The Federal Republic of Germany will invest 30 million Euros in the EAC health sector to support vaccination and health supply chain management.

According to a release, part of the funds, 20 million Euros, will be used to procure vaccines against different diseases in the EAC, expected to benefit about 300 million children, while 10 million Euro will support the establishment of the EAC Regional Centre of Excellence for Health Supply Chain Management in Kigali.

The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the global vaccination alliance (GAVI) and this new commitment will bring Germany`s contribution to regional immunisation programmes with the EAC to 60 million euro since 2012.

Mrs Gudrun Grosse Wiesmann, Director Sub-Saharan Africa at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, also announced the willingness of Germany to provide an additional 3 million euros (3.3 million USD) in technical assistance for the region`s crisis response capacity, out of special funds for 2016 with a view to strengthen the pandemic preparedness in the EAC.

“Our support underlines that Germany wishes to further strengthen the long-standing and deep relationship it maintains with the East African Community in order to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of its citizens,” Ms Wiesmann said.

The EAC Deputy Secretary General Dr. Enos Bukuku the assistance helps EAC countries stem the spread of infectious diseases and improve accessibility of health products throughout the region.

And, speaking about the upcoming bilateral negotiations on development cooperation with the EAC in September 2015 Ms Weismann disclosed that Germany is willing to support the EAC in the fields of regional economic integration, health and water resource management, by making available an additional 37 million euros for projects in these fields.

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The US has reopened its embassy in Cuba more than 54 years after it was closed, in a symbolic step signalling the warming of ties between both countries.

John Kerry, the first US Secretary of State to visit Cuba in 70 years, presided over the ceremony in Havana.

The US flag was presented by the same US marines who brought it down in 1961.

Mr Kerry said the US administration wanted to lift the trade embargo on the island – something that the Republican-controlled US Congress has blocked.

In an open letter on Thursday, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said the US owed Cuba millions of dollars because of its 53-year-long embargo.

Mr Kerry described the hoisting of the flag as a “historic moment” speaking during the ceremony on Friday.

But he also warned that the US would not stop pressing for political change in Cuba.

“The people of Cuba would be best served by a genuine democracy, where people are free to choose their leaders,” he told a crowd of hundreds gathered outside the embassy building.

Mr Kerry said Congress will not lift the economic embargo if there is no movement on issues of freedom of conscience.

At the scene – Jon Sopel, BBC North America editor

Diplomacy is the cold and rational pursuit of national interest. But twice I saw John Kerry wipe his eye at the end of his speech at the American embassy.

The handing over of the flag by three old men who 54 years ago as young marines took it down; the US army band striking up the national anthem; the Stars and Stripes hoisted once more – this could never be seen as just cold diplomacy at work. There was emotion.

On both sides. US-Cuban relations are entering a new era, and though there will be difficulties ahead and fresh misunderstandings, for those who had brought this restoration of diplomatic relations about, today was one to savour in the Caribbean heat.

In the past, he conceded, US policies have not led to democracy. “Cuba’s future is for Cubans to shape,” he added.

Mr Kerry and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, later announced the setting up of a joint commission to oversee a return to full relations.

Cuba reopened its embassy in Washington last month.

Cuban leader Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama agreed to restore ties in December last year.

While trade and travel restrictions have been relaxed, the Republican-led US Congress has not lifted the trade embargo the US imposed on the communist-run island in 1960.

Mr Kerry’s visit to Cuba drew criticism from several leading Republicans, including presidential candidate Jeb Bush who said it was “a birthday present for Fidel Castro – a symbol of the Obama administration’s acquiescence to his ruthless legacy”.

He and Marco Rubio, another presidential contender and Cuban-American senator in Florida, also criticised the US secretary of state for not inviting Cuban dissidents to the ceremony. Mr Kerry said he was due to meet dissidents at a private event later on Friday.

Cuba says relations will be fully restored only once the embargo is lifted.

• Castro survived over 600 assassination attempts to become the longest serving non-royal leader of the 20th Century
• In 1959 he took power in the Cuban Revolution after several years of guerrilla warfare in the mountains
• The CIA sponsored an unsuccessful invasion by 1,500 Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs in 1961. Castro took personal charge of the defensive operation
• In 1962 the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war
• 125,000 Cubans emigrated to the US in the Mariel Boatlift in 1980
• In 2008 Castro stepped down from power and handed over the reins to his younger brother Raul.

How did Fidel Castro keep a grip on power for so long?

Fidel Castro’s letter was published in state newspaper Granma to mark his 89th birthday.

In it, Mr Castro said Cuba was committed to “good will and peace in our hemisphere” but added: “We will never stop fighting for the peace and welfare of all human beings, regardless of the colour of their skin and which country they come from.”

