eXp Realty nomme Leo Pareja au poste de PDG pour mener la prochaine ère de croissance et d’innovation de l’entreprise

Le fondateur Glenn Sanford reste président et PDG d’eXp World Holdings pour doper la performance globale de l’entreprise

BELLINGHAM, Wash, 06 avr. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — eXp Realty®, « la société de courtage immobilier la plus centrée au monde sur les agents™ » et une filiale principale d’eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq : EXPI), a annoncé aujourd’hui la nomination de Leo Pareja au poste de PDG, avec effet immédiat. Il succède à Glenn Sanford, qui se consacrera désormais pleinement à son poste de fondateur, président et PDG d’eXp World Holdings.

Dans ses précédentes fonctions de directeur de la stratégie, M. Pareja a contribué à consolider la position d’eXp Realty sur le marché concurrentiel de l’immobilier. Son leadership visionnaire et ses résultats remarquables ont considérablement enrichi la proposition de valeur de l’entreprise auprès de ses agents. Par exemple, le lancement réussi d’initiatives stratégiques telles que Exclusivités eXpRevenos et les améliorations significatives apportées aux Solutions eXp.

« Le leadership innovant et reconnu de Leo dans le secteur a permis d’améliorer notre proposition de valeur pour les agents en remodelant les références et la génération d’opportunités », a déclaré M. Sanford. « Sa grande expérience du secteur et son influence sur notre communauté ont été profondes, et je suis convaincu que sous sa direction, eXp Realty renforcera encore un peu plus son avantage concurrentiel et offrira une valeur inégalée à ses agents, consolidant ainsi notre position de leader révolutionnaire dans le secteur de l’immobilier. »

Cette annonce intervient alors qu’eXp Realty est reconnue aux premières places du podium des cinq catégories du très convoité rapport RealTrends 500 : « Transaction Sides », « 5 Year Top Movers (Sides) », « 5 Year Top Movers (Volume) », « Best Brokerages » et « Public Independent ». L’entreprise s’est également hissée à la troisième place dans deux catégories : « Volume » et « Billionaires’ Club ». L’entreprise continue de démontrer la pertinence de son modèle en gagnant des parts de marché et en accueillant les meilleurs agents du secteur.

« Alors que nous entamons l’écriture d’un nouveau chapitre chez eXp Realty, je suis honoré de diriger une entreprise qui a toujours placé l’innovation et la réussite des agents au premier plan de sa mission », a déclaré M. Pareja. « Ensemble, nous allons non seulement continuer à redéfinir le paysage immobilier grâce à la technologie et à un soutien inégalé aux agents, mais aussi donner à chaque membre de notre communauté les moyens de réaliser son plein potentiel. »

M. Pareja a rejoint les rangs d’eXp Realty en 2022 et apporte avec lui plus de deux décennies d’expérience dans l’immobilier, illustrées par de nombreuses récompenses, y compris la reconnaissance dans le rapport « The Thousand de RealTrends », en se classant en tête de la liste « Top 250 » de la National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (« NAHREP ») et en étant nommé ans la liste « 30 under 30 agent » par Realtor® Magazine. Son esprit d’entreprise est illustré par le fait qu’il a cofondé l’une des plus grandes sociétés de prêts privés de la côte est des États-Unis et un fournisseur de technologie MLS en pleine expansion. Il a également joué un rôle important au sein de la National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, en tant que président fondateur de la division de la région métropolitaine de Washington et, plus tard, en tant que président national.

À propos d’eXp World Holdings, Inc.
eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq : EXPI) est la société holding d’eXp Realty®, Virbela® et SUCCESS® Enterprises. eXp Realty est la plus grande société immobilière indépendante au monde. eXp Realty recense plus de 85 000 agents aux États-Unis, au Canada, au Royaume-Uni, en Australie, en France, en Inde, au Mexique, au Portugal, en Afrique du Sud, à Porto Rico, au Brésil, en Italie, à Hong Kong, en Colombie, en Espagne, en Israël, au Panama, en Allemagne, en République dominicaine, en Grèce, en Nouvelle-Zélande, au Chili, en Pologne et à Dubaï, et continue de se développer à l’échelle internationale. Cotée en Bourse, la société eXp World Holdings offre aux professionnels de l’immobilier l’opportunité unique de se voir attribuer des actions pour récompenser les objectifs de production et leurs contributions à la croissance globale de l’entreprise. eXp World Holdings et ses entités proposent une gamme complète de solutions technologiques de courtage et d’immobilier, notamment un modèle innovant de courtage résidentiel et commercial, des services aux entreprises, des outils de collaboration et du développement personnel. La société de courtage basée sur le cloud est alimentée par Virbela et les technologies Frame, offrant une plateforme 3D immersive profondément sociale et collaborative qui permet aux agents d’être plus connectés et plus productifs. Ancrée dans le paysage grâce à la notoriété du magazine SUCCESS® et de ses activités média connexes, la marque et publication SUCCESS® Enterprises, créée en 1897, se place en chef de file du développement personnel et professionnel.

