Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday.

Kenya's mission has been shut since December when&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu.

The Kenyan ambassador was expelled and Mogadishu recalled its envoy from Nairobi.

On May 6,&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said it had restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, which looked forward to "further normalisation".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-surprise-move-kenya-suspends-flights-from-somalia-384548">Also read |&nbsp;In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia</a>

Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdirizak Mohamed wrote in a&nbsp;note dated Saturday: "In the spirit of good neighbourliness, the Federal Republic of&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;calls on the Republic of Kenya to reopen its diplomatic mission in&nbsp;Somalia, and the Federal Government of&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;will reciprocally reopen its embassy in Kenya.

"The resumption of full diplomatic relations will be a positive start to the commencement of bilateral discussions between the two countries," the minister said in the note addressed to Kenya's foreign minister.

The foreign ministry in Nairobi did not respond to AFP requests for comment on Sunday.

Somalia&nbsp;has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

The neighbours have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations which are believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

The row over which nation controls access to the lucrative deposits escalated in early 2019 after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area, prompting Kenya to recall its ambassador.

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday. Kenya's mission has been shut since December when Somalia broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu.

Somalia's foreign minister has invited Kenya to reopen its embassy in Mogadishu in a push to resume full diplomatic ties, in a note seen by AFP on Sunday. Kenya's mission has been shut since December when Somalia broke off relations after Nairobi hosted the leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by the central government in Mogadishu. The Kenyan ambassador was expelled and Mogadishu recalled its envoy from Nairobi. On May 6, Somalia said it had restored diplomatic ties with Kenya, which looked forward to "further normalisation". Also read | In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia Somalia's Foreign Minister Abdirizak Mohamed wrote in a note dated Saturday: "In the spirit of good neighbourliness, the Federal Republic of Somalia calls on the Republic of Kenya to reopen its diplomatic mission in Somalia, and the Federal Government of Somalia will reciprocally reopen its embassy in Kenya. "The resumption of full diplomatic relations will be a positive start to the commencement of bilateral discussions between the two countries," the minister said in the note addressed to Kenya's foreign minister. The foreign ministry in Nairobi did not respond to AFP requests for comment on Sunday. Somalia has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. The neighbours have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations which are believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter. The row over which nation controls access to the lucrative deposits escalated in early 2019 after Somalia decided to auction off oil and gas blocks in a disputed maritime area, prompting Kenya to recall its ambassador.

Somalia asks Kenya to reopen embassy in Mogadishu

Kenya&nbsp;announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions.

The&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said commercial flights to and from&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;would be paused for three months, without giving a reason.

"All flights between&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;and&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;are suspended expect medevac flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only," the regulator said.

KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe told AFP the suspension was "a decision by the government" but gave no further details.

The directive appeared to catch some Somali aviation officials and travel agents by surprise.

"We had not been given a prior notice, and there's been no explanation about the reason so far," an airport tower operator in Mogadishu told AFP on condition of anonymity.

The suspension comes a day after&nbsp;Somalia&nbsp;said shipments of khat from&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;remained on hold. Khat is a narcotic leaf popular in&nbsp;Somalia.

Somalia&nbsp;announced last week that bilateral ties with&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;had been restored, citing "the interests of good neighbourliness" as motivating its decision.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-somalia-agree-to-normalise-ties-after-tensions-262304">Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions</a>

Nairobi said it took note of the statement and was looking forward "to further normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities."

Mogadishu cut off diplomatic relations in December after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by&nbsp;Somalia's central government.

Somalia&nbsp;has long bristled over what it calls&nbsp;Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/somalia-accuses-kenya-of-meddling-in-internal-affairs-350316/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The pair have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

Kenya announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after Somalia said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions.

