Author: staff reporter

The Masakhane African Languages Hub (the Hub) has announced a major Request for Proposals (RFP) to address the severe underrepresentation of African languages in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Hub invites African researchers, linguists, startups, technologists and community organizations to build high-quality, inclusive and community-driven datasets for 50 African languages. 

While Africa is home to over 2,000 languages, they are almost absent from the global digital landscape; none of the top 34 languages used globally on the internet are African. This imbalance risks not only excluding more than one billion speakers from emerging technologies but also perpetuating harmful biases and inaccuracies that can undermine equitable use of new technologies. 

Supported by Google.org, and FCDO, IDRC and the Gates Foundation, the new project aims to counter this trend by ensuring AI technologies are built on accurate, inclusive, culturally relevant, and ethically sourced data.

The hub is calling for Expressions of Interest (EOI) across three core pillars:

• Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR): Focused on large-scale, culturally grounded voice data for 18 African languages, emphasizing gender balance and contextual authenticity.
• Benchmarking “In the Wild”: Supporting researchers to design studies that test how AI models actually perform in authentic, practical, and real-world African contexts.
• Culturally Relevant Multimodal Datasets: Catalyzing the creation of high-quality image, text, and speech datasets for 40 African languages to power the next generation of translation and education tools.

Successful applicants will receive funding, visibility, and institutional support to help them achieve sustainable growth. Partnering with the Masakhane African Languages Hub will also provide them with a platform to develop African-led AI technology and an opportunity to pioneer inclusivity for languages that have been historically marginalized in tech.

The ultimate goal is to empower one billion Africans by 2029 with locally relevant AI tools and resources, unlocking opportunities for economic development, local innovation, and the preservation of Africa’s linguistic heritage.

“We are committed to championing African-led innovation that ensures AI reflects the continent’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity. This call for proposals goes beyond building models; it is a movement toward a more equitable digital future. It’s an opportunity to center marginalized groups such as women, rural communities, and the elderly, and take forward the wisdom of our elders and embody the spirit of Ubuntu,” said Chenai Chair, Director of the Masakhane African Languages Hub.

Important Dates and Eligibility

• Expression of Interest (EOI) Deadline: January 25, 2026 (23:59 WAT)
• Applicant Webinar: 14 January 2026
• Full Proposal Deadline for shortlisted applicants: February 25, 2026 (23:59 WAT)
• Eligible Organizations: non-profits, social enterprises, and research institutions that are based in or have a presence in Africa.

The initiative builds on the momentum of a successful 2025 call for proposals, which saw 93 applicants from 22 countries shortlisted. Following a rigorous selection process, four grant awardees have been finalized and are currently transitioning into the contracting phase.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Xiang)

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — China is willing to strengthen strategic communication with Ireland, deepen political mutual trust and expand pragmatic cooperation to benefit the peoples of both countries and add momentum to China-EU relations, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Monday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin in Beijing. The Irish prime minister is on an official visit to China from Jan. 4 to 8.

Both China and Ireland cherish peace, embrace openness and inclusiveness, and strive for self-reliance and progress, Xi said, adding that the Chinese and Irish people won national independence and liberation through struggles and are advancing toward modernization through sustained efforts of successive generations.

Since the establishment of the China-Ireland strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation in 2012, bilateral trade volume has quadrupled, with a balanced development in mutual investment, he noted.

Xi said the two countries should maintain friendly exchanges at multiple levels and across diverse fields, continuously enhance communication and mutual understanding, accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, consolidate political mutual trust, and solidify the political foundation of bilateral relations.

Over the next five years, China will continue to promote high-quality development and expand high-standard opening up. Xi said China is willing to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with Ireland, align development strategies in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and medicine and healthcare, promote two-way investment, leverage each other’s strengths, share opportunities and pursue common development.

The two sides should enhance cooperation in education, culture and tourism to foster greater people-to-people affinity, and China welcomes more Irish youth to come to China for study and exchanges, Xi said.

In a world beset with changes and chaos, unilateral and bullying acts are severely undermining the international order, Xi said. All countries should respect the development paths chosen by the peoples of other nations, and abide by international law as well as the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, he said, stressing that major countries should particularly take the lead in doing so.

As China and Ireland support multilateralism and advocate international fairness and justice, the two countries should strengthen coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and jointly maintain the authority of the United Nations and make the global governance system more just and equitable, he said.

Xi said China and the EU should bear the long-term picture in mind, uphold the positioning of partnership, and view and handle differences objectively and rationally to work for win-win cooperation.

As Ireland will hold the rotating EU presidency in the second half of this year, China hopes Ireland will play a constructive role in promoting the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations, the Chinese president said.

Highlighting a profound and long-lasting friendship between the two countries, the Irish prime minister said Xi’s successful visit to Ireland in 2012 had laid a solid foundation for the development of the Ireland-China strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation in recent years.

Martin said Ireland firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and is committed to developing the strategic partnership for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Ireland is willing to deepen cooperation with China in trade, investment, science and technology, biomedicine, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, education and other fields, he said.

Martin commended China’s indispensable and important role in international affairs and its positive contributions to upholding the authority of the UN and promoting world peace.

He said that any international dispute should be settled in conformity with international law, and Ireland is willing to maintain close communication and coordination with China, safeguard international law, uphold free and open trade, and promote world prosperity and stability.

Noting that the stable development of EU-China relations is of great significance, Martin said the Irish side is willing to play a constructive role in promoting the healthy development of EU-China relations. ■

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Taoiseach of Ireland Micheal Martin at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)

The Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing has received a major boost after Absa Bank Kenya announced a KES4 million sponsorship towards the ninth and tenth legs of the Tour. The two legs are scheduled to take place over the next two weeks at the Thika Greens Golf Club from 14th to 16th January 2026, and at Karen Country Club from 19th to 21st January.

In addition to this sponsorship, Absa is also setting aside an additional KES 3 million investment for leverage, including customer engagements and activations. This underscores Absa Bank’s commitment to enhancing the experience for players, fans and customers alike.

Absa’s support forms part of the Bank’s long-standing commitment to the growth of professional golf and sports development in Kenya. The sponsorship will go towards supporting tournament logistics and enhancing the prize money, with each of the two events offering a Ksh 2 million purse.

This investment will ensure that players continue to compete under professional conditions that meet global standards, while earning valuable Official World Golf Ranking points which are crucial for the advancement to major global tours as well as the Olympic Games.

Speaking during the sponsorship announcement, Absa Bank Kenya Head of Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Charles Wokabi said the partnership reflects Absa Bank’s commitment to recognise and support potential early, while enabling progression both in sport and in life.

“At Absa, we see the story behind ambition and the discipline that it takes to move from promise to excellence. The Sunshine Development Tour offers Kenyan golfers a clear pathway to global stages such as the Magical Kenya Open Golf Tournament. Our support for these final two events is part of our promise to unlocking local talent at a pivotal moment, ensuring players have the right platforms to grow and compete,” said Mr. Wokabi.

He added that Absa’s involvement in sports like golf and athletics mirrors the Bank’s broader purpose in enabling progress for customers and communities.

“Progress is unlocked when communities have access to opportunities and the right partners to back them. Just like The Sunshine Development Tour represents progress for local professional golfers, at Absa Bank, we strive to unlock opportunities for our customers every single day,” he noted.

The sponsorship comes at a critical stage of the Tour’s inaugural season, with the two tournaments concluding the Tour’s inaugural campaign which was launched last year. The Karen Country Club event will serve as the season finale, where the top 12 players on the combined East Africa Swing and South Africa’s Big Easy Tour Order of Merit will earn direct playing cards at the Sunshine Tour.

On his part, the Sunshine Development Tour’s East Africa Swing Promoter, Peter Gacheru, CEO, IMG Kenya, welcomed the sponsorship, noting its importance in strengthening the Tour at a defining stage of the season.

“Absa’s support comes at a crucial moment for the Tour. These final two events are not just another set of tournaments, they represent the culmination of months of competition and the gateway to international opportunities for our players. Partnerships like this allow us to deliver tournaments at the right standard, reward performance fairly, and continue building a sustainable pathway for East African golfers,” said Mr. Gacheru.

He added that the Tour’s progress in its first season demonstrates the demand for structured professional competition in the region.

“The response from players, clubs and partners has shown that this Tour was long overdue. We are seeing golfers improve their world rankings, gain exposure, and compete with real purpose. Support from partners like Absa strengthens our vision of making East Africa a meaningful part of the global golf landscape,” he said.

The Thika Greens leg has attracted a strong and diverse field of 83 golfers drawn from 11 countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Malawi, Zimbabwe and the United States.

Since its launch in 2025, the Sunshine Development Tour has been designed to address a long-standing gap in the regional golf ecosystem by providing regular, high quality competitive opportunities for professional golfers and elite amateurs.

Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in the Northern Hall of the Great Hall of the People prior to their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 5, 2026. Xi held talks with Lee, who is on a state visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Monday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

BEIJING, Jan. 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Lee Jae Myung in Beijing on Monday, with both sides agreeing to enhance bilateral strategic partnership, promote practical cooperation, and strengthen multilateral coordination.

It is Lee’s first visit to China since he took office, and the two heads of state have met twice and conducted reciprocal visits, reflecting the importance both sides attach to China-ROK relations.

ENHANCING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

China has consistently placed relations with the ROK high on its regional diplomatic agenda and maintained continuity and stability in its policy toward the ROK, Xi said, adding that China is willing to work with the ROK to firmly uphold the direction of friendly cooperation, adhere to the principle of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, promote bilateral strategic partnership along a healthy path, effectively enhance the well-being of both peoples, and contribute positively to regional and global peace and development.

Xi called on both sides to enhance mutual trust, respect each other’s development paths, accommodate each other’s core interests and major concerns, and resolve differences properly through dialogue and consultation.

Lee said the ROK side hopes to use the first head-of-state diplomatic meeting of the year as an opportunity to consolidate the momentum of the comprehensive recovery and development of bilateral relations, seek common ground while reserving differences, deepen the ROK-China strategic cooperative partnership, and open a new chapter of bilateral relations.

He emphasized that the ROK respects China’s core interests and major concerns, and adheres to the one-China principle.

Dong Xiangrong, senior fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that head-of-state diplomacy has played a significant guiding role in China-ROK relations, sending a clear positive signal to foster better bilateral ties, and greatly contributing to deepening political mutual trust and promoting economic and trade cooperation.

In the future, both sides need to accommodate each other’s major concerns including the Taiwan question, and maintain a stable cooperative relationship as important trading partners, Dong said.

ACHIEVING MORE COOPERATION RESULTS

China and the ROK share close economic ties with industrial and supply chains deeply interwoven, and the bilateral cooperation is mutually beneficial, Xi said.

He said the two countries should further align their development strategies, strengthen policy coordination, expand the pie of common interests, and achieve more cooperation results in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, green industries, and the silver economy.

Bilateral economic and trade cooperation has played a positive role in the economic and social development of both countries, Lee said, noting that the ROK looks forward to seizing the opportunities brought by China’s 15th Five-Year Plan to achieve more results in practical cooperation with China.

After their talks, Xi and Lee witnessed the signing of 15 cooperation documents in fields including scientific and technological innovation, ecological environment, transportation, and economic and trade cooperation.

Yang Xiyu, a researcher from the China Institute of International Studies, said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the ROK, bilateral economic and trade cooperation has always been the stabilizer and propeller of the development of bilateral relations.

He said China and the ROK should leverage their long-standing traditional advantages, and strengthen cooperation with a focus on economy, trade, and technology.

BEARING RESPONSIBILITIES IN PEACE, DEVELOPMENT

China and the ROK shoulder important responsibilities in maintaining regional peace and promoting global development, and share a wide range of common interests, Xi said, noting that the two countries should firmly stand on the right side of history and make the right strategic choices.

More than 80 years ago, the two peoples made tremendous national sacrifices and won the victory against Japanese militarism, he said, adding that the two countries should join hands to safeguard the fruits of the victory in World War II and protect peace and stability in Northeast Asia.

As beneficiaries of economic globalization, China and the ROK must work together to oppose protectionism and practice true multilateralism, contributing to the advancement of an equal, orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial, inclusive economic globalization, Xi said.