Pour plus d’informations, consultez https://expworldholdings.com.

Contact relations avec les médias :
eXp World Holdings, Inc.
mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Contact relations investisseurs :
Denise Garcia
investors@expworldholdings.com

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0430659-d8bc-480b-8eeb-02408802c697

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eXp Realty Nomeia Leo Pareja para CEO para Impulsionar a Próxima Era de Crescimento e Inovação

O fundador Glenn Sanford permanece como presidente e CEO da eXp World Holdings para impulsionar o desempenho geral da empresa

BELLINGHAM, Wash., April 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A eXp Realty®, “the most agent-centric real estate brokerage on the planet™” e a principal subsidiária da eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI), anunciou hoje a nomeação de Leo Pareja para novo Diretor Executivo (CEO), com efeito imediato. Ele sucede Glenn Sanford, que agora dedicará totalmente seus esforços ao cargo de Fundador, Presidente e CEO da eXp World Holdings.

Na sua função anterior de Diretor de Estratégia, Pareja foi fundamental para solidificar a posição da eXp Realty no competitivo mercado imobiliário. Sua liderança visionária e histórico notável enriqueceram muito a proposta de valor da empresa para seus agentes. Por exemplo, os lançamentos bem-sucedidos de iniciativas estratégicas como eXp Exclusives, Revenos e as melhorias significativas para eXp Solutions.

“A liderança inovadora e reconhecida de Leo no setor elevou nossa proposta de valor para os agentes, reformulando as referências e a geração de leads”, disse Sanford. “Sua profunda experiência no setor e influência na nossa comunidade são profundas, e confio que, sob sua direção, a eXp Realty fortalecerá ainda mais sua vantagem competitiva e oferecerá um valor incomparável aos nossos agentes, consolidando ainda mais nossa posição de líder inovador no setor imobiliário.”

Esta nomeação se dá no momento em que a eXp Realty está em primeiro lugar em cinco categorias do cobiçado relatório RealTrends 500: Transaction Sides, 5 Year Top Movers (Sides), 5 Year Top Movers (Volume), Best Brokerages e Public Independent. A empresa também subiu para o número 3 em duas categorias: Volume e Billionaires’ Club. A empresa continua a provar seu modelo à medida que ganha participação de mercado, recebendo os melhores agentes do setor.

“Ao entrarmos neste novo capítulo da eXp Realty, tenho a honra de liderar uma empresa que sempre colocou a inovação e o sucesso dos agentes na vanguarda da sua missão”, disse Pareja. “Juntos, além de continuarmos a redefinir o cenário imobiliário por meio da tecnologia e do suporte incomparável aos agentes, também capacitaremos todos os membros da nossa comunidade a atingir todo o seu potencial.”

Quando ingressou na eXp Realty em 2022, Pareja trouxe consigo mais de duas décadas de experiência imobiliária, destacada por inúmeras premiações, incluindo reconhecimento no relatório The Thousand da RealTrends, liderando a lista Top 250 da National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP) e sendo nomeado um agente 30 abaixo de 30 pela Realtor® Magazine. Seu espírito empreendedor é evidenciado pela sua cofundação de uma das maiores empresas privadas de empréstimos na Costa Leste dos EUA e um fornecedor de tecnologia MLS em rápido crescimento. Ele também desempenhou papéis significativos na National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, atuando como presidente fundador da filial de Metro D.C. e mais tarde como presidente nacional.

