Category: Africa

Source: APO

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) continues to strengthen operational readiness and sustain pressure against banditry in the North Rift, reinforcing efforts to restore lasting peace, protect communities and create a secure environment for socio-economic development.

Commander Kenya Army, Lieutenant General David Ketter, visited troops deployed under Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) at Kacheliba and Kainuk Forward Operating Bases, where he assessed operational readiness, reviewed the prevailing security situation and commended personnel for their dedication to restoring stability and safeguarding lives and property.

Addressing the troops, Lieutenant General Ketter emphasised the importance of sustained vigilance, discipline, professionalism and mission focus in confronting persistent security threats. He urged personnel to maintain a high state of combat readiness, remain proactive in their operational responsibilities and respond decisively to emerging threats.

The Commander underscored the critical role of sustained security operations in denying criminal elements freedom of action, protecting vulnerable communities and consolidating security gains across the region.

The visit further reinforced the Kenya Army’s commitment to maintaining a motivated, resilient and mission-ready force capable of supporting the broader national security effort.

Through sustained operational presence and vigilance, OMU troops remain central to efforts to suppress banditry, restore public confidence and create conditions for enduring peace, stability and development in the North Rift.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

The UK branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women held its annual activity assessment meeting on 10 October in London.

At the meeting, in which 130 representatives of the union’s sub-branches took part, Mr. Saleh Abdella, Chargé d’Affaires at the Eritrean Embassy in the UK and Ireland, noted that awareness and organization are the strongest instruments and called for reinforced efforts in this regard.

Mr. Tewolde Yohannes, Head of Public and Community Affairs, provided an extensive briefing on the objective situation in the homeland, as well as regional and global developments, in relation to current programs and priorities. He also called for the preparation of practical future programs.

According to the report presented by Ms. Senait Haile, chairperson of the UK union branch, encouraging activities were carried out in 2026, including enhancing the awareness of members in general and heads of branches and sub-branches in particular; expanding and strengthening the union and recruiting young women; strengthening public diplomacy activities; contributing to the successful implementation of the Mendefera Training Center Project; and implementing community and national programs.

The participants held extensive discussions on the reports presented and on future programs.

At the meeting, heads and representatives of the national committee, organizations, and associations delivered messages of support for the activities of the National Union of Eritrean Women’s UK branch.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

Environmental conservation is a critical pillar of national security, climate resilience and sustainable development. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) marked National Mazingira Day 2026 through coordinated tree-growing initiatives in Narok and Laikipia counties, reinforcing its commitment to ecosystem restoration and environmental sustainability.
Cabinet Secretary for Defence, Hon. Soipan Tuya, led tree-growing activities at Narok West Technical Training Institute (NWTTI) in Narok County, bringing together representatives from national and county governments, educational institutions, government agencies, the security sector, civil society organisations and local communities.

Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Tuya emphasised that environmental conservation must extend beyond planting seedlings to ensuring their survival through sustained nurturing, protection and maintenance. She called upon institutions and communities to embrace tree growing as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-day activity.

In Laikipia County, Defence Principal Secretary Dr Patrick Mariru led Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel, civilian staff and environmental stakeholders in planting 10,000 indigenous tree seedlings at Lariak Forest.

The exercise, undertaken through the KDF Environmental Soldier Programme, focused on rehabilitating degraded forest areas, restoring biodiversity and strengthening ecosystem resilience against the effects of climate change.

The two initiatives underscored the Ministry’s strategic approach to environmental security, recognising the link between healthy ecosystems, community livelihoods, climate resilience and long-term national stability.

The activities also reinforced the Ministry’s contribution towards the Government’s ambitious target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. With more than 153 million trees planted nationwide, the Ministry of Defence continues to advance forest restoration, environmental stewardship and climate action in support of a greener, safer and more resilient Kenya.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Defence – Kenya.

Source: APO

The Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, Eng. John Kipchumba Tanui, CBS, has called for stronger partnerships between industry and academia to equip Kenya’s youth with practical, market-relevant skills that respond to the demands of a rapidly evolving economy.

Eng. Tanui made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Rift Valley Technical Training Institute (RVTTI) Partners’ Breakfast Meeting, held under the theme “Sustainable Futures.”

The meeting was hosted by Eng. Prof. David K. Some, Chair of the RVTTI Board of Management, and Mrs. Loice Kutoh, Chief Principal and Secretary to the Board of Management.

The Principal Secretary underscored the importance of aligning technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with industry needs, noting that closer collaboration between training institutions and employers is essential to preparing graduates for meaningful employment and emerging economic opportunities.

He highlighted the role of digital technologies in transforming education, industry and the wider economy, emphasizing the need to integrate information and communication technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies into technical and vocational training.

Such integration can enhance productivity, foster innovation and equip young people with the competencies required to participate effectively in Kenya’s expanding digital economy.