Lee said the ROK is willing to strengthen its multilateral coordination with China and contribute to global prosperity and development, and wishes China every success in hosting this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Dong said amid the recent resurgence of Japanese militarism, China and the ROK should share a common position to maintain regional peace, and the two sides need to jointly address protectionism and defend free trade.  ■

Ugandan security forces have unlawfully targeted opposition rallies with unnecessary and excessive force and arbitrary arrests, and subjected some attendees to torture or other ill-treatment, Amnesty International said today.

The organization has documented incidents in which security officers launched tear gas at peaceful crowds in Kawempe and Iganga, and pepper-sprayed and beat people. These actions were accompanied by undue movement restrictions aimed at disrupting the opposition party National Unity Platform’s (NUP) campaign rallies.

Amnesty International also received reports and verified digital evidence of such disruptions in other parts of the country.

 “The authorities have launched a brutal campaign of repression against the opposition and its supporters, making it extremely difficult for them to exercise their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

“The Ugandan authorities must uphold their human rights obligations and allow the opposition to hold its campaign rallies without undue restrictions and without subjecting their leaders and supporters to arrests, torture or other ill-treatment.”

An eyewitness told Amnesty International that during the Kawempe rally on 24 November, following the arrival of NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, “police launched tear gas and pepper spray, to stop the rally”. The ensuing panic led to a stampede which caused dozens of people to fall into a deep ditch nearby.  The police also used dogs to intimidate the crowd, pushed people into a truck with the butts of their rifles and beat them with batons and wires.

According to one attendee of the NUP rally at Iganga’s Railway grounds on 28 November, the military used a truck to block one of the exits before opening fire on the crowd as they were attempting to leave the venue from the only remaining exit.  One attendee of the rally, Miseach Okello, 35, died in circumstances that could be indicative of the unlawful use of force; an unknown number of others were injured.

The deceased’s family told Amnesty International that armed security officers prevented them from witnessing the postmortem process, apparently to prevent them from gathering evidence that could suggest that he was killed unlawfully. The family was never given a death certificate, nor were they told the cause of death.

“Nobody should die simply for exercising their rights to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. Authorities must immediately open impartial and thorough investigations into all alleged instances of unlawful use of force by security forces. Those responsible should be brought to justice in fair trials without recourse to the death penalty,” said Tigere Chagutah.

Following the Kawempe and Iganga incidents, the Ugandan police justified their actions by stating that opposition supporters had stoned police and vandalized their vehicles. However, eyewitnesses at both rallies told Amnesty International that the crowds were peaceful and only carried the Ugandan national flag.

International law and standards require police to always apply non-violent means first before resorting to force, and to limit the force used no more than is necessary and proportionate. The use of firearms to disperse assemblies will never meet these conditions and so is always unlawful.

Kabete Constituency has recently witnessed a worrying rise in youth suicides, a painful signal of deep social and mental health challenges affecting our young people. This reality demands leadership that listens, engages, and acts.

It is for this reason that Hon. James Wanjohi has made a deliberate decision to engage youths directly and inclusively, creating safe spaces where they feel seen, valued, and supported.

The Wanjohi Super Dart Tournament marks a historic first—the first darts tournament in Kabete ever initiated by a leader at constituency level. Beyond sport, it is a platform for connection, mentorship, talent nurturing, and positive engagement.

The tournament brings together 25 darts groups competing for top honors, with the winning team set to receive KSh 50,000. To officially kick off the competition, Hon. Wanjohi contributed KSh 250,000 toward the prize pool, underscoring his hands-on leadership and belief in investing directly in young people.

By bringing youths together through healthy competition and community activities, the initiative seeks to restore hope, fight isolation, and address idleness, which often fuels depression, substance abuse, and despair.

This is leadership that understands that saving lives begins with engagement, presence, and opportunity—not speeches alone.

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The vibrant, dusty streets of Utawala-Mihango buzzed with anticipation this morning as the newest branch of Naivas supermarket threw open its doors. More than just a new store, it felt like a promise – a promise of convenience, affordability, and a touch of the “good life” right here in the heart of the community.

From early morning, the parking lot was already filling up. Mama Njeri, a fruit vendor from across the street, stood back, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I’ve been waiting for this!” she exclaimed, adjusting her brightly coloured headscarf. “No more long trips to town for good quality goods. Now everything is right here.”

