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The Sustainable Development Goals in Kenya
The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Kenya:
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19 September 2021
Donate to the SDGs - Keeping the Promise
We are putting the power to achieve the SDGs in the hands of everybody around the world who want to create a better future. The United Nations Joint SDG Fund is the world’s first and only investment vehicle to enable SDG financing to “building forward better.”
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18 September 2021
Donate to the SDGs
The United Nations Joint SDG Fund is the world’s first and only investment vehicle to enable SDG financing across the entire UN system committed to “building forward better.”
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19 February 2021
UNDP Kenya and Ministry of Health Launch Smart Robots to Prevent the Spread COVID-19
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Ministry of Health has launched the piloting of smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions to aid the health response and management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. As the world contends with the impact of COVID-19 – a highly infectious virus – frontline healthcare workers remain highly vulnerable due to exposure to the virus's transmission. The deployment of the smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions, funded by the Government of Japan, will play an essential role in protecting frontline healthcare workers by limiting direct human-contact with patients. The robots will further support preventive measures and enhance public awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures and generate real-time statistics reports.
Speaking at the launch event, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health Hon. Mutahi Kagwe noted that: Digitization is one of the strategies used to combat the pandemic which has proven highly infectious. With this realization, the Government is partnering with UNDP and the Government of Japan, to utilise technology in the COVID-19 health response. The Robotic technology to be deployed at Kenyatta National Hospital and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will go further in assisting our healthcare in managing the disease."
Compelling evidence has shown that the use of technology can accelerate the development of COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. Digital innovations can also strengthen the health and community systems needed to deliver diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines to people in need. The integration of the robots into Kenya’s healthcare system, will enhance the control of infections, prevent transmissions and support the storage of big data to inform decision making, and preparedness, ultimately contributing to the flattening of the infection curve.
“The piloting of the smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions is by no means a replacement of the crucial role played by our healthcare workers. Based on lessons from global and regional experiences where UNDP has successfully supported similar initiatives (Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea and India) we hope the introduction of the robotics in Kenya will uncover insights on leveraging technology within the healthcare system. Through an experimental lens, as a long-term investment, we hope to test the impact and effectiveness of robotics in the healthcare and a potential scaled up adoption of similar technologies across more public health facilities. We are keen to leverage this technology to provide an opportunity for the youth in Kenya to gain 4IR skills and hopefully open more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities” said Walid Badawi, Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya.
The robotic solutions designed in Belgium and distributed by Zorabots Africa was procured as part of UNDP’s broader support that aims to strengthen Kenya’s COVID-19 response at national and county levels, through an inclusive and multisectoral approach which includes addressing its Socio-Economic Impact. The Government of Japan has provided UNDP in Kenya with funding worth USD 2 million as part of UNDP’s global support to COVID 19 Response, which Kenya is among 60 beneficiary countries.
“Improvement healthcare is one of Kenya's policy priorities. And so, the support to this sector with such advanced technology as we are handing over today will no doubt contribute to the great effort currently underway to control COVID-19 in Kenya successfully. I can assure you that Japan will continue to collaborate with Kenya not only in the Health Sector but also in various fields to support the BIG-4 Agenda and thus maintaining our good relationship.” H.E. Ryoichi Horie, Japan Ambassador to Kenya.
Besides the smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions, valued at USD 320,000; UNDP also handed over 2 Medical waste microwaves valued at USD 400,000 for Migori and Siaya Counties - these have already been delivered to the hospitals and are currently being installed; PPEs valued at over USD 200,000 to complement further our contribution to partner institutions for the continuity of business in the national response; and, Testing kits valued at over USD 230,000.
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Notes for the editors:
In line with the Secretary-General's mandate for UNDP, as the technical lead on socio-economic response and recovery, UNDP is working closely with the U.N. Resident Coordinator and the U.N. Country Team in Kenya to respond to the Government's requests for socio-economic assessments, support and implementation of the national COVID-19 response and recovery plans. UNDP has put its assets at the disposal of the U.N. system to facilitate a response that builds on the expertise of the entirety of the U.N. System, and provides the integrated policy advice and implementation support required in a development emergency setting. So far, UNDP in Kenya has mobilized over USD 7 million in support of COVID-19 response efforts. The funds have been used to support, among others: Technical leadership support in the drafting and implementation of the UN COVID-19 Socio-economic Response Plan, technical and financial support towards the Government of Kenya national Economic Recovery Strategy led by National Treasury and Planning and the County COVID-19 Social-Economic Reengineering and Recovery Strategy led by the Council of Governors The deployment of 50 U.N. Volunteer frontline health workers to increase response capacity in 14 counties placed in hospitals and medical facilities to counties most in need under our U.N. Joint Devolution Programme implemented in collaboration with our sister agencies UNWOMEN and UNICEF - in partnership with the Ministry of Devolution and ASALs; Procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in support of various government institutions to support business continuity including MoH, EACC, Council of Governors, Ministry of Environment and Forestry amongst others with a focus on buying Kenya and build Kenya also to foster local economic revitalization; Provision of medical waste disposal equipment to facilitate safe management of waste in 13 health facilities across the four counties we are working with under our Global Environment Facility (GEF) support programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Raising awareness, factual information and communication on COVID-19 – including addressing gender-based violence and access to justice through our partnership and collaboration with civil society organizations, the County Assemblies Forum, and County Governments Surfacing and supporting innovations from brilliant Kenyan youth that with the right support can hold the keys to doing development differently and building forward better through the Great COVID Innovation Challenge.
