Cedar posts at a cleared section of Kiptunga Forest in the Mau Forest complex on September 26, 2022.[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]
The Environment and Lands Court on Thursday issued new guidelines on logging of trees, and further banned issuing of new licenses to cut trees in either public or private forests.
Justice Oscar Angote said only logging of mature trees would be allowed in 5,000 hectares of land that had been identified by a multi-agency task force.
The Judge further directed that the exercise should be conducted with strict supervision from the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Multi-Agency Oversight Team, and should comply with the environment law.
“The harvesting to be in strict compliance including adhering to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), rules and regulations. Save for the 5,000 hectares, a conservatory orders be and are hereby issued barring issuance of licenses by the respondents or their assigns, employees or proxies until further orders of the court,” he ruled.
In his verdict, the Judge observed that despite the KFS stating that it had a strategic plan for tree cutting and planting, it never produced the same in court nor did it furnish the information to the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
Meanwhile, the Judge also ordered the government to implement the 2018 recommendations of a task force on the protection of forests and the environment within three months and report it to the court.
Nevertheless, he was of the view that there was no evidence that President William Ruto lifted the logging moratorium.
According to him, the roadside announcement was not proof that paved the way for logging. The Judge said any presidential declaration has to be written and sealed for it to have the effect of the law.
He observed that instead, the deal brokered between KFS and timber companies in two cases filed in Embu and Nyeri High Courts was at the heart of lifting the ban.
However, the Judge said that the deal was illegal, as the High Court has no power to hear cases on right to a clean environment.
The government banned logging in 2018 in order to restore the country’s forest cover.
However, President Ruto on July 2 this year, announced that the Kenya Kwanza Government had come up with a policy to allow logging.
In the case, LSK lawyer Kennedy Waweru argued that there was no scientific proof or research that Kenya has more than enough trees to allow sawmills and loggers to start felling them.
Further, Waweru stated that although the President indicated that logging will benefit families and persons who live near forests, on the flip side, the majority of Kenyans will in the end suffer due to climate change.
LSK in its case says it fears that the government is hell-bent on introducing the infamous shamba system that was banned in 2002 over abuse.
In her affidavit, the society’s Chief Executive Officer Florence Muturi told the court that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has in public forums indicated that the government will allow farming in forests.
She asserted that the decision will erode Kenya’s efforts to attain 10 per cent forest cover.
LSK sued Attorney General Justin Muturi, Forestry Cabinet Secretary Sopian Tuya, and the National Environment Management Authority. By Kamau Muthoni , The Standard
National Dialogue Committee co-chairs Kalonzo Musyoka and Kimani Ichungwah at Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi. [Samson Wire, Standard]
The National Dialogue Committee has today reached a consensus on three issues they are deliberating on.
They include the two-thirds gender rule, the entrenchment of the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary and creation and funding of the office of Opposition leader, and fidelity to political parties.
The 10-member Committee co-chaired by Kimani Ichung’wah (Kenya Kwanza) and Kalonzo Musyoka (Azimio) has also exuded confidence they will conclude the process within the 60 days allocated by Parliament.
In a statement released on Friday, September 1 the committee which grouped the issues raised by both coalitions into five categories, said that it will prioritize the reconstruction of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission IEBC and the auditing of the 2022 General Election.
Last month, the committee said it would prioritize electoral issues during the talks, including the reconstruction of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the auditing of the 2022 General Election.
The team was also hoping to solve issues around the National Government Constituencies Fund (NG-CDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, and the Senate Oversight Fund.
The King will acknowledge the “painful aspects” of the UK and Kenya’s shared history when he makes a state visit to the east African nation – his first to a Commonwealth country.
Charles will be joined by Camilla when he flies to Kenya for the four-day trip, which ends on November 3, following an invitation from President William Ruto whose country is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its independence from Britain.
Kenya became independent on December 12 1963 and the two countries have enjoyed a close relationship since, despite the violent colonial legacy of the Mau Mau uprising which led to a period known as the Emergency.
Chris Fitzgerald, deputy private secretary to the King, said: “The King and Queen’s programme will celebrate the close links between the British and Kenyan people in areas such as the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education and innovation.
“The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960).
“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.”
The Mau Mau armed movement began during the early 1950s, fuelled by the resentment some members of the Kikuyu tribe felt towards their British rulers, European settlers who farmed land in Kenya as well as at a lack of political representation.
White farmers were targeted in violent attacks as well as some Kikuyu who were said to have collaborated with the authorities. The Kenya Human Rights Commission said 90,000 Kenyans were executed, tortured or maimed during the British administration’s counter-insurgency.
