Vellum Kenya

10/10/2024

Every year on October 10th, Kenya celebrates Mazingira Day—formerly Moi Day—highlighting the country’s dedication to environmental conservation.

But what’s behind the name change, and why is it more important now than ever? Dive into the full story and find out more! https://bit.ly/4eUu35U

Happy Mazingira Day! 🌱🌿

09/10/2024

The Kenya Transport Association (KTA) has voiced concerns about the growing dominance of multinational corporations (MNCs) in the transport and logistics sector, potentially pushing local businesses out of the market.

Is this a move to empower local businesses or a challenge to fair competition? Dive deeper into the debate here: https://bit.ly/3XP3wjK

08/10/2024

Being Kenya’s Deputy President (DP) comes with unique challenges. From navigating political dynamics to public scrutiny and balancing personal political ambitions—the role demands more than meets the eye.

Want to dive deeper into the evolving dynamics of this powerful position? Explore the full story here: https://bit.ly/3zOyd0t

06/09/2024

Kenya is currently facing a nationwide blackout, affecting several regions. Such power outages occur when the National Control Centre (NCC) in Nairobi experiences challenges, including the sudden loss of a major load or disruptions in key distribution lines.

The Suswa Sub-station, the largest and busiest in the country, plays a critical role in integrating geothermal, wind, and hydro power into the national grid. Due to its significance, any disruptions there pose a significant risk to the entire power supply. Ketraco transmits power from the generation points to substations, and Kenya Power handles the final distribution, both crucial to restoring electricity.

Watch the video for more details on how the power grid works and why such outages occur.

04/10/2023

Sama, a leading training-data company, has taken a significant step towards sustainability by shifting to 100% renewable energy in their North American offices. This transformation was made possible through initiatives like CleanPowerSF's SuperGreen program and HydroQuebec's renewable energy certificates pilot program. Sama's commitment to renewable energy aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and Goal 13 (Climate Action). It sets an example for businesses worldwide, emphasizing the importance of adopting renewable energy sources and setting science-based carbon reduction targets. As we address climate change, such actions contribute to a more sustainable future for all.

In a world grappling with the severe consequences of climate change, the transition to renewable energy sources has become an imperative for individuals, communities, and corporations alike. Sama, a prominent training-data company specialising in data annotation for artificial intelligence algorithm...

04/10/2023

Africa's youth are at the forefront of transforming the continent's food systems through innovation and technology. They are leveraging modern media and technology to access information on sustainable farming practices and market trends, turning family farms into thriving agribusinesses. While agricultural technology has the potential to drive significant growth in Africa's agricultural market, only 23% of youth in agriculture currently use any form of agricultural technology. Initiatives like Pitch AgriHack and Agriculture, Youth and Technology (AYuTe) Africa Challenge are helping bridge this gap by supporting young agritech innovators. Additionally, agritech startups are providing real-time data and e-commerce platforms to connect farmers with markets, while young urban farmers are cultivating rooftop gardens to reduce the carbon footprint of food distribution. These youth are the future architects of Africa's food systems, and their innovative solutions are paving the way for a brighter future.

In the heart of Africa, a vibrant and dynamic force pulses – the youth. Known for their resilience to recurrent crises across the globe, Africa’s youth are emerging triumphant, driven by their zeal, entrepreneurial mindset and innovative approaches to finding solutions to some of the gravest soc...

04/10/2023

🤔📢 Curiosity is in the air as Kenyans ponder the Unemployment Insurance Fund proposal! While some anticipate enhanced job security, others have questions about the implications on their takeaway income. Informal workers wonder how it affects them, while some worry about potential pitfalls for businesses.

Looking for answers?

Click the link to peel back the layers and explore the feasibility of the Unemployment Insurance Fund. Let's uncover the facts and ignite a conversation about the future of employment and financial security in Kenya!

Kenya is currently grappling with a challenging economic landscape characterised by a high cost of living, and the recent introduction of a housing levy has added to the financial burdens of employers and employees. Amid these economic challenges, the Unemployment Insurance Authority Bill, sponsored...

