<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>Kenya Archives - Sweet Melodies FM</title> <atom:link href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/tag/kenya/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/tag/kenya/</link> <description>Keeping You Sanctified Morning, Noon and Night!</description> <lastBuildDate>Mon, 20 Jan 2025 21:44:43 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/cropped-Sweet-Melodies-FM_text_favicon.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1</url> <title>Kenya Archives - Sweet Melodies FM</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/tag/kenya/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>WHO support for Tanzania’s response to suspected Marburg virus disease outbreak</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/who-support-for-tanzanias-response-to-suspected-marburg-virus-disease-outbreak/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:38:42 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Health]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Angola]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Equatorial Guinea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Rwanda]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Uganda]]></category> <category><![CDATA[WHO]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=95517</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Brazzaville – Following reports of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in Tanzania, World Health Organization (WHO) has enhanced its readiness to support the government as it takes measures to investigate and respond swiftly to the situation. The national health authorities have deployed a team of experts to Kagera region, in the north-west of the country, […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/who-support-for-tanzanias-response-to-suspected-marburg-virus-disease-outbreak/">WHO support for Tanzania’s response to suspected Marburg virus disease outbreak</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class=""><strong>Brazzaville – </strong>Following reports of suspected cases of viral haemorrhagic fever in <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/tanzania-confirms-outbreak-of-marburg-virus-disease/">Tanzania</a>, World Health Organization (WHO) has enhanced its readiness to support the government as it takes measures to investigate and respond swiftly to the situation.</p> <p class="">The national health authorities have deployed a team of experts to Kagera region, in the north-west of the country, where the suspected cases have been reported. WHO is mobilizing technical expertise and logistical supplies to support these ongoing efforts. Early notification of the outcome of the investigation is crucial in facilitating swift response.</p> <p class="">“We stand ready to support the government in its efforts to investigate and ensure that measures are in place for an effective and rapid response,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “With the existing national capacities built from response to previous health emergencies, we are able to swiftly scale up efforts to protect communities as well as play our advocacy role for international support and solidarity.”</p> <p class="">WHO does not recommend any travel and trade restrictions with Tanzania at this time.</p> <p class="">Tanzania previously reported an outbreak of Marburg in March 2023 – the country’s first – in Kagera region. Strong measures enabled the outbreak to be controlled and declared over in less than two months.</p> <p class="">Marburg virus disease is highly virulent and causes haemorrhagic fever. It belongs to the same family as the virus that causes Ebola virus disease. Illness caused by Marburg virus begins abruptly. Patients presents with high fever, severe headache and severe malaise. They may develop severe haemorrhagic symptoms within seven days. </p> <p class="">The virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces and materials. Although several promising candidate medical countermeasures are currently undergoing clinical trials, there is no licensed treatment or vaccine for effective management or prevention of Marburg virus disease. However, supportive care – rehydration with oral or intravenous fluids – and treatment of specific symptoms, improve survival.</p> <p class="">In the African region, previous outbreaks and sporadic cases have been reported in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/who-support-for-tanzanias-response-to-suspected-marburg-virus-disease-outbreak/">WHO support for Tanzania’s response to suspected Marburg virus disease outbreak</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kenya’s new deputy president sworn in as his predecessor challenges his impeachment in court.</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenyas-new-deputy-president-sworn-in-as-his-predecessor-challenges-his-impeachment-in-court/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 01 Nov 2024 12:58:44 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=93893</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Kenya’s new deputy president has been sworn into office, two weeks after his predecessor was overwhelmingly voted out in an impeachment motion in parliament over allegations of corruption and inciting ethnic division. Kindiki Kithure took office on Friday after a colourful event in the capital, Nairobi, attended by government officials and Western envoys among other […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenyas-new-deputy-president-sworn-in-as-his-predecessor-challenges-his-impeachment-in-court/">Kenya’s new deputy president sworn in as his predecessor challenges his impeachment in court.