Day: April 2, 2024

Easter festivities in Makueni County turned tragic last night when a grisly road accident involving five vehicles claimed the lives of 10 travellers along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway.

At least eleven other passengers were hospitalized with serious injuries during the macabre accident that occurred in Mukaa Sub County along a steep stretch at Mlima Kiu where the four vehicles were involved in a multiple collision.

Preliminary reports into the incident indicated that a driver of a lorry ferrying sand lost control of the truck while speeding downhill on the overtaking lane hitting a series of three oncoming vehicles.

According to police reports nine passengers succumbed to their injuries on the spot while a baby who was among casualties rushed to various hospitals was pronounced dead on arrival at the nearby Sultan Hamud Hospital.

Sultan Hamud Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Jane Mwende who spoke to KNA on phone confirmed that the facility registered ten bodies at the morgue and at least eleven casualtie
s of the ghastly accident.

‘We received nine bodies from the accident scene including three women, four men and 2 juveniles. However, another baby died at the hospital where we were tending to eleven other casualties’ majority of whom sustained head injuries and fractures,’ she said

Dr. Mwende disclosed that six of the patients were however were transferred to Makindu hospital for specialized care while three others were taken by their relatives to a Nakuru hospital last night

‘We mobilized ambulances from Makindu, Kilungu and Sultan Hamud to ferry the injured to various hospitals for treatment as our capacity was overstretched to handle the emergency.’ She said.

Dr. Mwende confirmed that six of the accident victims were referred to Makindu Sub county hospital where preliminary examinations indicated that they were in critical condition save for one who was fortunately stabilized.

‘Most of the casualties suffered head injuries, fractures and were suspect some had internal injuries but we have one patient
whose condition is now stable,’ she added.

Police reports indicates that the road accident involving five vehicles occurred at Mlima Kiu when a vehicle registration number KBC 564M Isuzu FSR coming from Nairobi direction hit a matatu Toyota Hiace reg. KDK 259U of Spanish Sacco after the driver failed to contain the heavily loaded truck on his lane.

Other vehicles involved in the sequence of head on collision with the lorry included a Toyota Hiace Reg. KCW 510C of Naekana Sacco, KDD 028Y/ZG6996 Howo Trailer and KCJ 838K Toyota Saloon.

Earlier efforts to get more details on the fatal accident information from the Makueni Police Commander Alice Kimeli turned futile as she referred the members of the press to the regional police commander.

The wreckage of the vehicles were towed to Salama police station while the death bodies were taken to Sultan Hamud Hospital mortuary for preservation awaiting autopsy.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Communication Authority CA) of Kenya has issued a public notice on the implementation of 4th Edition of programming code for broadcasting services in the country.

The Programming Code will further be supported by Broadcasting Sector Guidelines based on industry needs and requirements.

In the Notice issued today signed by the Director General David Mugonyi, the authority has reviewed Programming Code that was arrived at through a public consultation process and gazetted on 8th March 2024 via Kenya Gazette notice No. 2726 in Kenya Gazette Vol. CXXVI No.29.

‘The comments received informed the final 4th Edition of the Programming Code which is now available for free download on the Authority’s website https://www.ca.go.ke/market-structure’, the notice said

In the order paper, all broadcasting licensees are therefore required to comply with the provisions of the Programming Code to ensure that as a public resource, broadcasting platforms at all times maintain a standard that is acceptable to all sections o
f the Kenyan community.

Further, the DG has advised broadcasting licensees to ensure compliance with the said Programming Code as such compliance will form part of the basis for issuance of Annual Compliance Certificates and license renewals.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) is the regulatory agency for the ICT industry in Kenya with responsibilities in telecommunications, e-commerce, cyber security, broadcasting and postal/courier services.

The CA is also responsible for managing the country’s numbering and frequency spectrum resources, administering the Universal Service Fund (USF) as well as protecting interests of users of ICT services.

The Authority is vested with the responsibility of promoting and facilitating the development of the broadcasting industry in Kenya. This includes setting standards for the time and manner of programmes to be broadcast by ALL licensees as provided for under Section 46H (1) of Kenya Information and Communications Act, 1998 (as amended).

The Act empowers the
Authority to prescribe, review and ensure compliance with the Programming Code. The dynamic nature of broadcasting necessitated the review of the Programming Code to incorporate the broadcasting content requirements for both free-to-air and subscription service providers. These provisions shall be applicable to ALL broadcasting licensees.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is optimistic that the nation’s prospect towards the realization of a sound economic stability and prosperity could be only be achieved when the country fully exploited her entrepreneurship potentials.