Eng. Tanui further called for stronger collaboration between industry and training institutions in curriculum development, industrial attachment, and practical skills training, aimed at narrowing the gap between academic qualifications and workplace demands.

He observed that sustained partnerships between industry and academia can bridge the gap between education and employment, stimulate investment, drive job creation, and foster a more competitive and resilient economy.

The engagement underscored the importance of a collaborative approach to skills development – one that brings together training institutions, industry, and government to cultivate a workforce equipped to respond to technological change and support Kenya’s long-term development aspirations.

The State Department for ICT and the Digital Economy continues to advance Kenya’s digital transformation agenda, with digital skills and human capital development serving as key foundations for inclusive growth, innovation and a sustainable digital economy.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), Kenya.

Source: APO

Freselam and Bahti Meskerem schools in the Central Region have encouraged outstanding students who scored high marks in the eighth-grade national examination for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Accordingly, Freselam Elementary and Junior School in Gejeret sub-zone recognized 77 outstanding students, including 50 female students, who scored 90 points or above. The school also recognized nine exemplary teachers.

Noting that 98.4% of the students who sat for the national examination obtained passing marks, Mr. Tedros Tekle, chairman of the parents’ committee, said that the number of students who obtained passing marks had increased by over 3% compared with last year.

Likewise, Bahti Meskerem Junior School in Edaga-Hamus sub-zone recognized 52 outstanding students, including 31 female students. A special award was also presented to a female student who scored 99.6 points in the national examination.

Ms. Saliha Mohammed, administrator of the sub-zone, called on the award-winning students to work hard and excel in their high school education.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Source: APO

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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has commenced a workshop in Accra, Ghana on 12 October 2026 to advance the implementation of the ECOWAS Inter-Institutional Communication Strategy and the ECOWAS Institutions Information and Communication Policy for 2026–2031.

The workshop brings together communication officers from ECOWAS institutions and specialised agencies to strengthen coordination, align institutional messaging, share communication priorities and translate the objectives of the newly adopted policy and strategy into concrete, coordinated actions in support of regional integration and the ECOWAS Vision 2050.

In his opening remarks, Mr Joel AHOFODJI, Director of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, underscored the strategic importance of communication in advancing regional integration and bringing the Community closer to its citizens. He noted that the workshop marks a critical step towards moving from the adoption of the policy and strategy to their effective implementation.

He emphasised the need to translate the objectives of the 2026–2031 framework into practical initiatives that respond to the rapidly evolving digital communication landscape. He further highlighted the importance of addressing emerging challenges in the information environment and strengthening communication as a strategic instrument for achieving the aspirations of ECOWAS Vision 2050.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Federal Republic of Germany, Lilian Seffer, representing GIZ, congratulated ECOWAS on reaching this important milestone and stressed the need to move decisively from policy development to implementation.

She highlighted the central role of communication in advancing the transition from an “ECOWAS of States” to an “ECOWAS of Peoples”, noting that effective communication is essential to fostering citizens’ understanding of, trust in and engagement with the regional integration process. Against the backdrop of declining public trust in multilateral institutions, she reaffirmed GIZ’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS in implementing its new communication policy and strategy.

Also addressing participants, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan GANA, who conveyed the message of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. General Birame DIOP, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to GIZ for its continued partnership and support.

Ambassador Gana observed that ECOWAS is operating at a decisive moment in its history, as the information landscape undergoes rapid transformation driven by technological advances, including artificial intelligence. He stressed that these developments present challenges that extend beyond communication to encompass peace, security and regional stability, requiring a coordinated and forward-looking institutional response.

He underscored the importance of establishing clear roles and responsibilities, strengthening collaboration among ECOWAS institutions and ensuring a coherent approach to communication across the Community. Such efforts, he noted, are essential to addressing emerging information challenges and ensuring that ECOWAS communicates its priorities, decisions and achievements effectively and consistently.

Throughout the workshop, participants will reflect on communication achievements and lessons learned in 2026 to inform future interventions. Discussions will also focus on understanding the current priorities of ECOWAS management and translating them into clear, consistent messages that can be communicated collectively across the institutions. In preparation for 2027, communication officers will share their respective institutional priorities and explore opportunities to link, coordinate and amplify planned activities for greater reach and impact. The workshop will further provide a platform for participants to work collaboratively on common communication challenges, exchange ideas and experiences, and identify practical solutions while learning from one another.

Through this workshop, ECOWAS seeks to strengthen inter-institutional cooperation, promote greater consistency in its public messaging and enhance the visibility and impact of its programmes and initiatives. The process is expected to contribute to a more coordinated, citizen-centred and responsive communication approach that supports regional integration, reinforces public engagement and advances the vision of an ECOWAS of Peoples.

The initiative also reflects the shared commitment of ECOWAS and GIZ to ensuring that the newly adopted communication policy and strategy translate into practical measures that enhance institutional coordination and enable the Community to communicate more effectively in an increasingly complex and digitalised information environment.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).