Kenya announced Tuesday that flights between Nairobi and Mogadishu had been suspended, just days after Somalia said diplomatic ties with its neighbour had been normalised following months of tensions. The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said commercial flights to and from Somalia would be paused for three months, without giving a reason. "All flights between Kenya and Somalia are suspended expect medevac flights and United Nations flights on humanitarian missions only," the regulator said. KCAA director-general Gilbert Kibe told AFP the suspension was "a decision by the government" but gave no further details. The directive appeared to catch some Somali aviation officials and travel agents by surprise. "We had not been given a prior notice, and there's been no explanation about the reason so far," an airport tower operator in Mogadishu told AFP on condition of anonymity. The suspension comes a day after Somalia said shipments of khat from Kenya remained on hold. Khat is a narcotic leaf popular in Somalia. Somalia announced last week that bilateral ties with Kenya had been restored, citing "the interests of good neighbourliness" as motivating its decision. Also read | Kenya, Somalia agree to normalise ties after tensions Nairobi said it took note of the statement and was looking forward "to further normalisation of relations by the Somali authorities." Mogadishu cut off diplomatic relations in December after Nairobi hosted the political leadership of Somaliland, a breakaway state not recognised by Somalia's central government. Somalia has long bristled over what it calls Kenya's meddling in regions over its border, while Nairobi has accused Mogadishu of using it as a scapegoat for its own political problems. The pair have also engaged in a long-running territorial dispute over a stretch of the Indian Ocean claimed by both nations believed to hold valuable deposits of oil and gas, and have sought international arbitration over the matter.

In surprise move, Kenya suspends flights from Somalia

Climate change could demolish Kenya’s tea production as temperatures continue to rise.&nbsp; Kenya is the world’s largest exporter of tea which has been deeply affected by unpredictable rainfall and infestations of insects, as per a report by the&nbsp;charity Christian Aid.

After water, tea is the most consumed drink in the world and has been affected by disruption in tea supplies from the country, which might have global impact.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kenya-farmers-are-fighting-back-locusts-by-turning-insects-into-protein-rich-animal-feed-369663/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Christian Aid charity said that the country’s black tea crop is currently under threat. This is just the tip of the iceberg, scientists believe,&nbsp;for climate change will cause shortages of such crops across the world as the planet warms.

The report cited a peer-reviewed study which stated that the threat of rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns has multiplied tremendously. By 2050, droughts and insect infestations could destroy 26.2 per cent of the country’s tea growing areas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pandemic-war-climate-change-fuel-fears-of-global-hunger-food-scarcity-383200" hreflang="en">Pandemic, war, climate change fuel fears of global hunger, food scarcity</a>

During the same time frame, climate change will reduce areas with growth capability by 40 per cent. "For generations we have carefully cultivated our tea farms and we are proud that the tea that we grow here is the best in the world," Richard Koskei, a tea farmer from Kenya told AFP.

According to the head of Christian Aid’s Africa division, Karimi Kinoti, tea was an example of how countries that contributed least to climate change will suffer its most dire consequences.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/climate-change-the-action-is-missing-despite-the-high-profile-summits-379354" hreflang="en">Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits</a>

"Africans make up 17 percent of the world's population but we generate just four percent of the greenhouse gas emissions that have caused the climate crisis… And yet it is we who are suffering the brunt of the impacts of climate change”, she said.

According to the report, the livelihoods of over 3 million people in the country’s tea industry are now under threat.

(With inputs from agencies)

Climate change could demolish Kenya’s tea production as temperatures continue to rise. Kenya is the world’s largest exporter of tea which has been deeply affected by unpredictable rainfall and infestations of insects, as per a report by the charity Christian Aid.

Climate change could demolish Kenya’s tea production as temperatures continue to rise. Kenya is the world’s largest exporter of tea which has been deeply affected by unpredictable rainfall and infestations of insects, as per a report by the charity Christian Aid. After water, tea is the most consumed drink in the world and has been affected by disruption in tea supplies from the country, which might have global impact. The Christian Aid charity said that the country’s black tea crop is currently under threat. This is just the tip of the iceberg, scientists believe, for climate change will cause shortages of such crops across the world as the planet warms. The report cited a peer-reviewed study which stated that the threat of rising temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns has multiplied tremendously. By 2050, droughts and insect infestations could destroy 26.2 per cent of the country’s tea growing areas. Also read: Pandemic, war, climate change fuel fears of global hunger, food scarcity During the same time frame, climate change will reduce areas with growth capability by 40 per cent. "For generations we have carefully cultivated our tea farms and we are proud that the tea that we grow here is the best in the world," Richard Koskei, a tea farmer from Kenya told AFP. According to the head of Christian Aid’s Africa division, Karimi Kinoti, tea was an example of how countries that contributed least to climate change will suffer its most dire consequences. Also read: Climate change: The action is missing despite the high-profile summits "Africans make up 17 percent of the world's population but we generate just four percent of the greenhouse gas emissions that have caused the climate crisis… And yet it is we who are suffering the brunt of the impacts of climate change”, she said. According to the report, the livelihoods of over 3 million people in the country’s tea industry are now under threat. (With inputs from agencies)

Climate change to destroy over 20% of tea growing areas in Kenya by 2050

Kenya&nbsp;said on Thursday it had told the United Nations it will&nbsp;shut&nbsp;by&nbsp;June&nbsp;2022&nbsp;two&nbsp;camps&nbsp;holding over 430,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;who fled from wars in the East and Horn of Africa, adding it planned to repatriate some and give others residency.

