Category: Africa

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Over 94 000 cattle vaccinated against FMD in Eastern Cape

Source: Government of South Africa

Over 94 000 cattle vaccinated against FMD in Eastern Cape

Over 94 000 cattle in the Eastern Cape have been vaccinated against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), as part of the ongoing efforts to control and prevent the spread of the disease in affected and surrounding areas in the province.

According to the provincial Department of Agriculture, a total of 94 000 cattle were vaccinated last week and a further 973 were vaccinated in three farms within the Walter Sisulu District on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The department said the vaccination drive follows the arrival of the first 150 000 doses from a one million-dose consignment of the Biogénesis Bagó foot-and-mouth vaccine from Argentina, which reached the province late last week.

The department confirmed that it has ordered 1.05 million vaccine doses through the state-owned designated supplier, Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), after receiving R55 million in emergency funding from the provincial Treasury last month.

“The vaccination team made of veterinary officials, animal health technicians and extension officers are working around the clock to vaccinate an average of 12 000 cattle per day across the province,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.

Officials are prioritising high-risk areas, particularly municipalities bordering affected zones, before moving inward to other identified hotspots.

The Eastern Cape has an estimated cattle herd of 3.5 million. The latest vaccine consignment adds to the 2 600 doses previously received from the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) in mid-February.

“The ARC vaccines covered the area of the communal farm at Kouga in order to protect the dairy farms and potential job losses.”

On Monday, vaccination teams visited the Oosthuizen Farm in Draaihoek, where 208 cattle were vaccinated. This was followed by Strydfontein Farm, where 219 cattle were vaccinated.

Both farms are located in Maletswai and fall within a 10km radius of Joe Gqabi Kraal, which previously tested positive for FMD.

“Vaccination at these farms was carried out as a preventative measure aimed at strengthening disease control and reducing the risk of the virus spreading to nearby livestock,” the department said.

The third farm visited was Vaalbank Farm in James Calata, where 546 cattle were vaccinated.

The farm had previously shown suspected signs of FMD, and on 25 February 2026, veterinary officials collected five serum blood samples and two swab samples for laboratory testing.

“The vaccination of cattle at this farm was important in helping to reduce the viral load within the herd, thereby limiting the potential spread of the FMD virus to surrounding farms and communities,” the department said.

The department reiterated that these vaccination activities form part of broader disease control measures aimed at protecting livestock, supporting farmers, and safeguarding the local agricultural economy. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK

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Statistics Amendment Act ushers new era for data collection

Source: Government of South Africa

Statistics Amendment Act ushers new era for data collection

The implementation of the Statistics Amendment Act by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has opened a new era of data collection and strengthened the overall integrity of the national data ecosystem since it came into effect last October.

This is according to Deputy Minister in the Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli, who led the presentation of Stats SA’s third quarterly report for the 2025/26 financial year before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation on Wednesday.

“This legislation strengthens the coordination of statistical production across government and provides an enhanced framework for collaboration among data producers. 

“Through this amendment, Statistics South Africa is better positioned to work with departments and other institutions to improve the quality, consistency, and credibility of statistics produced across the state.

“The goal is to enable more datasets to achieve official statistical status and to strengthen the overall integrity of the national data ecosystem,” Mhlauli explained.

Furthermore, the new amendment sets the foundation for the entity to “play an even stronger leadership role in shaping and coordinating South Africa’s statistical architecture”.

Resilience and discipline

Mhlauli praised the entity’s resilience and strong institutional performance in the face of “significant financial and human resource constraints”.

“Since the beginning of the financial year, the organisation has achieved over 90% of its planned targets. This performance reflects not only operational discipline but also the dedication of the professionals who ensure that South Africa continues to receive credible and timely official statistics.

“[It] is important to acknowledge the challenges that remain. Statistics South Africa continues to face financial pressures, particularly in relation to the cost of employment as well as goods and services.

“These pressures have had an impact on the institution’s vacancy rate and have also affected its ability to fully meet employment equity targets,” she said.

The Deputy Minister expressed concern that if these challenges remain unaddressed, “the sustainability of certain core statistical series may come under pressure”.

“Ensuring that South Africa maintains a robust and reliable statistical system is essential for both economic governance and democratic accountability,” Mhlauli emphasised.

Fiscal turning point

Turning to South Africa’s economic environment, Mhlauli noted that the “2025/26 financial year represents a pivotal moment in South Africa’s fiscal and developmental trajectory”.

Following a period of sluggish economic growth and strain, public finances are stabilising.