Sobre a eXp World Holdings, Inc.
A eXp World Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: EXPI) é a holding da eXp Realty®, Virbela® e SUCCESS® Enterprises. eXp Realty é a maior empresa imobiliária independente do mundo, com mais de 85.000 agentes nos Estados Unidos, Canadá, Reino Unido, Austrália, França do, Índia, México, Portugal, África do Sul, Porto Rico, Brasil, Itália, Hong Kong, Colômbia, Espanha, Israel, Panamá, Alemanha, República Dominicana, Grécia, Nova Zelândia, Chile, Polônia e Dubai além de continuar a crescer em todo o mundo. Uma empresa de capital aberto, a eXp World Holdings oferece aos profissionais do setor imobiliário a oportunidade única de receber prêmios de capital por metas de produção e contribuições para o crescimento geral da Empresa. A eXp World Holdings e suas empresas oferecem um conjunto completo de soluções tecnológicas de corretagem e imobiliária, incluindo seu inovador modelo de corretagem residencial e comercial, serviços profissionais, ferramentas colaborativas e desenvolvimento pessoal. A corretora na nuvem tem por base as tecnologias Virbela e Frame, oferecendo plataformas 3D imersivas profundamente sociais e colaborativas, que permitem que os agentes sejam mais conectados e produtivos. A SUCCESS® Enterprises, ancorada pela revista SUCCESS® e seus ativos de mídia, foi fundada em 1897 e é uma marca e publicação líder em desenvolvimento pessoal e profissional.

Para mais informação, visite https://expworldholdings.com.

Contato de Relações com a Mídia:
eXp World Holdings, Inc.
mediarelations@expworldholdings.com

Contato de Relações com Investidores:
Denise Garcia
investors@expworldholdings.com

Foto deste comunicado disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c0430659-d8bc-480b-8eeb-02408802c697

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Zero Terrain s’associe au gouvernement estonien pour réaliser le premier projet de stockage d’énergie par pompage en Estonie et reçoit une subvention de 1,9 million d’euros

TALLINN, Estonie, 05 avr. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Le ministère estonien du Climat signe un protocole d’accord avec l’entreprise énergétique Zero Terrain pour aider le pays à atteindre son objectif 2030 de 100 % d’énergies renouvelables. Dans le cadre de cette alliance, Zero Terrain collabore étroitement avec le Gouvernement pour trouver des solutions permettant la concrétisation d’une centrale hydroélectrique visant le stockage d’énergie par pompage-turbinage (ou STEP), et recherche des fonds pour répondre aux enjeux du marché.

En outre, dans le cadre de son programme de recherche appliquée, l’État estonien lui accorde une subvention de 1,98 million d’euros pour accompagner le développement de son projet et en financer la technologie étrangère.

La centrale souterraine de stockage d’énergie de longue durée de 500 MW de Zero Terrain située à Paldiski représente une avancée significative par rapport à la technologie STEP conventionnelle, du fait de sa compatibilité tout-terrain.

À Paldiski, le projet envisagé par Zero Terrain constitue une étape marquante pour l’infrastructure énergétique du pays. La centrale de pompage-turbinage de Paldiski est également un projet d’intérêt commun de l’UE (ou PIC). Il s’agira de la seule centrale de stockage d’énergie par pompage située au nord de la Baltique, et la plus grande installation du pays.

Pour Peep Siitam, fondateur et PDG de Zero Terrain, « La signature du protocole d’accord est un jalon décisif dans l’orientation de Zero Terrain vers un avenir énergétique propre et sûr. Nous estimons que seul un système stockage d’énergie de longue durée et à grande échelle permet la transition vers les énergies renouvelables. Cette collaboration est placée sous le signe de la coopération et de l’engagement en faveur d’une évolution positive de l’infrastructure des énergies renouvelables en Estonie ».

La première centrale de stockage d’énergie de longue durée en Estonie conçue par Zero Terrain à Paldiski a obtenu les principaux permis de construire en décembre 2022, et le chantier de construction débutera en 2025. Au cours d’un cycle fonctionnel de 12 heures, la centrale Zero Terrain de Paldiski produit 6 GWh d’électricité pour le réseau, ce qui est légèrement supérieur à la consommation quotidienne moyenne de l’ensemble des ménages du pays.

Zero Terrain perçoit également une subvention de 1,98 million d’euros du programme de recherche appliquée de l’État. Selon Monsieur Siitam, cette aide sera investie dans le développement de la conception modulaire de Zero Terrain, et contribuera à initier des activités de développement dans d’autres pays mais aussi à susciter l’appétit de nouveaux investisseurs envers son projet de centrale à Paldiski.

