The toll of climate change is being extracted on the Elephant population of Kenya. Reportedly, the Kenyan government has termed climate change as a bigger threat to the population of the 'gentle giants' than poaching.

The toll of climate change is being extracted on the Elephant population of Kenya. Reportedly, the Kenyan government has termed climate change as a bigger threat to the population of the 'gentle giants' than poaching. Kenya's Tsavo National Park, one of the largest parks in the world has recorded the death of 179 elephants in the last eight months alone. "We had nine elephants poached in the last eight months and 179 elephants dying because of drought. That is a huge number. The time is ripe to discuss climate change," Najib Balala, Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Tourism told local media. Kenya adopts a strategy Balala further stated that his government had taken note of the impact of climate change and developed National Wildlife Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2022-203 to address the threats. The destruction of forests and the natural habitat zones of Elephants are contributing to the changing weather patterns. In an African country like Kenya, the prolonged hot weather due to climate change means that most water bodies run out of water. Over the past decade, Kenya has experienced some of the most severe drought conditions in the last 40 years. According to recent statistics, the population of elephants in Kenya stands at 36,000 which is a considerable improvement from 1989 when numbers stood at 16,000. However, the imminent threat of climate change threatens to undo all the good work. Sustainable financial funding needed The Kenyan minister also asserted that financial funding for such conservation programmes was also needed. Instead of relying on donors, African nations need to strive for financial sustainability. Moreover, in addition to climate change, it is the human-animal conflict regarding the sharing of space that is posing a big challenge to the conservation of elephants. It's not the first time that elephants have died of starvation in an African nation. In 2019, 600 elephants were relocated due to acute starvation caused by drought in Zimbabwe. The relocation process was only prompted when 200 elephants had already died. Read More: Watch: Cranes, CPR & more, dramatic video shows rescue operation involving a mother elephant and her calf Climate change is real and those objecting to it are merely trying to conjure an alternate reality in their heads. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION HERE:

Climate change has killed more elephants than poachers: Kenyan government

In Kenya, the authorities are holding climate change more responsible for killing more elephants than poachers. Authorities have observed that poaching in Kenya has been reduced to a single digit.

WION Climate Tracker| Kenya: Climate change killing more elephants than poachers

Even as Kenya's Presidential elections draw closer, millions in the country's north stare at a severe hunger crisis, as the matter fails to attract any national attention amid a hard-fought and costly poll campaign. In the dust bowl of Kenya's drought-stricken north, the people of Purapul are edging closer to starvation, surviving on nothing but wild berries.

World Of Africa: Millions face starvation in drought-hit northern Kenya

Thirty-four people died in central Kenya when their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley, local media reported on Monday.

The Daily Nation and Standard newspapers reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening in Tharaka Nithi County, when the bus, belonging to the Modern Coast company, travelling from Meru to the port city of Mombasa veered off the Nithi Bridge and fell into the valley 40 metres below.

"Up to now, we have lost 14 women, 18 men and two girls, so the total deaths are 34. We have rescued 11 who are undergoing treatment in hospital," Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora told NTV Kenya television near the crash site.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-military-in-the-air-and-at-sea-has-become-significantly-more-aggressive-us-general-mark-milley-500356">Chinese military has become significantly more aggressive: US General</a>

Nation reported Komora as saying that initial investigations showed the bus's brakes may have failed, preventing its driver from properly turning on a sharp bend at the bridge.

 
The National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya's transport regulator, ordered all buses belonging to Modern Coast to suspend operations pending an investigation into the crash.

National Bureau of Statistics data shows 4,579 people died in road accidents in Kenya in 2021, a 15% increase from a year earlier.

Thirty-four people died in central Kenya when their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley, local media reported on Monday. The Daily Nation and Standard newspapers reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening in Tharaka Nithi County, when the bus, belonging to the Modern Coast company, travelling from Meru to the port city of Mombasa veered off the Nithi Bridge and fell into the valley 40 metres below.

