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Senator Rasha Kelej (Ret.) received Kenya First Lady at the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss their joint programs...
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, conducted the 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative - MFFLI Summit 2025 recently. It was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation & President of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative and H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” along with First Ladies of Angola, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Maldives, Mozambique, Nigeria, São Tomé & Príncipe, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) expressed, “I was a pleasure meeting my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother” for the 7th Edition of our Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit. I am proud to share that provided 244 scholarships for local Kenyan doctors in many critical and underserved specialties like Fertility & Embryology, Oncology, Diabetes, Endocrinology, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, Sexual & Reproductive Care, Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more. And around 50% of these scholarships are provided to female healthcare providers which is a great milestone of women empowerment.”
H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother emphasized, “I am very proud of our partnership with Merck Foundation. Together, we are strengthening and transforming our public healthcare landscape, through the 244 scholarships provided for our doctors. This is an extraordinary milestone that will leave a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of healthcare across our nation.
Additionally, we are also working together to support girl education by providing annual scholarships to 47 best-performing but underprivileged girls, as a part of Educating Linda program. This is extremely important as Education is the way forward to empower our girls.”
Watch the Speech of The First Lady of Kenya & Ambassador of Merck Foundation More Than a Mother during the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit 2025 here: https://apo-opa.co/3LkbX4n
Watch the video of Merck Foundation CEO, Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.) receiving H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H., First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, and Ambassador of Merck Foundation “More Than a Mother”: https://apo-opa.co/4aK6BK6
On day 2 of the Summit, Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative- MFFLI committee meeting was conducted between The First Ladies of Africa and Merck Foundation Chairman and CEO, where the African and Asian First Ladies shared the impact report of Merck Foundation programs in their respective countries, and future strategy was discussed.
Watch the video of MFFLI committee meeting: https://apo-opa.co/44UAUdc
Together with Kenya First Lady, Merck Foundation has provided 224 scholarships for young doctors in many critical and underserved specialties. Out of the 244 scholarships:
- 123 scholarships have been provided for one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology and Endocrinology for Kenyan doctors from different provinces across the country. Upon completion of their training, many Merck Foundation Alumni have gone on to open their own specialized clinics. These experts not only provide much-needed care, but also play a crucial role in raising awareness about the prevention and early signs of diabetes.
- 10 Scholarships have been provided for Oncology to develop and support the cancer care capacity in the country, a very critical speciality considering the increasing number of the cancer patients in the country and the continent.
- 46 scholarships have been provided for Fertility, Embryology, and one-year PG Diploma and two-year Master degree in Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, as a part of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” Campaign.
- Moreover, 64 Scholarships of one-year Online PG Diploma and two-Year Master degree provided in many other critical and underserved specialties like Gastroenterology, Respiratory Medicine, Acute Medicine, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, Neonatal Medicine, Urology, Pain Management, Critical Care, Rheumatology and more, as part of their Capacity Advancement Program.
Overall, Merck Foundation has so far provided 2500 scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 underserved medical specialties.
“We have always believed in the importance of building healthcare capacity and have been working for it since 2012. We will continue to build and enhance healthcare capacity in the Kenya and the rest of the Africa and beyond", added Dr. Rasha Kelej.
Merck Foundation has also conducted 3 editions of their Online Health Media Training, to emphasize on the important role of media to address these critical social and health issues and be the voice of the voiceless.
Moreover, Merck Foundation also announced the Call for applications for their 8 important awards in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields.
Moreover, in partnership with The First Lady of Kenya, Merck Foundation has also launched seven children's storybooks, “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline's Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future” and “Sugar free Jude”, and “Mark's Pressure”. The storybooks address various social and health issues like breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, stopping GBV, diabetes and hypertension awareness. The storybooks will soon also be launched in Swahili language.
The 7th Edition of Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative was streamed live on the social media handles of Merck Foundation and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation:
@ Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt).
@ Rasha Kelej: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/44YNHLH), X (https://apo-opa.co/3LkioEy), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4aJg8B9), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aJNHCZ).
Merck Foundation is transforming the Patient care landscape and making history together with their partners in Africa, Asia, and beyond, through:
• 2500 Scholarships provided by Merck Foundation for healthcare providers from 52 Countries in more than 44 critical and underserved medical specialties.
Merck Foundation is also creating a culture shift and breaking the silence about a wide range of social and health issues in Africa and underserved communities through:
• 3700+ Media Persons from more than 35 countries trained to better raise awareness about different social and health issues
• 8 Different Awards launched annually for best media coverage, fashion designers, films, and songs
• Around 30 songs to address health and social issues, by local singers across Africa
• 8 Children's Storybooks in three languages - English, French, and Portuguese
• 7 Awareness Animation films in five languages - English, French, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili to raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes & Hypertension and supporting girl education.
• Pan African TV Program "Our Africa by Merck Foundation” addressing Social and Health Issues in Africa through “Fashion and ART with Purpose” Community.
• 1200+ Scholarships provided annually to high performing but under-privileged African schoolgirls from 18 countries, to help them to complete their studies and empower them to reach their full potential.
• 15 Social Media Channels with more than 8 Million Followers.
Contact:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
Phone: +91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
Email: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com
Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
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Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/44UJF7d
About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare & scientific research capacity, empowering girls in education and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4jqMtib), X (https://apo-opa.co/4jtCsB0), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4jttm7t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/49hHjAt), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4qgDpPF) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/49h5ZsY).
The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors.
