Month: February 2024

The Department of Health Services in Kiambu County held a free eye screening and treatment clinic for school-going children in Biashara Ward Ruiru, concluding a series of eye clinics held in February to observe the Low Vision Awareness Month.

Low Vision refers to a visual impairment that cannot be corrected fully with glasses, contact lenses, medication or surgery and significantly impacts a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Individuals with low vision experience limitations in activities such as reading, writing, driving or recognizing the facial features of people around them.

A World Health Organization (WHO) task force on blindness data found that 90 percent of people with low vision reside in underdeveloped countries, with 75 percent in Africa and Asia.

Speaking at the event, Dr Janet Waweru an Ophthalmologist at Kikuyu Eye Unit in Kiambu said there were a number of reasons that led to declining eye health in individuals that struggle with low vision.

‘Conditions such as macular degenerat
ion, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts are generally the major causes of low eye vision. However other causes include trauma to the head or eyes, genetic factors such as retinitis pigmentosa and aging because as people age, the risk of developing vision-related issues increases. Some occupations also involve prolonged exposure to eye strain or hazardous materials that greatly increase an individual’s risk of developing low vision,’ said Dr Waweru.

She added that managing low vision was challenging, but there were several strategies and tips that could help individuals with low vision make the most of their remaining vision and maintain independence after diagnosis through rehabilitation techniques that combine adaptive technology, orientation, and mobility training plus occupational and physical therapy.

‘The use of magnification devices such as magnifying glasses or electronic magnifiers that help with reading and viewing of objects, adaptive devices such as phones with oversized buttons, watch
es that speak the time aloud, and mobility training from professionals who teach techniques for safe navigation of an individual’s environment using mobility aids such as canes if needed, are strategies that make independence a reality for individuals with low vision and enable them to embrace their lives fully.’ She said.

Peter Wainaina, a Grade 7 class teacher at Good Foundation School in Ruiru said he was grateful that the eye clinic had chosen to offer free testing and treatment in Biashara Ward.

‘I had noticed that some students in my class have issues with their vision. They had previously complained that the blackboard had become blurry and indistinct which is challenging for them as they cannot participate with the rest of the students during class. The eye clinic will hopefully help us find a solution to the vision issues they are currently facing,’ he said.

On his part, Dr Vincent Opiyo, a retina and cataract surgeon at Lions Sight First Eye Hospital emphasized the importance of early detection a
nd intervention.

‘Regular eye exams enable us to identify and address associated eye problems that can significantly impact an individual’s vision. By detecting and treating these issues promptly, we can help patients maximize their remaining vision,’ said Dr Munene.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A United States delegation held talks with Kirinyaga County Assembly leadership on strengthening collaboration and opportunities for partnership.

Tim Trenkle, Political Counselor at the US Embassy and Mr. Cameron Jones, the Internal Affairs Unit Chief, held the meeting with County Assembly Speaker Muteti Murimi, County Clerk Kamau Aidi and Majority Leader Muriithi Kibinga on how the Assembly has been working with the County Executive, the partnership between two levels of government and impact of devolution in county.

In his remarks, Trenkle pointed out that he was impressed by the progress of the county in terms of development and commended the Assembly for enacting an enabling legislation and sound policies for the development of the county.

He expressed his desire to work with the assembly to make devolution work for the benefit of the people of Kirinyaga.

Speaking after the session, Murimi said that they were able to brief the delegation on what they were able to achieve for the last one and half year
s in terms of legislation and took them through the bills passed as well as their oversight role and the strategic plan of the assembly.

Murimi said that they would have a follow-up meeting to ensure that they could strategically partner to ensure that they help Members of County Assembly in capacity building and come up with a resource center where members could get materials to improve on their oversight and representative duties.

The Speaker also noted the forums would provide opportunities for members to visit the US Parliament for benchmarking and gain exposure on legislative agenda.

Muteti commended the US- Kenya relations particularly in supporting devolution, gender equality and advancing economic prosperity.

The Deputy Speaker Jinaro Jamumo said that Kirinyaga being one of the counties that have implemented the special economic zone, the US government would send a team to assess business investment opportunities in the upcoming Industrial Park in Sagana.

Njamumo added that they presented the cha
llenge of unemployment in the country challenging them to take steps to allow easy labour migration.

On agriculture, they asked the US to consider investing in value addition of the produce and direct imports from the counties.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Cabinet Secretary (CS), Ministry of Interior and National Administration Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki has ordered the recommencement of regulated family visits in all prisons and correctional facilities in the country.

