Nairobi Ideas Podcast

How are African ideas being used to build the future of the African continent? Season 5 of the Nairobi Ideas Podcast returns September 15th under a brand new theme; 'African Futures'.  Don't miss our new season as we talk to experts whose work explores new pathways around; the future of education, the future of food, the future of African cities, the future of health, and approaches to climate change adaptation on the continent.Learn more about the 'African Futures' campaign on our website: www.mawazoinstitute.org/africanfuturesDon't miss an episode: Subscribe now and get all our new episode updates!

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.”

What is food security and why does it matter? Ensuring food security is one of the sustainable development goals - SDG 2 - which targets zero hunger. To help us understand the effects of climate change on food security in sub-Saharan Africa, we are joined by two experts, Yvonne Githiora and Maysoon Osman, who are both PhD students at the University of Nairobi.Yvonne Githiora: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ygithiora%20 Twitter: @YvonneGithiora Researchgate: Water Poverty In KenyaResearchgate: Drivers of Change in Tropical WetlandsMaysoon Osman:LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/maysoon-osman-93b11219a%20 Twitter: @MaysoonOsman Website:  http://www.icipe.org/capacity_building/students/maysoon-osmanResearchgate: Climate Variability and Change affecting Crop Yields in Gedaref State, Sudan   

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

Season 3 of the Nairobi Ideas Podcast is launching on Thursday, September 30th. This is what you can expect 

The Nairobi Ideas Podcast is on break until next year. But before we go, we’ve created this recap episode to sum up our second season. Check it out to hear Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, our host and Mawazo Institute CEO, and Kari Mugo, our Digital Media and Public Engagement Consultant, chat about their favourite episodes, some of the lessons they’ve learned so far, and all the love they have for our fans. Plus, catch up with everything Mawazo has been doing in Nairobi to connect people like you with cutting-edge research and conversations in Kenya and beyond – from publishing the Nairobi Ideas Digest and Nairobi Ideas Explainer, to hosting the Nairobi Ideas Exchange and Africa Science Week-Kenya 2019. See you in 2020 with all new guests and more gripping conversation!

When Dr. Paula Kahumbu was a little girl, she had a run in with famed conservationist Dr. Richard Leakey, catapulting a lifelong curiosity about, and interest in, Kenya’s wildlife. Since then, Paula has gone on to become an award-winning Kenyan conservationist herself, and is the current CEO of WildlifeDirect. In this episode of the podcast, she celebrates Kenya’s rich bio-diversity and talks about the need for civic education on conservation. Loss of bio-diversity, she also argues, is our biggest threat yet. “We have the most to lose, because we have the most on our doorstep.”

Global land use has been identified as one of the most significant causes of the rapid increase in climate change yet, Dr. David Kimiti says, little attention is being paid to curbing land degradation. Dr. David is Head of Research and Monitoring at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and a Senior Scientist specializing in Rangeland Ecology. In conversation with the Nairobi Ideas podcast, he shares his ‘systems approach’ to conservation and talks about how Lewa’s work is helping ensure the survival of the Grevy Zebra, while mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Plus, find out how mobile phone technology is being used to collect data on land potential across the globe.

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? Were there other solutions for tackling plastic waste in the country that should have been considered? Nairobi Ideas Podcast is 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 emphasize 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’ economy and the informal sector. Plus, find out why we should be better informed about the alternative “eco-friendly” bags currently in use throughout Kenya.

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.

Global warming, the biodiversity crisis, and environmental degradation are changing life on earth drastically, and the effects on Africa are bound to be drastic. Join us on Season 2 of the Nairobi Ideas Podcast as our host, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, finds out how experts on the continent are responding to these climate and conservation challenges. We will explore how Kenya is tackling plastic pollution with activists and researchers, hear from leading conservancies in Kenya on how they are protecting local ecosystems, and find out how Africans across the continent are working to build sustainable futures.

Meet Our Host, Dr. Rose Mutiso: She is Co-founder and CEO of the Mawazo Institute, Research Director at the Energy for Growth Hub, and current Next Einstein Forum Ambassador representing Kenya. Rose is a Materials Scientist by training with research experience in the fields of nanotechnology and polymer physics, whose current work is focused on power sector issues in Africa. Rose believes that, “We need to fuse creative and inspired thinking with research and evidence,” and that scientists like her are bridges to these two worlds.

Meet Young Scientists Kenya (YSK): Michael is Co-founder and CEO of Miti Alliance, and a Board Member of Young Scientists Kenya, a platform for young people to demonstrate their innovation and showcase their scientific talents. YSK is based on the premise that a wealth of talent and potential for innovation exists in Kenya. They are one of the organizers of the 8th National Science and Technology Exhibition Week, opening August 3rd. Take a listen as Michael shares stories from the road as YSK uncovers the best in innovation, technology, and research that Kenya’s youth has to offer.

As part of the 2018 Africa Science Week-Kenya (ASW-Kenya), Nairobi Ideas Podcast is featuring interviews with some of the exceptional scientists from our Faces of Kenyan Science campaign. Take a listen as our host, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, CEO of the Mawazo Institute sits down with Anthony Muthungu, a serial entrepreneur, inventor and educator who is always looking for “the loopholes in life” and finding ways to bridge them. He is the founder of TotoSci Academy, AlexKyan, and Jenga Citi.

As part of the 2018 Africa Science Week-Kenya (ASW-Kenya), Nairobi Ideas Podcast is featuring interviews with some of the exceptional scientists from our Faces of Kenyan Science campaign. Take a listen as our host, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, CEO of the Mawazo Institute sits down with Susan Murabana, an astronomer bringing the stars closer to children, by taking a portable telescope and mobile planetarium to schools and sites around the country, and who dreams of creating the region’s first public Observatory and Planetarium.

As part of the 2018 Africa Science Week-Kenya (ASW-Kenya), Nairobi Ideas Podcast is featuring interviews with some of the exceptional scientists from our Faces of Kenyan Science campaign. Take a listen as our host, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, CEO of the Mawazo Institute sits down with Dr. Stellah Bosire, Founder and Executive Director of the Stellah Bosire Fund and a medical physician looking beyond the stethoscope to use science for good and who advocates for health as a human right.

As part of the 2018 Africa Science Week-Kenya (ASW-Kenya), Nairobi Ideas Podcast is featuring interviews with some of the exceptional scientists from our Faces of Kenyan Science campaign. Take a listen as our host, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, CEO of the Mawazo Institute sits down with Dr. Hamisi Babusa, an accomplished novelist, lecturer and and senior administrator at Kenyatta University who is pioneering the use of Kiswahili science fiction novellas to educate children on science.

As part of the 2018 Africa Science Week-Kenya (ASW-Kenya), Nairobi Ideas Podcast is featuring interviews with some of the exceptional scientists from our Faces of Kenyan Science campaign. Take a listen as our host, Dr. Rose M. Mutiso, CEO of the Mawazo Institute sits down with Kago Kagichiri, Co-founder and former CEO of Eneza Education, one of Africa’s leading mobile learning platforms and a tech-enthusiast on a journey to tackle the shortcomings of the continent’s education systems using technology.