General News

1. PACJA CEOJoseph Mithika Mwenda named among 100 most influential people on matters of climate change.

For a long time, PACJA CEO, Joseph Mithika Mwenda has been advocating for the matters of climate change not only in Kenya but all over the entire African Continent.

His efforts saw various mitigations in climate change related matters and on the same his name has been widely mentioned across the world.

As we publish this article, our team can categorically report that Mwenda has been named among 100 most influential people on matters of climate change.

He is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Pan African Climate and today he is among the most influential individuals in the world for 2022/23 year period and as a climate change hero.

For records, he has been named for the second time.

Mithika was mentioned alongside other African leaders among them President William Ruto and Mr.Adesina who is the President of African Development bank among others.

They were named by apolitical.co.and historically Dr. Mwenda has been named for the second time as the most influential person thanks to his good track records of fighting against evils associated with climate .

For instance In March 20, 2019 Dr Mwenda was named among the “World’s 100 Most Influential People in Climate Change Policy 2019 by the same foundation, the Apolitical.co.

According to our sources, the consummate climate change activist, Mithika has over the years guided the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance into a powerful network of over 1000 African organisations that seek to influence climate change policies at national and global levels, and make them more equitable and pro-poor.

From only a few countries at founding, with membership drawn namely in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Sudan and Nigeria, the Alliance has now expanded into 51 of the 54 African countries, challenging and engaging governments, regional and sub regional bodies on matters of climate change policies.

Through engaging in research, advocacy and campaigns, Mithika’s PACJA has influenced a number of policies in many African governments, the Pan African Parliament and at the African Union.

Through its influence, and by working through designated national platforms, PACJA has seen governments enact climate change Acts.

PACJA has grown to be a go institution for a number of global entities such as the World Bank, the UN, International NGOs, as well as regional bodies such as the African Union among others.

The Apolitical.co Foundation has acknowledged his strong advocacy expertise in encouraging politicians in the global north to support environmentalist efforts in the global south.

Apolitical.co, a private community for public servants and policymakers created to help solve this problem, endowed with Apolitical stock options.

Among other notable African climate activists named include Agnes Kalibata is agricultural scientist and policymaker who is currently president of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and former Rwanda’s minister of agriculture and animal resources, Vanessa Nakate of Uganda Known for the first Ugandan school strike activist and founder of Youth for Future Africa , Opha Pauline Dube, a world-renowned environmental change specialist and professor in Botswana. Then there is Mahama Kappiah is the Executive Director of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

1. President William Ruto was named after his global efforts and his massive plan of planting 15billion trees in 10 years

The Finance Manager of Kiambu’s Ruiru Water Company, Mary Ngima Karogo is on the spot of the Ethic and Anti-Corruption Commission over allegations of gross misconduct that has led to loss of millions of Shillings by the public institution.

This is after a complaint has been filed by a resident of Ruiru Sub County in Kiambu County at the EACC.

IT has been filed by Veronica Njoki,A Nairobi resident who listeď down seven allegations against the Finance boss.

In her letter, Njoki wants the EACC to start investigating Ngima since she believes the evidence provided against is enough to declare her unfit to hold public office due to corruption and integrity issues.

“That unless your good office urgently intervenes and addresses the complaints highlighted, the residents of Ruiru sub county will continue to suffer as well as continued misuse of public funds contrary to the Constitution of Kenya, 2010,” stated Njoki in her letter to EACC.

Among the allegations facing Ngima is her misadvise to the company as Finance Manager leading to not remittance of corporate tax amounting to more Kshs 300 million leading to great financial loss through penalties.

Ngima is also alleged to have released a report by Water Services Regulatory Board (WASREB) and thereafter misadvised the company resulting in a fine of Ksh 3.6 million s which was deducted from the WASREB guarantee.

The Finance boss is further accused of running the company singlehandedly by assuming managerial powers of the institution by unfairly treating employees, firing and hiring employees of the company.

She’s accused of usurping powers of the Human Resource Manager by irregularly employing her niece, Joyce Nduta Kiiru and her nephew, Gerald Mwangi Waweru and gave them position in the company as well demoting two employees of the company, Kuira Kimani and Dramus Ombuki without any valid reason.

Ngima is also alleged to have illegitimately employed herself on permanent and pensionable terms contrary to the company’s policy which states that she ought to be on a contractual basis.

The finance boss is further accused of paying herself per diems for meetings that she failed to attend as well as failing to declare her wealth since she’s accused of amassing wealth from illegal deals within the water company.

Non-State Actors lauds the achievement of the just concluded African Climate Summit, states it’s setbacks.

