April 29, 2024: Top news events to look out for today
Here is what you need to know to get up to speed with today's happenings.
IDA summit
The International Development Association (IDA) for Africa Heads of State Summit is scheduled for April 29, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
Co-hosted by the Government of Kenya and the World Bank, the Summit will convene key leaders to address development challenges. Preceding the Summit, a Ministerial meeting of Finance Ministers took place on April 28, 2024, at the same venue.
Delegates will begin arriving at the KICC, with designated rooms for arrivals and specific events. The Summit will commence with opening remarks from Njuguna Ndung'u, Cabinet Secretary of the Kenya National Treasury and Economic Planning, and a brief statement from Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group. This will be followed by a keynote address delivered by William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya.
Heads of State and Government will then have the opportunity to deliver statements, and a presidential photo session will be conducted. A closed session, featuring a round table discussion among the leaders, will follow.
Highlights of the Summit's outcomes will be presented, including remarks from Mohamed Ghazouani, President of Mauritania and Chair of the Africa Union, regarding the launch of the IDA21 Coalition. Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, will also provide remarks on the coalition's launch, followed by a group photo. The event will conclude with closing remarks from President William Samoei Ruto and a state banquet lunch will be held for Heads of State and Government.
Doctors strike
The healthcare sector is facing challenges as doctors continue their strike into the new week. The Cabinet has endorsed setting the internship stipend at Ksh70,000, citing the unsustainability of the previous Ksh206,000 monthly payment.
This decision has however exacerbated tensions, with remaining adamant over issues such as pay and the hiring of trainee doctors who require intern positions to qualify. Services in public hospitals remain disrupted as these issues persist.
