Hello Climate concious freinds. I would like to introduce aWhere Weather.   Interactive and accessible weather data are instrumental for improved research, more effective extension and greater context in shaping policies relating to the environment, agricultural development and global health.  aWhere Weather is a powerful research and decision making tool, providing an interactive application to access and receive notifications for key weather data for user-selected locations. Data are available for East, Southern, and West Africa as well as South Asia. These data are provided as weather surfaces – essentially a full weather station every 9 kilometers.  Both daily observed (3 -5 year history) and forecasted weather data are available for the following variables: -    Precipitation  -    Minimum and Maximum Temperature -    Minimum and Maximum Relative Humidity  -    Solar Radiation...

Peter Greste Peter Greste is an award-winning foreign correspondent based in East Africa. The "CORD" coalition - one of Kenya's two leading contenders in the current election campaign – has just launched its manifesto with stirring music, high-minded speeches, and rapturous applause. I'm sitting at my desk, with a deepening furrow in my brow, and the back of an envelope rapidly filling with sums that just don't add up. At first glance, it is an impressive to-do list for a coalition that has a genuine chance of winning the election and an opportunity to deliver on its promises. Here's a selection of some of the highlights, in no particular order: Cord promises to… Introduce a pension scheme for those aged 65 and over Establish a universal national health insurance scheme Invest 2.5 percent of GDP in research and development Invest at least 10 percent of GDP in infrastructure over the next five years Establish computer laboratories and inter...

____ __ __ Citizens Pathway: __ __ Understanding the critical role of Kenya’s upcoming Governors, and realising that we may get a wide spectrum of calibre and experience, we need to fast-track anything we can think of to support people in these new positions. As we agreed, Citizens Pathway doesn’t have capacity to do this, so we need to circulate to those who can. So here is an idea description in a nutshell that we can share with relevant organizations that have capacity:____ __ __ *Guidance for Fresher Governors Concept____* *Rationale: ____* __·__Kenya’s new Governors will be the first ever, taking on tremendous responsibility with paltry resources and challenging local government histories (i.e. dysfunctional systems and retrogressive cultures). Some of the Governors may have what it takes to hit the ground running, but the majority may find it hard going. ____ __·__So the business and management community have a unique opportunity to contribute to Governors setting off on a strong...

Following the successful WHV campaign to celebrate the 40 th   anniversary of the World Heritage Convention with 50 projects organized in 40 World Heritage sites around the world in 2012, we have the pleasure to launch the World Heritage Volunteers 2013 (WHV 2013), welcoming the participation of all interested organizations. In the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, this initiative is co-organized by the World Heritage Centre (WHC) and the Co-ordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS). The  objectives of the WHV 2013  are the following: Sensitize the international and local volunteers, the local communities as well as the concerned authorities around issues related to World Heritage; Increase the contribution by the youth and voluntary service organizations to World Heritage promotion and preservation, especially at the sites in danger and natural sites with activities planned on the basis of the concrete needs of ...

By Rajab Ramah in Nairobi With fewer than 40 days remaining before the March 4th elections in Kenya, concern is growing that many citizens still do not know much about candidates vying for local seats. A Kenyan casts his ballot in Nairobi during party nominations on January 17th. Many citizens say they still do not know much about candidates vying for local seats. [Simon Maina/AFP] Related Articles Kenya works to eliminate corruption, violence this election year Post-election power sharing deals undermine democracy in Africa Kenyans urge politicians to focus on issues, not divisiveness Kenyan women demand guaranteed seats in parliament Nairobi residents say that while they feel well informed about the presidential candidates, they have insufficient information about candidates at the local level. "I am confused," said Anyango Auma, 37, a street vendor in Nairobi's Donholm neighbourhood. "As we speak, I still do not know who is vy...

The   United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)   announces its February to June   2013 Online Courses   for a global audience of finance and trade officials.   May we request to kindly circulate this information to relevant colleagues or organizations . Key reasons to participate:  Our online courses extend beyond mere content to incorporate experiential and collaborative learning, which is essential for real understanding. Learners achieve this through multiple instructional tools and innovative delivery approaches that allow them to reflect and link the concepts with real-world, practical solutions. Methodology:  The instructional design and methodologies are adapted around the learning styles of adult learners for maximum accessibility and flexibility. All courses are instructor-moderated by international experts and practitioners with a wealth of practical experience and know-how. Certificate of Completi...