KFSH&RC Jeddah sedia a 10ª Conferência Internacional de Enfermagem, reunindo renomados especialistas globais

– Credenciamento Honorário do Programa de Residência em Enfermagem

RIADE, Arábia Saudita, Nov. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A 10ª Conferência Internacional de Enfermagem teve início esta manhã em Jeddah, com o tema “Enfermeiros: Como Catalisadores, Navegadores e Inovadores em Saúde”. Organizada pelo King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), a conferência visa criar uma plataforma unificada para os profissionais de saúde compartilharem ideias e experiências. Também se concentra na transformação da prestação de cuidados de saúde, no avanço da profissão de enfermagem e no fortalecimento da importância do hospital como líder global nas práticas de enfermagem.

Marcando sua primeira edição após a era da pandemia de COVID-19, a conferência deste ano, com duração de três dias, apresenta uma programação de 14 sessões de palestras, 40 sessões simultâneas, 10 workshops detalhados e 55 apresentações simultâneas. A conferência prevê a presença de cerca de 650 pessoas.

Durante a conferência hoje, o Programa de Residência de Enfermagem do King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center de Jeddah foi credenciado pelo American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), alcançando o status de honra. Esta acreditação distingue o hospital como a primeira e única instituição de saúde fora dos Estados Unidos a ser reconhecida com este nível de excelência pelo ANCC.

O objetivo do Programa de Residência em Enfermagem credenciado é fornecer aos recém-formados em enfermagem conhecimentos essenciais e experiência prática. Esta iniciativa foi criada para garantir que os enfermeiros estejam bem preparados para oferecer atendimento de primeira linha ao paciente e manter os mais altos padrões de excelência em saúde.

O KFSH&RC passou a fazer parte da estimada Sociedade Internacional de Honra de Enfermagem ‘Sigma Theta Tau’. Esse feito, inédito para qualquer instituição de saúde não acadêmica fora dos Estados Unidos, destaca o papel do hospital como pioneiro nas práticas de enfermagem, não apenas no Oriente Médio, mas no cenário global.

Ao entrar para a Sociedade a equipe da KFSH&RC tem acesso a uma extensa coleção de recursos científicos e práticas de enfermagem de classe mundial das principais instituições de saúde do mundo. Esse acesso é fundamental para elevar o padrão dos cuidados de enfermagem, promover os resultados dos cuidados de saúde e melhorar a experiência geral do paciente.

Além disso, o hospital poderá compartilhar seu conhecimento e práticas de mais de quatro décadas nos campos da enfermagem e da saúde com mais de 600 instituições de saúde e uma rede de mais de 100.000 associados em todo o mundo. Esses associados fazem parte de uma associação comprometida com o avanço do conhecimento, educação e aprendizagem, e serviço de enfermagem, promovendo comunidades de prática, educação e pesquisa.

Comemorando seu 20º ano, a conferência deve explorar temas centrais no setor de enfermagem. O ponto principal da agenda é o papel integral da enfermagem no alcance dos ambiciosos objetivos da Saudi Vision 2030 (Visão Saudita). O evento também se aprofundará no futuro dos cuidados de saúde, particularmente como a tecnologia e a inovação estão mudando todo o cenário. As discussões se estenderão à sustentabilidade dos serviços de saúde, juntamente com insights estratégicos sobre o recrutamento e a retenção de enfermeiros. Além disso, a conferência destacará os mais recentes avanços na pesquisa em enfermagem e o papel essencial das práticas baseadas em evidências na saúde moderna.

O King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre é conhecido mundialmente pelos seus serviços de saúde especializados e de enfermaria avançada. Ele recebeu a prestigiada acreditação Magnet pela terceira vez consecutiva, um testemunho da sua excelência em enfermagem. Esta acreditação do American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) é considerada o padrão ouro global em enfermagem. É uma honra reservada para hospitais de elite que fornecem serviços de enfermagem excepcionais, atendimento de alta qualidade ao paciente, práticas inovadoras e resultados médicos notáveis. Esse reconhecimento é altamente seletivo, com apenas cerca de 8% dos hospitais em todo o mundo alcançando esse status.