The interior ministry made the announcement on Twitter about five weeks after ordering the closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;and giving the United Nations&nbsp;two&nbsp;weeks to present a plan to carry this out.

Kenya's President Uhuru&nbsp;Kenyatta and&nbsp;U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi met on Thursday in Nairobi and a joint team will be formed to finalize and implement a road map toward the closure of the&nbsp;camps, the&nbsp;UN and&nbsp;Kenyan government said in a joint statement on Thursday.

Kenya&nbsp;and the UNHCR "agree that refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;are not a long-term solution to forced displacement" and are committed to working together to find alternative solutions in line with the Global Compact on&nbsp;Refugees, the statement read.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kenya-high-court-blocks-closure-of-refugee-camps-housing-400000-people-376248">Kenya high court blocks closure of refugee camps housing 400,000 people</a>

One of the&nbsp;two&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;camps&nbsp;in northern&nbsp;Kenya, Dadaab, close to the sensitive border with war-wracked Somalia, was set up in 1991. In 2011, amid famine and chaos in Somalia, it was the world's largest camp.

Thursday's announcement appeared to be the decisive step by&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;after years of discussion about closing Dadaab.

"Among the precursory activities in (the government's) roadmap is repatriation of&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;to countries of origin and socio-economic integration of some of them through Work/Residence Permits (in&nbsp;Kenya)," the tweet read.

Legal challenges could follow. Earlier this month, a&nbsp;Kenyan court ruled against the closure of the&nbsp;camps.

Authorities in Nairobi first announced their intention to&nbsp;shut&nbsp;the Dadaab camp back in 2016, citing national security concerns over infiltration by militants from the Somalia-based Islamist group al Shabaab.

Relations between&nbsp;Kenya&nbsp;and Somalia have deteriorated badly in the past year since Mogadishu cut diplomatic ties with Nairobi, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs.

Kenya&nbsp;contributes troops to the African Union peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia to curb the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab that seeks to topple the government. In a sign of the tense relationship, Somalia said in January it had lost confidence in&nbsp;Kenyan troops serving in the peacekeeping mission.

Kenya said on Thursday it had told the United Nations it will shut by June 2022 two camps holding over 430,000 refugees who fled from wars in the East and Horn of Africa, adding it planned to repatriate some and give others residency.

Kenya said on Thursday it had told the United Nations it will shut by June 2022 two camps holding over 430,000 refugees who fled from wars in the East and Horn of Africa, adding it planned to repatriate some and give others residency. The interior ministry made the announcement on Twitter about five weeks after ordering the closure of the Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and giving the United Nations two weeks to present a plan to carry this out. Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta and U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) chief Filippo Grandi met on Thursday in Nairobi and a joint team will be formed to finalize and implement a road map toward the closure of the camps, the UN and Kenyan government said in a joint statement on Thursday. Kenya and the UNHCR "agree that refugee camps are not a long-term solution to forced displacement" and are committed to working together to find alternative solutions in line with the Global Compact on Refugees, the statement read. Also read | Kenya high court blocks closure of refugee camps housing 400,000 people One of the two refugee camps in northern Kenya, Dadaab, close to the sensitive border with war-wracked Somalia, was set up in 1991. In 2011, amid famine and chaos in Somalia, it was the world's largest camp. Thursday's announcement appeared to be the decisive step by Kenya after years of discussion about closing Dadaab. "Among the precursory activities in (the government's) roadmap is repatriation of refugees to countries of origin and socio-economic integration of some of them through Work/Residence Permits (in Kenya)," the tweet read. Legal challenges could follow. Earlier this month, a Kenyan court ruled against the closure of the camps. Authorities in Nairobi first announced their intention to shut the Dadaab camp back in 2016, citing national security concerns over infiltration by militants from the Somalia-based Islamist group al Shabaab. Relations between Kenya and Somalia have deteriorated badly in the past year since Mogadishu cut diplomatic ties with Nairobi, accusing it of interfering in its internal affairs. Kenya contributes troops to the African Union peacekeeping force deployed in Somalia to curb the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab that seeks to topple the government. In a sign of the tense relationship, Somalia said in January it had lost confidence in Kenyan troops serving in the peacekeeping mission.

