East Africa

East Africa

Details: East Africa; 08 January 2025; 238

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended a 23-year-old nanny in connection with a robbery at her employer’s house in Eastleigh, Nairobi.

In a statement, DCI said the Ugandan national had been on the run for weeks after she was involved in the robbery.

The suspect identified as Nabalayo Everline Loice was arrested at Kariokor while she was attempting to escape on a bus bound for Uganda.

“A Ugandan nanny who has been on the run following her involvement in a daring robbery plot targeting her employer in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area has been arrested.

“Nabalayo Everline Loice, 23 years old, has been taken into custody by detectives from DCI Starehe after a robbery incident that unfolded on November 1, 2024,” DCI stated.

According to reports filed at Pangani Police Station, Nabalayo was in the house with a colleague housemaid when she intentionally opened the door, admitting an unknown assailant armed with a hammer.

In a shocking turn of events, the duo reportedly assaulted the other maid, leaving her for dead in the bathroom.

They then made off with a haul that included a gold set valued at Sh210,000, a Lenovo XY laptop worth Sh110,000, and an Infinix phone priced at Sh15,000.

“After days of manhunt, detectives have finally apprehended Nabalayo at Kariokor while she was attempting to escape on a bus bound for Uganda,” DCI stated.

The suspect is currently in police custody undergoing processing, pending arraignment. Meanwhile, the search for her accomplice, who remains at large, is ongoing. By Ezra Nyakundi, KDRTV

Details: East Africa; 08 January 2025; 223

Report said large deals were made in the climate tech space, in particular d.light, SunCulture or Basigo, boosted the numbers.

In Summary

The report said East Africa attracted the most funding for the second year in a row, being $725m (approximately Sh93.5 billion) in total.
“Kenya alone $638m (Sh82.3 billion), made up 88 percent of the total raised in the region, and 29 percent of all money raised in the continent,” the report state

Kenya has once again led in the value of corporate deals in East Africa, a report has shown.

The report by the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) showed that one-third of the start-up funding in Africa went to East Africa in 2024.

“Out of the amount, 29 percent went to Kenya,” the report said.

The report said East Africa attracted the most funding for the second year in a row, being $725m (approximately Sh93.5 billion) in total.

This is one in three dollars raised in Africa.

“Kenya alone $638m (Sh82.3 billion), made up 88 percent of the total raised in the region, and 29 percent of all money raised in the continent,” the report stated.

It added that large deals were made in the climate tech space, in particular d.light, SunCulture or Basigo, boosted the numbers.

Tanzania attracted $53 m (Sh6.8 billion) while Uganda had $19m (Sh2.5 billion).

According to the report, West Africa took the second place in the 2024 funding, after ranking fourth in 2023.

The region had $587m (Sh75.7 billion).

Nigeria attracted just over $400m (Sh51.6 billion) in funding last year, roughly the same amount as Egypt and South Africa.

The report stated that Western Africa was the most ‘balanced’ region, where the regional lead represented the smallest share of the total.

The funding in Northern Africa was $478m (Sh61.8 billion), with Egypt representing 84 percent of all the funding raised in the region last year.

The report says Southern Africa had $397m (Sh51.3 billion).

“Only a handful of deals were recorded in Central Africa in 2024, for a total amount $5m (Sh646.3 million) more than 10x times lower than in 2023,” the report added. By SHARON MWENDE, The Star

Details: East Africa; 06 January 2025; 374

Mpox cases began emerging in Uganda's key hotspots, underscoring the need for a targeted approach to reach KPs

As Uganda faces an ongoing mpox outbreak, the response is prioritizing innovation and inclusivity, particularly given the disease's disproportionate impact on Key Populations (KPs) such as sex workers and their networks. These marginalized groups, often subjected to stigma, discrimination, and limited access to healthcare, are at greater risk during public health emergencies.

To address this, the World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with Most At Risk Populations Initiative (MARPI) Clinic Mulago, a healthcare facility with a long-standing relationship with KPs, to develop a comprehensive surveillance and response strategy.

Mpox cases began emerging in Uganda's key hotspots, underscoring the need for a targeted approach to reach KPs. For individuals like Tracy, a sex worker in Kawempe, the appearance of unusual lesions caused immediate fear and confusion. "I was scared," she recalls. "I didn't know if it was something serious, and I was afraid of being stigmatized. But I trusted the MARPI team. They examined me with care and acted quickly. The support I received made me feel safe and cared for, like I wasn't alone."

Stigma and a deep-seated distrust of healthcare systems often prevent KPs from seeking timely medical care. The fear of judgment or rejection, compounded by the mobility of these populations and societal discrimination, further complicates access to life-saving support. "Reaching these populations is difficult," says Dr Jerome Ntege, a WHO anthropologist involved in the response. "Without collaboration, many cases would go undetected."

WHO’s partnership with MARPI Clinic aimed to empower communities through education and engagement. With MARPI's established trust among KPs, WHO implemented a strategic initiative to enhance mpox surveillance and response. Key aspects included training 40 MARPI staff members in mpox surveillance, diagnosis, and patient care; equipping 40 civil society organizations managers to mobilize resources and engage their networks; and educating 150 community peers - sex workers and other KP representatives - on how to recognize symptoms, report cases, and provide support within their communities.

The impact was swift. Community peers like Kyomugisha Ruth became trusted sources of information. “During the training, we learned how to spot symptoms early and respond immediately. This knowledge has saved lives,” she says. Ruth’s outreach through tools like WhatsApp posters led to the identification of suspected cases and connection to timely care.

Other testimonies reflect the success of the initiative. Ruth shares, “I shared a poster about mpox symptoms on my WhatsApp, and someone in my community reached out to me. I connected them with MARPI, and they got help. It feels amazing to know I played a part in saving someone’s life.” A bar attendant from Rubaga adds, “I thought I was alone in this, but MARPI found me, took care of me, and ensured I got treatment. The doctors and peers treated me like a person, not just a case. That made all the difference.”

MARPI’s proactive engagement remains key in identifying mpox cases among KPs, including individuals with HIV and those in informal sectors like bars. By leveraging peer networks and fostering trust, MARPI Clinic and WHO bridged the gap between these vulnerable groups and critical healthcare services. This peer-based approach created a sense of security for KPs who had previously avoided healthcare due to fear and distrust.

The collaboration, which will continue for several months, serves as a model for sustainable public health responses. “This collaboration has shown that by working together, we can reach even the most marginalized groups and make a real impact,” says Dr Joseph Wamala, WHO Incident Manager for the mpox response.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - Uganda.

Details: East Africa; 08 January 2025; 236

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is in a spot over rising abductions.[File, Standard]

The resurfacing of five abductees whose mysterious disappearances gripped the nation since the festive season began has cast a long shadow over Kenya’s embattled security apparatus.

Their release, coinciding with a critical moment for Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, who is under a court order to explain whereabouts of another missing person, has raised fresh questions on the integrity of law enforcement.

The timing, eerily similar to the “Kitengela Three” case weeks ago, has fueled speculation about police involvement in the dark plots. Are top security chiefs shielding the police’s reputation only when confronted with public and legal scrutiny?

President William Ruto has publicly distanced himself from the unfolding scandal, placing the responsibility squarely on shoulders of the National Police Service.

Speaking during the burial of Ann Nanyama, mother of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Ruto remarked, “The police service, being an independent institution, can make independent decisions on investigations, prosecutions and maintain the rule of law.”

This has been interpreted by many as a tacit admission of systemic failures. “The situation only strengthens the widespread belief that elements within the police are complicit,” said Hussein Khalid, a human rights advocate with Vocal Africa.

The release of Bob Njagi and brothers Aslam and Jamil Longton, after 32 days in captivity, occurred on the same day then-acting IG Gilbert Masengeli was to face imprisonment for contempt of court. The timing has left observers wondering if these events are mere coincidence or calculated maneuvers within the security system.

While human rights defenders point fingers at the police, some security analysts urge caution, suggesting alternative theories.

“We should consider the possibility of a clandestine unit operating outside the police, using diversion tactics to misdirect public outrage,” says George Musamali, a security analyst. “It could all be part of a psychological game, which is why Kenyans must approach this matter with an open mind.”

All eyes are however, on IG Kanja, who is expected to appear in court today, as directed by Justice Bahati Mwamuye. Mr Kanja is tasked with providing answers about the fate of Steve Kavingo, who was abducted from his Kathangaita home in Machakos County on December 17, 2024.

Kavingo was among six men abducted in December by unknown people; five of them were freed on Monday, January 6.

Kanja will rely on the Director of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, to help him with information to answer some of the questions.

In last week’s court summons, Kanja sent lawyers led by Paul Nyamodi and Steve Ogolla to represent him; he also sent Nairobi Regional County Investigations Officer Benson Kasyoki to answer some of the questions posed.
Also expected in court is Director General of the National Safety and Transport Authority (NTSA)George Njao.

He is expected to shed light on the issue of number plates captured on some vehicles used in abductions.

In most cases, the number plates are registered to other vehicles, rendering any information on them useless in pursuing the missing person.

The explanation by Mr Njao will inform Kenyans whether the plates are original and how the abductors access them, given that NTSA is the only institution mandated to issue number plates.

Curiously, the abductees have criticised President Ruto and his leadership style online, as well as citing failures of his Kenya Kwanza administration.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), which filed the petition on behalf of the six men’s families, will also seek to amend their petition since they have been found and add the name of Kelvin Muthoni, who is also missing.

The IG is expected to present Gideon Kibet, Ronny Kiplang’at, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli and Billy Mwangi in court.

Kanja will be required to shed light on circumstances surrounding their abduction and freedom, given that they recorded statements with the police after being released.

Bob Njagi says the police are complicit in recent abductions, questioning why they were freed on the day Masengeli was to be sent to prison.

“That speaks volumes to there being a conspiracy; if the state did not abduct me, why haven’t they asked me to record a statement,” said Njagi.

