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The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has inaugurated a team that is expected to develop guidelines on the use of emerging technologies in the industry.

MCK chief executive officer David Omwoyo said the Technical Working Group on Development of Media Guidelines on use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data and Social Media, would prepare a policy advisory on usage of the technologies in the sector.

“This will ensure appropriate and ethical integration of the three in professional journalism in Kenya,” said Mr Omwoyo, adding that the team has three months to do the task.

He observed that innovations like AI that prioritise audiences and aid in navigation of new market dynamics will ensure the media industry survives for the next decades.

“But when using them, issues to do with ethics and data protection come up. This is what the team has to look it and develop guidelines,” he said.

Ms Immaculate Kassait, the Data Commissioner, noted that the development of the guidelines would give clear rules on data protection and usage in media houses.

“Since we fined some establishments that were using photos of their clients without approval, some people think we are killing photography, but that is not the case, it all has to do with data privacy. We need to prepare ethical working guidelines that support AI innovations and data protection in relation with media operations,” she said.

The use of AI in media houses has grown significantly, with firms using the technology to maximise on audience segmentation and preferences leading to stabilisation of ratings and credibility.

The Ministry of ICT and the Digital Economy has moved to overhaul the legal and policy frameworks that govern the technology sector in bid to align them to the constitution as the country moves into a bold digital future.

Mr Eliud Owalo, the ICT CS, said there is an urgent need to undertake the reform as he inaugurated a sector working group to spearhead the process. The group has two teams; one that will look at the ICT sector laws and the other broadcasting.

“There is need for an integrated approach to policy and legal propositions to enhance synergy and avoid duplication of laws and responsibilities,” he noted.

He explained that the ministry had brought together a team of technocrats, experts, and stakeholders from various sectors to lead the transformation.

“Their mandate is to examine existing policies, legislative decisions, and operational structures to identify areas in need of reform. The entire team will recommend comprehensive policies and legislative proposals to align Kenya’s digital framework with the 21st century,” he said.

One of the motivations behind the process is the need to harmonize existing laws with the constitution, promulgated in 2010.

Mr Owalo said the initiative recognizes the importance of creating a supportive environment for both government entities and private sector players.

“The government’s role is to enable rather than compete with the private sector. The aim is to develop policies that foster growth, innovation, and job creation while addressing emerging challenges like cyber security,” said Mr Owalo.

The catalyst for this reform effort is the realization that technology, in all its forms, is continuously reshaping our lives. From artificial intelligence (AI) and big data to the Internet of Things (IoT) and cryptocurrencies. Kenya must, therefore, adapt its policies and regulations to remain competitive on the global stage, added Mr Owalo.

The group will hold consultations with stakeholders, including technical experts and industry players, to gather insights and recommendations. Their work will result in a clear implementation plan with timelines, responsibilities, and performance indicators.

In the face of rapid technological advancements, Kenya is taking a bold step to secure its position as a digital leader in Africa. The ministry’s commitment to reforming its policies and regulations reflects the country’s determination to harness the opportunities of the digital age while addressing its challenges head-on.

The country, often referred to as the “Silicon Savannah of Africa”, has long been recognized as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. However, the legal and regulatory landscape hadn’t kept pace with the dynamic technology environment. Some of the existing laws are over three decades old, making them inadequate for addressing contemporary challenges and opportunities.

By Dibo Willis-Ambetsa

A government think-tank has called for inclusion of the youth in the Kenyan roadmap for COP28, which will be held in the United Arab Emirates.

The Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (Kippra) said there are many youths and youth organizations engaging in climate mitigation measures whose work should not be ignored.

“Kenya is at a unique position moving to COP28 due to the recently concluded Africa Climate Summit. The youth are doing incredible work in the climate action space, and therefore, as Kippra, it is our duty to provide knowledge that will help them navigate any challenges,” said Dr Rose Ngugi, Kippra’s executive director during a meeting that brought together various stakeholders engaging in climate action.

COP28, which will be held in Dubai between November 30 and December 12, has several thematic areas including renewable and clean energy, health impacts, global healthcare systems, food security and nutrition, climate-smart agriculture, water systems, sustainable consumption, sustainable mobility, climate finance, loss and damage, nature based ecosystems, ocean health and gender equality.

Dennis Munene, a representative from Catholic Youth Network, an affiliate of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), said the youth should take advantage of the fact that the headquarters of the global body is in Nairobi.

“When I got into climate action, all I knew was that the environment was three things – trees, litter and Wangari Maathai. The youth today have access to knowledge and information through Kippra, which is a one of a kind institution in Africa, and also through UNEP, which is next door,” he stated.

The meeting observed that Kenya has a shortage of climate negotiators. Therefore, with the AU having been recently given a permanent seat at G20, it is important that Kenya, and Africa at large, has enough climate negotiators to push the African agenda.

“The research work that is done by Kippra is important to arm the youth with the information they need,” noted Hurdson Thomas, the CEO of Greenspace Youth Network.

For COP27, Kippra supported the youth through training and information sharing for them to understand the policy making process. This prepared them adequately for the summit.

Grace Vihenda, the Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Kenya Airways, said that Kenya is well represented when it comes to sustainable mobility.

“Part of our innovations as Kenya Airways is that we are working on carbon emission reduction. For example, we have worked with a youth group that turns plastic into fuel. Sustainable bio fuel is the way to go. We also do significant conservation work all over the country,” she noted.

By Dibo Willis-Ambetsa

First Lady Rachel Ruto has called for the training of the youth on climate mitigation to empower the future workforce on the development of a green economy.

