Young Kenyan researcher wins prestigious international fellowship at UCT

Young Kenyan researcher wins prestigious international fellowship at UCT

Dr Nadia Chanzu will be investigating why HIV-positive pregnant women on antiretroviral therapy are at particular risk of pre-term births, while on a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at UCT, sponsored by the AXA Research Fund.

Nearly one million babies died in 2013 due to complications related to premature (pre-term) birth, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates. For HIV-infected mothers, the risk of giving birth prematurely is extremely high, putting these babies at risk of increased episodes of illness and death. In order to develop alternative therapies to counter this risk, scientists need a better understanding of the delicate immune balance between an HIV-positive mother and her developing baby. It is to do exactly this that the AXA Research Fund awarded Dr Nadia Chanzu, currently a research scientist at the Gertrude's Children's Hospital in Kenya, a prestigious two-year junior (postdoctoral) fellowship at UCT's Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine.

The AXA Research Fund, the research-funding branch of the global insurance brand, seeks to contribute to a greater understanding and prevention of risk worldwide, including environmental, life and socio-economic risk. Fellowships are one of the instruments through which they attempt to achieve this aim. Chanzu is the first African researcher at an African university to be awarded this highly competitive and prestigious fellowship.

The AXA Scientific Board, in awarding the fellowship to Chanzu, described her as a "very promising young scientist" with "significant potential".

"It is a great honour," says Chanzu, who graduated among the top of her class in medical biochemistry from the University of Nairobi in Kenya, completed her master's degree in biomedical science at Kingston University in London (UK) and went on to complete her PhD at the University of Nairobi Institute of Tropical and Infectious Diseases with a grant award from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada. Chanzu is also a graduate of the prestigious Canadian Institutes of Health Research's International Infectious Diseases and Global Health Training Programme (IID & GHTP), which sponsors exceptional PhD trainees across Canada, Colombia, Kenya and India.

"I will use this time to improve my knowledge, skills and experience and eventually contribute towards the advancement of the research agenda in my own country."

Thirty-five million people around the world are HIV positive, according to WHO statistics: of those, nearly 71% live in sub-Saharan Africa, making Chanzu's research particularly relevant on the continent.

Today HIV can be successfully managed with the use of anti-retroviral therapy (ART): however, says Chanzu, the ART exposure, along with the HIV, appears to increase the risk of premature birth.

"The placenta is the only link between the developing child and its mother," she explains. "But because a baby will inherit some components from its father – components that are foreign to the mother – the baby and the mother are at risk of rejecting one another."

A successful pregnancy therefore requires a delicate immune balance between mother and baby – a balance that HIV and ART exposure may disrupt.

"My research aims to identify some of the altered immune mechanisms within the placentae of HIV-infected women, in comparison with those of HIV-negative mothers, to better understand the immune basis of pre-term births in HIV-positive women."

Chanzu's research will have a direct impact on public health, hopefully providing a foundation to inform alternative therapies and alleviate the risks associated with pregnancy in HIV-infected mothers. She says South Africa, and UCT in particular, is the ideal place for her to continue this research.

"South Africa has developed into a hub of groundbreaking HIV-prevention research with some of the leading global infectious diseases experts residing at the University of Cape Town," she says. "Having the opportunity to undertake the AXA Fellowship at UCT at the Division of Immunology, under the mentorship of Professor Clive Gray and Dr Heather Jaspan, will give me access to cutting-edge technology and expertise that is currently lacking in my home country, Kenya."

Story by Natalie Simon

Today’s news, 22 June 2015

About us: Breakthru Kenya blog

About us: Breakthru Kenya blog

E-mail: seriking15@gmail.com or davidwise111@yahoo.com; Mobile: +2348091143856

INTRODUCTION

Breakthru Kenya blog identifies and showcases new and progressive feats and advancements in Kenya and by Kenyans.

Breakthru Kenya blog promotes and celebrates remarkable and outstanding exploits and achievements by Kenya and her citizens, irrespective of their place of residence.