In line with the Secretary-General's mandate for UNDP, as the technical lead on socio-economic response and recovery, UNDP is working closely with the U.N. Resident Coordinator and the U.N. Country Team in Kenya to respond to the Government's requests for socio-economic assessments, support and implementation of the national COVID-19 response and recovery plans. UNDP has put its assets at the disposal of the U.N. system to facilitate a response that builds on the expertise of the entirety of the U.N. System, and provides the integrated policy advice and implementation support required in a development emergency setting. So far, UNDP in Kenya has mobilized over USD 7 million in support of COVID-19 response efforts. The funds have been used to support, among others: Technical leadership support in the drafting and implementation of the UN COVID-19 Socio-economic Response Plan, technical and financial support towards the Government of Kenya national Economic Recovery Strategy led by National Treasury and Planning and the County COVID-19 Social-Economic Reengineering and Recovery Strategy led by the Council of Governors The deployment of 50 U.N. Volunteer frontline health workers to increase response capacity in 14 counties placed in hospitals and medical facilities to counties most in need under our U.N. Joint Devolution Programme implemented in collaboration with our sister agencies UNWOMEN and UNICEF - in partnership with the Ministry of Devolution and ASALs; Procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in support of various government institutions to support business continuity including MoH, EACC, Council of Governors, Ministry of Environment and Forestry amongst others with a focus on buying Kenya and build Kenya also to foster local economic revitalization; Provision of medical waste disposal equipment to facilitate safe management of waste in 13 health facilities across the four counties we are working with under our Global Environment Facility (GEF) support programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Raising awareness, factual information and communication on COVID-19 – including addressing gender-based violence and access to justice through our partnership and collaboration with civil society organizations, the County Assemblies Forum, and County Governments Surfacing and supporting innovations from brilliant Kenyan youth that with the right support can hold the keys to doing development differently and building forward better through the Great COVID Innovation Challenge.
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Story
11 September 2023
Hope for women as farming project bears fruit in Kenya
Manirakiza and other farmers are busy plowing their piece of land in perfect sync, occasionally pausing to greet the other farmers. The Burundian refugee’s routine has been the same since she was allocated the piece of land at the Choro farm five years ago.
“I didn’t think farming would be possible in such dry climate,” she says. “Every day, people mocked us and thought we were crazy; some people gave up.”
The 35-year old’s concerns were not unfounded – Kakuma lies in a semi-arid region of Northwestern Kenya with little rainfall.
But she believed that the farm would flourish, given the right farming approach. It took her and her husband one month to clear the shrubs and prepare the ten by ten-meter land. After she fled Burundi’s conflict, Maniirakiza and her husband arrived at Kakuma refugee camp with no other skills than farming. They had to use cash assistance for basic needs provided by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency and the monthly food ration from the World Food Programme.
“It was difficult to sustain our family with the ration provided as we had to ensure it lasted a whole month,”she recalls. “It’s even more difficult for a mother, trying to convince her children to eat less food.”
UNHCR implements collaborative programs that embed the government-led Kalobeyei Integrated Socio-Economic Development Plan (KISEDP) approach. Four years later, through KISEDP, UNHCR worked with livelihood partners, development actors, specialized agricultural agencies and the Turkana County Ministry of Agriculture to pilot the first phase of the Choro farms, started in 2017 as a one-acre model farm.
“The project was started to ensure food security for refugees and their hosts and to improve their nutrition and increase income-generating opportunities for families and the entire community,” explains Edith Ingutia, UNHCR’s Assistant Livelihood Officer based in Kakuma.
In 2017, the farm was expanded to 15 acres after the pilot proved successful; sunken beds had reduced water loss and farming was more sustainable. To promote social cohesion, local Kenyans and refugees were provided pieces of land and technical material assistance to improve farming.
Sunken beds are an essential technique in Kakuma as they help in binding soil particles, improving the soil texture, and reducing water loss due to dryness. In the rainy season, farmers use generators to pump water to their farms from the seasonal rivers, and in the dry season, they use shallow wells and solar-powered pumps.
Currently, there are eight shallow wells in the farm. A committee of five farmers, including Manirakiza, oversees each well to ensure their long-term sustainability by collecting money to ensure they are fixed whenever they have a problem.
Manirakiza is reaping the fruits of her labour and commitment to the project – she has harvested vegetables, which she sells in the local markets. She occasionally employs other refugees and Kenyans to help her care for the farm.
She is thankful that her family now has more food and eats more vegetables, thus improving their nutrition.
“I’m glad I didn’t give up on this farm. It has given my family and myself a better life.”
