Kenya Taxpayers’ burden of keeping Kenya Kwanza CASs in office Kenyan taxpayers will spend more than half a billion shillings annually on salaries and benefits for the 50 Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) whose names were forwarded to Parliament for approval on Thursday, putting more strain

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

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

The  Kenyan government announced that it will import large quantities of rice, cooking oil, sugar, wheat and beans duty-free through the Kenya National Trade Corporation (KNTC) as part of efforts to tame the rising cost of essential commodities in Kenya. The KNTC is a State

Kenya Raila declares official start of countrywide mass action Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga on Thursday declared the official start of countrywide mass action after the lapse of an ultimatum issued to the Kenya Kwanza government. Azimio has also launched the

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

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

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

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

Kenya  KRA chief Githii Mburu quits, board names Rispah Simiyu in acting role The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Commissioner-General, Githii Mburu, has resigned after a three-year and seven month stint at the seat on the 30th floor of Nairobi’s Times Tower. Recently appointed KRA board

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

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

Kenya Nairobi plans new zoning policy as exclusivity wanes Nairobi is considering a new zoning policy, which will reclassify some estates as residential or mixed-use neighbourhoods at a time some suburbs are coming under pressure from a previous reclassification that has hurt their exclusivity. Speaking

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has decried the surge in exploitative marketing tactics used by the formula milk industry and called for a clamp down on the industry.  In a statement on 6th February 2023, WHO faulted the vast economic and political power of the

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

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

Kenya KRA set to tax hedging profits under new rules Kenyans engaging in transactions with foreigners to cushion them from volatility in financial markets will now be required to account for any profit realised by non-resident parties and remit tax on the same to the

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

The health system in Kenya has for the longest time been of great concern to many. A section of Kenyans have complained about poor services in hospitals where some have lost their loved ones due to alleged negligence by caregivers. Some cases have been taken

SpaceX is aggressively growing Starlink internet satellite coverage throughout the globe. It provides a worldwide broadband network leveraging a low-earth orbit constellation to give high-speed broadband internet with the ability to enter remote and geographically isolated zones where internet access is difficult to achieve.  It

The National Treasury recently published the Draft Green Fiscal Incentives Policy Framework “the Framework” to steer Kenya’s economy onto a desired low-carbon climate-resilient green development which is critical in achieving a green economy. The Framework sets out actions and economic mechanisms to be undertaken by

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

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

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

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

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.  

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

12 January 2023/ News release United Nations agencies are calling for urgent action to protect the most vulnerable children in the 15 countries hardest hit by an unprecedented food and nutrition crisis. Conflict, climate shocks, the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, and rising costs of living

The year 2023 has started well for us with a great deal of interest in our recently published Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The growing interest by various players, many looking forward to learn from us, is a welcome development as ESG disclosure regulations

14 December 2022 / News release Urgent action is needed globally and locally to achieve safe and sustainably managed water, sanitation and hygiene for all in order to prevent devastating impacts on the health of millions of people. Findings from WHO and UN-Water’s Global Analysis

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year that brings family and friends together to celebrate. Yet, with all the gifts, decorations and feasting, it can also be an expensive and wasteful holiday. Fortunately, there are many ways to celebrate the holiday season more sustainably. 

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

This Saturday, 3rd December 2022, we’ll be celebrating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities – a day observed to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disability. The day also provides the avenue to evaluate our progress in terms of empowering PWDs and

On the eve of the pivotal climate talks at COP27, WHO issued a grim reminder that the climate crisis continues to make people sick and jeopardize lives, and that health must be at the core of these critical negotiations. WHO believes the conference must end

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

The ASAL region of Kenya continues to suffer from a severe drought (2020 – 2022) that has been termed as the most severe and longest in forty years. Its widespread impacts on livelihoods are grinding harsh as over 4.35 million Kenyans across 23 counties are

By Chris Flowers Agriculture does indeed hold the key to economic transformation for Kenya and the East African region. The challenge, however, lies in practising agriculture sustainably in a manner that unlocks its true value from food production to agro-processing.   Ahead of the 27th United

The inclusion and diversity agenda is key in today’s evolving world. Running sustainable operations now calls for businesses to create shared value and promote social justice amongst their communities. The reality, however, is that Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have historically missed out on opportunities to

Several parts of Kenya have been suffering from recurrent bouts of insecurity and conflict between neighbouring communities and peoples. For example, Northern Kenya has a long history of conflict and marginalisation with communities fighting over the few existing natural resources such as grazing fields. The

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

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

Environmental and societal risks have overtaken economic and geopolitical risks in terms of both likelihood and impact. Board members and the C-suite today need to have a clear and informed view of risks affecting the business environment. The business world is fraught with risks that

Does climate change affect everyone equally? Most definitely, no. The severity of the effects of climate change depend on factors such as geographical location, gender, social class, governance styles, disabilities, etc. Think about it for a minute, flooding as a result of climate change would

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Paris Agreement was approved in December 2015 and went into effect in November 2016. This agreement is the result of discussions that were started in 2011 at the 17th Conference of Parties in Durban with the

The announcement by Kenya Power to start building charging ports for electric vehicles has renewed the conversation on e-mobility in Kenya. Beginning next month, Kenya Power is set to commence the construction of electric charging systems for homes, businesses, and the public across the country.