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">Kenya’s new deputy president has been sworn into office, two weeks after his predecessor was overwhelmingly voted out in an impeachment motion in parliament over allegations of corruption and inciting ethnic division.</p> <p class="">Kindiki Kithure took office on Friday after a colourful event in the capital, Nairobi, attended by government officials and Western envoys among other guests.</p> <p class="">The court cleared his swearing-in on Thursday after orders suspending it were lifted, despite a continuing court case challenging the impeachment of the previous deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua.</p> <p class="">Gachagua is challenging the impeachment before the High Court in Nairobi, arguing that the charges are unsubstantiated and that the hearings were unfair.</p> <p class="">The former deputy president was impeached and removed from office by a vote of more than two-thirds of legislators on Oct. 17 on charges of corruption, inciting ethnic divisions and support for anti-government protests. President William Ruto nominated Kindiki for the deputy role the next day.</p> <p class="">Gachagua’s impeachment had highlighted divisions within the ruling United Democratic Alliance, or UDA, and friction between Ruto and Gachagua, both UDA members. Gachagua had been accused of insubordination when he opposed the government’s policy of forced evictions during heavy rains that caused flooding and deaths.</p> <p class="">The new deputy president Kindiki called Friday’s event a celebration of the “constitution and our democracy” and committed to be loyal and faithful to the president.</p> <p class="">President Ruto urged him to “please serve the people of Kenya” adding that like all public servants, they are not in office for personal interests and that all leaders serve at the pleasure of the people of Kenya and must uphold the constitution and the rule of law.</p> <p class="">Kindiki — the former interior minister — takes the deputy president’s office at a time when arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances in Kenya have raised concerns among western envoys and human rights groups. The country is also going through economic hardships with a rising cost of living and newly increased taxes.</p> <p class="">In June, the country witnessed a series of nationwide anti-government protests over a finance bill that proposed to increase taxes, culminating in the storming and burning of parliament on June 25, when several protesters were shot dead outside parliament gates.</p> <p class="">Ruto, who came to office claiming to represent Kenya’s poorest citizens, has faced widespread criticism over his efforts to raise taxes to pay off foreign creditors. The public opposition led him to shake up his Cabinet and back off from certain proposals.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenyas-new-deputy-president-sworn-in-as-his-predecessor-challenges-his-impeachment-in-court/">Kenya’s new deputy president sworn in as his predecessor challenges his impeachment in court.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>At least 32 dead as flash floods sweep through half of Kenya</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/at-least-32-dead-as-flash-floods-sweep-through-half-of-kenya/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:12:25 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya Floods]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=91478</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>At least 32 people have been killed and two are missing after flash floods swept through almost half of Kenya. Some 103,500 people in all have been affected. Kenya has registered heavy rain since mid-March but downpours have intensified over the past week, leading to mass flooding. The Kenyan Red Cross says it has carried […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/at-least-32-dead-as-flash-floods-sweep-through-half-of-kenya/">At least 32 dead as flash floods sweep through half of Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p class="">At least 32 people have been killed and two are missing after flash floods swept through almost half of Kenya.</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img data-recalc-dims="1" fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="300" height="168" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-flood.jpg?resize=300%2C168&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-91479" style="width:507px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-flood.jpg?w=300&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-flood.jpg?resize=150%2C84&ssl=1 150w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure> <p class="">Some 103,500 people in all have been affected.</p> <p class="">Kenya has registered heavy rain since mid-March but downpours have intensified over the past week, leading to mass flooding. The Kenyan Red Cross says it has carried out over 188 rescues since the onset in March.</p> <p class="">Some roads in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi were closed Wednesday and several neighborhoods remained submerged after another day of heavy rainfall.</p> <p class="">“The situation in Nairobi has escalated to extreme levels. The county government for all its efforts is clearly overwhelmed,” wrote city Senator Edwin Sifuna on his X account.