Day: April 10, 2024

The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo has emphasized the government’s commitment to boosting economic growth through ICT and the digital space to spur job creation in the country.

Owalo highlighted the ongoing efforts, including the construction of the Digital Superhighway, thus driving a sustainable economic Project aimed at bolstering the country’s ICT infrastructure and positioning Kenya in the global digital marketplace.

This, he said when giving his keynote address during the opening session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology Stakeholders’ engagement and work planning retreat that was held at Serena Hotel, Shanzu Tuesday.

He noted that the strategic initiative aims to not only enhance connectivity but also to create opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment in the digital development and prosperity for all Kenyans

The 3-day retreat themed’ Strengthening ICT sector policies and legal frame
works in Kenya’ is set to deliberate on the State of the ICT sector in the country and the implementation status of the ICT in County functions to improve service delivery.

Present at the retreat were Senate Committee members including Chairperson Sen. Allan Chesang; Vice Chairperson, Sen. Miraj Abdulrahman; Sen. William Kisang; Sen. Issa Boy Juma; Sen. Beatrice Ogola; Sen. Shakila Abdalla and Sen. Karen Nyamu. Also in attendance were the Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet Wisely Rotich, who is the Chair ICT and Knowledge Management at the Council of Governors, and James Ongwae, Chair Universal Service Advisory Council.

CS Owalo was accompanied by PS ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tanui; ICTA CEO Stanley Kamanguya; Postmaster-General John Tonui; KBC Ag. MD Paul Macharia; Data Protection Commissioner Immaculate Kassait; KIMC Principal Peter Wakoli; Secretary ICT E-government and Digital Economy Mary Kerema, among other senior ministry officers.

‘Internet connectivity throughout the country has experienced sign
ificant expansion under the auspices of the Ministry with a deliberate effort to establish digital hubs nationwide,’ Owalo said.

He went on to underscore the progress at the Konza Metropolis, highlighting the signing of agreements for the establishment of data centers. The milestone has garnered international interest, with global partners expressing keenness to participate in the project.

Such initiatives are pivotal in positioning Kenya as a hub for digital innovation and fostering economic growth through ICT infrastructure development.

Owalo also emphasized the importance of developing a robust legal framework to facilitate the establishment of more smart cities across the country.

CS Owalo, flanked by the Senate Standing Committee on ICT, during the opening session of the Senate Standing Committee on Information, Communication and Technology Stakeholders’ engagement and work planning retreat that was held at Serena Hotel, Shanzu.

Photos and Captions by Cyzick Sidayi

‘This initiative aims to leverage
technology to enhance urban planning, infrastructure development, and service delivery,’ he noted.

Both the senate and Council of Governor’s chairpersons in the ICT committees emphasized the necessity of creating an e-commerce platform to foster a conducive environment for business activities in Kenya.

Governor Wisley Rotich urged his counterparts nationwide to be behind the Ministry’s efforts to roll out fiber optic connectivity, recognizing its significance in expanding access to high-speed internet and driving economic growth through digital innovation.

‘This collaborative effort between the government entities and stakeholders are essential in advancing Kenya’s digital transformation agenda and promoting inclusive economic development,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government plans to spend at least Ksh 148 million from the Universal Service Fund (USF) to improve mobile network connectivity in West Pokot County.

The plans were revealed when officials from the Ministry of Information, Communication and Digital Economy toured the county to map out ways of improving communication infrastructure after more than sh148.6 million for the exercise.

The team led by the Principal Administrative Secretary Ministry of Information, Communication and the Digital Economy(PAS) Erick kiraithe also included senior officials from the Communication Authority of Kenya who earmarked seven sub locations for the exercise including Chepkoriong, Parua, Kale, Kokwopsis, Nyarkulian, Kamelei and Tapach during the phase three (3) mobile network connectivity project.