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

E-waste, also known as digital waste, refers to electronic products that are unwanted, not working, and nearing or at the end of their ‘useful life’. Computers, televisions, VCRs, stereos, copiers, and fax machines are everyday electronic products. The ongoing challenge of how best to dispose

A green taxonomy is an official classification or catalogue that defines a minimum set of assets, projects and sectors that are eligible to be defined as “green” or environmentally friendly. Green taxonomy supports emerging national policy and voluntary private sector initiatives by augmenting sustainable finance

In June 2021, MPs debated on a Bill on Sustainable Waste Management which intended to see Kenyans risk paying a Sh20,000 fine or face a minimum of six months in jail if they failed to properly separate their garbage before disposing of it. The Parliament

Reporting on the environment, society, and corporate governance are disclosed through ESG reporting. Its goal, like that of other disclosures, is to increase investor transparency, shed light on a company’s ESG initiatives, and encourage other organizations to follow suit. Reporting is also a powerful tool

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

No year has proven to be a momentous year for environmental management and conservation in Kenya than 2022. On June 16, 2022, the Senate passed the Sustainable Waste Management Bill, 2021, giving rise to a new order for efficient waste management, and propelling Kenya a

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

By Chris Flowers  The avocado fruit has, over the last decade and more, swept the world’s imagination and attention to iconic superfood levels. Like never before, the world has embraced avocado consumption, significantly increasing new plantings. However, environmental challenges lie as some of these new

On 5th June 2022, individuals, communities, civil societies, businesses and governments worldwide came together to mark World Environment Day under the theme #OnlyOneEarth. Stockholm held official celebrations where the host country Sweden announced a ban on issuing new licenses to extract coal, oil, and natural

Small, Medium-Sized Enterprises have been playing a vital role in the economy for decades. They account for most businesses worldwide and are essential contributors to job creation and global economic development. They represent about 90 per cent of businesses and more than 50 per cent

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

Manufacturing is a critical sector in Kenya’s economic development in its contribution to both the national output and exports, as well as job creation.  Over the past decades, the sector has contributed heavily to diversifying Kenya’s economy. However, the pandemic in 2020 had a significant

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 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

What is climate justice? “Climate justice” is a term that acknowledges climate change can have differing social, economic, public health, and other adverse impacts on underprivileged populations. This concept has emerged from the idea that historical responsibility for climate change lies with wealthy and powerful

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

At their most basic level, sustainability and safety are really about the same thing: conserving resources. In fact, they are intertwined with safety being an enabler towards building a sustainable business. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies are necessary for the achievement of several Sustainable

The United Nations 2030 global goals call for a decade of action which requires businesses to be agile and ensure that they look beyond profits to ensure a better future that leaves no one behind while contributing to climate action.  To achieve this, a lot

Plastic pollution is one of the most severe threats to the integrity of our planet’s health. Single-use plastics are polluting most ecosystems from rainforests to the world’s deepest ocean trench. Bangladesh became the first country to ban plastic bags in 2002; then, Morocco followed the

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

By Eric Kiniti Water is a precious shared resource that is constantly under increasing pressure around the globe.  East Africa’s freshwater resources are among the lowest in the world. The United Nations World Water Development report 2018, shows that the freshwater resources have decreased by

World Leaders met in Nairobi this week to deliberate on the key terms and agreement of the Global Plastic treaty that would seek to accelerate action against plastic waste management. The treaty which was supported by Ellen MacArthur foundation and Wild Wide Fund seeks to

The UNGC, which is a non-binding United Nations pact, encourages businesses and firms worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies, and to report on their implementation. Under the Global Compact, companies are brought together with UN agencies, labour groups and civil society. UNGC being

The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) has its sights set on becoming the biggest financial catalyst for climate ambition and action. The Alliance has only three financial institutions from Africa, a continent that has 7 of the 10 emerging markets in the world.

The Kenyan Parliament is currently reviewing an amendment proposal to the Forest Conservation and Management Act which gives the Kenya Forestry Services (KFS)  authority over boundaries and excisions in state forests. The Forest Conservation and Management Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to repeal Section 34 of

For the first time in history, more than 70 leading corporations and financial institutions have called for a legally binding UN treaty on plastic pollution. The aim of this move is to have a robust policy on plastic pollution and reduction in virgin plastic production

Kenya’s post-independence environmental history has been plagued with arbitrary excisions of public forests resulting in endangered water catchment areas and threats to biodiversity conservation.  Kenya has sought to ensure the sustainable development and management of her forest resources via the enactment of the Forest Act,

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

The world is coming to a more crushing realization of the disastrous strain we’re putting on the place we call home, Earth! What we believe to be ground breaking transitions into new, adaptive and better ways of living through electronics, is actually having an adverse