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L’hôpital spécialisé et centre de recherche King Faisal de Djeddah accueille la 10e Conférence internationale sur les soins infirmiers, rassemblant des experts et des spécialistes renommés du monde entier

– Annonce relative à la distinction honorifique du programme de résidence en soins infirmiers

RIYAD, Arabie saoudite, 28 nov. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — La 10e Conférence internationale sur les soins infirmiers s’est ouverte ce lundi à Djeddah, sur le thème « Infirmiers et infirmières : catalyseurs, navigateurs et innovateurs en santé ». Organisée à l’initiative de l’hôpital spécialisé et centre de recherche King Faisal (ci-après « KFSH&RC »), cette conférence vise à établir une plateforme commune aux professionnels de la santé, destinée au partage de leurs idées et de leurs expériences. Le programme met également en avant les évolutions du secteur de la santé, la promotion du métier infirmier, et souligne le profond leadership de l’hôpital en matière de pratiques infirmières.

Cette année, l’événement qui voit le jour à la sortie de la pandémie de COVID-19, s’étend sur trois jours. Le programme prévoit 14 sessions plénières, 40 séances parallèles, 10 ateliers intensifs, ainsi que 55 présentations simultanées. Près de 650 visiteurs sont attendus.

Le programme de résidence en soins infirmiers de l’hôpital spécialisé et centre de recherche King Faisal de Djeddah a obtenu un agrément au titre honorifique de l’organisme américain de certification de conseil infirmier, l’American Nurses Credentialing Center, ou ANCC. Cette distinction a fait l’objet d’un communiqué de presse publié le 27 novembre 2023. Il s’agit d’une grande première pour l’hôpital qui devient la seule institution de santé non-américaine reconnue à ce niveau d’excellence par l’autorité compétente.

L’objectif du programme de résidence en soins infirmiers désormais certifié consiste à fournir aux infirmiers et infirmières jeunes diplômés un ensemble de connaissances fondamentales et d’expérience pratique. Cette initiative est conçue pour bien les préparer à délivrer des prestations de qualité supérieure à leurs futurs patients, dans le respect des plus strictes normes d’excellence en matière de soins de santé.

Le KFSH&RC a été intronisé au sein de la prestigieuse « Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing », la deuxième plus grande organisation infirmière au monde. Cette adhésion, inédite pour une institution de santé non académique et non-américaine, souligne le rôle pionnier de l’hôpital dans les pratiques infirmières, au Moyen-Orient mais aussi au niveau international.

Par ailleurs, cette adhésion procure au personnel du KFSH&RC l’accès à un vaste inventaire de ressources scientifiques et de pratiques infirmières de premier plan, à l’origine des principales institutions de santé du monde entier, essentiel au relèvement du niveau des soins infirmiers, à la progression des avancées sanitaires, et à l’amélioration de l’expérience globale du patient.

De plus, par cette adhésion, l’hôpital est en mesure de partager à la fois son expertise et ses pratiques de plus de quarante ans en matière de soins infirmiers et en santé, avec à son actif un réseau composé de plus de 600 établissements de santé et de plus de 100 000 membres dans le monde entier. Ces membres font partie d’une association engagée en faveur de l’avancée des connaissances, de l’éducation, de l’apprentissage et du métier infirmier, favorisée par la formation de communautés de pratique, d’éducation et de recherche.

À l’occasion de son 20e anniversaire, la conférence s’apprête à explorer des thèmes essentiels du secteur infirmier. En tête de l’ordre du jour figure le rôle clé des soins infirmiers dans la réalisation des objectifs ambitieux du projet « Saudi Vision 2030 ». L’événement abordera en profondeur l’avenir des soins de santé, et plus particulièrement la remodélisation de son périmètre, induite par la technologie et l’innovation. Les débats porteront sur la durabilité des services de santé, mais aussi sur les perspectives stratégiques de recrutement et de rétention du personnel infirmier. Enfin, la conférence mettra en lumière les dernières avancées dans la recherche infirmière et le rôle crucial des pratiques éprouvées des soins de santé modernes.