Home and abroad, Kenyans are accomplishing unimaginable feats that remain unreported and unknown to their country, government and citizens. The country is equally taking positive development steps which her citizens and the world at large are unaware of. Breakthru Kenya, therefore, records these developments and feats by Kenya and Kenyans with the objective of kindling hope in the citizens as well as inspiring confidence in the nation.

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Kenya, her governments and citizens as well might not have been able to recognise or honour each individual who have distinguished him/herself and made the country proud across the globe, we (Breakthru Kenya,blogspot) thus, unreservedly recognise and appreciate these category of people and their works, ingenuity and dedication and publish their stories.

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A piece of news, in spite of how old it might appear, remains a news material - if you are yet to hear it or you are just hearing it. We, therefore, publish works on this blog not minding the date, as we intend not only to bring to the fore but also to document and also inform about every breakthrough made by Kenyans and Kenya in and outside their country, particularly as gleaned from various media sources or offered by organisations or individuals.

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Senatla shines in a weekend of ups and downs for Blitzboks

• ANTOINETTE MULLER
• 16 MAY 2016 12:09 (SOUTH AFRICA)

The World Series Sevens might be coming to an end, but preparation for Rio is only just beginning. Seabelo Senatla was the shining light for the Blitzboks at the weekend, but against a physical Samoan side, South Africa came up well short. It might be just the wake-up call they need to know what part of their game needs some tinkering as Rio begins to loom ever larger. By ANTOINETTE MULLER.

On a weekend that will probably be considered as the most topsy turvy of this season’s World Series Sevens circuit, Seabelo Senatla stole the show, despite the fact that South Africa crashed out in the quarterfinals of the Paris Sevens.

The Blitzboks had to settle for winning the plate final against Australia, and with just one round of matches remaining – to be played in London next weekend – it seems unlikely that they will catch up front runners Fiji who still sit atop the table despite losing to Samoa in the final in Paris.

It was a weekend full of surprises, with Kenya nearly beating New Zealand in the group stages, Samoa beating South Africa in the quarterfinals and Australia running Fiji close, ending off with an incredible 29-26 win for Samoa over Fiji in the final on Sunday evening.

The Blitzboks were electric on the first two days with Senatla particularly impressive across the tournament. On day one against England, Senatala crossed the whitewash four times, and he added two more against Australia on day two. There are not enough words to praise Senatala’s awareness. Having pace is one thing, but knowing how to exploit every nook and cranny of space when you have the ball in hand takes a truly special kind of player and nobody does it better than Senatla.

He is miles ahead for tries scored this season – with 64 to his name. To put that into context, the US’s Perry Baker is second with 40. Senatla also has more points than any other player – 320 – with Canada’s Nathan Hirayama in second with 295. Senatla has also made 70 clean breaks this season, 22 ahead of Perry Baker's 52.

There is no doubt that Senatla is the heartbeat of this South African team. While Cecil Afrika can sidestep a Ferrari, Senatla can tap around the speed of sound. Even more phenomenal is the fact that he is only 23 years old and already sits in the top 10 (ninth) of most tries ever scored in the World Seven series, having gone over the whitewash 155 times in his career. If he is managed correctly and looked after, there is no doubt that Senatla will go down as one of the most incredible players ever to play the Sevens game.

But with great speed comes great responsibility and on Sunday against Samoa, though, things came undone for the South Africans. When a player is so exceptionally talented, it can become a bit of a habit to be overly reliant on him. The Blitzboks seemed almost overly-reliant on their speedster and followed a far too predictable approach of passing the ball to Senatla as often as possible.

While there is nothing wrong with depending on your in-form player, these fixtures are supposed to be the time when South Africa test out new tricks in the lead-up to the Rio Olympics.

When Senatla is out in space, South Africa are superb, but up against more physical teams like Samoa, they struggle to find a way around. On Sunday, this is exactly where they fell short. In the quarterfinal, as frustration grew, they conceded a number of breakdown penalties and had to settle for a 10-21 loss.