This story was first posted at UNHCR Kenya
This story was first posted at UNHCR Kenya
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Story
04 September 2023
Africa Climate Summit: A Call for Resilience, Justice, and Bold Action
The inaugural Africa Climate Summit started on a powerful note, with key speakers across Africa and the world shedding light on the urgent need for global climate action, especially in Africa With leading voices converging to discuss the continent's climate future, the summit aims to shift paradigms and foster collaboration, both within and beyond Africa's borders - signaling the continent's unwavering commitment to address the climate crisis and championing a green growth trajectory.
"Clearly, this is no ordinary summit," stated President William Ruto at the opening ceremony. A common thread in his remarks emphasized the need to shift from traditional discussions that exacerbate divisions - such as north versus south or developed versus developing. He noted, "We are not here just to talk about Africa or climate change in the usual way." Instead, Ruto underscored the necessity of understanding that economic development and environmental stewardship must coexist and reinforce each other, and not be cast in opposition.
Let me be clear, these conversations are necessary. Africa’s carbon footprint remains small, but the human toll of climate change is disproportionately high.
The president was candid about Africa's unique position in the global climate dialogue, emphasizing, "Let me be clear, these conversations are necessary. Africa’s carbon footprint remains small, but the human toll of climate change is disproportionately high." The continent's urgent need to address the damage inflicted by extreme weather events and climate-induced challenges resonated deeply with the audience. Yet, he astutely pointed out that while the interplay of needs and responsibilities is complex, they should never result in a deadlock.
President Ruto highlighted the potential of turning these challenges into opportunities. "Delivering prosperity and wellbeing for Africa’s growing population without pushing the world deeper into climate disaster is not an abstract proposition or mere wishful thinking," he stated, underlining that a shift towards an opportunity-oriented approach could elevate Africa to unprecedented prosperity.
President Ruto's remarks harmonised well with those of Hon. Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change & Forestry, who emphasised the central objective of the summit - to envision an ecologically responsible Africa, powered by sustainable financing. "We have a golden opportunity to present a bold vision of Africa—a continent bursting with potential," she said. Her remarks centred around Africa's strategic leveraging of human and natural resources to adopt a low carbon economy, pointing out that the climate discourse has evolved into a question of justice. "It's about justice," Tuya highlighted, advocating for solutions derived from inclusive perspectives.
Anne Samante, representing the National Indigenous Peoples Coordination Committee on Climate Change, highlighted the paramount role that indigenous communities play in protecting Africa's precious ecosystems. "Our traditional knowledge and lifestyles have long fostered resilience and adaptation to climatic changes," she stated before adding, "Indigenous communities are not just victims; we bring solutions," she asserted, calling for better integration of indigenous wisdom into policy frameworks.
Elizabeth Wathuti, a youth climate justice activist, threw a spotlight on Africa's youth's potential as indispensable agents of change. Referring to the African Youth Climate Declaration, she said, "Our objective is to amplify youth participation in climate governance plans, creating avenues towards sustainable development and green growth," she emphasised, highlighting the indispensable role of youth in Africa's climate journey.
Josefa Sacko, Africa Union commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, drew attention to the economic distress climate change has brought to Africa. She pointed out that some nations spend a whopping 50% of their GDP on climate-induced disasters annually. Despite these challenges, she championed Africa's proactive stance and highlighted the need for investments that align with Africa's aspirations.
Josefa offered a riveting perspective on Africa's distinct position in the global climate discourse stating that while Africa continues to urge global partners to fulfill their commitments, the continent is also prioritising our initiatives to bolster resilience across the continent. “It is essential that Africa evolves from merely being a recipient to engaging in investments that align with our aspirations,” she stated.
Mithika Mwenda, a Climate Justice Activist, critically highlighted the financial disparity in global climate contributions and Africa's needs. He emphasized, " It’s evident that Africa is contributing more than its fair share towards addressing this crisis. We must deliberate on achieving a financial balance between adaptation and mitigation, stated Mithinka before adding,” Delaying will only inflate future costs!” His sentiments mirrored the collective plea for commitment and accountability from developed nations.
Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), underscored the summit's mission. Speaking from his unique position of understanding both international climate bureaucracy and the ground realities of developing nations, he said, "Together, as a global community, we must strategize our next steps." Simon strongly urged the importance of transitioning away from carbon-intensive methods, he stated, "Africa stands as a key player in this journey, showcasing tremendous potential and innovative prowess." As the world inches closer to COP 28, Stiell emphasized the urgency of reducing emissions to keep global temperature rise within the 1.5-degree threshold.
Throughout the day one of the summit, a clear message echoed: Africa is not merely a passive player in the climate dialogue. The continent is proactively seeking and implementing solutions, expecting global partners to meet their commitments. The call is for unity, innovation, and sustainable growth. With the strong start at the Africa Climate Summit, the stage is set for transformative actions that resonate with the aspirations of the continent. As leaders deliberate over the next few days, the hope remains that Africa will carve its path as a beacon of green growth, harnessing its vast resources for a sustainable, brighter future.