</p> <p class="">“We need all national emergency services mobilized to save lives.”</p> <p class="">He shared a video of residents trapped on the roofs of their houses in an informal settlement in Nairobi.</p> <p class="">The Kenya Red Cross Society said it had rescued 18 people in the Mathare 4A neighborhood who had become “stranded due to floodwaters caused by heavy rains last night in Nairobi.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" width="696" height="464" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1" alt="" class="wp-image-91480" style="width:581px;height:auto" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?w=1170&ssl=1 1170w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 150w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?resize=696%2C464&ssl=1 696w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Kenya-floods.webp?resize=1068%2C712&ssl=1 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px" /></figure> <p class="">It added that it was carrying out other “life-saving” operations in other parts of the country.</p> <p class="">Two major highways out of Nairobi saw heavy traffic on Wednesday after floodwaters submerged parts of them. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority partially closed four roads that were heavily affected and warned of flooding on two others.</p> <p class="">“The traffic police and our technical team are on the ground to direct traffic and enhance the safety of motorists,” it said in a statement.</p> <p class="">Kenya Railways suspended commuter train services nationwide.</p> <p class="">“We are compelled to take these precautionary measures because the safety of our customers is always of paramount importance to us,” the operator said in a statement.</p> <p class="">The Kenya Meteorological Department warned of “heavy to very heavy” rainfall in parts of the country in an update on Wednesday.</p> <p class="">“Continued rainfall is anticipated across various parts of the country as indicated in the Wednesday and Thursday rainfall forecast maps,” it said in a statement.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/at-least-32-dead-as-flash-floods-sweep-through-half-of-kenya/">At least 32 dead as flash floods sweep through half of Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The governmental debt in Kenya increases by a record $10.8 billion.</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/the-governmental-debt-in-kenya-increases-by-a-record-10-8-billion/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:56:25 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=85263</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>According to treasury data, despite President William Ruto’s pledge to curb Kenya’s desire for borrowing, the country’s debt level has hit historic highs. In the fiscal year that concluded on June 30, total state debt increased by a record 1.56 trillion shillings ($10.8 billion) to 10.1 trillion shillings ($70.75 billion), above the debt ceiling of […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/the-governmental-debt-in-kenya-increases-by-a-record-10-8-billion/">The governmental debt in Kenya increases by a record $10.8 billion.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>According to treasury data, despite President William Ruto’s pledge to curb Kenya’s desire for borrowing, the country’s debt level has hit historic highs.</p> <p>In the fiscal year that concluded on June 30, total state debt increased by a record 1.56 trillion shillings ($10.8 billion) to 10.1 trillion shillings ($70.75 billion), above the debt ceiling of 10 trillion shillings.</p> <p>According to the Treasury, “external loan disbursements, currency rate fluctuations, and the absorption of domestic and foreign debt are all responsible for the growth in the national debt.”</p> <p>Loan repayment costs, mainly to China, have shot up as the local currency trades at record lows of around 144 shillings to the dollar.</p> <p>The cost of debt servicing in the year ended June was 391 billion shillings ($2.7 billion), of which the highest payment — 107 billion shillings ($743 million) — went to China.</p> <p>The debt load has prompted warnings from global credit ratings agencies including Fitch Ratings which last month downgraded Kenya’s ability to repay international lenders from “stable to negative”, citing tax hikes and social unrest.</p> <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-bans-worldcoin-and-opens-investigation-into-data-privacy/" data-type="post" data-id="85103">Kenya bans Worldcoin and opens investigation into data privacy</a></li> </ul> <p>Kenyan lawmakers voted in June to change the debt ceiling from a fixed shilling amount to a proportion of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The Senate is yet to pass the amendment.</p> <p>Ruto came to power last year on a promise to revive the economy in the country of about 53 million people.</p> <p>Economic growth slowed to 4.8 percent in 2022 from 7.6 percent the previous year and is forecast to expand by more than five percent this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).</p> <p>Outlining his plan for a “bottom-up” economic transformation, Ruto promised to slash government debt and introduce policies putting money in the pockets of impoverished Kenyans.</p> <p>But his first act after taking office in September last year was to cut food and fuel subsidies introduced by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he preferred subsidizing production instead of consumption.