise sector. The discussions centered on potential areas for collaboration, including trade, investment, technology transfer, and capacity building.
Kenya’s MSMEs play a crucial role in the country’s economic growth, and by leveraging partnerships with organizations such as JEDCO, they can enhance their competitiveness on the global stage.
In 2023 alone, Kenya exported goods worth approximately $25.53 million to Jordan, with agricultural commodities like coffee, tea, and fruits,making up a significant portion of these exports.
Strengthening MSME collaboration between the two countries will further boost these trade relations and create new opportunities for businesses.
JEDCO’s expertise in helping Jordanian SMEs expand into international markets presents a valuable opportunity for Kenyan MSMEs to access Middle Eastern markets. Increased export opportunities and diversified revenue streams will contribute to the long-term sustainability of small businesses in Kenya.
By facilitating access to new markets, particularly in the Middle East, Kenyan MSMEs can scale up their operations, boost exports, and contribute significantly to job creation and economic development. Sharing best practices in policy development could help create a more supportive environment for MSME growth in Kenya.
The ongoing collaboration plans between JEDCO and Kenya’s MSME sector will unlock new opportunities for growth, innovation, and international trade.
Kenya Breweries Limited has been awarded the 2024 Solenis Sustainability Award for its ground-breaking water recovery project at its Kisumu Brewery, which has significantly improved the facility’s efficiency.
The award was given in collaboration with Diversey, which provides cleaning and hygiene products and helped eliminate the products used in the water recovery project by half.
The award recognizes Kenya Breweries Limited’s efforts to reduce water and energy consumption in production. The project achieved sustainability benefits, including an annual water savings of 624,000 liters, and a reduction in energy consumption by 780 kWh. Additionally, by minimising the handling and packaging of chemicals, the initiative has improved workplace safety and contributed to a lower carbon footprint.
With an outstanding 97 percent recovery rate, the water recovery project aligns with Kenya Breweries’ sustainability strategy by optimising raw material utilisation, reducing waste, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. The plant improves resource optimisation, ensuring that water, energy, and raw materials are used efficiently to reduce waste and improve productivity.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our operations at Kenya Breweries. This recognition underscores our commitment to innovative solutions that drive efficiency while protecting our environment,” said Mark Ocitti, Managing Director, Kenya Breweries Limited.
The water recovery project improves on the previous multi-step Clean-In-Place (CIP) process through the implementation of a single-stage Clean-In-Place (CIP) system using OSA-N (Biocidal Acid). This innovation eliminates the need for separate acid and disinfectant steps while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
The Solenis Sustainability Award is an annual recognition program that honors companies for implementing innovative projects yielding significant, measurable sustainability outcomes.
