Nairobi hosts Innovate4Cities conference to advance urban climate action
via Tuko2 min read
Global leaders, scientists, policymakers, and city officials convened in Nairobi for the Innovate4Cities I4C26 Conference, advocating for enhanced collaboration to accelerate climate action and foster sustainable urban development. The conference, held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, emphasized that partnerships among governments, researchers, businesses, and communities are crucial for addressing the climate crisis. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacl谩udia Rossbach highlighted the rapid urbanization in African cities and the need for science-based solutions to tackle challenges like inadequate housing and basic services. She noted that the conference's outcomes would inform discussions on the New Urban Agenda and preparations for the upcoming COP31 climate conference. Global Covenant of Mayors Co-Managing Director Andy Deacon underscored the growing role of local governments in climate action, with their alliance now encompassing over 14,000 cities. Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Green Nairobi Maureen Njeri stated that hosting the conference offers significant benefits to the city through knowledge exchange and access to innovative solutions. Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, urged increased investment in resilient infrastructure, warning of heightened climate risks for cities if the 1.5掳C global warming threshold is surpassed. The three-day event aims to produce policy recommendations and partnerships to
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Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online via the eCitizen platform, a move announced by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Monday, June 22. This initiative aims to reduce the long waiting times previously associated with obtaining birth certificates. The announcement followed a strategic consultative meeting with the State Department for Immigration and Citizen Services leadership at Nyayo House, Nairobi. The new online system allows citizens to access and print their birth certificates directly, eliminating the need for multiple visits to government offices. Additionally, the CS announced the decentralization of passport issuance services to Kilifi County, expanding access to documentation services outside major urban centers. Public reaction to these changes has been mixed, with some welcoming the digital shift and others raising concerns about corruption and calling for further expansion of services to more counties.
Kenyans can now download and print birth certificates online, a significant change in public service delivery. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed this development on Monday, June 22, following a review meeting in Nairobi. This reform aims to improve efficiency in civil registration by reducing delays, costs, and bureaucracy. Previously, citizens could only initiate birth certificate applications online via the eCitizen portal and had to complete the process physically. The new system allows for full online completion, including downloading and printing the final document once approved. This is part of a broader digital transformation agenda to streamline government services through the eCitizen platform. Murkomen also announced plans to decentralize services further, including expanding passport application and collection centers to more counties, with Kilifi among those to benefit. To download a birth certificate, applicants visit the Civil Registration Services portal on eCitizen, log in, select the Electronic Birth Certificate service, enter a notification number, verify details, upload supporting documents, and make payment. Once approved, the certificate is available for download and printing. Standard applications cost KSh 200, while amendment-related applications cost KSh 1,000, excluding eCitizen access charges. Required documents include a birth notification and identification for both parents; a death certificate is needed if a parent is decease