Angola Newswire

The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the West Pokot County government have provided prosthetic legs to local people with physical impairments, which is often unaffordable.

Speaking during the issuance at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, NCPWD County Coordinator Edwin Musungu termed the assistive devices as very expensive for the common citizen, hence the need for government intervention to enable the victims lead a normal lifestyle.

Musungu stated that one cosmetic prosthetic leg goes for about Sh70,000 with those functional types going for Sh1 million, which majority of people may not afford, thus the need for the government to take care of issues affecting persons with such disabilities by protecting and promoting their rights.

‘The council in West Pokot County is implementing an assistive technology programme to assist individuals with disabilities in enhancing their mobility and ensuring a decent living,’ said the county coordinator.

He explained that through the program
me, 15 people were fitted with prosthetic limps under the pilot phase with more expected to benefit from all other subcounties once assessments are done.

‘This is just the beginning because beneficiaries have been identified from West Pokot Sub County and we believe going forward, the programme will be rolled out in all other subcounties for more beneficiaries,’ said Musungu.

He called on well-wishers and partners to join the government in providing the devices noting that the government has been upfront in supporting people living with disabilities.

‘Lack of such assistive devices has made some people miss schooling, which is a drawback to development. We call upon more stakeholders to come on board and assist such members of society,’ he appealed.

The cordinator reiterated the council’s commitment to the provision of the devices in strict accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) protocols urging other service providers to adhere to them.

Meanwhile, a physiotherapist at Kapenguria County re
ferral hospital Mark Chelule said it was a rare privilege to see people with disabilities being fixed with artificial limbs hinting that in the next few weeks another assessment will be conducted to identify other beneficiaries.

He asked those not reached to contact the physiotherapy section at the hospital or visit the people with disabilities offices for assistance.

For instance, Dancan Sawanga from Gateway Prosthetics and Orthotics Limited noted that the initiative to have the victims fixed with the artificial lower limbs called for a lot of patience since measurements were to be taken before effecting the process.

‘We took measurements sometimes back and we are aware the beneficiaries have been waiting but today all has come to fruition. The devices are good and aesthetic, hence a success,’ posed Sawanga.

On his part, an excited Noah Tanui from Talau location narrated that his predicaments came after an accident while he was riding a bicycle which led him to lose his leg but he now has a replacement.

A
lso, Janerose Kipkeny from Tartar said her leg was amputated after getting injured three years ago and her admission to hospital bore no fruit.

Mourine Charito from Kacheliba said she was born without one leg and her greatest joy is being fitted with artificial limbs.

She expressed her admiration for those who walk on their two feet, stating that today is his day to walk comfortably, overcoming the stigma he has been suffering.

At the same time, Stanley Kinywa from prosthetics and orthotic medical said they have been working with the council for the past four years and were being sent counties of their choice, where they congregate with those in need of the devices.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Amidst the ongoing long rains sweeping across Kenya, citizens are being encouraged to seize the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s green legacy by planting trees.

The call was made by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board chairman Titus Korir during the national launch of the long rainfall tree-growing campaign at Chepalungu forest station, Siongiroi block in Bomet County on Thursday.

Representing Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Korir emphasised the importance of this initiative in achieving the presidential target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

The event witnessed the planting of over 3,000 trees and the installation of electric fences covering a 22-kilometre stretch. Bomet County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar and Bomet County Forest Conservator Joseph Kingori were among the dignitaries present.

‘We are here today for the launch of the tree planting season which marks the rollout of tree-growing activities for the March-April-May long rainfall season,’ sta
ted Korir, highlighting the theme for this season: ’15 billion trees by 2032, wajibu wetu’ (our responsibility).

Korir urged citizens to capitalise on the enhanced rainfall season to bolster tree cover across the nation, emphasising the critical role trees play in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Acknowledging the efforts of the KFS Board and staff, Korir revealed that the Board is steadfastly supporting the KFS in its endeavour to grow 300 million trees annually.