04/10/2023

Curious about navigating the event photography landscape amidst recent fines from the ODPC? Click the link below to discover how to steer clear of pitfalls and thrive in this space!

There is an ongoing buzz on privacy violations related to personal data, particularly regarding photographs of data subjects taken at events. According to the General Data Protection Regulation, photographs of individuals taken at events are classified as personal data. The Data Protection Act, 2019...

04/10/2023

Following the International Day for Universal Access to Information held on 28th September, we reflect on the pivotal role of the Internet in ensuring access to vital information for all. Access to information is not just a right; it's a cornerstone for transparency, accountability, and democracy. However, the digital divide poses challenges, with billions still offline. Bridging this divide is a collective responsibility, with the Kenyan government's Digital Superhighway initiative and corporate efforts like Safaricom, Mozilla, and Huawei playing crucial roles. In this article, we reflect on the need to work together to make access to information a reality for everyone, fostering progress and equality worldwide.

The International Day for Universal Access to Information celebrated globally on 28th September 2023 underscored the significance of access to information. This year’s global celebrations held in Oxford, United Kingdom, centred on the role of the online space in ensuring access to information. Acc...

04/10/2023

Kenya's offer to send 1,000 police officers to lead an international police force in Haiti to combat gang violence has sparked mixed reactions. In Kenya, rights activists are concerned about allegations of human rights abuses by Kenyan police, including shootings during protests and extra-judicial killings. Haitian civil society groups have opposed the multinational force, fearing past problems caused by foreign intervention. However, the United States supports the deployment despite abuse warnings. Join us as we unravel this seemingly US-led debacle despite the State’s reluctance to take a leadership role.

An offer by Kenya to dispatch police officers to Haiti to lead an international police force aimed at combating the gang violence that has wrecked the Caribbean nation has been met with mixed reactions from different quarters. Gangs are controlling most of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, and Ha...

25/09/2023

The 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) saw world leaders gather amid the urgency to collaborate and achieve ambitious targets outlined in the 2030 Agenda. We highlight key topics of discussion including rebuilding trust in a post-pandemic world, accelerating action on the Sustainable Development Goals, addressing climate change and environmental sustainability, resolving geopolitical tensions, and tackling global migration and refugee crises.

The world’s eyes turn once again to the United Nations as the 78th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) gets underway in New York City. With the theme “Rebuilding Trust and Reigniting Global Solidarity: Accelerating Action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards ...

25/09/2023

In this interview, Dr. John M. Ulimwengu, a Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) discusses the Africa Agricultural Status Report (AASR) and its objectives for the year. The AASR is an annual publication providing a comprehensive analysis of Africa's agricultural sector. This year's report assesses the current state of African food systems, identifies challenges and opportunities, evaluates existing policies and initiatives, explores how the demographic dividend can contribute to food system transformation, and emphasizes the role of digital technology and climate-smart agriculture in reshaping agricultural systems to support food security under the new realities of climate change. Dr. Ulimwengu also discusses factors contributing to the underperformance of Africa's agricultural sector, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine crisis on food markets in Africa, and the role of trade, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), in empowering African farmers to develop sustainable food systems. Finally, he highlights the importance of innovative financing, knowledge, and youth involvement in driving food system transformation in Africa.

A conversation with Dr. John M. Ulimwengu, a Senior Research Fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute’s (IFPRI) Development Strategies and Governance Unit. Dr Ulimwengu is currently working on mapping food systems in selected African countries. His research interests include pove...

25/09/2023

Join us as we discuss the US-Kenya Business Roadshow, organized by the American government's Prosper Africa initiative in partnership with the US Embassy in Kenya. This event focused on exploring business and investment opportunities in the apparel, agri-business, and technology sectors. The event, spanning multiple cities in 2023, aimed to facilitate business exploration and investment in Kenya. The roadshow emphasized the importance of aligning strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and explored the potential renewal of trade agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). It also highlighted specific proposals in agriculture, anti-corruption measures, support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and services domestic regulation.

