Latest Stories from Derrick
Kenya’s coastal communities fight illegal logging with hidden beehives
Stretching along the coastline, the mangrove forests provide a bulwark against coastal erosion, nurture an array of marine life, and play an essential role in the global carbon cycle. Yet, the mangroves face a relentless threat from illegal logging, driven by demand for timber and charcoal. An innovative idea is turning the tide in favour of mangrove conservation. Thought out by locals, the hidden beehives ploy is now spearheaded by...
Deadly mudslides in Southern Ethiopia highlight need for climate adaptation
Southern Ethiopia has witnessed a devastating mudslide triggered by torrential rains, resulting in the loss of hundreds of lives. The country’s calamity gives an alarm to the East Africa’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events, a grim reality exacerbated by climate change. The recent mudslide in Southern Ethiopia's mountainous region has left behind a trail of destruction, claiming more than 200 lives and sweeping away homes, livestock, and infrastructure. Communities...
Understanding the Gen Z-led protests in Kenya
In recent weeks, Kenya has witnessed a seismic shift in its socio-political landscape as protests led by Gen Z sweep across the country. At the heart of this lies the contentious Finance Bill 2024. The catalyst for these protests can be traced to the Finance Bill's proposals, which many argue disproportionately burden the common citizen while favoring the wealthy elite. Young activists, organizing mostly through social media, have emerged as...
Opinion – African Gen Zers can change climate change denial
Within Africa, a troubling trend of climate change denial persists propagated by those who leverage the power of the internet to spread misinformation. It’s not just a matter of ignorance but a deliberate perpetuation of a false narrative that undermines critical climate research and stalls action. The advent of social media and digital platforms has democratized information sharing, but it has also given rise to a parallel wave of misinformation. In...
A mobile library provides youth learning during DRC conflict
The mobile library initiative, spearheaded by the French Institute of Bukavu, is transforming the landscape of literacy and education for children in the conflict-affected country of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Eastern DRC has been a hotspot for conflict for decades, with civil war and armed groups causing widespread instability. This relentless violence has had a devastating impact on the education system. Schools have been destroyed and families have been displaced,...
Gitex Africa Digital Summit wraps up for 2024
In an event signifying the burgeoning potential of Africa's tech industry, Gitex Africa recently concluded its second edition in Morocco, attracting innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts from the world over. Held in Marrakech, Gitex Africa brought together over 1,500 exhibitors and startups, along with thousands of visitors from more than 130 countries. The event brought together ideations, innovations, and partnerships aimed at harnessing technology to address Africa's unique challenges...
Nigerian students ordered to leave UK amid currency crisis
A number of Nigerian students have been ordered to leave the UK after Teesside University reported their inability to pay tuition fees to the Home Office. This comes as the Nigerian naira continues to depreciate sharply against major global currencies. Teesside University, located in Middlesbrough, has confirmed that it took the difficult decision to report Nigerian students after numerous attempts to secure tuition payments proved unsuccessful. University officials stated that while...
The fight to save the African Penguin
The African penguin, ‘Spheniscus demersus’ is an iconic species native to the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. These charismatic birds face a multitude of threats, primarily from human activities and climate change. In the last century, the African penguin’s population has plummeted, pushing them dangerously close to extinction. Human activities have had a profound impact on the birds and their habitat. Overfishing, pollution, and disturbance from tourism are among the...
Namibia eliminates mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B
The World Health Organization (WHO) has hailed Namibia for its unprecedented success in eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV and Hepatitis B. The country becomes the first in Africa to reach such a milestone. For years, Namibia grappled with the devastating effects of HIV and Hepatitis B, particularly among pregnant women and newborns. According to the World Health Organization, the country is home to more than 200,000 people living with...
WHO approves new cholera vaccine
In a significant stride toward combating one of the world's most prevalent yet preventable diseases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new cholera vaccine. Cholera has plagued regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water for years. According to the World Health Organisation estimates, there are 1.3 to 4 million cases of cholera annually, resulting in 21,000 to 143,000 deaths globally. The majority of these cases...
