Day: May 7, 2023

Nyeri residents have benefited from a one-day sensitization drill on emergency fire response.

The Nyeri Fire Department says that drill was necessitated by low awareness levels among the public on what to do during fire emergencies.

The session was held at the Whispers Park Nyeri during celebrations to mark International Fire Fighters Day where residents received first-hand information and skills on what to do in the event of fire. Fire fighters also mounted an exhibition of their fire-fighting tools and also gave a demonstration of the evacuation procedure.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Officer, department of gender, youth, sports and social services, Joe Gethi challenged the participants to arm themselves with emergency response skills.

He noted that most of the fire incidents they have had to respond to this year were majorly caused by the inability of the victims to manage small fires which had eventually degenerated into major fires due to negligence and carelessness. He cited unprofessional electrical installations, fires started by children who are often left alone in the house and unattended rubbish fires as the major causes of fire emergencies in the county and urged the residents to be more cautious.

‘If a person can manage and control small fires before they escalate, it will reduce the damage caused. In the event of a big fire or there is no firefighting equipment then it is safer to exit the premises and reduce the fire’s oxygen supply by covering it with a blanket or sand instead of crowding which only adds more casualties most of the time,’ he stated.

The day was also marked with calls for residents to accord the first responders respect. The chief officer said that they had received incidents where fire engines had been vandalised and fire fighters had been assaulted by members of the public due to their response time.

‘We need to treat the firefighters and medics and their equipment with respect, care and acknowledge the work they do. These lifesavers are still humans who chose this noble profession and we should work with them not make their work harder. These are people who already work in a complicated environment, destroying their equipment only slows them and makes their work harder for them,’ said Mr Gethi.

Mr Gethi also decried the lack of compliance by households to the fire and safety regulations. He said that many houses lacked firefighting equipment, fire exits and also skilled personnel who can control small fires.

His sentiments were echoed by the head of the fire prevention unit in Nyeri, Nancy Njoki, who emphasized on the importance of having small fire extinguishers and advised the public on the importance of ensuring that entrances and exits are not abstracted.

‘It is very dangerous to have a bunch of keys together with your house keys because in the case of an emergency you might not access it fast enough and end up being harmed in the house. Also fire extinguishers sizes are available in quantities as little as two kilograms so whether you live in a residential or rental, it is essential to own since almost every household uses electricity, a gas cooker or any other fuel which can cause fire accidents,’ she advised.

International Firefighters Day is celebrated on May 4 each year to recognize and honour brave individuals who put their life in their line every day to save others. The celebration also provides a platform for first responders to sensitize the public on their role in fire emergency response and measures that the public can take before the fire fighters arrive at the scene.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Germany has committed to offer both financial and technical support to Kenya to enable the country meet its target of achieving 100 percent transition to renewable energy by the year 2030.

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz lauded Kenya for its strong leadership and investments in geothermal energy, noting that will go a long way in helping the country in its climate change adaptation plans.

Chancellor Scholz who was speaking during his visit to geothermal wells in Olkaria, Naivasha said Germany will continue to offer financial support to enable the government upgrade the old turbines in Olkaria some of which are several decades old in order to maximize on their potential.

The Germany Chancellor further said his government will support Kenya in establishing a green hydrogen economy which can be used in production of fertilizer crucial to the country`s food security strategy.

Geothermal power generation is a good source of hydrogen which is a crucial component in fertilizer production.

It`s worth noting the visit by the Germany Chancellor follows President William Ruto`s visit to Germany last month where the two countries resolved to step up cooperation on green hydrogen and improve the business environment to attract German investors to Kenya.

The two leaders voiced their concern about the effects of climate change on livelihoods, communities, and nations and emphasized the urgent need for intensive efforts to reverse the effects of climate change.

Speaking during the visit, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mr. Davis Chirchir said Kenya was now producing 92 per cent green renewable energy out of the total energy produced in the country with the country set to retire the thermal (fossil) energy by 2030 as the country turns to 100 per cent by 2030.

The CS lauded the Germany support for the energy sector in the country where she is the largest investor in the green renewable energy.

Chirchir revealed that the Germany Government had funded the newest geothermal project at Silali in Baringo County at a cost of 80 million euros (about Ksh.12.2Billion) where five wells have been developed producing 45MW of power.

Germany Government had earlier advanced Kenya a 45 Million Euros (Sh.6.5 Billion) loan facility to Kenya for expansion of the Olkaria Geo-thermal power station in Naivasha.

