Nairobi Panel Urges End to Sudan’s War as Humanitarian Toll Mounts
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- September 11, 2025
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Nairobi Panel Urges End to Sudan’s War as Humanitarian Toll Mounts
Smartphone Users Urged to Guard Against Alleged Data Privacy Risks in Tech
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By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – September 11, 2025
As Sudan enters its third year of conflict, a panel meeting in Nairobi has issued a powerful call for peace, warning that the war has inflicted catastrophic suffering and risks destabilising the entire region.
The war began on April 15, 2023, when tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), under General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo “Hemedti,” exploded into open combat. What started as a power struggle in Khartoum quickly spread across the country, engulfing Darfur, Al Jazirah, South Kordofan, the Blue Nile, and other regions.
Two years on, the human cost is staggering. More than 150,000 people are believed to have been killed, with one study estimating over 61,000 deaths in Khartoum alone during the first 14 months. In Al Jazirah State, local reports document 8,000 deaths during RSF control between late 2023 and early 2025. The violence has displaced over 11 million people within Sudan, forcing families to flee repeatedly as front lines shift. Beyond its borders, the crisis has pushed more than 4 million Sudanese into exile: roughly 1.5 million in Egypt, 1.1 million in South Sudan, over 850,000 in Chad, and hundreds of thousands more in Ethiopia, the Central African Republic, Libya, and Uganda.
The scale of need is unprecedented. The United Nations estimates that more than 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, with widespread hunger, collapsing health care, and devastated livelihoods driving one of the world’s worst displacement crises.
It was against this backdrop that the Nairobi panel — convened by the Centre Maghrébin et Africain des Médias, the Kofi Annan Foundation, and Ambassador Amina Live — issued its joint statement. The participants insisted that no military victory will ever bring peace, justice, or stability to Sudan. Instead, they urged the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations to act with urgency and moral clarity.
The statement outlined five priorities: immediate pressure on both SAF and RSF to halt fighting and return to negotiations; rejection of any reliance on military solutions; unhindered humanitarian access for civilians; support for inclusive political dialogue that amplifies the voices of women, youth, civil society, faith groups, and marginalised communities; and the establishment of a civilian-led transitional government to steer the country towards credible elections.
“The people of Sudan have endured enough. No battlefield victory will ever bring peace, justice, or stability to Sudan—only an inclusive political settlement can do so,” the declaration read.
Sudan, the panel warned, stands at a crossroads. The future of its people cannot be determined by violence, and silence in the face of such devastation is complicity. As the joint statement concluded: “We must break the silence and silence the guns.”
Today, mobile phones are more than communication tools; they are gateways to our personal, professional, and financial lives. From banking apps to health trackers, smartphones have become vaults of our most sensitive information. Yet unlike traditional vaults, they are not always secure.
Over the years, tech companies have faced questions about how they handle user data. In 2020, reports suggested Xiaomi’s browser tracked user activity even in private mode—claims the company strongly denied. Around the same time, other global giants faced scrutiny: Facebook with the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Apple over location tracking, and Google for targeted advertising. These cases show that privacy concerns cut across brands and markets.
Why This Matters to Consumers
Data is the new oil. Each time you browse, stream, or unlock your phone, you generate information that reveals your habits, preferences, and location. This data, when aggregated, can be used for advertising, predictions, and even political influence. In the wrong hands, it can lead to identity theft, fraud, or intrusive surveillance.
In Kenya, where mobile money dominates, the stakes are even higher. The Central Bank of Kenya reports that transactions through mobile money agents hit Sh8.7 trillion in 2024—over half the nation’s GDP. A data breach here could expose incomes, spending habits, and debts, fueling scams and fraud.
Local and Global Implications
Globally, regulators are tightening controls. The EU’s GDPR and California’s CCPA empower consumers, but enforcement often excludes developing markets where smartphone use is soaring. Kenya has taken steps with the 2019 Data Protection Act and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC). Progress is slow, but notable: OPPO Kenya was fined Sh5 million in 2022 for misusing a customer’s photo, and in 2023 several firms—including schools and digital lenders—faced penalties for data breaches.