L’hôpital spécialisé et centre de recherche King Faisal se distingue mondialement par ses services de santé spécialisés et avancés en soins infirmiers. Il a notamment obtenu la prestigieuse accréditation Magnet pour la troisième fois consécutive, ce qui témoigne de son excellence en la matière. Cet agrément délivré par l’American Nurses Credentialing Center évoqué plus haut symbolise la norme mondiale en matière de soins infirmiers. Cet honneur réservé à l’élite des établissements hospitaliers récompense des services infirmiers exceptionnels, des soins de qualité supérieure, des pratiques novatrices et des résultats médicaux remarquables. Cette reconnaissance est sujette à un haut niveau de sélectivité. Seuls près de 8 % des hôpitaux du monde bénéficient d’un tel statut.

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Building Climate Resilience Via Investment Migration to Secure a Sustainable Future

LONDON, Nov. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Henley & Partners has seen a significant uptick in interest from both private clients and governments in investment migration programs as an effective mechanism to improve their resilience to the impacts of climate change and mitigate other sustainability risks. Besides phasing out fossil fuels, the other two core themes for the upcoming UNFCCC COP28 conference in Dubai, UAE, are building climate-resilient societies and investing in climate solutions. In its inaugural Henley Wealth and Sustainability Report published today, the international residence and citizenship advisory firm highlights how investment migration can assist in addressing both these significant global challenges.

The innovative study analyzes over 150 data points across five key sustainability and wealth parameters including population density and CO2 emissions per capita, achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and unique wealth tier and wealth per capita data from global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth. The report focuses on G7 nations, BRICS member states, including the six new countries that will join the bloc in January 2024 (Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), and a selection of 19 countries that host investment migration programs, which enable investors to acquire residence or citizenship in return for making a significant contribution to the economy.

The G7 brings together seven of the world’s most advanced industrial economies in the Global North, while the new BRICS plus Six configuration represents major emerging economies in the Global South. As Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO of Henley & Partners, points out in the report, both groupings represent a significant share of the global economy and population, and both aim to tackle pervasive global issues such as climate change. “Investment migration can provide much-needed foreign direct investment to help meet our sustainability challenges. Several countries are already channeling program inflows into projects to boost their countries’ climate resilience for the benefit of their citizens. Grenada, for instance, has strengthened its resilience against natural disasters by offering investors citizenship in exchange for a contribution to the country’s National Transformation Fund, which supports a range of industries including alternative energy. A non-refundable contribution to Antigua and Barbuda’s National Development Fund is another example of how a country is driving its transition to renewable energy through citizenship by investment.”

Prof. Trevor Williams, former Chief Economist at Lloyds Bank Commercial banking, says the Henley Wealth and Sustainability Report can assist those looking for opportunities, either private or public, to invest in sustainability projects and other carbon-reducing initiatives. “The framing allows those seeking areas where climate change is less threatening, where adaptation is occurring fastest, and as a result where threats to sustainability are lowest to locate to achieve that goal. Through this approach, these individuals are also able to see which countries allow investors to acquire residence status through various programs, and where the opportunities for mitigation and adaptation will offer the highest returns on investment. It also shows where the best investment options are for funds that are seeking returns through sustainability and green and carbon-reducing projects and investment activities.”

Commenting in the report, Dr. Areef Suleman, Director of Economic Research and Statistics at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Institute, says the analysis provides a data-driven perspective on how residence and citizenship by investment programs can be leveraged to enhance investment resilience and sustainability. “Investment migration countries consistently performed better than G7 and BRICS plus Six countries in key areas such as environmental responsibility, infrastructure reliability, healthcare and education quality, economic growth, and wealth accumulation. These insights underscore the wisdom investment migration offers high-net-worth individuals in securing a sustainable future for them and their progeny. In an ever-changing world, data and evidence-based decision-making provide the right compass for investors and families seeking a path to economic prosperity and sustainability.”