The US-Kenya Business Roadshow is organised by the American government’s Prosper Africa initiative in collaboration with the US Embassy in Kenya. The event is centred around exploring business and investment opportunities within the apparel, agri-business, and technology sectors. This event spanne...

25/09/2023

The 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit, held in New York City, marked the midway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a global blueprint adopted by all 193 UN member states. This pivotal event brought together world leaders, government officials, business leaders, and civil society advocates to assess progress, identify challenges, and renew commitment to achieving the SDGs by 2030. While the summit celebrated successes like poverty reduction and improved education access, it also highlighted critical issues hindering progress, including climate change, inequality, the digital divide, and conflict. The summit emphasized the vital role of businesses, urging them to align their strategies with the SDGs, invest in sustainable innovation, and form partnerships for greater impact in addressing global challenges. This gathering served as a milestone in the pursuit of a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future for all.

On September 18-19, 2023, leaders from across the globe converged in New York City, US, for the 2023 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Summit. This significant event marked the midway point of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a blueprint unanimously adopted by all 193 UN member states....

25/09/2023

AI is rapidly evolving and impacting intellectual property (IP) rights and regulations. Today, we discuss the emergence of generative AI, which autonomously creates content such as text, images, audio, and video, challenging traditional concepts of IP ownership. We delve into debates surrounding the regulation of this rapidly changing technology and provide real-world examples of AI-generated creations, legal cases related to AI and IP infringement, and the complexities of fair use and derivative works.

In this era of dynamic technological advancements, artificial intelligence is consistently and speedily proving its effectiveness as a tool aiding in inventions. Further to this, we now have a prompt-based generation of novel content simply labelled generative artificial intelligence. The European U...

25/09/2023

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, with various innovative applications emerging worldwide. A recent meeting at the US Senate involving AI advocates and leaders from tech giants like Elon Musk, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg has stirred global interest in the need for government intervention in AI regulation. The debate centred on how this intervention should take shape, with discussions ranging from open-source models to the challenges posed by AI's ever-evolving nature. While AI development in Africa faces unique contextualization challenges, countries like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana are already taking steps to embrace AI technology. As the US, EU, and China grapple with AI regulation, conversations around AI ethics, security, and human rights are just beginning, highlighting the growing importance of governmental oversight in this transformative field.

Artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid rate across the globe, discovering various innovative applications. Already, ChatGPT has found many uses that make work easier due to its capabilities. That is why a meeting at the US Senate comprising AI advocates and leaders of big tech companies dr...

25/09/2023

Dive into the discussions at the 78th UNGA session! President Ruto of Kenya highlights the crucial intersection of sustainability and climate action, urging global leaders to accelerate efforts. Discover the calls for a Climate Solidarity Pact, emissions reduction, and the urgent need for a well-funded Loss and Damage Fund. President Ruto's proposal for debt restructuring and opportunities for green investments in Africa's climate finance deficit are also on the table. Explore the full article to stay informed about these critical global issues.

The theme for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) attended by global leaders in New York is “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress and the sustai...

25/09/2023

One year into his presidency, President William Ruto of Kenya has gained recognition and support from Western countries for his foreign policy initiatives, including offering assistance in international crises and participating in climate diplomacy. However, at home, his administration faces criticism and disappointment from many Kenyan citizens who had high hopes for his promises to improve the economy, reduce the cost of living, create jobs, and provide universal healthcare. Despite some successes in agriculture and MSME financing, Ruto's government has been unable to alleviate the high cost of living, leading to public dissatisfaction and a loss of faith in the government's ability to fulfil its pledges. Today, we debunk the need for balancing international engagements with domestic challenges, political stability and the fulfilment of promises.

Last year, Kenyans demonstrated a commitment to moving past the history of electoral violence. This resolve was reinforced by the postures of then-presidential candidates William Ruto and Raila Odinga, both pushing for a General Election free from violence. Their campaigns were steered in a way that...