« Zero Terrain développe une technologie de stockage d’énergie à grande échelle, qui favorise la transition de l’Estonie et d’autres pays vers les énergies renouvelables au moyen d’une avancée significative de la technologie STEP traditionnelle » observe Arbo Reino, expert en énergie de l’Agence estonienne pour les affaires et l’innovation.

« Le besoin mondial en matière de stockage énergétique de longue durée (ou LDES pour Long-Duration Energy Storage) est incontestable. D’après une étude menée en 2021 par McKinsey, une capacité mondiale à hauteur de 85 à 120 TWh sera nécessaire à l’échelle planétaire d’ici 2040. Notre technologie et notre projet suscitent ainsi un net intérêt, en particulier dans les régions qui n’ont pas pu installer une STEP traditionnelle en raison de contraintes géographiques » ajoute Monsieur Siitam.

Zero Terrain est détenue conjointement par la société énergétique estonienne AS Alexela, la société balto-polonaise d’énergie renouvelable Sunly AS, Vool OÜ, Combiwood Grupp OÜ, Warmeston OÜ et Ronnivara OÜ.

Pour les demandes médias et pour obtenir de plus amples informations, veuillez contacter : Hedwig.Meidra@zeroterrain.com

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible à l’adresse suivante : https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2cbd052e-529e-4878-b248-52bed8e1134f

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Primeiro projeto de usina hidrelétrica reversível da Estônia, a empresa Zero Terrain firmou parceria com o governo da Estônia e recebeu um subsídio de € 1,9 milhão

TALLINN, Estônia, April 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O Ministério do Clima da Estônia assina o Memorando de Entendimento (MoU) com a empresa de energia Zero Terrain para ajudar a Estônia a atingir sua meta de energia 100% renovável até 2030. Com essa cooperação, a Zero Terrain está colaborando diretamente com o governo para desenvolver soluções que viabilizem a execução do projeto de armazenamento de energia PHS [pumped-hydro energy storage (armazenamento de energia hidrelétrica por bombeamento)] na Estônia, incluindo o apoio à obtenção de capital e o enfrentamento dos desafios do mercado.

Além disso, a Zero Terrain conta com um subsídio de 1,98 milhão de euros do programa estatal de pesquisa aplicada para apoiar o desenvolvimento do projeto Zero Terrain na Estônia e a exportação de tecnologia.

A instalação subterrânea de armazenamento de energia de longa duração Zero Terrain Paldiski 500MW é um avanço significativo da tecnologia PHS convencional, possibilitando a construção em qualquer lugar, mesmo em terrenos planos.

A Zero Terrain Paldiski representa um marco notável no sistema de energia do país. A usina hidrelétrica reversível de Paldiski é um projeto de interesse comum da UE (projeto PCI). É o único projeto de área verde de armazenamento de energia hidrelétrica por bombeamento na região do norte do Báltico e também será a maior usina do país.

“A assinatura do MoU é um passo significativo na jornada da Zero Terrain rumo a um futuro com energia limpa e segura. Acreditamos que não pode haver um sistema de energia movido a energia renovável sem armazenamento de energia em larga escala e de longa duração. A parceria expressa a cooperação e o compromisso de promover mudanças positivas no cenário de energia renovável da Estônia”, afirma Peep Siitam, fundador e CEO da Zero Terrain.

O primeiro projeto de armazenamento de energia de longa duração da Estônia, a usina Zero Terrain Paldiski, obteve as principais licenças de construção em dezembro de 2022. A construção da primeira usina hidrelétrica reversível do país terá início em 2025. Durante o ciclo operacional nominal de 12 horas, a Zero Terrain Paldiski gera 6 GWh de energia na rede, o que é um pouco mais do que o consumo médio diário de todas as residências da Estônia.

A Zero Terrain também recebe um subsídio de 1,98 milhão de euros do programa estatal de pesquisa aplicada. De acordo com Siitam, o subsídio será usado para desenvolver o projeto modular da Zero Terrain, iniciar atividades de desenvolvimento em outros países e atrair novos investidores para a Zero Terrain Paldiski, na Estônia.