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Story
22 August 2023
Young people invent an award-winning eco-toilet
It’s a hot and humid morning on John Ochieng’s farm on the outskirts of Kisumu town, near a small lagoon. John is a bright and healthy 77-year-old who strides through the fields in bare feet, some of his toenails missing after decades of labour. He enjoys practicing his English. “How are you coping with the atmospheric pressure this morning?” he asks UNICEF, with a twinkle in his eyes.
John collects a bag of manure from young entrepreneurs Chelsea and Steven of Saniwise Technologies. Their company has designed an eco-friendly toilet and sells manure and chicken feed produced as a by-product. John draws some water from a borehole and leads the UNICEF team to a nearby field where he is growing spinach, aubergines, tomatoes and lettuce. He carefully packs some of the manure around a small lettuce in the centre of a hole in the field, then moves onto the next one.
“I met Chelsea and Steven over there by the lagoon,” John says, pointing back the way he came. “I was curious about the toilet they had built. They told me that it makes manure and chicken feed, so I bought some samples from them. I like the products – the manure helps my crops grow very green and fruitful. When I gave my chickens the feed, they enjoyed it. It’s good to see young people helping themselves.”
Saniwise Technologies is a youth-led organization that develops sustainable and innovative toilets to improve public health and reduce environmental impact. The company has developed a toilet design that uses black soldier fly larvae to break down solid waste and create manure that is suitable for using on farms like John’s. Their toilets are made mainly from recycled materials, including plastic waste and tetra packs, and are well-ventilated to provide a pleasant experience for users.
Toilet prototype
Behind the Saniwise office is a prototype toilet, spotlessly clean and painted blue and yellow, which Marketing Manager Chelsea Johannes, 22, demonstrates to UNICEF. “This is the black soldier fly larvae,” she says, pointing to several white grubs in the toilet pan. “They’re digesting the waste. You can see that it already looks more like soil. In four days’ time, it will be ready to sell as manure.”
Chelsea says that she got the idea for the toilet from growing up in an informal settlement with poor sanitation, leading to high rates of diarrhoeal diseases among children, who also miss school as a result.
“Having been brought up by a single mum in a low-income area, I understand the challenges,” she says. “Toilets are hard to maintain, and no-one wants to contribute money to empty them properly. That’s one of the reasons we set up Saniwise. My mum helped me and now I want to do something to help back. I’m excited that we’re getting to actualise our dream.”
Youth marketplace
The Saniwise team has benefitted from UNICEF-supported training and seed funding, through both Generation Unlimited (GenU) and the Youth Agency Marketplace (Yoma).
Generation Unlimited is a multi-sector partnership which aims to see more than 30 million young Kenyans in education, training or employment by 2030. As part of promoting young people’s creativity, GenU runs an annual youth challenge – now called imaGen Ventures – which targets youth groups with innovative ideas. This includes boot camps, where participants gain business skills, and seed funding for the winning teams to implement their ideas.
The Youth Agency Marketplace (Yoma), meanwhile, is a digital marketplace that helps young people boost their employability by completing personalised online training courses, taking part in challenges and community activities, and connecting with potential employers. As they complete tasks, they are rewarded with digital tokens that can be swapped for goods or services, and their successes are recorded on a digital CV, that they can share with potential employers.
“Yoma is a bit like a LinkedIn for young people,” says UNICEF Kenya Technology for Development Officer Brian Keya Elahalwa. “Youth account for 60 percent of all unemployed people in Africa. Yoma and GenU respond to this by opening up opportunities for all young people, not just the better off. The platform offers pathways from learning to earning that build young people’s skills and connect them to jobs or entrepreneurship opportunities.”
Vocational skills
In partnership with the Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs, UNICEF is rolling out Yoma through local youth centres across Kenya, which already provide free Internet for unemployed young people. One of these centres is in Konoin, Bomet County, high up in the hills above Kisumu and surrounded by lush green tea plantations. The centre has two computer rooms and a recreation area, where young people can chat or play pool and darts. The pool table is old and needs propping up under one leg but still works. One of the young people, Nicholas Rono, lines up a shot and pockets a coloured ball in the far corner, while Konion Youth Office Mike Jassor looks on.
“Young people face many challenges these days, like alcohol and drug abuse, but the number one challenge is the lack of employment opportunities,” Mike comments. “Yoma has been very critical for us. It helped us train 40 young people on the fundamentals of digital marketing. UNICEF came and taught us how to use the platform. They also provided reimbursements and helped us with technical challenges. The young people really appreciated the training. I believe that they are a potential gold mine lying there for employers.”
Saniwise Operations Manager Steven Ochieng, 23, also took part in the Yoma training on digital marketing at a similar youth centre in Kisumu. This gave him essential skills to help promote the business online. “Before Yoma, we were not that active on social media, which was a great concern to us,” he explains. “People would hear the name Saniwise, but they didn’t actually know what we do.”
Steven says that a key benefit of the training was that it was offered free of charge by the STEM Impact Centre, removing a barrier for many young people. “I really enjoyed the training. I learned about graphic design and digital marketing. I used the skills to produce our company profile and posters for our digital platforms. From this, we’ve had inquiries from people in the community who wants to adopt our toilet. It’s brought us exposure to the market.”