He commended the dedication of forest rangers who have taken on the additional responsibility of raising tree seedlings to meet this target.

Furthermore, Korir outlined the KFS’s commitment to forest conservation and protection, citing initiatives such as the Fire Project and the installation of communication masts to facilitate rapid response to fire outbreaks.

He also highlighted the integration of drone technology for surveillance purposes, with several staff members trained as drone operators.

In a bid to ensure the realis
ation of the 15 billion tree target, Korir called upon every Kenya Forest Service staff member to spearhead tree-growing efforts at the county level and provide technical support to stakeholders involved in tree planting.

Expressing gratitude to partners for their support towards tree-growing initiatives, Korir affirmed the KFS’s unwavering commitment to these activities, aligning with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Source: Kenya News Agency

About 5,000 tree seedlings were planted in Maasai Mau Forest during the launch of Long Rains Tree Growing Season by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) countrywide under the theme of 15 billion trees by 2032.

Speaking during the launch in Maasai Mau Forest, the Narok County Forest Conservator, Daniel Mukung’ said 5,000 tree seedlings planted in Maasai Mau Forest Block were a collaboration between Paran Women’s Group and Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

Mukung said the site was chosen because it was invaded by squatters and was seriously degraded. In 2017-2018, those who were illegally occupying the forest were evicted, now they are trying to restore it.

Mukung said the Mau forest was divided into restoration blocks for ease of adoption by the partners who were interested in conservation. adding that a block is one kilometre square.

He added that so far, they have had over 136 blocks adding that they have done 48 blocks since 2019 up to date and the survival is quite impressive.

Mukung applauded the Eden restorati
on project where they adopted the largest number of blocks in the Mau forest adding that they had managed to do 16 out of the 56 blocks adopted.

Other partners who have adopted blocks in Maasai Mau Forest are KFS, which has adapted 8 blocks; Ministry of Energy, which has 2 blocks; Kenya Water Towers, 8 blocks and many others coming on board for adoption.

The conservator encouraged other partners who were interested in the conservation to come in and adopt blocks.

Mukung said the positive effect has been felt; water levels in the rivers have risen and animals that are endangered are back.

‘As we speak, everybody is happy, and if we continue planting trees the positive impact is going to be felt more.’ added Mukung’

The county forest conservators were leading the exercise in all 47 counties in collaboration with the county governments and national government officials.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Siaya is the leading county where judicial services are closer to the people, a senior judicial officer has said.

Lady Justice Anne Koros of the Siaya High Court’s Environment and Lands Court said that with the pending opening of courts in Usigu and Yala in Bondo and Gem constituencies, only one constituency in the county will remain without law courts.

She was speaking at Yala township where she, together with the Siaya high court presiding judge, Justice Daniel Ogembo led judicial staff and local leaders in planting trees at the proposed Yala law courts.

The officials also planted trees at the Yala police station and Yala township primary school.

Lady Justice Koros said the opening of the courts in virtually all the subcounties confirms the close working relationship and support that the local residents have been giving the judiciary.

‘It is only in Ugunja subcounty where we do not have law courts but we expect to have one soon,’ she said.

She said that under the judiciary framework, each subcounty i
n the republic is supposed to have a law court, with each county having a high court and an environment and lands court.

The presiding Siaya high court judge, Justice Ogembo called on the residents to take positively the opening of a court in their midst saying that judicial offices are there to dispense justice fairly without favouring any sides.

He said that once the renovations on the proposed Yala law court buildings are complete, the judiciary will post two magistrates to serve the residents.

The occasion was also addressed by the Gem Yala deputy county commissioner Mr. Evans Otieno, who hailed the cordial working relationship between the national administration officers and the judiciary.

Yala ward member of the county assembly, William Kinyanyi said that the court will save the residents the agony of spending a lot of money on transport to Siaya town to attend court sessions.

