The proposed change sought to ensure that government-sponsored students were placed in public universities and colleges unlike the current system of university placement where government-sponsored students are placed in private universities and colleges.

 The government has withdrawn a contentious amendment proposal embedded within the Statute Law (Miscellaneous Amendments) (No. 2) Bill, 2023 that would have otherwise had an impact on Kenya’s higher education sector.

The amendment, which aimed to amend section 56(1)(a) of the Universities Act, 2012, generated considerable debate and scrutiny within the legislative and educational spheres.

The proposed change sought to ensure that government-sponsored students were placed in public universities and colleges unlike the current system of university placement where government-sponsored students are placed in private universities and colleges.

This has limited access to university education by students from poor family backgrounds who are mostly government-sponsored students.

The arrangement was also intended to provide greater opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds and alleviate the strain on public universities grappling with funding shortages.

However, upon closer examination, concerns emerged regarding the unintended consequences of the proposed amendment.

It became apparent that the amendment would still mandate the Placement Board to place government-sponsored students in private universities and colleges.

Additionally, the amendment would also see privately sponsored students being placed in public universities and colleges which ideally should be for government-sponsored students.

This unexpected outcome raised alarms that the proposed amendment would further inhibit government-sponsored student enrollment in public universities and colleges. 

Furthermore, there were apprehensions that the proposed amendment could undermine the government’s broader objectives of promoting equitable access to university education, particularly for vulnerable and needy students.

Critics argued that such a blanket policy could exacerbate disparities and hinder efforts to foster inclusivity within the higher education landscape.

In response to these concerns, the Majority Leader of the National Assembly Kimani Ichungw’ah, in consultation with the Ministry of Education, decided to withdraw the proposed amendment to allow for consultations.

“The move reflects a commitment to undertake a more comprehensive review of the Universities Act, of 2012, to ensure that any legislative changes align with the government’s overarching policies and objectives in the education sector,” Ichungw’ah said.

To this end, the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula acceded to the request by Ichungw’ah to withdraw the proposed amendments to the University Act of 2012.

“I wish to notify the House that I have received a request from the majority leader seeking my consent for the withdrawal of the proposed amendment as contained in the Bill,” Speaker Wetangula said.

The Speaker added, “I have acceded to the request by the leader of the majority to withdraw the provision as contained in the Bill.” Capital News

As we continue to observe the Women’s month, MTN Uganda is delighted to announce the unveiling of 118 exceptional women entrepreneurs who have been selected as service providers under the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) program.

Launched in October last year, this initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to empowering and uplifting women in business across Uganda.

The AWE program was designed with the aim to; grow the female MTN supplier base, build the capacity of women businesses through skills development as well as building sustainable business eco systems through mentorship and coaching programs.

Through a rigorous selection process following its expression of interest call, MTN has identified and partnered with talented women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors including I.T, network, commercial, professional, and facility-related services.

According to The MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officers, Sylvia Mulinge, the selected women have demonstrated exceptional skills, passion, and determination; showcasing the incredible potential and versatility of female-led businesses in our country.

“We are thrilled to unveil these remarkable women entrepreneurs who have not only met but exceeded our expectations,” said Mulinge. “By choosing these women entrepreneurs as service providers to MTN Uganda, we are not just investing in their businesses; we are investing in the future of Uganda. We believe that by empowering women economically, we create a ripple effect that benefits families, communities, and ultimately, our nation’s prosperity.”

As part of MTN Uganda’s commitment to gender diversity and inclusion, the company has significantly increased the representation of women suppliers.

“By enlisting these exceptional 118 women entrepreneurs as part of the MTN supplier base, I am pleased to note that we have moved the needle from 7% women suppliers in 2023 to 15% in 2024,” added Mulinge.

The event was presided over by renowned entrepreneur and founder of the Gudie Farm, Prof. Gudula Naiga Basaza, who also doubles as the Chairperson of the Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Limited (UWEAL) advised the women entrepreneurs to be focused, resilient, tenacious and compliant, for their businesses to thrive.

MTN Uganda extends its gratitude to all partners and mentors who have contributed to the success of the Advancing Women Entrepreneurs program, including DFCU Bank (Women in Business), PSFU, NSSF Hi Innovators, ATC, UN Women, The Innovation Village, and MTN MoMo.