Participating in the Generation Unlimited challenge has also helped Saniwise expand their business. During the bootcamp, the young team formalized their products, registered the business, learned financial planning and honed their investment pitches. These efforts paid off, as Saniwise went on to compete in the global GenU competition, ultimately winning second place overall and around 1.2 million Kenya shillings in seed funding.
“The GenU bootcamp was very engaging and it was fun learning from each other,” Chelsea comments. “We were excited to be one of the global winners and will use the seed funding this year to construct and install more toilets, including in the nearby informal settlements.”
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Story
09 August 2023
From farm planning to family planning
"I felt heart-broken when my daughter became pregnant, she dropped out at 16 years old. I wanted her to have an education but she’s not in a good place now and she has six children," explains Monica Silinyang from West Pokot’s Batei Ward. Monica, also a mother of six, also dropped out of education to focus on childcare in the home, just like her daughter.
This scenario is common in a community that excludes women from even discussion family planning. "It is very difficult to speak to men in the community. To not want children creates suspicion, that you may have someone else. We are expected to comply and there is always a reasons put forward to have more kids," Monica adds.
However, through targeted community dialogues and wider outreach via radio, women in West Pokot are becoming more vocal on issues of family planning and gender-based violence.
Indirect Impacts "Family planning and sexual and reproductive health rights were not intended topics of discussion in this women's economic empowerment project, but once we started, this is what mattered to the women of the community," explains Nelly Wanjiku, from Village Enterprise, UN Women’s implementing partner
"Family planning and sexual and reproductive health rights were not intended topics of discussion in this women's economic empowerment project, but once we started, this is what mattered to the women of the community"
The community outreach work set out to promote broader gender sensitive approaches to role sharing in agriculture as well as promoting women’s agency and collaborative decision-making in the household. "Providing women farmers with the right techniques would be ineffective in a cultural environment where they cannot take decisions and have agency over their family’s livelihood," explains Elizabeth Obanda, Programme Specialist on Women’s Economic Empowerment. "Gender-based violence prevalence is high in West Pokot, so SRHR issues cannot be excluded when trying to change a community’s mind set, everything is linked," she adds. Milka Chepkemoi, 32, is a businesswoman from West Pokot who is a member of one of the 27 self-help groups set up by the Women's Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture (WEE-CSA) project. She is now beginning to share a more equal role with her husband when it comes to matters of business and their financial plans. Following community discussions on gender equality her husband has been promoting this new approach to his friends and “willing to change others’ opinions in the community," Milka explains. "Before the project started, there was a rejection or confusion from some households. Many husbands thought it was a programme to influence their wives, make them become more powerful," but Milka believes “most are seeing changes as part of the programme. They are starting to see that combined income benefits the whole household." Ultimately, this increased knowledge means "no more borrowing money for school fees," concludes Milka. Successful climate smart agriculture is more than adapting farming techniques. Transforming traditional attitudes is also a necessary requirement to strengthen sustainable economic security.
West Pokot is one of the counties targeted by UN Women and FAO’s climate smart agriculture project. Through community dialogues and local radio shows, over 100,000 individuals will be reached with discussions that promote a more equal society. The project is supported by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Indirect Impacts "Family planning and sexual and reproductive health rights were not intended topics of discussion in this women's economic empowerment project, but once we started, this is what mattered to the women of the community," explains Nelly Wanjiku, from Village Enterprise, UN Women’s implementing partner
"Family planning and sexual and reproductive health rights were not intended topics of discussion in this women's economic empowerment project, but once we started, this is what mattered to the women of the community"
The community outreach work set out to promote broader gender sensitive approaches to role sharing in agriculture as well as promoting women’s agency and collaborative decision-making in the household. "Providing women farmers with the right techniques would be ineffective in a cultural environment where they cannot take decisions and have agency over their family’s livelihood," explains Elizabeth Obanda, Programme Specialist on Women’s Economic Empowerment. "Gender-based violence prevalence is high in West Pokot, so SRHR issues cannot be excluded when trying to change a community’s mind set, everything is linked," she adds. Milka Chepkemoi, 32, is a businesswoman from West Pokot who is a member of one of the 27 self-help groups set up by the Women's Economic Empowerment through Climate Smart Agriculture (WEE-CSA) project. She is now beginning to share a more equal role with her husband when it comes to matters of business and their financial plans. Following community discussions on gender equality her husband has been promoting this new approach to his friends and “willing to change others’ opinions in the community," Milka explains. "Before the project started, there was a rejection or confusion from some households. Many husbands thought it was a programme to influence their wives, make them become more powerful," but Milka believes “most are seeing changes as part of the programme. They are starting to see that combined income benefits the whole household." Ultimately, this increased knowledge means "no more borrowing money for school fees," concludes Milka. Successful climate smart agriculture is more than adapting farming techniques. Transforming traditional attitudes is also a necessary requirement to strengthen sustainable economic security.
