Day: March 8, 2024

During their recent International Investment Conference, the Homa Bay County government and investors signed eight Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs).

Governor Gladys Wanga commended all stakeholders, including the executive, partners, and sponsors, for their contributions to the success of the investment conference.

The county government has signed MOUs with various organizations including Afropal International Limited, Ento Tech Africa Limited, Yazmark International, Rift Valley Products Limited, Manda University Trust, Fairdeal Real Estate, Kenya Shipyard Limited, and Redington.

Wanga said that in the agricultural sector, Afropal International Limited in collaboration with the national government will provide a framework for edible oil palm production around the Lake Victoria region including Homa Bay County.

Yazmark International and Homa Bay County government are set to establish a 50-bed Mother and Child Specialist Hospital to tackle regional healthcare challenges.

‘With regards to education, the
county is expected to establish ‘Manda University Kenya’ to specialize in health sciences and agricultural courses through partnership with Manda University Trust,’ she added.

The Governor said Fair Deal Real Estate is set to invest in affordable housing and student’s hostel construction projects to support the growing population in the county.

On the other hand, Redington, through the partnership is also expected to generate solar power that will benefit beaches, schools and hospitals not connected to the national grid in Homa Bay, which will promote employment and technology transfer.

Wanga also reiterated her administration’s commitment to transforming the lives of Homa Bay residents through critical projects.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government will distribute food stuffs worth Sh. 123,052,000 to vulnerable Muslim households during the Ramadhan period, expected to start next week.

Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, said the government started the initiative to have the vulnerable access nutritious meals, as a way to promote religious observance, reduce financial strain, encourage social inclusion, to demonstrate the government’s dedication to fairness, empathy and unity among all citizens.

Speaking at the Konza TechnoCity, during a press briefing, Mwaura said the foodstuffs to be distributed include 50 bags of Rice (32,640,000), 50 bags of beans (90M), 190 cartoons of vegetable oil (76,000 and 28 boxes of sardines (336,000).

The month of Ramadhan is expected to start on Monday March 11th this year.

Ramadan is the Ninth Month of the Islamic Calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide, as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community. The observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam and l
asts twenty-nine to thirty days, from one sighting of the crescent moon to the next.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Several bars and nightclubs in Kisumu have been closed down following a crackdown by security agencies.

The multi-agency operation which kicked off on Thursday has also seen several liquor outlets in the sub-counties shut following a directive issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Prof. Kithure Kindiki on the sale of alcoholic drinks.

The operation, led by Kisumu Central Deputy County Commissioner Bosec Lang’at targeted bars that were operating without licenses and running beyond the stipulated hours following complaints from members of the public.

Among the popular spots closed by the team include Mamba, Da Vunduba, Ottro Lounge and Liquor Bistro.

Proprietors of the affected establishments criticised the move by the government claiming they had been unfairly targeted yet they had complied with all the regulations.

Kisumu County Bar, Hotels and Liquor Traders Association of Kenya (BAHLITA) Chairman Dan Ouma said most of the proprietors were caught unawares and the security team refused to disclose w
hy the premises were being closed.

‘We do not have any information why the establishments have been closed down. The officers have not given us any information. I am still in the process of compiling the list to establish how many have been affected,’ he said.

Collins Okoth, Kisumu County Director of Alcoholic Beverages, Liquor Licensing, Betting and Gaming Control told KNA that most of the affected establishments were not licensed.

His office, he said has been enjoined in the campaign and will from Monday verify all the issued licenses to ensure that only genuine establishments are allowed to operate.

Some of the licensed bars and nightclubs in the area, he added, were not only operating beyond the stipulated hours but also flouted the parameters of the licenses by carrying out illegal activities among them the sale of bhang, illicit brews and shisha.

‘We are fully supporting what the national government is doing to end impunity in this sector. In fact, I am going to propose that we suspend issuance of
new licenses until the crackdown is completed,’ he said.

Bars operating within residential areas, he added were earmarked for closure adding that his team in the Sub counties has been enjoined in the campaign to restore sanity in the sector.

Others, he said, were those situated next to schools and learning institutions which is against the law.

‘The law requires that a bar must be 300 metres away from a school. Some are located just 50 metres away and this is illegal. They must be shut,’ he said.

