East Africa

East Africa

Details: East Africa; 25 April 2024; 335

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Wednesday, 24th April 2024, in a momentous ceremony held in Kaleo, officially inaugurated phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant, marking another significant stride in Ghana's renewable energy journey.

With a capacity of fifteen megawatts peak (15MWp), this addition underscores Ghana's commitment to harnessing clean energy sources and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Addressing a gathering of dignitaries, chiefs, and community members, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the importance of renewable energy in driving economic growth, mitigating climate change, and ensuring energy security for all citizens.

He praised the collective efforts of stakeholders, including the Chiefs and people of the Nadowli-Kaleo traditional area, the German Government, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and project contractors, for their invaluable contributions to the successful completion of the project.

The President highlighted the strategic significance of Kaleo as a hub for renewable energy development, citing its rich natural resources and potential to attract investment and spur innovation in the region.

He reiterated Government's commitment to incentivizing green investments, promoting energy efficiency, and prioritizing the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the nation's energy sector growth.

Phase two of the Kaleo Solar Power Plant not only adds fifteen megawatts of clean energy to the national grid but also improves the quality of power supply in the Upper West Region. Furthermore, it is estimated to reduce national carbon emissions by nearly 8,917 tonnes, contributing to Ghana's efforts to combat climate change and fulfill its international commitments. It will also promote practical studies in the development of solar power by the Technical Universities in the northern part of the country.

President Akufo-Addo reiterated Government’s commitment to invest continuously in the electricity transmission network, to enable the country to evacuate more renewable energy through the national grid to support the extension of electricity to all parts of the country.

“It is our intention to attain full electricity access by the end of this year, up from the current rate of eighty-eight-point-eight percent (88.8%),” he stated.

The President continued, “I expect that, with this project in this community, corporate social responsibility programmes for Kaleo and its environment will be enhanced through the provision of social amenities by the appropriate authorities, including VRA.”

President Akufo-Addo expressed optimism about Ghana's energy future, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action in achieving sustainable development goals. He urged all stakeholders to uphold effective maintenance management practices to ensure the longevity and efficiency of renewable energy infrastructure, reaffirming his government's dedication to building a brighter, greener future for all Ghanaians.

“By investing in renewable energy infrastructure, we are securing a reliable source of electricity and creating new opportunities for economic growth and job creation. This plant will not only power homes and businesses, but also serve as a catalyst for development in the Upper West Region, attracting investment and spurring innovation,” he added.

The President told the gathering that Government is implementing a series of policies and measures to incentivise green investments, foster a culture of energy efficiency, and prioritise the development of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power projects as key strategies for the growth of the energy sector in the country.
“The vision, however, is not only to be energy self-sufficient, but also to set the stage for Ghana to emerge as an eco-friendly country in the Region, inspiring neighbouring countries to follow suit in their pursuit of a greener, more energy-technology-centred future,” he added. APO

Details: East Africa; 25 April 2024; 654

The UAE and Kenya signed a memorandum of understanding, setting the stage for investment collaboration in mining and technology sectors. WAM

UAE’s Ministry of Investment and the Kenyan Ministry of Finance and National Treasury have signed a memorandum of understanding, setting the stage for collaboration in mining and technology sectors, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

The Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, ADQ, also announced on Wednesday a finance framework agreement with Kenya’s ministry, facilitating investments in priority sectors of the Kenyan economy, with a potential investment sum of up to $500 million, WAM said.

Kenya’s mining sector boasts significant growth potential owing to its abundant reserves of gold, copper, ilmenite, tantalum, and various non-metallic minerals.

The MoU focuses on mineral exploration, mine development, mineral processing, refining, and mineral marketing in Kenya. One of the key objectives is to explore opportunities for technology transfer in Kenya’s mineral sector, that would support innovation and growth. The two countries will also assess avenues for collaboration in promoting responsible stewardship of the mineral sector, with a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance practices, in addition to exploring avenues for collaboration in research and development within the designated sectors.

Minister of Investment of the UAE Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi said: “Through this partnership, we are laying down the foundation for a future where sustainable mining practices, innovation, and responsible stewardship form the pillars of our mutual growth.”

“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance capacities and establish robust governance practices that will not only propel the mineral sector but also ensure overall prosperity of our nations.” Source: Asharq Al Awsat

Details: East Africa; 24 April 2024; 342

Kenya Power workers install a brand new transformer at Kiawaihiga shopping centre after vandalism of the former one on April 6, 2022. Image: Alice Waither

Counties to be affected include Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisii, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyeri and Kiambu.
Areas to be affected in Nairobi include Ridgeways Lane, Castle Gardens, Garden Estate Academy, Rubies Garden Estate, Samaki Drive and Mountain Mall.

Kenya Power has issued a public notice listing areas scheduled to experience power supply interruption on Wednesday.

The company said the interruption will be effected between 8am and 5pm in select areas in the counties.

Kenya Power said the interruption is to faciliate network maintenance.

Counties to be affected include Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Busia, Kisii, Migori, Homa Bay, Nyeri and Kiambu.

Nairobi

Areas to be affected in Nairobi include Ridgeways Lane, Castle Gardens, Garden Estate Academy, Rubies Garden Estate, Samaki Drive, Mountain Mall, Blue Springs, Quiver Lounge, Homeland and adjacent customers.

Uasin Gishu

Areas to be affected in Uasin Gishu include the whole of Moi University Main Campus, Talai Estate, Cheboigwa, Tulop Village and adjacent customers.

Busia

In Busia, customers within Lubiri, Khungukhungu, Mundika, Budokomi, Matayos, Igero, Nambale Boys, Siekunya, Busidibu, Okoa Market, Lung'a, Makobio, Sigwata, Mujuru, Nasewa, Nasewa, Buyama and Lung'a Fisheries will be affected.

