CLIMATE CAPITAL

Rukia Ahmed Champions Climate Action and Sustainability in Kenya

Fueled by her passion, Rukia Ahmed established the Green North Eastern Initiative, a community organization focused on enhancing climate resilience in northern Kenya. “I collaborate with schools to plant trees alongside teachers and students. “We began in Wajir County and have since expanded to Mandera and Garissa, where we’ve planted nearly 10,000 trees,” she explains.

Published

2 months ago

October 1, 2024

Charles Wachira

Rukia Ahmed is alarmed by the significant shifts in weather patterns in northeastern Kenya, which jeopardize the livelihoods of farmers reliant on rain-fed agriculture. She advocates for a shift from fossil fuel-based energy systems to more sustainable options such as wind and solar power.

: At just 21, Rukia Ahmed is a climate justice activist reshaping the environmental narrative in northern Kenya. Drawing from her experiences in Wajir and her education in Nairobi, she promotes sustainability and community resilience through her Green North Eastern Initiative. Rukia leads tree-planting efforts and advocates for accountability in climate action, emphasizing the urgent need to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. Join her mission for a sustainable future in northern Kenya.

By Barack Oduor

When Rukia Ahmed first arrived in Nairobi from Wajir, she was immediately struck by the stark difference in weather. Growing up in Wajir, the harsh climate often disrupted daily life, making even attending afternoon classes a challenge. Now, at 21, Rukia is a climate justice activist on a bold mission to change the environmental narrative of northern Kenya.

Rukia’s educational journey took her from Islamic Call Foundation Primary School in Wajir to Our Lady of Mercy Girls Secondary School in Shauri Moyo, Nairobi, in 2021. It was during this transition that she discovered her passion for advocating for a healthier, more sustainable environment.

“When I came to Nairobi for my secondary education, I saw a huge difference in the environment. In Form Two, I attended a climate conference at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, and that’s when I realized there was something I could do for my community,” recalls Rukia.

She began by planting trees in Wajir during school holidays, but soon recognized that the region’s problems required more than just reforestation. Northern Kenya, she learned, was grappling with the severe impacts of climate change.

“Northern Kenya frequently suffers from drought, leading to massive livestock deaths, which devastates pastoralist communities that rely on livestock for their livelihoods. This results in malnutrition for children, women walking miles to find water, and families rationing meals to cope with food insecurity,” explains Rukia.

Other challenges—including marginalization, poverty, weak institutions, poor infrastructure, lack of information, limited access to financial services, and resource-based conflicts—compound the difficulties faced by northern Kenya in dealing with climate change.

Holding the Powerful Accountable
For Rukia, climate justice means ensuring that those responsible for environmental degradation are held accountable, while those affected receive the support they need to adapt and mitigate the effects. “In many areas, when it rains, floods destroy homes and cause disease, death, and crop failure. The people affected by this deserve justice,” she says.

Now pursuing a Bachelor of Education degree at Mt. Kenya University, majoring in Mathematics and Biology, Rukia leads tree-planting drives across northern Kenya and actively speaks on climate justice. She views the climate crisis as a human tragedy, pointing out that while Africa contributes very little to global emissions, it suffers disproportionately from climate change’s effects.

“Africa is the second-largest continent but contributes less than four percent to global emissions, with almost no historical emissions. Yet, we are among the hardest hit by climate change,” she notes, citing data from the International Energy Agency.

Rukia’s activism has earned her opportunities to volunteer with various organizations, leading to her participation in the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. She also attended the Climate Justice Camp hosted by Greenpeace International in Nabeul, Tunisia.

Driven by her passion, Rukia founded the Green North Eastern Initiative, a community-based organization aimed at building climate resilience in the northern frontier. “I partner with schools to plant trees with the help of teachers and students. We started in Wajir County, and now we’ve expanded to Mandera and Garissa, where nearly 10,000 trees have been planted,” she says.

A Call for Renewable Energy
Rukia is deeply concerned about the drastic changes in weather patterns in northeastern Kenya, which threaten livelihoods, particularly for farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture. She calls for a transition from fossil fuel-based energy systems to more sustainable alternatives like wind and solar power.

“Our failure to implement policies and regulations that hold companies and governments accountable for emissions has made action more urgent than ever,” says Rukia.