West Pokot is one of the counties targeted by UN Women and FAO’s climate smart agriculture project. Through community dialogues and local radio shows, over 100,000 individuals will be reached with discussions that promote a more equal society. The project is supported by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
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Story
12 September 2023
Integrated cash transfers promoting inclusion of children with disabilities in Mombasa
Mariam’s wheelchair is folded away in a corner. Because the roads where she lives in an informal settlement near Mombasa, Kenya, are narrow and sandy, the chair is no use.
Instead, Mariam’s mother helps the teenager, who was born with hydrocephalus and epilepsy, get around when needed.
To improve Mariam’s well-being, the 16-year-old’s household has been targeted by a UNICEF programme that provides unconditional cash transfers to support children with disabilities.
With the money provided by UNICEF, Mariam’s mother, Amina, bought medication, paid rent, bought food and even started a small business of selling chapatis, a staple part of Kenyan meals.
“I am worried what might happen to my daughter if I leave her alone. The cash transfers made it possible for me to start a small business right outside of our house. I can make an income to buy medicines and other essentials for Mariam, while keeping an eye on her.”
With financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the Swedish Agency for International Development (SIDA), UNICEF has registered 3,169 children with disabilities in Mombasa Country under the programme.
Between November 2021 and February 2022, UNICEF transferred KES 12,000 per household over four instalments. These unconditional cash transfers reached 2,700 households.
As part of the COVID-19 response, 723 households also received cash top-ups through a vertical expansion of existing government cash transfer schemes where household members had severe disabilities.
With the cash, parents not only pay for their children’s education, but also access medicines and cover basic needs such as nutritional foods. Many have also used part of the money to start small businesses.
UNICEF is now advocating to boost funding for the programme, allowing Mombasa County to expand the programme to reach more households and increase the benefits to families with higher support needs.
UNICEF is also working with the county government to conduct educational assessments to make sure disabled children receive the support they require in school, including assistive devices and accessible handwashing and sanitation facilities.
At the same time, UNICEF has worked with the county government to ensure sustainability by including programmes for children with disabilities in the county’s Integrated Development Plan.
However, in Mombasa County poor infrastructure, and poor access to transportation, medication, community-based rehabilitation, as well as caregiver support, remain a challenge.
Transportation to and from school, quality inclusive education in a school with accessible infrastructure, equipment, adapted teaching and learning materials, and capacitated teachers, and integrated school services with physiotherapists and speech therapists would support children like Mariam to reach their full potential.
UNICEF is committed to continue the collaboration with the county government to address these challenges through strengthening coordination capacity of government agencies and partners for better planning, resource allocation and efficient budget execution and monitoring of progress in upholding the rights of children with disabilities.
Kenyan children with disabilities have been disproportionately impacted by events of recent years including the COVID-19 pandemic, a protracted drought emergency and high cost of living.
In Mombasa County, with a population of about 1.2 million people, about 19 per cent of children are considered multi-dimensionally poor, meaning they are deprived of at least three basic services including social protection, education and basic services.
This story was first posted on UNICEF Kenya.
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Press Release
11 April 2022
Kenya’s Adolescents the Winners as United Nations Joint SDG Fund Doubles its Portfolio to $114 Million in Catalytic Impact Investments
Selected from a global pool of submissions from over 100 countries, the proposals submitted by Kenya, Madagascar, North Macedonia, Suriname, and Zimbabwe emerged as the strongest, most impactful, and investment-ready to take public.
The investments constitute an ambitious and concerted response by the UN to the challenges of our generation: from health in a world still plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic to youth empowerment to climate change. Under the leadership of UN Resident Coordinators, implementation of these programmes will fuel the UN footprint in the five nations, ushering in a new generation of collaborative action across the UN, Governments, civil society, and private sector investors.
According to Dr. Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in Kenya,
“Vulnerable adolescent girls are amongst those at most risk of being left behind anywhere in the world. Our programme on Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health will help Kenya reach vulnerable adolescent girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV services to achieve gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment, reaching the furthest behind first. We’ll be helping Kenya blend public and private investment to push forward work in an area as delicate and sensitive as it is crucial to advancing Kenya’s youth”.
This announcement comes less than one year after the Fund launched its first investment of US $41 million in four transformative programmes in Fiji, Indonesia, Malawi, and Uruguay. In 2021, a US $17.9 million programme in Papua New Guinea was added, and with the addition of these five new programmes, the Joint SDG Fund’s Catalytic Investment portfolio will grow to US $114 million. The portfolio is expected to leverage US $5 billion toward the SDGs across the 10 programmatic countries.
In partnership with development banks and local financial institutions, Kenya’s newly created programme will support the scale up of the world’s first Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) development impact bond in Kenya that promises to not only transform adolescent health outcomes in Kenya but also open up endless opportunities for private and public investment, in public health.
Recognizing the immense support in the implementation of the UN joint programme initiatives, the JSDGF is exceedingly grateful for the level of cooperation from the dynamic inter-agency team in Kenya comprising of the SDG Partnership Platform Kenya at UNRCO, UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS,CIFF, Triggerise and KOIS, as well as the Government of Kenya through the Ministry of Health, Council of Governors, participating county governments.