Thirty-four people died in central Kenya when their bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river valley, local media reported on Monday. The Daily Nation and Standard newspapers reported that the incident occurred on Sunday evening in Tharaka Nithi County, when the bus, belonging to the Modern Coast company, travelling from Meru to the port city of Mombasa veered off the Nithi Bridge and fell into the valley 40 metres below. "Up to now, we have lost 14 women, 18 men and two girls, so the total deaths are 34. We have rescued 11 who are undergoing treatment in hospital," Tharaka Nithi County Commissioner Nobert Komora told NTV Kenya television near the crash site. Also read | Chinese military has become significantly more aggressive: US General Nation reported Komora as saying that initial investigations showed the bus's brakes may have failed, preventing its driver from properly turning on a sharp bend at the bridge. The National Transport and Safety Authority, Kenya's transport regulator, ordered all buses belonging to Modern Coast to suspend operations pending an investigation into the crash. National Bureau of Statistics data shows 4,579 people died in road accidents in Kenya in 2021, a 15% increase from a year earlier.

Bus plunges into Kenyan river valley, 34 people dead - Reports

Thousands of Kenyan have taken to the streets calling for a boycott of the elections citing high cost of living. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics the country’s year-on-year inflation rate has hit 7.9%.

Kenya: Protesters call for boycott of elections amid inflation

The International Monetary Fund said its executive board approved a $235.6 million disbursement to Kenya on Monday as it approved a third review of the country’s Extended Credit Facility and Extended Fund Facility arrangements.

IMF approves $235.6 million disbursement to Kenya

Thousands of Kenyan have been taking to the streets calling for a boycott of the elections because of the high cost of living. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics the country's year-on-year inflation rate has hit 7.9%.

Kenya: Protesters call for boycott of Presidential elections on August 9

Kenya's smallest towns and villages are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations thanks to a new solar-powered mobile health unit.

Mobile clinics trucks help deliver COVID-19 vaccines

Covid-19 vaccines are crucial to fight against the pandemic. Countries with high inoculation drives have shown drop in cases and less severity. Storing vaccines can be tricky, if they are not kept in an advisable temperature they become unusable. So, experts in Kenya have taken help from climate experts to solve this obstacle.

WION Climate Tracker | Kenya's Solar-powered vaccine van helps maintain vaccine temperature

Kenya's fishermen are worried and said that they are running out of tuna fish. Climate change, overfishing by large vessels and a lack of job opportunities for coastal communities draining the Indian ocean off its Yellowfin tuna stocks.

WION Climate Tracker: Climate change impacts Tuna fish, fishing communities suffer

Kenya might boost its recycling ambitions with a high-tech trash can. It displays information about waste disposal and offers free wi-fi.

WION Climate Tracker- Smart trash can in Kenya to boost recycling & minimise waste

Mangrove forest can be a great agent when it comes to combating climate change. But human encroachment has had a severe impact on mangroves across the world. In Kenya, however this seems to be changing as coastal communities are earning money by restoring the Mangroves.

Kenya's Mangrove cover recovers

Fighting drought and famine, Millions in need of rain and food! Why is the continent stuck with the same narrative over the years? This is the Kenyan story

One Africa: Unearthing the Kenyan hunger menace

Sand is an important natural resource that helps in maintaining biodiversity. However due to its excessive economic usage it is now depleting faster than its capacity to replenish in Kenya.

Bare rivers in Kenya: Sand harvesting is a dire issue in Kenya

Amid unreasonable weather conditions occurring around the world. African countries Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia were hit by an unprecedented drought which has left millions facing starvation.

20 million Africans to suffer from famine by September

Conservationists in Kenya are attempting to save Northern White Rhino from extinction by extracting mature eggs from female Rhinos and fertilizing them in a lab

Conservationists in Kenya create Rhino embryos in Labs to save species

Kenya is home to many sea turtles and illegal fishing is devastating their natural habitat. Watch this report to know all the details.

Kenya's fight to save sea turtles: Illegal fishing is devastating turtle habitat

A new study conducted by the University of Exeter has found that climate change and water sports are posing a threat to sea turtles.