In the plate final against Australia, they rekindled their free-flowing play, clinching a 17-7 win to win the plate final. While the loss against Samoa will sting, especially in terms of what that means for the Blitzboks in this season’s World Series tournament, it is not the worst thing that could have happened.

If there is one thing this team has done well since triumphing in Cape Town last year, it’s improving when they get knocked down. Not many teams South Africa will face take as much of a physical approach as Samoa, but at least now they have been there and done that and will know that their fleet-footed approach will not work against a side constantly out to crush bones. DM

Photo: South Africa's Seabelo Senatla scores a try against Samoa during their men's rugby sevens medal semi-final at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, July 27, 2014. REUTERS/Russell Cheyne.

• ANTOINETTE MULLER

Kenya Law Shines at the ICJ Uwazi Football Tournament

Kenya Law Shines at the ICJ Uwazi Football Tournament

JUNE 3, 2016

Kenya Law scooped the 2^nd runners up prize during in the 2016 edition of the Annual International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) ‘Uwazi Cup’ tournament held on 14^th May 2016 at the  Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.

The Uwazi Cup brings together teams from various stakeholders involved in the administration of justice, including the judiciary, law schools, the police, parliament, NGOs and the media.

Kenya Law emerged top in the group stages after beating The Senate, The Centre for Rights, Education and Awareness (CREAW) and Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) teams. At the quarter final stage, the team beat Safaricom Ltd football team, and sailed through to the semifinals where it was humbled by Ghetto radio football team through a penalty shoot-out.

Finally, at the third and fourth play offs, Kenya Law overpowered the Kenya School of Law team to clinch the second runners up position.

Well done Kenya Law team!

Lagos City Marathon 2016: Kenyan athlete, Abraham Kipton emerges winner

Lagos City Marathon 2016:

Kenyan athlete, Abraham Kipton emerges winner 

 Lagos witnessed local and international athletes unite today, February 6, 2016 for the Lagos City Marathon, hosted by the state government.

Abraham Kipton who’s from Kenya emerged as the winner, running 2hrs 16mins, 21seconds.

The winner, Abraham Kator of Kenya crossed the finish line @ 2hrs 16mins & 21secs

 Kenya’s Hossei and Ethiopia’s Debebe Ethosa came in second and third respectively, while Emmanuel Gyang, the first Nigerian to cross the finish line came in 7^th place.

 The 20,000 participants started the race from the National Stadium in Surulere, BUT not all partakers could make it up to the finish line – Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island – as majority backed out before the 3^rd mainland bridge. LOL!

See if there’s an athlete stuck in front of your house!

Hassan Sanusi, February 06 2016

Kenya Top Trading Hub In Comesa

Kenya Top Trading Hub In Comesa

Kenya has emerged a distribution hub and commercial powerhouse in the East African region...

Kenya has further consolidated its status as the gateway to East Africa and a leading trade hub in the region. The country tops the list of highest exporting countries in the 19-member COMESA trading bloc, emerging as the top performer in the regional East African market
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In recent years, Kenya has also been labelled as a viable business hub in the East African region and many foreign companies have set up assembly plants in Kenya to penetrate the lucrative markets in the region. By manufacturing in Kenya, the businesses are able to transport their goods within COMESA member countries without paying taxes, thereby adding to their profit margins.

Several Asian manufacturers, predominantly from India and China, have established warehouses in Kenya where they send the semi-finished goods to, and then use EAC trade protocols to move them around East African countries like Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. In such a scenario, many local manufacturers have blamed the government for not devising appropriate policies to protect the local manufacturing sector from unfair competition.

Competition from overseas investors and businesses is forcing local businesses in Kenya to reduce their profit margins in order to stay competitive in the price-sensitive markets of East Africa. By offering better products and lower prices, these new businesses are challenging the monopoly of many well- established businesses in Kenya.

Last year, Kenya imported goods valued at $200 million and re-exported goods worth $520 million. Egypt came in second, exporting goods worth $490 million and importing from other COMESA member states goods valued at $180 million. Zambia ranked third, selling goods worth $300 million and re-exporting products valued at $100 million. It however, bought an equally higher amount worth $290 million.