He said failure to act by the police points in the direction that the state knows who abducted them or was behind the abduction.

LSK Vice President Mwaura Kabata said the case against Kanja will provide a policy on what should happen after a report of an abduction has been made with the police.
He said their case seeks to have the court explain the roles of the National Crime Research Centre, the police, NTSA and telco companies.

“What is the role of the NTSA? What role do Safaricom and Airtel play if one has been abducted with their phones?” he asked.

The five men were freed at different places, with Gideon Kibet alias Kibet Bull telling his followers on X that his abductors dropped him at around 3am in Luanda, Vihiga County.
Unsure of what to do next, he went to a disco in the area until morning, when he booked a bus ticket home.

His elder brother Ronny Kiplang’at, who was abducted from the Kikuyu SDA Church, was found in Machakos County.

He did not speak to the media after his release, with the Church’s Pastor Kiogora Rutere saying that Kiplang’at was unable to talk about his 10-day ordeal in the hands of his abductors.

Another man, Bernard Kavuli, who was abducted from a Rubis Petrol Station in Ngong town, was allegedly dumped in Kitale, according to his lawyer Shadrack Wambui.

Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango said Kavuli presented himself at Moi’s Bridge police station, where he recorded a statement.

Billy Mwangi, who hooded men abducted from a barber shop in Embu town, was dropped at their gate, according to his family.

His mother said that she heard someone calling out her name at around 8am, and when she went, she found that it was him, and they took him for a medical check-up.

Area MP Gitonga Mukunji told the media that Mwangi had been assaulted by his abductors, and he appeared traumatized.

Peter Muteti, who was abducted from a shop in Uthiru, was found in Nairobi CBD.

While confirming his release, his family reported that they found him disoriented and that he was recovering from home. By Fred Kagonye, The Standard

Details: East Africa; 06 January 2025; 304

The Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said in a statement issued on Saturday that they lifted the majeure force declared in March 2024 nearly after 10 months.

JUBA-The force majeure preventing South Sudan’s crude oil from passing through Port Sudan has been lifted by the Sudanese government.

The Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Petroleum said in a statement issued on Saturday that they lifted the majeure force declared in March 2024 nearly after 10 months.

The letter addressed to South Sudan Minister of Petroleum, Pout Kang Chol,

“We are pleased to hereby inform you that we are hereby lifting the force majeure declared in per the letters reference in item (1) and (2) based on the security arrangements made by the Government of Sudan and the Government of South Sudan and the measures taken by BAPCO to ensure the flow of materials and equipment to all facilities along the route of the BAPCO transportation system.” Part of the statement said.

Force Majeure is a legal clause that allows a party to be released from contractual obligations when circumstances beyond their control arise, such as war or natural disasters.

In March 2024, Sudan declared force majeure on South Sudan crude oil exports due to a rupture in the country’s export pipeline in a war zone.

The Government of Sudan said in March 2024 that it was unable to facilitate the transportation of South Sudanese crude oil through the Jabalayn-Port Sudan Pipeline, citing interruptions from the ongoing conflict.

Sudan’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum declared a force majeure on South Sudan crude oil in March 2024. The Sudanese authorities said operators of the pipeline, BAPCO, reported a significant decrease in flow at Pump Station 5 in February 2024.

According to Sudan, an investigation revealed a gelling incident between Pump Stations 4 and 5, attributed to the unavailability of diesel necessary for heating crude oil.

The statement said the situation was compounded by communication disruptions caused by the war.

Although BAPCO reportedly managed to clear the gelling and restore flow temporarily, operations were halted again the next day due to a severe drop in pressure.

The Sudanese government said further investigation uncovered a major rupture 18 kilometers north of Pump Station 3, within a military operations zone.

It said teams deployed mud pumps from DPOC in South Sudan to address gelled crude oil columns between Pump Stations 4 and 5, aiming to facilitate oil flow.

However, challenges persisted in restarting the transportation system fully, necessitating functional pumping and heating stations, adequate diesel supply, and resolution of gelling issues—all hindered by the war conditions in Sudan.

This prompted the government of Sudan to invoke force majeure, suspending its obligations to deliver crude oil through the BAPCO Transportation System to the Bashayer 2 Marine Terminal at the time.

In December, key stakeholders from the South Sudan and Sudan energy sectors held a two-day meeting in Juba to assess the readiness of oil facilities and pipelines for the resumption of crude oil production.

The discussions, involving the Ministry of Petroleum, Sudan’s Ministry of Energy, Dar Petroleum Operating Company (DPOC), and other stakeholders, focused on overcoming challenges to achieve a smooth and timely reopening of oil operations.

Among the major hurdles addressed was the lifting of the force majeure, a critical step that would enable all partners to approve the integrated resumption plan and budget.

Further, stakeholders also called on Sudan’s government to ensure stability along the export pipeline and at all facilities to guarantee unrestricted access for staff and essential materials.

“Stability and free access to facilities are non-negotiable for achieving sustainable crude oil production. This meeting has brought us closer to a solution,” said a senior official from South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum, who attended the meeting. By Sudans Post