Inside, the air was cool and crisp, a welcome respite from the Nairobi sun. Aisles were packed with neatly stacked groceries, fresh produce, gleaming appliances, and even a small section dedicated to clothing and electronics. The familiar Naivas jingle played softly in the background, creating a welcoming atmosphere.

The branch manager, seemed genuinely excited to be part of the Utawala community. “We’re not just here to sell groceries,” he said, his voice barely audible above the hubbub. “We want to be a part of the fabric of this community. We’re committed to sourcing locally where possible, supporting local farmers and suppliers, and providing employment opportunities for the youth of Utawala.”

His words resonated with Sarah Kimani, a young mother pushing a shopping cart laden with groceries. “It’s a huge relief,” she confided. “Before, getting affordable and quality food meant a long commute and lots of time wasted. Now I can spend more time with my children.”

The opening day offered more than just groceries. There were free samples of local delicacies, face painting for the children, and a live performance by a local music group. It was a celebration, a community coming together to welcome a new neighbor.

But the opening wasn’t without its challenges. The influx of shoppers caused a temporary traffic snarl-up on the usually quiet road outside, and some residents expressed concerns about the potential impact on smaller local businesses.

However, overall, the mood was overwhelmingly positive. The arrival of Naivas in Utawala-Mihango signifies more than just a new shopping destination. It represents growth, investment, and a brighter future for this vibrant community. It’s a sign that Utawala is on the map, attracting investment and offering its residents a taste of the conveniences previously only available in more established areas. As Mama Njeri walked into the store, a wide smile on her face, it was clear: Utawala was ready for its slice of the good life.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has praised the strengthened partnership between the government and private sector, saying it continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Kenya as a premium global tourism destination.
Speaking at the ongoing Jamhuri Tourism Week at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Miano said the collaborative approach has already delivered tangible results, including increased international arrivals and higher tourism revenue.
She highlighted the surge in international flight frequencies to Kenya this year as a clear indicator of rising global interest.
“Several international airlines have increased their frequencies. This shows that our partnership is working. We have also witnessed the opening of new hotels across the country. Through such collaborations, we will elevate Kenya’s brand to global standards, and I thank the private sector for this cordial relationship,” she said.
Miano added that engagement with private-sector stakeholders enabled the government to review and streamline the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) system, making travel to Kenya significantly easier.
Earlier this year, Kenya scrapped visa requirements for all African and most Caribbean countries—exempting eligible travelers from ETA applications, lengthy forms, and visa fees. Visitors from these regions can now enter the country without prior authorization.
She also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Open Skies Policy, noting that the initiative is being developed with active participation from industry players to further simplify access to Kenya.
Miano encouraged private sector partners to use the Tourism Week platform to present additional proposals ahead of expected announcements by President William Ruto during the Jamhuri Day celebrations.
“We urge the private sector to take advantage of this week. Let us have more suggestions on the table so we can present them to the President, who is expected to make major announcements for the sector,” she said.