Kinyanyi urged the residents to support the government initiative of opening the courts in the area, adding that it will he
lp open business opportunities in the town.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A new company that will deliver high-speed internet connectivity to thousands of digitally underserved residents in nearby towns and informal settlements in Kiambu has been created.

Created by Rendeavour, owner and developer of Tatu City, Fahari Link will provide low connection fees, daily internet plans, reliable internet connectivity and technical support to citizens of Kiambu County, including those earning subsistence wages.

In addition to connecting homes, Fahari Link will deploy Wi-Fi internet connections in public spaces such as shopping centres and sports fields, ensuring that digital access is available to all, including mobile users.

Alex Kahu, Deputy Country Head, Kenya, Rendeavour said that by expanding affordable internet and broadband services to the neighbouring community, Tatu City is ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa’s digital future.

‘With Fahari Link, we are not just connecting people; we are connecting aspirations, opportunities, and futures,’ he said.

Gina M. Raimondo, U
.S. Secretary of Commerce, at the American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit presided over the transformative initiative.

Raimondo noted that two years ago in December 2022, President Biden launched the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, committing over USD 350 million to expand digital access and literacy across the African continent.

‘Through the DTA, we are working to deliver technical assistance and investment that support private sector-led projects to expand digital access, increase digital literacy, and strengthen digitally enabling environments across Africa,’ said Secretary Raimondo.

With Africa’s projected population of 1.7 billion by 2030, doubling internet connectivity to 1 billion users is a key goal, he said noting that digital access is especially important for women and girls who rely on the internet to acquire new skills, address health disparities, and improve the overall quality of life for themselves and their families.

John Njogu, MCA Gitothua Ward, Kiambu County s
aid the development will make a huge difference to individuals and businesses, giving them the tools they need to develop, grow, and prosper in an increasingly digital world.

‘This is great news for the people in the surrounding communities around Tatu City, including informal communities of BTL and Gitothua.

Tatu Telecom, Tatu City’s telecommunications company, has already laid over 40 km of fibre optic cables and currently serves over 1,000 residential and commercial customers, including schools and local, regional, and multinational companies within Tatu City.

Tatu Telecom has also built an open-access network, allowing multiple internet service providers to serve Tatu City residents and businesses.

Fahari Link has invested heavily in acquiring wholesale bandwidth from global internet service providers to extend its reach to areas beyond Tatu City, including the informal communities of BTL, OJ and Rutoro. Ruiru town will also be served, as will the communities of Oaklands, Murera, Kamakis and other par
ts of Kiambu County.

In total, Fahari’s services will be available to close to one million people.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) has developed a new technology that will enable farmers easily detect mastitis infection on their diary animals.

Symptoms of mastitis include breast swelling and tenderness or warmth to the touch and the burning sensation is felt while breastfeeding within the first three months and thus has been a major challenge for most livestock farmers causing production losses and excessive antibiotic use.

Dr. Monicah Maichomo, a senior research scientist working with Veterinary Research Institute (VRI) at KALRO said that the rapid diagnostic test will see farmers able to identify a sick animal early.

The researcher the easy-to-use kit was informed since the current diagnostic approaches require technical expertise and farmers need an affordable easy-to-use mastitis diagnostic technology that they can use at household level

‘This is a simple kit where the farmer just puts a drop of milk on that litmus paper test method then it changes color. If it changes t
o blue then the farmer will know that the disease is there. If the color of the milk remains the way it is then there is no disease’, she told KNA.

Maichomo noted that once farmer detects the disease, they are able to apply husbandry practices such as segregation.

‘We hope to finalize, package and register this kit for our dairy farmers and we are calling upon stakeholders to come on board as we commercialize the product as it will solve the problem of mastitis. The kit can be applicable to cattle, goats and even camels’, she said

Peter Njuguna explained to KNA when showcasing some of the various technologies at KALRO that the disease occurs in two forms: one can be seen by the naked eyes and that is clinical mastitis while the other one is the sub- clinical mastitis, which the farmer cannot see and thus the reason for the test kit.