Kisii

Areas in Kisii county to go without power during the stated period include Nyabururu Complex, Matoke and adjacent customers.

Migori

In Migori, Kenya Power said residents and businesses around Uriri, Kamsaki, Koigo, Bware, Kisangura, Kolwal, Kakrao, God Jope, Oyani, Ugari, Warisia, Stellah, Magongo, Rayudhi, Nyasare, Chamkombe, Pinnacle Plaza, Kimadui and adjacent customers should brace for the 8-5 power outage.

Homa Bay

Areas to be affected in Homa Bay county include Denis Obara Secondary School, Orera Primary School, Ramula Market, Ramula Sub-County Hospital and Ramula Subcounty Offices.

Others are Ramba Market, KANU Market, Mawego Complex Nad, Lida Market, Ongilo Primary School, Odino Dispensary, Akwara Market and Bware Secondary School.

Nyeri

In Nyeri, those around Blue Line, Kakuret, KWS Mt Kenya, Kamburaini, Kiriakor, Soweto, Naromoru Girls, Judea, Meere, Lusoi, Warazo, Ndathi, Mapema, Munyu Aguthi, Gitinga and adjacent customers will be hit by the scheduled power interuption.

Kiambu

Finally, several parts of Kiambu county inlcuing part of Ruaka Town, Gertrude's Ruaka, Gacharage Primary, Joyland, Decimo and adjacent customers will also be affected. By PERPETUA ETYANG, The Star

Details: East Africa; 24 April 2024; 401

IEA CORRESPONDENT

Amnesty International has delivered an assessment of human rights in 155 countries in 2023-2024 and as well shared their biggest concerns. Their assessment indicates that 2023 saw escalating conflicts causing a near breakdown of international law.

Amnesty International argues that powerful governments cast humanity into an era devoid of effective international rule of law, with civilians in conflicts paying the highest price, and rapid changes in artificial intelligence created fertile ground for discrimination, racism, and division.

According to Amnesty International researcher Abdullahi Hassan who is also a Kenyan lawyer and a human rights advocate, there were many situations that were challenging, but the most striking one was the eruption of the large-scale conflict in Sudan.

This conflict has had a devastating impact on civilians: 12,000 people were killed in 2023 and more than 8 million displaced making Sudan the largest internal displacement crisis in the world.

As of March 2024, more than 2.9 million children in Sudan are acutely malnourished and 729,000 children under five are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The whole country is now on the brink of collapse.

Asked how he felt working on the case, Abdullahi Hassan says:

"I feel completely heartbroken by the horrific events unfolding in Sudan. Hundreds of Sudanese I interviewed told me devastating stories on how their dreams were shattered. It has been honestly exhausting to track all the violations and abuses that occurred in Sudan in 2023. The people of Sudan deserve better."

Abdullahi Hassan's work involve investigating conflict-related and other human rights violations and abuses in Sudan and Somalia. He monitors, documents and reports on these abuses for Amnesty International. He also advocates with various actors including governments, regional and international bodies such as the UN and the African Union.

Abdullahi Hassan says there are many human rights challenges in East African region. These include suppression of civic space, inequalities, devastating impact of climate change and conflict-related human rights violations. Six countries in our region have either active or long running conflicts leading to massive civilian suffering and displacement crises.

Details: East Africa; 23 April 2024; 528

Legislators have scrapped the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) Board returning its mandate of overseeing operations of NGOs back to the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

This was while the lawmakers considered the NGO (Amendment) Bill, 2024 passed during the plenary sitting on Tuesday, 23 April 2024.

The Chairperson, Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs, Hon. Wilson Kajwengye said that the functions of the National Bureau of NGOs can be performed in the Ministry, like it was the case in 2016 before the Board was created.

The amendment now mainstreams the Bureau as a department under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as part of government’s policy to rationalize various entities.

The new law replaces the NGO Board with a Bureau that will be headed by a Secretary, who will be supervised by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to the new legal regime, the Secretary shall be responsible for the day to day operations of the Bureau, the management of its funds, as well as administration and management of the property of the Bureau.

Kajwengye justified that dissolving the Board will save government from accumulating arrears of up to Shs1.1 billion every year, being the costs of facilitating the NGO Board and Adjudication committee.

“The Non-Tax Revenue collected from NGO registration will also be mainstreamed into the Ministry,” said Kajwengye.

Hon. Asuman Basalirwa (JEEMA, Bugiri Municipality) said that the stay of the National Bureau of NGOs is not justified because of the current bureaucratic processes entailed in renewal of NGO licenses.

“Getting information or renewal of licenses from NGO Board is extremely difficult, even basic things are being a challenge, I do not think its stay is justified,” Basalirwa said.

Hon. Dononzio Kahonda (NRM, Ruhinda South County) however differed from the Committee’s report, arguing that the Board has enhanced registration, monitoring and inspection of NGOs.

He added that the NGOs and CBOs registered in Uganda are reported to bring into the country a minimum of Shs4.5 trillion annually, and therefore compliments the work of government.

“It is the Minority's concern that mainstreaming the Bureau as a department will deny the country the unique, specialized expertise required to oversee a rather complex and dynamic NGO sector,” said Kahonda.

Kiboga district Woman MP, Hon. Christine Kaaya supported the minority report, saying that mainstreaming the Bureau under the Ministry of Internal Affairs will affect inspections and monitoring of NGOs.

“It will be a very difficult moment if the Board is dissolved because NGOs are bound by donors who need timely responses and we know their contributions in terms of fundraising for this nation,” she said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.