What Consumers Can Do
- Scrutinize app permissions – don’t allow unnecessary access.
- Use trusted apps and browsers with strong reputations for privacy.
- Keep devices updated to patch vulnerabilities.
- Enable encryption and two-factor authentication.
- Protect mobile money apps with strong PINs and avoid sharing credentials.
- Stay informed by following credible updates on privacy issues.
Ultimately, while companies may lure you with sleek designs and affordability, the hidden cost may lie in how your data is used. Whether you own an iPhone, Samsung, Xiaomi, or entry-level Android, the principle is the same: the more informed you are, the safer your digital life will be.
Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – September 10, 2025
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has stepped up its engagement with young people living in informal settlements, with a renewed call for greater inclusion, access to opportunities, and an end to political tokenism.
Speaking during a public forum in Kibra Constituency on Wednesday, NCIC Chairperson Rev. Samuel Kobia said the commission’s Transgenerational Conversations initiative, launched in September 2024, seeks to give a platform to marginalized voices, particularly youth in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
“We wanted to give these young people the opportunity to air out what they really wanted to say—to the government, to NCIC, and to Kenyans,” Rev. Kobia said. “Many of them feel excluded and unheard, yet they are the ones who face the least opportunities for advancement.”
According to Rev. Kobia, youth in informal settlements consistently raised three key issues during recent engagements in Kibra, Kawangware, and Kangemi: limited access to jobs and economic opportunities, exclusion from meaningful decision-making, and frustration over being used for political tokenism.
“The Constitution and the NCIC Act guarantee equal access to opportunities, but young people here tell us they do not benefit,” he explained. “They also feel that when they are invited to forums, it is often for public relations purposes rather than genuine engagement. We want to move beyond that and ensure implementation of their proposals.”
To address these concerns, NCIC plans to adopt a multi-agency approach, bringing together government departments, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies to create pathways for youth advancement. Rev. Kobia cited the upcoming police recruitment as one example where quotas could be set aside for young people from informal settlements who lack political connections or financial influence.
“We will advocate for a framework that ensures fairness,” he said. “If 40,000 officers are being recruited, a significant number should come from informal settlements. These young people must not be left behind.”
The commission also raised concerns over the use of places of worship by politicians for partisan speeches, a matter flagged by residents during the forums. Rev. Kobia said NCIC is monitoring such utterances closely, warning that they can fuel division.
“We were very pleased when some church leaders declared that politicians will no longer be allowed to speak during services. Places of worship are sacred and should remain free from political manipulation,” he said.
The Transgenerational Conversations have so far been held in Marsabit County and Nairobi County’s Kibra, Kawangware, and Kangemi, with plans to expand to other regions. Rev. Kobia emphasized that the program is especially important following the unprecedented civic awakening led by Gen Z in 2024, which forced major policy shifts, including the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill.
“Kenyan youth opened up this country in a way we had never seen before,” he said. “Now, our role as NCIC is to ensure that their voices—especially those in informal settlements—translate into lasting change.”
By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – September 9, 2025
Safaricom PLC has unveiled two new propositions, Ofa Ya Boda Boda and Bundle Ya Deree, targeting Kenya’s ride-hailing drivers and boda boda operators. The solutions are designed to ease the challenges faced by transport workers by bundling together affordable connectivity, subsidized fuel, insurance cover, and financial wellness programs.
Through these offerings, drivers and riders will access specially packaged voice and data bundles with free use of ride-hailing and navigation apps, ensuring they remain connected throughout the day. The packages also include subsidized insurance, covering accidents, illness, and income loss, alongside training in road safety and financial literacy. Safaricom has further introduced Safire Connect forums, aimed at equipping operators with entrepreneurship skills and digital and AI fluency to enhance their long-term financial security.
