LAKESIDE CAUCUS OF STUDENTS PENS PROPOSALS TO AFRICAN UNION

 The Lake Side Caucus of student leaders representing universities across Kenya have congratulated  the Right Honorable Baba Raila Amolo Odinga for his commendable pursuit of the African Union Commission (AUC) Chairmanship after his unsuccessful bid.

Speaking in a media briefing Ramesh Saxena Secretary general university of Nairobi  has lauded the former premier commitment to social, political, and economic transformation.The students caucus has proposed for the establishment of formal mechanisms that allow university students to shadow AU officials and participate in its programs. Such initiatives will provide students with firsthand experience in continental governance and foster a deeper understanding of Pan-African ideals. 

According to the students leaders involving students in the AU’s work will nurture a new generation of leaders who are committed to the unity and progress of Africa.Creation of Pan-African University Forums and Digital Repositories,they have  urged the AU to spearhead the establishment of Pan-African forums across universities in Africa. These forums should serve as platforms for intellectual exchange, cultural dialogue, and the preservation of Africa’s rich history.

They have also proposed the creation of digital repositories that document the lives and contributions of African greats such as the founders of the OAU, Nelson Mandela, and contemporary leaders like Raila Odinga. These repositories should be accessible to students across the continent, enabling collaboration between institutions such as the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, the University of Cape Town, the University of Cairo, Kwame Nkrumah University, and Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar.

Additionally, these forums hosting virtual lectures by prominent African leaders and scholars, including Baba Raila Odinga, who can share their insights on democratic change, constitutional reform, and Pan-Africanism. By preserving and promoting our history, we can inspire future generations and strengthen the bonds of unity across Africa.

Further establishment of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance in Universities,they proposed the creation of AU Centers for Democracy and Governance, to be situated in universities across the continent. These centers will honor the sacrifices of those who fought for Africa’s second liberation, particularly in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall. They will serve as depositories of the lives and legacies of African greats, including the founders of the OAU and promote research, dialogue, and advocacy on democratic governance.

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CATHOLIC CHURCH LAUNCHES JUBILEE 2025 AFRICA CAMPAIGN

AMECEA, the Jesuit Justice and Ecology Network

Africa (JENA), in collaboration with Caritas Africa and the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM)has officially launched the Jubilee 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign in Nairobi.

 The initiative is inspired by Pope Francis's call for a Jubilee Year, seeking to mobilize action across Africa for the cancellation of unjust debts and advocate for reforms in the global financial architecture.The campaign is rooted in the Catholic Church’s enduring commitment to social justice,drawing from the theological foundations of the Jubilee Year as a time of renewal, hope, and liberation.

 Themed "Pilgrims of Hope," the 2025  underscores a global call for economic justice, equity, and the protection of the most vulnerable communities. “Our vision for Jubilee 2025 is to see an Africa liberated from the constraints of unjust debt, thriving within a fair global financial system, and strengthened by ethical leadership

and robust governance,” said a Bishop Charles Sampa Kasonde, Chairman - AMECEA.

"Debt is not just an economic issue; it is a moral one," said Fr. Charles Chilufya, S.J – Director

Jesuits Justice and Ecology Network Africa (JENA) "The burden of unjust debt undermines

the dignity of millions, stifles development, and traps nations in cycles of poverty. The Church,

guided by Pope Francis’s vision, stands in solidarity with those affected, advocating for a more just and compassionate financial system."

 Jubilee 2025 Africa Campaign builds on the historic success of the Jubilee 2000

Campaign, a global movement spearheaded by faith-based organizations, including the

Catholic Church. That campaign achieved significant victories, resulting in over $100 billion

in debt relief for some of the world's poorest countries, including Uganda, Mozambique, and

Tanzania. This debt cancellation enabled countries to invest in critical sectors such as health,education, and infrastructure, dramatically improving the lives of millions.

Africa is at a critical crossroads. According to recent data, over 22 African countries are either

in debt distress or at high risk. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with global economic

shocks, has exacerbated the situation, leaving nations struggling to meet basic needs while

servicing unsustainable debts. The Jubilee 2025 Debt Cancellation Campaign highlights how

these debts, often incurred under unfair conditions, perpetuate inequality and hinder sustainable development.

The Catholic Church and its partners aim to,

 Secure the cancellation of unjust debts that undermine human dignity and

development.Promote reforms in the global financial system to ensure fairness, accountability, and

sustainability.Raise awareness about the moral and ethical dimensions of debt through education,media engagement, and grassroots campaigns.

The launch event was preceded by a media workshop that brought together journalists and

editors from leading media houses. The workshop aimed to equip media professionals with expert insights, actionable data, and exclusive stories to drive impactful, solution-oriented reporting on Africa's debt crisis.

ORACOM FOUNDER EMERGES TOP PANELISTS IN NYANZA INVESTMENT CONFERENCE

Oracom founder and CEO Alphonce juma has emerged top panelist in the ongoing three days  Nyanza international investment conference at the ciala resort in kisumu county. 

Speaking in a media interview the CEO has reiterated on the artificial intelligence making work easier especially in farming and technology. The new AI disruption has also created more jobs with governors plugging the new tech in blue economy.