Kenya tells UN it will shut two camps with 410,000 refugees by June 2022

Due to surge in COVID-19 cases, ICU beds at Kenya's biggest public hospital are fully occupied. Healthcare system in the country is under tremendous strain.

ICU beds in Kenya's biggest public hospital are fully occupied

Kenya’s high court has temporarily blocked the closure of two refugee camps that are hosting more than 400,000 people, as per media reports.

The decision came after Kenyan Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i announced the government’s plan to shut down the Dadaab and Kakuma camp.

After the announcement, the Kenyan government gave the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) two weeks to present a plan to shut down these camps.

The government, labelling it as an “ultimatum”, warned there was no room for negotiation.

However, the high court issued a stay on the closure for the next 30 days, as per local media, after a local politician had challenged this move.

“The decision would have an impact on the protection of refugees in Kenya, including in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” UNHCR said in a statement.

These refugee camps in question host about 400,000 people from Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and such countries.

Kenyan minister had asked for closure of these camps stating these camps were a national security concern. However, the high court called this move ‘unconstitutional’.

Kenya’s high court has temporarily blocked the closure of two refugee camps that are hosting more than 400,000 people, as per media reports. The decision came after Kenyan Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i announced the government’s plan to shut down the Dadaab and Kakuma camp.

Kenya’s high court has temporarily blocked the closure of two refugee camps that are hosting more than 400,000 people, as per media reports. The decision came after Kenyan Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i announced the government’s plan to shut down the Dadaab and Kakuma camp. After the announcement, the Kenyan government gave the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) two weeks to present a plan to shut down these camps. The government, labelling it as an “ultimatum”, warned there was no room for negotiation. However, the high court issued a stay on the closure for the next 30 days, as per local media, after a local politician had challenged this move. “The decision would have an impact on the protection of refugees in Kenya, including in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” UNHCR said in a statement. These refugee camps in question host about 400,000 people from Somalia, South Sudan, Ethiopia and such countries. Kenyan minister had asked for closure of these camps stating these camps were a national security concern. However, the high court called this move ‘unconstitutional’.

Kenya high court blocks closure of refugee camps housing 400,000 people

Considering a hard year that Kenya has had due to the existing financial constraints and the added pressure of the coronavirus pandemic, the IMF has approved a $2.34 billion aid package for the country.

The IMF believes this aid package “address the urgent need to reduce debt vulnerabilities”. The funds will be divided over a period of 38 months, starting with an immediate disbursement of nearly $307.5 million “usable for budget support”.

“Kenya was hit hard at the onset by the Covid-19 pandemic,” the IMF said. However, it also highlighted the country’s “forceful policy response” that helped it reach an economic recovery in 2021 after a small contraction in GDP in 2020.

The crisis, however, has also worsened “pre-existing fiscal vulnerabilities”.

“Kenya's debt remains sustainable, but it is at high risk of debt distress,” IMF’s statement read, adding that “fiscal and balance-of-payments financing needs remain sizable over the medium term.”

This aid package has been praised as “a strong signal of support and confidence” by the institute’s deputy managing director, Antoinette Sayeh, who also stressed that the package is “subject to notable risks, including from uncertainty about the path of the pandemic.”

Considering a hard year that Kenya has had due to the existing financial constraints and the added pressure of the coronavirus pandemic, the IMF has approved a $2.

Considering a hard year that Kenya has had due to the existing financial constraints and the added pressure of the coronavirus pandemic, the IMF has approved a $2.34 billion aid package for the country. The IMF believes this aid package “address the urgent need to reduce debt vulnerabilities”. The funds will be divided over a period of 38 months, starting with an immediate disbursement of nearly $307.5 million “usable for budget support”. “Kenya was hit hard at the onset by the Covid-19 pandemic,” the IMF said. However, it also highlighted the country’s “forceful policy response” that helped it reach an economic recovery in 2021 after a small contraction in GDP in 2020. The crisis, however, has also worsened “pre-existing fiscal vulnerabilities”. “Kenya's debt remains sustainable, but it is at high risk of debt distress,” IMF’s statement read, adding that “fiscal and balance-of-payments financing needs remain sizable over the medium term.” This aid package has been praised as “a strong signal of support and confidence” by the institute’s deputy managing director, Antoinette Sayeh, who also stressed that the package is “subject to notable risks, including from uncertainty about the path of the pandemic.”

IMF approves $2.3 billion aid package for Kenya amid coronavirus crisis

Kenyan President Uhuru&nbsp;Kenyatta on Friday extended a nationwide overnight COVID-19 curfew for 60 days to battle a third wave of infections in East Africa's most developed economy.

