Empowering women in STEM is a crucial step towards achieving SDGs by 2030

As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in achieving sustainable development cannot be overstated. However, a critical hurdle persists – the underrepresentation of women in STEM fields. Understanding and addressing this gender gap is

Transformative impact of aligning businesses with the SDGs.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a global initiative agreed upon by 193 countries in one of the most united diplomatic motions. These goals outline the challenges faced by societies around the world. The SDGs encompass a wide spectrum of issues, from poverty eradication and

SDG Summit 2023: Progress, looming threats and accelerating commitment towards 2030 Agenda

On September 18-19, 2023, leaders from across the globe converged in New York City, US, for the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit. This significant event marked the midway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a blueprint unanimously adopted by all 193 UN

Innovation in protecting the environment: Giving natural resources a legal personality

The environment and sustainable development are crucial topics in today’s world as we face pressing issues such as climate change, deforestation, and pollution. One approach to protecting the environment and ensuring sustainable development is to give natural resources a legal personality. Giving natural resources a

Use of multiple bank accounts declines to 48pc

The number of Kenyans using multiple accounts fell further to 48.2 percent last year, down from 62 percent in 2021 as customers cut back on the costs associated with more banking relationships. A Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) customer satisfaction survey found that 48.2 percent of

1 in 6 people globally affected by infertility: WHO

Large numbers of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published Tuesday by WHO. Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality

Greening Africa’s judiciary: Promoting climate justice and gender equality

Climate change is one of the greatest threats facing Africa today, with far-reaching impacts on human livelihoods, food security, health, and the environment. According to the United Nations, Africa is one of the region’s most vulnerable to climate change, with the potential to affect up

Quadripartite call to action for One Health for a safer world

Recent international health emergencies such as Covid-19 pandemic, mpox, Ebola outbreaks, and continued threats of other zoonotic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges, as well as ecosystem degradation and climate change clearly demonstrate the need for resilient health systems and accelerated global action. One

Sustainability reporting is a better option for businesses instead of greenwashing

Greenwashing is a term used to describe a company’s practice of making misleading or false claims about the environmental benefits of its products, services, or operations. Greenwashing is often used to give a company a “green” image, and it is often used to deflect criticism

Second high-level interregional meeting on the health of refugees and migrants

Amid the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes in the Syrian Arab Republic and Türkiye over a month ago, as well as the ongoing war in Ukraine now past its one-year mark, three WHO regional offices this week brought together governments, civil society and health partners

Our shared responsibility can help the world accelerate toward sustainable water use

Water is a shared resource, with diverse actors and multiple stakeholders involved in its ownership, use and management. As such, the responsibility to take care of water resources and ensure sustainable water use is also shared and requires that all involved parties be committed to

Energy ministry signs new deal for supply of petroleum products to ease pressure on the shilling

In a bid to ease pressure on the shilling currently depreciating in value against the dollar, the government has adopted a government-to-government deal on oil importation. In a statement, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Davis Chirchir said the government went into an agreement with

Statement on the update of WHO’s working definitions and tracking system for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants of interest

WHO has updated its tracking system and working definitions for variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, to better correspond to the current global variant landscape, to independently evaluate Omicron sublineages in circulation, and classify new variants more clearly when required. SARS-CoV-2 continues to

Fighting destruction of the environment through peacemaking efforts and environmental management

Peace and environmental management are linked in many ways. In the modern world, environmental degradation has become an increasingly important issue for peace and security. As the global climate changes, natural resources become scarcer, and competition increases, conflicts can arise particularly between states or other

Impact of climate change on health in Kenya and possible way out

Climate change is the significant variation of average weather conditions becoming, for example, warmer, wetter, or drier over several decades or longer. Impacts related to climate change are becoming more evident across regions and in many sectors important to society such as human health, agriculture

Chasing Zero: Achieving net-zero by 2050 calls for great sacrifices by all stakeholders

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued a call to action, stating that global CO2 emissions must reach net-zero by approximately 2050 in order to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and prevent the most severe consequences of climate change. Achieving this

Time is ripe period poverty and period shame in Kenya

Nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba unorthodox bid to raise awareness on the scourge of period shame and period poverty was the talk of the country on Valentine’s Day 2023. Orwoba caused a stir as she attended parliamentary proceedings in a white ‘blood-stained’ suit. The Senator drew

Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework: What it means for the business ecosystem in Kenya

As sustainability becomes increasingly popular among business stakeholders (such as investors), countries are realizing that the sustainability position of their constituent companies has a direct effect on their socio-economic status. It is in their interest to provide policies and programmes that encourage the adoption of

WHO issues temporary recommendations in relation to the multi-country outbreak of mpox

These proposed Temporary Recommendations continue to support the goal of the Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan for Monkeypox 2022–2023 with the aim of stopping the ongoing mpox outbreak and its objectives to interrupt human-to-human transmission, protect the vulnerable, and minimize zoonotic transmission of the

Advancing sustainability: Innovations across the board to safeguard the environment

Sustainability is important because it is essential for our planet’s health and the health of all its inhabitants. It is a concept that includes preserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations. Sustainability has become an

UNEP fostering environmental sustainability in East Africa through multilateral agreements

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is tasked with promoting environmental sustainability all over the world. As the first environmental agency in the United Nations system, it was founded in 1972. The UNEP aims to promote environmental sustainability by offering direction, assistance, and resources to

Sustainable gains made through the Renewable Energy Policy in Kenya

In recent years, Kenya has made significant strides in advancing the renewable energy sector and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. With a growing population and expanding economy, Kenya’s energy demand is increasing, making it imperative to find new, sustainable sources of energy. To address this

Estimating pandemic product needs and allocation levels

Supported by the PIP Framework Partnership Contribution, in 2022, WHO initiated a project to estimate medical countermeasures (MCMs) needed during a future influenza pandemic. Effective planning for the deployment of pandemic influenza response products including vaccines, antivirals and diagnostics is critical to ensuring the timely

BE AHEAD OF THE CURVE BY ADOPTING SUSTAINABILITY

Increasingly, governments around the world are introducing policies to curb further climate change. Kenya has not been an exception with various proposals being made in Parliament in the past few months. For example, Kenya’s Finance Act Number 22 of 2022 (Finance Act) introduced a tax

Misuse and abuse of controlled substance: Measures for a drug-free future

A controlled substance is generally a drug or chemical whose manufacture, possession, or use is regulated by a government, such as illicitly used drugs or prescription medications that are designated by law.  They are tightly controlled by the government because they may be abused or

Entrenching sustainability in Kenya’s fashion industry: Brands that have taken a leap

Sustainable fashion is a movement and process of fostering change in fashion products and the fashion system towards greater ecological integrity and social justice. Sustainable fashion entails more than addressing fashion textiles or products. It comprises addressing the whole system of fashion. Sustainable fashion is

How well do development partners work together and follow country priorities to achieve the health SDGs?

Views from national governments and relevant authorities 52 national governments and relevant authorities provided their views on how well multilateral agencies and other development partners align to their national priorities and plans and collaborate with each other to increase efficiencies and avoid duplications when providing

Fresh move to compel landlords to install solar water heating systems

If new regulations aimed at encouraging the adoption of renewable energies are approved, owners of all new and existing buildings risk spending six months in jail or paying a fine of Sh20,000 if they fail to incorporate designs for installation of solar water heaters.  

Taming global warming: Light at the end of the tunnel as Ozone layer recovery on track

A recent report by the UN concluded that the Ozone layer is on track to recovery. This is a plausible milestone that has been made possible by all the sustainability enthusiasts who have been tirelessly spreading the gospel on climate change and the need for

Tips for mainstreaming sustainability among employees

To enjoy success, every organisation must ensure that its employees understand, own, and support its sustainability agenda. Companies must, therefore, engage their employees and carry them along the journey as ambassadors and champions of the sustainability agenda. As Doug Conant – former President and CEO

Collective action across board is key to adapting and mitigating climate change effects

It’s that time of year when world leaders congregate for the Conference of the Parties, this year held  in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. This is the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 27) since inception. Faced with an intensifying energy crisis, record greenhouse

Staggering backsliding across women’s, children’s and adolescents’ health revealed in new UN analysis

A new UN report shows that women’s and children’s health has suffered globally, as the impacts of conflict, the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change converge with devastating effects on prospects for children, young people and women. Data presented in the report show a critical regression