“The current fiscal framework reflects progress toward stabilising the national debt for the first time in more than a decade, while also narrowing the budget deficit through improved primary balances.

“At the same time, the 2025/26 Budget signals a renewed commitment to structural reforms and targeted investment in infrastructure and essential services. These include key sectors such as education, healthcare, and municipal development, which collectively account for a significant portion of national expenditure.

“These investments are aligned with our medium-term priorities of inclusive economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and the continued building of a capable and ethical developmental state,” she said.

Mhlauli noted that in navigating this “strategic turning point”, Stats SA’s role “becomes even more critical”.

She added that the organisation provides the evidence base that allows government and society to understand the country’s socio-economic realities, ensuring government takes data-informed decisions.

“Statistics South Africa, therefore plays a crucial, though often under-appreciated, role in measuring our developmental progress as a nation. Through the production of official statistics, the organisation enables government to monitor economic performance, track social conditions, and evaluate whether policy interventions are achieving their intended outcomes.

“Our national statistical agency provides the evidence base that allows government, Parliament, business, and society at large to understand the country’s socio-economic realities. It ensures that decisions are informed by credible data rather than anecdote,” Mhlauli said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB

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Remarks by Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Nonceba Mhauli, during the presentation of Stats SA 2025/26 Q3 Report to the Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Parliament

Source: President of South Africa –

Chairperson of the Committee, Hon Theliswa Mgweba;
Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee;
Colleagues at Stats SA;
Good morning.

Thank you for the opportunity to appear before this Committee today to present the Third Quarter performance report of Statistics South Africa for the 2025/26 financial year. We appreciate the continued oversight and engagement of the Committee as we collectively work to strengthen the country’s statistical system and ensure accountability in the use of public resources.

Chairperson, the 2025/26 financial year represents a pivotal moment in South Africa’s fiscal and developmental trajectory. After a prolonged period of economic strain, Government is working steadily toward stabilising public finances. The current fiscal framework reflects progress toward stabilising the national debt for the first time in more than a decade, while also narrowing the budget deficit through improved primary balances.

At the same time, the 2025/26 Budget signals a renewed commitment to structural reforms and targeted investment in infrastructure and essential services. These include key sectors such as education, healthcare, and municipal development, which collectively account for a significant portion of national expenditure. These investments are aligned with our medium term priorities of inclusive economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and the continued building of a capable and ethical developmental state.

In this context, the current financial year serves as a strategic turning point. It is a period focused on anchoring fiscal consolidation, advancing reform implementation, and laying the foundations for a more resilient, inclusive, and equitable economy.

Chairperson and Honourable Members,

In navigating such a complex policy environment, the role of Statistics South Africa becomes even more critical. Our national statistical agency provides the evidence base that allows Government, Parliament, business, and society at large to understand the country’s socio-economic realities. It ensures that decisions are informed by credible data rather than anecdote.

Statistics South Africa therefore plays a crucial, though often under-appreciated, role in measuring our developmental progress as a nation. Through the production of official statistics, the organisation enables Government to monitor economic performance, track social conditions, and evaluate whether policy interventions are achieving their intended outcomes.

The 2025/26 financial year is also significant as it marks the first year of implementation of the institution’s new five year strategic plan. This plan outlines the organisation’s priorities in strengthening statistical capability, modernising data systems, and enhancing coordination across the national statistical system.

Despite operating under significant financial and human resource constraints, Statistics South Africa continues to demonstrate resilience and strong institutional performance. Since the beginning of the financial year, the organisation has achieved over ninety percent of its planned targets. This performance reflects not only operational discipline but also the dedication of the professionals who ensure that South Africa continues to receive credible and timely official statistics.

However, Chairperson, it is important to acknowledge the challenges that remain. Statistics South Africa continues to face financial pressures, particularly in relation to the cost of employment as well as goods and services. These pressures have had an impact on the institution’s vacancy rate and have also affected its ability to fully meet employment equity targets.

More broadly, there is a concern that the sustainability of certain core statistical series may come under pressure if these resource constraints are not adequately addressed. Ensuring that South Africa maintains a robust and reliable statistical system is essential for both economic governance and democratic accountability.

On a positive note, I am pleased to highlight an important legislative milestone for the national statistical system. The Statistics Amendment Act, No. 29 of 2024, was proclaimed for implementation on the first of October 2025. This legislation strengthens the coordination of statistical production across Government and provides an enhanced framework for collaboration among data producers.