Kenya, which has so far reported 111,935 positive cases and 1,901 deaths in total, registered 829 new infections on Thursday, the highest daily number since December.

In a televised address,&nbsp;Kenyatta said the positive test rate hit 13% in March compared to January's 2%.

"Unfortunately, it is still rising," he said.

Lockdowns and other restrictions to contain coronavirus contagion have stifled revenues and hampered growth in&nbsp;Kenya.

"Last year, fellow&nbsp;Kenyans, the&nbsp;Kenyan economy was projected to grow by 6.2%, but it only grew by 0.6% because of the COVID-19 pandemic,"&nbsp;Kenyatta said, adding that the economy was likely to bounce back and grow by approximately 7% in 2021.

"If we had not made the bold (lockdown) decisions of 2020..., our economy would, in 2021, have contracted by 15%."

Kenya&nbsp;plans to vaccinate 1.25 million people by June and another 9.6 million in the next phase. [nL5N2L31VA]

The ministry of health said this week that the country aims to inoculate about 15 million people nationwide, about 30% of the country's population, by the end of June 2023.

"Kenya&nbsp;is entering a critical phase in the management and control of the pandemic, with the arrival currently of World Health Organization-prequalified COVID-19 vaccines,"&nbsp;Kenyatta said.

Kenya&nbsp;began inoculating people last week with the vaccine produced by Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca.&nbsp;Kenyatta said the shot "has been tested and our own medical experts are persuaded that its safety profile is bankable."

European regulators have dismissed scattered reports of blood clots in people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, but on Friday Thailand joined a handful of European countries in suspending use of the shot.

In other new measures to curb the spread of the virus,&nbsp;Kenyatta banned political gatherings for 30 days, ordered strict limits on attendance at church services and told bars and restaurants to close by 9 p.m.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday extended a nationwide overnight COVID-19 curfew for 60 days to battle a third wave of infections in East Africa's most developed economy.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday extended a nationwide overnight COVID-19 curfew for 60 days to battle a third wave of infections in East Africa's most developed economy. Kenya, which has so far reported 111,935 positive cases and 1,901 deaths in total, registered 829 new infections on Thursday, the highest daily number since December. In a televised address, Kenyatta said the positive test rate hit 13% in March compared to January's 2%. "Unfortunately, it is still rising," he said. Lockdowns and other restrictions to contain coronavirus contagion have stifled revenues and hampered growth in Kenya. "Last year, fellow Kenyans, the Kenyan economy was projected to grow by 6.2%, but it only grew by 0.6% because of the COVID-19 pandemic," Kenyatta said, adding that the economy was likely to bounce back and grow by approximately 7% in 2021. "If we had not made the bold (lockdown) decisions of 2020..., our economy would, in 2021, have contracted by 15%." Kenya plans to vaccinate 1.25 million people by June and another 9.6 million in the next phase. [nL5N2L31VA] The ministry of health said this week that the country aims to inoculate about 15 million people nationwide, about 30% of the country's population, by the end of June 2023. "Kenya is entering a critical phase in the management and control of the pandemic, with the arrival currently of World Health Organization-prequalified COVID-19 vaccines," Kenyatta said. Kenya began inoculating people last week with the vaccine produced by Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca. Kenyatta said the shot "has been tested and our own medical experts are persuaded that its safety profile is bankable." European regulators have dismissed scattered reports of blood clots in people who received the AstraZeneca vaccine, but on Friday Thailand joined a handful of European countries in suspending use of the shot. In other new measures to curb the spread of the virus, Kenyatta banned political gatherings for 30 days, ordered strict limits on attendance at church services and told bars and restaurants to close by 9 p.m.

Kenya extends nationwide COVID-19 curfew for two months

A Kenyan company has now found a pretty unique way to curb the massive locust outbreak that has been raking havoc. The company will be turning insects into protein-rich animal feed.

Kenya: Farmers are fighting back locusts by turning insects into protein-rich animal feed

Electric fencing has been constructed around forests in Kenya in an attempt to protect wildlife from being hunted, prevent illegal logging and save water sources.

Kenya uses electric fences to protect forests from humans

African countries have now started the COVAX-AIDED vaccination drive as efforts to inoculate the world's poorest nations.

African countries begin COVAX-AIDED vaccination drive

After growing concerns of underpopulation, Kenya now takes the help of 'seed balls' to fight the problem of deforestation. These seed balls contain cassia seeds that are helping regrow Kenya's depleted forests. WION tells you more.