Prof. Kindiki said the move would allow inmates to interact with their families since Covid-19 which led to the banning of the visits was no longer a threat. The Government had imposed a ban on all prison visits after the first case of coronavirus was confirmed in Kenya on March 13, 2020 where all institutions of learning were also closed for nearly a year.

The ban was initially meant to last for 30 days but was however extended and had not been lifted until the CS made this pronouncement in Naivasha. Speaking when he visited Naivasha Maximum facility where he commissioned a multi-million milling plant, Kindiki noted that prisoners should have at least one day when their families could visit them, but added that more communication would be made on the matter.

The multi-million plant will be
used to mill flour used by the inmates and other products such as animal feeds which would help bring in some income for the facility. ‘When I look at you today, I can see all of you are well. Looking at the ban that was imposed earlier, I don’t see the need and why we shouldn’t involve you in prison visits by your families and we are therefore going to resume the family reunions and family visitation meetings in all our facilities including Naivasha Maximum Security prison for both male and female inmates,’ the CS said amid cheers from the inmates.

He also announced that through the ‘Power of Mercy’ policy, the government proposes to decongest prisons and other correctional facilities by 50 per cent by facilitating virtual court sessions and remodeling the Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in prisons countrywide to enable expeditious conclusion of pending matters. ‘I will be consulting with the Attorney General (AG) so that the plan of Power of Mercy helps to decongest our prisons an
d all categories of our inmates will be covered by that programme of mercy,’ Prof. Kindiki stated.

He also reiterated the Government’s plan to modernize equipment in all the country`s penal institutions and urged the inmates to submit a proposal on how many computers or laptops and other equipment they required so that the inmates and their paralegals could be supported as they appeared before courts virtually in order to expedite their cases.

Prof. Kindiki also announced that plans were underway to help inmates who acquired some skills while serving their terms to get a small startup capital incentive when they leave prisons in order for them to be able to make use of the skills acquired to make a living so that they don’t lapse back into crime.

Data gathered by the Judiciary in 2022 shows that there were close to 60,000 inmates (both on remand and convicted) in Kenya`s about 118 penal institutions of which 115 were for adult offenders whilst three (two of them being Borstal and one youth correctional tra
ining centre) were primarily for youth offenders. The Naivasha Maximum Prison has the largest inmates’ population in Kenya of approximately 3,000 from all over the country.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru county government has unveiled its County Integrated Development Programme (CIDP) that will guide the implementation of development projects on time and within the budget in the next five years.

The Sh117 billion CIDP is largely focused on achieving industrialisation by transforming the region’s economic structure of subsistence farming to agricultural-led industrialisation.

Governor Susan Kihika indicated that the CIDP 2023-2027 would also guide her economic development agenda for the next five years.

The 3rd generation CIDP is in line with the constitutional requirement that no government resources should be appropriated outside a planning framework.

Speaking during the launch at Nyayo Gardens in Nakuru, Ms Kihika said the document had been subjected to scrutiny by various stakeholders, including the public, and the County Assembly.

Guided by the CIDP, Ms Kihika pledged that her administration would promote sustainable agricultural practices, support smallholder farmers, and create value-additio
n opportunities to ensure food security and boost the agro-based economy.

In the infrastructure sector, the County boss indicated that priority would be made on the expansion and maintenance of road networks through the Imarisha Barabara programme, and the enhancement of digital superhighway in the County.

‘Grading and gravelling of 2000 kilometres of earth road through the Imarisha Barabara programme and tarmacking 66 kilometres of roads within urban centres are among the plans contained in the document,’ Kihika said.

She said her administration would explore the use of solar energy to power 80 percent of street lights under the County Street Lighting master plan programme.

The Governor added, ‘The County will further seek to improve the healthcare facilities to enhance access to quality and affordable healthcare services. The County Government is committed to invest in quality education and skills development initiatives in order to improve the transition rate in Early Child Development Education and gr
aduation rate in Vocational Training Centres.’

Ms. Kihika who was flanked by Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Governors Ken Lusaka (Bungoma), Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of Finance and Economic Planning Mr Stephen Iribe Njogu and Nakuru County Assembly Speaker Joel Karuri affirmed that her government would further endeavour to improve the water access and coverage and achieve sustainable environmental management.

‘My administration is dedicated to fostering a conducive business environment, promoting entrepreneurship, and positioning Nakuru County as an attractive destination for local and international investors. In addition, the County is committed to empowering vulnerable and marginalised groups to ensure that no one is left behind,’ stated the Governor.

The formulation of the CIDP III was spearheaded by the County Division of Economic Planning, with guidance from the State Department for Economic Planning
.