Through this amendment, Statistics South Africa is better positioned to work with departments and other institutions to improve the quality, consistency, and credibility of statistics produced across the state. The goal is to enable more datasets to achieve official statistical status and to strengthen the overall integrity of the national data ecosystem.

As the implementation of the amended Act progresses, we expect Statistics South Africa to play an even stronger leadership role in shaping and coordinating South Africa’s statistical architecture.

Chairperson and Honourable Members,

We are here today to present the organisation’s financial and organisational performance for the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year. The Acting Statistician-General will take the Committee through the detailed progress made against the strategic outcomes contained in the new five year strategic plan, as well as the financial performance of the institution.

With those introductory remarks, Chairperson, allow me to hand over to the Acting Statistician-General, Mr Joe de Beer, who will present the detailed report to the Committee.

Thank you.

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South Africa: Good Performance of Lepelle and Overberg Boards Undermined by Misaligned Water Value Chain

Source: APO


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The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation has welcomed the improved performance of two water boards, Lepelle Northern Water and Overberg Water, but cautioned that misalignment within the water value chain continues to result in communities experiencing dry taps.

The committee is currently undertaking a process of considering the annual reports of all water boards and received briefings from Lepelle Northern Water and Overberg Water. While the committee commended the improving governance and operational performance of both entities, it noted that the lived experiences of end users in the areas where these boards operate often paint a contrary picture to the positive performance outcomes reported.

“The good performance by the water boards is a direct representation of a fractured system, where improvements in the performance of the water boards do not translate into direct positive outcomes for communities. In a fully functional system, improvements in the performance of the water boards would lead to a tangible improvement in water access for the people,” said Mr Leon Basson, the Chairperson of the committee.

Municipalities, which are a critical role player in the water value chain, continue to exert downward pressure on the system through high levels of non-revenue water within municipal reticulation systems and the persistent non-payment for bulk water services supplied by the water boards. These challenges pose a significant risk to the financial sustainability of water boards.

The committee continues to urge a collaborative approach between the Department of Water and Sanitation and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs to ensure comprehensive alignment across the water value chain and to safeguard access to water as a foundation for socio-economic development.

Regarding Lepelle Northern Water, the committee welcomed the improvement in governance and operational performance. The entity achieved an overall performance rate of 90% against its planned targets. Considering the governance and operational challenges experienced in previous financial years, the committee encouraged the board and senior management to continue prioritising liquidity and the overall financial health of the entity.

While revenue collection has improved by 11%, the committee remains concerned about the impact of municipal debt on the financial sustainability of the entity. Municipal debt owed to Lepelle Northern Water has increased to R1.36 billion, which remains a serious concern. The committee reiterated that municipal debt to water boards is a matter requiring urgent attention to ensure the sustainability of both the water boards and the broader water supply system.

Regarding Overberg Water, the committee emphasised the need for the entity to develop a clear growth strategy to expand its revenue base and ensure long-term sustainability. The committee welcomed several initiatives aimed at improving revenue generation, including plans to secure additional industrial customers and farmers, as well as the management of wastewater treatment works on behalf of municipalities and commercial clients.

The committee also noted positively the clean audit outcome achieved by Overberg Water. It remains the committee’s view that sound governance and strong financial management form a critical foundation for institutional effectiveness and service delivery.

Meanwhile, the committee resolved, following legal advice, to give the National Economic Development and Labour Council 14 days to make a submission on the Water Services Amendment Bill [B24 – 2025], following a request by NEDLAC for the committee to allow the Department of Water and Sanitation and Nedlac sufficient time to engage on the Bill. The committee is of the view that the three months requested by NEDLAC is not practical and would unreasonably delay the consideration of the Bill.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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Nigeria adopts national policy to strengthen cosmetics safety

Source: APO


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Nigeria has approved its first national policy on cosmetics safety and health after nearly two decades of stalled attempts. The policy was launched at the Sixty sixth National Council on Health in Calabar. It establishes a clear system to regulate how cosmetic products are manufactured, imported, sold, used and disposed of.

The new policy supports major government priorities. It aligns with the National Strategic Health Development Plan II, the National Chemical Safety Policy and the National Environmental Health Action Plan. It also advances the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and strengthens the country’s commitments under the International Health Regulations and the Minamata

Convention on Mercury.

By improving regulation and surveillance, the policy strengthens health security, protects consumers and supports economic diversification. It also responds to state level priorities, since implementation will take place across all thirty six states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Everyday products, real health risks

Cosmetics are part of daily life for millions of Nigerians, but many people do not know what is inside the products they use.
Amina Yusuf, a shop attendant in Tarauni local government area, Kano State, said she developed skin irritation after using a product sold as a “natural toning oil”.