The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, shows that tens and thousands of sea turtles are dying every year.

During the research, scientists reviewed the evidence about sea turtles from the last 57 years along the coast of Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania.

According to the study's leader author Casper van de Geer, a Ph.D. student at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, "Turtles face many threats along the African east coast, from egg to adult."

“Our aim was to bring together everything that is currently known about these turtles and to identify opportunities to better protect them in this rapidly developing region. We found that there’s still a lot we don’t know about these turtle populations, like how many there actually are or where they spend most of their time and migrate to.”

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"If we use clutches of eggs laid as a measure of population, then we see that some have recovered well in some places. For example, loggerhead turtles appear to be recovering in South Africa and Mozambique. However, leatherbacks in the same areas have not responded as positively to conservation efforts—suggesting there's something going on in their lifecycle that's stopping them from bouncing back as quickly,"&nbsp;Geer added.

Kenyan waters are host to the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles. The most frequently encountered off Tiwi and Diani beaches south of Mombasa are the hawksbill turtle and green turtles.&nbsp;

Sometimes Kenyan people are lucky enough to get a rare sighting of loggerheads or leatherbacks. But these sea turtles face a multitude of obstacles to their survival.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/worlds-largest-green-turtle-colony-found-in-australia-bigger-than-imagined-304782">Also see | The world's&nbsp;largest green turtle colony found in Australia bigger than imagined</a>

“Local knowledge was key to this research, just as it is vital to turtle conservation,” explained Van De Geer.&nbsp;

“Conservation work is most effective when it is supported by the local stakeholders and this is achieved through genuine engagement and cultural sensitivity.”

“There are great examples of this along the African east coast where people are trained and employed as rangers or monitors in the area where they grew up, and the use of community theatre or musical performances to inform people about the marine world and conservation. Ultimately, it’s the people who live in a place who have the knowledge and motivation to protect it,” he concluded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/scientists-find-new-fossils-of-car-sized-prehistoric-turtle-in-south-america-280519">Also read |&nbsp;Scientists find new fossils of car-sized prehistoric turtle in South America</a>

''There is an urgent need to identify and plan around essential areas used by marine turtles in the East African seascape,'' said Gladys Okemwa, of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute.

"Despite legal protection measures, illegal take and consumption of marine turtles, particularly green turtles, still persists in the region due to cultural values. Sustained community engagement and support towards community self-policing will help to make strides in tackling the issue."

"While significant progress has been made with regard to awareness, education, and law enforcement in coastal towns and villages, much work remains to be done to ensure the conservation of these magnificent animals, especially offshore, where 'ghost' (discarded or lost) fishing gear, industrial long-liners and plastic pollution still constitute a major threat," said Marcos Pereira, of NGO Centro Terra Viva in Mozambique.

Watch WION's live TV here:

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A new study conducted by the University of Exeter has found that climate change and water sports are posing a threat to sea turtles. The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, shows that tens and thousands of sea turtles are dying every year.