Without decisive intervention, she warns, climate change will reverse Kenya’s progress in poverty reduction and deepen economic and social inequalities. Rukia’s activism is especially timely as women in Kenya, often the most vulnerable to climate change, are increasingly bearing the brunt of its effects.

As Rukia continues her mission, she hopes her efforts will not only transform northern Kenya but also inspire others to fight for a more just and sustainable future for all.

Keywords:Rukia Ahmed:Climate Activism:Northern Kenya:Tree Planting Initiative:Sustainable Environment

NB:First published in the Eastleigh Voice

CLIMATE CAPITAL

Access Bank Secures CAK Approval for National Bank Acquisition

Published

3 weeks ago

October 30, 2024

Charles Wachira

: Access Bank to acquire National Bank of Kenya for $100M, boosting market
share to 1.9% with CAK approval and workforce retention conditions.

CAK Approves Access Bank’s Acquisition of NBK with Conditions

The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) approved Access Bank’s acquisition of the
National Bank of Kenya (NBK) from KCB Group, requiring Access Bank to retain 80% of
NBK’s workforce for at least one year.
The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) must now give its final approval for the deal.

Employment Retention Key to Approval

According to CAK, Access Bank must maintain 80% of NBK’s 1,384 employees and all
316 staff from its local subsidiary, Access Bank Kenya, for a year following the
transaction’s completion. “The transaction has been approved on condition that Access
Bank Plc retains, for one year, at least 80% of the target’s current workforce,” CAK
stated.

Deal Valuation and Finalization Timeline

While the deal’s value has not been disclosed, KCB Group announced in March 2024
that NBK would be sold for 1.25 times its book value. With NBK’s 2023 book value at
$79.77 million, the acquisition is estimated to be worth approximately $100 million. The
transaction is expected to conclude in November.

Expanding Access Bank’s Kenyan Presence

Access Bank’s current footprint in Kenya includes 23 branches in 12 counties. Acquiring
NBK’s 77 branches across 28 counties will significantly boost its presence and service
offerings, including retail, corporate, and Islamic banking. Access Bank, currently
ranked as a tier 3 lender, will integrate with NBK, a tier 2 institution, enhancing its status
in the market.

The acquisition will give the merged entity a 1.9% market share in Kenya’s banking
sector. “The combined market size is unlikely to raise competition concerns since it is
low,” CAK noted. “The merged entity will face competition from other banks in the
market. Based on this, the transaction is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent
competition.”

CLIMATE CAPITAL

Patricia Ithau: CEO of WPP-Scangroup, Leading Africa’s Marketing Giant

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Charles Wachira

: She leads WPP-Scangroup PLC, the largest marketing and communication group in sub-Saharan Africa, driving innovation, business growth, and social impact across the region.

Patricia Ithau leads WPP-Scangroup PLC, the largest marketing and communication group in sub-Saharan Africa. She took over as CEO on March 14, 2022, succeeding Bharat Thakrar at the helm of this Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed company.

Under her visionary leadership, WPP-Scangroup continues to redefine the marketing and advertising landscape in East Africa through a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary approach.

Her focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation has positioned the company to drive growth and deliver groundbreaking solutions across the region.

Early Life and Academic Foundation

Patricia’s leadership journey grew from a strong academic foundation.

Patricia Ithau studied at Loreto Convent Msongari in Nairobi before earning her Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi.

Further expanding her knowledge, she earned an MBA in Strategic Management from the United States International University-Africa.

She also completed advanced management programs at prestigious institutions like Strathmore University, IESE Business School, INSEAD, and Oxford University, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in business leadership.

Career Milestones: L’Oréal Africa and Beyond

Before joining WPP-Scangroup, Patricia was the founding CEO of L’Oréal Africa, where she significantly drove the company’s growth and success in the region.

Under her leadership, L’Oréal’s African subsidiary generated $25 million in annual revenue, employed over 270 people, and produced 40 million units annually.

One of her key achievements was leading one of the first acquisitions of a local business by a multinational in East Africa, demonstrating her ability to drive growth and market penetration in the competitive FMCG sector.

Advocacy for Women in Leadership

Patricia has actively championed women in leadership, advocating for creating opportunities that allow women to thrive in the corporate world.

As an Ambassador for the Women on Boards Network (WOBN) in Kenya, she has worked to elevate women into leadership positions.