In 2013, the British Government made a historic statement of regret over the “torture and other forms of ill-treatment” perpetrated by the colonial administration during Kenya’s Emergency period of 1952-1960, and paid out £19.9 million to around 5,200 Kenyans for human rights abuses.
The development came after a legal battle between a number of elderly victims and the British Government.
Kenya is the country where Queen Elizabeth II was told of the death of her father, King George VI, and acceded to the throne.
The then princess was making an official visit with the Duke of Edinburgh to Kenya and was staying at the Treetops hotel in 1952, a lodge deep in the Aberdare National Park, when the King died on February 6.
Royal visits are also a chance for members of the monarchy to use their “soft diplomacy” and help renew and develop relationships between the UK and her allies.
A senior Foreign Office spokesman said: “From His Majesty’s Government’s perspective, Their Majesties’ visit will celebrate, and drive forward, the UK’s strong partnership with Kenya, and together we’re working on some of the most important global challenges, such as tackling climate change, and as close members of the Commonwealth family.
“The UK is committed to ensuring Kenya sees the UK as a partner of choice on peace, on trade, on economic development and much more, and we’re aiming to increase the UK-Kenya trade and build a deeper investment partnership, mobilise private finance to support low carbon growth and climate resilient jobs.”
Highlights of Charles and Camilla’s state visit include a ceremonial welcome in the capital, Nairobi, at the president’s official residence, State House, with the King and Kenya’s leader holding a bilateral meeting, as will the Queen and First Lady Rachel Ruto.
The King’s deputy private secretary said: “During the visit, Their Majesties will meet President Ruto and the First Lady as well as other members of the Kenyan government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.
“The King will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate, the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.” By Tony Jones, The Independent
Thales is working with Zambia Airports Corporation Limited to modernise the TopSky – ATC systems at the ATC centres at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Lusaka and Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone.
Thanks to the Datalink CPDLC and ADS-C solutions, Zambia’s ATC centres and pilots will be able to communicate via data messages instead of conventional voice radio. This upgrade will enhance flight safety by mitigating the risk of degraded radio communications. VHF channels will still be available as the primary mode of communication in the Flight Information Region (FIR).
To ensure safe navigation in their airspace, air traffic control officers (ATCOs) need to know the exact position of an aircraft before and during flight. Flight plans provide an initial overview of the pilot’s intentions, but complete situational awareness is only possible thanks to a network of connected sensors that provide ATCOs with real-time knowledge. All this data enables flights to be “deconflicted”, thereby increasing air safety.
Thales TopSky – ATC is an air traffic control automation solution designed to control en route, approach and oceanic traffic, both in civil and military environments. TopSky – ATC provides air traffic controllers and technicians with innovative and intuitive access to flight information, accurate real-time tracking for faster and better decisions, efficient tools for enhanced detection and resolution of conflicts, integrated sequencing and optimisation capabilities and a robust, reliable, easy-to-maintain system.
“We would like to thank ZACL for their continued trust and are proud to be able to support them once again in improving air navigation safety by integrating two state-of-the-art functions into our TopSky – ATC system, which are perfectly suited to today’s needs. Together, Thales and ZACL are delivering the safer air travel of tomorrow, “Cyril Einaudi, Vice President Global Turnkey segment, Thales.
Over the years, Thales has become a major player in ATM in Africa, with 80% of the continent’s control centres equipped with TopSky – ATC. This solution is used by over 16,000 controllers worldwide. More than 80 Thales ATC radars are in service in Africa today. Africa Tech
In their efforts to democratise Art, RMZ Foundation proudly celebrates its commitment to promoting artistic talent in India and democratizing art for the public by supporting acclaimed Indian artist Suhasini Kejriwal, who has been selected for the prestigious Frieze Sculpture 2023.
Her remarkable series, 'Garden of Un-Earthly Delights,' featuring intricately painted bronze sculptures, is now on display at Frieze Sculpture Park in Regent's Park, London, from September 20th to October 29th, 2023. In partnership with Nature Morte, RMZ Foundation is proud to add this sculpture from the inspiring and timely series to the Foundation’s collection.
Speaking to Informer East Africa Chief Editor Julius Mbaluto, Akash Philip from RMZ Foundation said that their key drive was to bring art and make it more it more accessible to communities.
Informer East Africa Chief Editor Julius Mbaluto with Akash Philip of RMZ Foundation
"We are bringing together indian and global art and keeping it in the public spaces to popularize it and democratise it. For along time art has not been made accessible but we are trying to inspire people and make art more accessible."
