Tag Archives: kenya

PortfolioGreen Media Accelerator (GMA) gives African climate justice projects major boost

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Picture: Recipients of the 2025 Green Media Accelerator grants

By WCJ Admin

3 April 2025- Five innovative media startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have received funding to launch climate justice media projects through the inaugural Green Media Accelerator (GMA) bootcamp.

This initiative, organised by the Consortium for Human Rights and Media (CHARM) in collaboration with the Magamba Network, the Fojo Institute, and the Wits Centre for Journalism, with support from SIDA, aims to empower media in bridging the gap between grassroots activism, environmental advocacy, and policymaking.

LThe bootcamp brought together young content creators, journalists, civic rights defenders, and environmental experts to explore the role of media in addressing climate change. Participants engaged in thought-provoking discussions on storytelling as a tool for advocacy, showcasing creative formats such as animation, stop-motion films, long-form documentaries, and public theatre.

The goal was to amplify marginalised voices and drive meaningful climate action through compelling narratives.

Beyond supporting individual startups, the initiative also backed two major media hubs — Uganda’s Media Challenge Initiative and Kenya’s Buni Media. These organisations will spearhead the Fake News Fighters program, designed to combat the rise of climate disinformation and ensure accurate environmental reporting reaches audiences across East Africa.

Key themes explored during the bootcamp included the just energy transition, community empowerment, environmental justice, and corporate accountability. Discussions focused on advocating for renewable energy solutions, supporting grassroots climate activism, addressing the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on marginalized communities, and holding oil companies accountable for environmental damage, particularly in regions like the Niger Delta.

Picture: Magamba Network’s Samm Farai Monro

Jean Mujati, Program Manager at Fojo Institute, highlighted the urgency of these efforts, recalling how reports of Mount Kenya’s rapidly melting glaciers overshadowed the excitement of the bootcamp’s success.

“Now, more than ever, we must support journalists in telling climate stories from every possible angle,” she stated.

Samm Farai Monro, Creative Director at Magamba Network, expressed admiration for the young media entrepreneurs, emphasising their role in pushing for an African renewable energy revolution.

“We were blown away by their pitches. These startups are telling the stories that need to be heard,” he said.

Dinesh Balliah, Director of the Wits Centre for Journalism, stressed the need for sustained investment in climate storytelling. “The commitment we’ve seen here is remarkable. We need funders, broadcasters, and stakeholders to support the growth of Africa’s media startup sector,” she noted.

The Green Media Accelerator represents more than just a funding initiative—it is a movement to reshape climate narratives through community-driven journalism. By nurturing emerging media talent and fostering collaboration, the initiative aims to create a future where informed and engaged citizens drive meaningful environmental change.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

The Grannies International Tournament launched in Limpopo

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Picture: The Limpopo Premier, Dr Poppy Ramathuba and the organiser of the tournament, Mama Bheki Ntsanwisi/Safa

By OBAKENG MAJE 

3 April 2025– The Grannies International Tournament was launched at Nkowankowa Stadium in Limpopo on Wednesday. The guests from around the world descended on the province and 22 teams of grannies from different countries such as the United States of America (USA), Kenya, Mozambique, Zambia, Togo, and South Africa, participated. 

The Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the guests, Kenya First Lady, Rachel Ruto and SAFA CEO, Lydia Monyepao, among other dignitaries, were also in attendance. Monyepao said Kenya will be hosting the tournament in 2027.

“SAFA is supportive of any organisation that uses the power of football to help change the world, inspire and unite people in a fun way. 

“The cameradie built through football networks is long-lasting. We also are supportive of programs that look to address the AU Agenda 2063 aspirations and the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that promote peace and prosperity for people and the planet,” she said. 

Monyepao further said SAFA is committed to ensure access to education programs for all, in coaching, referees, administration and leadership. She added that they wish the organisers, Mama Bheki Ntsanwisi, the municipalities, the region and the Limpopo province a successful tournament.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

Kenya on a learning curve at 8-Nations International Tournament

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BY Obakeng Maje

Kenya head into their final match of the 8-Nations International under-20 Tournament on the back of two defeats, but remains upbeat about their experiences in Cape Town.

The east African side faces Cameroon on Wednesday (30 May) night at the Athlone Stadium in the final game of Group B. Kickoff is at 20H30.

Neither side can qualify for the semi-finals – Kenya having lost 3-0 to Japan and 4-0 to Brazil, while Cameroon went down 1-0 to Brazil and 2-1 to Japan.

However, for the Kenyan contingent, the outing down south has been a constructive and rewarding exercise, even if results have not gone their way. 

Long-serving former Santos and Kenyan captain Musa Otieno is one of the most respected players in his home country, where he runs a football academy.

Otieno has been working in an advisory capacity with the Kenya technical team down in the Mother City, and is upbeat in terms of how his country’s participation in the prestigious tournament will be of future benefit.

“It’s good for us to get a chance to play in this kind of tournament. We have learnt a lot and I believe we have been beaten through little mistakes the boys made.

“It’s a learning process for us and it’s a good chance for the federation to look at the players. The average age of this team is only 16 or 17, they are very young compared to the other countries.

“For us losing was not a big deal. Yes we feel bad, but the boys are learning fast and I’m very happy with the way they are performing, it’s all part of a building process,” he said.

For Japan coach Yasushi Yoshida and his team, it’s been a successful tournament thus far, with wins over Kenya and Cameroon.

The Asian side have been highly impressive, showing superb technical and tactical ability, setting the tournament alight with some wonderful football.
Yoshida can lead his charges into battle against Brazil without any pressure upon their shoulders, a place in the semi-finals already secured. The match kicks off at 18H00, at Athlone Stadium.

For Yoshida, the excursion to Africa has been a success in that it has given his team the chance to play against the kind of opposition they would not normally come up against.

“Cameroon had a really high level of playing – they are very strong and very fast and we don’t have a strong team like Cameroon in Asian countries, so it was a very good experience for us.

“Our players come from all over Japan – playing professionally in our two leagues with 40 clubs – J1 and J2. We gathered our greatest players and we are happy with the chance to come and play in this tournament.

“Now we look forward to a rare opportunity for us to play against Brazil, so we are looking forward to the occasion and will be giving it our best effort,” he said.