“A Zero Terrain está desenvolvendo uma tecnologia de armazenamento de energia em larga escala, permitindo que a Estônia e outros países migrem para a energia renovável de forma mais ampla com um avanço tão significativo da tecnologia PHS convencional”, afirma Arbo Reino, especialista em energia da Agência de Negócios e Inovação da Estônia.

“A demanda global por capacidade de armazenamento de energia de longa duração (LDES) é inegável. São necessários 85-120 TWh-horas de LDES globalmente até 2040 (McKinsey, 2021), portanto, o interesse em nossa tecnologia e em nosso projeto é grande, principalmente em regiões onde o PHS tradicional era impossível de ser implantado devido a limitações geográficas”, explica Siitam.

A Zero Terrain tem como sócios a empresa de energia estoniana AS Alexela, a empresa de energia renovável báltico-polonesa Sunly AS, a Vool OÜ, a Combiwood Grupp OÜ, a Warmeston OÜ e a Ronnivara OÜ.

Para atendimento à imprensa e mais informações, entre em contato: Hedwig.Meidra@zeroterrain.com

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Stalled Kakamega Teaching And Referral Hospital To Be Completed, Says Health CS


Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards the completion of Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH).

The CS was speaking Friday at Butere Sub County hospital where she was accompanied by Deputy Governor Ayub Savula and area MP Tindi Mwale.

Ms Nakhumicha announced plans to set up a multi-agency team to assess the readiness of the stalled facility for upgrading to a Level Six Hospital.

The CS called on the local elected leaders to work in harmony to realise the completion of the project and ensure the facility acts as the primary public referral hospital in the region and other neighbouring counties such as Vihiga, Bungoma and Busia.

Expressing confidence in the project, Nakhumicha highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive approach including effective management upon its completion.

Savula disclosed that the County is in talks with investors from India to provide financial support to equip the facility as well as President William Ruto’s co
mmitment of Sh200 million from the supplementary budget.

Nakhumicha at the same time assured approval for the construction of the Kenya Medical Training Centre campus (KMTC) in Butere Sub County primarily funded by the National Government Constituency Development Fund.

Source: Kenya News Agency

New Law To Streamline License Issuance Across All Counties


Business communities across the country will soon enjoy a standard process of acquiring business licenses if a new bill before the Senate and the National Assembly is passed.

The bill (The County Licensing – Uniform Procedures 2022) seeks to establish standard uniform procedures for licensing by county governments which is likely to enable business plans around the set policies.

This bill will also be of more help to business people who have outlets in different counties since the process in each county will be the same.

Speaking to the press after a public participation exercise in Garissa today, Gichugu MP Robert Githinji noted that the bill does not go to the specific businesses for licenses but creates a standard guideline on how the process will be.

Githinji said that even if different counties will enact laws to guide the process in their respective counties, those County Assemblies will be guided by this law.

Among the areas where the county assemblies may enact further legislation on this bill in
clude singular license application framework, categorisation of licenses, forms of license application and fee payment or refund for the applications.

‘Among the issues that came up here is the charging of cess for transporters by different county governments, the citizens are in the view that we come up with a single license from the originated county and maybe one for the county where the goods are going instead of have to pay to all counties enroute to the destination,’ Githinji said.

‘There were also views that women, youth and people living with disabilities be given waivers when applying for licenses especially for small businesses so that they may uplift their livelihoods,’ he added.

North Horr MP Wario Guyo urged members of the north and north eastern regions to embrace security measures noting that investors tend to put up business in areas that are safer.

‘There is a correlation between business and safety and that is why we need to emphasise on security in all our regions so that business be ab
le to flourish and let people create employment, reduce poverty and also embrace people from all regions,’ Guyo said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Tessie Musalia Distributes Food To The Needy From Muslim Community


Over 300 vulnerable households from the Muslim community in Narok County have received food rations to sustain them during the holy month of Ramadan.

Distributing the food Tessie Musalia, spouse to Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, called on Kenyans to coexist in peace and harmony regardless of their religious differences.

Dr Stanley Kamau the Chief Executive Officer, Ahadi Kenya Trust urged Kenyans to live together like brothers regardless of religious differences saying it’s possible for Christians to share food with Muslims and co-exist in harmony.

Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu lauded the Office of the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Ahadi Kenya for the good work they are doing visiting vulnerable households in the country.

Ntutu added that crime in Narok town has been contained, thanking the residents of Narok for living together harmoniously.

