Science Africa (SA)

By Sharon Atieno The Hawaiian monk seal is the marine mammal most at risk of extinction due to plastic pollution. Followed by African manatees, Australian sea lions, vaquita (porpoises), and Mediterranean monk seals respectively. This is according to a new study released in Conservation Biology and co-authored by scientists at Ocean Conservancy, Arizona State University and Shaw Institute.

By Milliam Murigi The European Commission has committed more than $100 million to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa. The funding includes $50 million to strengthen Africa–Europe health security collaboration. It will support AMR surveillance, prevention and control at national, regional and continental levels.

By Milliam Murigi Even as court cases continue to stall the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in Kenya, stakeholders in agricultural biotechnology sector remain active. They are maintaining research and preparedness efforts, in anticipation of future commercialization and eventual rollout to farmer’s once legal and regulatory clarity is achieved.

By Sharon Atieno Sharing habitat with livestock is changing elephants’ gut bacteria in ways that could be harmful to their health, a new research reveals. The research conducted by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance in collaboration with Save the Elephants in northern Kenya found that when livestock numbers increased in the reserves, the elephants’ gut microbiomes shifted significantly. Microbes commonly found in livestock became more abundant in elephant guts, while beneficial microbes decreased.

By Milliam Murigi The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) has revealed that it is not approving GMO technology to push it on citizens, but rather providing it as an additional option to strengthen food security. Speaking during a media workshop, Anne Karimi, NBA Chief Executive Officer said the authority’s mandate is to regulate and ensure the safety of biotechnology products, not to dictate what farmers should grow or what consumers should eat.

By Milliam Murigi As Kenya accelerates its transition to renewable energy, large-scale projects are being rolled out as symbols of progress. But on the ground, a different story is unfolding. Across geothermal-rich regions like Mt. Suswa and Menengai, local civil society organizations (CSOs) and communities are pushing back. Raising concerns that the rush to deliver green energy is coming at the cost of livelihoods, water security and basic rights.

By Milliam Murigi Civil society organizations (CSOs) and faith-based actors have developed an advocacy guide to strengthen their engagement with energy policies and financing by the African Development Bank (AfDB). The guide is part of broader efforts to advance a just energy transition across Africa, ensuring that energy investments are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of communities most affected by energy poverty.

By Christine Wanjiku On a sunlit morning in Kanyuambora area, Mbeere North Constituency, Embu County, Eastern Kenya, Mary Wanjiku walks through her cotton field. The crop looks green from a distance, almost promising. But up close, the damage tells a different story. Instead of full and white bolls many are shriveled, their fibres stained and eaten through. She pulls one apart to reveal the culprit, tiny holes and dark residue left behind by bollworms.

By Milliam Murigi East Africa has taken a major step toward shaping its digital future with the launch of a regional artificial intelligence (AI) Alliance aimed at strengthening research, skills and innovation across the bloc. The new initiative, unveiled at the 4th East African Community (EAC) Science, Technology and Innovation Conference in Kigali, seeks to unify efforts that have long been fragmented across Member States.

By Milliam Murigi For a long time, Dr. Bernard Olayo worked in rural Kenya where providing maternal care often meant making life-or-death decisions with limited information. Stationed in remote parts of Homa Bay County in the early 2000s, he recalls how even the most basic diagnostic tool, an ultrasound, was out of reach for most health facilities. If a complication was suspected, expectant mothers had to travel up to 42 kilometres to access imaging services.