Nairobi Ideas

In 28 years, African cities are projected to be home to 950 million people and by the end of this century, 2100, Africa is projected to be the only continent with a growing population. This is according to the Africa Development Bank. Against this backdrop of a rapidly urbanising space, it is crucial we understand how our cities are developing and whom they serve.To answer these questions, we brought together two celebrities - Georgie Ndirangu and Just Ivy Africa to test their knowledge against an expert - data scientist and 2021 Mawazo Learning Exchange Fellow, Mutono Nyamai whose work focuses on combining applied epidemiological modelling and data analytics to develop prevention and control strategies for infectious diseases in Africa. Additionally, Mutono is a post-doctoral research fellow at the Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (CEMA) at the University of Nairobi where she studies the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases.  In front of a live audience, we asked our celebrities questions about our home town - Nairobi, how African cities are tackling climate change and the built environment of cities on the continent. Further Reading:This Is What Informal Transit Looks Like When You Actually Map It - BloombergLand use management challenges for the city of NairobiAbout EDGE green building certification systemGrowing plants on buildings can reduce heat and produce healthy food in African citiesKenya Power to spend $331,000 in pilot transition to electric vehiclesKenya Power should rethink strategy on electric vehiclesCementing material from rice husk-broken bricks-spent bleaching earth-dried calcium carbide residueKenyan recycles plastic waste into bricks stronger than concreteDevelopment of banana fibers and wood bottom ash modified cement mortarsThe history of Akon CityAkon to build new city in Senegal with own currency called AKoinThe 3 trends shaping the future of Africa’s cities

Mawazo builds platforms to help scientists communicate on the issues of our time. To unpack what the climate change looks like for the African continent we hosted a live quiz night that put local celebrities to the test against experts. With three rounds of trivia questions and only one winner, our quiz night, 'It's Getting Hot in Here' featured marine scientist Dr. Fiona Moejes (Mawazo CEO) and media personalities, Wanjira Longauer and Georgie Ndirangu. We'd love to see you at the next Quiz Night on Tuesday Nov 1st! This time we're talking about the future of African cities. RSVP on Eventbrite: bit.ly/3gEk3F3 or catch the Livestream on our YouTube page. 

The research to commercialisation pipeline is plagued with a lot of unknowns and many researchers don’t know where to start when thinking about how to attract funding for their ideas. In this episode, we replay a taped discussion with industry professionals, where we demystify the commercialisation pipeline for researchers. We also talk about gender and the investment landscape. The discussion features: Kim-Andrée Potvin - partner at Bamboo Capital Partners and Board Chair of the Mawazo Institute; Carol Masila-Maiko - international lawyer and legal associate at Persistent Energy; Faith Wilson - a venture builder at Persistent Energy and Prof. Maina Mwangi-Director of Innovation Incubation and University Industry Linkages at Kenyatta University.Research to Commercialisation (R2C) Accelerator; Twitter, Facebook, InstagramDirectorate of Innovation, Incubation & University Industry Linkages (IIUIL); Facebook, LinkedIn, TwitterPersistent Energy; Twitter, LinkedInBamboo Capital Partners; Facebook, Twitter, LinkedInKenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA); Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedInYoung Entrepreneurs in Science (YES); LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, InstagramBasiGo

Dr. Jacqueline Kariithi is a trailblazing environmental scientist working in the Mt. Elgon region of Kenya, which makes up part of the country’s bread basket. Although the region supplies a large share of the nation's maize crop, which is critical to national food security, many people who live in the area remain food insecure. Through El- Koony center, where Dr. Kariithi is CEO, she is using scientific methods to explore techniques that can help improve food security and resilience to climate change for the Mt. Elgon ecosystem. Further Reading:Visit El-Koony Center: www.elkoony.org, Twitter, FacebookMountain Voices: oral testimonies from Mount Elgon, Kenya: local themes: agricultureKenya County Climate Risk Profile: Trans Nzoia CountyThe Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing

What might the future of education look like for Africa? In this episode, we share a discussion with Julia Jenjezwa, a Zimbabwean product designer and educator, and Dr. Wangui Kimari, a Kenyan urban scholar. Both Julia and Wangui use human-centered research practices to work within communities in Kenya, Tanzania, Nepal, and elsewhere. In this episode, they share how applying co-visioning and co-design in their work has helped them become better scientists and educators. How can these approaches shape how we “do” higher education on the continent?More information from the episode:Julia Jenjezwa - Website, Twitter, LinkedinDr. Wangui Kimari - Research Papers, Africa is A Country@MathareSJustice,  Who is Next? MSJC A Participatory Action Research Report Against the Normalization of Extrajudicial Executions in Mathare.UTA Do - African Cities Workshop Invention Education Toolkit for African UniversitiesField Ready - Humanitarian Aid Supplies Made in the Field