He said the new phase comes after two sub-locations in West Pokot County, namely Chepserum and Apuke were connected to the mobile network in phase one, at a cost of Sh9 million.

During the phase two of the exercise the officials
revealed that 14 sub locations including Kiwawa, Kases, Kola, Lotukum, Kaptolomwo, Ompolion, Kachawa, Akiriamet, Amaler, meshau, Emboasis, Kokwoptorit, Marus, and Pkopogh were wired to mobile network.

The Authority regularly undertakes surveys with a view to recommend priority areas in the implementation of Fund and in 2016 a survey was conducted, followed by another in 2021.

During the survey, the government identified specific sub-locations in West Pokot for phase one, phase two and phase three that need to be connected with mobile network.

West Pokot County serves as a crucial gateway to the northern part of the country and also shares a border with Uganda, making it an important international county.

David Boen, the Deputy County Commissioner of Pokot South Sub County, highlighted that a productive meeting took place between officials from CA, Deputy County Commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Area Chiefs, and Ward Administrators with a discussion focused on ensuring the smooth implementatio
n of CA’s programs and uninterrupted installation of communication boosters in targeted areas, while also encouraging community support for the projects.

DCC Boen highlighted that during the meeting, they devised a plan on how CA would visit certain locations within the county to engage in public participation with the local community, who would benefit from CA services.

He emphasized that the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) have the responsibility to provide support to all national government entities, ministries, departments, and agencies in carrying out their respective mandates.

”AO plays a crucial role in engaging the community to garner support for the programs implemented on the ground,” DCC Boen said.

He further mentioned that NGAO is also responsible for ensuring the security of communication masks and boosters, regardless of whether they are located on public or private land.

DCC Boen thanked the CA for implementation of USF for education broadband connectivity project enab
ling schools including St Elizabeth Girls Morpus, St Theresa’s Tartar Gilrs, Kapenguri Boys, St Cecilia Chepareria among other schools within the county to have their performance improved.

He strongly encouraged the authorities in CA to ensure that the remote and insecure areas within the county, which currently lack mobile network coverage, are connected noting that it will greatly enhance security measures and significantly improve the quality of life for the local population.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government is on the verge of sealing a Sh 5.8 billion mining investment deal that will pave way for the establishment of Kenya’s first modern gold refinery at Lidambitsa area in Ikolomani, Kakamega County.

The gold refinery will primarily provide a certain and reliable market for thousands of artisanal and small-scale miners in Kenya’s gold sub-sector from gold-mining counties of Migori, Kakamega, Narok, Kisumu, Nandi, West Pokot and Isiolo. Other counties with substantial gold deposits that will benefit include Turkana, Siaya and Marsabit.

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Mining Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Salim Mvurya says the Kakamega Gold Refinery is a gamechanger for the gold sub-sector in Kenya. He states that such value- addition facilities hold the key to accelerating growth and introducing innovation in the mining sector as part of promoting social-economic development for artisanal gold miners across Kenya.

The CS further disclosed that the government was aggressively seeking more strat
egic investors to undertake capital-intensive investment ventures in the mining sector that prioritized value-addition and enrichment for minerals including copper, clinker, diatomite and manganese.

‘The establishment of this gold refinery is in tandem with the vision and commitment that we hold dear on creating value addition centers to increase the value and prices for our minerals,’ says the CS.

Already, significant strides have been made towards operationalization of this multi-billion shilling plant. The state has already acquired a 14-acre land parcel and processed land ownership documents for the facility’s site. Additional approvals by National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) on environmental compliance and a no-objection letter by the Kakamega County government have equally been granted. The local community has also been brought on board as key stakeholders in the process.

The penultimate step before the investor moves to site will be key negotiations with the government over the state’s
stake in this lucrative investment. According to the Mining Act 2016, the state is mandated to acquire a 10 percent Free Carried Interest stake for large-scale mineral operations.

The Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Mining Elijah Mwangi says the relentless drive for establishment of mineral value addition centers in Kenya is at the heart of the envisaged reforms in the mining sector. He states that the artisanal miners who occupy the lowest echelons in the mining ecosystem must get their rightful dues through enhanced profits from dealing in processed gold. He predicts that the refinery will not only create job opportunities for thousands but will also attract more development in the region.

‘Our firm resolve has been to have artisanal miners get proper value for their products. This will be possible through promoting investments that will process minerals leading to better prices for their minerals and creation of jobs. This is the positive ripple effect of value addition facilities in the mi
neral sector,’ he explains.

The Kakamega Gold Refinery becomes another major mining investment deal by the government after the February signing of the Sh 4.8 billion contract by Soy-Fujax Limited for the revival of Fluorspar Mining at Kimwarer area in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

According to the 2022 Economic Survey, Kenya’s annual average gold production from 2017 to 2021 was 360kg. The bulk of this production was by the artisanal miners whose number is estimated to be in excess of two hundred thousand. However, absence of good market and perpetual exploitation by unscrupulous brokers has confined the artisanal miners to a life of penury. It is this cycle that the government wants to break and introduce profitability in their trade.

The joint investment by the investor, China’s Heng Nuo Rongchang Trading Company and H. Nuo Kenya Company Trading Limited, will see the construction of a smelter and a mineral laboratory at the site. To promote operational sustainability, the investor plans to enter into partners
hips with gold miners’ marketing cooperatives to extend technical support for equipment for increase in daily productivity.

During a meeting with the investors at his office, Kakamega’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance and Planning Livingstone Imbayi said the gold refinery project is a major boost for efforts by the county to spur development and create employment opportunities for youth in the region.

He further noted the county, aware of the transformational impact such a project would have, had committed to working with all stakeholders to have the facility operational.

‘We are looking forward to commencement of this project because of the potential positive impact it will have for this region and beyond. With a ready market and jobs for our youth, we need this project,’ he said.

With the aim of transforming it into an internationally standardized gold refinery, the Lidabitsa facility will have an extra-mineral recovery component to isolate and recover secondary minerals that natura
lly occur alongside gold ore including zinc, copper, silver and some base metals. This will maximize returns for artisanal miners and the investor. To enhance sustainability, the refinery is expected to also process gold from artisanals from the East African Community (EAC) bloc and beyond.

A team from the State Department for Mining during an inspection tour of the land in Kakamega County where the gold facility will be located.

With a proposal to process raw ore with 80 percent gold, geologists and mining engineers opine that a hybrid processing facility will push for plant optimization and offer the investor multiple benefits by processing other minerals like copper that exist in abundance in the region.

Gold artisanal miners are optimistic that this refinery will address the long-standing challenges of poor market, smuggling and exploitation.

Mr. Patrick Ligami, the chair of Kakamega County Artisanal Mining Committee, says the refinery is a welcome investment for gold miners in Kenya. He adds that ens
uring operational continuity and sustainability required empowering the artisanal miners to boost their daily production.

Mr. Ligami adds that additional regulations to empower the artisanal cooperatives to manage and operate gold leaching plants might be required. Such a move would see all gold mined in areas under the cooperatives channeled towards the refinery.

‘This is a positive win for the artisanals who should be at the heart of gold processing and operations. Once empowered to bolster their daily production, they will earn more and help the refinery to operate optimally,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Cane farmers and leaders from Nandi County have opposed zoning of sugar catchment areas as proposed in the Sugar Bill 2022. Zoning rules compel growers to sell cane to a miller operating within their regions rather than seek better prices elsewhere.

Nandi County Women Representative Mrs Cynthia Muge said farmers should be left to sell cane to millers of their choice who offer them better prices and pay promptly.

Speaking in her office at Kapsabet town after meeting with farmers and various stakeholders, Muge said farmers should not be restricted to specific millers.

