Author: WAJ Team

The initial group of Kenyans received what is expected to be the first TB vaccine in nearly a century. The vaccinations were administered on July 12 in Kisumu, Kilifi, Machakos, and Nairobi. However, the vaccine is still in trial phases and may not be publicly accessible until 2030. The new TB vaccine is administered through two intramuscular injections given one month apart. Currently, the only available TB vaccine is the BCG, developed in 1921 for children. While BCG protects infants and young children from severe TB forms, it provides inadequate protection for adolescents and adults against the pulmonary TB that…

M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have accused the government coalition of violating a humanitarian ceasefire facilitated by the United States. They claim that Kinshasa has detained thousands of displaced individuals and failed to honor the July 5 truce, which was intended to support humanitarian efforts and allow the return of internally displaced people (IDPs). According to M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the coalition forces have not respected the truce and have instead carried out several targeted attacks on rebel-held regions in Bweremana, Ruzintaka, Kirumba, Matembe (Kaseghe), and Masisi. On July 17, the US announced that the parties involved had agreed…

Due to severe flooding, a group of Liberian senators has suggested moving the capital city from the overcrowded and poorly managed Monrovia, a proposal that has sparked mixed reactions within the country. Flash floods between late June and early July left nearly 50,000 Liberians in urgent need, according to the national disaster management agency. Monrovia, which is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to overpopulation, poor sewage systems, and lax building regulations, was heavily impacted. In early July, a senate joint committee met to discuss the persistent flooding issues and proposed establishing a new city to replace Monrovia. Chris Kpewudu, a…

Principal Secretary Julius Bitok of Immigration and Citizenship Services has announced that Kenyans will need to renew their National ID Cards every 10 years. In a statement released on Monday, Bitok explained that the renewal requirement is due to the introduction of the Maisha Ecosystem. He noted that, similar to other documents like ATM cards, the microchip in the ID has a maximum lifespan of 10 years from issuance. He clarified that the expiration of the ID is not linked to the timing of general elections. This practice is also followed in countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria, Senegal, and…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, reveals that a friend who began investing abroad four years ago has been mocking him due to his recent struggles with the government. Dangote has faced challenges with the government concerning his refinery project in Lagos. He previously described how a group was obstructing his efforts to import crude and how obtaining products has been problematic, hindering progress. Recently, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) announced that the government has not yet granted the Dangote refinery a license to start operations. Farouk Ahmed, CEO of NMDPRA, revealed during a press briefing at…

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu has removed January Makamba from his role as Foreign Affairs Minister and Nape Moses from his position as ICT Minister. In the recent announcement made on Sunday evening, Ambassador Mahmoud Kombo will succeed Makamba as the new Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Minister and has also been nominated for a parliamentary seat. Kombo, who previously served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Italy, will now step into this new role. William Silaha has been appointed as the new ICT Minister, taking over from his previous role as the Minister of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements. John Ndejembi…

Last Friday, a combined effort by South African security services led to the arrest of 208 undocumented immigrants, including 176 Zimbabwean nationals. The group also comprised individuals from Mozambique and India. According to a statement from Limpopo Province Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the Zimbabwean and Mozambican detainees have been deported. Meanwhile, the Indian nationals are currently being detained while awaiting deportation to their home country. Colonel Ledwaba said that a coordinated operation by the South African Police Service in Limpopo province had led to the arrest of 208 undocumented immigrants and the recovery of suspected stolen goods in the…

In a thrilling quarterfinal clash of the Rugby Africa Cup 2024, the Zimbabwe Sables narrowly defeated the Uganda Rugby Cranes 22-20. Uganda’s bid to capitalize on home advantage fell short as Zimbabwe opened the scoring with an early try by Edward Sigauke, followed by a successful conversion from Ian Prior for a 7-0 lead. Zimbabwe extended their advantage to 22-0 by halftime. After the break, Uganda’s coach Fred Mudoola made tactical substitutions, bringing on Joseph Aredo and Alex Aturinda. Uganda’s Philip Wokorach added a penalty, a try, and two conversions, putting pressure on Zimbabwe. Despite their spirited second-half performance, Uganda…