Fidel Castro led his country from the Cuban Revolution, in 1959, until 2006, when he stood down because of undisclosed health problems.

He passed on power to his younger brother, Raul, who embarked on a number of economic reforms.

The US has reopened its embassy in Cuba more than 54 years after it was closed, in a symbolic step signalling the warming of ties between both countries.

John Kerry, the first US Secretary of State to visit Cuba in 70 years, presided over the ceremony in Havana.

The US flag was presented by the same US marines who brought it down in 1961.

Mr Kerry said the US administration wanted to lift the trade embargo on the island – something that the Republican-controlled US Congress has blocked.

In an open letter on Thursday, former Cuban leader Fidel Castro said the US owed Cuba millions of dollars because of its 53-year-long embargo.

Mr Kerry described the hoisting of the flag as a “historic moment” speaking during the ceremony on Friday.

But he also warned that the US would not stop pressing for political change in Cuba.

“The people of Cuba would be best served by a genuine democracy, where people are free to choose their leaders,” he told a crowd of hundreds gathered outside the embassy building.

Mr Kerry said Congress will not lift the economic embargo if there is no movement on issues of freedom of conscience.

At the scene – Jon Sopel, BBC North America editor

Diplomacy is the cold and rational pursuit of national interest. But twice I saw John Kerry wipe his eye at the end of his speech at the American embassy.

The handing over of the flag by three old men who 54 years ago as young marines took it down; the US army band striking up the national anthem; the Stars and Stripes hoisted once more – this could never be seen as just cold diplomacy at work. There was emotion.

On both sides. US-Cuban relations are entering a new era, and though there will be difficulties ahead and fresh misunderstandings, for those who had brought this restoration of diplomatic relations about, today was one to savour in the Caribbean heat.

In the past, he conceded, US policies have not led to democracy. “Cuba’s future is for Cubans to shape,” he added.

Mr Kerry and his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodriguez, later announced the setting up of a joint commission to oversee a return to full relations.

Cuba reopened its embassy in Washington last month.

Cuban leader Raul Castro and US President Barack Obama agreed to restore ties in December last year.

While trade and travel restrictions have been relaxed, the Republican-led US Congress has not lifted the trade embargo the US imposed on the communist-run island in 1960.

Mr Kerry’s visit to Cuba drew criticism from several leading Republicans, including presidential candidate Jeb Bush who said it was “a birthday present for Fidel Castro – a symbol of the Obama administration’s acquiescence to his ruthless legacy”.

He and Marco Rubio, another presidential contender and Cuban-American senator in Florida, also criticised the US secretary of state for not inviting Cuban dissidents to the ceremony. Mr Kerry said he was due to meet dissidents at a private event later on Friday.

Cuba says relations will be fully restored only once the embargo is lifted.

• Castro survived over 600 assassination attempts to become the longest serving non-royal leader of the 20th Century
• In 1959 he took power in the Cuban Revolution after several years of guerrilla warfare in the mountains
• The CIA sponsored an unsuccessful invasion by 1,500 Cuban exiles at the Bay of Pigs in 1961. Castro took personal charge of the defensive operation
• In 1962 the Cuban Missile Crisis brought the world to the brink of nuclear war
• 125,000 Cubans emigrated to the US in the Mariel Boatlift in 1980
• In 2008 Castro stepped down from power and handed over the reins to his younger brother Raul.

How did Fidel Castro keep a grip on power for so long?

Fidel Castro’s letter was published in state newspaper Granma to mark his 89th birthday.

In it, Mr Castro said Cuba was committed to “good will and peace in our hemisphere” but added: “We will never stop fighting for the peace and welfare of all human beings, regardless of the colour of their skin and which country they come from.”

Fidel Castro led his country from the Cuban Revolution, in 1959, until 2006, when he stood down because of undisclosed health problems.

He passed on power to his younger brother, Raul, who embarked on a number of economic reforms.

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Three young African men who squeezed into hidden compartments in a car to enter a Spanish territory in North Africa were found in critical condition by border police, the Spanish government said on Friday.

Photos released by the Interior Ministry showed one of the migrants curled up in the spare wheel well of the vehicle, which had been turned into a hidden compartment. Two others were found in another false bottom built into the car.

They could not stand and could barely breathe because of the cramped space, heat and exhaust gases, the ministry said. They recovered after being given emergency treatment.

The three – two from Guinea and one from Ivory Coast, aged from 18 to 25 – were found on Wednesday when border police at a crossing between Morocco and the Spanish enclave of Melilla grew suspicious and searched the car.

The 39-year-old Spanish driver of the car was arrested, accused of a “crime against the rights of foreign citizens”, the ministry said in a statement.