Read Full Press Release and the Henley Wealth and Sustainability Report.

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Résilience climatique en hausse via la migration d’investissement pour un avenir durable

LONDRES, 28 nov. 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Henley & Partners observe un intérêt nettement plus marqué de sa clientèle publique et privée pour les programmes de migration d’investissement au titre de mécanismes privilégiés visant le renforcement de leur résilience aux effets du changement climatique et l’atténuation d’autres risques en lien avec la durabilité. Outre l’élimination progressive des combustibles fossiles, les deux autres thèmes principaux de la prochaine conférence de Dubaï sur les changements climatiques réunie aux Émirats arabes unis par la CCNUCC, ou COP 28, sont la construction de sociétés résilientes au climat et l’investissement ciblant les solutions climatiques. Dans son premier Rapport sur la richesse et la durabilité  publié ce jour, le cabinet international de conseil en résidence et citoyenneté Henley & Partners démontre comment la migration d’investissement participe à relever ces deux enjeux mondiaux majeurs.

La nouvelle étude sur la richesse du cabinet spécialisé en renseignement patrimonial mondial NewWorld Wealth passe au crible plus de 150 paramètres, déclinés à travers cinq critères clés de durabilité et de richesse, à savoir la densité de la population, les émissions de CO2 par habitant, la réalisation des objectifs de développement durable (ou ODD) de l’ONU, les données exclusives sur les seuils de richesse, et la richesse par habitant. Le rapport vise les pays membres du G7 et ceux des BRICS, y compris les six nouveaux pays qui rejoignent ce bloc dès janvier 2024, à savoir l’Arabie saoudite, l’Argentine, l’Égypte, les Émirats arabes unis, l’Éthiopie et l’Iran, mais aussi une sélection de 19 pays accueillant des programmes de migration d’investissement permettant l’acquisition d’une résidence ou d’une citoyenneté aux investisseurs en échange d’une substantielle contribution à l’économie.

Le G7 rassemble sept des économies industrielles les plus avancées de la partie septentrionale du monde, tandis que la nouvelle configuration BRICS représente les grandes économies émergentes de la partie méridionale. Comme le souligne le Dr Juerg Steffen, PDG d’Henley & Partners dans le rapport, ces deux regroupements comptent massivement sur l’économie et la population mondiales. Tous deux visent à aborder des problématiques mondiales généralisées, comme le changement climatique. « La migration d’investissement peut apporter les investissements directs étrangers nécessaires pour relever nos défis en matière de durabilité. Plusieurs pays canalisent déjà les entrées de fonds vers des projets axés sur le renforcement de la résilience climatique de leurs pays au bénéfice de leurs citoyens. Ainsi, la Grenade a pu renforcer sa résilience face aux catastrophes naturelles en proposant un programme de citoyenneté aux investisseurs en échange d’une contribution au Fonds national de transformation du pays, qui soutient différentes industries, et notamment celle de l’énergie alternative. Un autre exemple de pilotage de la transition vers les énergies renouvelables au moyen de programmes de citoyenneté : une contribution non remboursable au Fonds de développement national d’Antigua-et-Barbuda ».

Le professeur Trevor Williams, ancien économiste en chef de la banque commerciale Lloyds, estime que le Rapport sur la richesse et la durabilité publié par Henley peut se montrer utile à ceux qui recherchent des opportunités publiques ou privées d’investissement dans des projets de durabilité ou d’autres initiatives de décarbonation. « La structuration permet à ceux qui se trouvent en recherche de zones où le changement climatique est moins menaçant, où les politiques d’adaptation arrivent le plus vite et par conséquent, où les menaces envers la durabilité sont les plus faibles, de s’y retrouver pour y parvenir » déclare-t-il avant de poursuivre : « L’approche leur permet également d’identifier les pays proposant différents programmes de résidence aux investisseurs, et où les opportunités de mitigation et d’adaptation vont générer les meilleurs retours sur investissement. Elle pointe également les meilleures options d’investissement pour les fonds qui recherchent des rendements à l’origine de projets et activités d’investissement axés sur la durabilité, les initiatives vertes ou la réduction des émissions de carbone ».

Dans ses commentaires sur le rapport, le Dr Areef Suleman, directeur de la recherche économique et des statistiques à la Banque islamique de développement (ou BID) fait état d’une analyse qui procure une perspective axée sur les données sur la manière dont les programmes de résidence et de citoyenneté par investissement peuvent être exploités pour renforcer la résilience et la durabilité des investissements. « De manière constante, les pays de migration d’investissement ont enregistré de meilleures performances que les pays du G7 et du nouveau BRICS dans des domaines clés tels que la responsabilité environnementale, la fiabilité des infrastructures, la qualité des soins de santé et de l’éducation, la croissance économique et l’accumulation de richesses » observe-t-il. Et de conclure : « Ces informations soulignent le bon sens de la migration d’investissement pour les individus les plus fortunés en quête d’un avenir durable pour eux-mêmes et leurs descendants. Dans un monde en constante mutation, la prise de décisions basée sur les données et les preuves constitue une bonne orientation pour les investisseurs et les familles qui cherchent une voie vers la prospérité économique et la durabilité ».

Consulter le communiqué de presse complet et le rapport sur la richesse et la durabilité.

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Construindo a Resiliência Climática Com Migração por Investimento para Garantir um Futuro Sustentável

LONDRES, Nov. 28, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A Henley & Partners viu um aumento significativo no interesse tanto de clientes particulares quanto de governos em programas de migração por investimentos como um mecanismo eficaz para melhorar sua resiliência aos impactos da mudança climática e mitigar outros riscos de sustentabilidade. Além da eliminação progressiva de combustíveis fósseis, os outros dois temas centrais para a próxima conferência UNFCCC COP28 em Dubai, nos EAU, são construir sociedades resistentes às alterações climáticas e investir em soluções climáticas. Em seu primeiro Relatório de Riqueza e Sustentabilidade da Henley publicado hoje, a residência internacional e empresa de assessoria em cidadania destaca como a migração por investimento pode ajudar a abordar ambos desafios globais significativos.

O estudo inovador analisa mais de 150 pontos de dados ao longo de cinco parâmetros-chave de sustentabilidade e riqueza, incluindo a densidade populacional e emissões de CO2 per capita, a conquista de Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável das Nações Unidas (SDGs) e dados únicos de riqueza por classe e riqueza per capita da empresa de inteligência global em riqueza, New World Wealth. O relatório foca em nações G7, estados membros do BRICS, incluindo os seis novos países que se unirão ao bloco em janeiro de 2024 (Argentina, Egito, Etiópia, Irã, Arábia Saudita e os EAU), e uma seleção de 19 países que sediam programas de migração por investimento, permitindo aos investidores adquirir residência ou cidadania em retorno por realizar uma contribuição significativa para a economia.

O G7 reúne sete das economias industriais mais avançadas do mundo no hemisfério norte, e a nova configuração BRICS-plus-six (“BRICS mais seis”) representa as principais economias emergentes no hemisfério sul. De acordo com o Dr. Juerg Steffen, CEO da Henley & Partners, ressalta no relatório, ambos os grupos representam uma porção significativa da economia e população global, e eles têm como objetivo resolver problemas globais abrangentes, como a mudança climática. “A migração por investimento pode garantir investimento direto estrangeiro indispensável para ajudar a atender nossas mudanças de sustentabilidade. Vários países já estão canalizando influxos de programas em projetos para promover a resiliência climática de seus países em benefício de seus cidadãos. Granada, por exemplo, tem fortalecido sua resistência contra desastres naturais oferecendo a investidores a cidadania em troca por uma contribuição ao Fundo de Transformação Nacional do país, que apoia diversas indústrias, incluindo a de energias alternativas. Uma contribuição não reembolsável para o Fundo de Desenvolvimento Nacional de Antígua e Barbuda é outro exemplo de como um país está direcionando a sua transição para energias renováveis através da cidadania por investimento.”

O Prof. Trevor Williams, ex-Economista Chefe na Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, diz que o Relatório de Riqueza e Sustentabilidade da Henley pode ajudar aqueles buscando oportunidades, tanto particulares quanto públicas, para investir em projetos de sustentabilidade e outras iniciativas redutoras das emissões de carbono. “O enquadramento permite àqueles buscando áreas onde a mudança climática seja menos ameaçadora, onde a adaptação esteja ocorrendo mais rápido, e, como um resultado, onde as ameaças à sustentabilidade sejam menores para se localizar, a atingir esse objetivo. Através desta abordagem, esses indivíduos também são capazes de ver quais países permitem que os investidores adquiram o status de residência por meio de vários programas, e onde as oportunidades para mitigação e adaptação oferecerão os maiores retornos sobre o investimento. Ela também mostra onde as melhores opções de investimento estão, para fundos que estão buscando retornos através de projetos e atividades de investimento de sustentabilidade, verdes e redutores de carbono.”

Comentando no relatório, o Dr. Areef Suleman, Diretor de Pesquisa Econômica e Estatística no Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDB), comenta que a análise oferece uma perspectiva baseada em dados sobre como a residência e a cidadania por programas de investimento podem ser elevadas para aprimorar a resiliência de investimentos e a sustentabilidade. “Países de migração por investimento consistentemente tiveram melhor desempenho que países do G7 e do BRICS-plus-six em áreas-chave, como responsabilidade ambiental, confiabilidade da infraestrutura, qualidade da saúde e da educação, crescimento econômico e acúmulo de riqueza. Estes insights ressaltam a sabedoria que a migração por investimento oferece a pessoas de alto patrimônio líquido para garantir um futuro sustentável para elas e seus descendentes. Em um mundo em constante transformação, a tomada de decisões com base em dados e evidências fornece a bússola certa para investidores e famílias buscando um caminho para a prosperidade e sustentabilidade econômicas.”

Leia o comunicado de imprensa completo e o Relatório de Riqueza e Sustentabilidade da Henley.

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University Funding Board Aims to Amplify Innovation Support in Higher Education

Thika, Kenya: In an effort to enhance research and innovation within higher learning institutions, the University Funding Board is actively seeking to augment the financial support provided to universities. This initiative is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving greater self-sufficiency and entrepreneurial growth in academic environments, particularly in the face of current economic challenges.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Chief Executive Officer of the University Funding Board, the current annual allocation of 2% of the universities’ budget is insufficient in light of the significant innovations being made by students and researchers. Monari emphasized the board’s commitment to establishing connections with various multilateral partners to increase funding. This approach is expected to open new avenues for universities, enabling them to capitalize on these opportunities and focus more on entrepreneurial and innovative endeavors.

Monari highlighted the importance of transitioning from traditional teaching and learning methods to more entrepreneurial models in universities. He noted that this transformation is feasible through enhanced research and innovation, areas in which the board intends to continue its support through funding and partnerships.

During an innovation expo held at Mount Kenya University in Thika, Monari also touched upon the government’s interest in educating students about the commercialization of their innovations. Plans are underway to establish linkages between universities and industries to facilitate the absorption of these innovations into the market.

The event, which took place yesterday, was attended by notable figures including Dr. Calvin Onyango, the Director General of the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), and Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi, the Vice-Chancellor of Mount Kenya University. Dr. Onyango announced KIRDI’s commitment to partnering with universities to promote information exchange and connect young innovators with the industrial sector, offering incubation services to aid in student development and job creation.

Prof. Jaganyi underscored the significance of research and innovation as key drivers of economic development. He stressed the necessity of a strong collaboration between academia and industry for achieving socio-economic progress. He urged the funding board to consider increasing their financial support for research and innovation, recognizing the high costs associated with these endeavors.

COMESA and EU Partner to Boost ICT and Trade in Eastern and Southern Africa

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) is embarking on a mission to lower mobile phone network roaming and interconnection charges as part of its strategy to enhance regional integration, trade, and the growth of the ICT sector. This initiative is bolstered by a significant collaboration with the European Union (EU).