MTN is committed to supporting women-owned businesses across Uganda, backed by the strong belief that Together, we’re unstoppable.

Dorothy Kabagambe Semanda- CEO ATC Uganda

ATC Uganda is committed to working alongside MTN Uganda to ensure the success of the AWE program. As ATC, we have already ring-fenced work that is to be done by women. We shall focus on training women on running successful construction companies with emphasis on practical skills that are required in the sector.

Kate K Kiiza- ED DFCU Bank

DFCU is backing the AWE programme with tailored financing; subsidized interest rates, and relaxed collateral for participants to help women thrive in today’s competitive business world. To build capacity, we’ll provide training in financial management, ESG, and gender diversity. We have set up a Women in Business (WiB) advisory council and a centre accessible to all women.

Paulina Chiwangu – UN Women Country Representative Uganda

As Women, we should work together to eliminate all forms of violence against us. We’ve to make sure that peace and security prevail above all else for our businesses to thrive.

Dr. Aisha Kasolo – Project Director (GROW) PSFU

The decision for MTN to look at women and consider them for these male dominated spheres makes Uganda proud.

Richard Zulu –Lead Founder, Outbox

Seeing big corporates ring-fence part of their budget for women entrepreneurs is very impressive. This speaks volumes of where we are headed as a nation

Richard Yego- MTN MoMo CEO

We want to see more women in the Mobile Money business. We encourage all our suppliers to digitize their financial transactions through MTN MoMo. By Shawn Davis, Tower Post

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, will embark on official visits to Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga from 25 March 2024. 

In both countries, she will hold discussions with Heads of Government, cabinet ministers and other public figures on issues of importance to the Commonwealth and the Pacific region, including Commonwealth assistance and cooperation. 

The Secretary-General will arrive in Samoa on 25 March 2024, where she will meet with Prime Minister Hon Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa to discuss the preparations for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for this October in Apia. 

From 30 March to 3 April 2024, the Secretary-General will be in Nuku'alofa, Tonga, for her first official visit. 

She will meet with Prime Minister Hon Siaosi Hu'akavameiliku, Deputy Prime Minister Hon Samiu Vaipulu, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Fekitamoeloa ʻUtoikamanu and other cabinet ministers. 

She will particularly seek their perspectives on the CHOGM agenda as part of consultations with member countries ahead of the biennial meeting. 

Whilst in Tonga, the Secretary-General will visit communities affected by the 2022 Hunga-Tonga-Hunga-Ha'apai Volcano eruption and learn about the impact of the disaster on their lives and livelihoods. 

Much-valued members 

Ahead of her visit, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: 

"Samoa and Tonga are wonderful countries with strong cultural links, and I am so happy to be returning to the Pacific. 

"Both countries are central to our Commonwealth family and embody the values and commitments we share, with their governments and people actively contributing to the partnerships which make the modern Commonwealth so strong and dynamic. 

"The beauty, heritage, and diversity of the Pacific are a blessing to the world. I look forward to working closely with the Commonwealth's members in the region to confront shared challenges, seize shared opportunities, and support their goals to deliver a resilient common future for all." 

Samoa will be the first small island state from the Pacific to host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. 

Discussions at the meeting will focus on global political, economic, and environmental developments as well as the work undertaken by the Commonwealth since the last summit in Rwanda almost two years ago. 

The Secretary-General expressed her gratitude to the Government and people of Samoa for their warm hospitality and thorough preparations for the meeting. 

A critical CHOGM 

"Our Head of Government Meeting in Samoa comes at a seminal moment, especially as the impacts of the climate crisis become more intense, more frequent, and more devastating," she said. "In the Pacific, people see and feel these impacts, living with them every day, despite the region bearing the least responsibility for causing the problem." 

"And yet," the Secretary-General continued passionately, "The Pacific's united and powerful advocacy for climate action continues to inspire me, the Commonwealth, and the wider world. As far back as the 1980s, the Commonwealth has stood shoulder to shoulder with the Pacific in partnership and solidarity, raising the alarm on this existential threat of environmental breakdown and calling for decisive global action." 