According to Okoth, Kisumu Central Sub-County has the highest number of bars with 77 of them captured in the county records followed by Nyando (20), Kisumu East (16), Muhoroni (13) and Seme (10).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has affirmed that the county was fully prepared to host the World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally that is coming to the country for the fourth time in a row.

Governor Kihika said the county was ready to play its role in boosting domestic tourism, adding that this year’s event was historical as it also marks 71 years since the WRC was first launched in the country.

In 2021 the county signed a pact to keep the event in the World Rally Championship calendar until 2026.

While noting that her administration was committed to promoting sports tourism Ms Kihika observed that Nakuru was once the spiritual home of sports and Langa Langa circuit, which she said was famous for bike and single-seater car races while the Rift Valley Motorsports Club at Solai and Mai Mahiu circuits still host kart racing, predominantly for young people.

In major changes since the event returned to Kenya in 2021 after a 19-year break, the ceremonial start of the iconic event has been moved from Uhuru P
ark and relocated to its traditional Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) venue where over 50 cars will be flagged off.

The 71st edition of the WRC Safari that also reverts to its traditional Easter holiday dates is scheduled from March 28 to March 31.

‘The WRC is part of our heritage and we are ready to hold a memorable Safari Rally this year. The WRC team needs to fully involve Nakuru County in the preparations for the event and to ensure that our people fully benefit from the event in terms of casual employment, offering catering, entertainment and waste management among others. We will offer the best hospitality to rally enthusiasts,’ Governor Kihika assured.

Speaking after holding a meeting with a multi-agency team preparing for the WRC Safari Rally led by the Secretary Administration for Sports, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Mr Evans Achoki and Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer Mr Charles Gacheru, the Governor expressed delight that the event is expected to inject
Sh7 billion in the Kenyan economy.

‘Iam pleased to learn that foreign drivers will come in 10 days before the rally and after the rally they have already planned to visit tourist attraction sites in the country. Bearing in mind that each team comprises a crew of at least 100 persons, and since three manufacturer teams are coming, that means more than 300 rally personnel will be around not to mention foreign journalists and rally enthusiasts. It will also be a boon for the hospitality industry,’ noted the Governor.

The Safari is the third round of the 2024 World Rally Championships after this month’s Rallye Monte (January 25-28) and Rally Sweden (15-18 February).

The fame of sports in Nakuru, Kihika noted, extends beyond motorsport with Nakuru Boxing Club said to have produced legends like Philip Waruinge, 1972 Olympics Silver Medalist and first Kenyan to turn professional, his brother Sammy Mbogua and 1978 World Amateur Boxing Championships winner Steve Muchoki.

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has announced i
ts 3rd round sponsorship of Sh195 million for the 2024 World Rally Championship (WRC) Safari Rally which will also support two local rally drivers Nikhil Sachania and Karan Patel.

Ms Kihika disclosed that her administration would consider converting one Technical Vocational Education Training institution into a Centre of Excellence to train top notch mechanics and prepare the younger generation in motor sports.

The Governor hailed the organizers of the Safari Rally for the selection of spectators’ stages which she said will help showcase to local and international visitors’ spectacular sites where they could also get to sample Naivasha’s hospitality and experience the Kenya safari as they troop to different spectator points.

The Governor underscored the importance of the approved rallying routes, saying the rally drivers will have a great experience driving in the wild and sometimes having to stop to give way to wild animals.

She said the county government will continue to upgrade the necessary infrastruc
ture to enhance visitors’ experience along all the rally routes.

Governor Kihika said the County was working with the National Government in setting up special points for streaming the rally live throughout the country to help every Kenyan have a piece of the rally.

Ms Kihika was satisfied with the service venue in Naivasha and said they were working with the Transport Ministry to ensure traffic on the rally routes will be managed better than last year and observed that they had learnt vital lessons from last year’s event.

The Safari Rally was first held in 1953, as the East African Coronation Safari in Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika as a celebration of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. In 1960 it was renamed the East African Safari Rally and kept that name until 1974, when it became the Kenya Safari Rally. It then evolved to the current modern-day WRC.

Safari Rally is currently the most popular event on the WRC calendar alongside the 1000 Lakes of Finland and Monte Carlo.

Mr Gacheru explained that the
calendar has changed slightly after they requested Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) promoter to return the Safari Rally to the Easter weekend as it used to be previously and that the schools will be closed during these dates.