Kenya depends on 'seed balls' to fight deforestation

Against human interference: Electric fences protect forests in Kenya

Schools in Kenya have reopened after a 9-month dissolution due to the pandemic. Over 15 million students are expected to return to their classrooms in the next few days.

Schools in Kenya reopen after 9 months, over 15 mn students return to classrooms

When lawyer Shadrack Wambui was growing up in one of Nairobi's slums, he vented his frustration at abusive police through boxing, cultivating discipline that helped him avoid confrontations that could have derailed his studies.

Kenyan lawyer brings boxing and justice to the slums

Somalia cut diplomatic relations with neighbouring Kenya on Tuesday, accusing it of meddling in politics as protests and gunfire erupted in the capital Mogadishu over delayed elections.

Somalia accuses Kenya of meddling in internal affairs

Women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday she was gearing up for New Delhi's half-marathon on Sunday, dismissing fears around the novel coronavirus outbreak and polluted air in the capital city.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-have-to-adapt-jose-mourinho-to-jurgen-klopp-over-hectic-schedule-345591" hreflang="en">'We have to adapt': Jose Mourinho to Jurgen Klopp over hectic schedule</a>

&nbsp;The 26-year-old, who won the London Marathon in October, will race alongside many of the world's leading long-distance runners at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020.

"When I told my family that I want to go to India for a marathon even during a pandemic, they supported my decision and told me to do well and take care of myself," Kosgei told reporters at a news conference on Thursday.

India's confimed cases of coronavirus infections stands at 9.27 million, the second-highest in the world after the United States, according to a Reuters tally.

Elite runners were being tested daily for infections and kept in bio-secure bubbles, race organiser Procam International said, adding there would be 60 healthcare officials across the course for health emergencies on Sunday.

To tackle Delhi's hazardous air, anti-smog machines would be installed along the 21-km route for the elite runners, and sprayed with treated water.

Hundreds of other enthusiasts were participating in the shorter races.

Doctors have slammed the holding of a marathon in Delhi, which is facing one of the worst spells of air pollution this year, complicating efforts for controlling the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;

On Thursday, the average concentration of deadly particulate matter PM2.5, which can potentially cause respiratory diseases including lung cancer, was seven times the prescribed safe limit of the World Health Organisation.

&nbsp;Each year Delhi suffers one of the worst air pollution levels globally partly due to local vehicle emissions, toxic waste and smoke from the thousands of small unregulated industrial units.

Women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday she was gearing up for New Delhi's half-marathon on Sunday, dismissing fears around the novel coronavirus outbreak and polluted air in the capital city.

Women's marathon world record holder Brigid Kosgei said on Thursday she was gearing up for New Delhi's half-marathon on Sunday, dismissing fears around the novel coronavirus outbreak and polluted air in the capital city. Also read: 'We have to adapt': Jose Mourinho to Jurgen Klopp over hectic schedule The 26-year-old, who won the London Marathon in October, will race alongside many of the world's leading long-distance runners at the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2020. "When I told my family that I want to go to India for a marathon even during a pandemic, they supported my decision and told me to do well and take care of myself," Kosgei told reporters at a news conference on Thursday. India's confimed cases of coronavirus infections stands at 9.27 million, the second-highest in the world after the United States, according to a Reuters tally. Elite runners were being tested daily for infections and kept in bio-secure bubbles, race organiser Procam International said, adding there would be 60 healthcare officials across the course for health emergencies on Sunday. To tackle Delhi's hazardous air, anti-smog machines would be installed along the 21-km route for the elite runners, and sprayed with treated water. Hundreds of other enthusiasts were participating in the shorter races. Doctors have slammed the holding of a marathon in Delhi, which is facing one of the worst spells of air pollution this year, complicating efforts for controlling the coronavirus outbreak. On Thursday, the average concentration of deadly particulate matter PM2.5, which can potentially cause respiratory diseases including lung cancer, was seven times the prescribed safe limit of the World Health Organisation. Each year Delhi suffers one of the worst air pollution levels globally partly due to local vehicle emissions, toxic waste and smoke from the thousands of small unregulated industrial units.

Athletics: Kenya's Kosgei dismisses fears over Delhi pollution, virus

With the aim to protect the last known surviving white male giraffe from poachers, conservationists have attached a GPS tracking device into it.

The white giraffe now stands alone after a female and her calf were killed by poachers in March, the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy said in a statement Tuesday.