</p> <p>In June, Ruto introduced new taxes that increased prices for basic goods such as fuel and food and mobile money transfers, as well as a controversial levy on all taxpayers to fund a housing scheme.</p> <p>But in a U-turn on Monday, his administration reinstated a fraction of the fuel subsidy following several rounds of deadly anti-government protests and public anger over the high cost of living.</p> <p>The subsidy “to cushion consumers from the spike in pump prices” will last for a month, the country’s energy regulator said.</p> <p>“Expectations of higher international oil prices and the possibility of further shilling weakness will test the government’s commitment to contain fuel prices in the coming months,” think tank Oxford Economics Africa said Tuesday, adding that the subsidy was against the wishes of the IMF.</p> <p>Kenya is one of the most dynamic economies in East Africa but about a third of the population lives in poverty.</p> <p>Inflation in Kenya has remained stubbornly high, at an annual rate of 7.3 percent last month.</p> <p>Ruto has insisted the tax hikes are needed to create jobs and fill government coffers and ease over-reliance on borrowing.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/the-governmental-debt-in-kenya-increases-by-a-record-10-8-billion/">The governmental debt in Kenya increases by a record $10.8 billion.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The violence in Kenya is still ongoing despite the opposition’s calls for protests.</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/the-violence-in-kenya-is-still-ongoing-despite-the-oppositions-calls-for-protests/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Fri, 21 Jul 2023 06:23:57 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=84730</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>On Thursday, there were sporadic incidents between police and stone-throwing protesters in Nairobi, Kenya, despite the fact that the majority of people mainly disregarded an opposition demand to intensify anti-government demonstrations. Raila Odinga, a seasoned opposition leader, called for three days of protests this week, which resulted in six fatalities, scores of injuries, and increased […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/the-violence-in-kenya-is-still-ongoing-despite-the-oppositions-calls-for-protests/">The violence in Kenya is still ongoing despite the opposition’s calls for protests.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>On Thursday, there were sporadic incidents between police and stone-throwing protesters in Nairobi, Kenya, despite the fact that the majority of people mainly disregarded an opposition demand to intensify anti-government demonstrations.</p> <p>Raila Odinga, a seasoned opposition leader, called for three days of protests this week, which resulted in six fatalities, scores of injuries, and increased demand on neighbourhood hospitals.</p> <p>At Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, administrator Alex Ochieng said: “Total, we had 18 patients yesterday. One had a severe cut from Kondele, another had an ear damage from a tear gas canister, and the other sixteen were bullet wounds.</p> <p>“Three were in critical condition and they were taken to theatre. One died while being attended to at the theatre. So far we have taken five to the theatre for operations and six are still on the line for theatre. “</p> <p>Since March, 20 people have died in the demonstrations, called by Odinga, who says President William Ruto’s government is illegitimate and responsible for a cost-of-living crisis</p> <p>Some of the injured say they were caught up in the protests by accident. </p> <p>Erick Otieno is a resident of Kisumu and says he was beaten by police. </p> <p>“I was passing at Kondele flyover and met with the police officers beating and throwing tear gas at people,” he explained.</p> <p>“But I was not demonstrating. I was just passing to go back to my house in Nyamasaria and they just started beating me, they beat my eye and another hit the back of my head using the back of his G3 gun and they wanted to break my hands, my teeth and my other working knee.”</p> <p>The police response to the demonstrations has sparked outrage from rights groups, with Amnesty condemning the use of excessive force.</p> <p>The protests have increased pressure on a population already struggling with galloping inflation.</p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/the-violence-in-kenya-is-still-ongoing-despite-the-oppositions-calls-for-protests/">The violence in Kenya is still ongoing despite the opposition’s calls for protests.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kenya: Kibera people take up the task of urban farming</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-kibera-people-take-up-the-task-of-urban-farming/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 03 Jul 2023 10:42:36 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=84016</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Residents of Nairobi’s Kibera area, with the help of international Organization the Human Needs Project, are making what was impossible attainable. They have dabbled with urban farming. They had to develop answers to problems such as a lack of basic sanitation and a paucity of water, which made farming tough in Kibera. David Omari has […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-kibera-people-take-up-the-task-of-urban-farming/">Kenya: Kibera people take up the task of urban farming</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Residents of Nairobi’s Kibera area, with the help of international Organization the Human Needs Project, are making what was impossible attainable.