A new study conducted by the University of Exeter has found that climate change and water sports are posing a threat to sea turtles. The study, published in the journal Endangered Species Research, shows that tens and thousands of sea turtles are dying every year. During the research, scientists reviewed the evidence about sea turtles from the last 57 years along the coast of Kenya, Somalia, Mozambique, South Africa, and Tanzania. According to the study's leader author Casper van de Geer, a Ph.D. student at the Centre for Ecology and Conservation on Exeter's Penryn Campus in Cornwall, "Turtles face many threats along the African east coast, from egg to adult." “Our aim was to bring together everything that is currently known about these turtles and to identify opportunities to better protect them in this rapidly developing region. We found that there’s still a lot we don’t know about these turtle populations, like how many there actually are or where they spend most of their time and migrate to.” "If we use clutches of eggs laid as a measure of population, then we see that some have recovered well in some places. For example, loggerhead turtles appear to be recovering in South Africa and Mozambique. However, leatherbacks in the same areas have not responded as positively to conservation efforts—suggesting there's something going on in their lifecycle that's stopping them from bouncing back as quickly," Geer added. Kenyan waters are host to the green, loggerhead, hawksbill, leatherback, and olive ridley turtles. The most frequently encountered off Tiwi and Diani beaches south of Mombasa are the hawksbill turtle and green turtles. Sometimes Kenyan people are lucky enough to get a rare sighting of loggerheads or leatherbacks. But these sea turtles face a multitude of obstacles to their survival. Also see | The world's largest green turtle colony found in Australia bigger than imagined “Local knowledge was key to this research, just as it is vital to turtle conservation,” explained Van De Geer. “Conservation work is most effective when it is supported by the local stakeholders and this is achieved through genuine engagement and cultural sensitivity.” “There are great examples of this along the African east coast where people are trained and employed as rangers or monitors in the area where they grew up, and the use of community theatre or musical performances to inform people about the marine world and conservation. Ultimately, it’s the people who live in a place who have the knowledge and motivation to protect it,” he concluded. Also read | Scientists find new fossils of car-sized prehistoric turtle in South America ''There is an urgent need to identify and plan around essential areas used by marine turtles in the East African seascape,'' said Gladys Okemwa, of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. "Despite legal protection measures, illegal take and consumption of marine turtles, particularly green turtles, still persists in the region due to cultural values. Sustained community engagement and support towards community self-policing will help to make strides in tackling the issue." "While significant progress has been made with regard to awareness, education, and law enforcement in coastal towns and villages, much work remains to be done to ensure the conservation of these magnificent animals, especially offshore, where 'ghost' (discarded or lost) fishing gear, industrial long-liners and plastic pollution still constitute a major threat," said Marcos Pereira, of NGO Centro Terra Viva in Mozambique. Watch WION's live TV here:

Study says climate change, water sports posing threat to sea turtles

In pics: Five things you need to know about strife-torn Somalia

In a push toward eco-friendly tourism, Soyasambu Conservancy in Kenya is ditching jeeps and electric vehicles to use Camels for safari. The tourists could be seen riding on camelbacks to observe the wildlife in it untamed form.&nbsp;

This step is sure to reduced levels of pollution in conservancy as smoke emitting vehicles will be less and less.&nbsp;

"I choose this eco-tourism method over other methods of toourism over other options because even though electric vehicles are good, you are still leaving (Carbon) footprints," said Adrien Allan. He added that not all areas of the safari were accessible by vehicles while riding camels or walking on foot did not throw up any such challenges.

This mode of transport may be a win-win for tourists and wild animals. Animals may get scared or even aggressive towards vehicles perceiving them to be foreign objects. Proximity to camels is not likely to elicit such a response from them. This in turn, may allow tourists to go nearer to animals and observe them in their habitat.

Conservationists are welcoming the step.

Another argument in favour of use of camels is that camels do not step on small animals like rabbits when they move around. This may not be true in case of vehicles which may result in loss of wildlife.

However, use of camels may also draw the ire of animal rights activists who may call such use of camels 'cruelty to animals'.

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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In a push toward eco-friendly tourism, Soyasambu Conservancy in Kenya is ditching jeeps and electric vehicles to use Camels for safari. The tourists could be seen riding on camelbacks to observe the wildlife in it untamed form.

In a push toward eco-friendly tourism, Soyasambu Conservancy in Kenya is ditching jeeps and electric vehicles to use Camels for safari. The tourists could be seen riding on camelbacks to observe the wildlife in it untamed form. This step is sure to reduced levels of pollution in conservancy as smoke emitting vehicles will be less and less. "I choose this eco-tourism method over other methods of toourism over other options because even though electric vehicles are good, you are still leaving (Carbon) footprints," said Adrien Allan. He added that not all areas of the safari were accessible by vehicles while riding camels or walking on foot did not throw up any such challenges. This mode of transport may be a win-win for tourists and wild animals. Animals may get scared or even aggressive towards vehicles perceiving them to be foreign objects. Proximity to camels is not likely to elicit such a response from them. This in turn, may allow tourists to go nearer to animals and observe them in their habitat. Conservationists are welcoming the step. Another argument in favour of use of camels is that camels do not step on small animals like rabbits when they move around. This may not be true in case of vehicles which may result in loss of wildlife. However, use of camels may also draw the ire of animal rights activists who may call such use of camels 'cruelty to animals'. Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Kenya: Eco-friendly tourism sees tourists riding camels when on safari

In Kenya the tourism sector is undergoing a tectonic shift. Camel rides are being touted as an alternative low impact way for engaging the tourists.

