Day: March 23, 2024

Murang’a County government has partnered with all local water firms to increase water coverage in the county by investing hugely in last mile connections.

Deputy Governor Stephen Munania has observed that in the last financial year, Sh35 million was utilized to support last water connectivity.

In the amount, Munania said every ward was allocated Sh1 million where some areas benefited with boreholes.

‘Last financial year, the county utilized Sh35 million which was shared among the 35 wards. 11 boreholes were drilled as the administration facilitated piping the water to local homesteads. Water coverage in Murang’a currently stands at 60 percent with some areas having more coverage than others. In the next financial year, more funds will be allocated to the water sector to ensure every part gets water,’ he added.

Munania spoke at Mukerenju grounds in Kandara during the county’s celebrations to mark International Water Day.

He said the county administration would partner with local water companies among othe
r shareholders to increase and rehabilitate water infrastructure which would facilitate increase of water coverage.

Gitugi MCA Edward Mwangi and chairperson of the local County Assembly’s Committee for Water and Sanitation noted that the ward representatives would push more funds to be allocated to the water sector.

‘We want every ward to be allocated more than Sh5 million in the next financial year. This will boost water coverage especially to semi-arid areas of the county,’ he added.

Managing directors of the local water companies who attended the event promised to work together with the county government to increase water coverage.

Managing Director of Murang’a Water and Sanitation Company (Muwasco), Eng. Daniel Ng’ang’a said his firm has kicked off water supply to areas in Maragua sub county.

He noted after his company was given the mandate to manage Maragua dam, water coverage at Maragua town and its environs currently stands at 40 percent and by June this year, the coverage would rise to more than
60 percent.

‘Muwasco has attained about 120 percent water coverage at Murang’a town and its environs but now we have an extended area of jurisdiction covering parts of Murang’a South Sub County and we have embarked to supply water to areas including Maragua town, Maragua ridge, Kamahuha, Kambiti among other areas,’ he explained.

On her part, Mary Nyagah, Managing Director of Murang’a South Water and Sanitation Company (Muswasco) said her company, which covers three sub counties namely Kandara, Kigumo and Murang’a South, has managed to attain about 60 percent water coverage.

She revealed that the firm is currently implementing water projects worth Sh2 billion noting once completed, water coverage would rise to about 90 percent.

Murang’a West Water Company Managing Director Ephantus Kamau observed that efforts to increase water coverage were frustrated by vandalism of water infrastructure.

He called upon relevant authorities to help in curbing vandalism of water pipes among other infrastructure which has l
ed residents to go for days without water.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kericho residents have been urged to formally lodge complaints against advocates who engage in professional misconduct to the Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC) for disciplinary action.

In a sensitization forum held at the Kericho Teachers Training College, participants were enlightened on the mandate of the Advocates and Complaints Commission which is under the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice and is responsible for receiving, investigating, promoting, reconciliation and prosecuting complaints made against an advocate.

While making his presentation at the forum, ACC Commissioner Mr. Peter Nyaga explained the types of complaints that could be reported to the commission, which included situations where an advocate withholds clients’ funds, failure to account a client, failure to keep a client informed, issuing cheques which are subsequently dishonoured, adding that the latter is also a criminal offence.

The Commissioner further said that failure by an advocate to honour a professi
onal undertaking, delay in prosecuting or finalizing a client’s matter, failure to reply to correspondences from professional colleagues, overcharging the client, failure to attend court, conflict of interest among others could be reported to the Commission for disciplinary action to be taken against the advocate.

‘Services are free of charge and we aim to inspire greater public confidence in the legal profession and so anyone aggrieved can lodge a complaint as soon as possible, when the evidence is still fresh,’ added Nyaga.

The Commissioner revealed that in the last financial year 2022-2023, a total of 2,863 clients were successfully attended to and disciplinary action taken against errant advocates, while, this financial year 2023-2024, so far, a total of 1584 clients have been attended to.

During the forum, participants were sensitized on how to deal with advocates professionally by ensuring all instructions and communications were in writing, and also ensuring a clear agreement on fees and mode of pay
ment was well stipulated in writing.

‘Also agree on meeting times and venues in writing, agree on the scope of advocate engagement in writing and always ask to retain copies of all documents and communications as well as payment receipts,’ said Nyaga

The participants were also taken through the process on how to lodge a complaint with the Commission which starts by obtaining a help form online (www.acc.go.ke) then filling the form and attaching identification documents and other evidence supporting the complaint, then submitting a signed and scanned help-form to acc@ag.go.ke.

Types of cases the Commission cannot handle include those relating to negligence of advocates in the discharge of their duties and complaints against judicial officers and State Counsels.

Others in attendance were ACC Commissioner Mweni Kalola, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), representatives of the youth, among other government officials.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Boda Boda operators in Uasin Gishu County have received a huge boost through training and award of licences by the Kenya Roads Board (KRB), County government and other partners like Kenya Red Cross.

The training and licensing process served to refine and authorize individuals to operate on the roads legally especially for some who may have harboured fears or hesitations about venturing into town due to the lack of licenses.

In his speech during the launch of the training and licencing programme for Boda Boda operators in the county at the Eldoret Sports Club, Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim acknowledged the sector as one of the largest in the progressive county, providing meaningful employment to over 20,000 industrious youths.

‘It continues to attract more young individuals who aspire to make meaningful contributions to their families. Their tireless effort is evident in their endeavours to ensure food security, with research indicating that four out of every ten households benefit from their s
ervices,’ he noted.

He lauded the training session and the subsequent award of licenses to 1,000 boda boda members, drawn from all wards by the Kenya Roads Board, as a collaborative effort with government agencies to empower our youth.

He warned the operators that acquiring a license does not confer upon them the liberty to flout traffic regulations; rather, it empowered them to comply with the rules set forth by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

‘We are all aware that many accidents occurring nationwide could have been prevented if traffic rules and regulations were strictly adhered to. Therefore, it is imperative to emphasize the paramount importance of full compliance,’ alluded the governor.

Dr. Chelilim affirmed that his administration accords a high value to the sector due to its pivotal role in both employment and mobility.

He added that they have implemented a reduction in the monthly sticker fees for this vital sector. Operators within the CBD now pay Sh400 down from Sh600, whil
e those outside the town paid Sh200, reduced from Sh300 as a way to support economic stability.

With regard to infrastructure development, the governor said his administration remained steadfast in its commitment to enhancing the quality of roads while prioritizing safety through compliance and enforcement of wearing of safety gears like reflectors with stage identifications and helmets

Additionally, huge investments have also been allocated to constructing boda boda shades across the county to provide protection from adverse weather conditions.

The County Boss hinted on e-mobility through the adoption of electric motorcycles noting that efforts were underway to enhance and support infrastructure, including the installation of charging ports, to further bolster the sector’s sustainability.

He called on them to consider forming or joining cooperatives for collective advancement since unity among members would facilitate access to affordable loans from the county.

‘So far, we have financed 33 active boda b
oda SACCOs with a total of Sh19.7 million resulting in exemplary performance by many. Notably, individuals who previously did not own motorcycles now proudly own their own, thanks to the support provided,’ said Dr. Chelilim.

He commended the Kibagenge Boda Boda Cooperative Society as an outstanding example, which has expanded its operations to include a successful hotel business in town alongside their primary activities.

The team received funding of Sh3 million for asset financing and has also utilized it to purchase 14 motorbikes.

‘Cooperatives have played a vital role in reducing crime in our county and as we strive to attain city status this year, your sector will be instrumental in branding and facilitating mobility for our citizens,’ he noted.

Source: Kenya News Agency

First lady Rachel Ruto has donated water tanks to 26 schools in Kajiado West constituency to enable them have access to clean drinking water.

Speaking in Kisaju Primary School during an event to mark the World Water Day, the First Lady underscored the importance of access to clean water in schools, as it directly impacts students’ health, hygiene, and academic performance.

Mrs. Ruto reiterated that by providing water tanks to schools, learners were relieved of the burden of water scarcity and this contributed to school enrollment retention and transition, in line with the 100% transition policy of Government,’ she added.

‘Access to clean water is essential to the health and well-being of our communities. Schoolchildren require access to water to reduce the time they spend walking long distances to collect it,’ she said.

She added that the water tanks would also enable the schools to establish fruit and vegetable gardens to supplement learners’ diets and provide practical training to support the Competency
-Based Curriculum.

The First Lady further committed to improving the welfare of learners by working with leaders and partners to ensure all public primary and secondary schools have sufficient clean drinking water through the provision of water tanks, boreholes, wells, and water pans.

Mrs. Ruto further called on Kajiado residents to plant trees so as to conserve the environment and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

She said that in order to achieve the President’s directive of planting 15 billion trees by 2032, every Kenyan must start by planting trees in the homes.

Other leaders present during the function include Kajiado West MP George Sunkuiya, Woman Representative Leah Sankaire among other leaders.

World Water Day, marked on March 2 every year since 1993, is a United Nations Observance focusing on the importance of freshwater.

It seeks to draw attention to the global water crisis and raise awareness of the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

Source: Kenya News Age
ncy

As the world celebrated World Water Day on March 22, 2024, the agro-pastoral communities of Northern Kenya marked the event at Sera Park in Kiirua, Meru County, emphasizing the importance of water conservation in fostering peace and stability among communities.

During the event, a significant milestone was marked with the launch of a water synthesis report conducted in Laikipia, Meru, and Isiolo counties.

With the key message, ‘Where is Our Water Stock,’ this report aims to address the critical issue of water scarcity in the region and the need to conserve the precious commodity.

The key goal of the report is to highlight that water is a scarce resource in the region and that collaborative efforts were essential from all stakeholders, including government agencies, farmers, communities, and water users, to safeguard and conserve the resource.

Meru County Executive Committee Member for Water, Irrigation, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Eng. Jackson Muthamia said it was the responsibilit
y of every resident within the region to make good use of the resource.

‘As the World celebrates World Water Day, let us all recognize that water is a diminishing resource in this region. As the Meru County Government we will work with all stakeholders to ensure this resource is shared, used, and harnessed equitably,’ said Mr Muthamia.

Echoing this sentiment, Chief Programmes and Partnerships Officer at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy John Kinoti said that as custodians of natural resources, it was the responsibility of everyone to protect and conserve water sources for future generations.

‘By working together, we can mitigate the effects of water scarcity and contribute to a more peaceful and sustainable future,’ he said.

He added, ‘We have realised that our rainfall, groundwater and surface water data is alarming and that is the reason we are calling on everyone to take collective responsibility to ensure that our plans towards harnessing water is achieved’.

‘The responsibility is for everyone and we mus
t account for water so that we can have a better future. We have lost the direction because of over-abstraction, overuse, and failure to follow the laid-out procedure of abstraction and also the utilisation of water,’ he added.

‘We thank all the stakeholders for their immense support to see that everybody can access some water and we must be able to remain very close to each other,’ said Kinoti.

Representing the Water Resource Authority, the Sub Regional Water Resources Manager Taratishu Kinyua affirmed that water is a shared resource that transcends boundaries and jurisdictions.

‘Through collaborative efforts and effective water governance, we can address the challenges of water scarcity and promote peace and stability in our region. Through initiatives like the water synthesis report, we can raise awareness and mobilize action towards sustainable water management practice,’ said Kinyua.

The World Water Day celebrations provide an opportunity for communities, governments, and organizations to come togeth
er and renew their commitment to water conservation and peace-building efforts.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde has declared an ‘all-out war’ on illicit drugs and illicit liquor in the coastal county.

CC Orinde says anti-narcotics operations would be intensified in the six sub counties of Kwale to ensure the region is cleansed of drugs and illegal brews.

Orinde spoke to the press at the Kwale Cultural Centre after chairing a security meeting attended by chiefs, assistant chiefs, assistant county commissioners, and deputy county commissioners and local police chiefs.

‘As national government administrative officers, we are on high alert and the security agencies have been directed to ratchet up the fight against drug and substance abuse and illicit beer by the youth and some adults,’ he said.

He vowed that police would go undercover to infiltrate drug networks to gather vital intelligence for sting operations and urged the public to report individuals who they suspect are involved in drug dealing saying the ‘more information we receive the more action we can take to disrupt an
d stop the supply of hard drugs’

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Government Spokesperson Mwanaisha Chidzuga and the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) Coast Regional Manager George Karissa.

According to NACADA, hundreds of youth were addicted to drugs in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu counties and substance abuse continued to be a challenge for the security agencies.

The anti-drug agency says the alarming rate of hard drug use among the youth in the region has assumed a worrisome dimension despite persistent campaigns against the social vice.

Orinde who is also the Chairman of the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) called on area residents to take a stand against the menace of illicit drugs and toxic bootleg beer.

The County Administrator says that security personnel in the county have been directed to scale up the war against illicit drugs and bootleg liquor and warned that those found perpetuating the vice would be dealt with severely reg
ardless of their station in life.

He vowed that the operation would not spare chiefs, security officers and civil servants who will be found complicit in illicit brews and the trafficking of hard drugs.

‘We urge the youth to desist from drug and substance abuse and bootleg beer as it brings about personal tragedies and leads one to commit all manner of crimes,’ he said adding that the government would be adopting a proactive measure in tackling the drug menace in the region.

Chidzuga expressed concern that the majority of the youth in the coastal region were dependent on hard drugs and imbibed bootleg beer, a scenario she said wasted their productive years instead of being meaningfully engaged in nation building endeavours.

Chidzuga called on the stakeholders to join hands in waging war against drug abuse and trafficking in the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu which she said were in the grip of a drug abuse crisis.

She cautioned the youth against indulging in drug abuse, alcoholism and
its related dangers so as to grow up as responsible citizens.

‘We want all the stakeholders to commit to addressing the drug and illicit beer menace in the coastal region which could potentially derail the country’s socio-economic progress, she noted.

She said that the coastal counties risked losing a whole generation to drugs and substance and cautioned stakeholders from apportioning blame and focus on how to stem the drug problem that posed a threat to the economic and social stability of the country.

Source: Kenya News Agency