She holds board positions at organisations such as ABSA Bank Kenya, Jambojet Ltd, Vivo Fashion Group, and the British Chamber of Commerce.

Furthermore, Patricia actively supports corporate governance and social impact as a Trustee for the Vodafone Foundation (UK) and the M-PESA Foundation.

Overcoming Personal Challenges and Building Resilience

In addition to her professional achievements, Patricia’s journey has been marked by resilience.

She was crowned Miss Kenya in 1986 during her first year at the University of Nairobi.

Navigating societal judgments and stereotypes during this period helped shape her leadership abilities, teaching her invaluable lessons in self-confidence and perseverance.

Recognition and Awards

Patricia’s contributions to Kenya’s economic growth and development have not gone unnoticed.

In 2020, she was awarded the Head of State Commendation (HSC) for her outstanding role in business development.

Patricia is also an accredited executive coach and certified Emotional Intelligence practitioner, emphasising her commitment to fostering future leaders who embrace emotional intelligence and holistic leadership practices.

Patricia’s leadership extends beyond the corporate world.

As East Africa Regional Director for the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Development Economies (SEED), Patricia has driven sustainable business growth and job creation across sub-Saharan Africa.

Through SEED, she has supported over 200 businesses in tackling leadership challenges and fostering innovation, contributing significantly to the region’s economic transformation.

Family and Personal Values

Patricia is also deeply committed to her family.

She proudly raises her two daughters, Mueni and Makena, instilling in them the values of hard work and resilience.

Her role as a mother aligns with her broader mission of mentoring and guiding the next generation of leaders.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Patricia Ithau leads with vision, innovation, and a strong commitment to social sustainability, from her strategic achievements at L’Oréal Africa to her current role as CEO of WPP-Scangroup.

Her dedication to advancing women in leadership, her contributions to the business community, and her efforts in developing future leaders make her a lasting influence on Africa’s corporate sector, inspiring and driving progress across the region.

CLIMATE CAPITAL

Meet Kariuki Ngari: Standard Chartered Bank’s new CEO of Africa. What’s Next?

Published

1 week ago

November 14, 2024

Charles Wachira

kariuki ngari standard chattered bank ceo

: The nomination speaks volumes about the bank’s commitment to its African operations and its strategic vision for growth on the continent.

: Kariuki’s vast experience and market insight make him a catalyst for growth. With his strategic vision, Standard Chartered can seize opportunities, expand, and provide tailored financial solutions

In a significant move within the banking sector, Kariuki Ngari ascended to CEO Africa at Standard Chartered Bank on April 3, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. As he steps into this new role, Ngari faces a landscape rife with challenges but brimming with opportunities. He is poised to leverage his expertise and track record to propel the bank’s growth trajectory across Africa.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Navigating Regulatory Complexity: One of Kariuki’s foremost challenges will be navigating the diverse regulatory environments across the African continent. With each country presenting unique regulations and compliance requirements, Ngari must adopt a nuanced approach to ensure Standard Chartered Bank’s operations remain compliant while driving growth.

Adapting to Market Dynamics: African markets are diverse and constantly changing. Rapid shifts in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and intense competition characterise them. Kariuki must stay agile and adaptive, seizing opportunities for innovation and market expansion while mitigating risks associated with changing market dynamics.

Fostering Financial Inclusion: Africa offers significant opportunities for financial inclusion, as a large portion of the population remains underserved by traditional banking services. Kariuki has the opportunity to drive initiatives that promote financial literacy, expand access to banking services, and foster inclusive economic growth across the continent.

Previous Achievements and Experience:

Before assuming the role of CEO of Africa, Kariuki served in various leadership positions within Standard Chartered Bank, demonstrating his exceptional leadership capabilities and strategic vision. Some of his notable achievements include:

Driving Digital Transformation: Kariuki played a pivotal role in driving Standard Chartered Bank’s digital transformation agenda, spearheading initiatives to enhance the bank’s digital capabilities and customer experience. Under his leadership, the bank successfully launched innovative digital banking solutions tailored to the African market, driving customer engagement and retention.

Expanding Market Presence: Kariuk has a proven track record of expanding Standard Chartered Bank’s market presence across Africa, identifying growth opportunities, and forging strategic partnerships to penetrate new markets and strengthen the bank’s foothold in existing ones.