He pointed out that the kit will enable active involvement of farmers in diagnosis and control of mastitis, helping in early detection and treatment of mastitis thereby reduci
ng losses due to milk rejection. .

The disease is a constraint to dairy production and may account for 70- 80 percent of the total losses in milk production.

Njuguna warned farmers that if they detect an animal with mastitis, they should milk it last so as to avoid transmitting the disease to the healthy animals.

Currently, Njuguna said that the technology is only available at the KALRO Muguga and that 9onces it is registered with the Veterinary Medicine Directorate it will be commercialized and available to farmers. ‘we are working on the registration process, It will be out in the next two months and we already have a potential partner who will do mass production.

The mastitis kit will empower farmers in terms of disease control. It will address the challenge of milk rejection at the collection point and for a farmer detecting it early means it can easily be treated.

The kit will be affordable at a cost of Ksh12 per strip and will be packed in packages of 50 to 100 strips, and has a shelf life of six m
onths.

Mastitis is a global problem as it adversely affects animal health, quality of milk and the economics of milk production, affecting every country, including developed ones and causes huge financial losses

Early detection and correct mastitis treatment are crucial for the cow’s recovery, thus increasing animal health welfare and minimizing economic losses for the farmer.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention held their 2nd Regional Steering Committee (ReSCO) meeting where they launched the East Africa task force on cholera control and prevention.

The goal of the taskforce is to streamline regional strategies for cholera management and prevention, foster experience sharing and strengthen collective efforts to contain an outbreak.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha, speaking at the meeting held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Nairobi on Thursday said that the Africa CDC has set strategic priorities for the years 2023-2027 that will serve as a guide to their actions and achieve the common goal of keeping the population healthy and safe.

‘We need to make true our commitment to this goal to safeguard our region and the continent,’ Nakhumicha said, adding that disease outbreaks know no borders which makes the collective response to regional outbreaks crucial.

Nakhumicha said enhancing surveillance and swiftly containing any threats to public health are pract
ices that must continue noting that the national public health institutes are the bedrock of the health system.

‘Let us discuss strategies to foster their capacity, foster innovation and promote excellence in research and surveillance,’ she said.

‘Today we take decisive steps by inaugurating the Eastern African regional cholera taskforce, and we know that cholera remains a formidable adversary but together we can curb its impact through coordinated efforts,’ she said.

Nakhumicha highlighted two health initiatives that are being implemented, one of them being the Kenya universal health coverage policy of 2020-2030, whose aim is to significantly improve the overall health status of the citizens.

She added that the Community Health Workforce Agenda is the second initiative.

‘Kenya has in the recent past added more than 200 community health units staffed with 107 thousand community health promoters working with health workers. The units play a crucial role in delivering health services to the grassroots leve
l,’ the CS said.

‘We intend to leverage technology to improve reporting and monitoring of health digitization initiatives that include using digital tools for data collection, reporting and tracking of community health outcomes,’ Nakhumicha stated.

The CS announced that the Kenyan government has approved the allocation of 10 acres of land and two billion US dollars towards the construction of the East African Regional Coordinating Centres.

She added that a steering committee comprising top government officials from relevant agencies has been set up to fast-track the legal and technical aspects of the project.

‘May our discussion be fruitful, our resolutions be impactful and our shared vision for a healthier Eastern Africa region be realised,’ she said.

Somalia Minister of Health and Chair of East Africa ReSCO, Ali Hajiadam Abubakar Osman said that the regional steering committee included 14 Eastern African countries and Nairobi is the place where the regional coordinating centre is located.

He said that
the region is trying to strengthen collaboration and reduce infectious and communicable diseases adding that preparations have to be made for the upcoming pandemics acknowledging the fact that it is not a matter of if but a matter of when the pandemics will come.

Abubakar noted that strategies including establishment of national public health institute, emergency and operation centres, are in place.

‘Last century, the only thing that the world succeeded in eradicating was smallpox so we are trying to take steps to eradicate diseases like cholera, polio and measles,’ he said.

Abubakar stated that a cholera vaccine is now available and the committee is trying to avail it to all countries as cholera has become a problem that exists in many African countries.

‘This meeting is about making consultations among countries to reduce the effect of cholera on our people and how to eliminate and eradicate it in the future,’ the minister said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Principal Judge of the Environment and Land Court (ELC) Oscar Angote has urged communities to find homegrown solutions to land disputes by leveraging initiatives such as the recently established Nairobi Land Working Group.

Speaking on Thursday during the ELC Open Day and tree planting in Korogocho, Justice Angote said the working group is tasked with delving into comprehensive initiatives for enhancing land justice in Nairobi City County.

‘The working group intends to undertake this through innovative people-centred approaches such as alternative justice systems and court-annexed mediation. The working group will also engage the public and stakeholders in consultative sessions to ensure that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed,’ he told a town hall meeting with the local community at Daniel Comboni Primary School in Korogocho.

Justice Angote observed that the working group has developed guidelines and an action plan with rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in place and remain
s confident that this collaborative and comprehensive approach will yield tangible results.

He noted that Nairobi County, as the economic hub of Kenya, and the region hold immense potential for growth and prosperity but also face unique challenges related to land use, planning and environmental degradation.

He announced that a similar initiative with respect to the Environment and Planning Division will be launched by the Chief Justice on June 5, 2024.

He led a team of ELC judges and staff in several tree planting initiatives on the banks of Nairobi River within Korogocho, the third largest informal settlement in Nairobi.

He reiterated the urgent need for effective environmental management and sustainable land use practices, which the court would strive to uphold in the face of recent flooding within the capital city and especially informal settlements where lives have been lost.

‘As we gather amidst these wet conditions and rivers breaching their banks, it reminds us of the interconnectedness between ou
r legal system and the environment,’ Justice Angote stated.

He said that the Environment and Land Court is tasked with resolving disputes surrounding security of land rights, sustainable management of natural resources, sound conservation and protection of ecologically sensitive areas, elimination of gender discrimination in land and encouraging communities to settle land disputes through local community initiatives.

‘Over the past 11 years, we have witnessed remarkable achievements in the administration of environmental and land justice. The court has reduced its case backlog from 30,000 cases in 2014/2015 to 16,000 in 2021/2022,’ he noted.

‘As custodians of environmental and land justice, we are committed to applying the law diligently, guided by the principles of equity and sustainability. We aim to promote fair and timely resolution of disputes while advocating for responsible stewardship of our natural resources,’ Justice Angote assured the locals.

The Principal Secretary in the State Department for
Devolution, Teresia Mbaika who joined the tree planting and addressed the gathering described the collaboration with the Environment and Land Court as vital since it did not just involve planting trees but also sowing well-cultured communities.

PS underscored that the government advocates for an inclusive approach to strategizing on how best to solve issues affecting its people.

The judges, judicial officers and staff as well as stakeholders of Milimani Environment and Land Court held an open day and engaged in a tree planting exercise to enhance dialogue on land and environmental justice.

The Open Day and tree planting event in Nairobi run concurrently in 40 counties where the Environment and Land Court has a nationwide presence.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Police in Murang’a have been educated on their role in the National Care Reform Strategy for Children as stipulated in the Children Act, 2022, as part of a multisectoral approach to the implementation of the Act.

Addressing police officers at a Murang’a hotel, the county children’s officer, Peter Nzeva said that there is need for continuous engagement of stakeholders on the changes made to the children’s act so as to ensure its proper implementation.

The children’s officer divulged that the act was set to be implemented within 10 years, starting in 2022 and ending in 2032, and it is therefore important for the Directorate of Children Services (DCS) to engage the police since they are key stakeholders.

‘We need everyone to be on board as we implement these care reforms stipulated in the act, and therefore all stakeholders need to understand their roles,’ Nzeva reiterated.

The Children Act, 2022, is an act of Parliament that makes provision for child rights, parental responsibility, alternative care of chi
ldren, including guardianship, foster care placement, and adoption.

It also makes provision for the care and protection of children and children in conflict with the law, the regulation of the administration of child services, and the establishment of the National Council for Children’s Services.

Nzeva noted that it is important for police officers to follow the right procedures whenever they deal with matters involving children, whether those children are in conflict with the law or they need care and protection.

‘Among children in need of care and protection, we have orphans, abandoned children, children facing the risk of being radicalised, children from dysfunctional families, and children who are witnesses or victims of a crime,’ he clarified.

Nzeva informed the officers on other sections of the act, including the right of privacy of child offenders, which prohibits the release of information in relation to child offenders, and the increment of the age of criminal liability from 8 to 12 years.

The o
fficer explained that the care reforms were necessitated by, among other reasons, research that showed separating children from their families seriously harms their health and development.

Timothy Oyoo of the Stahili Foundation, one of the partners in child welfare, also informed the police officers on their roles and mandates in the implementation of the National Care Reforms Strategy for children.

He explained that according to the Children Act 2022, a police officer is an authorised officer and is given relative power to intervene in child issues in their best interests, and that the police officer designated to handle children cases needs to collaborate with the DCS to ensure the safety of the children in the Child Protection Unit (CPU) within the stations.

He added that a police representative is mandated to form part of the children’s advisory committee at the devolved levels and participate in gatekeeping on children’s issues, and that each police station will establish a child protection unit and a
ssign an officer to it, and its operation will be guided by the set regulations.

Oyoo said that the officers will be required to physically escort children that are in conflict with the law to court and back to remand homes as needed.

‘Within 24 hours of committal, police officers should escort children who have been committed to rehabilitation schools,’ he said,

‘Also, the officers should notify the children’s officer and guardian within 24 hours after the rescue or arrest of an alleged child offender,’ he added.

Oyoo further divulged that the inspector general is directed to constitute a special police unit with the duties to deal with children’s matters, prevent and control child offenses, apprehend child offenders and investigate child offenses.

He informed the officers that other related general roles of police include supporting caseworkers in ensuring their security during rescue operations.

They should also ensure the apprehension of perpetrators of child abuse and carry out conclusive investiga
tions in such cases, as well as support other gatekeepers in maintaining law and order that leads to upholding the rights of children.

He noted that it is important for police officers to continuously familiarise themselves with the Children’s Act 2022 and actively play their designated role in the implementation of the care reforms.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi has warned all illegal miners in Migori County to cease operations and seek legal mining licences.

Mwangi who led a multi-agency security team and mining officials in an operation to enforce the closure orders in nine illegal large-scale mining operators in the county said that anyone who will be involved in the illegal mining business would face the full force of the law.

The operation nabbed 32 illegal miners, two Kenyans and 30 foreigners of Chinese origin. If found guilty the culprits may face a jail term not exceeding two years or a fine of not less than two million shillings and no more than Sh10 million or both according to the Kenya Mining Act of 2016.

The Act also gives power to the Inspectors of Police and Inspectors of Mining to arrest those violating the Mining Act within their jurisdictions.

The PS said that all illegal mining operations will remain closed and perpetrators arrested until all those involved in the mining chain of processing and
distribution acquire the mining, processing and dealership licences to operate.

Mwangi said that the country was losing a lot of revenue resources that could have benefited the national and county governments due to illegal miners.

The official also added that the illegal mining activities have continued to violate the environmental laws leading to environmental degradation that has become a big threat to the surrounding communities.

In March this year, one of the illegal mining processing plants in Nyatike Sub County discharged its waste to one of the spring water points resulting in six people being hospitals while three cows and goats perished.

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration. Prof. Kithure Kindiki while on a security tour in the County in late March, gave out closure orders to all illegal miners but the miners have been defying the closure orders and operating their sites with impunity.

Source: Kenya News Agency