The Pension Funds Amendment Bill, which modifies pension-related laws to facilitate the implementation of the newly enacted two-pot retirement system aimed at enhancing retirement savings, has been approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Government Employees Pension Law of 1996, the Transnet Pension Fund Act of 1990, the Post and Telecommunications-Related Matters Act of 1958, and the Pension Funds Act of 1956 are all amended by the new Pension Funds Amendment Act. The law establishes the retirement and vested components, the introduction of the savings withdrawal benefit, the proper accounting of a member’s interest in the savings, and the permitted deductions.…

On Sunday, the National Environment Authority (NEMA) issued a public alert about the dangers of sodium cyanide that was looted from a truck that overturned on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. NEMA disclosed that the truck was carrying sodium cyanide, a hazardous substance that poses significant risks to both health and the environment. The spill occurred in the Kambembe area of Rironi, and several containers of the toxic material have been reported missing. NEMA urged the public to avoid any contact with the white, pellet-like substance and to report any sightings of the containers to local authorities immediately. The Ministry of Health…

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) is working with farmers and the private sector to increase the area covered with various fodder varieties from 32,000 hectares to 87,000 hectares by promoting hydroponic fodder cultivation. This approach aims to alleviate forage and feed shortages for cattle, boosting milk production and supporting small livestock during dry seasons over the next five years. Hydroponic farming is being encouraged as Rwanda prepares to open its first milk powder factory in Nyagatare District this week, necessitating higher milk production. This method produces fodder by growing seeds without soil and using minimal water.…

Sudan cut diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 after an attack on Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Tehran. Sudan’s de facto leader, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, welcomed an Iranian ambassador on Sunday and dispatched his own envoy to Tehran, marking a renewed diplomatic engagement after an eight-year hiatus, the government reported. In October, Sudan and Iran agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations as the army-aligned government sought allies during its conflict with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese government, backing the army in its 15-month struggle against the RSF, announced that Burhan received Tehran’s new ambassador, Hassan Shah Hosseini,…

A day after the government formally complained to the Ford Foundation about its supposed role in recent protests, the organization has responded. In a carefully worded statement that seems to refute any involvement, the Foundation highlighted its commitment to transparency. According to the statement, all relevant information is publicly available and easily accessible on their website. This includes details about their grant-making process and a comprehensive database showing how funds are distributed, along with highlights from their extensive history in East Africa and globally. The Foundation also affirmed its support for Kenyans’ right to peacefully advocate for justice and equity,…

On Friday, the governor of South Kivu in eastern Congo announced a suspension of all mining operations to “restore order” in the region, which is rich in minerals but plagued by armed group violence. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki issued the order due to “disorder caused by mining operators,” without elaborating further. The goal is to “restore order to mining activities across the province” and to safeguard human lives and the traceability of mineral production. Authorities have given mining companies, businesses, and cooperatives 72 hours to vacate the sites. The implementation of this order is uncertain, as some areas are under…

President Ruto Announces New Cabinet, Re-Appoints Six Ministers President William Ruto has nominated 10 Cabinet Secretaries and a new Attorney General for his government. The nominations come weeks after President Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet, except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. Here is the list of the newly nominated Cabinet Secretaries and Attorney General: Rebecca Miano has been nominated as the Attorney General. In his initial batch of 11 ministerial appointments, President Ruto has retained six of his 22 Cabinet Secretaries and introduced five new nominees. Last week, President Ruto dismissed the entire cabinet to form a new government…

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has surpassed his previous records, winning Monday’s election with over 99% of the vote, according to full provisional results. The 66-year-old had previously won the 2017 election with 98.63% of the vote, which was higher than his 93% win in 2010 and 95% in 2003. Critics argue that Kagame’s overwhelming majorities are expected due to his authoritarian rule. However, his supporters attribute these results to his significant popularity, citing the stability and economic growth Rwanda has experienced under his leadership. Mr. Kagame, a former rebel commander, led his forces to power in 1994, putting an end…