Promoting Sustainable Finance: Kariuki is committed to promoting sustainable finance and responsible banking practices. He has championed initiatives focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, integrating sustainability into the bank’s business strategy and operations.

Expectations in the New Role:

As CEO of Africa, stakeholders expect Kariuki to bring his wealth of experience, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment to driving Standard Chartered Bank’s growth agenda in Africa. Key expectations include:

Strategic Vision: Kariuki will continue articulating a clear vision for Standard Chartered Bank’s African operations, leveraging market insights and industry trends to identify growth opportunities and drive sustainable value creation.

Innovation and Digitalization: Ngari will prioritise innovation and digitalisation, harnessing the power of technology to enhance the bank’s offerings, streamline operations, and deliver superior customer experiences.

Stakeholder Engagement: Ngari will intensely focus on stakeholder engagement, fostering relationships with clients, regulators, shareholders, and communities to ensure alignment with the bank’s objectives and values.

The nomination of Kariuki to the position of CEO of Standard Chartered Africa speaks volumes about the bank’s commitment to its African operations and its strategic vision for growth on the continent. Here are a few critical points that the nomination signifies:

Recognition of Talent: Standard Chartered Bank’s decision to appoint Kariuki Ngari as CEO of Africa reflects the bank’s recognition of his exceptional leadership qualities, strategic acumen, and track record of success within the organisation. It indicates that the bank values talent from within its ranks and is committed to nurturing and promoting internal talent to key leadership positions.

Focus on the African Market: By appointing a CEO specifically for the African region, Standard Chartered Bank underscores the importance of the African market in its global strategy. It signifies the bank’s commitment to unlocking the vast opportunities presented by the African continent and leveraging its potential for growth and expansion.

Continuity and Stability: Kariuki’s nomination brings continuity and stability to Standard Chartered Bank’s African operations. With his deep understanding of market dynamics, extensive experience within the organisation, and proven track record of success, Ngari is well-positioned to provide steady leadership and drive the bank’s growth agenda in Africa.

Emphasis on Local Leadership: The appointment of Kariuki, who is of Kenyan nationality, also highlights the importance of local leadership and expertise in driving success in the African market. It demonstrates Standard Chartered Bank’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive leadership culture that reflects the communities and markets it serves.

Strategic Direction: Kariuki’s nomination signifies the bank’s strategic direction and priorities for its African operations. It suggests a focus on driving innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable growth in key markets across the continent, with Ngari leading the charge in executing the bank’s vision and objectives in Africa.

Kariuki’s appointment as CEO of Africa at Standard Chartered Bank marks a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards consolidating its position as a premier financial institution on the African continent. With an unwavering focus on excellence, strategic foresight, and a proven track record of leadership, Kariuki brings a wealth of experience and expertise that positions him as a catalyst for transformative growth.

His elevation underscores the bank’s confidence in his abilities and its steadfast commitment to fostering homegrown talent and leveraging local expertise to drive success in key markets. Kariuki’s appointment represents more than just a change in leadership; it symbolises a new era of innovation, resilience, and adaptability in navigating the intricacies of the African financial landscape.

In the face of evolving market dynamics, regulatory complexities, and competitive pressures, Kariuki’s leadership will be instrumental in steering Standard Chartered Bank towards sustainable growth and value creation. His strategic vision, coupled with a deep understanding of the African market, will enable the bank to capitalise on emerging opportunities, expand its footprint, and deliver superior financial solutions tailored to the diverse needs of its customers.

Moreover, Kariuki’s appointment reinforces Standard Chartered Bank’s commitment to driving positive impact and fostering inclusive growth across the continent. Kariuki is poised to make a meaningful difference in millions of individuals and businesses across Africa by championing initiatives promoting financial inclusion, sustainability, and responsible banking practices.

In essence, Kariuki’s nomination heralds not just a new chapter but an entire volume in the bank’s narrative of success in Africa. It signifies a renewed sense of purpose, a reaffirmation of values, and a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for the continent’s economies and communities. As he assumes the mantle of leadership, Ngari stands at the forefront of Standard Chartered Bank’s journey towards becoming the partner of choice for businesses, investors, and individuals alike, propelling Africa towards a future of prosperity and opportunity.