Day: March 16, 2024

Siaya governor James Orengo has lauded local farmers’ efforts in ensuring attains its goal of becoming food-secure

He said this during a flagging-off ceremony at the County headquarters where farmers were to receive subsidies.

The subsidies project led by the County is also complemented by the National Fertilizer Subsidy where the County Government of Siaya has contributed Sh.166,000,000 towards the program which is expected to provide 110,000 bags of fertilizers to farmers through the e-voucher system.

The County subsidies are estimated at Shs.54 million bringing the value of support to farmers to Kshs.69M consisting of Tractor Hire Services valued at Sh.15,000,000, Fertilizers worth Sh.19,000,000 and Sh.35,000,000 in Certified Seeds.

Together with the e-Voucher National Scheme, farmers are set to benefit from at least Shs.230, 000,000 worth of subsidies, Sh.166, 000,000 being from the county.

Over 10,000 farmers are expected to access the provisions and subsidies leading to a general improvement in fa
rming output

Source: Kenya News Agency

A working session held Friday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Vocational Training and Employment, under the chairmanship of Minister Lotfi Dhiab, reviewed the progress made in the implementation of the IRADA “Regional Initiative to Support Sustainable Economic Development” programme.

The “Irada” programme aims to support 26 vocational training centres in eight governorates through financing agreements that will enable the creation of new training specialities in these centres, equip them and train the trainers, according to a press release issued on Saturday.

This programme aims to support the role of the private sector in the economic development of the regions and to develop vocational training in the public sector by financing the creation of new specialities in line with regional specificities and the needs of the labour market in terms of skills.

The Minister stressed the need to speed up the implementation of the planned projects within the deadlines set and with the required quality, stressi
ng the importance of these projects for the development and diversification of training provision.

The IRADA programme, implemented in partnership with the European Union, aims to contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic development and improve the employability of women and men in 8 pilot governorates (Gabes, Medenine, Gafsa, Kasserine, Sfax, Sidi Bouzid, Bizerte and Jendouba) through the creation of regional platforms for public-private dialogue.

It also aims to strengthen the private sector’s contribution to sustainable economic development in the target regions, to improve the quality and relevance of vocational training and employment support services in order to better meet the needs of the national and international labour markets, and to sustain the structured participation of regional stakeholders in private sector development and vocational training governance.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Narok County is set to roll out the Alternative Justice System (AJS) after the Court Users Committee (CUC) and AJS stakeholders completed the development of an action plan to guide its implementation.

The stakeholders led by Narok High Court Presiding Judge Justice Francis Gikonyo toured Nakuru courts for a benchmarking exercise where they were equipped on how to champion the implementation of the AJS policy.

The two-day forum was sponsored by the Narok County Government and attended by various stakeholders among them representatives from various groups that included: interfaith, Maasai Council of Elders, and the County Commissioner’s office.

The judiciary, Office of the Public Prosecution (ODPP), police, Law Society of Kenya (LSK), children’s office, probation office, National Lands Commission (NLC), media, women and youth groups were also represented.

A representative from the National Steering Committee on Implementation of AJS Ms. Jemimah Aluda reminded the stakeholders that AJS is anchored in the co
nstitution hence allowing for the diversion of cases from the court to AJS.

‘The panelists are selected depending on the case, and the information given during the process is kept confidential. The system is good as it provides a win-win situation,’ she said.

Ms. Aluda reiterated that each county has its model of implementing AJS as every region has unique beliefs, culture, and traditions that could influence decision-making.

However, she asked the stakeholders to take note of the cosmopolitan nature of Narok County and ensure they engage representatives from every ethnic group in a bid to have a fair representation of all justice seekers.

Justice Gikonyo asked the stakeholders to ensure AJS is successful in the county saying it is a perfect way of reducing backlogs of cases in the formal courts.

‘I want you, the stakeholders, to go back home and do a good job of sensitizing the public on AJS. If you do good work, you will be helping your community and will receive a reward from God,’ he said.

In case t
he parties under dispute do not agree, she said, the matter is referred to the formal court system.

Narok County Attorney Allan Meng’ati, who represented the county governor Patrick Ntutu said AJS is not in competition with the formal courts but both complement their duties to get justice for the seekers.