18/09/2023

Karim Anjarwalla, Senior Partner at Anjarwalla & Khanna | ALN Kenya ventures into a nuanced exploration of Kenya's growth conundrum, despite its many redeeming attributes. The article dissects this challenge through the lens of the rule of law, drawing inspiration from the remarkable economic transformation witnessed in Singapore. By extrapolating lessons from Singapore's success story, we endeavour to uncover potential remedies for the prevailing economic stagnation in Kenya

The curtains for the Africa Climate Summit 2023 closed in Nairobi on a very high note last week. The Government of Kenya deserves commendation for conceiving and hosting the Summit and placing the global discourse on climate change firmly on the international stage. If this event serves to expedite....

18/09/2023

The 2023 SDGs report highlights a slower pace of progress over the past three years, signalling the urgency of intensified efforts. Yet, the challenges we face are manageable and innovative solutions are emerging to address them. One such solution is the utilisation of artificial intelligence (AI) to bolster literacy, a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Today we embark on a discourse delving into AI’s transformative potential in the realm of global education, with prominent exemplars like Sama AI illuminating the path forward.

In the quest to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, the world stands at a crucial crossroads. The 2023 SDGs report highlights a slower pace of progress over the past three years, signaling the urgency of intensified efforts. Yet, the challenges we face are manageable and innova...

18/09/2023

The inclusion of the African Union within the G20 has ignited discourse among discerning observers concerning the shift from individual nation-state memberships to a collective bloc integration, prompting scrutiny of the underlying motivations for such a move. This article delves into the prospective economic implications of the AU's G20 membership and underscores the significance of Africa's consolidated representation as a means to bolster its influence on the global stage.

G20 is a premier intergovernmental forum aimed at international economic cooperation that acts as a tool to shape and strengthen global architecture and governance on impactful international economic issues. With a rotating regional presidency of the forum among its members, G20 was founded in 1999....

18/09/2023

As society grapples with solutions towards green alternatives to fossil fuels, hydrogen emerges as a formidable candidate, characterized by its dual nature as a potent ally and a potential adversary. Unlike conventional fuels, which release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere upon combustion, hydrogen's combustion yields water as its sole byproduct. In this article, we discuss the shift towards hydrogen as a future fuel source, with Kenya emerging as a prominent frontrunner in the global endeavour to decarbonize.

If you have watched the Netflix film ‘Glass Onion’ starring Danielle Craig as the indomitable sleuth Benoit Blanc from its prequel ‘Knives Out’, you might find yourself pondering the use of hydrogen gas as the fuel of the future. In the film, hydrogen is portrayed as highly flammable and ext...

18/09/2023

In the wake of economic challenges and declining domestic revenues, the National Treasury has unveiled an ambitious Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS) that promises to reshape the country’s tax landscape. The MTRS not only seeks to enhance revenue administration efficiency but also aims to foster...

18/09/2023

The recently concluded G20 summit has ushered in a new frontier in the global fight towards achieving net zero emissions through the Global Biofuel Alliance, an initiative meant to facilitate international cooperation in the use of biofuels. Today we debunk the intricacies of biofuels as a means towards mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels, as we draw lessons from nations that have blazed the trail in this regard such as the USA and Brazil. Africa Union’s new membership in the G20 is a win for Africa, especially in strengthening its efforts towards net zero emissions.

The G20 Summit was recently concluded with its members including the African Union meeting in India’s capital city New Delhi. The climax of this year’s G20 Summit was the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration which recognized the importance of sustainable biofuels in zero and low-emission develop...

18/09/2023

August 18th 2023 saw the release of the Medium Term Budget Preparation process by National Treasury CS, Prof Njuguna Ndung’u. During the launch, Prof. Ndung’u indicated that Sector Working Groups needed to begin their deliberations and align their priorities with the prevailing economic realities. In light of these developments, we demystify the role of the 10 SWGs and the severity of enhancing their effectiveness in the budget process. Kenya’s budget is still far from being foolproof with unnecessary projects that eventually result in wastage. For this reason, it is imperative we uphold the integrity of the budget formulation stage.

Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, set in motion the budget process for the financial year 2024/2025 on 18th August 2023, when he launched the Medium-Term Budget Preparation process. During the launch, Prof. Ndung’u indicated that sector working groups needed to beg...