Kenya

Biology

Fossil footprints reveal two hominin species crossed paths on same day

A new discovery in Kenya shows that ancient human relatives crossed paths – literally. Paleontologists have discovered the first known example of fossil footprints left by two different species of ancient hominins on the same day.

The Roam Air: designed and built in Africa, for Africans

Motorcycles

Africa's own electric motorcycle, the $1,500 Roam Air

The Roam Air is cheap, lightweight, practically focused, and capable of riding up to 180 km on a pair of removable batteries. It's been designed, developed and built in Kenya, to suit the needs of African riders in rural and urban areas.

Construction on Ngaren: The Museum of Humankind is due to begin in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2024

Architecture

Striking museum designed to resemble mankind's earliest tools

Daniel Libeskind's firm Studio Libeskind has unveiled plans for a striking new museum in Kenya that's intended to resemble hand axe tools made by early man. Aiming for a 2024 opening, the museum will explore the history of humans, the science behind climate change and evolution, and more.

In December last year the last male northern white rhino, developed age-related wounds, infections and degenerative changes to his muscles and bones

Biology

First-ever test tube rhino embryo gives hope for functionally extinct species

Scientists are reporting a promising breakthrough in the battle for the survival of the functionally extinct northern white rhino, producing first-of-a-kind test tube embryos they claim can offer a high probability of pregnancy in a surrogate mother.

In December last year, Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, developed age-related wounds, infections and degenerative changes to his muscles and bones

Biology

Scientists turn to experimental IVF as last male northern white rhino dies in captivity

After almost a decade of careful safeguarding in a Kenyan conservancy, the last male northern white rhino on Earth has been euthanized following age-related complications. The death of "Sudan" leaves conservationists with advanced IVF treatments as the only hope of saving the subspecies.

The Bird Nest hotel is Intended as a luxury bush retreat

Holiday Destinations

Bird Nest hotel sleeps Kenyan safari-goers above the treetops

Visitors to one of Kenya's premier safari destinations will have the option of a luxurious new vantage point for the country's famous wildlife. The Nay Palad Bird Nest Hotel nestles its guests amongst the treetops, with views of the surrounding savannah in all directions.

While this partially-bleached coral isn't handling warm water too well, new research has found that some species are adapting to an increase in temperature

Environment

Some coral species are adapting to warmer waters

Rising ocean temperatures are wreaking havoc on coral reefs, but a new study has revealed a glimmer of hope. Some species of coral – but not all of them – appear to be adapting to the warming waters, with researchers finding less bleached coral in 2016 than under similar circumstances in 1998.

Drones

Kenya clears commercial drones for take-off

Kenya has opened up its skies for commercial drone use. Drones stand to have a real impact in the developing world where road infrastructure can make movement of goods difficult, but the technology in Kenya will also touch industries such as film-making, relief and conservation.