As per the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy, the tracking device has been attached to one of the giraffe’s ossicones, the horn-like protuberances on its head. It can further help the conservation group to keep a track on the movements of this unique giraffe by giving hourly updates.&nbsp;

A rare genetic trait called leucism causes the white colour, and it makes the one surviving giraffe stand out dangerously for poachers in the arid savannah near the Somalia border.

The device was attached to the giraffe of November 8. The rangers will track the movement of giraffe in the conservancy based in Garissa County, eastern Kenya.

Earlier in March this year, poachers killed two of his family members, leaving behind only one giraffe. The white giraffe was first discovered in 2017 along with its calf. She gave birth to another calf in August last year. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

With the aim to protect the last known surviving white male giraffe from poachers, conservationists have attached a GPS tracking device into it. The white giraffe now stands alone after a female and her calf were killed by poachers in March, the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy said in a statement Tuesday.

With the aim to protect the last known surviving white male giraffe from poachers, conservationists have attached a GPS tracking device into it. The white giraffe now stands alone after a female and her calf were killed by poachers in March, the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy said in a statement Tuesday. As per the Ishaqbini Hirola Community Conservancy, the tracking device has been attached to one of the giraffe’s ossicones, the horn-like protuberances on its head. It can further help the conservation group to keep a track on the movements of this unique giraffe by giving hourly updates. A rare genetic trait called leucism causes the white colour, and it makes the one surviving giraffe stand out dangerously for poachers in the arid savannah near the Somalia border. The device was attached to the giraffe of November 8. The rangers will track the movement of giraffe in the conservancy based in Garissa County, eastern Kenya. Earlier in March this year, poachers killed two of his family members, leaving behind only one giraffe. The white giraffe was first discovered in 2017 along with its calf. She gave birth to another calf in August last year. (With inputs from agencies)

World's only surviving white giraffe gets fitted with a tracking device

A locust invasion is swarming across parts of Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya, destroying crops and pastureland in its wake. WION brings you a report.

Worst crisis of Locust swarms in 7 decades hits Africa

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta has issued a decree to save a much-loved century-old fig tree from being cut down to make way for a Chinese-funded highway in the capital Nairobi.

Kenya's president saves fig tree from Chinese-funded highway

With the COVID-19 pandemic wrecking the livelihoods in Kenya, Children in African countries have turned to working in quarries and rubbish dumps. Most of the children believe that they have been left without any other options.

Children resort to working in quarries, rubbish dumps in Kenya

A wildlife conservation group is trying to dissuade herders in central Kenya from poisoning cattle carcasses to target predators, because vultures often end up being harmed. The hooded vulture in Kenya has seen 90% decline in the population in last 45 years.

Poisoned carcasses killing off Kenya's vultures

Keysha Atiki is only 10 but she can already lift her own body weight thanks to training with a coach who once competed in the Olympics - her grandmother. Mercy Obiero was only the second African woman to compete in weightlifting at the Olympics, representing her native Kenya in 2012.

Kenya's weightlifting Olympian granny trains daughter and granddaughter

Kenya’s top judge advised President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday to dissolve the country’s male-dominated parliament, saying lawmakers had failed to meet a constitutional provision which would allow for one-third of seats to be occupied by women.

Despite Kenya’s 2010 constitution stating that no more than two-thirds of any elected or appointed body can be of the same gender, women hold 22% of seats in the country’s lower house of parliament, and 31% in the upper house.

Court rulings since 2012 have directed parliament to pass legislation to enforce the gender rule or risk being dissolved - but previous attempts have failed with female MPs accusing male lawmakers of deliberately blocking efforts.

In an advisory sent to Kenyatta, Chief Justice David Maraga said the failure to enact the legislation was clear testimony of lawmakers’ “lackadaisical attitude and conduct” in relation to the two-thirds gender rule.

“There is no doubt that the dissolution of parliament will cause inconvenience and even economic hardship. The fact that Kenya is in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic only exacerbates the potential impact of the decision,” wrote Maraga.

“Yet that is the clear result Kenyans desired for parliament’s failure to enact legislation they deemed necessary. We must forget that more often than not, there is no gain without pain.”

Presidential spokeswoman Kanze Dena told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that there was no comment on the advisory.

Some political analysts said the advisory does not compel the president to act, but women’s rights groups who have long campaigned for legislation said the move was a significant step in the fight for fairer gender representation in politics.

“We imagined it, we worked for it we made it possible,” tweeted Marilyn Kamaru from the #Weare52pc movement, a collective of activists and womens’ groups which had petitioned to have parliament dissolved three years ago.