Kenya pushes for eco-friendly tourism

In tragic news for Kenya, former President Kibaki has passed away. The Kenyan government has declared national mourning in his honour.

The Kenyan govt declares national mourning as former President Kibaki passes away

Social enterprise in Kenya is turning human waste into sustainable fuel. They are turning human waste into profitable briquettes in a bid to find alternative sources of energy.

Social enterprise in Kenya treats human waste, turns waste into fuel

"Plastic&nbsp;still has value," said Nzambi Matee of the mountains of discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs and other trash being shredded&nbsp;into&nbsp;colourful flakes at her Nairobi factory.

"I believe that&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;is one of the misunderstood materials."

The 30-year-old&nbsp;Kenyan&nbsp;engineer and&nbsp;inventor&nbsp;would know: her start-up recycles tonnes of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;destined for landfill&nbsp;into&nbsp;eco-friendly&nbsp;bricks&nbsp;that are stronger, cheaper and lighter than concrete.

A creation of her own design, these sustainable paving blocks already line roads, driveways and sidewalks in Nairobi, but could soon also serve as an alternative building material for low-cost housing.

Every day her enterprise, Gjenge Makers, churns out 1,500&nbsp;bricks&nbsp;made from industrial and household&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;that otherwise would be dumped in the city's overflowing garbage heaps.

The young entrepreneur quit a job in oil and gas -- the very industry that makes&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;from fossil fuels -- to explore recycling after being shocked at how little trash was being reused.

"In Nairobi we generate about 500 metric tonnes of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;waste every single day, and only a fraction of that is recycled," said Matee,&nbsp;who&nbsp;bounds with energy around the factory floor in denim overalls and trainers.&nbsp;

"And that made me think -- what happens to this&nbsp;plastic?"

Stronger, lighter, cheaper&nbsp;

Most winds up in landfill, rivers and oceans, and less than 10 percent is recycled.

In Nairobi, one of Africa's fastest-growing capitals, Matee found an endless supply of raw material to work with, scouring the city's tips and industrial zones for unwanted&nbsp;plastic.

It took several years to perfect a prototype -- the machinery required was custom built and sourced from spare industrial parts -- but by 2019 production was steadily underway.

The shredded&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;is mixed with sand and subjected to extreme heat, producing a &nbsp;sludge that is moulded&nbsp;into&nbsp;different sized blocks.

The end result is a paver that is anywhere between two and seven times stronger than concrete, half the weight, and as much as 15 percent cheaper, says Matee.

It is also more durable.&nbsp;

Plastic&nbsp;is fibrous in nature, and the unique production process prevents air pockets from forming within the&nbsp;bricks. This results in greater compression strength than conventional paving stones that crack under heavy force or prolonged weather exposure.

"Because of that, it doesn't break," said Matee, clapping two of the&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bricks&nbsp;together sharply.

In 2021, they recycled 50 tonnes of&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;but Matee hopes to double that amount this year as production expands.

&nbsp;Big plans&nbsp;

There are limitations.&nbsp;

Of the seven major types of&nbsp;plastic, only four can be recycled&nbsp;into&nbsp;bricks.&nbsp;

PET&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;-- the kind used in&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;bottles and a major scourge on the environment -- is not yet compatible, but they hope to change that.

"There is more that can be done, there is more that needs to be done. We are just a single drop in the ocean... small, small drops will make a big effect," Matee said.

They are trying to break&nbsp;into&nbsp;the affordable housing market by designing a block that can replace or complement&nbsp;bricks, mortar and other standard building materials.