SUMMARY UK hosted the second Africa Investment Conference with focus on sustainable investment to support continent’s transition to clean growth Government launched Growth Gateway tool to strengthen UK and African business relationships, following record £2.3bn support from UK Export Finance   The Prime Minister Boris Johnson

As companies eye this year to execute and communicate their sustainability initiatives, there are major events and dates they need to keenly take note of. These events include; Event Agenda Dates (2022) World Wetlands Day Wetlands Action for People and Nature 2nd February Zero Discrimination

Sustainability is a subject that keeps evolving, and every new day there are new developments to make the world a better place and ensure there is a better future for coming generations.  Sustainability has so far been identified widely as a vital concern and a

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,

CoP 26 came to a close on 13th November 2021 after a one-day extension to ensure consensus was reached for the final outcome document. The Final CoP26 Glasgow Pact does not mention any word on the business although private companies and businesses contribute 70% of

BY: Aarti Krishnan The seventh annual Devolution Conference under the theme: Multi-level governance for climate action, has just ended in the beautiful county of Makueni. Delegates at the conference, including public and private sector players, were all out engaging on climate change and exploring the

The 7th Annual Devolution Conference focused on climate change, specifically the Multi-Level Governance for Climate Action. The aim of the multi-governance approach is to strengthen sub-national governments to act on climate change through development of more robust and focused execution of mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday signed the Climate Change bill into law. This was made public by the president’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu. According to Mr Shehu, the Climate Change Act owes its origin to a bill sponsored by a member of the House of Representatives,

By Dr. Patrick Njoroge We have a problem. The recently released State of the Climate in Africa 2020 report, indicates that in 2020, the climate indicators in Africa, were characterized by extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, increasing temperatures and accelerated rise in

President Uhuru Kenyatta this week announced Kenya’s plan to work with African countries that form the Giants Club conservation group to raise resources for investment in the continent’s climate change mitigation programmes. While speaking during the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), President Kenyatta  said

Over the last decade, the top four emitters, China, US, EU and India, have contributed to 55% of the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with the G20 members accounting for around 78% of global GHG emissions. Consequently, the G20 members largely determine global emission trends

With COP26 scheduled to begin in Glasgow between October 31 and November 12, over 50 coordinated finance actions have been planned during which demonstrators shall engage in street marches, hold banners, organize projections, street murals, vigils and other kinds of creative demonstrations to demand that

The private sector alliance (KEPSA) collaborated with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and UNDP in the organisation of the REDD+ strategy consultation forum that took place at Nyali Sun Africa Beach Resort, Mombasa, on Tuesday, October 19, 2021.  The regional consultation forums were organised

Electronic waste or E-waste describes discarded electrical or electronic devices or appliances that have ceased to be of any value to their owners. E-waste is considered one of the fastest growing wastes in the world, and yet also toxic and non-biodegradable. E-waste is growing at

On Thursday October 7, 2021, Kenya became the latest and 12th country to join the Global Plastics Pact Network; the 2nd in Africa after South Africa. The Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP) brings together organisations from across the plastics value chain towards 2030 circular economy targets

On Friday October 8, 2021, the Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation (MWSI) invited stakeholders from the private sector to participate in a virtual presentation of Kenya’s WASH Accounts study report. The study was conducted in conjunction with Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Finance (WASH-FIN), a

Sustainable development means adopting business strategies and activities that meet the need of the enterprise and its stakeholders today while protecting, sustaining and enhancing the human and natural resources that will be needed in the future. As change continues to affect our lives as well

Sustainability emerges as one of the most acceptable corporate social responsibilities. As this is the case, the reporting of only the positive and negative developments in financial indicators are not sufficient for investors and stakeholders. It is becoming more and more common to have investors

What exactly does a sustainable circular economy mean? A sustainable circular economy refers to designing and promoting products that last and that can be reused, repaired and remanufactured. A sustainable circular economy sees to it that the functional value of products is retained as opposed

There has been a rise in the demand for transition to a zero carbon economy. While government action and global protests are a step in the right direction, they cannot achieve net zero on their own. Companies also need to step into this court. This

By Amy Wahome- General Manager Oxygene Marketing Communication Ltd In spite of all the havoc it has wreaked, the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired re-imagination of the role of business in society today. Increasingly, businesses around the world are mulling how to take a longer-term view

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

Sustainability is a critical component of a comprehensive plan for future success. Contrary to popular belief, sustainability is more than just environmentalism as it also recognizes the role of social and economic dimensions in delivering long term prosperity. Businesses must take active roles to demonstrate

The word sustainability immediately brings our minds to renewable fuel sources, reducing carbon emissions, protecting environments and a way of keeping the delicate ecosystems of our planet in balance. Sustainability looks to protect our natural environment, human and ecological health while still ensuring that we

On 26th of March, 2021, the World Bank Water Resources Group in collaboration with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA). The purpose of the webinar was to explore opportunities for unlocking the market and strengthening the enabling environment for a circular economy approach to wastewater