Day: April 3, 2024

Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, has unveiled plans for the comprehensive upgrading of laboratories nationwide, aimed at elevating the country’s Minerals to International Certification Standards.

Mvurya said that the government intends to also decentralise laboratory services across the country to ensure widespread accessibility.

He announced the imminent establishment of nine new laboratories, a strategic initiative aimed at boosting mineral testing and sampling capabilities.

Speaking during the Updating of the 13th Parliamentary Departmental Committee on Environment, Forestry, and Mining on Progress in the Mining Sector Retreat at The Marina English Point, Mombasa, he further disclosed that the tendering process for these projects has been completed, with contractors poised to commence construction soon.

This concerted effort, he said, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of mineral testing procedures, thereby fortifying Kenya’s mining sector infrastructure and facilitating its sustainable growth.

He outlined plans for the construction of the nine laboratories in a cluster of counties, including Embu, Kwale, Kilifi, Busia, Kakamega, Isiolo and Marsabit noting that this strategic distribution aims to ensure equal support to areas historically underserved in the mining sector.

This infrastructure development seeks to enhance local capacity, foster economic development and promote sustainable resource management.

Regarding Royalties, the CS noted that since the enactment of the Mining Act in 2016, there had been no distribution of mineral royalties until now.

He disclosed that a framework had been established, resulting in the release of 2.9 billion Kenyan Shillings to 32 Counties, representing an accumulation from 2016 to date.

‘We are now working closely with the county Governments to make sure that investors pay their dues and from this Financial Year, there will be consistency in sharing the Mineral Royalties, 20 percent to national Government and 10 percent to the local Communities,’ Mvurya said.

He said that there are 14 strategic minerals which are of high value, energy transition, citing examples of coal tan, copper, nickel, lithium and graphite and 56 which are industrial and for construction like limestone, titanium and base metals.

‘Kenya is now attracting investors in mining, buoyed by the regulations that we have been putting in place, including making sure that people get licenses. We have received more than 1200 applications,’ he noted.

‘We now have fluorspar mining investment worth Sh4.8 billion, gold processing investment worth Sh5.8 billion as well as granite processing worth Sh2.5 billion while titanium mining has been going on in the country for the last 10 years,’ he added.

He said that they are now focusing on enhancing the marketing efforts with a keen emphasis on identifying key minerals and issuing expressions of interest to attract additional investors.

The chair of the Committee, Charles Kamuren, highlighted the objective of the retreat, emphasising the committee’s desire to gain comprehensive insights into the department’s efforts towards advancing the Mining Sector in Kenya.

‘We increased the allocation from Sh136 million to Sh 4 billion and we now aim to monitor closely whether the funds have been utilised as intended.’ Kamuren said.

He added that their focus is ensuring accountability and effective utilisation of resources allocated to support various initiatives within the mining sector.

‘We have observed conflicts in Marsabit, Migori and other Counties related to mining licenses, and the CS has enlightened us that these licenses have been temporarily halted for the purpose of rearrangement,’ Kamuren noted.

He emphasised that the Committee’s focus is on understanding the details of this rearrangement and the measures being taken to address the situation and improve the livelihoods of Kenyans affected by these conflicts.

He concluded that they are also going to discuss strategic Mining so that they can be aware of what the department is planning as the retreat is ongoing.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a significant move towards addressing the longstanding issue of cattle rustling and insecurity plaguing the Kerio Valley region governors from the affected counties held talks to address the worrying trend.

Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, Governor Simon Kachapin of West Pokot, and Governor Benjamin Cheboi of Baringo County met in Iten and resolved to implement cattle branding as a proactive measure to curb the menace.

‘Branding of livestock is a crucial step in battling cattle rustling and enhancing security in our region,’ declared Governor Rotich, echoing the sentiment shared by his counterparts.

The governors emphasized the importance of tracing stolen livestock, underlining that animals not branded would be denied livestock movement permits and treated as potential proceeds of cattle rustling.

Under the new initiative, livestock will be branded with specific codes assigned to each county, ensuring seamless identification and tracking. Governor Cheboi highlighted the significance of this
joint effort, stating, ‘By registering unique brands for each county, we aim to enhance ownership verification and deter cattle theft.’

Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Governor Cheboi stressed, ‘Livestock ownership has fueled conflicts among the Pokot, Tugen, and Marakwet communities, making it imperative to establish ownership and track stolen animals efficiently.’

Governor Rotich assured that the operation would be led by experienced livestock officers, with support from local chiefs for mobilization.

Moreover, the governors emphasized the dual purpose of their efforts, as Governor Rotich remarked, ‘We are not only focusing on branding but also conducting vaccinations to address multiple challenges concurrently.’

While branding serves as a preventive measure, Governor Kachapin underscored the urgent need for disarmament to tackle the root cause of insecurity in the region. ‘Disarmament is the most effective solution to the Kerio Valley insecurity issue,’ he asserted, calling upon th
e national government to take decisive action based on provided intelligence.

In a unified stance against criminal elements, the governors urged the Ministry of Interior and National Coordination, along with the Inspector General of Police, to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in cattle rustling and related crimes.

Governor Rotich emphasized, ‘Regardless of one’s position or status, anyone perpetrating cattle rustling is a criminal and must face the consequences.’

They vowed to walk among communities, rallying support for peace initiatives while calling for concerted action against criminals disrupting the region’s tranquility.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Trans Nzoia County Government has launched a free milk programme for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres.

The programme which targets to benefit 41,000 children who are in 434 centres across the county, is set to cost Sh70m and it will see each learner get a packet of milk twice a week.

Speaking during the launch of the programme at Kitale Township Primary School, Governor George Natembeya said the programme will help address the challenge of malnutrition among children and ensure their general well-being even as their education needs are met.

Mr Natembeya urged teachers to be custodians of the programme and advised them to ensure that no packet of milk finds way out of the learning institutions.

‘Am urging teachers to help protect this programme for us to achieve the intended objectives. Let teachers ensure that no learner takes milk out of the school compound. This milk is meant for the learners and it should only be taken at school,’ he advised.

The programme had earlier been piloted
in 50 centres in the County at a cost of Sh 8 million.

Tiwani Member of the County Assembly (MCA) Daddy Were hailed the County Government for the commitment towards ensuring ECDE sector in Trans Nzoia ranks among the best in the country.

He mentioned the recent placement of 800 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms as a noble move.

This comes as the County has put in place plans to employ 160 more teachers on the same terms.

Welcoming the free milk programme, Mr Were said the initiative will encourage more children to be in school and develop an interest in education.

Accompanying the Governor was the County Secretary Truphosa Amere and County Executive Committee Members Danstan Amboka (Public Works), Janerose Mutama (Lands and Urban Planning) and Stanley Kirui (Education).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has launched activities that could revive the tourism industry to contribute immensely to the national economy.

Dr Mutua is spearheading a countrywide campaign dubbed ‘Utalii Fresh,’ a strategic roadmap that seeks to uncover Kenya’s hidden tourism treasures and move the sector to the next level.

Speaking in Kwale County, the CS says his ministry is collaborating with the 47 devolved governments in the development of their rich tourism destinations and potentials.

Dr Mutua says his ministry is determined to revitalise the country’s tourism industry by investing in critical infrastructure like access roads, installing solar lighting along the beaches and strategic marketing to attract high spending tourists.

He says the campaign seeks to turn the tourism potentials in the counties into reality and promote tourism as a major foreign exchange earner and create jobs.

The CS was in Kwale County for his #UtaliiFresh county tours and announced that his visits w
ill explore potential collaborations and partnerships to ensure that counties benefit from tourism opportunities.

He noted that Kenya has a strong comparative advantage in the hospitality and tourism sector because of its diverse cultural heritage.

CS Mutua termed the #UtaliiFresh campaign as a recipe for reviving sustainable and responsible tourism and repositioning it as a key sector in the national economy.

He says his vision is to unlock the untapped tourism potential of every corner of the country and take development to the grassroots.

‘All around the world tourism plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of culture and heritage,’ he said, adding that efforts would be made to ensure heritage sites and monuments throughout the country are preserved.

The CS accompanied by Governor Fatuma Achani visited a number of sites that the county intends to develop into attractive tourists’ sites in Diani.

Diani beach is the preferred holiday destination for both domestic and foreign tourists
and each year it receives a record number of holidaymakers arriving to savour its beautiful scenery.

The resort town of Diani with its clear blue water and white sandy beaches have seen the South Coast town voted the best destination beach in Africa for six years in a row by the World Travel Awards.

The minister also held talks with tourism stakeholders and investors who presented their views on the challenges and opportunities in the tour, travel and hospitality sector.

Dr Mutua is asking the county governments to develop cultural experiences that would not only attract tourists but also benefit local economies and empower communities.

The Tourism CS says he has agreed with the Kwale County leadership on several initiatives aimed at enhancing the coastal county’s tourism sector.

‘Key commitments include supporting the rehabilitation of the Diani tourist market and the construction of the Kwale Heritage and Convention Centre,’ he said.

He also announced the establishment of a modern recreation facility
along the historic Kongo beach blending preservation of the area’s history with contemporary amenities.

Dr Mutua says Kongo Beach is renowned for its potential in Halal (Shariah compliant) Tourism development and noted that the government sees a potential market of foreign Muslim travelers, especially from the Middle East.

He says the national government has set its eyes on the Arabian travel markets as an important growth area for the coastal counties of Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi and Lamu tourism sector.

Mutua said the government will take steps to get a slice of the growing Muslim tourism market by participating in the Arabian Travel Markets.

He said Muslim customers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Iran and Turkey specifically look for tour packages that can guarantee them to perform prayer five times a day during travel.

Mutua also noted that in terms of food, they demand products that only use halal materials and are processed in compliance with Islamic rules.

Governo
r Achani says the devolved unit will set up a state-of-the-art conference facility in Diani and has already allocated Sh 40 million for the development of the necessary public services and utilities.

‘Our discussions focused on strategies on possible partnership areas between the Kwale County government and the ministry of tourism to grow and bolster the tourism numbers in our county,’ she said.

She says the national government needs to partner with devolved governments and other stakeholders if the tourism industry is to be properly harnessed.

The coastal county boss says Kwale will reposition itself as a top Halal friendly destination as the hospitality industry already has outstanding halal tourism infrastructure to cater for the Muslim travelers.

‘As a Muslim it’s important to ensure that your travel arrangements including food and accommodation are Halal especially if you intend on travelling during the Muslim holiday seasons,’ she said.

She urged stakeholders to offer tour packages with extended se
rvices such as allocating times for praying in the itinerary of Muslim tourists and offering halal food.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has sent five of its nursing graduates to Germany to offer healthcare services through a partnership between the European country and the institution.

The students are the first cohort of graduates sent to the country, through an agreement between the university and Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences in Germany.

Through the agreement that was entered by the institution’s some years back, the graduates joined the Germany University and were trained in German language and preparatory courses preparing them for employment in their hospitals as apprentices.

The graduates were presented with work permits, visas, and air tickets on Saturday, all fully funded by Caritas Hospital (Germany), one of the project’s partner institutions in Germany.

MKU Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof Deogratious Jaganyi said the project aligns with the government’s quest to increase opportunities for Kenyans abroad.

The government has signed bilateral labour agreements with different countries to
allow the country to export their skills.

‘MKU in partnership with the German university, aims to establish structures and processes that will prepare 5,000 Kenyans to work in Germany in various sectors,’ Prof Jaganyi said.

The VC added that students interested in the opportunities are required to have German Language proficiency and pursue a preparatory programme in Nursing apprenticeship for German hospitals.

‘Kenyan Professionals based in Germany will support the beneficiaries of this project to integrate in their new environment and culture as they commence their paid apprenticeships in Germany to support the labour market. Expanding the job horizon for our people aligns very well with our motto of unlocking infinite possibilities,’ said Prof Jaganyi.

He said the university has a similar partnership with Lebenshilfe Tirol of Austria that also enables nursing graduates from the Kenyan university to work in Austria.

‘MKU expects to initially have 60 nursing graduates to travel to Austria. Graduates are
required to have German language B1 Level, ‘he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency