Day: November 5, 2023

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Angolan driver wins FIA Endurance World Championship

Luanda – The Angolan driver, Rui Andrade, won the International Automobile Federation (FIA)’s World Endurance Championship, LMP2 class, in the “8 Hours of Bahrain”, in the last round of the race held this Saturday, in the city of Manama.

To achieve this, the driver was joined in the WRT team by Poland’s Rober Kubica and Switzerland’s Louis Delétraz, who scored 173 points in total, after six (6) races, in an equal number of victories.

In addition to the World Cup, Rui Andrade and his team were European champions back in 2021.

At the end of the last race of the World Endurance Championship, the young driver expressed satisfaction with the triumph, with the contribution of his teammates, considering it an achievement that makes the Angolan people proud.

In turn, the president of the Angolan Motor Sports Federation (FADM), Ramiro Barreira, congratulated the driver and his teammates for the feat, which he says honours the country’s flag.

“The victory honours us greatly, taking our country’s flag to the highest pedestal. Congratulations for your dexterity, effort, focus and dedication in a season full of many successes, despite the normal setbacks encountered and against worthy and high-level opponents”, reads the message from FADM.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

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Love For Dogs’ Leads To Business Venture For Kericho Man

A Kericho resident has found a way to turn his love for dogs into a fairly successful business venture. Zablon Rotich, 60, a resident of Chepkurubet village in Ainamoi sub-county and a farmer also opted to throw his weight into breeding and training German Shepherd dogs which he leases out to security firms for protection at a fee. The dog training venture which comprises of boarding kennels and a training ground for the furry animals located within his homestead situated along the Kericho-Kisumu highway in a quiet setting on a dead end road with no traffic. Having worked for 36 years Rotich who retired from active service this year as an Agricultural Extension Officer adds that his love for dogs began when he was three- years- old and he saw the market potential following the death of his father in 1991 who left five dogs under his care. ‘When my father passed on he left behind an old Peugeot 504 which was left parked for six months and I felt the urge to have a drive with it so that the engine will continue running without a hitch. When I was coming back the dogs started howling and came running towards the motor vehicle thinking this was their master. I felt the love they had for my late father and from that day I vowed to forever take care of dogs,’ said Rotich. He only owns and breeds the exotic German shepherd breed of dogs. Currently, Rotich owns six mature dogs of this breed, his oldest Tyson who is three years old weighs 60 kilos, and has 10 puppies. All the animals are registered with the East African Kennel Club (EAKC). ‘I like German Shepherds because they are all-round dogs. It can do all the work you can think of and it is ranked as an intelligent breed of dogs. During my years of breeding and training them I discovered that dogs are in two categories show line and work line. The dogs breed for just show line purposes are docile and hardly bark but I was interested in work line dogs which are good for personal protection, tracking, retrieval, and detection of narcotics and they act as aides for visually impaired people. All my dogs are registered with the East African Kennel Club (EAKC) and one of my dogs took position two during a contest held by EAKC in Nairobi last year,’ added Rotich. The father of three began with three dogs in 2016 and seven years down the line he now boasts of a pack of six mature dogs which he hires out to security firms in the area revealing that it costs a client Sh1,000 to hire a single dog for an assignment and also sells them with his main clients coming from Kisumu, Kiambu, Nairobi, Machakos, Meru, Mombasa and Kericho counties in addition to neighboring countries of Uganda and Tanzania. ‘I teach people how to train and handle dogs be it security firms or dog lovers where I cover three units and each unit has a fee notably obedience classes at Sh15,000, protection training at Sh15,000, and tracking and rescue at Sh20,000. I also sell puppies depending on their age and weight from Sh60,000 but I always ensure they are fully vaccinated against Parvovirus twice and DHLP which consists of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, and parainfluenza. Each of these diseases is very contagious and can be deadly to a young puppy. I currently sell one German Shepherd puppy for Sh60,000. A client from Tanzania bought one of my German shepherd dogs for Sh200, 000 in 2021,’ noted Rotich. His vast knowledge of breeding comes from his experience while working at the Department of Agriculture within the Kericho County government administration as well as taking part in EAKC dog competitions which he reveals made him acquire a network of friends who are engaged in dog breeding of German shepherd dog breeds. ‘The trait of a particular dog is transferred to the offspring. I am able to find good breeds from my close network of dog lovers whom I met during the EAKC competitions. I am concentrating on the German Shepherd work line dog breed and I have been using the male breed from the Czech Republic, South Africa, and Serbia. I charge Sh60,000 for mating,’ he said. Despite it being a costly affair to feed his animals Rotich reveals that he makes his own dog feeds which he also sells to dog lovers. He maintains that he gets his vaccines from reputed agro-vet shops within Kericho town. ‘Dog pellets better known as Kibble retails at Sh9, 200. My home ration that I make costs Sh6,000 for a 100-kg bag. To maintain a healthy dog, a dog lover ought to adhere to the vaccination schedules to help avoid costly treatments for preventable diseases like rabies and distemper,’ added Rotich. With a smile on his face Rotich says that when he began his dog venture most of his neighbours did not welcome the idea but over time they have come to accept it as he has helped beef up security within his locality. Rotich advices anyone interested in going into the same business that they should first love dogs and start small and progress slowly. ‘With this investment, I have managed to educate my three children as well as construct my family home which is almost complete. Am a farmer. I keep dairy cows in addition to growing Hass avocadoes for export but my passion is with German shepherd dogs. It is all about passion and I advise those interested in dog breeding to start small probably with one dog then progress slowly as they build up their base,’ said Rotich.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Turkana To Work With The Government To Develop The Region- Governor

Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has pledged to work with President William Ruto to develop Turkana County. Speaking in Nameyana, Turkwel Ward today, the Governor said his decision to collaborate with the president was a no-brainer, as Turkana’s development needs require the collaboration of both levels of government. Governor Lomorukai assured residents that Turkana leaders had secured a commitment for major national government projects and were engaging government departments on development with the president’s blessing. ‘Following our engagements with the president, we have received resources for Lake Turkana’s blue economy and water projects. We have held meetings with national ministries following up on projects for our people,’ he said. He said the leaders were pursuing the interests of Turkana residents and had no time for selfish interests. The Governor led a team of leaders and senior county officials for fundraising in support of the Nameyana Neema Women Group. He also stated that his administration was keen to entrench accountability in managing public resources as part of the governance reforms he promised Turkana residents. He said the County Government was focused on avoiding audits by ensuring funds allocated for development projects were not misappropriated. ‘Accountability is critical. We must account for resources spent to avoid cases which made senators declare Turkana a scene of crime,’ he said. The Governor commended Turkana leaders for earning recognition nationally in performance, including Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit who was recently rated as the best performing representative in Kenya. Governor Lomorukai also reiterated his commitment to the peaceful coexistence of communities along the border with West Pokot and Baringo in the spirit of national cohesion. He condemned leaders from neighbouring countries inciting violence for political gain. Loima MP Protus Akuja asked residents to take advantage of the national identity card registration exercise set to begin mid-this month to register en masse. Leader of Majority Stephen Edukon advised residents to take advantage of government programs focused on community empowerment. Senior County Government officials present were County Executives Dr Michael Eregae (Finance) and James Wangiros (Public Service); Chief Officers Janerose Tioko (Agriculture) and Etelej Korea (ECDE), Mark Achila (Roads) as well as Lodwar Municipality Manager Benjamin Tukei.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Government Seeks Public Engagement For 2024/ 25 Budget

In a radical shift from tradition, the National Treasury is engaging members of the public to seek the common man’s views on the budget-making process for the 2024/25 financial year and mid-term budget review. Public participation forums led by a team of technical officers from different state departments have kicked off in earnest across the country for public engagement on key and priority areas for funding. Speaking in Machakos Felix Oulo, an Assistant Director Budget at the National Treasury said a total of ten teams are currently spearheading the exercise expected to end on November 6. ‘It is a constitutional requirement that the government must involve stakeholders in the planning of the budget. We are here to engage members of the public for their opinions on critical areas that need priority for funding,’ said Oulo. Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko noted that the budget is a key governance instrument that reflects the country’s priorities and shared values. Ouko further said public participation in the budget-making process is an essential component for a healthy and vibrant democracy. ‘Inclusivity is key, especially for those voices that have been marginalized or not heard for long,’ said CC Ouko. Basic Education Principal Secretary Dr. Belio Kipsang in a speech read on his behalf by Wekesa Kahonya said the 2024/25 budget will focus on the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to create job opportunities and foster economic growth. ‘BETA focuses on agriculture, medium and small enterprises, housing, digital superhighway and creative industry,’ said Kipsang. The PS noted that the outcomes of the public participation forums will foster a sense of ownership of the budget by the public and will enhance transparency and accountability. ‘The forums will strengthen the trust between the government and the citizens which will provide harmonious and effective government structures,’ Dr Kipsang said. Kipsang further noted that public participation is key as stakeholders will identify their social economic challenges and provide homegrown solutions for the same. ‘Public participation also promotes inclusivity besides harmonizing intervention measures to prevent duplication of roles and wastage of resources,’ said PS Belio.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Governor Urges Accountants To Embrace Professionalism