African migrants are taking increasingly desperate measures to try to reach Europe. Thousands have died making the voyage across the Mediterranean. Last week, a Moroccan man suffocated while being smuggled to Spain in a suitcase stowed in the boot of a car.

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The course, the first of its kind in Africa, prepares students for careers in diverse fields

Nairobi-Kenya-Public policy practitioners and students in Africa now have a chance to study a specialised masters’ course offered in twelve universities, and uniquely designed to meet the continent’s needs, which was launched in Nairobi, Kenya today.

The Master of Research and Public Policy (MRPP) has been developed over the last three years through collaboration between the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) and 12 African universities.

The course, the first of its kind in Africa, prepares students for careers in diverse fields, including: government, universities, think tanks, research organisations, civil society organisations, media and development agencies.

The course content was developed by academics from the partner universities, with input from scholars from respected European public policy institutions.

It equips students to identify and address national developmental challenges and issues that affect people in their daily lives, such as security, management of natural resources, hunger, HIV/AIDS and women’s empowerment.

Students taking up the two-year full time course have a choice of two career pathways: Research and Policy Practice.

“The Research option familiarises students with the use of data to undertake policy research or pursue advanced scholarship, while Policy Practice equips students to use research to influence, inform or shape public policy,” said Prof Tade Akin Aina, the Executive Director of PASGR.

He added “MRPP is one of the key pillars of our community of practice and thought working together to build excellence in research, training and higher education for public policy in Africa”.

The launch event in Nairobi was presided over by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury, Mr Henry Rotich, and the Chief Justice, Dr Willy Mutunga. Other dignitaries at the event were: The deputy chair of the Education Committee in the Kenyan Parliament, Hon Julius Kibiwott Melly, vice chancellors and academics, and PASGR Board member Amb Prof.Judith Bahemuka.

It was also attended by students already enrolled in the programme, researchers and policy practitioners from NGOs, development partners and PASGR staff.

Speaking before officially launching the programme, Mr Rotich noted that effective public policy could only be a reality if the people in charge possessed a deep understanding of the challenges that face Africa, based on solid and credible research.

“Having seen the course content of this new programme, I have no doubt the MRPP will contribute towards efficient, effective and transparent public policy,” he said.  Drawing from his personal experience while beginning his postgraduate studies, Mr Rotich expressed his intent to lead a public service fellowships initiative through which students could seek funding to undertake the MRPP.

The programme has already been rolled out in eight universities where 150 have enrolled, with the first cohort set to graduate next year. It is being offered in Egerton and Maseno universities in Kenya; University of Dar es Salaam and Mzumbe in Tanzania; Jos, and Ibadan universities in Nigeria; and Ugandan Christian University and Uganda Martyrs University.
As he launched the programme, Kenyan Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga stated that research was key to identifying African interests, and that the continent’s interests should in turn inform Africa’s relations with the West.

Prof. Aina thanked the partnering universities for their diligence and contribution to the realisation of the programme.

“The MRPP is working, thanks to the efforts of everybody who has been there throughout the journey — my predecessor, the Steering Committee and PASGR colleagues,” he said.  “For us at PASGR, the MRPP is special as one of the key pathways to building the next generation of public policy leaders and researchers in Africa”.

Academics and students who spoke during the launch gave accolades to the new programme, observing that it was already transforming teaching and learning at the universities.

They were full of praise for the innovative pedagogy, which embraces interactive teaching approaches, such as simulations, debates, role-plays and project-based learning, field experience and case studies.

Founder universities

The twelve founder universities are:  University of Dar es Salaam, University of Ghana, University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, University of Jos, Egerton University, Maseno University, Mzumbe University, Uganda Christian University, Uganda Martyrs’ University, University of Sierra Leone and University of Botswana.

Course structure and delivery

The MRPP is a full-time two-year programme covered in four semesters, including field experience and thesis preparation.

The programme entails five courses in each of the two semesters during the first year. This is followed by a long break for field experience in a policy or research institution during which students refine research ideas and start data collection. In the second year, three courses are offered, while the rest of the time is devoted to thesis development.

About PASGR

The Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) is an independent, non-partisan pan-African not-for-profit organisation established in 2011 and located in Nairobi, Kenya.  Currently engaged in more than 12 African countries, PASGR works to enhance research excellence in governance and public policy that contributes to the overall wellbeing of the citizens.

In partnership with individual academics and researchers, higher education institutions, research think tanks, civil society organisations, business and policy communities both in the region and internationally, PASGR supports the production and dissemination of policy relevant research; designs and delivers suites of short professional development courses for researchers and policy actors; and facilitates the development of collaborative higher education programmes.

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