</p> <p>They have dabbled with urban farming.</p> <p>They had to develop answers to problems such as a lack of basic sanitation and a paucity of water, which made farming tough in Kibera.</p> <p>David Omari has created a soil-free media. He makes use of pumice, a volcanic rock.</p> <p>“So, we are using what we call the waste products, which are things which come from yoghurt, those cups of yoghurt. So, we are using it, we put in the pumice, which comes from the volcanic type of soil or rock from Maimahiu. So this one, you know it has got no impurities, it is clear and makes the work easier because it cannot grow some weeds.”</p> <p>Fellow farmer Racheal Jumba grows peppers in a greenhouse using hydroponic methods.</p> <p>“For me, it was a way of us being able to give the community food that is organically produced, that we are using clean resources to be able to do that,” she says.</p> <p>“We are able to do a lot in a smaller space. So, where for example, what we have right here, we would have done it in perhaps about half an acre, but now, we are doing it in an area that is 8 meters by 15 meters.”</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">South African urban farmers grow herbs and crops on rooftops <a href="https://t.co/xT84kJHPgb">https://t.co/xT84kJHPgb</a></p>— africanews <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/15.0.3/72x72/1f637.png" alt="😷" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> (@africanews) <a href="https://twitter.com/africanews/status/933105565349306369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2017</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div></figure> <p>The use of hydroponic methods is helping Kibera’s urban farmers maximize space for a bumper harvest.</p> <p>They are funded by the World Food Programme.</p> <p>International NGO the Human Needs Project supplies the farmers with clean water for irrigation and other amenities.</p> <p>“Urban farming is very important to people living in informal settlements, given that informal settlements are seen as a dumping site by anyone outside,” Stella Mwania, field coordinator, at Human Needs Project says. </p> <p>“Them being able to trace where their food is coming from, we believe it is very important for the communities as well.”</p> <p>Kibera is home to an estimated population of 250,000. It is Africa’s largest slum. </p> <p>Agriculture experts say urban farming provides more affordable crops since transportation costs are reduced.</p> <p>For Joseph Wangai, crops grown in Kibera should contain less contaminants.</p> <p>Since ” these informal sectors have poor garbage collection. Soil as a medium of production now becomes polluted and now we are avoiding this pollution, this hazard of pollution, to the produce that is coming from the farms.”</p> <p>“One method is avoiding the soil as a medium of production. Therefore, the farmers can consider soilless mediums.”</p> <p>As an ongoing drought hits countries in the horn of Africa, some hope urban farming can help improve food security.</p> <p></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-kibera-people-take-up-the-task-of-urban-farming/">Kenya: Kibera people take up the task of urban farming</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Jumia launches its expanding e-commerce to rural areas of Kenya report</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/jumia-launches-its-expanding-e-commerce-to-rural-areas-of-kenya-report/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Admin]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jun 2023 09:25:12 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Global Trade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Jumia]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=83145</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>A new report by Jumia Kenya has highlighted how online marketplaces can bring opportunities to underserved rural regions, by providing access to millions of products and also creating employment opportunities. The report dubbed “E-Commerce in Rural Areas” was launched on Monday and cited cited Beauty, Home (furniture, bedding, etc.), Phones, and TV as the leading categories […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/jumia-launches-its-expanding-e-commerce-to-rural-areas-of-kenya-report/">Jumia launches its expanding e-commerce to rural areas of Kenya report</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>A new report by Jumia Kenya has highlighted how online marketplaces can bring opportunities to underserved rural regions, by providing access to millions of products and also creating employment opportunities.</p> <p>The report dubbed “E-Commerce in Rural Areas” was launched on Monday and cited cited Beauty, Home (furniture, bedding, etc.), Phones, and TV as the leading categories currently demanded by rural customers in Kenya. Consumers mentioned Jumia’s competitive prices and product diversity as the main reasons for shopping online.</p> <p>“We are proud to bring a modern and convenient shopping experience to customers located in small Kenyan towns and to give them access to millions of products that are not available locally. Jumia’s development in peri-urban and rural areas of Kenya also shows our commitment to driving economic growth and improving lives through the Internet,” said Charles Ballard, CEO of Jumia Kenya.