Zimbabwe, the southern African country currently facing a major economic crisis, came fourth exporting goods worth $170 million and re-exporting $120 million worth of goods. It also imported semi and finished products from other member states valued at approximately $430 million.

The landlocked country of Uganda led in the category of countries with the highest imports, buying from other members states products worth $70 million, and is closely followed by Sudan, which imports goods worth $65 million.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, emerging from years of turmoil, came in third importing products worth $60 million, Zambia $30 million, followed by Ethiopia, which imported goods valued at $21 million.

Oil exporting economies have been witnessing the highest growth, with Sudan’s economy growing at approximately 11 per cent in 2012. Non-oil economies exporting mineral and metal commodities also witnessed strong growth.

As a result, Kenya has become a focus of attention for international businesses looking to penetrate the emerging markets of East Africa.

...From Africa Business Pages

Scholarships for students from Kenya and others

The University of Sheffield was pleased to offer a range of scholarships to students from Kenya who show exceptional academic potential and are starting their studies at the University in September 2016.
We are pleased to offer scholarships to all international students commencing their studies in the Faculties of Engineering, Science, Arts and the School of Law in September 2016:
Management International Scholarships 2016
Eligibility and Award Criteria:

• You must hold an offer of a study place and begin your undergraduate studies in September 2016 in the Management School.
• You must be a national of, or permanently domiciled in Kenya.
• You must be self-funding and classified as overseas for tuition fee purposes.
• The scholarship is for full-time and part-time students only.
• Part-time students will receive the full value of a one year of scholarship split pro rata over the duration of an equivalent single full-time academic year.
• The scholarship will be awarded automatically – no application is required.
• The scholarship will be awarded unconditionally in the first year of study. Receipt of the award in subsequent years of study is subject to the achievement of a 60% overall average mark in the previous academic year.
• The scholarship will take the form of a tuition fee reduction only.
• The scholarship will not be applied during any optional or compulsory study abroad periods or year in industry.
• The Scholarships will not be awarded where partial funding is applicable from an external body* and there is an agreement already in place between the external body and the University of Sheffield to offer a tuition fee discount to the student.

Social Science International Scholarships 2016
We are pleased to offer Social Science Scholarships to Kenyan undergraduate students starting their studies in September 2016 in any of the following departments: East Asian Studies, Economics, Education, Geography, Information School, Journalism, Politics, Sheffield Methods Institute, Sociological Studies, Urban Studies and Planning (Formerly Town and Regional Planning.)
The scholarships are worth £2,000 per year each.
East and South Africa Merit Undergraduate Scholarship 2016
There are three Merit Undergraduate Scholarships available for East and South African students.
Each scholarship is worth 50% of the annual undergraduate tuition fee. This is guaranteed in the first year of study and is available in each subsequent year, excluding any years in industry or years abroad, subject to achieving 60% or above in the previous academic year – this applies to all undergraduate programmes except Medicine and Dentistry. Students of Medicine or Dentistry will only receive the scholarship for the non-clinical years (Medicine years 1 & 2 and Dentistry year 1).
The scholarship will take the form of a tuition fee discount only.
To be eligible for the scholarships applicants must be self-funding and classed as 'Overseas' for fee purposes AND a national of or permanently domiciled in either: Botswana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia or Zimbabwe and apply for a study place by Friday 15 April 2016 for entry in September 2016.
The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit and the supporting statement. The final decision will be made by an academic panel.
If you wish to be considered for this scholarship you need to apply online, the application link will be distributed to eligible students by email from January onwards.
Applicants cannot apply for the scholarship before being offered a study place at Sheffield. The scholarship will be available only to applicants who have made the University of Sheffield their first or firm choice.

The deadline for applications is Friday 22 April 2016; scholarship results will be announced Friday 27 May 2016.

Postgraduate Scholarships eg MA, MSc

The University offers a range of scholarships for Kenyan students who show exceptional academic potential starting a postgraduate Taught Masters programme at the University of Sheffield in September 2016.