‘We want our farmers to be at liberty to sell their cane to the best miller with good pay and in good time in order to reap maximum benefits from their investment,’ she said

Part of the report have recommended setting up of five zones across the country where farmers will be compelled to sell their produce to millers within these areas.

The proposed zoning bill aims to merge Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Kericho Counties into a single zone where fa
rmers will be compelled to transport their sugarcane to West Valley Cane Factory in Kericho which is over 130km away while there is a more accessible option, Kibos Sugar Factory which is 30km. Nandi and Uasin Gishu have no sugar milling factory.

Among other proposals, the Sugar Bill 2022 is seeking to establish a sugar body to solely manage sugar affairs in the country as opposed to generalizing the sugar sub sector under Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)

The Bill is also proposing the establishment of a Sugar Arbitration Tribunal for the purpose of arbitrating disputes and will be headed by a person qualified to be a High Court Judge.

It also has the component of the establishment Kenya Sugar Research Training Institute to regulate research work in the sector and also curb sugarcane poaching.

The Women Representative noted that the bill oppresses cane farmers in the region calling on the Senate Committee on Agriculture to either pass the bill with amendment or reject it in totality

‘We want a free ma
rket and competition because it will improve the sector in terms of prices per tonne and farmers will benefit a lot,’ she said calling on the committee to borrow heavily from the report prepared by former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya.

Farmers present said they want to be free to sell their cane to the miller that offer them good prices adding that transporting sugarcane from Nandi to Kericho will be expensive.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government will continue channeling more financial resources towards promoting sports, arts and culture, which are emerging avenues for youth talent development.

Head of the Directorate of Field Coordination and Co-curricular activities at the Ministry of Education Nelson Sifuna said that contrary to what many people may think, sports are not only for leisure but an important tool that can act as a wheel to transform lives in society.

He indicated that sport is a powerful tool for the promotion of inclusion and the development of a positive self-image among youth.

‘No matter what kind of sport it is, it is no doubt nowadays a big source of living for many. Sport continues to be a driver of transformative change both for individuals and societies at large, which is why organizations use it to achieve desired change in various facets of life,’ Sifuna noted.

Speaking at Nakuru High School during the official inauguration of the Term One Primary and Secondary Special Needs Education (SNE) Games Champions
hips the official said going forward talent will not only be on the sporting fields but will be developed so that it becomes a source of income and development for the young ones.

The national event which is also being held concurrently at Nakuru girls’ high school, Kirobon high school and Nakuru Hills special school showcased numerous sporting activities featuring learners with various physical impairments.

He said this has been made possible by President William Ruto receiving a report from the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms which recognizes the participation of children in sports as one of the pathways in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).

He warned against compromising on the quality of the sports as the government takes keen interest in developing and nurturing talent while investing enough resources.

He also said that, currently, the Sports Fund, under the direction of President Ruto, has taken full responsibility for supporting National Sporting events that are being held at Ke
nyan schools.

‘The sports fund has gone a long way to motivate players, our referees, coaches, team managers and all those who are involved in this very important sport. It will also boost the standards of our competition,’ he added.

Sifuna indicated that the move is intended to change the tide in the Kenyan sports industry by inspiring young athletes to aim for the world stage in their respective disciplines. He urged stakeholders to do what they must to improve the sports ecosystem and rallied the public to believe in and support sportsmen whenever they are in the field.

The national chairman special needs sports Kenya Francis Manyala observed that the government has rolled out a number of initiatives aimed at helping talented young people develop their skills, grow and be a source of encouragement to others in the future.

Among the initiatives, he said, are the Talanta Hela and establishment of sports academies across the country in collaboration with schools, Sports associations, and Sports Fund.

Spo
rts he added is a huge industry, and if well supported, it will experience huge growth and create employment opportunities for the youth.

The official noted that since the sports sector is a significant pillar of Kenyan society that impacts directly on socio-economic growth, no stone should be left unturned in nurturing and ensuring it flourishes.