The Safari Rally Kenya Chief Executive Officer noted that last year’s Safari was flagged off at Uhuru Park in an attempt to accommodate more spectators.

Uhuru Park has previously been run as the Safari’s Super Special Stage during the days of the FIA African Rally Championship.

‘The cars will be flagged off from KICC on March 28 before heading to Kasarani Stadium for the SSS (Super Special Stage) which will mark the first speed test of the event. We expect more crowds to throng the Kasarani SSS venue given that it will be a free Easter weekend for the fans,’ Mr Gacheru indicated.

In a bid to manage the traffic quagmire in Naivasha, the CEO also noted that the Safari program will finish at the Hell’s Gate Power Stage.

Previously, Hell’s Gate has coincided with the WRC
TV live program to award the podium finishers after the Power Stage, with the prize-giving proper being held at Kenya Wildlife Service Training Institute (KWSTI) in Naivasha.

‘We don’t want a repeat of a scenario where rally cars return back to the service park area for prize giving. This year, everything will culminate at Hell’s Gate and this is a deliberate move to manage the chaotic traffic situation that has been witnessed in Naivasha since the return of WRC status,’ observed Mr Gacheru.

On competitive stages, he noted that the organization has changed the Sleeping Warrior by moving its flying finish further ahead whilst the Kedong stage will be run in reverse direction.

He added: ‘Apart from minor changes made to the Sleeping Warrior and Kedong speed tests, the rest of the competitive runs will remain intact. The Wildlife Institute will continue hosting Rally HQs and Service Park. World rally teams have since adjudged Kedong as the toughest stage of Safari given its notorious soft volcanic ash soil te
rrain which has redefined the toughness of the fabled Kenyan round on its return to the global arena.

Nakuru County Tourism Association Chairman David Mwangi noted that hosting of events of WRC Safari Rally calibre was a source of direct investment as well as a source of additional income for tourism.

He said that direct investments in Naivasha will be accrued from hotels, leisure, fuel consumption, transport facilities, temporary employment and much more.

Mr Mwangi pointed out that many hotels were still under construction in Naivasha at present as investors target more domestic and international tourists after the world governing body, FIA, extended the hosting of the WRC status event in Kenya to 2026.

Businesses are set to reap big as drivers and more fans flock to Naivasha, in Nakuru County.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government has reiterated its commitment to increase and fast-track broadband connectivity across the country, by constructing at least 100,000 kilometres of National Fiber Optic connectivity.

Government Spokesperson, Dr. Isaac Mwaura, said the Kenya Kwanza government aligned the Last Mile County Connectivity Project to its Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the aim of installing reliable, stable, affordable, and high-speed internet connectivity across the country.

‘We have laid a total of 13,712 kilometers of fiber cable and increased the number of Public-Wi-Fi hot spots from 40 in 2022 to 1,222 in 2023. Cumulatively we have established a total of 1,262 Wi-Fi spots,’ he stated.

Mwaura said the BETA Blue Print also seeks to enhance the government service delivery, through digitization and automation of all critical government processes, as well as make 80 percent of government services available online.

He cited the connection of 247 digital hubs with the internet, training of 800
youths under the Presidential Digital Talent Program, the deployment of 12,087 virtual desktop infrastructure devices, and 136 Jitume sites, as some the government’s achievements in the technology sector.

The Kenya Kwanza’s Flagship initiative under the Jitume Programme targets to empower over 1 million youths in the country to access reasonable and sustainable income and to provide infrastructure and over 23,000 digital devices to centres among other activities.

The Government has to date distributed at least 13,488 devices to 176 digital lab institutions.

The Spokesperson who was speaking during a media briefing at the Konza Technocity in Machakos County, added that the government has to date connected at least 119,462 youths to online jobs besides onboarding a total of 74 government services.

Mwaura announced that the government through Konza Technopolis, intends to bring together industry, academic institutions, and other innovators to co-invest in emerging technologies, noting that the Technologies p
latform plays a crucial role in accelerating the country’s development in the digital era.

‘The Technopolis is developing a smart city of international standards. It has attracted over 85 percent of both local and international investors,’ he said.

The investors are focused on academia, technology sectors, research and development in the areas of housing, hospitality, and conventions as well as in light manufacturing and logistics.

He added that the Konza Technopolis cloud is also providing cutting-edge solutions and enabling innovators, start-ups, and enterprises to reap the benefits of technology solutions’ ability to scale the marketplace, improve efficiencies, and deliver services and solutions to people.