The Fund also marks its sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Monaco, Kingdom of Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Spain, Sweden, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and our private sector funding partners, this milestone marks a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
(United Nations Capital Development Fund, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Children's Fund, United Nations Population Fund, International Labour Organization, World Food Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization, International Organization for Migration, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, International Fund for Agricultural Development, UNAIDS, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, United Nations Environment Programme, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, UN Women, World Health Organization and World Meteorological Organization.)
About: The UN Joint SDG Fund is a multi-partner trust fund established by the United Nations General Assembly. The Fund supports UN member states by de-risking investments that drive financing solutions to accelerate achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our goal is to disburse US$ 1 billion in grants annually in the race to 2030. All programmes share one critical element: their ability to leverage multi-million-dollar grants from the Joint SDG Fund into billions for sustainable development. Learn more: https://www.jointsdgfund.org/
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Press Release
09 August 2021
FAO and Kenyan Government sign action plan to mitigate drought in ASALs Counties
15/07/2021 Nairobi - Kenya: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Devolution and the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) today signed the Anticipatory Action and Response Plan for Pastoral and Agropastoral Communities in ASAL Counties of Samburu, Isiolo, Turkana, Garissa, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir and Tana River.
This is in response to drought alert sent in June 2021 where 12 of the 23 ASAL counties were in the alert drought phase, while 16 reported a declining trend. This is an abnormal occurrence at the immediate end of the season.
‘Livelihood conditions have declined as a result of reduced access to pasture even as 56% of the ASAL counties reported increased trekking distances to water sources for livestock and domestic use. This is expected to get worse in the coming months hence the need for urgent anticipatory action,’ said Carla Mucavi - the FAOR Representative to Kenya during the signing.
‘The Government welcomes the support and collaboration of partners such as FAO in addressing this situation. This call for anticipatory action will go a long way in building the resilience of the communities in the affected Counties. Urgent action and a coordinated response is needed from donors and other concerned stakeholders before the situation deteriorates further,’ said the Cabinet Secretary for Ministry of Devolution and the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) Hon. Eugene Wamalwa.
The ASAL situation since 2020
The 2020 Short Rains Assessment established that the season had performed poorly. As of February 2021, 1.4 million people in ASAL counties were already experiencing acute food insecurity. This was aggravated by other factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, the desert locust invasion, food commodity price spikes, and livestock diseases.
Since then, the long rains in March-May 2021 have also under-performed. The onset of the season was late, the amount of rainfall was below normal in most ASAL counties, and its distribution in both space and time was poor.
Current drought indicators
An estimated two million people in ASAL counties are now in need of assistance. This figure is likely to rise as the situation worsens. There is a severe deficit of vegetation in Isiolo county and in Lagdera sub-county of Garissa, while the rest of Garissa and Kilifi, Marsabit, Tana River, and Wajir counties report a moderate vegetation deficit.
The proportion of children at risk of malnutrition is already above average in seven ASAL counties (Embu, Taita Taveta, Makueni, Narok, Kjiado, Meru, Nyeri). In addition to that, families are now forced to cover longer distances to access water for domestic and livestock use as water sources have dried up.
Resources needed for drought mitigation
Kenya’s drought response plan requires a total of Kshs. 9.4 billion for the period July – November 2021: Kshs. 5.8 billion for food and safety net support and Kshs. 3.6 billion for non-food interventions.
FAO is seeking a total of USD 15,007,460 (Ksh 1,500,746,000 billion) to cushion livestock assets and vulnerable pastoral households against the adverse effects of the drought, to support water interventions for increased access to water for Livestock and domestic used to enhance access to food and nutrition. This includes basic needs by farming households and to strengthen the institutional and technical capacity of National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) for effective implementation of the early warning mechanism.
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Press Release
07 May 2021
Statement from the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima on the decision by the United States of America to support the TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines
5 May 2021 I applaud the announcement from United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai supporting the waiving of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines.
This is the kind of global leadership the world desperately needs as we witness horrific scenes in countries like India, where only nine in 100 people have been vaccinated. To date, more than 1.1 billion doses of vaccines have been administered globally, but more than 80% of those have been administered in high- and upper-middle-income countries, while just 0.3% have been administered in low-income countries.
We are in a race to vaccinate the majority of the world’s population to curb death tolls and before more potent variants of COVID-19 emerge, rendering current vaccines ineffective. The faster we can scale up global vaccine supply, the faster we can contain the virus and the less chance we will face a day when variants prove resistant to existing vaccines. As the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has said “no one is safe until everyone is safe”.
The TRIPS waiver would enable the sharing of technologies, data, know-how, patents and other intellectual property rights across the world. The announcement of the US administration sends a powerful signal to the rest of the G7 and to the
European Union to also support the World Trade Organization TRIPS Waiver and inspire other countries to take a powerful stand in favour of people before profits. This remarkable position from the US government is a fundamental step towards a People’s Vaccine.
To ensure everyone, everywhere has access to a lifesaving vaccine, we also need to see a pooling of technology through the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, as well as financing to help build a network of vaccine manufacturing in developing countries. These three actions can together build a sustainable system to vaccinate the world, reach the needed herd immunity and open the paths to make the world best prepared for future pandemics.