‘Geothermal energy is non-exhaustible unlike other forms of renewable energy like hydro, wind and solar which are affected by climate change,’ Chirchir said.

He observed that due to this climate change, Kenya has just emerged from a severe drought which saw power production form the hydro sources which provide the country with 800 Megawatts (MW) of power (30 percent of the country`s power production capacity) to a mere 10 per cent but the Geothermal sources came in handy and helped stabilize power supply to the national grid, and an additional 200MW purchase from Ethiopia through Suswa line which runs on Germany technology.

Chirchir also noted that Kenya currently produces a total of 1,100mw of geothermal power which include 160mw from a concessioner and there is a further 450mw waiting to be harnessed to the national grid.

‘We shall walk the journey together to harness our potential of nine Gigawatts (GW) which translates to 9,000MW of geo-thermal power which has already been mapped out since our country sits on the ring of fire and from this we can produce green ammonium, green hydrogen and fertilizers among others,’ the CS said.

Research shows that hydrogen gas has also been used to fuel cars, airships and spaceships since the beginning of the 19th century and is a source of clean renewable energy.

Chirchir asked the Germany Government to consider increasing the period of power concessions from 25 years to between 30 to 40 years, saying this will help bring the cost of power down.

He noted that the government has connected nine million Kenyans to the electricity national grid as at the end of 2022 compared to the two million in the year 2002, marking a huge step in the last mile connectivity project.

Geothermal resources in Kenya are located within the Rift Valley with an estimated potential of between 7,000 MW to 9,000 MW spread over 14 prospective sites.

According to Data from the ministry of energy, Kenya’s current effective installed (grid connected) electricity capacity is about MW. Electricity supply is predominantly sourced from hydro and fossil fuel (thermal) sources. This generation energy mix comprises hydro at 838 MW, geothermal at 1,100MW, two per cent from biogas cogeneration, and wind at 437 MW and solar at 173 MW.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Focused on making women feel confident, a Seychellois sister duo has joined forces to create a swimwear brand – the prints and design of which are set to evoke a sense of tropical escapism.

Inspired by Seychelles, the brand Aimée Swim was founded and is owned by Dominique and Camilla Ernesta. The eco-conscious swimwear brand based in Seychelles currently offers 18 pieces, some of which can be mixed and matched to taste.

Operating mainly through their website, Aimée Swim offers domestic delivery within Seychelles and worldwide express shipping facilitated by DHL Express.

In an interview with SNA, the younger sister, Dominique, shared that for the brand name, they had to look for something personal to pair with the swimwear industry’s commonly used word “swim”. Both sisters agreed on Aimée Swim as the name Aimée has sentimental meanings for them as well as for the family.

The brand Aimée Swim was founded and is owned by Dominique (right) and Camilla Ernesta. (Aimée Swim) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

Speaking about the birth of the idea, 28-year-old Dominique outlined that the idea came from her personal love for swimwear.

“Living in Seychelles, swimwear is a staple in our wardrobe, arguably a necessity so I thought I would go for it as it’s a product I’m passionate about. I needed a business partner and my sister was the right fit so she has joined me on this project,” said Dominique.

To keep the brand unique and set it apart from its other Seychelles-inspired competitors, the sisters ensured that their prints were exclusively designed, with the designs focusing on an excellent fit for clients.

“We are doing what we can to adopt eco-conscious practices. Our swimwear, including the lining, are created with REPREVE® fabric made from 100 percent recycled materials, including post-consumer plastic bottles and pre-consumer waste,” said Dominique.

She also shared that all orders are shipped in 100 percent compostable mailer bags, which are home and commercially compostable and break down fully within 180 and 90 days respectively.

“Our customers can give their mailer bags a new purpose after unpacking,” said Dominique.

The swimwear, including the lining, is created with REPREVE® fabric made from 100 percent recycled materials. (Aimée Swim) Photo License: All Rights Reserved

The brand was officially launched in December 2022, however, behind-the-scene works started in 2021. Dominique expressed that “it’s an amazing feeling to see your product come to life from concept to launch.”

Since its launch, the sisters’ brand has appeared in swim campaigns for 2023 by Tatler Magazine UK, Glamour UK, and Vanity Fair UK, an achievement described by the Ernestas as a great opportunity to bring awareness to the brand.