Pan African Climate Alliance, a non state actor organisation has weighed in on the success of the just concluded African Climate Change summit and gave out it’s findings.

The Alliance through Mithika Mwenda noted that the Summit saw serious beneficial resolutions made including: the idea to have the world community the decrease the emission and align with the Paris agreement, appreciates the declaration for reaffirming the principal of common ground on the matter.

” World communities must lead by examples by stopping the excess emission of products to the atmosphere , they must invest in public finance for green economic development,” Mwenda said.

Mwenda however noted some setback and adviced that they be appreciate and recognized and know the importance of reversing biodioverty loss.

” The critical importance of reversing biodiversity loss and explicit commitments made to protect and enhance nature and biodiversity was not assured” he added.

He further added that the summit attendees including the heads of state did not explain how they will push for a global finance model.

The Government Official while speaking at African Climate Summit said they are working to ease the process of passport acquisition.

Cheluget was making her presentation to the Departmental Committee on Administration and Security who visited the Department on a fact finding mission.

“We are proud to share our commitment to a faster, more transparent, and efficient passport processing system. With re-investments and reforms in place, we’re reducing wait times and clearing the backlog”She added.

The summit brings together African high-level policymakers, senior officials, climate change experts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the sub-themes of the Summit.

“Africa has taken a position that it contributes the least to global warming but is the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and therefore has special needs and special circumstances warranting financial support to mitigate against and adapt to climate change,” the organizers stress.

The continent is seeking to accelerate the implementation of its climate change strategies and actions to avert the catastrophic impacts of global warming and build the resilience of the continent’s economies.

Climate change is a threat to Africa’s development. According to the 2022 Climate Vulnerability Index, nine of the 10 most vulnerable countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s 2022 Climate Change Report confirms that West Africa, East Africa, and Central Africa are among global hotspots of human vulnerability to climate change.HAVE YOU SEEN THIS? Kenya To Upgrade National Power Grid From 3 Giga Watts To 100 Giga Watts By 2040Furthermore, Africa needs around $500 billion in climate finance by 2030, according to the AfDB’s Africa Economic Outlook 2022, which also estimated that the continent will need to invest more than $3 trillion in mitigation and adaptation in the same period to implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.CCDA–XI is expected to come up with detailed analytical, data-driven, and evidence-based recommendations on the various sub-themes of the Summit. Reports from the conference will contribute to the outcome statements for African Heads of State, towards and beyond the UNFCCC COP28.The first day of the CCDA will consist of technical meetings of these expert groups, while the second day will be a High-Level segment for policy and decision-makers to review and finalize statements for the Summit.Organized ahead of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of Parties known as COP, the CCDA convenes different African stakeholder groups on climate change, to discuss key climate change and development opportunities and challenges for the purpose of implementing sustainable solutions for Africa to deal with climate change.

More than 500 African civil society organisations have issued seven hard-hitting demands on their governments and wealthy nations.

The summit is set to kick off from September 4 to 6 at the Kenyatta International Convention Center.

In a statement, the civil societies said the African People are demanding for justice, decolonisation of the continent’s economic systems and repayment of climate debt.

“African people are demanding an end to energy capture, an immediate stop to fossil fuel projects and rejection of false solutions in a move that is set to put the plight of over 900 million people in the global spotlight,” they said.

The civil society organisations also demand global solidarity, peace and justice, no new fossil fuels, new commitments for international cooperation and an end to energy agency capture and energy system capture.

To raise awareness of the challenges Africa is facing with climate change, the Real Africa People’s Climate Summit has organised a march.

The march will take place on September 4 in Nairobi and will bring together diverse stakeholders from various struggles and movements across Africa.

Hardi Yakubu from the Real Africa People’s Climate Summit said Africans are tired of leaders and governments paying endless lip service to Africa on the impact of climate change on its people.

“We demand a decolonisation of Africa’s economy and development agenda, a repayment of climate debt and delivery of much-needed money to Africa for Climate Adaptation and losses and damages, as well as real solutions to this gripping problem the continent faces,” Yakubu said.

Dean Bhebhe from the Don’t Gas Africa Campaign noted that public services such as education and healthcare are chronically underfunded as unsustainable debt drives austerity.

“Unsustainable debt levels that many countries face today also mean less fiscal space and to invest in adaptation and mitigation as well as address losses and damages already being experienced,” Bhebhe said.

By putting African people in the driving seat of the climate and development action agenda, the Real Africa People’s Climate Summit believe this is an opportunity to centre people’s voices, needs, well-being and the earth’s welfare in the climate change action and development discourse.