“I thought it was safe because it was called organic,” Yusuf said. “But my skin became sensitive, and small cuts took longer to heal.” A health worker later explained that the product likely contained harmful chemicals.

In Kura local government area, community members described how some traders repackage creams without labels. One resident said a neighbour developed rashes after using a mixture bought at a weekly market. “People buy what they can afford,” she said.

“Most of us do not have access to formally regulated shops.”

In Sabon Gari market, Kano State, an expectant mother, Gloria Okafor, learned during an antenatal visit that a cream she used for stretch marks might contain heavy metals. “I was careful with food and medicine during pregnancy,” Okafor said. “I never imagined body cream could be a risk.”

These experiences reflect wider challenges: limited consumer awareness, informal distribution systems and economic pressures that make unregulated products common.

The scale of the problem

Recent national and global assessments highlight both the scale and the safety concerns within Nigeria’s cosmetics sector.

Nigeria’s cosmetics industry has grown into a dynamic and increasingly sophisticated sector, with a market valuation exceeding US$ 7.8 billion¹. Globally, the cosmetics market is valued at over US$ 429.2 billion², presenting both economic opportunity and regulatory challenges, particularly in low  and middle income countries (LMICs) such as Nigeria. Since 2022, Nigeria has registered close to 9 000 cosmetic products that meet national regulatory requirements under the oversight of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control³, reflecting strengthened compliance efforts.

However, toxicological evidence remains concerning. Globally, over 100 known carcinogens and at least 15 endocrine disrupting chemicals have been identified in cosmetic formulations². In Nigeria, a study conducted in Anambra State found lead contamination in 62% of tested cosmetic products, with concentrations ranging from 0.10 to 42.12 mg/kg⁴ (exceeding the World Health Organization permissible limit of 10 mg/kg). Additional investigations in Ibadan and Lagos confirmed cadmium, lead and nickel levels above international safety limits in personal care products⁵⁻⁶.

These findings underscore the urgent need for strengthened surveillance, consumer awareness and enforcement to protect public health.

Why regulation matters

Studies in Nigeria have found high levels of lead, cadmium and other harmful substances in some cosmetic products. These chemicals can cause kidney problems, skin damage and complications during pregnancy.

Market surveillance efforts in Kurmi market, Kano Municipal local government area, reveal widespread mislabelling and repackaging practices. According to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control officer Audu Tanimu, “Some products are intentionally labelled to avoid suspicion, but laboratory testing shows restricted substances. Enforcement efforts are ongoing, yet informal supply chains continue to complicate traceability.”

Turn the vision to reality

After years of Nigeria’s vision to develop a cosmetic policy, World Health Organization (WHO) worked with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, state governments, Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), civil society and industry groups in 2025 to turn this into reality. It provided technical guidance, reviewed evidence, supported meetings with partners and helped strengthen surveillance and reporting systems. This support built on years of collaboration to improve chemical safety and International Health Regulations core capacities.

This work was supported by funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and RTSL.

What will change

The new policy introduces three main areas of action:

•    Regulatory oversight and governance — A unified national system will ensure all cosmetic products meet safety and quality standards and improve coordination across agencies.
•    Cosmetics vigilance and health intelligence — A national early warning system will help detect harmful products faster and support quicker public health responses.
•    Strengthening the cosmetics value chain — The policy supports safer manufacturing and responsible trade. It also aligns with African Continental Free Trade Area opportunities, helping local industries grow while protecting workers and consumers.
These changes are expected to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, lower the number of cosmetic related health complications and improve consumer confidence.

A collective effort

Implementation will begin across all states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, state governments, civil society and private sector actors will lead the rollout. WHO and Resolve to Save Lives will continue supporting government efforts to strengthen surveillance, raise awareness and promote safer markets.

This milestone reflects the combined efforts of government, regulators, communities and partners working toward a shared goal: protecting Nigerians from harmful exposures and strengthening national health security.

A call to action

•    Political and financial commitment from government counterparts at all levels to prioritise implementation of the policy.
•    Consumers should choose labelled and registered cosmetic products to safeguard their health.
•    Industry actors should follow national safety standards.
•    Health workers play a critical role in identifying cosmetic related health effects early and responding appropriately.
•    Everyone should help raise awareness about the health effects of cosmetics and protect communities from preventable harm.

