The inaugural women’s economic forum took place on 24th and 25th February 2021 and sought to advance the empowerment of women through panel discussions, networking and keynote addresses from high-ranking government officials, development partners and industry leaders. This year’s forum tackled six thematic areas including Agribusiness, Manufacturing and Value Addition, Financial Access, Technology and Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Tax and Policy Regimens.

Desert Locust upsurge of 2019/2021 affected many countries in The Horn of Africa. The first wave arrived in Kenya in December 2019. By July 2020, approximately 9.4% and 6.3% of cropland and pastureland had been affected respectively. The second wave arrived in November 2020. These swarms crossed into Kenya from Ethioipa and Somalia. Swarms from Ethiopia crossed through Mandera and Marsabit, while swarms from Somalia crossed through Mandera, Wajir and to a small extent through Garissa. This influx peaked in mid-January and began to reduce.