To address rising operational costs, Safaricom has partnered with Vivo Energy Kenya to provide weekly fuel discounts. Drivers subscribed to Bundle Ya Deree will enjoy reduced prices on Shell FuelSave Unleaded and V-Power every Friday at Shell outlets nationwide.
“We understand the challenges faced by Kenyans in the transport sector, especially with the rising cost of operations. Through our partnership with Safaricom, we aim to ease this burden, with the fuel discounts to drivers being a significant boost for operators,” said Patrick Masinde, Retail Manager at Vivo Energy Kenya.
Safaricom’s Chief Consumer Business Officer, Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, emphasized the company’s broader vision in rolling out the initiative. “Our purpose is to transform lives by empowering people to people, opportunity, and knowledge. With Ofa Ya Boda Boda and Bundle Ya Deree, we achieve all three in one initiative—offering connectivity, safety, insurance, and financial empowerment to this vital sector.”
The launch comes at a time when the transport industry continues to play a central role in Kenya’s economy. According to the 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, the sector contributed 4.4 percent to the country’s GDP in 2024. Kenya has over 1.4 million registered motorcycles, directly employing more than one million people. With riders earning between KES 500 and KES 1,500 daily—translating to an estimated KES 1 billion in daily income—the sector remains a critical pillar of livelihoods and economic growth.
By addressing high costs, safety risks, and financial vulnerability, Safaricom’s new propositions position the company as a partner of choice for drivers and riders. The solutions are expected to help operators work more efficiently, save money, and secure their future.
Boda boda riders can subscribe to Ofa Ya Boda by dialing 5448#, while ride-hailing drivers can access Bundle Ya Deree through 5446#.
By Njeri Irungu
Nairobi, Kenya – September 9, 2025
The Kenya Nurse Association (KNA) has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Kenya Progressive Nurses Association, setting the stage for stronger collaboration in advancing the welfare, skills, and career growth of nurses across the country.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, KNA representatives emphasized that the agreement will focus on equipping nurses with essential knowledge, competencies, and continuous professional development to improve the quality of healthcare delivery.
“We believe that when you empower a nurse, you empower the entire healthcare system,” said one official, echoing sentiments earlier expressed by Dr. Montgomery, Director for CHAP, who underscored the critical role of nurses in strengthening healthcare systems globally.
KNA currently operates through 74 branches nationwide, with some counties hosting multiple branches due to their size and population. The Association is accredited by the Nursing Council of Kenya (NCK) to provide Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs, ensuring that nurses receive updated training that meets international standards.
The partnership also comes at a time when Kenya produces over 10,000 nursing graduates annually from 164 accredited training institutions, yet the country’s healthcare system can only absorb a fraction of them. For instance, internship opportunities are limited to about 2,000 nurses annually, leaving thousands seeking employment elsewhere.
Kenyan nurses have consistently proven their competence at the international level, excelling in countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Botswana. “Our mission is to bridge the gap between highly qualified African nurses and global healthcare opportunities,” the Association noted.
Kenya Nurse has also been instrumental in helping professionals navigate the rigorous processes required to work abroad, including English proficiency tests and international licensing. By doing so, it supports nurses in accessing jobs in markets that face a global shortage of more than five million nurses.
The Association highlighted the story of its Managing Director, Simiyu Polarana, who worked as a nurse educator in the UK before founding a company that has since supported over 50,000 families through employment and training opportunities for nurses.
Through this new alliance, the two associations aim to expand career opportunities for nurses both locally and abroad, while at the same time strengthening training programs, advancing skills development, and broadening access to CPD opportunities. The collaboration also seeks to champion the welfare of nurses within Kenya’s healthcare system and to encourage global knowledge exchange by linking Kenyan nurses with international best practices.
“This partnership is not just about nurses—it is about the health and future of Kenya,” the KNA leadership affirmed.