The conference enters day two tomorrow and is expected to be graced by president William Ruto who will the Chief guest.

BURNA BOY TO LIGHT UP NAIROBI AT THE MADFUN EXPERIENCE

Nigerian super  star and Grammy awards winner Burna Boy is expected to the the star attraction in Nairobi Madfun experience to be hosted at uhuru gardens  on March 1st and will be sharing the stage with Kenya’s dynamic singer and Afro-pop performer, Charisma and South Africa’s xxxxxx alongside an array of celebrated deejays.

Speaking during a media briefing Joy Wachira, Managing Director of Madfun said, “It is time to raise the bar and shape Africa’s music culture. We are here to prove that Kenya has the capacity to host international events that rival the best in the world. The MadfunXperience goes beyond a concert. We want to make a statement about Kenya’s place in the global entertainment industry”. 

MadfunXperience has so far secured partnerships with Odibets, Moët Hennessy, Tribe Hotel and Uber to ensure concertgoers get a memorable experience. Madfun is also working with relevant government authorities for a seamless event that will reinforce Kenya’s position as a leading entertainment and tourism hub.Odibets reiterated the company’s support for the music and the arts while announcing the partnership. “Our partnership with MadfunXperience is another step in our ongoing commitment to support music and the arts in Kenya. Whether it's through our sponsorship of local talent or our engagement with global superstars, we believe in the power of music to unite, inspire and entertain, said Dedan Mungai, Odibets General Manager. 

Allan Ogola at Moët Hennessy, said: “As the official spirits partner for the MadfunXperience, we are excited to bring a premium VIP and VVIP experience to concert goers. This partnership reflects our commitment to elevating Africa’s entertainment scene by delivering world-class hospitality and unforgettable moments. We look forward to celebrating music, culture and excellence with fans at this historic event”.

According  to Mike Mwangi, General Manager and  CEO of Tribe Hotel as part of the partnership, Tribe Hotel will offer accommodation packages for international guests attending the concert, “We are excited to welcome Burna Boy fans from across the world to Nairobi and provide them with a luxury hospitality experience that matches the scale of this event.”Mr Mwangi added that the hotel will also offer accomodations to revellers at  discounted prices.

 Uber will provide concert goers with reliable and safe mobility solutions, which can be accessed from the airport as well as to and from the concert.Lorraine Onduru, Head of Communications, East and West Africa at Uber said, “We are pleased to be the mobility partner for the MadfunXperience, which will provide concertgoers with an array of mobility products on our platform such as Uber Van, Uber Comfort, Uber ChapChap and so much more, which can be accessed from the airport, while local concertgoers can access seamless rides to and from their locations to Uhuru Gardens. Local and international fans coming to the MadfunXperience can access all these accommodation and travel services seamlessly as they buy their tickets from Madfun.com.

Madfun has also put in place stringent necessary security measures and is working with security agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees before, during and after the event. The Regional Sub-County Police Commander, Ms. Monica Kimani assured the public that “they are set and ready to cover the event and have improved on all aspects of security provision”. “There will be no room for any aspect of criminality. We will also provide security in all hotels where gusts will be staying and pledge that there will be free flow of traffic to and from the venue”, added Ms Kimani.

Tickets for the MadfunXperience featuring Burna Boy Live in Nairobi are available on Madfun.com and fans are encouraged to book early to secure their spot to what promises to be an electrifying night of music and culture.The MadfunXperience will bring together thousands of music lovers from across Africa and beyond, marking one of Kenya’s biggest entertainment events in recent history.

EXPERTS EMPOWERED ON BIO BANKING ACCREDITATION IN AFRICA

 Kenya Accreditation Service (KENAS), in collaboration with the British Standards Institute (BSI), has launched a groundbreaking Biobanking Accreditation Awareness Workshop in Nairobi.

Speaking during the workshop  KENAS CEO Dr. Walter Ongeti emphasized the transformative impact of biobank accreditation. "This workshop marks a historic step for KENAS and the African continent. We are proud to be the first Accreditation Body in Africa to offer formal accreditation to biobanks under the ISO 20387:2018 standard. This milestone showcases Africa’s readiness to meet global standards in scientific research, medical advancements, and biotechnology." Biobanks serve as repositories for biological samples essential for research in genomics, drug development, cancer treatment, and public health interventions. 

According to Mr Ongeti accreditation ensures that these samples are managed with integrity, quality, and ethical responsibility, safeguarding research outcomes and patient care.Biobanking accreditation under ISO 20387:2018 will strengthen Africa's research landscape, reduce regulatory barriers, and enhance trade opportunities. It creates an environment where global trust can be placed in African research and healthcare solutions.

The four-day workshop brings together regulators, technical experts, and stakeholders from the biotechnology and research sectors to build capacity in biobanking accreditation based on the globally recognized ISO 20387:2018 standard.This is part of the strategic partnership between KENAS and BSI, which supports capacity building in Kenya's Quality Infrastructure (QI) ecosystem—encompassing metrology, standards, and conformity assessment. 

Biobanking accreditation will streamline research processes, enhance the credibility of research samples, and facilitate global collaborations, thus positioning Africa at the forefront of cutting-edge scientific discoveries.