Nyoro told the Entrepreneurship Hub Africa 2024 forum at Mount Kenya University (MKU) in

Thika said policies on diverse fields as finance, Technology and Agriculture should be tailored to create a productive environment for entrepreneurship in the country.

He cited major economies like South Korea that devised similar strategies only later to become financial giant in the global scene have grown due to the support given by their governments to entrepreneurs.

‘Kenya is not going to be changed by its leaders, but it’s going to be changed by entrepreneurs. The leaders can only create and amend policies to help the people do business and improve the economy,’ he said.

He also urged the government to put more effort in promoting entrepreneurship by creating a culture that values and supp
orts it. This can be done through public awareness campaigns and by recognizing and celebrating the contributions of entrepreneurs.

Nyoro added that the governments can help by providing funds through grants, loans and other financial incentives to eligible businesses.

He quipped that notable global brands like Hyundai grew internationally due to the financial support they received from their governments.

‘If the government were to use public money to support entrepreneurs in the county, as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Budget Committee I’d allocate that money tomorrow. The government should make a way for people to make their money,’

EALA MP Maina Karobia who backed the proposal urged Kenyan investors and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the market in the East African Community to expand their business empires but demanded for the implementation of laws and removal of non-tariff barriers for ease of doing business.

‘The East African market is very huge with access to two oceans including the India
n and the Pacific oceans. This is an opportunity that business people in our country should seize.

We are urging them to ensure that the goods and products they manufacture have a regional appeal so that they can trade easily within the East African Community member states,’ Karobia said.

Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi who had accompanied the lawmakers at the forum challenged youths to exploit opportunities in the digital workspace including investing in digital currencies.

In the same breath, Itumbi vowed to challenge the State to allow World Coin back into the country noting that it will be of high value in the near future.

‘I hold that World Coin should come back to Kenya and I am going to put up a fight in all relevant tables to ensure the same. When it was banned in the country, it was going for Ksh7. Today World Coin is going for ksh48 and maybe in a year or so it will be above Ksh1000,’ Itumbi said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Security teams in Elgeyo Marakwet are meeting in Chesongoch to address the spates of banditry attacks and raids that has plagued the region in recent times

The crucial meeting that brought stakeholders from security sector was convened in Marakwet East to deliberate on ways of restoring lasting peace in the trouble the troubled county where several schools were closed and hundreds of families displaced due toinsecurity.

Speaking to the press, Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner, John Korir, highlighted the importance of the meeting amid recent calm, highlighting the urgent need for action following cattle theft and loss of lives.

Korir highlighted the implementation of the President’s directive to relocate police posts closer to the Kerio River to enhance security measures. ‘We have successfully relocated the police posts, completing about 70% of the assigned tasks,’ Korir stated.

‘Additionally, we have constructed access roads to these newly established posts and camps, ensuring they are readily accessib
le. However, further work including adding murram and drainage systems is ongoing.’

The commissioner emphasized the effectiveness of the newly established posts in enhancing security and cautioned against complacency. ‘We urge all security wings to remain vigilant and collaborate in addressing the security challenges,’ he said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich Speaking during the security meeting held at Chesongoch Marakwet East Sub County

He added that Patrols will be intensified to safeguard the roads and ensure the safety of all residents. Thus, expressing gratitude to the public for their cooperation in recovering stolen cattle, Korir reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting both lives and property. Hence, the statement stated that 80% of the stolen cattle has been returned, with ongoing efforts to recover the remaining ones.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor, Wisley Rotich underscored the importance of a prompt response to insecurity issues. He urged residents to collaborate with law enforce
ment agencies and promote peace within the community. ‘We must all work together to ensure the safety of our region,’ the governor emphasized.

Furthermore, the governor pledged to prioritize infrastructure development, particularly road construction. He further announced plans for localized meetings involving professionals, local leaders, and security personnel to foster lasting peace and eliminate banditry.

The speaker concluded plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to explore opportunities for expanding access roads, particularly in the Tiaty region of Kerio Valley.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministries of Education (MoE) and Environment, Climate Change and Forestry (MECCF) have expressed their determination to champion the growing of the 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme to raise the country’s tree cover to 30 percent.

The Ministry of Education is one of the key drivers of the 15billion National Tree growing programme which is a flagship government climate action initiative anchored by the 10-year National landscape ecosystem restoration strategy.

Addressing a joint press briefing at the Nairobi Arboretum on the Education sector’s contribution to the 15 billion National Tree growing programme, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu and his counterpart of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Soipan Tuya said the strategy seeks to raise Kenya’s tree cover by 17.8percent from the current 12percent to 30 percent by the year 2032.

The 30 percent will make a total of 10.6 million hectares of the created ecosystem and landscape across 11 intervention areas which the government s
eeks to restore.

Presenting the joint statement from the two Ministries, Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang said that with an estimated 17 million learners both at O’Level of learning, Early Childhood Development to Universities, and 6000 educators in Technical Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) institutions spread across the country, the government has a target of growing 35 million trees and producing 300 million seedlings annually.

Dr Kipsang said the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry is working with the government and society delivery framework which has made tremendous progress including development of the National Land scape ecosystem restoration strategy 2023-2032.

The framework also includes the construction of the new seed centres to increase the high quality of tree seedlings, establishing 15 billion National Tree Growing Programme and restoration of the secretariat headed by the coordinator and anchored at the state department for forestry, as well as the
development of forestry adaptation and tree growing initiative framework and overseeing the growing of over 300 million seedlings across the country.

The PS noted that the two ministries have resolved in an inter-ministerial meeting held on Tuesday to enhance the collaboration in tree growing of which the Ministry of Environment, Climate change and Forestry will ensure timely production and provision of 15,000kg of tree seeds annually to enable the Ministry of Education meet its seedling production target of 300milion.

He said that through the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and Kenya Research Institute the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry will provide the Ministry of Education with technical support on seedling production and tree growing.

‘The two ministries will jointly strengthen the coordination of tree growing and seedling propagation in schools and learning institutions by cascading coordination framework beyond the vocal points in the state department in the counties and sub-county l
evels,’ said the PS.

The Integrated MECCF committee application and the MoE Elimu application are expected to enhance recording and reporting of tree growing activities by learning institution, through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital ICT officers who will ensure that the two applications are real time by integrating and ensuring the reporting of tree growing is smooth.

Kipsang said the two ministries will develop an award scheme that will recognise the best performing education institution, and design innovative ways of mobilising resources for seedling production, tree growing by learning institutions which include seeking approval from National Treasury to allocate 5 percent of the Ministry of Education Budget to tree growing activities.

‘The National Government Constituency Development Fund has to set aside 5percent to the Ministry of Environment to ensure tree activities are enhanced,’ stressed the PS.

Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya for of Environment, Climate Change and For
estry speaking at a media briefing on the 15billion National Tree Growing Programme held at the Nairobi Arboretum grounds where they also planted trees on Tuesday April 2, 2024.

Under the donor support programme, the PS said that they will ensure that the allocation of budget in all programmes run together with the development as a component of the environmental activity and urged the ministries to design communication and awareness creation campaigns.

In her remarks, CS Tuya announced that the Environment ministry is a technical and coordinating ministry for the 15billion tree growing initiative which has made several strides towards achieving the target set by the government.

She commended the work that the MoE has undertaken since in the ministry of Environment, set targets on the tree planting for ministries and agencies.

‘Ministry of Education is one of the front-line institutions because of the network, and the numbers it has given on trainers and learners making it have its presence at every level
of government,’ said Tuya.

The CS announced that her ministry is engaging with development partners across the board and private sector for the necessary support to enable the programme take off, adding that the engagement which is a strategy by the Ministry of Education will be launched soon so that each Ministry, Department and Agency has its ownership.

Tuya said ‘Everybody has a role to play in this strategy. We have to think about protection of each and every single tree that everybody sets out to plant in the form of fencing the areas that anyone is going to do the tree planting,’ and added ‘We have to think about water strategy, labour and out of school term season’.

In his address, CS Machogu said the two ministries will collaborate to start a tree nursery at every level starting with higher education where it has 74 public and private institutions which he noted must have a tree nursery.

‘We have over 300 TVET institutions countrywide which must have a tree nursery since through the nursery, the m
inistry will have the support of getting the number of seedlings to give to the community across the country,’ said Machogu.

Source: Kenya News Agency

As schools close for first term, parents of Kaseveni in Malaa, Machakos County are relieved that their children will no longer have to face frequent hyena attack scares when going to and back from school.

The area, known for marauding hyenas due to its closeness to the Oldonyo Sabuk game reserve and several hideouts has seen residents living in fear and counting losses from attacks on their livestock by the animals.

Led by Julius Hoho, a parent, the residents said the closure of schools has come at a good time as they will no longer have to fear for their children.

Over the years, the parents have had to escort their children to and back from school having to walk for about six kilometers to the nearby school, for fear that the animals might ambush and attack their children.

‘We wake up as early as 4am and before we get to school, it is around 7am. Children too get home around 8pm and have to brave the animals on their way back. It is such a scare,’ said Huto.

Luckily for the parents, an investor recentl
y constructed a new school, the Baraka Halali Primary, a big relieve to the children and parents who will now be spared the long walk to their former school.

Speaking during the commissioning of the school Monday, the administrator Chrisphine Oluoch said other schools are several kilometers away, and this has over the year’s inconvenienced learners.

He said the animals have forced the school to adjust learning hours, forcing them to release learners early to enable those from far flung areas to get home before darkness.

He added that they have also introduced lessons about hyenas to the children so that they can understand more about them.

‘We took the initiative after learning that many children could not differentiate between hyenas and dogs to enable them understand how they look like, how to avoid attacks and what to do when they face them,’ said Oluoch.

Despite the residents’ predicament, little has been done to compensate them from the losses that they incurred from the attacks.

‘Anyone who has li
ved in this area has a story about a hyena attack on their livestock and also relatives. The animals come in large numbers and some are big and dangerous. We have fought them but it seems they can’t go away. We now have to learn how to live with them,’ said Grace Ireri, another parent.

They at the same time took issue with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for failure to compensate them despite the huge loses they have faced from the animals.

‘Just last week, the hyenas mauled to death over 10 goats and several sheep. Late last year, a learner was mauled to death by the animals. Most of the residents know nothing about the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS),’ said Ireri. .

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National government through the support of Global Fund, USAID and the US Presidential Malaria Initiative has set aside 800,000 mosquito nets to be distributed to residents of Busia.

Speaking during a stakeholder planning meeting for the distribution exercise on Tuesday, Busia County Malaria Control Coordinator Dr Oluoch Onyango said that the date and time for registration and distribution of the items will be communicated later.

‘We have started with the stakeholders meeting at the County level which will be cascaded to various sub county meetings before the Community Health Promoters embark on registration exercise,’ he said.

Dr Onyango pointed out that malaria has remained one of the diseases that cause deaths to the local residents with a prevalence rate of 39%.

‘For every 100 patients visiting any health facility in Busia, 39 suffer from malaria,’ he explained.

He urged the locals to collaborate with the Community Health Promoters and village elders in order to be registered as the intended benef
iciaries at the household level.

‘They are required to have their mobile phone and National identity card numbers for the registration exercise,’ he explained.

The official further clarified that there is no connection between the mosquito nets and bed bugs as believed by some local residents.

‘The government’s aim is to provide quality health to its citizens and it cannot distribute bed bug infested mosquito nets to harm them,’ he said.

Dr Onyango at the same time advised the local residents to dispose of the mosquito nets that they were given in 2021 immediately they are issued with new ones because the old ones are no longer effective.

The forum brought together officers from the health sector, Ministry of interior, religious leaders, representatives from the boda boda sector and youth representatives with a view to plan for the forthcoming exercise.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Rotary Club of Suna Migori in partnership with Rotary International has sponsored a training course of 100 young women in Migori County in an effort to empower them economically.

The women, selected from all the eight constituencies within the county, will go through a rigorous one-year training in various courses under an initiative dubbed ‘women empowerment’ programme worth over Sh7 million.

Suna-Migori Rotary Club President Lawrence Otieno says that the Certificate and Diploma Courses in Food and Beverage production and sales, Artisanal dress making and fashion design, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, catering services, Salon management and ICT among other courses will be conducted by the Migori Institute of Beauty and Professional Studies college situated within Migori town centre.

According to Mr Otieno, Rotary International donated funds for the purchase of some of the training equipment and tuition fees for the sponsored students as well as money to cater for their upkeep

‘While Suna-Migori Rotary
Club was tasked to ensure that the trainings are implemented as specified in the proposals made for the programme and, equipment was delivered to the institute as per the specification of the machines and tools,’ said the President moments after touring the college this morning.

The one day tour of the institution by the Rotary team led by the President and accompanied by the press, revealed serious work at the college with visibly enthusiastic students undergoing their lessons within their various course rooms.

Mary Anyango, a sponsored student from Nyaike Constituency and who has been in the training room for two weeks only, happily displayed to the sponsors a beautiful ‘Kenya-African’ design Shirt she was able to make within that short period of time.

But it was from the bakery and catering classes that the team was impressed most after getting a taste of the cakes and other mouthwatering samosas the students had prepared as part of their practical learnings.

College Director Edward Kabaka showed the t
eam the expensive machines bought by the Rotary money and explained that trainings had started in good time and most of the students were doing well in their courses.

‘All the electric sewing machines, heavy bakery equipment and beauty therapy tools had been procured and delivered in time to offer the trainees value for their money,’ he said.

Mr Kabaka said the programme came at the right time that young women in Migori needed to be empowered with skills that can allow them to do small jobs that are able to earn them good income in the wake of serious lack of white color jobs.

‘Office jobs are no longer easily available and the way to go is to train our children and especially girls on artisanal courses that can make them self-employed in their local abodes,’ added the official.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The fight against diabetes in Meru County has received a boost through an intervention of Roche Diabetes Care, Medtronic labs, and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance Kenya in partnership with the county government through an initiative known as the Mwanga Access programme

Through the programme, remarkable milestones have been achieved including the screening of more than 18,000 people for diabetes and training of more than 200 individuals in diabetes management since its launch in November 2022.

The Mwanga programme aims to reach 35,000 individuals by December 2024, bringing them under preventive and early intervention measures.

The programme was initiated at a critical juncture given the prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes in Kenya: 4.0 percent and 15.1 percent, respectively, for adults aged 20-79.

Additionally, an estimated 5,300 children and adolescents are living with type 1 diabetes in the country.

Head of Global Commercial Organisation Roche Diabetes Care Pedro Goncalves told journalists
that Roche believes in partnering with the local community to create sustainable solutions to address the healthcare needs of the countries where they operate.

‘We are incredibly proud of the Mwanga Access Programme which focuses on creating a holistic care community empowerment programme to enable improved outcomes and continued support. Along with our partners NCD Alliance Kenya and Medtronic Labs, we are committed to supporting this initiative to improve access to diabetes care for people living with diabetes in Meru County and Kenya, ‘said Mr Gonclaves.

Of the 18000 screened, the programme has already enrolled 1,475 patients in its care programme, with 539 confirmed as diabetic.

Mr Goncalves added that the robust digital tracking mechanism has achieved an impressive 46.1 percent follow-up rate and a 51.9 percent glycemic control rate for those found to have diabetes, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in ensuring continuous patient engagement and improved outcomes.

He added that the programme
will continue to provide diabetes screening and monitoring equipment and reagents to health facilities, support groups, and community health workers to continue fighting the disease.

‘To increase the efficiency of health care systems, Mr Gonclaves added, the programme has also successfully built a robust and sustainable model of a community where 60 healthcare professionals including medical officers, clinical officers, pharmacists, nutritionists, and nurses were trained on comprehensive diabetes care.

Additionally, 20 health records and information officers were trained on data capturing and presentation, and 106 community health promoters (CHPs) on basic screening, patient enrolment, follow-up, and referral to the link facilities.

The programme has also ensured that 22 people living with diabetes and hypertension were trained in advocacy and public participation skills advocated for effective NCD prevention and control and increased NCD budgetary allocation at the County level.

NCD Alliance Kenya Execut
ive Director Ms Catherine Karekezi said the Mwanga Access Programme exemplifies an innovative public-private partnership designed to address the gaps in diabetes management in Meru County.

‘The programme’s success highlights the importance of early detection, accessible care, and ongoing support for persons living with diabetes. We commend the commitment of all stakeholders in making this program a success and look forward to further expanding its reach and impact,’ said Ms Karekezi

She added that the programme utilises a community-driven comprehensive approach, involving healthcare professionals trained in comprehensive diabetes management, and community health promoters (CHPs), who screen and enroll patients and connect them to linked healthcare facilities.

Head of Business Development and Partnerships Lead Africa, Medtronic LABS Mr Eric Angula noted that the collaboration and dedication of all partners involved in the Mwanga Access Program have been instrumental in its success.

‘The integration of digi
tal infrastructure has enabled a robust enrolment and tracking of patients leading to the achievement of an impressive follow-up rate and glycemic control rate, demonstrating the programme’s effectiveness in ensuring continuous patient engagement and improved health outcomes,’ said Mr Angula.

He said that the Programme’s dedication to tackling diabetes in Meru County serves as a powerful testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in improving public health outcomes adding that as the program continues its journey, it paves the way for a future where communities are empowered.

Source: Kenya News Agency