Mrs Ruto, who was speaking at a meeting of female leaders, the youth, private sector representatives and donors at the Africa Climate Summit First Lady’s pavilion, further noted that the training would help in poverty alleviation, combating the effects of climate change, and building a more resilient, inclusive society.

“Empowered women and youth are the drivers of change in communities. By equipping them with knowledge and skills, we can amplify their impact as champions of clean energy and sustainable practices,” she stated.

She observed that the impact of climate change is already being felt around the world, creating a significant shift in the global economy.

“In Africa, climate change is exacerbating environmental challenges, leading to increased droughts, floods, and heat waves, which are threatening agricultural productivity, food security, and economic development,” she said.

With its youth population expected to double in the next two decades, Africa has the opportunity to drive the global de-carbonisation agenda, which could generate $35 billion in revenue from green products and 800,000 new jobs by 2030, she added.

To ensure a successful and equitable transformation, the First Lady said a majority of young people, especially those from marginalised backgrounds who are disproportionately unemployed, under-employed, or in unstable work within the informal economy must be equipped with requisite knowledge.

“Translating the climate crisis into an opportunity for Africa will require new skills, new forms of leadership and the up-skilling of those in impacted industries and communities. It will require a significant scale up in investments in education and skilling, as well as the creation of the respective normative and policy framework,” she said.

The Africa Climate Summit, hosted by President William Ruto, offers a platform for leadership from the continent to put forth solutions to green various sectors including energy, manufacturing, agriculture, land and ocean use and infrastructure.

The First Lady called for the development of a charter to establish a High Ambition Coalition to be presented by African First Ladies and other global female leaders at COP 28.

By Dibo Willis-Ambetsa

President William Ruto has asked the youth in Africa to use their skills and energy to solve the worsening climate crisis.

President Ruto, who was speaking as he opened the Africa Youth Climate Assembly in Nairobi, a pre-event ahead of the Africa Climate Summit that starts on Monday, said that the youth must drive the continent’s climate agenda and climate-smart efforts.

He noted that they have the capacity to create a sustainable future that will safeguard Africa’ natural carbon sinks and transition the continent’s consumption to be greener and decarbonised.

“African youth must be solution oriented. Being here and holding this event, you fought your way and continue demanding for opportunity that you deserve,” President Ruto said as he declared the forum, whose theme of the assembly is “African-led solutions to global challenges”, opened.

The youth used the forum to rally climate action and draw attention to the unique climate-related vulnerabilities faced by countries in the continent.

They said they will innovate solutions especially through green entrepreneurship to not only create jobs for themselves but to also generate incomes needed to power economies into prosperity.

Meanwhile, Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya on Friday opened the three-day eleventh Climate Change and Development in Africa Conference (CCDA) in Nairobi, which is organised by ClimDev-Africa.

She noted that Africa has the resources to overcome the climate crisis and turn it into an opportunity for accelerated development through innovation, clean technologies and shift to green production.

She added that Africa’s sustainable development will largely be influenced by the continent’s adaptation, mitigation and resilience capacities to the worsening climate crisis.

Youths from different countries in Africa have demanded action from global leaders to help stem the worsening effects of climate change, which include drought.

The youth, who were speaking at a two-day conference in Nairobi as part of the activities of the forthcoming Africa Climate Change Summit, asked political leaders to take charge of the fight against climate change. “We need alternative ways of getting fuel. My dream is to live in a green environment with no deaths and infant mortality. This youth climate summit is evidence that we have a voice,” said Imran Yusuf, a youth climate champion from Garissa County.

The event, whose theme was “Meaningful engagement and unifying youth voices for climate action”, was held a week ahead of the Africa Youth Climate Assembly, a precursor of the Africa Climate Change Summit and the Africa Climate Change Week.

“I ask myself, are we doing enough for the next generations? Climate change is a threat to children and youth’s rights and it amplifies inequalities,” noted Yvonne Arunga, the Country Director of Save the Children. Participants observed that inclusion of the youth in agriculture would see more adoption of climate-smart practices.

“The future of agriculture, with proper climate mitigations put in place is permaculture and agro-ecology. We have to combine traditional knowledge with modern practices to ensure that we have a clear strategy on food production that is also very sustainable,” said Iqbal Ingabo, the co-founder of OnTrak Margharibi, an agribusiness social enterprise based in Kakamega County. On climate financing, the youth said the West has a heavier financial burden compared to developing countries. However, developing countries must show commitment in both contribution and utilisation of climate finances.

The event culminated in the Nairobi Youth Declaration on Climate Change, which will be presented at the Africa Climate Change Summit that kicks off from September 4-8. In the declaration, the youth demanded for inclusion in the climate agenda and
launched a climate ‘mashinani’ (grassroots) initiative, which will see their efforts synergised for efficiency.
“Currently, you will find that different youths in the same region are working on, for instance, lowering carbon emissions through planting of indigenous trees.

Such efforts when combined will become more pronounced and successful. This is the purpose of climate mashinani,” said Fred Tunya, the chairman of the YALI Alumni, who were among the youth organisations represented at the event. Kenya Institute for Public Policy, Research and Analysis (Kippra) Executive Director, Dr Rose Ngugi, noted that the youth play an integral part in climate action and their participation would help the country combat the effects of climate change.

Kippra in a recent study on accelerating the circular economy in plastic waste management found out that the sector is highly fragmented and none of the current frameworks address fully the entire value chain.

“They often ask what Africa brings to the table. Well, with this Summit, and the upcoming Africa Climate Summit, will show to the world that the most crucial element we bring to the table. As Africa, our most critical contribution is millions of young people stepping up and figuring out the future. Young people finding and creating climate solutions,” stated Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Women’sRepresentative, in closing remarks.