On health, Mwaura said, the government regards the sector as one of its priority pillars for national development and to make it provide the highest attainable standards, it has employed information and communication technology to better services delivery to Kenyans.

‘Technology will connect all lev
el 6 to level 2 public health facilities to all National Backbone Fiber Infrastructure (NOFBI) and implement local Area Network (LAN),’ he added.

The government has so far connected a total of 135 public health facilities to NOFBI while LAN has been implemented in 57 public hospitals.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Elgeyo Marakwet welcomed its first shipment of fertilizer, marking a significant stride as the region gears up for the planting season.

The event, graced by Dr. Paul Rono, the Principal Secretary (PS) of the State Department of Agriculture, saw the official flagging off of the fertilizer distribution at Kapcherop, Chebaror, and Chepkorio cereal stores.

Fertilizer loaded in 12 lorries was distributed to various locations, with an additional 40 lorries slated for imminent delivery. The distribution breakdown allocated one truck to each of the following areas: Chesoi, Labot, Kapcherop, Kapsowar, Chebaror, Kibendo, Chepkorio, Kamwosor, and Kapkitony, ensuring equitable access across Elgeyo Marakwet.

Expressing his sentiments during the event, Dr. Rono emphasized the importance of prompt registration and redemption of vouchers by farmers, ensuring a seamless supply chain.

He highlighted value addition for its positive impact allowing farmers to maximize profit.

‘Value addition plays a pivotal role in transfo
rming agricultural practices, allowing farmers not only to increase their harvest but also to enhance its value,’ remarked Dr. Rono, underlining the significance of maximizing agricultural output.

Assuring continued support, Dr. Rono announced the imminent delivery of the next 40 lorries of fertilizer, reaffirming the government’s commitment to bolstering agricultural activities in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Following Dr. Rono’s remarks, Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wisley Rotich expressed his gratitude for the allocation of additional fertilizer of lorries.

‘I am glad that the PS has announced another 40 lorries will be delivering fertilizer to all our stores starting today,’ Governor Rotich remarked, highlighting the importance of timely deliveries for farmers’ preparations.

Governor Rotich also urged farmers who have yet to register to take action promptly. ‘I urge all those who are yet to register to dial *616*3#,’ he emphasized, encouraging full participation in the fertilizer distribution program.

Source
: Kenya News Agency

Agriculture Cabinet Mithika Linturi, has urged farmers to embrace the innovative seed technologies proposed by the African Seed Trade Association (AFSTA) to enhance productivity, ultimately bolstering food and nutrition security.

Mr Linturi noted that the Ministry is working towards the realisation of the government’s Bottom Up Economic Agenda (BETA) goals and in particular the agenda on food and nutrition security.

‘We encourage our farms to plant new, clean, and certified seeds, studies have shown that in cases where certified seeds are adopted and planted, yield increases by one and half times. This leads to poverty reduction, improved livelihoods in many cases as a farmer is able to have enough produce to meet domestic consumption and surplus to sell,’ he said.

Speaking at the AFSTA annual congress held at Pride Inn Paradise Resort, Mombasa, the CS acknowledged the hard work the association has put in place to drive harmonized seed regulations in Africa with various measures including, facilitating th
e safe movement of seed within Member States, in a transparent manner and without dissemination of any pest of quarantine importance.

Stimulating the breeding and availability of improved seed varieties resulting in increased variety choices for all farmers and encouraging investment in seed business in Member states were also noted to be effective measures.

The CS said that seed certification, variety testing and release regulations have tended to restrict seed trade within African Countries.

The 3-day conference attended by more than 60 nationalities aims at increasing food security by advising farmers to buy from established agro-vet seed companies instead of ‘fake seeds’ to avoid disappointments.

However, he noted that coordination of the regional trade blocks seed regulations was completed through a consultative process with stakeholders in the seed industry in Kenya.

‘The process is ongoing and it is important that all stakeholders in the seed industry are conversant with the harmonized seed regula
tions to enhance seed trade with the COMESA, EAC and regional trade blocks,’ Linturi said.

He urged seed companies to take advantage of the synchronized seed regulations to widen and promote a competitive and sustainable market for crop seed within their regions.