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has asked accountants to embrace professionalism when discharging their work. Speaking at Sawan Hotel, in Bungoma town, during the closing workshop for Western region accountants (ICPAK), Lusaka acknowledged the huge role played by the accountants in the country, urging them to serve diligently. ‘Finance is the engine of every organization. Remain steadfast in your work. Don’t be compromised, you’ll be crucified for corruption,’ Lusaka cautioned. He hailed devolution saying it has played a major role in empowering Counties by growing the local economy. ‘The fruits of devolution are clearly evident. We can now promote our economy by utilizing local facilities for workshops,’ he observed. The governor further noted that, finance is the goose with golden eggs that needs to be safeguarded at all costs. ‘Audit starts and ends with finance. Any missing details can easily land one in the arms of the law,’ he emphasized.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Treasury Holds Public Participation On 2024/2025 Budget In Kilifi

The National Treasury held a public participation forum in Kilifi to gather opinions from citizens for the financial year 2024/2025 and medium-term budgets. In a forum held at Kilifi town, members of the public and other stakeholders were given an opportunity to identify economic, developmental, and social challenges they encountered and propose interventions from the national government. The challenges needed to be presented in order of priority status to help in resource allocation during the national government budgetary process. Kilifi County Commissioner Josphat Biwott reiterated that the budget is a key instrument for the execution of government economic policies and a reflection of the people’s collective priorities, shared values, and vision for a better tomorrow. He emphasized the importance of public participation, saying that it is an essential component of a healthy and vibrant democracy that ensures that the decisions made are just and well-informed. ‘The process of public participation is not a mere formality, but an essential component of a healthy, vibrant democracy. It ensures that decisions made at these forums are informed, just, and representative of the diverse voices that make up our society’, the CC said. He urged the people to actively participate in the discussions and do so in a civil manner, respecting each other’s views. The Commissioner also expressed his hope that the forum would create an avenue for active dialogue and a chance for those who have been marginalized to speak out and be heard. ‘I hope that this forum will create avenues for dialogue, to actively listen and to amplify the perspectives of those who may not have means or platform to speak out on their own’, he said. Residents from the 9 sub-counties made presentations of the challenges they faced in their areas and proposed interventions for the identified challenges. Said Mwakalu, representing Kaloleni sub-county residents appealed to the national government to reinstate free education saying the burden of school fees is too big for parents. He also asked allocation of funds to improve the infrastructure of the road from Mariakani to Kaloleni by installing speed bumps to curb the rate of road accidents in that area. ‘We have had 4 people lose their lives to road accidents in that area within the last 3 weeks. The government should improve infrastructure through the installation of bumps to curb accidents on that road’, he said. Moses Baya from Kilifi North sub-county expressed the need for the construction of industries in the county so that local farm products like cashew nuts and mangoes can be processed in the county. He also presented the need for the government to construct and equip modern classrooms in the county to improve the quality of learning for the students and teachers. A statement released by Principal Secretary of the State Department for Shipping and Maritime Affairs Shadrack Mwadime emphasized that the public participation forum marked an important milestone in the history of budget making in the country. ‘This marks a very important milestone in the history of budget-making for the country. The only time such consultations were done at the grassroots level was in the preparation of the financial year 2011-2012 budget. Subsequently, we have not had that opportunity’, the PS said. He further said that public participation, good governance, integrity, transparency, accountability, and sustainable development are some of the key national values and principles of governance that are recognized in the Constitution of Kenya. He expressed his hope that the outcome of the forum would foster a sense of ownership and belonging to the budget process among citizens.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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County To Recognize And Reward Hardworking Community Health Promoters