Together, Nigeria can build a safer cosmetics market that protects health and supports local businesses.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) – Nigeria.

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Seychelles President Dr Patrick Herminie Pays Courtesy Call on President Dharambeer Gokhool

Source: APO


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The President of the Republic of Seychelles, Dr Patrick Herminie, accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs Véronique Herminie, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Mr Dharambeer Gokhool, GCSK, President of the Republic of Mauritius, and the First Lady of the Republic of Mauritius, Mrs Brinda Gokhool, at State House this afternoon.

He was accompanied by a high-level delegation including Honourable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.

President Gokhool warmly welcomed President Herminie and conveyed his congratulations following his victory in the presidential run-off election of October 2025.

He also commended the values highlighted in President Herminie’s victory speech, notably the commitment to revitalising public services, strengthening national unity, promoting good governance and building a legacy for future generations.

Both Heads of State reflected on the common pathways of their personal and professional journeys, shaped by humble beginnings and guided by a shared commitment to service, integrity and good governance.

The President of the Republic of Mauritius also welcomed the participation of the Seychelles Defence Forces in the Mauritian National Day celebrations, including the National Défilé, noting that this gesture further reinforces the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two island nations.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the longstanding bilateral relations between Mauritius and Seychelles, formally established in 1988. Discussions also focused on strengthening cooperation through existing and forthcoming Memoranda of Understanding in key sectors including investment, education, culture, tourism, trade and maritime security.

President Gokhool laid strong emphasis on areas of particular importance for enhanced collaboration, including maritime safety and security, the blue economy, fisheries development and sustainable tourism. The two leaders also emphasised the importance of climate action and resilience for Small Island Developing States.

The issue of the Chagossian community residing in Seychelles was also talked about. President Dharambeer Gokhool, together with Honourable Minister Ramful, reaffirmed Mauritius’ continued commitment and support in this regard.

After the meeting, President Herminie also signed the visitors’ book at State House.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the First Ladies, Mrs Brinda Gokhool and Mrs Véronique Herminie, also held a warm and productive exchange on social and cultural issues of mutual interest.

His Excellency Dr Patrick Herminie is in Mauritius as Chief Guest for the celebrations marking the 58th Anniversary of the Independence of Mauritius and the 34th Anniversary of the Republic. The courtesy call took place a spirit of friendship and mutual respect, reflecting the strong and enduring partnership between Mauritius and Seychelles

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

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Power cuts are the new normal in Kenya – what went wrong and how to fix it

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Peter Twesigye, Research Lead: Power Market Reforms and Regulation, University of Cape Town

Millions of Kenyan households and businesses have been subjected to interruptions of electricity supply since late 2024 owing to production shortfalls. President William Ruto acknowledged this, explaining that “daily load-shedding” had become necessary and that power would be switched off in some areas between 5pm and 10pm to stabilise the national grid.

Until now, Kenya’s electricity supply has been mostly adequate to meet supply. However, there were multiple nationwide blackouts between 2020 and 2024. These disruptions were due to technical failures rather than unmet demand.

The uncomfortable truth is that Kenya’s demand surge is testing the limits of what grid engineers call “firm and operationally available capacity”. This is what can be counted on when the evening peak demand rises sharply, stretching the system’s ability to maintain frequency and voltage within limits.

By the end of January 2026, the published system peak was 2,439.06 MW compared to firm capacity of 2,495 MW. There was a narrow reserve margin of only 2.3%. This peak was recorded on 4 December 2025, and was framed by Kenya Power itself as a historic high.

Kenya has a reserve of nearly 800 MW on paper, but only about 56 MW of breathing room on firm capacity. This is a razor-thin margin for a system that must ride over:

  • transmission constraints such as transformer overloads due to unexpected demand spikes and equipment failure

  • inadequate generation forces for dispatchable baseload, from post-sunset loss of solar output of 514 MW and at times wind of 436 MW with low capacity factors

  • limited flexibility to support timely ramping (how fast the rest of the system must move up or down when a generation unit trips).

My research focus is power market reforms, regulation and utility performance – including Kenya’s. My assessment is that Kenya’s power sector is not short of renewable energy resources to exploit. It is short of capital and a well-planned procurement pipeline of investments in new power plants and grid resilience.

Policy makers have to do more to keep up with an economy whose peak demand now resets with unsettling frequency, affecting businesses and home users.