The Narok Central Deputy County Commissioner, Kennedy Mwagombe assured the Muslim community of security during this month of Ramadan.

Mir
riam Hassan, a beneficiary during the distribution could not hide her happiness and earnestly thanked Mrs Musalia and Governor Ntutu for the food.

The food was distributed at Bilal primary school in Narok town through Musalia Memorial Foundation Trust Fund and Ahadi Kenya Trust.

Source: Kenya News Agency

County Licensing Uniform Procedure To Improve Trade In The Country


The Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Investment and Cooperatives is conducting public participation forums across the counties to sensitise wananchi on the County Licensing Uniform Procedure Bill that aims to establish a standard uniform procedure for licensing traders and businessmen across the counties.

During the public forum at Eldoret Town hall, in Uasin Gishu led by Aldai Member of Parliament (MP) Marianne Keittany who affirmed that the bill targeted to improve the working environment for business people and traders at the county level by creating an equal and efficient means of paying for licenses across all counties.

‘When devolution came into place in the country it did not provide a uniform way of licensing traders thus licensing procedures, methods and fees vary from one county to the other. You therefore find people who transport goods from a county like Mombasa end up paying a lot of fees which makes trading very expensive in the country,’ Keittany said.

She noted that sometimes business peop
le could own similar businesses in different counties but are charged differently even owning different licenses which contributes to the country being ranked low in terms of trading.

The legislator added that if the bill is enacted into law such cases will reduce helping business people in the country.

Speaking during the event, Uasin Gishu Weights and Measures Officer Philip Naibei affirmed that the bill serves to direct the county government to come up with regulations that will serve within those specific counties.

He said the county will aim to create a good working relationship between licensing officers and vendors in order to reduce the high incidences of harassment and intimidation from the public.

Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai said the proposed law is beneficial to the consumer and the government as it will ease the cost of doing business and further enable young people to get licenses at affordable prices.

‘You find that in some sectors like the food sector, business people are charged for mul
tiple licenses like hygiene, sanitation and a single business permit which is expensive to a business owner, especially startups who end up making losses,’ he noted.

He also suggested that startups should be exempted from taxes until their businesses are stable noting that, if licenses are acquired at affordable rates the youth will venture more into business hence avoiding drugs and substance abuse in the counties.

Funyula MP Dr Wilberforce Oundo said that the county government provides these licenses but it is the work of the national government to enforce through conditions that are set during license acquisition and in the event of failure to follow the conditions the national government through NGAOs and Police officers are called upon to enforce the terms of those licenses.

‘We hope that by the end of this public participation we will harmonize the process so that there is a seamless process of issuing the license and an accountable way of ensuring the sanction and punishment for those who break the
conditions,’ he affirmed.

Kajiado South MP Parashina Samuel Sakimba noted that the proposed bill will serve as a mother bill ensuring that all laws enacted in the county assemblies are done under the bill.

‘The bill intends to ensure that all payments are equal in all counties. We also want to ensure that traders can freely transport goods from one county to another without being asked to pay at every county border. The bill will serve as a single permit to all traders,’ he added.

National Authority for the campaign Against Alcohol and Drug abuse (NACADA) North Rift regional manager Eunice Arubia stated that in line with the public ethics act the bill should take into consideration the recent presidential directive that all officers in the enforcement or compliance chain like Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) Kenya Bureau of standards (KEBS) National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and National Police shall not operate or own a bar directly or via proxy.

‘The bill should check on the liquor licensi
ng arm of the county government so that officers in charge of its licensing should not at the same time operate outlets as it creates conflict of interest posing a challenge during enforcement,’ added Arubia.

She also added that if the bill comes to effect and ensures uniformity, the challenge of licensing liquor outlets will greatly reduce in the county.

Jane Chepkirui, representative of Kenya Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) North Rift region noted that it is hard to make profits due to multiple taxations that exist in the practice of pharmacy which impacts on the products and services they offer.

She urged the Committee to consider providing affordable licenses to the regulated professional businesses like clinics, hospitals and community pharmacies since they aim to provide Universal Health Coverage through affordable services to people.

Hellen Tuwei, National Council of People With Disabilities (NCPWDs), Uasin Gishu, representative called on the county administration through the proposed bill to deve
lop a framework to give people with disabilities tax exemption certificates to enable them do business easily. She said they have faced challenges with enforcement officers who fail to understand that they are supposed to be exempted from tax on their business operations.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Former MCA Found Guilty Of Murder


Former Riruta MCA, Samuel Ndung’u and two other suspects have been found guilty of the murder of Lucy Njambi, an ex-wife to the former Ward representative.