Joab Okanda from Christian Aid stated, “Amid the spin and rhetoric on offer this week at the Africa Climate Summit, there is no escaping the hard reality, climate change is tearing us all apart and real solutions lie with communities on the frontline of the climate crisis”.

Okanda said African leaders should choose whether to stay on the path of dangerous destructions advanced by corporations and Western consultancies, where structural traps continue to be laid against Africa’s development.

Similarly, he said they can choose the path of the people marching on the streets of Nairobi for a renewed climate and development vision for African people’s dignity.

Director General Immigration Evelyne Cheluget has appeared at JKIA to assess the preparedness of our officers for the Africa Climate Summit,2023.

In the Summit that will kick off next week, over 30,000 delegates are expected to converge in Nairobi.

In a speech delivered to the African Parliamentary Dialogue being held on the sidelines of the African Climate Summit that starts in Nairobi on Monday, he said by creating uniform standards for climate action, African countries can streamline efforts, share best practices, and amplify our impact.

“The decisions we make, the ideas we share, and the collaborations we foster over the course of this dialogue will resonate far beyond these walls. Our conversations will contribute to the transformation of Africa’s response to climate change, setting the stage for innovative solutions and inspiring leadership. As we discuss climate policy, we must also emphasize the principle of equity. Our nations have diverse circumstances, capacities, and vulnerabilities, and our policies must reflect this diversity,” he said in the speech delivered on his behalf by Gilgil MP Martha Wangari, who is the first chairperson of committees.

The dialogue meeting held at Safari Park hotel was attended by President William Ruto, Senate  Speaker Amason Kingi,  President of the Pan African Parliament Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira, AUC Chairperson Moussaa Fakki, various Cabinet secretaries and members of Pan African Parliament and across Africa and civil society representatives, among others.

Wetang’ula said the dialogue brought them together by a common purpose – to harness the power of collective action in the face of an issue that transcends national borders and affects us all.

“ The Africa Climate Summit is not just a conference; it is a testament to our continent’s determination to forge a sustainable path forward, protect our environment, and secure the well-being of our people,” he said.

The Speaker noted that the urgency of climate action cannot be overstated as climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a human issue, an economic issue, and a social issue.

“The impacts of climate change – from extreme weather events to sea-level rise – pose real threats to our livelihoods, our economies, and our very way of life. Climate policy is not an option; it’s an imperative,” he added.

However, he noted that through robust climate policy, there is an opportunity to mitigate the effects of climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more resilient and sustainable future for the continent’s people.

“Climate policy is about envisioning a world where our children and grandchildren can thrive, free from the shackles of a changing climate,” he added.

He noted that the African Union Agenda 2063 Vision I envisages a prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, an Africa that speaks with a unity of purpose in advancing its position and interests on climate change and participates in global efforts for climate change mitigation that broaden the policy space for sustainable development in the continent.

“Article 11 (1) of the PAP Protocol empowers the Pan-African Parliament to make recommendations and formulate regulations on any matter relating to the African Union Member States and their organs and institutions. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of the members who participated in passing resolutions following the Summit on Climate Policy and Equity co-organised by the Pan African Parliament and the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance which took place in Midrand, South Africa in May this year,” said Wetang’ula.

He said their dedication, wisdom, and collaborative spirit have resulted in a momentous achievement – the passing of resolutions to create a comprehensive climate policy for Africa and the establishment of a model law on climate change for our continent.

“Your efforts have transcended national borders and individual interests. In your deliberations, you have put the well-being of our people and the future of our continent at the forefront of your priorities. Your wisdom and foresight have guided us toward a path that will lead to resilience, adaptability, and progress in the face of the changing climate,” added Wetang’ula.

He said the creation of a climate policy tailored to Africa’s unique circumstances and the establishment of a model law on climate change sends a resounding message to the world – that Africa is committed to taking ownership of its environmental destiny and driving solutions that are just, equitable, and impactful.

Addressing the same forum, Dr Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of the Pan-African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA), a continental coalition of over 1,000 civil society organizations that promotes climate justice and sustainable development in Africa, noted that Africa is the most vulnerable continent to the impacts of climate change, yet it contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions.

He termed it as a grave injustice that must be addressed by the international community and by African governments.

“We must ensure that Africa’s voice is heard and respected in the global climate negotiations and secure adequate and predictable finance, technology and capacity-building support to implement our nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and adaptation plans. That is why the Africa climate summit, which opens on Monday, is an opportunity we cannot afford to waste,” he said.

According to Dr Mwenda, the challenge for Africa in a climate-constrained world is cut out.