Kenya’s optimum outcome is not simply higher installed megawatt capacity. It is the combined effect of:

  • sufficient energy capacity

  • the system’s capacity to meet fluctuating demand, changes in generation output and unexpected outages

  • ability to operate, refurbish and maintain the grid network to meet set technical regulatory standards.

How did supply fall behind demand?

Three structural drivers explain the current crisis.

First, no new interconnected power plants have been commissioned during the past four years. Kenya’s new capacity pipeline was constrained by a moratorium on new plants imposed in 2021. The moratorium was only lifted in December 2025 by the National Assembly, reopening the door to new procurement via competitive auctions.

Second, peak demand growth accelerated over the same time period. In February 2025, for instance, peak demand grew by the largest margin in five years. This growth was driven mainly by industrial and commercial users, a growing fleet of electric vehicles, new data centres, and an aggressive domestic power connectivity programme.

The utility surpassed 10 million customers with over 401,848 new connections in the year to 30 June 2025. This resurgence translates into a growth in sales to 11,403 GWh in just one financial year, 2024/25. The result was that a planning problem became an operational one. The mass connectivity programme stepped up over the past eight years is a triumph as the country rushes to achieve universal electrification goals. But it is also the core demand-side force compressing reserve margins.

The third factor that’s affected the power network is that industrial and commercial consumers are increasingly financing their own supply. Instead of waiting for grid reliability to improve, firms have been building their own dedicated power plants. By June 2025, so-called captive (self-consumption) capacity reached 603.8 MW (about 15.72% of total installed capacity), dominated by captive solar PV and bioenergy.

While these are cheaper and more reliable sources, they are not failure-free and also serve to mask the growing national deficit.

Furthermore, this trend complicates system planning because Kenya Power’s revenue base and load profile become less predictable, leading to system imbalances and frequent outages.

What’s behind the instability of Kenya’s electricity grid?

Kenya’s energy mix is renewables-led. Renewable energy stands at 80% of the energy mix and has been steadily rising over the last 10 years.

The largest technology shares are: geothermal 943 MW (25.92%), hydro 872.5 MW (23.9%), solar 514.1 MW (14.1%), wind 436 MW (11.9%), and bioenergy 163.8 MW. The country also imports electricity from Ethiopia and Uganda, accounting for 10.6% of the total.

This picture shows why system flexibility and network reliability are key. When solar and wind power aren’t available, the system must turn to geothermal, hydro and thermal while maintaining reserves.

With firm capacity only modestly above the latest peak, even a single contingency can force controlled load-shedding to preserve system integrity.

Kenya’s grid instability is not one problem, however. Network reliability is undermined by system leakages from unbilled or stolen energy. In 2025, average annual losses amounted to 23.36% – far above the regulator’s allowable benchmark of 17.5%. Reliability is improving, but still a far cry from best practice.

Another major factor is inadequate transmission infrastructure, primarily its high-voltage transmission lines. This means that Kenya also needs to massively invest in expanding its transmission system. Indeed, the power transmission monopoly – Ketraco – warns in its 2025-2044 master plan that keeping up with demand growth requires a multi-billion-dollar buildout. It points to an estimated financing gap of roughly US$4.38 billion across planned transmission investments.

What’s needed

Four options stand out for consideration.

The first is rebuilding the pipeline of new power plants. The quickest reliability gains will come from adding new low-carbon capacity from geothermal rehabilitation and new gas units. Policymakers must also ensure adequate extra generation capacity to provide power within seconds or minutes to cover a likely generation failure or demand spike.

Second, the system needs modern flexibility tools, such as battery storage, gas and imports. This is because storage and grid-stability investments can improve system flexibility and reduce the need for load-shedding when supply from renewables dips during peak demand.

Third, private capital participation is unavoidable if the grid is to stay ahead of demand. The most concrete step so far is the transmission monopoly’s US$311 million (KES 40.4 billion) public-private partnership signed in December 2025 with Africa50 and Power Grid Corporation of India.

Finally, stability depends on addressing system losses. This can be achieved by scaling up smart metering, restructuring distribution lines, and reducing vandalism and illegal connections. This can translate into added capacity.

– Power cuts are the new normal in Kenya – what went wrong and how to fix it
– https://theconversation.com/power-cuts-are-the-new-normal-in-kenya-what-went-wrong-and-how-to-fix-it-276611

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Crocodiles can have extra growth cycles in a year – why this matters for estimating the age of dinosaurs

Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan, Professor, Biological Sciences Department, University of Cape Town

In biology and palaeontology (the study of extinct organisms) there are a few ways to estimate the age of an animal’s skeleton. One is the extent of fusion of sutures in the skeleton – how much the plates of bone have joined together as the animal matured. Another is the texture of the bone surfaces. Then there are growth marks recorded in the microscopic structure of bone.