Hardworking Community Health Promoters (CHPs) will be recognized and rewarded by the Nandi County Government, Governor Stephen Sang has said. Sang who was speaking at the County headquarters in Kapsabet during the launch of 1,414 CHPs kits said his administration is working on parameters of how to monitor progress and reward health workers who have done well. ‘We are developing a proper reward scheme for CHPs who will be recognized as having done their work well. As you work with the community, just remember you stand a chance of recognition to better your terms. Let us work hard to ensure when counties are ranked we emerge the best,’ he said. The second-term governor said CHPs are key contributors to Universal Health Coverage as they play a crucial role in preventive and promoting improved quality primary healthcare services in the county. ‘Our CHPs have undergone extensive training, including technical modules such as integrated community case management, community case for malaria, TB, household air pollution and hypertension. They will collaborate with local health care facilities and authorities to provide crucial services, education, disease prevention and support to our citizens,’ he said. The governor noted that health promotion is essential and the proactive approach to health can significantly reduce the burden on our health care system. He said his administration is committed to ensuring that all residents in the county have access to affordable and quality health care. ‘A healthy nation is key to our social economic development agenda. We will work round the clock to ensure locals get quality health care services,’ he said. Nandi Chief Officer for Health and Sanitation Mr Fredrick Kiptum said focus on promotive and preventive health will revamp the healthcare system and reduce ever-rising health care costs. ‘For a long time we have focused on curative forgetting we can identify and prevent some of the ailments early enough,’ he said. The Chief Officer urged health promoters to safeguard the kits and use them effectively to provide basic health services to their communities. The County Community Health Strategy Coordinator Priscah Tero said promoters have been operating within the health system since 2006 adding that they have enough experience to handle the task effectively. ‘A trained CHPs is able to screen community members by conducting blood sugar test, taking blood pressure and body temperature. Where they identify abnormalities, the community member is referred to a nearby facility for immediate medical attention,’ she said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Manyatta Slums Residents Benefit From Free Medical Services

Three children in Kisumu County are in need of specialized treatment after a team of medical experts discovered that each of them has a hole in the heart. The children aged 10 years and below were among 1000 residents of Manyatta slums who benefitted from free medical services last week. Organized by Uhuru Community Development Program (UCDP) and a German NGO, Armut und Gesundheit (Dentist for Africa together with Poverty and Health) the programs target the poor in society. The NGO’s Chairman Prof. Gerhard Trabert said it was unfortunate that the poor in Kenya still have to pay for basic health services. Prof. Trabert said in Germany such services are free and urged stakeholders in the health sector in Kenya to pool resources to bailout the poor in society. UCDP Executive Director, Davies Okombo said Kenya has not yet achieved the SDG 3 which requires that no one should be left behind in development and access to quality health. Okombo urged the government to expand its budgetary allocation for the health sector in order to attain Universal Health Care (UHC) in all the 47 counties. ‘This will greatly reduce the high cost of medical care through implementing the social protection program,’ Okombo argued. The Director took issue with private hospitals that charge exorbitant fees to the extent that they commercialize health services and detain indefinitely patients who fail to pay. Okombo challenged them to instead strive to supplement government efforts to deliver quality health services to members of the public. Prof. Trabert who is renowned for saving illegal immigrants marooned on the seas while crossing into Germany said every life including those in the slums of Manyatta matters. The don who is himself a medical doctor opposed those pushing for closing of German borders to lockout immigrants terming this inhuman acts. Having emerged second in the last German Presidential elections, Prof. Trabert said he fully supports the President but continues challenging policies frustrating provision of quality health services. ‘Most wealth in Germany emanated from Africa which is now considered as poor. Perhaps it’s time for us to pay back in kind,’ he declared. We may have wronged African people by taking away their valuable resources but we now have a chance to correct the past through close collaboration in various sectors, explained the medic. The NGO operates in Africa, Asia and Europe fighting poverty while promoting quality health services among other programs. ‘It’s our duty to help since poverty levels in Africa is alarming and largely attributed to having been impoverished by Europeans and so we need atonement for this,’ he said. Prof. Trabert called for fair trade agreements as opposed to lopsided ones that only benefited one side but not Africa. He said it was unfortunate that Europe at one time stopped funding development in Africa but now there is a deliberate action to bridge the gap. The NGO also targets Persons Living with Disabilities or the handicapped in Syria, Northern Ireland, Turkey, Greece and Laos Island who lack toilet facilities and other basic needs.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc In Tigania

At least 50 families from Twarama area of Tigania west Sub County and the surrounding environs have been left homeless after their houses were submerged following heavy rains that are pounding area. Affected families have been forced to seek refuge from their neighbours as well as rely on them for food and clothing after all their belongings were destroyed by the floods. Farmers in the area are also counting huge losses after their crops were swept away by flood waters. Mr Kaume Kaberenge, one of the victims said that his five-acre crop of beans was swept away in addition to losing food after all his houses were submerged. ‘I have now been left homeless following this ordeal. My daughter who is currently sitting her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examination had her school uniform as well as her books destroyed. We are in a total mess since we are also depending on well-wishers for food,’ said Mr Kaberenge. He added: ‘The heavy rains have caused huge damages including destruction of graves as well as toilets. We are fearing that very soon there might be an outbreak of diseases in this area.’ He attributed the flooding to the blockage of a tunnel that led rainwater to flow to Twale River by people who have constructed homesteads along the way. Mr Ezra Gitonga, another victim said the only solution to the flooding was to unblock the tunnel by evicting those who have settled there. He called on the county and the national governments to use the emergency kitty that was set aside to help them out of the mess. Area MCA Jim Muchui said the number of the victims is set to increase as the rains continue and added that a serious strategy to solve the issue must be reached at by all leaders as soon as possible. He called on the government to release emergency funds to cushion the victims adding that they will not be expecting any harvests after their crops were swept away. ‘We are also calling on the county government to release the emergency fund that was set aside. This is the best time to do so,’ said Mr Muchui. He said Twarama area was the most affected by the floods and the farmers have already lost all their crops as well as animals meaning they will struggle even to take their children to school next year. Tigania West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Ms Faith Murage said the rains experienced in the region was huge and had negatively affected a good number of residents. She however called on the residents to take it upon themselves to take the necessary precautions against the floods. ‘The fact is that floods are very dangerous and can cost lives. My message to you is that you should not stick to your house until it is submerged in water. Seek refuge from your neighbours as early as possible,’ said Ms Murage. She said at the moment there is nothing much that can be done to redirect the water to its channel until the rains subside. ‘What we now need to focus on is how we will help those who have already been affected to alleviate the level of suffering. I am aware the Kenya Red Cross visited this area and made an assessment as well as taking data which will inform their response,’ said Ms Murage. She promised to join hands with the office of the area MP John Mutunga to look for relief food as fast as possible. She also authorized the formation of a joint committee drawing members from Akithi and Athwana wards to look into the issue of tunnel blockage once the rains subside.

Source: Kenya News Agency

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County Urged To Improve Health Services At Kisii Referral Hospital

The Senate Health Committee has urged the Kisii County government to address gaps identified at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH) to improve service delivery in the county. Speaking during a fact-finding mission at the facility, the Committee Chairperson, Senator Jackson Mandago said the team together with the County Assembly Health Committee members had jointly inspected the facility and pinpointed challenges that required urgent interventions. Mandago noted the inadequate supply of oxygen at the hospital theatres saying that one year ago, KTRH was not only able to supply their oxygen but also supplied nearby health facilities and neighbouring counties. ‘We would like to urge the county government to go back to that and ensure the oxygen facility is working,’ he said. The Senator highlighted the lack of record keeping at the pharmaceutical stores and called for the digitization of the records adding that the exercise would help to determine reorder levels and whether the drugs were used within the facility or outside. Mandago urged the county government to conduct general repairs at the facility from time to time and instructed the Public Health Officer in charge of the facility to ensure the incinerator was functional. Notably, he lauded the hospital for offering exceptional services at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the mortuary adding that the services at the morgue can only be compared to those offered at private homes. The Senator encouraged healthcare providers to ensure they are working to support the patients despite the challenges posed. Senator Esther Okenyuri decried the low number of expectant mothers receiving prenatal care at the facility. Okenyuri called upon the Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in the county to mop up expectant mothers in the county to ensure they benefit from prenatal and postnatal care services offered at the health facilities. Kisii County Assembly Health Committee Member, Amos Onderi said the visit was essential to establish the gaps in the health sector, both in service delivery and demand creation so that the county can be able to bridge those gaps. Onderi who is the MCA Bokimonge Ward, urged the Committee to recommend a Regional Screening Center in the region since the blood transfused at the hospital is usually transported for screening in Nairobi. He also requested support in strengthening commodity management as well as the provision of pharmaceuticals at the chest clinic for intensive cases and continuation case management for tuberculosis (TB) cases at the hospital. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka said the exercise will enable the county to come up with recommendations and persuade the national government to support the health facilities with additional funding. Onyonka urged the county government to ensure the health facilities are functional adding that Kisii Governor Simba Arati should be proactive in operationalizing facilities such as the Mother and Child Hospital so that it becomes a success story after five years.

Source: Kenya News Agency