The article discusses the efforts and challenges of wildlife conservation in Kenya, focusing on the Amboseli and Kilimanjaro regions. It highlights the success in stabilizing elephant populations in the Amboseli ecosystem, contrasting it with the broader trend of declining big game numbers in Africa. The piece explores the complex relationship between local communities, tourism, and poaching. It features individuals like Fiesta Warinwa from the African Wildlife Foundation and former poachers who have become rangers for Big Life, a conservation organization. The article also touches on the economic benefits of tourism, such as the Ol Donyo Lodge, which contributes to local Maasai ranches. However, it also points out the disparities in benefits received by non-Maasai locals. The article concludes with concerns about the increasing sophistication and danger posed by a 'new breed of poachers' equipped with firearms and military training, posing a significant threat to wildlife and conservation efforts.

The article discusses Kenya's strategy to combat the threat of the Somali militant group al-Shabab in its northeast region. It focuses on the role of the Kenya Police Reservists, also known as Home Guards, who are local volunteers including goat herders and retired civil servants, paid a stipend to defend against al-Shabab. The reservists, often poorly equipped, are being professionalized as part of a new security strategy implemented after the Garissa University College attack. The strategy, overseen by Mahmoud Saleh, aims to leverage the reservists' local knowledge for patrolling the border with Somalia. The article also touches on the history of volunteer militias in the region and the government's previous policy of deploying police officers away from their home regions, which has now been reversed to improve local security efforts.

Conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region has forced over 50,000 Ethiopians to flee to Sudan, where they face dire conditions. Families like Tsige's and Nigsty's have been displaced, struggling with basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. UNHCR and Sudanese authorities are working to relocate refugees to camps, but challenges remain, including the risk of disease outbreaks. Many refugees hope to reunite with family members or return home soon, but the future remains uncertain.

Truck drivers in East Africa, such as Abdiyare Muhamed, face significant delays due to Covid-19 testing at borders, extending their journeys from a week to over a month. Medical workers in hazmat suits conduct throat swabs, causing traffic jams up to 50 miles long and halting critical trade routes. Local vendors take advantage of the situation by selling goods to the stranded drivers.

Kenya's new strategy to combat al-Shabaab involves professionalizing local volunteer militias known as Home Guards, leveraging their local knowledge to patrol the Kenya-Somalia border. Overseen by Mahmoud Saleh, the initiative aims to increase their numbers, provide training, and offer government salaries. While the Home Guards have had successes, concerns are rising about potential abuses of power and loss of public trust. The integration with regular security forces, accused of human rights violations, adds to the tension.

Home Guards in Kenya patrol border areas near Somalia, gathering intelligence and conducting night operations to counter al-Shabab militants. While they have had successes, such as aiding in the rescue of a kidnapped teacher, their integration with regular security forces has led to concerns about abuse of power and loss of public trust. Efforts to formalize the Guards include vetting members and addressing clan politics, but some reservists resist changes. Community members express growing distrust, fearing the Guards are becoming as corrupt as the regular police.

A flawed UN-Habitat aid project in Nairobi's Korogocho slum inadvertently led to the creation of a successful skating club. Local university students Joseph Kuria and Daniel Onyango utilized the newly paved roads from the project to start a sports program under their NGO, Hoperaisers. The club, which began with limited resources, has grown into one of East Africa's largest skating teams, producing members for the Kenyan national team. Despite initial perceptions of skating as a sport for the wealthy, the Korogocho skaters have gained recognition and now compete alongside elite Kenyan skaters.

On 21 July, Burundi held elections amidst a tense atmosphere characterized by gunfire and grenade explosions. The incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza was anticipated to secure a third term, despite facing global criticism and the exodus of thousands of Burundians who left the country fearing violence. In the hours leading up to the opening of the polls, violent clashes resulted in the deaths of a police officer and a civilian.

The article discusses the impact of the Shabab, a Somali Islamist extremist group, on education in Kenya, particularly in the Mandera region. It recounts the tragic incident where Violet Muranga, a teacher at Mandera Academy, was killed along with others while traveling on a bus during the Christmas break. The attack left a significant void in the local schools, as many of the victims were teachers. The article highlights the fear and loss experienced by the students and the broader community due to the Shabab's violent actions.