Many modern animals grow in periodic spurts (fast at times, slowly at other times). It’s generally thought that they grow fast in the good seasons when the environment is better for them in terms of food, temperature and water. They are thought to grow more slowly during unfavourable seasons, when the growth marks form in their bones, rather like the rings formed in trees. By counting the number of growth marks inside the bone tissues, scientists estimate the age of the animal. This method is called skeletochronology.

Over the years there have been a few studies that have determined when the different growth cycles formed, and have proposed the utility of skeletochronology for age determination.

The application of skeletochronology has been particularly important in working out the age of extinct reptiles like dinosaurs. It’s also been used as the basis for constructing graphs showing how the animal grew over time and comparing the rate of growth of different dinosaurs. This is very useful when trying to assess how extinct animals (like dinosaurs) grew up, and in some cases reached gigantic proportions.

Our work in our palaeobiology laboratory at the University of Cape Town has shown that juvenile (wild and captive) caimans, American reptiles related to crocodiles and alligators, under one year of age showed growth marks in their bones. This was unexpected because the animals were too young to show annual periods of quick and slow growth.

This study by our team suggested there was a need for a more cautious approach to estimating the age of skeletons. This caution was reinforced by similar findings in our later work on Nile crocodiles.

Working with bones. Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan

More growth marks than expected

Our work on the Nile crocodiles began as an investigation into their growth dynamics. On three occasions we administered antibiotics to two-year-old crocodiles at the Le Bonheur Reptiles and Adventures farm, about 60km from Cape Town in South Africa. These antibiotics became incorporated into the bones of the growing crocodiles.

Later, when the crocodiles died, we skeletonised the carcasses and prepared thin sections of their bones which we examined under the microscope. The antibiotic markers allowed us to deduce how much bone growth had occurred in specific time periods.

Much to our surprise, we found that aside from a slowdown in growth during the unfavourable (winter) season, extra growth marks formed during the favourable (summer) season when fast growth was expected. These extra growth marks tell us that the crocodile responded to some environmental factors (perhaps temperature, rainfall, or competition) by slowing down their growth and forming a growth ring.

We found that the two-year-old crocodiles had as many as five or six growth cycles in their bones. We would have expected only one per year. This meant that if we applied skeletochronology, we would have overestimated the age of the crocodiles. Until now, most of the time when skeletochronology was applied, the concern has been about under-estimating the age of the animal (because growth marks are sometimes removed during normal growth processes).

Questions about method of establishing bone age

Our study of these living relatives of dinosaurs raises questions regarding the accuracy of using skeletochronology for estimating the age of dinosaurs. We know the four crocodiles were raised on a crocodile farm, which perhaps does not ideally reflect their a natural environment. But we are also aware that on the farm, they would have had optimal conditions for growth – and yet, under these ideal circumstances, they formed extra marks.

Two-year-old crocodiles had as many as five or six growth cycles in their bones. We would have expected only one per year. Maria Eugenia Pereyra

Currently investigations into dinosaur skeletochronology are plagued by several issues such as the presence of multiple closely spaced growth marks that are difficult to separate out, as well as some growth marks that cannot be followed around the whole circumference of the cross section of the bone. Added to this, we suggest that since living relatives of dinosaurs (birds and crocodiles) can form extra growth marks, some of the growth marks in dinosaur bones could well be “extra” and therefore unrelated to their age.

More research is clearly needed to investigate this matter. An obvious first step is to undertake a similar study of crocodiles and alligators in the wild – a feat easier said than done.

– Crocodiles can have extra growth cycles in a year – why this matters for estimating the age of dinosaurs
– https://theconversation.com/crocodiles-can-have-extra-growth-cycles-in-a-year-why-this-matters-for-estimating-the-age-of-dinosaurs-276077

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President El-Sisi Meets Prime Minister, Minister of Petroleum

Source: APO


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Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi met with Prime Minister Dr. Moustafa Madbouly and Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Engineer Karim Badawi.

The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting reviewed efforts made by Egyptian companies to increase production through hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling. The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Karim Badawi, said the petroleum sector is accelerating the implementation of these technologies, which will enable access to oil and gas resources that are difficult to exploit using traditional methods and will support a significant increase in crude oil and gas production. President El-Sisi emphasized the necessity of making available and localizing modern technologies that contribute to increased productivity, similar to successful global and regional experiences. The President also stressed the importance of establishing appropriate mechanisms to ensure optimal economic implementation, in cooperation with major drilling and technology service companies and production partners. The meeting also addressed the work program for an aerial survey of mineral resources, aimed at increasing investments in the mining sector.

