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Showing posts from July, 2024

Kenya Launches Groundbreaking Bench Book to Combat Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation

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By Judith Mwai  In a significant stride towards tackling human trafficking in Kenya, the International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) in Kenya, in collaboration with global advocacy organization Equality Now, has unveiled the "Kenya Judicial Bench Book on Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Exploitation." This launch coincides with the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, highlighting the urgency of addressing this pressing issue. Despite the establishment of the Counter-Trafficking in Persons Act, Kenya continues to grapple with one of the highest rates of human trafficking in Africa, with sexual exploitation being a predominant concern. The newly launched bench book aims to enhance the judicial system's capacity to effectively prosecute and adjudicate trafficking cases, particularly those involving sexual exploitation. Honorable Chief Justice Martha Koome emphasized the importance of the bench book, stating, "This Bench Book on trafficking in per

Reon Capital Officially Launches in Nairobi

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(Reon Capital's Managing Director, Ahmed Daud Dirir photo by Grace Mwende) In a significant development for East Africa’s financial sector, Reon Capital, a dynamic new player in the investment landscape, officially launched its operations in Nairobi on Thursday.  With its sights set on becoming a key player in the African investment sector, Reon Capital has chosen Nairobi as its headquarters due to the city’s strategic position as the gateway to East Africa’s burgeoning markets.  The firm's launch is seen as a strategic move to capitalize on the region’s economic growth and abundant opportunities in various sectors, including technology, agriculture, real estate, and renewable energy. Reon Capital's Managing Director, Ahmed Daud Dirir, addressed attendees with an inspiring vision for the future, emphasizing the firm's commitment to driving economic development and creating sustainable business opportunities.  "We are excited to establish Reo

The Africa Culture Collection Launches Educational Products Focused on African History and Culture

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Accra, Ghana – July 25, 2024 —Today, the Africa Culture Group is launching its first series of educational products, Get to Know Africa, to introduce the richness of the African continent to a broader audience and encourage meaningful citizen engagement. Despite Africa's immense cultural wealth, a United Nations Development Programme study report indicates that Africa's share of the global creative economy accounts for only 2.9% of global creative goods exports, representing $58.4 billion and less than 1% of Africa's GDP. The Africa Culture Group is addressing this imbalance through its programs and initiatives. The Africa Culture Group, through one of its brands, The Africa Culture Collection®, has produced a collection of thoughtfully curated items that combine creativity, cultural heritage, purpose, and impact to educate an African and global audience. It includes educational products such as illustrative books, games, corporate gifting, and merchandise tha

Kenyan Ministries and Health Organization Unite to Combat Triple Threats Among Adolescent Girls

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BY WINTON ZAK Concrete discussions aimed at addressing the intertwined challenges of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among young people are at an advanced stage in Nairobi.  These efforts, spearheaded by the Center for Reproductive Rights, the Reproductive Health Network Kenya, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Education, mark a significant step towards Kenya’s progress on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are central to this initiative, encompassing family planning, maternal health, safe abortion access, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The Ministry of Health has introduced interventions to reduce maternal, paternal, and antenatal mortality rates. Despite these efforts, 14% of Kenyan women of reproductive age (15-29 years) still lack access to family planning services. To address this, the Ministry of Health has

Why Machakos Nurses Have Issued a 21-day Strike Notice

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Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) Machakos branch Secretary Mike Saka addressing the press in Machakos. (Photo Courtesy) Machakos County's healthcare system is facing a potential shutdown as nurses have announced a strike set to begin in three weeks due to intolerable working conditions and systemic neglect. Michael Saka, leading the Kenya Union of Nurses, has issued a 21-day strike notice, highlighting severe understaffing, a lack of essential medical supplies, and the failure to implement their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Saka emphasized that these issues have significantly impaired the functionality of hospitals across the county, affecting facilities from Level 5 to Level 2. The Machakos Level Five Hospital is at the heart of the crisis, with patients now relying on their families for food due to the hospital's inability to provide meals. "Our hospital has been reduced to a kiosk," Saka lamented, underscoring the extent of the neglect. In a warning