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Silent Struggles: The Impact of Pollution on Women-Led Businesses in Kangemi

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Sellers and buyers transact goods in Kangemi market In the buzzing Kangemi market of Nairobi, Kenya, air and noise pollution have become formidable obstacles for local businesses. This situation is particularly detrimental to women, who comprise the majority of roadside vendors. The intersection of gender and climate change reveals profound disparities, as women bear the brunt of these environmental challenges. Poor Air Quality Air pollution in Kangemi market, stems from a combination of factors, including vehicle emissions, rotting garbage due to late collections by county government and both tarmacked and untarmacked dusty roads. The dense smog and smell not only poses severe health risks but also directly impacts business operations. Belinda Nekesa, who sells perishable goods including fruits and vegetables, finds her merchandise compromised by the polluted environment. The accumulation of dust and soot on her products diminishes their appeal and accelerates their spoilage, leading ...
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Fight for Environmental Justice: The Daily Struggle of Slum Communities

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  An image depicting A heap of garbage encroaching a residential and a commercial street in Kawangware, Nairobi In the bustling streets of Kawangware Nairobi, the fight for environmental justice is a daily battle for residents living in the heart of the slum. While the world progresses towards sustainable development, residents in this slum continue to grapple with disproportionate exposure to air pollution, inadequate access to clean water, and an ongoing struggle for basic environmental rights. Environmental injustices The environmental injustices faced by residents of Kawangware are glaring. With limited infrastructure and waste management systems, the streets continue to be littered with garbage, sewage, and industrial pollutants. These environmental hazards continue to pose serious health risks, which could eventually lead to respiratory illnesses, waterborne diseases, and other adverse health effects, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and the elderly...
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Innovating Sustainability: Green Building and Urban Design in Nairobi

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Strathmore University Energy Research Centre.  Photo Credits: Strathmore University In the heart of Africa lies Nairobi, a bustling metropolis pulsating with life, commerce, and culture. As the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi faces the dual challenge of rapid urbanization and environmental sustainability. However, amidst these challenges, innovative green building technologies and sustainable urban design practices are emerging as beacons of hope, transforming Nairobi into a model of eco-friendly urban development. Green building, a concept gaining traction globally, focuses on constructing structures that minimize their environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. In Nairobi, this translates into innovative approaches such as utilizing renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient designs, and employing sustainable materials. One shining example is the Strathmore University Energy Research Centre. This state-of-the-art facility incorporates solar panels, rainwater har...
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First ever Global Summit on People Centred Clean Energy held in Paris

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Global Summit on people-centred clean energy held in Paris on 26th April 2024. The Global Summit on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions, took place at the International Energy Agency headquarters (IEA) in Paris on 26th April 2024. The summit represented a remarkable gathering of governments, labour, business and community leaders, Indigenous voices, youth representatives from all over the world, who engaged in vital discussions about the most pressing socio-economic issues at the heart of fair and inclusive energy transitions. Labour leaders representing over 200 million workers worldwide, were also present. The Summit also saw the first ever visit of the Paris Mayor to the IEA Headquarters, with a special opening address from Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris. In his opening remarks, the summit chairperson and IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol stressed that, as the transformation of the global energy system gathers speed, it was crucial to stay focused on ensuring that clean energy...
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Transportation and Sustainable Mobility

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Bus Rapid Transit in Kenya aimed at enhancing and promoting sustainable public transportation  Photo credits: Mwakilishi.com In the pursuit of creating more sustainable and liveable cities, a significant focus has been placed on transforming transportation systems. This has been necessitated by the need to promote eco-friendly and efficient modes of mobility. Cities worldwide, including Nairobi, have been actively implementing various initiatives to reduce reliance on cars and foster sustainable transportation options. Such initiatives include public transit expansion, bike-sharing programs, and the development of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Nairobi, like many other rapidly growing urban centers, faces the challenges of traffic congestion, air pollution, inadequate transportation infrastructure, and poor drainage. These challenges have been worsened by the ongoing heavy rains, that have been pondering the whole country. To address these issues, the city has been investing i...
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Deforestation: The Threat to Forest Coverage and Indigenous Communities

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A file image portraying a section of a cleared forest.  Credits: Mount Kenya Times As we marked another International Forests Day on Thursday,21 March 2024 themed forests and innovation, it's crucial to shine a light on the alarming rate of deforestation worldwide and its profound impact on both the environment and local communities. Deforestation, driven primarily by illegal logging and agricultural expansion, poses a grave threat to global forest coverage, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of those who depend on these forests for survival. Illegal logging Illegal logging stands as one of the leading causes of deforestation. With lenient enforcement of forestry regulations in many regions including Kenya, illegal loggers continue to exploit forests for profit, disregarding the long-term consequences. The relentless pursuit of valuable timber has not only diminished forest coverage but also disrupted fragile ecosystems, leading to habitat loss and endangering countless plant a...
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Strengthening the Fight Against Climate Change in Africa: The Crucial Role of International Cooperation

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A file image representing climate Change Climate change poses a formidable threat to the global community, with its impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable regions such as Africa. The continent faces an array of challenges, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to agriculture. In the face of these challenges, international cooperation emerges as a key strategy to enhance resilience and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in Africa. Understanding Africa's Vulnerabilities: Africa is particularly susceptible to the impacts of climate change due to its high dependence on agriculture, limited access to technology, and widespread poverty. Increasing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and the frequency of extreme weather events threaten food security, water resources, and overall socioeconomic stability across the continent. International cooperation is imperative to address these challenges comprehensively. Global Responsibili...
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