As both sisters are in full-time employment, with Dominique working as a compliance and risk executive, and Camilla employed as a director of an insurance broker company, having enough time seems to be the main challenge.

“It is easy to feel like you are not doing as much as you should be. However, it helps to remind yourself along the way that every effort you make counts,” said Dominique.

Despite that, the Ernesta sisters aim at solidifying their place in the Seychelles market and tap into the regional and international markets. Aimée Swim is already developing its second collection with plans to diversify products.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

The Arab League on Sunday welcomed back Syria’s government, ending a more than decade-long suspension and securing President Bashar al-Assad’s return to the Arab fold after years of isolation.

In November 2011, the 22-member body suspended Damascus over its crackdown on peaceful protests which began earlier that year and which spiralled into a civil conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people, displaced millions and battered the country’s infrastructure and industry.

While the front lines have mostly quietened, large parts of the country’s north remain outside government control, and no political solution has yet been reached to the 12-year-old conflict.

“Government delegations from the Syrian Arab Republic will resume their participation in Arab League meetings” starting Sunday, said a unanimous decision by the group’s foreign ministers.

Assad has been politically isolated since the war began, but recent weeks have seen a flurry of diplomatic activity ahead of an Arab League summit in the Saudi city of Jeddah on May 19.

The ministers in a statement emphasised their “keenness to launch a leading Arab role in efforts to resolve” the Syria crisis and its “humanitarian, security and political consequences”, noting that humanitarian aid must reach “all those in need”.

They also agreed to form a ministerial committee to continue “direct dialogue with the Syrian government in order to reach a comprehensive solution”.

Several Arab countries cut ties with Damascus early in the conflict, betting on Assad’s demise, while some including Qatar and Saudi Arabia provided support to the Syrian opposition.

The last Arab League summit Assad attended was in 2010, while the opposition attended the pan-Arab group’s summit in Doha in 2013, sparking a furious reaction from Damascus.

– Diplomatic push –

Regional capitals have gradually been warming to Assad as he has stubbornly held onto power and clawed back territory lost earlier in the conflict with crucial support from Iran and Russia.

The United Arab Emirates, which re-established ties in late 2018, has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus into the Arab fold.

A February 6 earthquake that wreaked devastation in Turkey and Syria sparked Arab outreach to Assad’s government, while intensified diplomatic activity has been underway in the region since a March decision by rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran to resume ties.

In March, Saudi state media said Riyadh and Damascus were in talks on resuming consular services, and in April, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made the first visit to Damascus by a official from the kingdom since the start of the war.

That meeting came less than a week after Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad visited Saudi Arabia, also on the first such visit since the conflict began.

Mekdad has visited a string of Arab countries including in recent weeks in a diplomatic push, including to Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.

On Monday, he attended talks in Amman with foreign ministers from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Egypt to discuss the long-running conflict.

In April, nine Arab countries including Gulf states meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending Syria’s long spell in the diplomatic wilderness and its possible return to the Arab League.

Source: Seychelles News Agency

Angolan Head of State, João Lourenço, left London, United Kingdom Sunday, on his way back to Luanda, after having participated in the official coronation ceremony of King Charles III.

In London, where he was accompanied by the First Lady, Ana Dias Lourenço, the Head of State was part of the two thousand foreign dignitaries and other guests of the British Government.

The two-hour ceremony, which took place at Westminster Abbey, in London, was also attended by several Heads of State or their representatives, members of international organisations, the Commonwealth and the British Government.

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)

Seychelles’ President Wavel Ramkalawan and First Lady Linda Ramkalawan have attended a series of events held on the margins of the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla, according to a press statement from State House on Saturday.

On Friday, they were present for the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Breakfast event attended by various heads of states, governor generals, prime ministers, other senior government officials from UK and some heads of certain international organisations. The event was an opportunity to discuss SIDS related issues, leading up to the 4th SIDS Conference in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024.

“Following the SIDS event, the President and First Lady also attended the Commonwealth Leaders’ Event hosted by the secretary general of the Commonwealth, Baroness Patricia Scotland, in the presence of King Charles III, at Marlborough House, London. During the Commonwealth event, the President met King Charles and had the opportunity to congratulate him personally,” for his ascension to the throne, said the press statement.

The President and First Lady also attended a reception at the Buckingham Palace on Friday evening in advance of the coronation ceremony on Saturday afternoon at the Westminster Abbey.

Source: Seychelles News Agency