“Whether the president dissolves parliament or illegally retains it in violation of the Constitution. It is important to remember this moment was made possible by the work of women activists, feminists &amp; the queer community.”

Women make up only a third of the 2.5 million people employed in the formal sector, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. And while women provide 80% of Kenya’s farm labour, they own only 1% of agricultural land.

The percentage of women in Kenya’s parliament is lower than east African neighbours such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda, according to Inter-Parliamentary Union.

Gender experts say women in politics face a barrage of challenges, ranging from physical and sexual violence to a lack of money to fund their campaigns. Quotas, they say, help create a more level playing field and ensure their voice is represented.

Kenya’s top judge advised President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday to dissolve the country’s male-dominated parliament, saying lawmakers had failed to meet a constitutional provision which would allow for one-third of seats to be occupied by women.

Kenya’s top judge advised President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday to dissolve the country’s male-dominated parliament, saying lawmakers had failed to meet a constitutional provision which would allow for one-third of seats to be occupied by women. Despite Kenya’s 2010 constitution stating that no more than two-thirds of any elected or appointed body can be of the same gender, women hold 22% of seats in the country’s lower house of parliament, and 31% in the upper house. Court rulings since 2012 have directed parliament to pass legislation to enforce the gender rule or risk being dissolved - but previous attempts have failed with female MPs accusing male lawmakers of deliberately blocking efforts. In an advisory sent to Kenyatta, Chief Justice David Maraga said the failure to enact the legislation was clear testimony of lawmakers’ “lackadaisical attitude and conduct” in relation to the two-thirds gender rule. “There is no doubt that the dissolution of parliament will cause inconvenience and even economic hardship. The fact that Kenya is in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic only exacerbates the potential impact of the decision,” wrote Maraga. “Yet that is the clear result Kenyans desired for parliament’s failure to enact legislation they deemed necessary. We must forget that more often than not, there is no gain without pain.” Presidential spokeswoman Kanze Dena told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that there was no comment on the advisory. Some political analysts said the advisory does not compel the president to act, but women’s rights groups who have long campaigned for legislation said the move was a significant step in the fight for fairer gender representation in politics. “We imagined it, we worked for it we made it possible,” tweeted Marilyn Kamaru from the #Weare52pc movement, a collective of activists and womens’ groups which had petitioned to have parliament dissolved three years ago. “Whether the president dissolves parliament or illegally retains it in violation of the Constitution. It is important to remember this moment was made possible by the work of women activists, feminists & the queer community.” Women make up only a third of the 2.5 million people employed in the formal sector, according to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. And while women provide 80% of Kenya’s farm labour, they own only 1% of agricultural land. The percentage of women in Kenya’s parliament is lower than east African neighbours such as Ethiopia, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda, according to Inter-Parliamentary Union. Gender experts say women in politics face a barrage of challenges, ranging from physical and sexual violence to a lack of money to fund their campaigns. Quotas, they say, help create a more level playing field and ensure their voice is represented.

Kenya's top judge advises parliament to dissolve over lack of women

Kenya’s top judge advised President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday to dissolve the country’s male-dominated parliament

Kenya has been hit by a second wave of locust after billions of these tiny insects swarmed across the nation earlier in the year. The second wave has also caused large scale damage. Watch report.

Locust swarms ravage crops in Kenya: Can worsen food crisis

In Amboseli National Park in Kenya, elephants were fitted with tracking collars on Wednesday (August 12) as part of an event to mark World Elephant Day.

Elephants fitted with trackers as new births celebrated on World Elephant Day 

The wildfire in Kenya which had destroyed large parts of the Tsavo National Park in Kenya’s southeast had been extinguished. The fire broke out on Saturday along the Maktau-Taveta Road to the South of Murka.

Huge wildfire contained in Kenya's national park | World News

James Maina Mwangi thought men weren't supposed to wear colourful clothes. Mwangi, 59, dressed in yellow suit pants and jacket with a striped red, blue and yellow shirt joined by a red and yellow tie and yellow hat, said that he drew curious reactions 25 years ago when he would go out in his colorful suits. But soon enough, some began emulating him.

Kenyan fashionista aims to control the spread of COVID-19 in Nairobi

Senior government officials held a meeting last weekend to find a lasting solution to the rising cases of teenage pregnancies in the country

Kenya: Alarm over rise in teen pregnancies during pandemic

Alarm in Kenya over rise in teen pregnancies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch this video to know more.

Kenya battles teen pregnancies amid COVID-19 pandemic

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