According to Kenya News Agency, The COMESA Secretariat and the EU have recently signed a Grant contribution agreement worth 8 million Euros, aimed at enhancing governance and the environment in the ICT sector (EGEE-ICT) across the Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean region (EA-SA-IO). State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy Principal Secretary (PS) Eng. John Tanui, in a speech read by the Director of ICT at the Ministry, Lyford Murithi, emphasized the Kenyan government’s commitment to digital development as a key driver of prosperity and economic progress in both the country and the wider region.

Tanui noted that Kenya’s digital economy contributes 9.24% to the country’s GDP and highlighted the recent launch of an assembly plant for affordable mobile phones, aiming to increase the uptake of digital services and deepen digital transformation across all societal levels.

The EGEE-ICT program, led by COMESA, is viewed as a vital initiative to spur ICT growth in the region. Tanui pointed out the importance of developing model policy and regulatory guidelines for the use of fiber infrastructure on an open access principle and infrastructure sharing, aimed at ensuring fair access to these crucial networks.

High roaming charges and costly international calls have been identified as barriers to communication within Africa. Reducing these costs is expected to positively impact cross-border trade, free movement of people, and regional integration. Kenya’s experience since joining the EAC one network area in 2012 has demonstrated the benefits of reduced communication costs, including increased traffic between Kenya and EAC partner states.

Dr. Bernard Zawanda, COMESA Ag. Officer in Charge of the Infrastructure Division, explained that the EGEE-ICT program aims to deepen regional integration and bolster the ICT sector by reviewing and developing various ICT policies and regulatory frameworks. This program will benefit the 29 countries of the EA-SA-IO region and is implemented through a cooperation framework involving five regional economic communities, with COMESA as the lead.

James Kivuva, from the East African Community (EAC) secretariat, mentioned that the EAC is already implementing a roaming framework which has significantly reduced communication costs within the community. This COMESA-led project aims to extend these benefits to Southern and Northern African countries.

Leonard Chitundu of the COMESA Secretariat, in charge of the Telecommunications Unit, added that the high roaming charges in Africa are under scrutiny, with COMESA ministers recommending their abolishment. This move would lead to uniform calling rates across countries, facilitating easier and more affordable communication across the continent.

NGO Council Advocates for Flood Alert Systems in Kenya

Nairobi: The NGO Council of Kenya, headquartered in Nairobi, has issued a call for the establishment of an efficient flood and heavy rain alert system. This initiative aims to safeguard residents in high-risk areas by enabling timely evacuations ahead of potential flood situations. The announcement was made from their Nyayo house office in Nairobi.

According to Kenya News Agency, the council has already been instrumental in disseminating warnings to communities at high risk through various channels including social media, public address systems, and community health volunteers. During a Tuesday meeting, Cheboi emphasized the need for additional safety measures to minimize loss of life in flood-affected areas.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecasted continued rainfall and storms across the country, putting several counties, such as Garissa, Makueni, Tana River, and Kilifi, at heightened risk of flooding. This situation poses a significant threat to both lives and livelihoods. In response, Cheboi praised President William Ruto for convening a cabinet meeting that led to the allocation of emergency flood funds to the affected counties. He further urged the government to allocate more resources to handle such emergencies.

Cheboi underscored the vital role played by NGOs and their partners in offering humanitarian assistance in various critical areas for societal and global betterment. He highlighted the urgency and necessity for immediate action and assistance to all Kenyans in the face of the current disaster.

Also speaking at the meeting, Dr. Joseph Ngera, Chairperson for Water and Sanitation in the NGO Council, suggested the evacuation of communities residing along riverbanks to prevent further disaster due to rivers overflowing. He pointed out that such an initiative would require the involvement of the Ministry of Land.

The council also reminded the National Government of the urgent need for access to water, sanitation, shelter, and rescue tools for those displaced by the floods. In a collaborative effort, the NGO Council and the Global Partnership Organisation (GPO) have launched a humanitarian action, establishing Technical Working Groups (TWGs) to address and manage humanitarian crises in high-risk communities.