Nairobi, Kenya – 04 December 2025: Fairtrade Africa, the leading independent farmer-owned organization for ethically certified producers, marks its 20th year milestone on the continent. Today, Fairtrade Africa stands at an exciting threshold with their ‘BE FAIR RIGHT NOW CAMPAIGN’, in time for the festive season – calling on local consumers, businesses and policymakers to choose ethical trade and to further support millions of African farmers and workers. The campaign was unveiled at a media event in Nairobi 02 December 2025 at The Wine Shop, Loresho.
The gathering brought together Fairtrade partners for an uplifting, yet insightful fireside chat focused on producer empowerment, ethical consumption, and the future of ‘fair trade’. Speakers reflected on the organization’s transformation from its early beginnings supporting a small number of coffee cooperatives to becoming a continent-wide movement driving sustainability and trade justice.
FAIRTRADE IN AFRICA
Fairtrade Africa is about better prices, decent working conditions and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers. It is an approach that is based on partnership; one between those who grow our food and those that consume it. Founded in 2005, it is a powerful voice for close to 1.5 million farmers and workers across 29 countries on the continent and Middle East. The organization has actively strengthened regional producer networks, promoted climate-resilient farming, enhanced market access, and ensured fairer terms of trade for smallholder farmers.
What’s the impact? Significant economic and social gains across rural communities. The ‘Fairtrade Premium’ (over and above the market price or the Fairtrade Minimum Price, whichever is higher) has grown from €21 million in 2013 to € 90.9 million in 2024. This social investment goes back into building up communities through education, health care, community infrastructure and housing – a critical lifeline for the farmers and their families (all democratically decided upon).
Fairtrade Africa’s Executive Director, Isaac Tongola, highlighted “For 20 years, Fairtrade Africa has stood for the belief that farmers and workers deserve a say in shaping their future. Their leadership has driven over €650 million into community investments that have changed lives across Africa. As we launch this campaign, we also want to remind consumers that we remain committed to fairer trade, stronger partnerships, and a more resilient future for the millions who grow our food.”
THE FAIRTRADE DIFFERENCE IN KENYA
There are 3 million estimated farmers and farm workers in Kenya, most of whom still get paid significantly less than the minimum legal rates (Ksh7,545.65)1. Fairtrade Africa’s mission is clear – ensuring producers receive fair compensation for their labour whilst building a resilient, sustainable community of farmers and workers for generations to come.
The proof is in the real-life impact stories, some of whom shared their personal testimonies at the event.
Gender Equality
Kenyan women perform between 42-65% of agricultural labour, yet will typically earn less, own less and have access to fewer resources than men2. With Fairtrade, these women gain access to leadership training, fairer pay and a longer-term plan that helps protect their communities and kids.
Nancy Gathaiga, Unit Manager Gatunguru Tea Factory, states, “Our work is centred on empowerment: ensuring women understand their rights and supporting men to embrace shared business ownership so women can effectively support production and quality control. This transformation means that women now hold 30% of leadership roles, a significant jump from when they had virtually no representation before certification. Fathers are now also actively handing down portions of their farms to empower the youth in continuing the family business.”
Climate degradation
To add to the social challenges, vital species are rapidly under threat endangering natural ecosystems that support farming. Without intervention, soon much-loved Kenyan tea and coffee will be disappear. Fairtrade Africa’s programs empower farmers to actively build environment resilience and sustainable practices:
Martin Kinyua, Mutura Tea Farms, shared, “using the Fairtrade Premiums, we have fundamentally transformed our operations. This year alone, we managed to raise 10 million shillings and used this to: upgrade 95% of our drying tables to metal to protect our forests, establish the biggest coffee nursery in Kenya’s cooperative sector to empower young people and women in farming, and invested in comprehensive staff training on workers’ rights.”
Mercy Chumo, Fairtrade Africa’s Youth Coordinator, highlighted the value of Fairtrade in supporting young farmers. “Fairtrade Africa creates a space for young farmers to share their realities, their needs, and the challenges they’re facing in farming. Even though we already have young people engaged across our value chains, they continue to navigate barriers in sustainable agriculture.
By coming together like this, they can motivate one another and inspire other young people who may want to find a path into agriculture. And we need more youth in farming for the future of our food systems! I mean, can you imagine a world without tea or coffee?
Through the platform FTA provides, young farmers can voice the support they need, share their knowledge, and explore new and innovative ways of farming. It’s through their leadership that we can continue strengthening the sustainability of our farms.”
Key partners in the BE FAIR RIGHT NOW CAMPAIGN include: Kericho Gold and Dormans Coffee whose commitment to ethical sourcing continues to expand opportunities for Fairtrade farmers across Kenya. These collaborations demonstrate how businesses can play a transformative role in strengthening sustainable value chains.
BE FAIR RIGHT NOW CAMPAIGN
The campaign aims to speak to local consumers to inform their purchasing choice. It features a digital quiz designed to educate while giving them the chance to win Fairtrade product vouchers, gift hampers, and a luxury weekend getaway in Diani.
Consumers can participate in the campaign at befairrightnow-kenya.org and purchase Fairtrade products at leading retailers countrywide.

1: Kenya Labour Market Profile 2024/ 2025
2: FAO Gender equality and Food Security Kenya 2022

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