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Articles by Peter Mutai
Kenya releases first 20 Ebola contacts from quarantine
NAIROBI, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) -- The first 20 Ebola contacts were released from quarantine and returned home after completing health surveillance without developing symptoms, an official with Kenya's Ministry of Health said on Monday. Patrick Amoth, director-general for health in the ministry, confirmed in a statement that the 20 contacts had completed the mandatory 21-day monitoring period and were in good health.
Kenya's Ebola cases rise to nine, all in one cluster
NAIROBI, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed Ebola cases in Kenya has risen to nine, including one death, the Ministry of Health said on Tuesday, adding that all the cases belong to a single cluster with no evidence of transmission beyond it. Patrick Amoth, director-general for health in the Ministry of Health, said the ninth case, confirmed on Monday, was a 24-year-old man and a close family member of the first case. The man was already in quarantine when he fell ill.
Update: Kenya confirms third Ebola case
NAIROBI, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Friday confirmed the country's third case of Ebola Bundibugyo virus disease. The patient, a 65-year-old woman, is a primary contact and a close relative of the first and second cases. She had been in quarantine since Oct. 6 and had developed a fever, sore throat and malaise, the ministry said. She later tested positive for Ebola at both the National Virology Reference Laboratory and the Kenya Medical Research Institute laboratory.
Kenya confirms second Ebola case
NAIROBI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kenya confirmed a second case of the Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which is linked to the first case, with no evidence of wider community transmission, the Ministry of Health said Wednesday. "Kenya has now recorded two confirmed cases and one death," said Patrick Amoth, director-general for health in Kenya's Ministry of Health.
Feature: Mangrove restoration project transforms livelihoods in coastal Kenya
MALINDI, Kenya, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) -- A lush mangrove canopy stretches along the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River in Malindi, a coastal resort town in Kenya's Kilifi County, attracting local and international tourists thanks partly to a local women's group. The 21-member Patanani Wito Women Group, all widows living near the estuary, has spearheaded the area's transformation from a site plagued by illegal logging into a thriving mangrove conservation zone.
Africa climate summit urges investment in climate-smart agriculture to safeguard food security
NAIROBI, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The third Climate Change Global Business Summit on Africa kicked off in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, on Monday, with the East African nation calling on international investors to finance climate-smart agriculture to boost food security on the continent. The two-day summit, hosted by The European House-Ambrosetti, brought together global leaders, private sector players and investors to champion climate finance, environmental stewardship and a just transition.
Kenyan hosts summit to push for science-led solution to climate crisis in Africa
NAIROBI, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya held a forum on Wednesday in the national capital of Nairobi for senior policymakers, scholars, and green campaigners to push for science-led interventions aimed at mitigating the climate crisis in Africa. More than 500 delegates attended the forum to discuss the green transition ahead of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change slated for Belem, Brazil, on Nov. 10-21.
Kenya launches cloud-based portal to improve vaccine delivery
NAIROBI, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health launched a cloud-based portal on Wednesday to ensure that vaccines are delivered across the country seamlessly. Aden Duale, cabinet secretary in the ministry, said the Kenya Electronic National Vaccine and Immunization Portal will build a comprehensive and real-time repository for vaccine and immunization data management.
Kenya grants tea factories direct access to int'l markets
Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture on Friday announced a new policy recommendation, allowing all 142 tea factories nationwide to sell the commodity directly to the international market. NAIROBI, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Agriculture on Friday announced a new policy recommendation, allowing all 142 tea factories nationwide to sell the commodity directly to the international market.
Study links severe 2021-2022 Horn of Africa drought to human activities
NAIROBI, March 11 (Xinhua) -- Scientists said on Tuesday that human-induced climate change increased the severity of the 2021-2022 drought in the Horn of Africa. In a study undertaken by scientists from the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), the United Nations University, and other institutions, climate change was found to have intensified prolonged droughts, exacerbating food insecurity, water scarcity, and livelihood disruption in the region.
UNEP says law enactment key to revitalizing climate change war in Africa
NAIROBI, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- African governments should move fast to enact forward-looking laws aimed at boosting the fight against climate change, a United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) official said on Thursday. Rose Mwebaza, director and regional representative for Africa in UNEP, said recent extreme weather events across Africa are evidence of the worsening climate crisis, hence the need for legal intervention to halt the phenomenon.