‘Challenges of cross border trade by seed companies have been an ongoing concern for a long time. This inhibits both creation of employment opportunities and also trade within the region,’ he noted.

He added that there have been numerous efforts to address this, including having a one-stop border post infrastructure but a lot needs to be done to build the capacity of the border personnel through training.

‘To mitigate the challenge of climate change we encourage farmers to use drought tolerant crops, other early maturing crops and construction of water dams. My Ministry also proposes that farmers should undertake to diversify into other crops that will combat the realities of climate change such as drought, pests, floods, and heat,’ Linturi said.

The Chairman of the Seed Trade Association, Seed Co, Wellington Wasike said, ‘Any fake seed dealers is our number one enemy and hence we encourage the government to continue the fight against the menace.’

Wellington added that Seed Co is working with the government in a bid to lower seed costs through the fertilizer subsidy that was implemented by the President for the past one and a half years now.

On the issue of climate change, the chairman noted that seed stakeholders in Kenya are working in employing new technology that will bring about the production of climate-smart varieties of seeds that will work with or without enough rain.

On the other hand, Managing Director, Kenya Seed Company, Samuel Chepsiror said, ‘The meeting aims at reaching a better understanding between the challenges in the seed sector as well as the importance of good farming in the country.’

The next congress is to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from the 3rd-6th March, 2025.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The County Government of Trans Nzoia has teamed up with the Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Program (KISIP) to provide floodlights in informal settlements in the region.

Besides ensuring that light is taken to the doorsteps of most households in informal settlements once implemented, the partnership is also expected to help enhance security and uplift livelihoods.

The first phase of the program will see the installation of high-mast floodlights at Matisi, Tuwan, Mitume, Shanty and Kipsongo informal settlements as the second phase addresses street lighting, road construction, construction of sanitation blocks and water kiosks in the informal settlements.

Speaking after overseeing the handing over of the sites for the installation of the high-mast floodlights, KISIP Trans Nzoia County Program Coordinator Edith Wanyama said the floodlight project endeavors to improve infrastructure and give those living in informal settlements a new lease of life.

‘The high-mast floodlight installation program we have
kicked off has come at the right time and will be of great importance to those living in the slums of Kitale.

The lights will boost security and allow business owners to continue with their business activities well into the night, unlike currently where businesses are closed as early as 7 pm due to darkness and fear of insecurity,’ she said.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Lands, Housing, Physical Planning and Urban Development Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama present during the exercise welcomed the initiative emphasizing the government’s commitment to cooperate with more partners to better the living standards of the people.

She echoed Governor George Natembeya’s call for residents to acquire legal land documents to avoid being found on the wrong side of the law.

She revealed that the county is working on collaboration with the National Land Commission and other relevant stakeholders on land titling program in areas of Khalaba, Shimo la Tewa, and Maridadi with consultants already deployed.

Source
: Kenya News Agency

The Kenya Medical, Practitioners and Dentist Council (KMPDC) has shut down 80 health facilities in Kajiado County over noncompliance to licensing regulations.

An additional 3 facilities have also been partially closed for not maintaining stipulated standards.

A total of 27 health practitioners operating at the facilities without proper licenses were also arrested in a crackdown conducted by both council officials and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Speaking in Kajiado town Friday, KMPDC Chief Executive Officer David Kariuki revealed that a total of 368 out of the 428 registered health facilities had already been inspected and the exercise was still on going to ensure that all facilities have complied with the set standards.

‘Some of the facilities closed were operating below the stipulated standards, others were either unregistered or unlicensed, while others had employed persons that were unregistered or unlicensed, ‘he said.

Dr Kariuki emphasised that KMPDC stands fir
m in its mission to regulate medical practitioners and facilities to ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all Kenyans.

He warned that legal action will be taken against health practitioners operating without valid licenses issued by the council.

County Executive Committee Member for Health Alex Kilowua, reiterated the county government’s commitment towards providing quality and accessible health care.

Kilowua applauded KMPDC for conducting the inspection exercise adding that private health facilities operating without the required licenses and set standards were putting the lives of Kenyans at risk.

‘We have seen many people masquerading as licensed health practitioners and putting the lives of Kenyans at risk. We are happy with the ongoing inspection and will be keen to ensure that legal action is taken against them to deter others,’ he added.

Kilowua further called for the inspection of public hospitals to ensure that they are compliant with health standards set by the council.

Source: Ken
ya News Agency