“We must ensure that our climate policies and actions are aligned with our development priorities and aspirations, as articulated in Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals. We must pursue low-carbon development pathways that enhance our energy, food, water, and health security while protecting our natural resources and biodiversity. We must empower our communities, especially women and youth, to participate in decision-making and implementing climate solutions at all levels,” he said. 

Dr Mwenda commended the Pan-African Parliament for its leadership and commitment to advancing climate justice and equity in Africa.

“We appreciate your resolutions and recommendations on various climate-related issues, such as renewable energy, climate finance, loss and damage, adaptation, mitigation, and human rights. We urge you to follow up on these resolutions and recommendations with concrete actions and advocacy at the national and regional levels,” he said.

Mwenda noted that one of the main recommendations we have made over the years is the need to enhance the African common position on climate change, which was adopted by the African Union in 2009.

He said this position calls for ambitious and binding emission reduction commitments from developed countries, adequate and predictable financial support for adaptation and mitigation actions in developing countries, technology transfer and capacity building, and a comprehensive and inclusive framework for addressing loss and damage, adding that it is based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and supported by science. 

He urged the body to engage with other regional and international parliamentary bodies, such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the European Parliament, and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to build solidarity and consensus on key climate issues.

“We have also encouraged the parliament to amplify the voices of vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as women, youth, indigenous peoples, and people with disabilities, who are most affected by climate change,” he said.

Non-State Actors are greatly concerned about the impacts of the climate crisis on the entire African continent and its people.

The group lead by Mithika Mwenda, Executive Director, Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, PACJA It is calling on the African Climate Summit to take in accounts various measures it has proposed to help mitigate the issue.

” We are witnessing the devastating effects of climate-fueled droughts, floods, cyclones,
desertification, food insecurity, displacement, and conflicts. We are also
aware of the historical and current responsibilities of the developed countries
in causing and exacerbating this crisis and, in defiance to science and climate
justice, their failure to provide adequate support to the most vulnerable
countries and communities,” Says Mwenda .

He added that the Africa Climate Summit (ACS), scheduled for September 4 – 6, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, is a unique opportunity for the continent, through its leaders, to raise the urgency of addressing the climate
emergency and protecting the rights and livelihoods of its citizens.

” It is an opportunity to build momentum and solidarity for the African agenda at COP28
and beyond by highlighting African countries’ common interests and aspirations
in achieving a low-carbon, climate-resilient, and inclusive development,” it said.

It added , ” We have been steadfast in advocating for a fair,
ecologically-just and equitable transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient
future that respects the rights and dignity of all people. In the past
several weeks, we held direct and indirect engagements with the Kenyan
Government, the African Union Commission and the larger ClimDev-Africa
Initiative under the auspices of an independent and voluntary Non-State Actors’
Committee, which was established to ensure that the Summit reflects the voices
and aspirations of African people,” reads it’s statement in parts ahead of the summit.

It is however worried that Despites it’s effort to shape how things needs to be done, the summit may miss to address key issues when not well managed.

” Despite these engagements and the
evidence provided by the latest science, we are worried that the Summit may
fall short of what Africans truly aspire as the outcomes to safeguard current
and future generations. We however believe that it is still not late,
and President Ruto, the African Union and all leaders across Africa will put
their hears down and keenly listen to their loud voices expressing concerns
about some aspects of the Summit,” it said.

It gave some key highlights of what it feels are key to make the summit successful.

” To this end, we have outlined a set of
demands or red-lines that we expect the African leaders to uphold and champion
at the summit: Stand by the principles of climate justice, human rights, gender equality, and inter-generational equity in all climate policies and actions.We reiterate that climate policies and actions measures should not only aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change but also to ensure that they are consistent with the principles of climate justice, human rights, gender equality, and inter-generational equity,” it said.

It added, ” Therefore, we demand that all conversations and ultimate decisions of the Summit must be Critically
examine the claims and evidence behind any proposed solution. They must: Make it a duty to the African people to ask questions such as: Who is promoting it and why? What are the assumptions and uncertainties involved, how does it affect the root causes and drivers of greenhouse gas
emissions?
What are the potential trade-offs and co-benefits for other
environmental and social issues? Are they science-based or do they align
with the principles of climate justice and human rights?
Press
for and uphold transparent and participatory decision-making processes
involving diverse stakeholders and perspectives; ensuring that the voices
of those most affected by climate change and its solutions are heard and
respected; and supporting the development and implementation of solutions
that are based on sound science, local knowledge, and community
empowerment.
Show
courage in confronting the systemic changes needed to address climate
change effectively, recognizing that false climate solutions often serve
to maintain the status quo and protect the interests of powerful actors
who benefit from the current system.
Challenge
the dominant narratives and paradigms that enable and justify false
solutions, such as those denying historical responsibilities for the
climate crisis, turning regional and global dialogues into investment
forums, claiming equal or shared responsibility for climate action and
dismissing African demands for justice as
victim-playing.