"Samoa's hosting of CHOGM – the first in a Pacific Small Island State - symbolises our commitment to amplifying the voices of the most affected," she added. "The decisions leaders will make together at this meeting will have a profound impact on the well-being of our people and the planet." 

During her engagements in both countries, the Secretary-General will also update leaders and ministers about an array of Commonwealth programmes designed to help member countries strengthen democratic institutions, build resilient economies, and protect the environment. 

Particularly on the environmental front, she will highlight the Commonwealth's coordinated response to unlocking funding for climate action through the Climate Finance Access Hub, ocean challenges through the Blue Charter, land degradation issues through the Living Lands Charter and a just energy transition through Sustainable Energy Transition Agenda.  

The Secretary-General's schedule also includes engagements with young people, women's rights groups, and civil society representatives.

Nutanix a leader in hybrid multi-cloud computing, has announced the findings of its sixth global Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) survey and research report, which measures enterprise progress with cloud adoption. This year’s ECI report revealed 

The use of hybrid multi-cloud models is forecasted to double over the next one to three years as IT decision-makers are facing new pressures to modernise IT infrastructures because of drivers like AI, security, and sustainability.  This is according to the Nutanix sixth global Enterprise Cloud Index (ECI) survey released recently. 

As organisations continue to grapple with the complexities of moving applications and data across environments, the ECI report highlighted the growing importance of hybrid multicloud infrastructure. The report found that security and innovation were the top drivers for moving applications from one environment to another over the past year. As AI takes centre stage for businesses, ECI respondents identified increasing investments to support AI strategy as their #1 priority, followed closely by investment in IT modernisation. 

“Whether it be because of AI, sustainability, or security imperatives, IT organisations are facing ever-increasing pressure to modernise their IT infrastructure quickly,” said Lee Caswell, SVP, Product and Solutions Marketing at Nutanix.

“80% of ECI respondents are planning to invest in IT modernisation, with 85% planning to increase their investments specifically to support AI. What this year’s ECI reveals is that organisations need to support the technologies of tomorrow by future-proofing their IT infrastructure today. Hybrid multicloud continues to emerge as the infrastructure standard of choice because of the flexibility it provides to support traditional VM and modern containerised applications and movement between clouds and on-prem.” Lee added. 

The report further found that 90% of ECI respondents are taking a "cloud smart" approach to their infrastructure strategy – leveraging the best environment (e.g., data centre, public cloud, edge) for each of their applications.  Given the pervasiveness of this approach, it is no wonder that hybrid and multicloud environments have become the de facto infrastructure standard. Furthermore, over 80% of organisations believe hybrid IT environments are most beneficial to their ability to manage applications and data. Most importantly, this is now becoming an executive priority, with nearly half of respondents noting that implementing hybrid IT is a top priority for their CIO.

Additionally, ransomware and malware attacks will remain existential threats to modern enterprises, with the cat-and-mouse game between malicious actors and enterprise security professionals set to continue throughout 2024. Yet, data protection and recovery remain a challenge, as 71% of ECI respondents who experienced a ransomware attack reported taking days or even weeks to restore full operations. To help address this, 78% of organisations say they plan to increase investments in ransomware protection solutions throughout this year.

The report also found out that enterprise workloads – including their applications and data – often find their way into the IT environment which best suits their needs, whether that environment is an on-premises data centre, the public cloud, a smaller edge location, or a mix of all three. 88% of ECI respondents also agreed that sustainability is a priority for their organisation. However, unlike in the previous report where action was limited, many organisations indicate they are already taking active steps to implement sustainability initiatives, with the most common being modernising IT infrastructure. 

ECI respondents also identified increased investment to support AI strategy as their top priority, followed closely by investment in IT modernisation. Furthermore, 37% of ECI respondents indicate running AI applications on their current IT infrastructure will be a "significant" challenge. In order to mitigate and overcome this challenge, organisations are prioritising IT modernisation and edge infrastructure deployments, which can facilitate faster processing and access to data. This, in turn, can help improve their ability to link data from multiple environments to give better visibility into where data resides across their sprawling ecosystems. BY NIXON KANALI, Africa Business Communities