‘The cases registered in court are soaring every day. The cases registered in 2010 have increased ten times today. The only way we can live in cohesion and integration as a community is by resolving our issues through AJS because we have a win-win situation’ noted the county attorney.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The results of surveys and statistics carried out by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) reveal changes within Tunisian families in various areas and in their composition, including a reduction in number of family members from 5 in mid-1990s to less than 4 at present, or an average of 3.8 persons, said INS Director General Adnen Lassoued.

Speaking at a national symposium organised Saturday by the Ministry of the Family, Women, Children and the Elderly to mark Arab Human Rights Day on the theme of “The Tunisian family: national support and protection mechanisms”, he said that women’s fertility rates had fallen from around six children in the 1970s to less than two at present, while women’s age at marriage had risen from 24 in the 1980s to 30 now.

He said the institute’s 2023 census showed that the number of marriages had fallen from around 110,000 in 2014 to 77,000 last year, while the number of births had fallen from 225,000 to 160,000 over the same period.

The census also showed that 90.6% of preg
nant women underwent antenatal care in 2023, compared to 95.3% in 2018.

The percentage of newborns undergoing medical examinations decreased from 96.8% to 95.4% over the same period, according to the results of the census, which also revealed that 6 out of 10 newborns are not breastfed in the first hour after birth, contrary to World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations that children should be exclusively breastfed for six months.

The director general of the INS also noted that violence against children in the family has decreased compared to 2018, stating that 81% of children aged one to 14 were subjected to psychological and physical violence at least once in the family environment in 2023, describing this rate as “worrying”.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

Chief Justice Martha Koome was on Friday night feted with the African Female Leader of the Year Award 2023 at the African Persons of the Year Awards ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Koome was voted for her trailblazing leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, and for her accomplishments in the Judiciary, especially in improving access to justice, promoting gender equality within the legal system, and advancing judicial reforms to strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.

The African Persons of the Year Awards celebrate individuals who contribute significantly to the continent’s advancement, inspire the future, and positively transform the continent’s image on the global stage

Speaking at the ceremony, CJ Koome said the honor was not solely for her achievement but also symbolized the collective dedication and resilience of individuals striving for excellence throughout the continent.

‘This award is not mine alone to claim. It is an accolade that I dedicate wholeheartedly to the institution
I am privileged to lead, the Judiciary of Kenya,’ she said.

Koome said the recognition shines a light on the Judiciary’s collective endeavor to establish a truly people-centered justice system and a system that is responsive and attuned to the needs, experiences, and expectations of the Kenyan people, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, the Chief Justice also stressed the importance of rededicating efforts to Africa’s development, fostering a culture of excellence, and establishing systems and institutions that serve the interests of all.

‘This recognition spurs us to persist in our pursuit of leadership excellence and to relentlessly enhance the quality of service delivery by our institutions,’ she stated and called on all the Judiciaries across the continent to continue working for the advancement of the continent and its people.

She recommitment to the cause of Africa’s development, which calls for nurturing a culture of excellence, and building
of systems and institutions that truly work for the benefit of the people, noting that while working together the continent can forge a brighter and prosperous future for Africa.

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete was also feted with the African Peace and Security Leader of the Year and Congressional award while Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the Group Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Nigeria Limited was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Banking.

The African Persons of the Year Ceremony is a flagship annual event of the African Leadership Magazine, which has been held consecutively over the past 12 years, where policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and all stakeholders from across Africa and the rest of the world converge to discuss challenges facing Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.

Past winners of the African Persons of the Year Awards include former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, President Paul
Kagame of Rwanda, Sudanese Businessman Mo Ibrahim, Atiku Abubakar and Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director General, World Health Organization.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A training centre for dairy production and processing was inaugurated on Friday at the head office of the Tunisian Association for the Beja Cheese Festival and Heritage Promotion in Nefza.

Thanks to this project, some 120 women and young people will be able to benefit from substantial training each year and increase their employment opportunities.

The project, which falls under the Japanese programme Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), consists in fitting out the association’s premises and providing the equipment needed for training in dairy processing techniques, according to a press release issued by Japan’s embassy in Tunis.

The goal is also to improve the quality and diversification of products, which will stabilise the incomes of dairy farmers and contribute to the sustainable development of the dairy sector in Beja.

At the inauguration ceremony, Japan’s ambassador to Tunisia Takeshi Osuga voiced wish that the centre would “give hope to women and young people, and that the
y will all become supporters of the friendly relations binding Japan and Tunisia.”