The process focused on the core functions of the County Government and applied a consultative approach to ensure the interests of various stakeholders are captured.

The governor noted that the document has taken into consideration her manifesto, the national government manifesto, the Vision 2030 blueprint, and the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Ms Kihika also launched the County Statistical Abstract (CSA), which serves as a comprehensive compilation of key statistics relating to the social, political, and economic aspects of the county.

She said the document also plays a crucial role in providing reliable and up-to-date statistical information for policymakers and planners.

Under the social sector, the plan outlines health, water and sanitation, education, wealth creation, food security, social development and good governance as major issues that the devolved unit’s administration will deal with.

In the productive sectors, the County Government aspires to upscale investment opportunities to
create employment.

The plan aims at improving the productivity of farmers by a number of interventions which include adoption of a productive agri-business model, revamping of extension services, use of improved seedlings and provision of better agricultural infrastructure.

The Governor singled out eight vital development areas to be implemented within the said period, with emphasis on completing projects and programmes initiated by her predecessor in the last five years.

‘It would be foolish to fail to complete projects that were initiated by my predecessor. It would be a waste of tax-payers money,’ she said, adding that her decision was informed by good governance practice.

The CIDP aims to operationalise and upgrade eight sub-county health facilities into Level Four hospitals offering standard quality healthcare.

The healthcare plan also includes recruiting and placing health workers and sustainably increasing the budget for preventive-curative medical services.

There will be significant investments
in sports infrastructure too, as well as promotion of youth talents. The new plan aims at leaving no one behind by mainstreaming crucial issues around gender, youth, and disability.

On Education, Kihika plans to complete ongoing Early Childhood Education Centres (EDEC), construct nine model ECD centres, recruit and post 350 teachers annually, and recruit, and post 300 Vocational Training Centre instructors.

The document contains a plan to increase access to market services, through renovating 23 existing markets and the construction of 25 new ones.

The county plans to increase food security through the induction of farmers on best agricultural practices that will enhance food production.

The plan will give an overall framework for development, and integrate the long-term spatial, sector and urban plans with inputs from the governor’s manifesto, national government programmes, past county development performance, and expectations from the public of other development actors.

Dr Lusaka described the CIDP as
an important document to align Kihika’s manifesto to the county development agenda.

‘Kihika will succeed in implementing the manifesto in five years, but she needs the support of senior county officials who she has employed to support her vision and mission for the county,’ he said.

The Bungoma Governor challenged county officials to be loyal and supportive of the governor for her to succeed in transforming the county.

‘We are here today as witnesses that she will succeed in her agenda for the county,’ he said.

Lusaka urged the National Treasury to expedite the release of funds for counties to avert a shutdown.

‘We call upon the National Treasury to ensure timely and predictable disbursement of equitable share to all the 47 counties in line with the Public Finance Management (PFM) Act 2017 that dictates that funds be received by counties by the 15th of every month,’ he said.

Governor Rotich said the plan is impressive and will go a long way in improving service delivery and economic growth of Nakuru Cou
nty.

He hailed Kihika for being among the first female governors in the Rift Valley, saying she has shown a good example of leadership to girls across the region.

Gikaria said after serving as a mayor and a councillor in the defunct Nakuru Municipality, he was confident that the CIDP was well-developed and focused on key areas of development.

‘I have served this city as a mayor and a councillor, and I know that this CIDP will be key in Kihika’s development agenda,’ he said.

To effectively finance CIDP III, the County Government is keen on deepening Public-Private partnerships in addition to improving revenue collections through automation to seal gaps through which leakages happen.

Njogu stated that the devolved unit’s mission entails a re-invigoration of the county’s economic landscape, orchestrating perpetual market and street illumination to foster a round-the-clock economy for the business community.

The CECM affirmed that the county’s pursuit of the outlined development plan would seamlessly integr
ate with overarching global frameworks.

This includes the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the Fourth Medium Plan of Kenya Vision 2030.

‘We shall augment investments in micro, small, and medium enterprises. To spur growth, we are working with the national government to establish an industrial park to help achieve the infrastructural economies of scale and aggression,’ Mr Njogu stated.

He further reiterated the county’s commitment to proactive measures against climate change and its repercussions, demonstrating an amplified dedication to climate resilience and endorsing sustainable practices as a means of mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Matatu operators and Bodaboda riders in Meru town have resorted to increasing transport charges to take advantage of this period when students are breaking for midterm.

Early Thursday morning, several students were seen flocking different matatu stages in Meru town and others had already boarded matatus to their different destinations, such as Nairobi, Embu, and Maua.

According to David Mwenda a student at Abothogochi Boys, fares from Meru to Maua escalated to around Sh400 up from the normal Sh300.

Mercy Gakii, a form two student at Kaaga Girls said the charges from Meru town to Nkubu had also increased from the usual Sh100 to Sh150.

The students were forced to dig deeper into their pockets while others had to call their parents for additional funds.

However, Mercy and David were not shocked by the increase in transport charges as they know this is a usual habit by the operators.

Mr Paul Mwangi, a matatu operator in Meru town revealed that they resort to altering the transport charges by ‘a few shilling
s’ to cover the normal days when business is dull.

He added that they are usually generous to stranded students and sometimes give out their mobile phones to help them call their parents or guardians for interventions.

Not all students however were boarding matatus on their own as some were in the company of their parents.

Christine Mwende, a parent, told KNA that she had to come for her son in Meru town and ensure she accompanies him home to eliminate the temptations of being influenced negatively by his peers.

She also said that she doesn’t trust the safety of the matatus, thus prompting her to take the decision.

On the other hand, hawkers around Meru town are reaping from the break as this offers an opportunity for their business to earn extra shillings compared to normal days.

Joan Mueni, a beef sausages (smokies) seller near Khetiah’s supermarket matatu stage says that she has sold the first round of her smokies stock and is halfway through her second round, adding that she is usually very keen to
take advantage of the situation to maximize her sales.

Motorbikes riders were also not left behind, as they benefitted from those students who were not traveling to far places.

‘By now I have made seven trips, unlike the usual days and I hope to make even more trips before all schools break,’ said an excited Peter Mucui a bodaboda rider within Meru town.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Coffee farmers in the country are hopeful of increased production and earnings following the partnership between Kenya and Colombia aimed at improving coffee farming.

The farmers are also upbeat of getting high yields and better returns as the government moves to implement bold reforms in the coffee sub-sector, in a bid to ensure farmers benefit from their crops and increase the country’s foreign income.

Speaking during a visit by a delegation of coffee farmers and researchers from Colombia, under the auspices of Colombia National Federation of Coffee Growers, at Coffee Research Institute (CRI) in Kiambu, the National Coffee Corporate of Kenya Chairman Francis Ngone said that the reforms being spearheaded by the office of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have ignited a ray of hope for farmers across all coffee growing regions who were on the verge of losing hope on the crop.

‘We are working relentlessly on the war against cartels who have held the coffee sector at ransom and benefitting from the farmers’
sweat. This is aimed at ensuring that farmers get better pay for their produce,’ Ngone said.

The tour is a follow-up of DP Gachagua’s visit to Colombia in September last year, where he pushed for advanced cooperation between the two nations thus creating improved yields and income for Kenyan coffee farmers.

He added that the exchange programme between the two nations would benefit Kenyan farmers with expertise on better farming practices to maximize on production as well as open up more markets for Kenyan produce.

Speaking to KNA, the Chairman of Kiambu Brokerage Company David Njoroge urged the government to consider licensing private millers to improve on prices instead of leaving the mandate of coffee milling and selling solely to the New KPCU. He also advocated for strengthening of the Coffee Board of Kenya structures so as to improve on branding and marketing of Kenyan coffee.

CRI Director Dr. Elijah Gichuru said that the partnership with Colombian researchers would facilitate the introduction of new
coffee varieties, fight pests and diseases as well as introduce better technology to promote coffee farming amid climate change.

He added that the government is focused on empowering small-scale coffee farmers since the cash crop plays a key role in enhancing the livelihoods of the farmers and the economy.

The team held a peer-to-peer session with the farmers on growing bushes to increase yields, crop fertilization, harvesting, milling, and marketing. They also toured the institution’s coffee farm and orchard.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Embu County Government and the National Government Administration Officials have identified over 500 liquor retail outlets that will not have their licenses renewed.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire said the outlets are those found to be near schools and in the villages and whose owners have been advised to venture into other business activities.

She said the national and county governments are working in tandem to control the wanton drunkenness that has left a trail of destroyed youth and broken homes.

The Governor spoke to the media after a meeting with the County Security Committee led by County Commissioner Jack Obuo.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria who was within the county said they are going to scrutinize alcohol outlets which retail cheap spirits at below Sh250 for a 250 ml bottle to find out how they do it and realize a profit.

Kuria revealed that research has shown that the cost of producing a 250ml spirit bottle and packaging is Sh250 and that they will be asking manufacturers whe
re they’ve been accessing spirits at a cheaper price.

Mbarire commended the security officers for impounding 534 crates of illicit liquor at Kianjokoma two days ago.

Source: Kenya News Agency