A prototype is in the works, with plans to build a model home by the end of the year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We want to be the leaders in alternative building products. Our first area of attack is&nbsp;plastic," Matee said.

Her trailblazing work has attracted accolades, and earned another boost earlier this year after she designed a custom gavel for a major UN environment summit where the&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;trash crisis topped the agenda.

Gjenge Makers has also created over 100 direct and indirect jobs through recycling&nbsp;plastic&nbsp;–- helping both livelihoods and the environment in a way Matee says wasn't possible working with fossil fuels.

"Let's just say I sleep better," she said with a grin.

"Plastic still has value," said Nzambi Matee of the mountains of discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs and other trash being shredded into colourful flakes at her Nairobi factory.

"Plastic still has value," said Nzambi Matee of the mountains of discarded oil drums, laundry buckets, yoghurt tubs and other trash being shredded into colourful flakes at her Nairobi factory. "I believe that plastic is one of the misunderstood materials." The 30-year-old Kenyan engineer and inventor would know: her start-up recycles tonnes of plastic destined for landfill into eco-friendly bricks that are stronger, cheaper and lighter than concrete. A creation of her own design, these sustainable paving blocks already line roads, driveways and sidewalks in Nairobi, but could soon also serve as an alternative building material for low-cost housing. Every day her enterprise, Gjenge Makers, churns out 1,500 bricks made from industrial and household plastic that otherwise would be dumped in the city's overflowing garbage heaps. The young entrepreneur quit a job in oil and gas -- the very industry that makes plastic from fossil fuels -- to explore recycling after being shocked at how little trash was being reused. "In Nairobi we generate about 500 metric tonnes of plastic waste every single day, and only a fraction of that is recycled," said Matee, who bounds with energy around the factory floor in denim overalls and trainers. "And that made me think -- what happens to this plastic?" Stronger, lighter, cheaper Most winds up in landfill, rivers and oceans, and less than 10 percent is recycled. In Nairobi, one of Africa's fastest-growing capitals, Matee found an endless supply of raw material to work with, scouring the city's tips and industrial zones for unwanted plastic. It took several years to perfect a prototype -- the machinery required was custom built and sourced from spare industrial parts -- but by 2019 production was steadily underway. The shredded plastic is mixed with sand and subjected to extreme heat, producing a sludge that is moulded into different sized blocks. The end result is a paver that is anywhere between two and seven times stronger than concrete, half the weight, and as much as 15 percent cheaper, says Matee. It is also more durable. Plastic is fibrous in nature, and the unique production process prevents air pockets from forming within the bricks. This results in greater compression strength than conventional paving stones that crack under heavy force or prolonged weather exposure. "Because of that, it doesn't break," said Matee, clapping two of the plastic bricks together sharply. In 2021, they recycled 50 tonnes of plastic but Matee hopes to double that amount this year as production expands. Big plans There are limitations. Of the seven major types of plastic, only four can be recycled into bricks. PET plastic -- the kind used in plastic bottles and a major scourge on the environment -- is not yet compatible, but they hope to change that. "There is more that can be done, there is more that needs to be done. We are just a single drop in the ocean... small, small drops will make a big effect," Matee said. They are trying to break into the affordable housing market by designing a block that can replace or complement bricks, mortar and other standard building materials. A prototype is in the works, with plans to build a model home by the end of the year. "We want to be the leaders in alternative building products. Our first area of attack is plastic," Matee said. Her trailblazing work has attracted accolades, and earned another boost earlier this year after she designed a custom gavel for a major UN environment summit where the plastic trash crisis topped the agenda. Gjenge Makers has also created over 100 direct and indirect jobs through recycling plastic –- helping both livelihoods and the environment in a way Matee says wasn't possible working with fossil fuels. "Let's just say I sleep better," she said with a grin.

'Trash has value': Kenyan inventor turns plastic into bricks

After four people died in Isiolo County, Kenya declared an outbreak of yellow fever. Fifteen others have also been diagnosed with the same and are recovering at a hospital.&nbsp;

Patrick Amoth, director general of Kenya's health ministry, while speaking to AFP said, "We have an additional death to the three that we had reported earlier."

He further said that the risk of further spread is low as the outbreak is in a sparsely populated region.

"Because of the demographics of Isiolo, in terms of the number of people and how people are widely spread apart, it makes it a little easy to control," Amoth said.

The first case was detected on January 12, 2022.&nbsp;

What is yellow fever? 
Yellow fever is an acute and contagious viral disease. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes which spread Zika and dengue. 
The World Health Organisation defines it as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The "yellow" in the name refers to jaundice that affects some patients.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/here-is-how-people-can-fight-climate-change-by-making-these-six-lifestyle-changes-459874">Also read |&nbsp;Here is how people can fight climate change by making these six lifestyle changes</a>

The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America.&nbsp;

The symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. It is usually mild. However, it can become more serious, causing heart, liver and kidney problems along with bleeding.

If one is given good supportive treatment in hospitals, it improves survival rates. There is currently no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccinations, however, are routinely recommended for travellers going on safaris in Kenya.&nbsp;

The disease is usually difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. A more severe case can be confused with severe malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially fulminant forms), other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (such as dengue haemorrhagic fever), and poisoning.

In the early stages, the virus can be sometimes detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in blood and urine. In later stages, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT).

(With inputs from agencies)

After four people died in Isiolo County, Kenya declared an outbreak of yellow fever. Fifteen others have also been diagnosed with the same and are recovering at a hospital.

After four people died in Isiolo County, Kenya declared an outbreak of yellow fever. Fifteen others have also been diagnosed with the same and are recovering at a hospital. Patrick Amoth, director general of Kenya's health ministry, while speaking to AFP said, "We have an additional death to the three that we had reported earlier." He further said that the risk of further spread is low as the outbreak is in a sparsely populated region. "Because of the demographics of Isiolo, in terms of the number of people and how people are widely spread apart, it makes it a little easy to control," Amoth said. The first case was detected on January 12, 2022. What is yellow fever? Yellow fever is an acute and contagious viral disease. It is transmitted by the same mosquitoes which spread Zika and dengue. The World Health Organisation defines it as an acute viral haemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The "yellow" in the name refers to jaundice that affects some patients. Also read | Here is how people can fight climate change by making these six lifestyle changes The infection is most common in areas of Africa and South America. The symptoms include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. It is usually mild. However, it can become more serious, causing heart, liver and kidney problems along with bleeding. If one is given good supportive treatment in hospitals, it improves survival rates. There is currently no specific anti-viral drug for yellow fever. Yellow fever vaccinations, however, are routinely recommended for travellers going on safaris in Kenya. The disease is usually difficult to diagnose, especially during the early stages. A more severe case can be confused with severe malaria, leptospirosis, viral hepatitis (especially fulminant forms), other haemorrhagic fevers, infection with other flaviviruses (such as dengue haemorrhagic fever), and poisoning. In the early stages, the virus can be sometimes detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in blood and urine. In later stages, testing to identify antibodies is needed (ELISA and PRNT). (With inputs from agencies)

Kenya declares yellow fever outbreak as 4 people die, here is what you should know

The ongoing drought crisis in Kenya is worsening. Kenya continues to fight widespread water scarcity, with many areas seeing little to no rainfall in the last two years.

Kenya continues to fight widespread water scarcity as over 80% of dams & reservoirs dry up

The New Malaria vaccine has given thousands of people in Kenya a new hope for a better life. The vaccine was begun in 2019.

Kenya fights the Malaria-endemic: Malaria vaccine gives hope to thousands of people

Malaria endemic in western Kenya has received a new vaccine against Malaria, which kills around 260 000 children under 5 every year in Sub-Saharan Africa. The groundbreaking drug was 30 years in the making, and a pilot program has been rolling out the drug in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi since 2019.

Kenya: Malaria vaccine gives thousands a hope for better life

Environmentalists in Kenya are racing against time as powerful developers eye chunks of the green belt. Activists are defending one of the last green spaces in the capital city of Nairobi.

United Nations condemns Kenya's proposal to weaken forest protection

First drought, now floods. Kenyans lose goats, sheep and livelihoods as climate change batters Africa. WION brings you this report.

Drought followed by floods in Kenya, citizens struggle to find food

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday refuted claims that China was tarpping African nations in debt trap by lending huge amounts of loans. Yi said such claims was just a 'narrative' pushed by opponents. He was speaking in Mobasa, Kenya ahead of touring China-funded infrastructure projects in the country.

Wang Yi claimed that Chinese loans to African nations were 'mutually benefiting'. He said that the loans were not a strategy to win diplomatic and commercial concessions

Wang, speaking ahead of touring Beijing-funded infrastructure projects in Kenya, said China's considerable lending to Africa was "mutually benefiting" and not a strategy to extract diplomatic and commercial concessions.

"That is simply not a fact. It is speculation being played out by some with ulterior motives," he told reporters in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/hotter-than-the-real-sun-chinas-artificial-sun-sets-massive-record-for-plasma-fusion-442592">Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion</a>

"This is a narrative that has been created by those who do not want to see development in Africa. If there is any trap, it is about poverty and underdevelopment," he said, speaking through an interpreter.

Wang's three-nation tour of Eritrea, Kenya and the Comoros follows a trip to Africa by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in November that in part aimed at countering China's growing influence on the continent.

China is Africa's largest trading partner, with direct trade worth over $200 billion (177 billion euros) in 2019, according to official Chinese figures.&nbsp;

China is Kenya's second-largest lender after the World Bank and has funded a number of costly infrastructure projects that have raised concerns about Nairobi taking on more debt than it can afford.

In Mombasa, Wang held a closed-door meeting with a team of government ministers and signed agreements on trade and investment, health, security, climate change and green technology transfer.

He later met President Uhuru Kenyatta and visited the Port of Mombasa, where China is constructing a new $353 million terminal to allow larger oil tankers to berth.

"The visit is a testament to the deepening of relations between the two countries," said Kenya's foreign minister, Raychelle Omamo.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday refuted claims that China was tarpping African nations in debt trap by lending huge amounts of loans. Yi said such claims was just a 'narrative' pushed by opponents.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday refuted claims that China was tarpping African nations in debt trap by lending huge amounts of loans. Yi said such claims was just a 'narrative' pushed by opponents. He was speaking in Mobasa, Kenya ahead of touring China-funded infrastructure projects in the country. Wang Yi claimed that Chinese loans to African nations were 'mutually benefiting'. He said that the loans were not a strategy to win diplomatic and commercial concessions Wang, speaking ahead of touring Beijing-funded infrastructure projects in Kenya, said China's considerable lending to Africa was "mutually benefiting" and not a strategy to extract diplomatic and commercial concessions. "That is simply not a fact. It is speculation being played out by some with ulterior motives," he told reporters in the Kenyan port city of Mombasa. Also Read | Hotter than the real Sun?: China's 'artificial Sun' sets massive record for plasma fusion "This is a narrative that has been created by those who do not want to see development in Africa. If there is any trap, it is about poverty and underdevelopment," he said, speaking through an interpreter. Wang's three-nation tour of Eritrea, Kenya and the Comoros follows a trip to Africa by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in November that in part aimed at countering China's growing influence on the continent. China is Africa's largest trading partner, with direct trade worth over $200 billion (177 billion euros) in 2019, according to official Chinese figures. China is Kenya's second-largest lender after the World Bank and has funded a number of costly infrastructure projects that have raised concerns about Nairobi taking on more debt than it can afford. In Mombasa, Wang held a closed-door meeting with a team of government ministers and signed agreements on trade and investment, health, security, climate change and green technology transfer. He later met President Uhuru Kenyatta and visited the Port of Mombasa, where China is constructing a new $353 million terminal to allow larger oil tankers to berth. "The visit is a testament to the deepening of relations between the two countries," said Kenya's foreign minister, Raychelle Omamo. (With inputs from agencies)

China not trapping African nations in debt, claims foreign minister

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