KNCCI official roots for enhanced Keny.a-Spain trade Kenya and Spain must, as matter of urgency, jointly establish an enabling business environment to facilitate enhanced trade and investment between the two countries.Making the remarks a director of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. James wanjohi says this will create an opportunity for Spanish to leverage their expertise and knowledge in the promotion of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Mr. Wanjohi was speaking in Madrid, Spain, during a B2B Kenya-Spain Business Forum in which he showcased the diverse business opportunities that exist between the two nations. “We recognize the importance of strengthening trade ties between our two nations and exploring new avenues of cooperation,” he explained. He underscored the importance of collaborations so as to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, so as to build long-lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships. “I am confident that the discussions and deliberations at this forum will pave the way for greater economic cooperation between our two countries. Together, we can unlock new opportunities, create jobs, and drive inclusive growth for the benefit of our people,” he noted. He identified key sectors of collaboration as renewable energy generation, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, tourism the technology such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. He added that Kenyan businesses can benefit from Spanish technological expertise, while Spanish businesses can tap into the vibrant and growing tech scene in Kenya.He called for continuous dialogue and engagement between the two nations to promote business partnerships and collaboration.He said Kenya offered a number of advantages for Spanish investors as the country is the gateway to East and Central Africa, offering numerous business opportunities for expansion to the entire African continent.“We must focus on expanding our trade volume, promoting investment opportunities, and encouraging joint ventures between our respective business communities,” he concluded.

Four countries and host Kenya are intensifying their training for the 10th edition of the Mombasa Open Tong IL-Moo-Do championship at the coastal city of Mombasa.first to arrive for the tournament were United states of America.The latest team to arrive on Tuesday night is Zambia,which came after Cote d’ivore ,and Dominica Republic respectively. The teams arriving at noon at the Moi international Airport on Thursday are Phillippines, Paraguay, Korea,Brazil,Japan and India.From the airport,the teams will be escorted to their hotels and the Light Academy training venue by 2.45pm.Training at Light will start at 3pm. Then from 4:00 PM all the teams will be at Nyali Beach for trainings. Then at 5pm they return at Light Academy up to 8pm.To support the event,the Tong IL-Moo Do World Federation President Master Takamitsu Hoshiko arrived in the country last week to oversee the success of the event. In Kenya, the annual international championships in the World calendar has succeeded with the support of the Ministry of Sports. This year,the event is expected to have the backing of the government since it promotes sports and tourism

The National Chairman of the National Reconstruction Alliance Party (NRA), Fredrick Ojiambo has written to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission asking them to investigate the alleged withdrawal of funds from the Party’s Account by its Vice Chairman Danstun Riziki, Secretary General Paula Amemba and the Chief Executive Officer Bridgit without the approval of other officials including the Treasurer and the Chairman.

In a letter dated 30th November 2022 and duly stamped as recieved by EACC, the chairman said, ” as the National Chairperson of NRA Party I write to you seeking for your urgent intervention on this matter”.

“The Account had five signatories but the three took the advantage of ‘Any three’ to sign option and went ahead to withdraw close to Ksh1.6m without my knowledge prompting me to put a caveat’, he added.

At the same time, the chairman also wrote another letter to the Registrar of Political Parties Ann Nderitu asking her to review Party records saying that he had come across crucial information suggesting that the same officials had written to the Registrar purporting to effect some changes on the office bearers without the consent of Party officials including himself.

“I humbly request that you dismiss any attempts by these selfish individuals who have resorted to conduct the activities of the Party with total disregard of the Law by attempting to impose people as officials through back door”.

Ojiambo also went ahead to claim that the two officials had nominated an MCA to the County Assembly of Busia called Mercy Wanyonyi without following due process as they opted to lockout other officials including himself from the entire process.

“I therefore want to request that you review the list of Party officials to ascertain whether there could be any changes that had already taken place so that you may revoke them”, Ojiambo reiterated.

He said that the Party has not held any meeting or AGM for anyone to purport to make any changes on the office bearers hence anything to that effect must be declares null and void.

“On behalf of the Party, I want to affirm that we have written a letter to EACC asking them to investigate and bring to book three officials who withdrew money from the Party’s Account without the knowledge of neither the Chairman, Treasurer nor members”, he said.