Recent movements in petroleum product and gas prices, as a result of the escalation of events in the region, were also reviewed. The President followed up on measures taken to ensure the availability of various petroleum products for the production sectors, power plants, and other uses.

The Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources confirmed during the meeting that the petroleum sector is committed to continuing to reduce the overdue dues to foreign partners until they are fully settled, in parallel with ensuring the regular payment of the monthly bill and preventing any future delays. He pointed out that the ministry is adopting an approach based on continuous consultation with investors to understand their needs and suggestions, and to find the best systems that achieve the maximum mutual benefit for all parties.

President El-Sisi emphasized the importance of maintaining the regular payment of dues to international oil companies to encourage increased exploration and production. The President also stressed the need to establish a mechanism to develop research, exploration, and development activities to meet local needs and reduce imports.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

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African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) steel sisters break barriers for peace in Mogadishu

Source: APO


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In Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, three Ugandan female peacekeepers serving under the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) are redefining the face of frontline service.

Private Gunner Epila Juliet, Tank Driver Private Onying Ruth, and their commander, Corporal Nabukenya Barbra, are part of the mission’s motorised armoured unit. The three are demonstrating courage, competence, and professionalism in roles traditionally dominated by men. Their presence in Somalia underscores a broader shift in peacekeeping operations, where women are taking on combat and leadership roles and excelling in them.

Aboard her armoured vehicle in Mogadishu, Private Juliet carefully maintains her 12.7mm heavy machine gun, speaking with confidence about the weapon she operates.

“This is a 12.7mm calibre heavy machine gun with a maximum range of 6,000 metres,” she explains. “Its effective range is 2,000 metres on the ground and 1,800 metres in the air. When elevated, it can also function as an anti-aircraft weapon.”

Her precision reflects both technical mastery and a deep sense of responsibility.

Protection of Civilians

For Juliet, her weapon represents more than firepower; it symbolises duty.

“This is my everything, my weapon, and I take pride in it,” she says. “Every morning, I clean it and prepare for the operations assigned by my commanders. In Somalia, we are here to protect civilians under the AUSSOM peacekeeping mission.”

Juliet serves in AUSSOM Sector One, covering Mogadishu and the Lower Shabelle region. This is her first peacekeeping deployment after five years in the military. She describes the mission as both a professional milestone and a personal calling.

As the world marks International Women’s Day on 8 March, recognising the critical role of women in peace and security, the contributions of soldiers like Juliet resonate strongly.

Leadership and Precision in the Tank Unit

A short distance from central Mogadishu, near the white sands of Jazeera Beach, Private Onying and Corporal Barbra stand beside their tank – the only women in their unit. Within the steel hull of this heavily armoured vehicle lies one of the most demanding roles in modern peace support operations: mobility, protection, and decisive response under pressure.

Private Onying, tall and resolute, serves as the tank driver. Her responsibility extends far beyond steering. She must manoeuvre the multi-tonne vehicle across complex terrain, maintain mechanical readiness, and respond instantly to commands during high-risk operations.

“As a tank driver, my role is to move the tank to the terrain designated by the commander and position it strategically, ready to engage if necessary,” she explains. “Every movement must be precise.”

Commanding the unit is Corporal Nabukenya Barbra, whose leadership anchors the team. Tasked with directing operations, assessing threats, and ensuring coordination with other units, she embodies discipline and decisiveness.

“I feel honoured to serve as part of the African Union peacekeepers restoring peace and stability in Somalia,” she says. “What motivates me most is serving others. Contributing something meaningful gives me deep satisfaction.”

Leading an armoured unit in a male-dominated field demands resilience, confidence, and strategic acumen, qualities Corporal Nabukenya embraces fully.

“Serving as a commander in this field has been both challenging and rewarding. I enjoy demanding roles like this. My position demonstrates that women are equally capable of leading in complex operational environments,” she says.

Together, these soldiers represent more than operational strength. They symbolise progress within peacekeeping forces and serve as visible role models for young women aspiring to military and leadership careers.

On the frontlines of Mogadishu, AUSSOM’s steel sisters are not only safeguarding communities; they are reshaping perceptions, strengthening mission effectiveness, and proving that courage, leadership, and professionalism know no gender.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).