Global research agency urges local communities to engage in monitoring Africa's water resources
NAIROBI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), a non-profit global research organization, on Wednesday urged African countries to involve local communities in data collection on river discharge to boost water resource management. According to the IWMI, the continent's 63 transboundary rivers, which are a lifeline for millions, suffer from inadequate or outdated gauging stations, severely limiting the ability to monitor water flow and suitability for consumption.
East African bloc launches project to address climate crisis, conflict
NAIROBI, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an East African bloc, and partners on Thursday launched a project to protect civilians from climatic shocks, conflict and displacement. Strengthening early warning and disaster preparedness is part of the initiative that is supported by the World Food Program (WFP), the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, the International Federation of the Red Cross and the Danish Refugee Council.
Kenya, UN launch program to boost human mobility
NAIROBI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and Kenya on Tuesday launched a 28.5-million-U.S.-dollar joint program to boost human mobility and regional integration. The project, which will be implemented from December 2024 to June 2026, aims to support Kenya's Vision 2030 and the attainment of UN Sustainable Development Goals in the country.
UN partners with Kenya to tackle malnutrition, boosting children's health
NAIROBI, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations agencies, under the umbrella of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, on Tuesday launched a joint nutrition program with the Kenyan government to confront malnutrition and improve the livelihoods of children in the country. The program being led by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) will address food insecurity, hygiene and sanitation, safe drinking water, health and education.
WHO donates mpox testing kits, medicines for neglected tropical diseases to Kenya
NAIROBI, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) and other donors on Monday donated mpox testing kits and medicines for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) worth 1.67 million U.S. dollars. Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO representative in Kenya, said the mpox laboratory diagnostic kits and more than 15 million tablets of NTDs medicines will strengthen Kenya's efforts to respond to the ongoing mpox outbreak.
Kenya to promote awareness campaign on ozone layer depletion
NAIROBI, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Monday pledged to scale up an awareness campaign on the devastating impacts of ozone layer depletion. Aden Duale, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, said the campaign will provide an opportunity to further educate the public on the health and ecological impacts of depleting the ozone layer, a part of the earth's atmosphere that absorbs the bulk of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
Kenya confirms third mpox case amid enhanced surveillance at border points
NAIROBI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Friday announced the third mpox case, reiterating intensified surveillance at ports of entry to avert mass transmission of the highly infectious viral disease. Patrick Amoth, director-general for health in the Ministry of Health, said the third case was detected from a 30-year-old woman in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, who has a history of traveling to neighboring Uganda.
Kenya confirms second case of mpox amid heightened vigilance
NAIROBI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Friday announced that the second case of mpox had been confirmed in the country, pledging intensified surveillance to prevent further transmission. Deborah Barasa, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Health, said that the second case was identified from a long-distance truck driver with a history of traveling to the epicenter of the disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Kenya launches guiding framework for green justice system
NAIROBI, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Judiciary of Kenya on Wednesday launched a strategic guiding framework to champion the integration of environmental sustainability in the country's justice system. Chief Justice Martha Koome said the judiciary is committed to advocating for environmental sustainability in the Kenyan justice sector through upholding the rule of law, protecting rights, ensuring sustainable development, and promoting ecological sustainability.
Horn of Africa likely to experience suppressed October-December rains: IGAD Original
The Greater Horn of Africa region could experience depressed rainfall in the October-December season amid the likelihood of a La Nina weather phenomenon, according to the latest prediction from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). NAIROBI, Aug.
UNICEF urges Kenya to expand breastfeeding centers
NAIROBI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday called on Kenya to increase breastfeeding centers across the country. Laura Kiige, a nutrition specialist at UNICEF Kenya, said that mothers living and working in the areas have little access to maternity leave and space to feed their children.
Kenya banking on sustainable water conservation to tame climate crisis
NAIROBI, July 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has ramped up investments in water conservation to help local communities deal with negative impacts of climate change, a government official said on Wednesday. Julius Korir, principal secretary in the Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation, said that climate change is altering hydrological cycles in the country, necessitating novel measures to conserve the commodity.
African countries launch initiative to address unfolding health emergencies
NAIROBI, May 15 (Xinhua) -- African countries on Wednesday launched an ambitious initiative to help African countries cope with health emergencies that have escalated on the continent due to climate change. The Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Program (HEPRR) project for Eastern and Southern Africa, worth 1 billion U.S. dollars, is expected to transform public health response.
Kenya mulls adopting Chinese packaging concept to boost trade
NAIROBI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Wednesday said that it plans to borrow the Chinese concept of training packers to gain from trade in horticultural commodities at the world market. Cornelly Serem, chairman of the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), said that substandard packaging that is attributed to the lack of training of packers is to blame for Kenya's loss in securing the international market for its horticultural produce.
Cassava experts meet in Kenya to boost production
NAIROBI, Oct. 24 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan cassava experts on Tuesday began a three-day meeting in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, to seek ways of boosting production of the country's second most important food tuber crop. The National Cassava Conference and Expo 2023 (NCCE), which is aimed at enhancing cassava production, productivity and value-addition, gathered more than 1,000 experts and 150 exhibitors from across the country.
WHO, UN-Habitat pledge robust partnership to revitalize urban health
Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of the United Nations-Habitat program, speaks during the official opening of the UN-Habitat Assembly in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on June 5, 2023. (Xinhua/Han Xu) The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat) on Tuesday vowed to strengthen partnerships aimed at revitalizing urban health.
UN-Habitat assembly calls for people-centered strategy for urban centers
NAIROBI, June 5 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) on Monday called for a people-centered climate resilience strategy for developing sustainable cities. Given the adverse effects of climate change in urban centers, there is a need for the involvement of all stakeholders in order to oversee service delivery that is aimed at saving lives and properties, said Ishaku Maitumbi, a senior officer of the UN-Habitat.
Kenya blames single country efforts for upsurge in malaria cases in East Africa
NAIROBI, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Single country efforts in the management of malaria are to blame for the upsurge in cases of the disease in the East African Community (EAC) economic bloc, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Health Mutahi Kagwe said Thursday.
Kenya launches digital tool for monitoring safety of health commodities
NAIROBI, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Wednesday launched a mobile electronic platform to enhance the monitoring of quality, safety and efficacy of medicine and health products in order to protect consumers from harm. Rashid Aman, the chief administrative secretary in the Ministry of Health, said the Mobile Pharmacovigilance Electronic Reporting System (MPvERS) will provide detailed first-hand information about citizens' experience with drugs.
Global experts urge Africa to focus on value of biodiversity
NAIROBI, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Global experts on biodiversity, economics and conservation on Wednesday urged African governments to base their financial decisions on the value of biodiversity. The experts who spoke during a virtual meeting observed that ecosystem services have always been underestimated given that the country's economic indicators often capture only goods and services with monetary value.
Kenya's COVID-19 cases pass 13,000 mark
NAIROBI, July 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Sunday confirmed the numbers of COVID-19 cases passed the 13,000 mark on Sunday amid a spike in the number of infections for the past two weeks. Mutahi Kagwe, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Health said 603 cases from a sample of 5,724 were tested in the past 24 hours. "We now have 13,353 confirmed positive cases, while our cumulative sample tested has risen to 243, 887," Kagwe said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
Kenya launches policy documents to support primary healthcare
NAIROBI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Thursday launched two policy documents to support primary healthcare in the country, as COVID-19 infections in the country increased to 11,673 after 421 more patients tested positive for the disease in the last 24 hours.
Kenya's youthful farmer makes a fortune from online sale of arrowroot, sweet potatoes
by Peter Mutai Nicholas Akoko, a youthful farmer from Kital Village, located in western Kenyan county of Homa Bay County, overcame huge obstacles to
Cholera, visceral leishmaniasis outbreaks reported in Kenya
File Photo: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP NAIROBI - Cholera and visceral leishmaniasis diseases have been exerting huge pressure on Kenya's public health budget since the beginning of this year, said a Ministry of Health report released on Monday. The report, titled "Diseases outbreak situation in Kenya since January 2019," said 37 cholera-related deaths and 34 visceral leishmaniasis-related deaths were reported during the period.
WATCH: African researchers call for increased funding for science, innovation
Technology / 5 November 2019, 11:30am / Peter Mutai To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video INTERNATIONAL - African researchers called on the continent's governments to increase funding for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to spur growth in the region.
African researchers call for increased funding for science, innovation
Technology / 5 November 2019, 11:30am / Peter Mutai Photo: Pixabay. INTERNATIONAL - African researchers called on the continent's governments to increase funding for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to spur growth in the region. The researchers who ended a two-day African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) annual forum and silver jubilee celebrations in Nairobi said that the continent has qualified scientists to take the continent forward but only with reliable funding.
Kenya plans to adopt new technologies in handling climate change
International / 27 September 2019, 9:00pm / Peter Mutai,Chu Xinyan (190221) -- NAIROBI, Feb. 21, 2019 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Environment Cabinet Secretary Keriako Tobiko (Front) takes part an inspection tour of the ongoing Nairobi River clean up exercise along Kirichwa Kubwa area in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Feb. 20, 2019.
Kenya says supports latest CITES conference resolutions
Baby elephants play at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2019. Countries that are part of an international agreement on trade in endangered species agreed Tuesday to limit the sale of wild elephants, delighting conservationists but dismaying some of the African countries involved.
Kenya launches program to help improve nut crops
Picture: Pexels NAIROBI - Kenya's researchers said Thursday they have launched a program aimed at improving the growing of nut crop, processing and marketing. Eliud Kireger, director general of Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), said the country's nut industry is performing poorly because most of the nut crops that were introduced in the country have aged, and are now producing low quality nuts.
Kenya announces plan to grow genetically modified cotton
Photo: File. INTERNATIONAL – Kenya on Wednesday announced plans to start commercial growing of Bt cotton, or genetically modified (GM) cotton. Charles Waturu, Principal Investigator of GM cotton project, said that the government is expected to release the Bt cotton seeds to 1,000 demonstration sites in all parts of cotton growing areas by November.
Kenya unveils measures to reform coffee sector
Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency(ANA) NAIROBI – Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday announced measures aimed at reforming the coffee sector in the country. Kenyatta, who opened the 124th Session of the International Coffee Council (ICO) in Nairobi, said the reforms are designed to boost production, reduce the cost of processing and milling as well as transaction costs at the auction market.
Kenya seeks to set up open data in agriculture, nutrition
To guarantee future crop yields and food security, maize seeds and plants should be protected. PHOTO Supplied. NAIROBI – Kenyan researchers have formed a team to spearhead the establishment of open data to generate information and services for smallholder farmers in agriculture and nutrition.
Two thugs killed after confessing crimes
Two robbery suspects were lynched yesterday in Kiptule area in Kericho West subcounty by the public. The suspects were suspected to belong to a gang that was terrorising the public. A third suspect escaped. The two were cornered as they transported electronics in Kabianga area. “The suspects were cornered at around 5am while transporting the stolen items to their hideout in Kericho town,” said a witness who declined to be named.
Settlers must leave Mau Forest, says Raila
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga yesterday called for the removal of settlers who have encroached into the Mau Forest, saying their continued occupation is a threat to the country’s biggest water tower. Raila said settlers who have encroached into the forest land beyond the recommended cut-line are there illegally. The current eviction by the government is meant to protect and preserve the forest, which he said is the source of water for communities living around Mau Forest and beyond.
African Ministers Launch Initiative to Involve Women in Energy Sector
By Peter MutaiNairobi — African ministers on Sunday launched a new initiative aimed at involving women directly in the energy sector. The Africa Women Energy Entrepreneurs Framework (AWEEF), which was launched in Nairobi by the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), seeks to galvanize political commitment from governments and development partners to attract investment in tackling issues of access to clean and affordable energy in the continent.
African seed body backs use of genetically engineered seeds
NAIROBI, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- A continental seed body on Friday supported the coexistence of genetically modified (GMO) seeds and conventional ones. The Secretary General of African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) Justin Rakotoarisaona said farmers stand to benefit greatly once they embrace modern agricultural tools.
UN launches new road map to spur Kenya's development
NAIROBI, June 22 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Thursday launched a new roadmap to boost Kenya's efforts to achieve inclusive development in line with the country's Vision 2030 blueprint on socio-economic transformation. The 2018 -2022 UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) will also help galvanize support from bilateral donors, private sector and civil society for Kenya.
Kenya intensifies surveillance after outbreak of dengue fever
NAIROBI, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's health authorities said on Monday they have intensified surveillance in the coastal city of Mombasa after an outbreak of dengue fever was reported. Sultani Matendechero, head of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Program at the Ministry of Health, said the ministry has already dispatched a response team of experts from Nairobi to Mombasa to curb the outbreak of the mosquito-borne tropical disease.
Ignore 'doctored' Infotrak poll, Rutto asks CCM supporters
Bomet governor Isaac Rutto on Thursday dismissed results of an Infortrak opinion poll that showed him leading with a 1.2 per cent margin. The poll released on Wednesday Rutto would win with 38.9 per cent support while Sotik MP Joyce Laboso would follow at 37.7 per cent. Laboso, a National Assembly Deputy Speaker, has declared her interest in the governor seat through the Jubilee Party.
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