Permission to Pollute? The Emerging Role of Carbon Credits in East Africa
In the global attempt to mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change, carbon allowances have aroused both hope and controversy. Critics argue that they serve as ‘pollution permission slips’, enabling wealthy nations and corporations to sidestep meaningful emissions reductions, while proponents champion them as a lifeline in developing regions with carbon capture potential.
From Backlog to Brain Drain: The Key Issues Behind East Africa’s Medical Intern Absorption Problem
In March 2024, hopeful medical interns in Kenya took to the streets in a 56-day-long strike. The issues under contention? A directive from the Salaries and Remuneration Commission had proposed to reduce intern stipends from Ksh 206,000 to between Ksh 47,000 and Ksh 70,000 – a reduction of nearly 80%.
Beyond Seasonal Stockpiles: Assessing East Africa’s Readiness to Combat Food Insecurity and Nutritional Decline
East Africa is among the most arable regions globally, with the potential to overcome regional food insecurity and become a significant food crop exporter. Yet East Africa remains one of the world’s most food insecure areas due to extreme weather patterns, ongoing conflicts, inadequate funding for food security, and mismanagement of resources.
Healthcare Financing in East Africa: Lessons from Kenya’s Social Healthcare Insurance Fund Bottleneck
The financing of healthcare in East Africa stands at a critical crossroads, with only 34% of the population able to access essential health services as of 2024. Despite the region’s growing demand for equitable healthcare, governments allocate a mere 5% of their GDP to the sector – far short of the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration.
East Africa’s COP29 Gamble: The Struggle for Climate Resilience at a Fossil-Fuelled Conference of the Parties
As the 29th edition of the United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP29) comes to a close in Baku, Azerbaijan, East African countries reflect on what ground was made as they brought urgent concerns to the forefront. The outcomes stand poised to determine whether East Africa’s prospect of a climate resilient future has a hope in hell after all or is just another fossil-fuelled pipedream.
Trump’s Triumphant Turnover: What Donald Trump’s Presidential Victory Means for East Africa’s Future
Donald Trump has returned to the White House with an emphatic victory over his opponent – now outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. This victory has been secured while embroiled in countless lawsuits, convictions, two doses of impeachments and dodging several assassination attempts. Meanwhile, civilians across the region await what the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America has in store for East Africa.
Sowing the Seeds: The Influences of Cultural ‘Modernisation’ on Agriculture in East Africa
East Africa's agricultural sector is at a crossroads where traditional and modern challenges collide. Global technological advancements, climate change, and persistent social inequities manifested in land governance have called for sustainable management of agricultural resources in the region. As East Africa and the rest of the world experience various social and cultural revolutions, could these changes hold insights on how to create more resilient agricultural systems and guide stakeholders in redefining this sector?
East Africa’s Drought Crisis: An Exploration on Arid Induced Disasters
Despite contributing to only 4% of global energy-related emissions, Africa bears the brunt of exacerbated climate consequences. By 2050, it is projected that East Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) could decline by approximately 15% compared to a scenario with no climate impacts. This article will examine the impacts of droughts in East Africa and the necessity for strategic planning to avert imminent crises.
Eco-Intel: Harnessing Technology for Wildlife Conservation in East Africa
From the savannahs of Maasai Mara to the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, East Africa is home to some of the most diverse and remarkable ecosystems. However, this natural wealth is confronted with challenges stemming from habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and illegal fishing which are intensified by rapid population growth and urbanisation. The urgency to address these challenges has pushed conservation efforts toward leveraging technology to design innovative strategies.