Kenyan MPs fail to catch Uganda rivals in athletics
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Kenyan legislators chased down but failed to outrun their Ugandan counterparts as Parliament of Uganda registered successive wins in the long distance races during the first day involving athletics on Monday 8 December 2025.
Ugandan MPs, both in the men and women's races, won the 1500 metres and a shorter 400 metres events held in Mandela National Stadium.
Hon. Julius Acon, an Olympian, took the 1500 metres race in 5:23.5, narrowly beating Kenya's Titus Lotee (5:24.0). Kenya's John Kagucha completed the podium with a third-place finish in 5:54.08.
Hon. Christine Akello won the women's race clocking 8:30, followed by Kenya's Hon. Phylis Barioo, Uganda's Hellen Auma and Gorreth Namugga.
Benard Odoi (Uganda) won the men's 400m, edging Rwanda's Nyabyenda Damien; while Rwanda's Germaine Mukabalisa produced a dominant run to take first place, with Christine Akello (Uganda) finishing second, and Abeja Suzan taking third.
Kenya's Vincent Musau won hit 1 in the 100 metres followed by Uganda's Patrick Ocan and Rwanda's Nyabyenda Damien; while Benard Kitur led EALA's Ali Machano, Rwanda's Kanamugire James, and Uganda's Tom Aza in hit 2.
In the women's race, Kenya's Catherine Omanyo took top spot, followed by Hellen Auma (Uganda), Germaine Mukabalisa (Rwanda) and Anna Adeke (Uganda).
Uganda continued its success on the track by clinching the women's 4×100m relay, through Agnes Taka, Adeke, Akello and Hellen Auma. Kenyans won the men's race as a baton drop saw the Ugandan men finish fourth.
Athletics Continue on Thursday.
Elsewhere, Hon. Twaha Kagabo's first half penalty and a Hon. John Lematia's strike in the 71st minute secured Uganda's 2 – 1 win against their eastern neighbours at the MTN Omondi Stadium.
Kenya's goal was scored in 87th minute of the game, with Hon. Letipila Eli Dominic putting the shot past Hon. Linos Ngompek, shortly before the final whistle.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.Kenya: New Lake Victoria Basin Commission Headquarters officially inaugurated
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The new Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) headquarters has been officially inaugurated. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by Hon. Beatrice Askul, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community and Regional Affairs and Chairperson of the EAC Council of Ministers, on behalf of H.E. Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Chairperson of the East African Community Heads of State Summit.
Hon. Askul said the new complex symbolises East Africa's collective vision for a stronger, more integrated, and more prosperous region. She noted that the headquarters is more than a physical structure, describing it as a strategic investment in the livelihoods of the millions who rely on Africa's largest freshwater ecosystem.
“Today, as we inaugurate this magnificent new building, we reaffirm our commitment to science-based management, environmental conservation, regional cooperation, and inclusive development,” she said.
She further highlighted that in the Republic of Kenya alone, more than 200,000 people benefit directly from Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and one of the East African Community's most treasured resources.
“Millions of people living within the Lake Victoria Basin depend on this critical natural resource for their livelihoods. Communities around the lake benefit through fishing, agriculture, transport, energy, and tourism providing both economic opportunity and social well-being,” she added.
EAC Secretary General Hon. Veronica Nduva praised the Republic of Kenya for its continued support for regional institutions. She noted that the inauguration of the new headquarters strengthens the Commission's strategic role.
“It is more than a workplace, it is a regional hub for innovation, research, policy coordination, climate resilience, environmental protection, and transboundary water resource management. Within these walls, we envision enhanced action in biodiversity conservation, improved fisheries governance, strengthened water quality management, and expanded blue and green economic opportunities for our communities,” she said.
Hon. Nduva urged partner states to leverage the new facility as a centre for research, innovation, and collaborative solutions.
“The true legacy of this building will be measured not by its architectural beauty, but by the ideas generated and the partnerships forged to improve lives across the Basin,” she noted.
LVBC Executive Secretary Dr. Masinde Bwire said the inauguration marks the culmination of a 17-year journey since the Republic of Kenya donated land for the headquarters.
“This ceremony marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2008 when the Government of the Republic of Kenya generously donated this 2.8-hectare prime land along the shores of Lake Victoria,” he said.
He added that the modern complex will serve as the Commission's nerve centre for coordination, research, and innovation, enhancing its capacity to promote environmental stewardship, socio-economic transformation, and cross-border cooperation.
Dr. Bwire also thanked development partners including the World Bank, GIZ, KfW, the European Union, UNESCO, and the African Development Bank—for their technical and financial support, which has strengthened LVBC programmes over the years.
“This achievement reinforces our shared responsibility as custodians of the world's second-largest freshwater lake,” he said.
Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang' Nyong'o, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili, said the new headquarters aligns seamlessly with the county's development agenda, particularly in fisheries, climate resilience, maritime transport, and the blue economy.
He cited ongoing initiatives, including the acquisition of modern fibreglass fishing vessels, expansion of fish landing sites, promotion of ecotourism, and revitalisation of lake transport corridors in partnership with Kenya Shipyards Limited and Kenya Railways.
The project was fully funded by the EAC Partner States at a total cost of USD 3.54 million, with technical expertise provided by Kenya's State Department for Public Works under the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. The 2.8-hectare parcel of land on the shores of Lake Victoria was donated by the Government of Kenya in 2008, and construction officially began in 2020.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of East African Community (EAC).