The GGP aims to achieve economic and social development in developing countries based on the philosophy of ensuring human security, and providing the necessary funding for relatively small-scale activities in a way that directly benefit inhabitants at a grass-roots level.

Since 1996, 139 projects under this grant have been implemented throughout Tunisia in various fields, according to the Japanese embassy.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

A day-long sensitization forum was held for over 140 youth from Soin Sigowet Sub-County in Kericho County, focusing on financial literacy, access to financial products, and business formalization.

During the forum that was conducted courtesy of the Youth Enterprise and Development Fund in partnership with Equity Bank, the youth were encouraged to form business groups and get registered to access the financial products that would enable them to start profitable businesses.

The Youth Enterprise Development Manager Morris Ondiek who was present said, that for the youth to access funds for business, they need to belong to registered groups and have an active bank account adding that the membership of the group should be at least five with 70 percent of the members comprising of youth aged between 18-35.

Mr. Ondiek informed youth about the Youth Enterprise Development Fund’s mandate, which offers loans, market support, linkages, trading facilities, and job opportunities for youth-owned enterprises.

‘We are en
couraging the youth to actively apply for Youth Enterprise Development fund which offers youth Group loans and individuals, companies, and partnership loans as its products.’ Said Mr. Ondiek

The Youth Enterprise Development Manager encourages youth to identify income-generating projects like agriculture, livestock rearing, fish farming, and poultry to ensure well-invested funding with a 5% interest rate.

Mr. Ondiek highlighted the affordability and convenience of a Ksh.100, 000 loan for youth groups, offering repayment options within 12 months at a 5% interest rate. Speaking to KNA, the Kericho County Credit Officer Mr. Victor Langat revealed that so far this year more than 20 youth groups engaging in agribusiness had benefitted from the funds calling on more youth groups to apply for the loans.

Mr. Langat attributed an improvement in loan repayment in the County to frequent sensitization forums that have increased awareness of financial literacy among the youth. ‘Youth groups now understand debt, credit s
core, record-keeping, savings, and investments through forums, monthly training, and awareness of good debt and credit score.’ Added Mr. Langat

Youth Enterprise Development Fund is one of Vision 2030’s flagship projects under the social pillar, established mainly to address challenges faced by youth unemployment with its main aim of turning youth into job creators.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Kapsowar are rallying for the permanent closure of bars within the town, citing a range of societal and moral issues associated with their operation.

During a recent public participation forum held in Kapsowar town, citizens voiced their unanimous demand for the continued closure of these establishments. They raised poignant concerns, with many asserting that the proliferation of bars had adversely impacted their families and the community at large.

‘The joints have made our children and husbands slaves to alcohol,’ remarked one resident, reflecting a sentiment echoed by many.

‘We see the devastating effects firsthand, with some individuals unable to function for days due to excessive drinking.’

Residents also pointed out that many bars failed to comply with regulations mandating a minimum distance of 300 meters from schools, churches, and residential areas.

Furthermore, they criticized the establishments for disregarding stipulated opening and closing times, exacerbating disturbances in th
e neighborhood.

However, the proprietors of these bars are not conceding without a fight. They are advocating for a comprehensive reevaluation process, arguing that not all establishments engage in unlawful practices.

‘Our livelihoods depend on these businesses, providing sustenance for our families,’ emphasized Benjamin Kipkorir the chairman of the bar owners association.

‘We urge authorities to address issues with specific bars selling illicit alcohol rather than penalizing all,’ he added.

The debate has also drawn attention from various community stakeholders. The Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) threw its weight behind the closure, citing the detrimental impact of alcoholism on educators and students alike.

Religious leaders echoed similar sentiments, viewing the closure as a step towards combating societal ills.

‘Closure of the bars is an answered prayer,’ remarked Robert Chesorwo, AIC pastor. We must continue on this path to safeguard our families and our values.

Father Benjamin Kanda of t
he Catholic Church emphasized the need to address underlying issues of greed fueling the alcohol trade. ‘Let us fight the origin of the issue, not just the end,’ he urged, highlighting the importance of holistic approaches to tackling substance abuse.

Marakwet West Deputy County Commissioner (DCC), John Chirchir, assured the community that all bars would undergo rigorous inspection and vetting to ensure compliance with regulations.

‘Community interest overrides individual interest,’ he stated. ‘We encourage anyone with pertinent information to come forward and contribute to the process.’

