Kenya Roundup: Malaria cases, murder, school feeding, bilateral talks

Malaria cases

Recent findings from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute, reveal a concerning link between climate change and rising malaria cases in northern Kenya. While the overall malaria prevalence has decreased from 8% to 6% from 2015 to 2020, certain areas, particularly Turkana, have experienced a significant increase in malaria risk, attributed to heightened rainfall and temperature that create ideal breeding habitats for Anopheles mosquitoes. This situation underscores the necessity for targeted public health interventions that accommodate local environmental variances, as well as the need for innovative approaches to safeguard vulnerable populations against climate-induced health risks, MedicalXpress reports.

Ruling on finance law

Kenya's Supreme Court has reversed the previous appeals court's ruling that deemed the 2023 finance law unconstitutional, representing a crucial win for President William Ruto's administration. According to US News, the finance law, which incorporates tax hikes on fuel and introduces a housing levy, has spurred protests that led to the rescindment of this year's finance bill. Following this ruling, the government is now enabled to continue tax collection, with President Ruto asserting the indispensability of such tax increases for funding development projects and curbing public debt. Additionally, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is poised to approve a new funding tranche for the nation, contingent on this judicial decision.

School feeding programme

In a bid to bolster nutrition and education, President Ruto has unveiled an extensive initiative aimed at expanding the national school feeding programme from catering to 2.6 million students up to 10 million by 2030. Lauded at the Global School Meals Coalition meeting, this strategy involves tripling the programme's budget to enhance nutritional access, elevate learning outcomes, and promote community development. With its origins tracing back to 1966 and substantial evolution due to partnerships with the World Food Programme, this program now prioritises sustainable practices and local sourcing, which concurrently supports local economies. Local news reports say that Ruto's administration is appealing for international partnerships to ensure universal educational access through proper dietary provisions.

Kenya-UK Bilateral talks

In the Kenya-UK Bilateral Talks, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi engaged with the UK's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, David Lammy, to fortify strategic links between the two nations. Their discussions highlighted key areas such as Kenya's developmental progress, governance clarity, and regional stability. Particular attention was given to initiatives around green industrialisation and youth empowerment, encapsulated in Action Plan Five. Mudavadi's proposal for an IMF diagnostic review of corruption signifies a commitment to improving accountability and transparency. Attention was also directed towards regional crises, specifically in Sudan and Somalia, acknowledging UK support for peace-building in South Sudan, Mwakilishi reports. The dialogue reaffirms Kenya's pivotal role in global security, emphasising its leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, while also addressing fiscal hurdles faced by the nation, including an alarming Sh350 billion (approximately $2.7 billion) deficit requiring a reassessment of developmental priorities.

Murder

In a tragic turn of events, two Kenyan individuals, Peter Ushuru Khalumi and David Ekai Lokere, have been convicted of the murder of Ugandan Olympian runner Benjamin Kiplagat, the Jamaica Observer reports. The Eldoret High Court presented compelling evidence, including CCTV footage, capturing the accused pursuing Kiplagat on the fateful New Year's Eve. As a distinguished athlete, Kiplagat had an impressive 18-year career representing Uganda before his untimely demise at the age of 34. Following a comprehensive nine-month trial, sentencing for Khalumi and Lokere has been scheduled for November 4, marking a significant moment in the pursuit of justice for the victim and his community.