As we have learned from 40 years of fighting AIDS, equitable access to medical technologies is critical both for saving lives and for decreasing the impact of infectious diseases on people, communities and nations.
We are grateful to President Biden and his Administration for the generous humanitarian pledges made on COVID-19 and for today’s announcement.
UNAIDS
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube
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Press Release
16 May 2021
Joint statement by the Government of Kenya and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee Camps Roadmap
President Uhuru Kenyatta met today with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Nairobi to discuss issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers in the region, as well as receive a briefing on the status of Kakuma and Dadaab refugees camps, following the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ meetings with Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Fred Matiang’i and Amb. Raychelle Omamo.
This meeting comes in the wake of the Government’s communicated intention to work toward the closure of the refugee camps in Kenya. A joint team comprising officials from the Government and the UN agency will therefore be formed to finalize and implement a roadmap on the next steps towards a humane management of refugees in both camps.
The roadmap, which was presented to the Government of Kenya in the beginning of April, includes voluntary return for refugees in safety and dignity, departures to third countries under various arrangements, and alternative stay options in Kenya for certain refugees from East African Community (EAC) countries.
“We are serious about completing the repatriation programme which we started in 2016, in full view of our international obligations and our domestic responsibility. We therefore reiterate our earlier position to close both Dadaab and Kakuma camps by 30 June, 2022,” said Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i.
The Government of Kenya and UNHCR agree that refugee camps are not a long-term solution to forced displacement and are committed to working together to find alternative solutions that are in line with the responsibility sharing principles and goals of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR).
“I believe that the Government and people of Kenya will continue to show their generous hospitality towards refugees as they have done for nearly three decades, while we carry on discussions on a strategy to find the most durable, appropriate and rights-based solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers residing in the refugee camps in Dadaab and Kakuma,” said the UN High Commissioner.
“Closure of the camps must be seen as an aspiration. We are not chasing people away, but a camp is not a permanent thing. It is a place of limbo. No one should live in a place of uncertainty or indignity generation after generation. What we are now working on is how to achieve this cooperatively which is in line with Global Compact on Refugees,” said Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo.
High Commissioner Grandi welcomed the government’s continued commitment to the GCR during this process. “I am reassured by the government’s assurances that they will continue to provide protection and services for asylum-seekers and refugees in Kenya while various solutions are pursued.”
Among the precursory activities contained in the government’s roadmap is a unanimous resolution that was recently endorsed by ambassadors and representatives from East African countries which have a mutual diplomatic relationship with Kenya when they met a delegation led by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i.
“Refugees from East African countries will be given the option of being issued a work permit for free so that they can integrate into Kenyan communities or return to their country of origin,’’ said Dr. Matiang’i.
Digital verification of Kenyans currently also registered as refugees is set to begin in due course. This will inform the issuance of appropriate documentation to Kenyan citizens and ensure their removal from the refugee database.
Kenya has shouldered the burden of sheltering refugees for almost three decades, and the swelling camps have overstretched their capacity to host populations. The government has also expressed grave concerns over the security of both Kenyans and refugees at the camp.
There are currently 433,765 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.
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Press Release
17 May 2021
Country Level Food Systems Dialogues in Kenya
Building healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems are recognized as a powerful and essential requirement to deliver on all SDGs. The term “food system” refers to the constellation of activities involved in producing, processing, transporting, and consuming food. Food systems touch every aspect of human existence.
The health of our food systems profoundly affects the health of our bodies, as well as the health of our environment, our economies, and our cultures. When they function well, food systems have the power to bring us together as families, communities, and nations. But too many of the world’s food systems are fragile, unexamined, and vulnerable to collapse, as millions of people around the globe experienced first-hand during the COVID-19 crisis. When our food systems fail, the resulting disorder threatens our education, health and economy, as well as human rights, peace and security. As in so many cases, those who are already poor or marginalized are the most vulnerable. Some countries and regions face unique circumstances, which can increase their vulnerability.
In 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will convene a Food Systems Summit as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. With only 10 years remaining, many of the 17 SDGs remain far out of reach. In many cases, unsafe or unsustainable food systems are part of the problem. The UN Food Systems Summit will serve as a turning point in the world’s journey to achieve all the SDGs. We know what we need to do to get back on track: Scientists agree that transforming our food systems is among the most powerful ways to change course and realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda. Rebuilding the food systems of the world will also enable us to answer the UN Secretary-General’s call to “build back better” from COVID-19. We are all part of the food system, and so we all must come together to bring about the transformation that the world needs
The need is urgent, and our ambition is high. The UN Food Systems Summit will launch bold new actions, solutions and strategies to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems.
The Summit will awaken the world to the fact that we all must work together to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food. “We believe in a world where healthy, sustainable and inclusive food systems allow people and planet to thrive. It is a world without poverty or hunger, a world of inclusive growth, environmental sustainability and social justice. It is a resilient world where no one is left behind.” Said AGNES KALIBATA, Special Envoy for the UN Food Systems Summit
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Latest Resources
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Resources
01 October 2021
Resources
24 September 2021
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