</p> <p>The report further highlights the crucial role JForce – a countrywide network of over 25,000 independent sales agents – who drive awareness in local communities, inform customers about Jumia’s offers, and help them order on the platform. JForce agents play a crucial role in boosting e-commerce awareness in rural areas, fostering growth and brand adoption. The agents are their own bosses and earn commissions based on their sales on the platform. They help rural consumers place online orders (which are then delivered within 2 to 4 days to local Pick-Up Stations where customers collect their orders).</p> <p>“E-commerce enables all consumers to buy products at the same price whether they live in Nairobi, Meru, or Lodwar. Delivery costs have also decreased over the years, the average delivery cost to rural areas is now around Ksh 300 depending on the item’s size. Pick-Up Station deliveries have helped reduce prizes and minimize environmental impact”.said Chris Nyaga, Head of Logistics, Jumia Kenya. He added, “Eldoret, Nakuru, Kakamega, Kitale, and Kisumu are the areas showing the most promising consumer demand.”</p> <p>Physically present across the country through more than 350 Pick-Up Stations (PUS), Jumia has developed its network of rural Pick-Up Stations to meet the needs of rural consumers. Its collaboration with over 45 local logistics partners ensures streamlined supply chain operations. It enables the company to offer competitive and timely delivery options to these rural areas. </p> <p>The report highlights the company’s dedication to driving sustainable growth, empowering communities, job creation, and closing inequality gaps.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://www.jumia.co.ke/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.jumia.co.ke</a></strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/jumia-launches-its-expanding-e-commerce-to-rural-areas-of-kenya-report/">Jumia launches its expanding e-commerce to rural areas of Kenya report</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Kenya introduces its tea brands in Ghana through AfCFTA market</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-introduces-its-tea-brands-in-ghana-through-afcfta-market/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2022 10:43:09 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Economy]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Features]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Ghana]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=81121</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Kenya has introduced its brands of tea in Ghana through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market. The introduction of the value-added products with a brand name KETEPA, deepens the bilateral trade between the two countries and commitment to maximise the opportunities AfCFTA presents. Ghana had earlier through its National Coordination Office of AfCFTA […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-introduces-its-tea-brands-in-ghana-through-afcfta-market/">Kenya introduces its tea brands in Ghana through AfCFTA market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Kenya has introduced its brands of tea in Ghana through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market.</p> <p>The introduction of the value-added products with a brand name KETEPA, deepens the bilateral trade between the two countries and commitment to maximise the opportunities AfCFTA presents.</p> <p>Ghana had earlier through its National Coordination Office of AfCFTA shipped palm kernel oil and ceramics to Kenya and Cameroon under the Guided Trade Initiative (GTI).</p> <p>The first consignment of a 20-foot container had 1700 boxes of the tea produced by the company, Kenya Tea Packers (KETAPA), a subsidiary of Kenya Tea Development Agency Holdings Ltd. (KTDA).</p> <p>The Company is the leading tea blending, packing and marketing entity in Kenya with over 100 products.</p> <p>Kenya is the third largest producer of tea globally – behind China and India, and in 2021, exported 305, 000 metric tons worth US$ 1.2 billion.</p> <p>Speaking at the unveiling of the first consignment, Mr Eliphas Barine, Kenyan High Commissioner to Ghana, said, the African market is world’s largest free trade area with about 1.3 billion-person market.</p> <p>He said, however, that intra-Africa trade was less than 20 per cent – a situation that needed to change as the continent was committed to creating wealth and prosperity for its people.</p> <p>“…and the introduction of the KETEPA tea Ghana is a testimony of changing the narrative by leveraging the opportunities AfCFTA presents,” Mr Barine said.</p> <p>He said Africa was under stress in her socioeconomic development and called for supporting and buying African products to create jobs for her rapidly growing youth population.</p> <p>Madam Catherine Afeku, responsible for Strategic Communications, National AfCFTA Coordination Office, said, having KETEPA tea in Ghana indicated that the single African market was bearing fruits.</p> <p>She said Ghana would sooner than later send some chocolate, other cocoa products and coconut oil to Kenya, so “there are opportunities in Kenya for our entrepreneurs to explore.”</p> <p>In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, the former Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, said Africa needed trade to stop the dependency on the western world.