In a ruling, Kiambu High Court Judge Justice Joel Ngugi said that the prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the trio, Samuel Ndung’u, Joyce Njambi and Wilson Mwangi, had a hand in the murder of Njambi.

‘The circumstances taken cumulatively form a chain so complete that there is no escape from the conclusion that within all human probability a crime was committed by the three accused persons, I hereby convict each of the three accused persons of the murder of Lucy Njambi,’ said Judge Ngugi.

However, the Judge said even though the prosecution evidence contained some discrepancies, he had keenly considered them and other minor contradictions which the defence had made heavy use of.

Member of Parliament for Githunguri, Gathoni wamuchomba, who was in court in support of the victim’s family said she welcomed the court’s decision and lauded the
court for not prolonging the sentencing hearing to fourteen days.

‘Today we uphold the resolution of the Judge of the honourable court on the judgement and we accept his decision and we are waiting for the day of sentencing which we appreciate is not going to be more than fourteen days,’ she said

Wamuchomba further added she would like the courts to give weekly registry updates on cases regarding femicide to avoid such cases from never seeing the light of day.

‘We demand from our courts a clear update on a weekly basis, of all femicide cases that have been filed in this country to keep track of what’s happening in our country,’ Wamuchomba said.

Speaking to journalists, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Gender Based Violence sub-committee representative Lennah Moenga, said she welcomed the court’s decision to give justice to Njambi’s family and assured the public of cooperating with the national government and law makers to put pressure on creating preventive measures.

‘We will cooperate all of us together, the
national government, lawmakers and LSK, to create preventive measures and it is good to see that the community has woken up,’ Moenga said.

Njambi was kidnapped from her home in Thindigua Estate along Kiambu Road on January 24, 2018 at around 8pm, raped, doused with acid, and left for dead in a coffee plantation near Kamiti corner along the Ruiru-Kiambu road.

Njambi was rescued by a Good Samaritan who rushed her to Kiambu Level 5 Hospital and was given first aid, then transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised treatment where she spoke to police officers.

Ndung’u later told detectives that he had been abducted and tortured together with his wife. Njambi who died on January 26, 2018.

The three accused persons will be back in court on Friday April 12, 2024 for a sentencing hearing at Kiambu Law Court.

Source: Kenya News Agency

State Asked To Double Fight Against Banditry In Kerio Valley


The government has been asked to double efforts to tame rising insecurity and banditry in Kerio Valley.

Tinderet Member of Parliament (MP) Julius Melly said the situation was getting out of hand with thousands of people being displaced.

This, he added has adversely affected the education sector in Baringo, Elegeyo Marakwet and West Pokot counties with teachers and learners staying away from schools for fear of their lives.

Melly who chairs the Education Committee in the National Assembly said so far 18 schools have been closed in the area with fears that more institutions will not reopen for second term due to rising insecurity.

He asked Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to bolster the ongoing operation in the area to rein in the bandits.

‘These people appear to be regrouping and gaining more ground. It is time to stop the talking and act on the criminals now,’ he said.

The people residing in the affected area, he said were from the same community adding that it was
a shame for the fighting and killings to continue unabated.

‘The people who are fighting here are Turgen, Pokot and Aror who all belong to the Kalenjin community. It is a shame because we are one people from the same mother,’ he said.

Speaking during a thanks giving day at St Marys’ Tachasis Girls Secondary School in Tinderet, the MP called for humanitarian assistance to support the affected families who have moved from their homes in the area due to insecurity.

The affected people, he said were in dire need of food, shelter, clothing and medication.

‘The government’s presence must be seen through giving support to the affected people,’ he said.

He called for dialogue between leaders and the community to ensure that the issues fueling insecurity in Kerio Valley are addressed.

The MP urged the church to play mediator role and bring the leaders and community together to dialogue.

Catholic Diocese of Eldoret Bishop Dominic Kimengich said the rising insecurity in Kerio Valley was alarming.

The Bishop urge
d the government to be on top of things to ensure that the menace is dealt with.

‘When this government came to power we all had hope that this menace is going to be dealt with once and for all,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency