UN Secretary General António Guterres with COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago. PHOTO/UN. By PATRICK MAYOYO [email protected] The Outcomes Report from COP30, released on Friday in Belém, Brazil, has made headlines for presenting what is hailed as “groundbreaking progress” on real-world climate actions. With high-profile commitments from global leaders and businesses, including a trillion-dollar investment into…
Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (right) at COP30. PHOTO/UN. By PATRICK MAYOYO [email protected] On Wednesday, at COP30 in Belém, Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva delivered a stirring speech that called on world leaders to take urgent, decisive action against climate change. His message was unequivocal: the global community must do more,…
IMAGE/UN. By PATRICK MAYOYO [email protected] At the UN Climate Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil, a group of UN experts has called on states to take urgent and effective action to address climate change, grounded in human rights principles. In a joint statement, the experts urged countries to follow the guidance set out by the International…
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe with KTDA chairman Chege Kirundi (left) and KTDA CEO Wilson Muthaura (right). PHOTO UGC. By CHEGE KIRUNDI As Chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), I have had the unique privilege of engaging with diverse stakeholders in our tea value chain; from smallholder farmers to international buyers. Over time, one…
For decades, firewood has powered the boilers used to dry tea in our factories. PHOTO/UGC. By CHEGE KIRUNDI As chairman of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA), I have had the privilege of overseeing Kenya’s tea industry, one of the country’s most vital economic pillars and a global brand synonymous with quality. Yet, as stewards…
In the ever-shifting theatre of global trade, two major powers have made their moves–one with threats, the other with opportunity. As Africa faces looming tariffs from the United States, China has chosen a different approach: opening its doors to all 53 African nations with which it has diplomatic relations. Announced at a recent China-Africa cooperation…
Bandari Maritime Academy is Kenya’s premier training institution for maritime courses. PHOTO/UGC. By ANDREW MWANGURA [email protected] Kenya, a country blessed with over 500 kilometres of coastline and ambitious plans for a thriving blue economy, has long ignored the urgent need to reform its maritime education system. The recent unrest within our Maritime Education and Training…
Single-hull tankers are relics of an outdated and dangerous maritime technology. PHOTO/VistaCreate By ANDREW MWANGURA [email protected] Mombasa, East Africa’s busiest and largest port, plays a vital role in handling millions of tonnes of cargo each year. It serves as a crucial maritime gateway for Kenya and its landlocked neighbours. However, beneath its bustling activity lies…
A ship at Mombasa Port. PHOTO/FILE By ANDREW MWANGURA [email protected] The maritime industry, a cornerstone of global trade, is grappling with a looming crisis: an acute shortage of skilled seafarers. This challenge presents Africa with a unique opportunity to redefine its role in the global maritime workforce. However, the road to leadership demands a deliberate…
A tug-boat directing a cargo vessel to a berth at Mombasa Port. PHOTO/FILE By ANDREW MWANGURA [email protected] Kenya’s maritime potential remains largely untapped, despite the nation’s considerable strategic advantages and access to key international shipping routes. With only 25 merchant vessels registered under the Kenyan flag in 2020—out of 1,849 ship visits to Kenyan ports…