In conclusion, Cheboi called for collaboration among NGOs at both national and county levels, urging them to work alongside county governments, the National Government, and the National Disaster Operation Centre (NDOC) to effectively respond to the crisis.

Kericho County Launches Mobile Grain Driers to Tackle Post-Harvest Losses

KERICHO COUNTY, Kenya – The Kenyan government has initiated a significant step to mitigate post-harvest losses among maize farmers in Kipkelion East Sub-County, Kericho County, by deploying a mobile grain drying machine. This initiative is part of the Grain Drying for Sustainable Post-Harvest Management Project.

According to Kenya News Agency, Principal Secretary of the State Department of Crop Development, the mobile dryers are capable of drying up to seven tonnes of grain per hour. These machines will be particularly beneficial in the current season, as the country faces heavy rains that threaten crop quality. The deployment of these dryers is expected to significantly reduce post-harvest losses and preserve maize quality for consumption.

During the launch event at the Kedowa National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot, Dr. Rono praised the farmers for effectively utilizing government-provided fertilizer subsidies and the long and short rains. He highlighted the anticipated yield of over 600,000 bags of maize in Kericho County and over 60 million bags nationwide annually as a result of these efforts.

Dr. Rono also encouraged farmers to register for e-vouchers to access subsidies and reduce the cost of agricultural inputs. He assured them of the government’s continued support, including plans to introduce cooperatives for pooling financial and technical resources. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of having more extension service officers at the grassroots level to train and advise farmers on best agricultural practices.

The event was attended by various local leaders, including Kericho County Deputy Governor Eng Fred Kirui, Kipkelion East Legislator Joseph Cherorot, and Kedowa Kimugul Ward MCA Richard Langat.

Kenya Ports Authority Reveals New 5-Year Strategic Plan

Mombasa: the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has unveiled a comprehensive five-year strategic plan (2023/24-2027/28) aimed at transforming the agency into a globally recognized port of choice. This strategic plan aligns with Kenya’s Medium-Term Plan (MTP-IV) and is geared towards supporting the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), focusing on job creation and reducing the cost of living.

According to Kenya News Agency, Transport, and Public Works, Kipchumba Murkomen, who spoke at the official launch event, the KPA’s new strategy was developed through a highly inclusive, participatory, and consultative approach. Murkomen praised the KPA’s significant role in national development, noting its crucial function in international trade, goods movement, and connecting Kenya to the global market.

The strategy focuses on streamlining port operations, reducing logistical costs, and improving cargo handling efficiency. These measures, as Murkomen noted, are expected to make essential commodities more affordable, thus positively impacting the lives of Kenyan citizens.

KPA’s strategic plan includes supporting the development of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone and the Lamu Special Economic Zone, playing a pivotal role in job creation and the advancement of the Blue Economy. With an anticipated increase in cargo volumes, KPA is committed to expanding and optimizing its operations in Mombasa, fully operationalizing the Lamu port, and enhancing the ports on Lake Victoria to ensure efficient intermodal linkages along the East Africa Community (EAC) corridors.

Murkomen highlighted KPA’s achievements over the past year, including the completion and operationalization of the second container terminal phase 2 in Mombasa, increasing the port’s annual capacity by 450 TUs, and the commissioning of the Kipevu Oil Terminal. Additionally, KPA has introduced night pilotage services for petroleum tanks and completed the first phase of the Mtongwe mainland run to resume ferry services.

The strategic plan also aims to attract private investors to foster technological advancement, improve service delivery, and enhance global competitiveness, particularly for the port of Lamu. KPA Managing Director, Captain William Ruto, emphasized the focus on customer experience and the logistics value chain, stating that the plan provides a clear roadmap to enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainability of Kenya’s ports.

The strategic objectives outlined in the plan include business growth, good governance, operational excellence, and customer focus. Captain Ruto noted the emphasis on infrastructural development, prioritizing projects based on a thorough analysis of current and projected demands in the port industry.