Chirchir also urged families to seek help for those struggling with addiction, suggesting rehabilitation centers in Iten as a resource for support.

‘We want everyone to stay sober, but ultimately, it’s a personal choice,’ he remarked.

The DCC expressed optimism that upcoming transfers in police personnel would aid in the enforcement of regulations.

‘With new officers unfamiliar with the market players, the fight against
illegal alcohol sales will be strengthened,’ he concluded.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Computer Aid has established SolarHub at Alhuda Muslim Primary School, providing free 9-month boot camp training in coding and programming for all ages.

Martin Kuria, an ICT trainer with Computer Aid, highlights their partnership with schools, technology donation to remote areas, local community training, and their use of SolarHub for sustainability.

‘Computer aid involves donating technology to local communities and training local leaders. High schools donate technology and manage computer labs. Kajiado has a sustainable SolarHub with laptops and desktops for trainees,’ revealed Martin.

Martin stated that the Kajiado boot camp, which started with three trainees, is expanding, with the trainer having the freedom to choose and schedule classes. ‘The hub has received 9 trainees, including high school students and university graduates, and is open to anyone, with the trainer determining the training schedule,’ added Martin.

Apart from the boot camp, the trainees are planning to play a part in environmental
conservation where they have formed groups that will visit various schools in Kajiado, offer computer training, and plant trees. ‘Trainees are using a hub for innovation and have established a club to target four schools for coding training and tree planting. Clubs will also care for the trees,’ said Martin.

Reuben Nkukuu, a computer programming and coding student at Maseno University, believes he can positively impact the community by educating them about technology. ‘After three years of learning, we realized the importance of disseminating computer essentials to everyone, addressing technology’s emerging issues, and enhancing daily activities in society,’ pointed Nkukuu.

Nkukuu reported positive feedback from trainees at the Kajiado boot camp, expecting more as they progress and predicting self-improvement through the hub. ‘At the end of the boot camp I would be happy to see trainees able to pick up their web development career journeys and be able to disseminate the knowledge to others courtesy of Solar
Hub’, added Nkukuu.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Data from the Ministry of Agriculture shows that that farmers in Kenya in 2020 reared a total population of nearly 58 million birds, an increase from 44 million in 2016 most of them being indigenous chickens.

Over 80 percent of these are Indigenous breeds which include; Rhode Island Red, Light Sussex, New Hampshire Red, Black Australorps, and White leghorns, Plymouth Rock among others.

The poultry sub-sector contributes about 6.1 percent to the livestock sector’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 2.3 percent of the Agriculture GDP and 0.7 percent of the National GDP.

Poultry farming in Kenya is a profitable business if well-planned and executed. Approximately 67 percent of Kenya’s population live in rural areas, with the majority of households practicing either small-scale chicken farming for subsistence.

However, some of these farmers are not exploiting the full potential of their ventures, as a result of a lack of proper training and capacity building to ensure they reap maximum profits from this business.

I
t is for this reason that the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) delved into studies and research to develop appropriate breeds of chicken that can thrive in different climatic conditions as well as improve production.

According to Martin Macharia, a research technologist at KALRO station in Naivasha, to alleviate the challenges faced by farmers, the institution developed ‘KALRO improved Kienyeji chicken that is more productive and takes less time to mature.

Macharia explains that the dual-purpose breed that can be reared for both egg and meat production matures in four and half months compared to the typical indigenous breed that takes up to six months.

Macharia reveals that the typical kienyeji chicken lays an average of 80 eggs per year but the new breed can lay up to 280 eggs per annum which is three times the indigenous breed, making it more productive.

Aside from laying more eggs, the KALRO improved species produce eggs that weigh an average of 60 grams per egg, two times
heavier than the normal kienyeji egg that weighs 30 grams, with a tray retailing at Sh. 1,000.

Macharia says that a mature cock can weigh up to 3.5kg while a cockerel weighs 2.8 kg in live weight making it a profitable venture when rearing this type of chicken for meat.

Poultry diseases pose a great challenge to any farmer hence making it vital to ensure safety measures are in place at any given time to protect the birds from contracting infections. Some of the common poultry diseases include fowl pox, Newcastle disease, and infectious bronchitis, among others.

One notable advantage of the KALRO-improved kienyeji as Macharia points out is the disease-resistant nature of this breed, which saves the farmer the hustle of having to spend a lot of money on treatment and eliminating the worry of losing the whole flock of chicken in the event of a disease outbreak.

According to the research technologist, 80 percent of the cost of production in poultry farming goes to feeding which poses a great challenge to farm
ers due to the high cost of feeds.

To curb this challenge, KALRO developed Utafiti feeds which are highly nutritious and cheaper compared to the available options in the market.

Feeding technology is also a major factor in determining the amount of feed a farmer uses, with Macharia noting that the KALRO invention of the ‘Naivasha long feeder’ trough has greatly minimized feed wastage.

The feeder that is one meter long has a folded 28-gauge iron sheet on top together with a cover that prevents the feed from spilling over during the feeding process, hence reducing feed wastage.

As part of capacity building, KALRO also developed a four-day course that aims at equipping farmers with the knowledge of how to develop their feed from selecting of ingredients, feed formulation, and storage.

The know-how acquired from this training has greatly helped poultry many farmers reduce the cost of production from 80 to 50 percent.

The KALRO improved kienyeji chicken consumes an average of 140 grams of feed per day with M
acharia advising farmers to ensure 60 percent is made up of commercial feed to ensure a balanced diet for proper nutrition in your birds.

Macharia notes that those interested in venturing into poultry farming can acquire this breed from KALRO and then get day-old chicks costing Sh. 110 each while a one-month-old chick goes for Sh. 280 from the institution.

For farmers who want to crossbreed and improve their chicken breed, a mature cock is available at KALRO at Sh. 1, 400. Indeed, poultry framing is the way to go as its cost-effective as well as less labor-intensive as compared to the larger livestock. This kind of farming can also be done in a very small space and, hence can also be done in urban areas to help stem food insecurity.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Defending national Rugby 15th champions, Butula School will lead Busia County in Term One games of the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association Games at Chavakali High School in Vihiga County starting March 23, 2024.

Butula will represent the county in handball boys and rugby boys. They emerged champions of the Busia County Games during the finals held at Sigalame High School.

Butula are the rugby boys, champions after whitewashing All Saints 38-0 in last year’s finals of the KSSSA games.

They are in pool, A which is dubbed the ‘pool of death.’ The group includes national 7th champions Koyonzo and runners-up Chavakali from Vihiga County and Kimobo from Bungoma County.

In handball, Butula emerged overall champion after beating Kolanya Boys in the final. They repeated the same feat in rugby after beating St Mary’s Mundika Boys in the final match. They will also be represented at the regional games in drama at Friends School Kamusinga.

Former basketball boys’ national finalists Sigalame will represent the
region as top finishers after beating Butula in the final match.

Kolanya Boys emerged as hockey boys’ champions after beating Mundika in the final. Two teams in each discipline will represent the county at the regional qualifies.

Salvation Army Aboloi Secondary emerged as handball girls’ champions after beating St Joseph Chakol in the final to lead the county at the regional games as champions.

Salvation Army Kolanya Girls National School was crowned basketball champions after their victory over St Cecilia Nangina Girls in the final.

Kingandole took the hockey girls’ crown after edging Nangina Girls in a thrilling final to see the two teams book tickets for the regional games.

Musingu from Kakamega County will also feature at the regional games as the national hockey champions. They achieved the feat last year after beating St Anthony Kitale 1-0 in the final match. Tigoi from Vihiga County lost 0-1 to Nyamira Girls in the hockey girls’ final.

National basketball champions Butere Girls will be featured a
t the regional games by also being the national champions. They beat Kaya Tiwi from Coast 51- 21.

The regional games will see the resurgence of former national handball champions St Luke’s Kimilili Boys and Moi Girls Kimilili, and former national hockey girls champions St Cecilia Misikhu Girls.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education State Department for Basic Education has ordered the stoppage of zonal competitions for Term II games.

‘It has come to our attention that some sub-counties in the region are planning to commence zonal competitions for secondary schools Term II games,’ Regional Director of Education Western Region, Jaredo Obiero said.

Obiero noted that the sanctioning of the games will cause confusion and a heavy burden to the schools, which are now actively involved in science fair, drama, and Term I Sports.

The director told those planning for the zonal competitions to stop and plan them from the beginning of Term II.

‘However, schools are allowed to continue with their internal practices and
engage in friendly matches,’ Obiero said in the letter copied to the Principal Secretary State Department for Basic Education.

Source: Kenya News Agency