Kenya: Parents of 21 pupils who perished in fire at Hillside Endarasha Academy say no to inquest
The parents spoke during a memorial and candle lighting service which was held at the Nyeri Catholic Secretariat Hall to mark the first anniversary of the tragedy. The service was organised by the inter-religious Council of Kenya, a coalition of all major faith communities in Kenya.
Ants in test tubes: While wildlife trafficking in is not new in Kenya, it is pivoting from iconic animals to lesser-known species
Turns out, these weren’t just any ants. Among the species found were M. cephalotes, also known as the Giant African Harvester ant – striking creatures with vivid red and black colouring. Exotic pet enthusiasts prize them for their size, vibrant appearance and colony behaviour. They’re rare outside East Africa, difficult to breed, and fetch high prices on specialty pet markets in Europe and Asia.
As delegates gather in Addis Ababa for Africa Climate Summit, electricity to millions ranks top
The World Bank estimates that Central and West Africa have some of the world’s lowest electrification rates. In West Africa, where 220 million people have no electricity, the electrification rate is as low as 8 per cent.
Mozambique building southern Africa’s biggest electricity project in 50 that will cost $6 billion
Located 60 kilometres (37 miles) downstream from the even larger Cahora Bassa hydroelectric dam along the Zambezi River, the Mphanda Nkuwa plant is expected to generate 1,500 megawatts when it begins operations in 2031. That will help a region facing a 10,000-megawatt deficit that keeps millions from accessing power.
Evolution of writing: Why was ‘J’ the last letter added to the alphabet?
Following Trissino’s advocacy, the use of “J” spread gradually among scholars and printers throughout Europe. By the 17th century, the letter was universally recognised in the English language and was officially documented as distinct from “I” in a publication from 1633, solidifying its place in the alphabet.
Kenya and Uganda say they’re actively tackling trade bottlenecks at Busia, Malaba border points
The business community along with regional transport operators are increasing their lobbying efforts for the delay to be lifted, which has been affecting trade competitiveness. In the past, truck drivers used to wait for days to get their consignments cleared and as a result, perishable goods spoiled, and operational costs shot up.
Trump signs executive order that offers tariff exemptions to countries with US trade deals
In the order, Trump says his willingness to reduce tariffs depends on the “scope and economic value of a trading partner’s commitments to the United States in its agreement on reciprocal trade” and US national interests.
US considers buying two million shots use in low and middle income countries hard-hit by HIV
There are more than 30,000 new HIV infections in the US every year and 1.2 million people are living with the virus. Worldwide there are 1.3 million new infections annually and nearly 40 million people living with the virus.
Chinese influence in Equatorial Guinea forces US to ease travel restrictions on President Nguema
The US officials said the decision to move ahead with the waiver was based in part on the fact that China, which is a growing presence in Equatorial Guinea, is seeking to build a naval base there. The proposed base would be China’s second in Africa, after Djibouti, but its first ever on the Atlantic Ocean.
Nandi County in Kenya’s sprawling Rift Valley region is investing massively in coffee farming
Nandi Woman Representative Cynthia Muge launched a ‘Kahawa na Mama’ programme, which in the first phase 2023-2024 a total of 150,000 certified Batian and Ruiru 11 seedlings were distributed to 900 women in 63 self-help groups, while in the second phase 2024-2025, 500,000 seedlings were given out to 4,000 women across the county.