</p> <p>“There is a plethora of value-added products in Ghana and our jobs is to let the Ghanaian entrepreneurs know what is possible under the Guide Trade and AfCFTA,” she said.</p> <p>“The GTI seeks to allow commercially meaningful trading, and test the operational, institutional, legal and trade policy environment under the AfCFTA.</p> <p>“The products earmarked to trade under this initiative include ceramic tiles, batteries, tea, coffee, processed meat products, corn starch, sugar, pasta, glucose syrup, dried fruits, and sisal fiber among others.”</p> <p><img data-recalc-dims="1" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-81123" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=696%2C522&ssl=1" alt="" width="696" height="522" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?w=1040&ssl=1 1040w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=300%2C225&ssl=1 300w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1 1024w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=768%2C576&ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=696%2C522&ssl=1 696w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=560%2C420&ssl=1 560w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=80%2C60&ssl=1 80w, https://i0.wp.com/www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Economy-Trade-AfCFTA.jpg?resize=265%2C198&ssl=1 265w" sizes="(max-width: 696px) 100vw, 696px" /></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kenya-introduces-its-tea-brands-in-ghana-through-afcfta-market/">Kenya introduces its tea brands in Ghana through AfCFTA market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>KCB commits KShs.250b to fund women entrepreneurs in Kenya</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kcb-commits-kshs-250b-to-fund-women-entrepreneurs-in-kenya/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Mon, 31 Oct 2022 01:43:10 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Global Trade]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[KCB Bank Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)]]></category> <category><![CDATA[women entrepreneurs]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=80417</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>KCB Bank Kenya has set aside KShs. 250 billion to fund women entrepreneurs in the next five years, cementing the Bank’s role in catalyzing economic growth. In a newly revamped women offering, the Bank will extend the funding to women-led and owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country. To unlock this, KCB Bank […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kcb-commits-kshs-250b-to-fund-women-entrepreneurs-in-kenya/">KCB commits KShs.250b to fund women entrepreneurs in Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>KCB Bank Kenya has set aside KShs. 250 billion to fund women entrepreneurs in the next five years, cementing the Bank’s role in catalyzing economic growth. In a newly revamped women offering, the Bank will extend the funding to women-led and owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across the country.</strong></p> <p>To unlock this, KCB Bank has already eased credit requirements and documentation such as security to support businesses in a transformation that will guarantee faster loan processing periods. Additionally, women entrepreneurs will be able to get non-financial support extended by partner organizations. Under the KShs.50 billion a year platform, Female-Led and Made Enterprises- FLME, KCB Bank seeks to support entrepreneurship, job creation, and strengthen its outreach towards unique market segments like businesses owned or run by women.</p> <p>Paul Russo, CEO, KCB Group: ”KCB believes that the MSME sector bears the biggest influence on the economic trajectory of East Africa. We consider this sub-sector as a promising development frontier. We are reimagining the way we engage with women entrepreneurs to enable them better overcome business challenges by providing working capital and other critical non-financial needs to sustain their growth. Women are running some of the most transformative business enterprises in Kenya which we see as the conglomerates of the future. At the same time, they face a lot of obstacles, like limited access to credit facilities, labor and skill gaps, exclusion from key networks, as well as social and legal constraints. What we are now doing is mainstreaming this agenda by widening the net to enable more women entrepreneurs to get access to the critical business support touchpoints.”</p> <p>Data shows that almost 80% of women-owned businesses have limited or no access to credit. They lack collateral or proper documentation to access credit facilities.</p> <p>”When a woman wants to start or grow her own business, the odds of securing a business loan are heavily stacked against her. We are relaxing some of the requirements as a solution to addressing inequality in accessing credit finance,” he added.</p> <p>KCB has been intentional in ensuring diversity and inclusion by focusing on internal and external programmes, in this case to support the women agenda. To affirm this commitment, KCB is deliberate on its women proposition journey that is aligned with the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goals No 1, 8, 10 and 17 which focus on No Poverty, Decent Work & Economic Growth, Reduced Inequality and Partnerships respectively.</p> <p>”We see these four goals as critical in fostering an enabling environment in which women can meaningfully participate and thrive in the economy,” said Russo.