Our oceans are becoming "hot, sour, and breathless," says Dr. David Obura, a marine biologist supporting coral reef research and conservation in Africa. In this episode, we explore how our oceans are changing as a result of climate change and the challenges this poses for African island-nations whose statehood is being threatened by rising sea levels. We are joined by Dr. David Obura and Angelique Pouponneau, a Legal Expert in climate change, oceans and global commons, and a speaker on youth, Blue Economy, and Islanders' rights in the face of rising sea levels.Angelique PouponneauTwitterLinkedinDr. David OburaLinkedin

What is gender based violence and how is it impacted by Climate change? It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During displacement and times of crisis which may be caused by wars, climate change and other occurrences, the threat of gender based violence significantly increases for women and girls. To help us understand how climate change impacts gender, we are joined by Dorothy Kazombo Mwale, a Malawian Environmentalist and Climate Justice Advocate currently studying BSc. in Forestry and Environmental Management. Dorothy also works with Green Girls Platform as a Public Relations Officer.

As we celebrate Wangari Maathai Day on March 3rd, we are bringing you a re-run of our interview with Dr. Paula Kahumbu, a leading figure in Kenya's conservation sector. Dr. Paula Kahumbu is an award-winning Kenyan conservationist and the current CEO of WildlifeDirect. In this episode of the podcast (originally aired in 2019), she celebrates Kenya’s rich biodiversity and talks about the need for civic education on conservation. Loss of biodiversity, she also argues, is our biggest threat yet. “We have the most to lose, because we have the most on our doorstep.”

In the fight against global warming, changes in individual behavior and system-level changes are being encouraged to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions necessary to limit global warming to “safe” levels. To better understand climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, we are joined by Dr. Gugulethu Tarakini, the Director of Research and Education for Sustainable Actions (RESA) in Zimbabwe and Judy Ndichu, a Climate Scientist and Researcher working on REDD+ Programme, a climate change mitigation framework.Dr. Gugulethu TarakiniFacebook: @ResearchandEducationforSustainableActions,Twitter:  @resa_conserve,Instagram:  r.e.s.a.trustJudy NdichuLinked in -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-ndichu-13077959/?originalSubdomain=keFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/judy.ndichu.3/ Twitter - @mukami_judy  Articles Climate and Forests - UNDP: Forest Conservation and Management in KenyaSecheresse: A case of Kasigau REDD+ Project, KenyaUNDP: Kenya Forest Carbon Partnership FacilityUNDP Kenya: Human Rights Based Approach in Forest Conservation   

Carbon produced by human activities is the largest contributor to global warming. The social cost of carbon is a measure of the economic harm from those impacts. In this context, carbon credit development and trading is considered to be a cost-effective solution for reducing emissions. We are joined by Nasra Nandha, an Environmental Senior Associate at Dentons Harrison Hamilton and Matthews who sheds light on the carbon credit markets for Africa.Twitter: @NasNandhaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nasra-nanda-7590b032/?originalSubdomain=ke

Do you think you know Mawazo? As part of Mawazo @ 5, celebrating five years of the Mawazo Institute, we produced a special episode that digs into the Mawazo story. Featuring our co-founders, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso and Rachel Strohm, and our Acting CEO, Dr. Fiona Moejes, find out how one night in Berkeley, California is inspiring a new generation of female researchers and thought leaders in Africa.

In the fight against plastic pollution, many have hailed Kenya’s 2017 single-use plastic bag ban as a step in the right direction. The ban includes the strictest fines worldwide for individuals manufacturing or in possession of plastic bags, but was it the right decision? In today's re-run of the podcast, we are joined by plastic waste management expert, part-time lecturer, and consultant, Dr Leah Oyake-Ombis, a notable critic of the ban. Dr. Leah advocates for systems that emphasise recycling and adequate waste management, while building on existing industries. She also outlines the importance of evidence-informed policies that meet the needs of all sectors of the populace, including those in the ‘kidogo’  (small) economy and the informal sector. 

Humanity faces many threats, but none is greater than climate change. In Season 4, we are focussing on the challenges and effects of climate change on the African continent. The global climate summit, COP26, wrapped up in Glasgow in November. To understand what is next for Africa after COP26, we are joined by Edna Kimenju, a Sustainability Consultant at Kenya Climate Innovation Centre.Further readingEdna Kimenju. COP 26 Navigation & Outcomes. Edna Kimenju. Out vs Down: COP26 Week 2 Outcomes.The Guardian. Cop26 week one: the impression of progress – but not nearly enoughQuartz Africa. What did Africa get from COP26?

We dig into the archives for this week's episode. Kenya has one of the harshest plastic bag bans in the world, with fines of up to $40,000 for individuals found in violation. But has the country’s ban made any real change? Nairobi Ideas Podcast is joined by James Wakibia, an environmental activist and photographer who was instrumental in the campaign that yielded Kenya’s 2017 single-use plastic bag ban. James discusses how anger can help fuel change, what difference the ban is making, and what the future of plastics looks like in Kenya. Plus find out one simple act we can all take to decrease the use of plastics in our lives.

**CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING** SGBVNovember 25th marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. For this episode, we are asking why half the world’s population is being affected disproportionately by a crisis that we are all facing. We talk to Ngina Judy, a Child Protection Officer at Dadaab Refugee Camp and Josephine Mwatibo, a Gender and Human Rights Expert about the impact of the pandemic on girls and women who are doubly marginalised; living as refugees and individuals with disabilities. If you are someone you know is a victim of sexual or gender based violence, we encourage you to seek help from your local law enforcment or local support organisations. If you are in Kenya, you can dial the 1195, a free hotline for assistance.Further reading links are on our website: www.mawazoinstitute.org/podcast

Featuring stories from four scientists living in Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, we’re looking past the science and taking a personal look at what it means to live through the pandemic. 

In moments of crisis, human rights violations are more likely to occur and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different.  Globally, the pandemic has wreaked havoc on families and communities, interrupted jobs and livelihoods, and increased economic hardship, among other adverse effects. Across Africa, the pandemic has exposed the fragile political freedoms and socio-economic rights for people living on the continent and resulted in increased rates of violence by state and non-state actors, with a disproportionate impact on girls and women. To explore the impact of COVID-19 on human rights in Africa, we are joined by Anietie Ewang, a Nigeria researcher in the Africa division of The Human Rights Watch, and Wangui Kimari, a participatory action research coordinator for the Mathare Social Justice Center in Nairobi, Kenya. Anietie EwangFollow Anietie: @aniewangFollow Human Rights Watch: @hrw Human Rights Watch. Anietie Ewang ProfileAnietie Ewang. Hunger during the pandemic shows Nigeria’s social security gapsBBC World News. Nigeria's #EndSars protests: What happened nextWangui KimariFollow Mathare Social Justice Centre: @MathareSJusticeFollow Institute for Humanities: @huma_africaMathare Social Justice Centre. As We Lose Our Fear: Photography exhibition on police brutality – Mathare Social Justice Centre.Mathare Social Justice Centre. Mothers of Victims and Survivors Network. Institute for Humanities in Africa. People | Wangui Kimari Profile. News 24. Six Kenyan police charged over brothers' death in custody.

Early in the pandemic, the data community in Kenya had one question, “What is the data telling us?” We are joined by Yariwo Kitiyo, a geospatial consultant whose organization, Women in GIS, Kenya, was one of the partners working with Kenya’s Ministry of Health to answer this question. Yariwo explores the universe of data being collected around the virus and how governments are using this to evaluate vulnerability to COVID-19, map infections and vaccine uptake, and to make policy decisions on where to direct resources.Yariwo Kitiyo on Twitter:@YariwoKitiyo, @WiGISKeEpisode Links:Women in GIS, Kenya. WiGISKe – Learn | Network | SucceedMawazo Institute. Breaking Barriers: 30 and Under: Women in STEM. 2019.McKinsey & Company. COVID-19 digital transformation & technology. October 5, 2020.McKinsey Global Institute. The future of work after COVID-19. February 18, 2021.Yarik Turianskyi. COVID-19: Implications for the 'digital divide' in Africa. Africa Portal. April 14, 2020.

The role of mass media in communicating the science of COVID-19, and in helping many of us understand our new reality cannot be underestimated. This is the time for media organizations to seize leadership perpetuated by social responsibility and public service journalism given the ever-changing news on the pandemic. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Mercy Korir, a medical doctor and journalist at the Standard Media Group (Kenya). She talks about journalism’s role as members of “the fourth estate” and shares her assessment on how Africa’s media is fairing in its COVID-19 coverage. Listen below or find the podcast on your favorite listening platform.https://nairobiideas.buzzsprout.comFurther Reading Dr. Mercy Korir on Twitter: @DrMercyKorirArticles:Dr. Mercy Korir. Standard Media Column - NairobiDr. Mercy Korir. Doctors Unmasked PodcastVerenado Meemee. Kenyan doctor dispelling COVID-19 myths through journalism. September 8, 2020. Alliance for Science.COVID-19 in Africa:Press Release. African Vaccine Acquisition Trust delivers 108,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Ethiopia. September 6, 2021 Africa CDC. Stellah Kwasi. COVID-19 vaccine supply: Africa's proactive stance needs global backing. September 22, 2021. Institute for Security Studies. 

Africa, with a population of over 1.2 billion is carrying out its largest immunisation campaign ever.  Across the continent, governments are scrambling to find the COVID-19 vaccines they need to save vulnerable lives, achieve population health and re-open socio-economic activities, but they are facing major challenges. In the Season 3 premiere of the podcast, we are joined by Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director of the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC) and Pierre de Vos, who teaches Constitutional Law at the University of Cape Town, to discuss Africa’s vaccine rollout plan, vaccine equity and vaccine mandates. We also ask, what does Africa’s scientific community need to be ready for the next pandemic? Find additional links on our show page at: mawazoinstitute.org/podcast