Kenya

In Kenya, Jubilee Holdings Ltd (JHL) and Allianz (German insurance company) have put entry into the Ethiopian market on the radar after the conclusion of their sale deal relating to general insurance business. The two firms say the partnership gives them the synergies to jointly explore new markets, with discussions ongoing for the Ethiopian market. According to JHL Chairman, Nizar Juma, the partnership creates capacity to introduce new and quality insurance products targeting low income people to boost insurance penetration in the region. "We together have the possibility of expanding into other new markets. Jubilee had already declared interest in going to Ethiopia and I think it makes sense for us to go together with Allianz," said Mr Juma.

Dr Alex Awiti, Vice Provost at the Aga Khan University in Kenya, writes that Kenyans need enough test kits and the health workforce must have adequate supplies of personal protective equipment. Kenya must ramp up intensive care unit capacity in public hospitals and must stock up on essential Covid-19 therapeutics. Supply of medical oxygen must be reliable. As schools reopen, they must have adequate supplies of water, hand sanitisers and face masks. And, more importantly, the country must ramp up the vaccination campaign prioritising at risk or vulnerable populations.

Hela Clothing, an ethical and sustainable apparel manufacturer with factories across Kenya, Ethiopia and Sri Lanka, has been recognised as a leading example of resilience and ingenuity during the pandemic by President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. During the pandemic, the company switched to the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) and facemasks. Plans are currently underway to operate a separate factory for the production of medical grade PPE in collaboration with the Aga Khan Foundation.

Dr Kathrene Oyieke, paediatric neurologist at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, writes that Down syndrome is a genetic disorder where a person has three copies of chromosome 21 instead of two. Chromosomes are small "packages" of genes in the body. They determine how a baby’s body forms and functions as it grows in the womb and after birth. There are two basic types of tests available to detect Down syndrome during pregnancy: screening tests and diagnostic tests. The immune system of people with Down syndrome is compromised and they are more vulnerable to infections, certain kinds of cancer and autoimmune conditions. Though there is no cure for Down syndrome, there are services available to help babies and children improve their physical and intellectual abilities.

When Nation.Africa announced its digital subscription model in February, it was considered a bold move by many industry experts. Three months after the introduction of its metered paywall, the Nation Media Group announced a new milestone, as digital subscription passed 52,000 subscribers. Group Editorial Director Mutuma Mathiu said the company thought it would reach the milestone in 12 months only to manage the feat within three months. "This goes to show that the work we have done is confirmation of our professionalism and I want to congratulate our staff and our partners for their fantastic work," he said.