</p> <p>The Bank’s key commitment is on increasing the value of loans disbursed to women and increasing the spend targeting special groups such as persons living with disabilities. The Bank targets to achieve gender parity in staff composition across all management and Board levels. In the long run, FLME will play a critical role in creating local and international market linkages that will go a long way in empowering and catalyzing women entrepreneurship both locally and regionally.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://ke.kcbgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www..kcbgroup.com</a></strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/kcb-commits-kshs-250b-to-fund-women-entrepreneurs-in-kenya/">KCB commits KShs.250b to fund women entrepreneurs in Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>IFC partners with KCB to boost access to climate finance in Kenya</title> <link>https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ifc-partners-with-kcb-to-boost-access-to-climate-finance-in-kenya/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Editor]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Wed, 07 Sep 2022 15:20:06 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category> <category><![CDATA[World]]></category> <category><![CDATA[2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Business]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Financial Services]]></category> <category><![CDATA[IFC]]></category> <category><![CDATA[KCB Bank Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category> <category><![CDATA[News]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Sustainable development]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/?p=79450</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>KCB Bank Kenya and IFC have signed a partnership that will help catalyze the growth of climate finance in Kenya by increasing support for businesses addressing climate change. IFC will extend a $150 million loan to KCB Bank Kenya to fund the growth of the bank’s climate finance portfolio, with a specific focus on financing […]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ifc-partners-with-kcb-to-boost-access-to-climate-finance-in-kenya/">IFC partners with KCB to boost access to climate finance in Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>KCB Bank Kenya and IFC have signed a partnership that will help catalyze the growth of climate finance in Kenya by increasing support for businesses addressing climate change.</p> <p>IFC will extend a $150 million loan to KCB Bank Kenya to fund the growth of the bank’s climate finance portfolio, with a specific focus on financing the development of energy efficiency projects, renewable energy, climate smart projects, and green buildings. Through the partnership, IFC will support the bank to develop a climate finance strategy and build its capacity for climate risk assessment and reporting.</p> <p>Paul Russo, CEO, KCB Group: ”We continue to play our role in climate mitigation and adaptation in Kenya in the realization that business is no longer just about profits but ensuring that we also take care of our environment, ensuring sustenance of the current and future generations. KCB is stepping in to help businesses curtail the adverse impacts of climate change, thus boosting economic growth, food security, and job creation in Kenya and building resilience.”</p> <p>The Government of Kenya has committed to reduce national greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent through integrating climate change adaptation into national and county-level development planning by 2030. Kenya is vulnerable to climate change and the latest World Bank Kenya Economic Update estimates that up to five million people need food assistance due to drought and rising food insecurity.</p> <p>Amena Arif, IFC Country Manager, Kenya: ”Recurring natural disasters like droughts and floods have impacted the livelihoods of Kenyans and the country’s economic development. The private sector can play a significant role by mobilizing financial resources to help finance the country’s green transition. Our partnership with KCB Bank Kenya will increase access to climate finance in the country and enable the development of more green projects that support Kenya to respond to the effects of climate change and shift to a greener development model.”</p> <p>IFC is committed to growing its climate-related investments globally to an annual average of 35 percent of its own account in three years and working with financial institutions to finance projects supporting mitigation and adaptation. A 2019 IFC report estimated that Nairobi has an $8.5 billion climate investment opportunity for the period 2018 to 2030—$5 billion of which lies in electric vehicles and the rest in public transport, green buildings, water, renewable energy, and waste. The loan to KCB is part of IFC’s growing work in Kenya to increase the amount of climate financing available.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://ke.kcbgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ke.kcbgroup.com<br /> </a></strong><strong><a href="https://www.ifc.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.ifc.org</a></strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com/ifc-partners-with-kcb-to-boost-access-to-climate-finance-in-kenya/">IFC partners with KCB to boost access to climate finance in Kenya</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.sweetmelodiesfm.com">Sweet Melodies FM</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>