Frieze Sculpture, the renowned free public art exhibition, coincides with the art fairs Frieze London and Frieze Masters, taking place from October 11th to 15th, 2023. This year, Frieze Sculpture is led by independent curator and writer Fatoş Üstek, and features 21 leading international artists, with their works thoughtfully placed throughout the historic English Gardens of The Regent’s Park.
RMZ Foundation has consistently taken the lead in curating and commissioning some of the largest installations in India including sculptures, murals, and paintings. Under the leadership of Anu Menda, Founder and Managing Trustee of the RMZ Foundation, the organization embarked on a mission to democratize art by creating a broader audience for emerging artists, with a focus on promoting the artistic creations of artists.
The Foundation's dedication to empowering women in the arts is evident through its inclusion in its carefully curated collection. These include artists such as Shilpa Gupta, Shaikha Al Mazrou and Mouna Rebeiz, whose work reminds us that art has the power to connect us to our roots and shared humanity.
Furthermore, the Foundation's commitment to the arts spotlights the contributions of over 55 commissioned art installations by iconic, globally recognized artists within its portfolio, including Elias Sime, Oliver Beer, and Patrick Goddard. These sculptures are placed across RMZ's flagship properties in Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad, making the works accessible to a wider audience.
Anu Menda, Managing Trustee of RMZ Foundation, expressed her perspective on this collaboration and states,
"Art plays a crucial role in preserving our cultural identity that shapes the artistic landscape of our subcontinent in a rapidly evolving modern world. This partnership is a significant step towards democratizing art and empowering women artists. Suhasini Kejriwal's 'Garden of Un-earthly Delights' is a testament to the boundless creativity of artists, seamlessly blending the familiar with the extraordinary.”
Celebrated and acknowledged for its dedication, RMZ Foundation is proud to support leading Indian artist Suhasini Kejriwal and her inspiring work, 'Garden of Un-earthly Delights’ that has recently been added to the Foundation’s collection.
On her creative process, Artist Suhasini Kejriwal shared her thoughts and states:
"The support from RMZ Foundation and this opportunity to showcase my work at a platform such as Frieze Sculpture enables a wider reach for my work. I aim to bridge the chasm between the harshness of reality and the realm of the imaginary – blending the every day and the fantastic. Nature and the human form are never merely subjects of science or fine art; they are integral components that make up the tapestry of our society.
Aparajita Jain, Director, Nature Morte added,
“We are thrilled that the RMZ Foundation is acquiring Suhasini Kejriwal’s iconic work, Garden of Un-Earthly Delights into its collection. RMZ Foundation is an emerging light in arts philanthropy with an ever-growing and impressive collection of important works by female artists. We are glad to be working in partnership with them to democratize art for the larger Indian audiences."
RMZF, founded in 2015, is a non-governmental organization with a mission to empower society, democratize art, and address social and economic challenges through innovation and sustainability. It aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and focuses on initiatives like affordable housing, clean energy, regenerative architecture, and responsible sourcing to reduce its carbon footprint. RMZF is committed to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices and aims to create a carbon-neutral real asset portfolio.
RMZF's art initiative promotes cultural expression and community building through visual arts. It provides a platform for artists to showcase their work, fostering enriching experiences for art enthusiasts in the communities it serves. The Foundation recognizes art as a catalyst for creativity and cultural reshaping, contributing to the well-being of all people while prioritizing sustainability. This initiative aims to broaden the horizons of visual arts and create a positive impact in collaborating communities.
Suhasini Kejriwal, an artist based in Kolkata, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York's Parsons School of Design and a Master of Fine Arts degree from London's Goldsmiths College. Her art seamlessly and deftly blends painting, drawing, photography, and collage, creating kaleidoscopic and psychedelic compositions suffused with intricate details and multiple perspectives. They transport viewers beyond the confines of reality, into an enchanting, borderless dreamscape where all things are possible. It's an artistic journey that pulsates with an enduring fascination for the natural world and the human form, recalling iconic works that bridge chasms between the ordinary and fantastical.
Kejriwal has showcased her art in solo exhibitions at renowned venues including Gallery SKE in Bangalore, Nature Morte in New Delhi, and Galerie Christian Hosp in Berlin, among others, and has also participated in numerous global group exhibitions. Beyond her art, Kejriwal has contributed to fostering artist-community dialogues through her fellowship with Hamdasti and her role as a visiting fellow at Harvard University's South Asia Institute in 2020.
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