Youth and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

The youth are the future but their issues tend to be given a backseat. To bring them to the forefront, young people’s global priorities were outlined in the 2030 Agenda by the UN. Governments must address national objectives by assuming ownership of the Agenda and

Renewable energy at the top of Kenya’s new government agenda

During the inauguration of Kenya’s 5th president on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, in his speech, the incoming president said there was a great need for adaptation and mitigation measures to be put in place. This is because climate change is here, and its effects have

Understanding the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by United Nations (UN) members in 2015 are essential in ensuring we meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the needs of future generations. These global goals provide a pathway for an inclusive environment that ensures

Sustainability: Tips for living a more sustainable life

What is sustainable living? Sustainable living means understanding how our lifestyle choices impact the world around us and finding ways for everyone to live better and lighter. It is often called “earth harmony living” or “net zero living.” Applying a ‘people lens’ to sustainability is

Key principles towards achieving sustainable development

Development that meets current demands without jeopardising the ability of subsequent generations, ensuring the harmony between economic progress and care for the health of society and the environment, is known as Sustainable Development. Principles of Sustainable Development: Principle of holistic approach – Implies an integrated

The role of business in establishing a new social contract for economic prosperity

The time is now for the private sector to support economic prosperity and social mobility through a new social contract. An overhaul of the social contract will address 21st century realities and needs. A new social contract can deliver long-term value that enables economic security

The clock is ticking for corporations to integrate ESG systems into their frameworks

On November, 29, 2021, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) launched its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Disclosures Guidance Manual. These guidelines require that companies listed on the NSE report publicly on their ESG performance at least annually. Why is this important? Well, under the Code

Agroecology is the magical bullet to Food Insecurity and Sustainable Farming in Kenya

Agroecology is the application of ecological principles to agricultural systems. Studies reveal that agroecology offers solutions to the ongoing farming and food security challenges in Kenya such as drought, hunger, poverty, and inequality. Agroecology supports small scale farmers in diversity and ensures long-term balance between

Mental Health Awareness Month: Kick-Starting Awareness at the Workplace

Mental Health is a global issue. In analysis, more than 300 million people around the world are suffering from the leading problem of mental health, depression. This is a representation of 4.4% of the world’s total population. In Kenya, a staggering 1 out of 4

Pillars of Focus to Entrench Sustainable Living

Pillars of Focus to Entrench Sustainable Living Sustainability is the ability to continue a defined behaviour indefinitely in order to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to the International Union for Conservation

Tapping into new practices and technologies to enhance sustainable agriculture for food security

Agriculture is critical to the African economy, accounting for 23% of GDP and 49% of direct employment. This means that the continent’s output must thrive and meet the demands of its growing population. However, agriculture is also a major part of the climate problem. It currently generates 19–29% of

World Wetlands Day: Call for action to protect wet habitats for a sustainable future

Widespread loss of marshes, swamps, riverbanks and other wetlands, driven mainly by encroachment through agriculture and urbanization, has led to significant loss of biodiversity. Freshwater ecosystems have undergone the most catastrophic decline in recent years of all the major habitat types on the earth. Hundreds

Sustainability Reporting: Shifting from Voluntary To Business Survival Requirement

In 2015, the Paris Agreement became an international pact by some of the United Nations members to put mechanisms and measures to ensure the world reaches a global peak of greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century. Also,

Gulf of Mexico ocean fireball: We need to be concerned

It’s time to move on from fossil fuels! When we think of the oil and gas industry, sustainability is probably the last word that comes to mind. Oil and gas are not inherently sustainable. Companies dealing in oil and gas need to innovate their way

The role of the Private Sector in Sustainable Development

The role of the private sector in development is more than just that which is pegged on the financial sector. Apart from the traditional economic development role that the private sector plays that includes providing goods and services, generating tax revenues and developing new and

Clean energy for Healthcare

Energy efficient health care facilities hold great potential for creating stronger and more resilient healthcare systems. Such energy is vital to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals especially SDG 3 on good health and wellbeing as well as SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy

People’s Money: Harnessing digitalisation to finance a sustainable future

A report on the role that digitization shall play in financing a sustainable future was released this week by the UN Secretary General Task Force on Digital Financing of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The taskforce was established as part of the roadmap for Financing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development: 2019-2021 and its mandate is to recommend and catalyse ways to harness digitalization in accelerating financing of the SDGs.