‘Kenya has a proud sporting history. Our sporting greats have reached the pinnacle of success, shattering world records and giving every citizen a reason to smile during competitions on the world stage. Are we as sports stakeholders doing enough to uphold this legacy?’ posed, Manyala

‘We must set the stage for the stars and starlets coming up after the heroes we remember so fondly and vividly, like Wangila, Kipchoge, Kadenge, Tergat, Lorupe, Seraphino, Oliech, Waruinge, Bilali, Ndereba, Mulama, Odumbe, Patrick Njiru, and Jason Dunford, to succeed globally, that is our calling,’ he added

Source: Kenya News Agency

At least 8400 residents in Ziwa, Soy Sub County in Uasin Gishu can now receive enhanced medical services after Kimurgoi health facility received a donation of select lab equipment worth half a million from Safaricom Foundation.

Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim expressed optimism that the consignment would improve diagnostic services at the facility and relieve the residents the burden of travvelling mny kilometers for similar services.

He made the remarks during a development tour to the sub county as he officially launched the newly equipped lab at Kimurgoi dispensary, Ziwa machine area, lauding the support from the Safaricom foundation which he said was key in promoting universal health coverage by ensuring access to efficient and reliable health services at the grassroots level.

‘We are very grateful for the support from Safaricom, we have received lab equipment worth Sh 500,000, we are committed to working together with them. Safaricom have and continue to support us like now they are buildi
ng a boys dormitory at Ngeny secondary school,’ said Dr. Chelilim.

He affirmed his administration’s commitment in prioritizing health through improving diagnostic equipment across all the 138 health facilities in the county in order to offer quality services in terms of accurate prescription.

He hinted on a Sh 437 million deal with an Israeli Elsmed organization with expertise in health technology, to leverage on drone technology to boost health services where samples will be easily transferred from facilities with no labs via drones to sub county hospitals for analysis and prescription.

Health CECM Abraham Serem said the move is a game changer that will enhance the facility’s capacity in terms of diagnosis and prescription unlike before when they relied on their own observation which was prone to errors.

He commended the role played by the 90 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in the area in offering services like monitoring blood pressure, sugar and other ailments, adding that it is supporting the health
agenda of the government.

In her remarks the nurse in charge of the facility, Rhoda Kurgat indicated that the facility which started its operations in 2016 mainly offers Outpatient and Mother Child Health (MCH) clinical services noting that lab services had been a challenge for a long time which made it difficult for them to offer accurate services in terms of diagnosis.

‘Since 2016 the dispensary has been doing great service to the residents of these areas. It was the main one serving patients from three wards of Ziwa, Kapkures and Kipsomba. Previously we used to treat about 20 patients a day but with improved services we are able to serve 50 to 60 clients per day which is a significant improvement,’ noted Kurgat.

She noted that the support from the donors has saved patients from transport expenses they were forced to incur in terms of seeking lab services from Sirikwa health facility which was far.

Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Chelilim (right) and Mercy Kiprop, Territory Business Lead, Safaricom Fo
undation, officially launched the newly equipped lab at Kimurgoi dispensary, Ziwa ward, Soy Sub County, Uasin Gishu.

On her part, Mercy Kiprop, Territory Business Lead, Safaricom Foundation, indicated that the initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility to ensure communities get support in terms of access to improved health services.

The Kimurgoi Dispensary Committee Chairperson Joseph Bitok cited staffing, water and expansion space challenges as he urged the county government and partners to come in to support the facility by addressing those challenges to ensure seamless services to the wananchi.

Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company (ELDOWAS) Managing Director Peter Biwott who is a resident from Ziwa machine area lauded the cooperation from Safaricom working together with members of the society in order to improve and bring services closer to the community.

He said the select lab equipment is an immense support to ensure mothers and children from the area receive efficient health
services which promote their growth especially for children under the age of 5 years.

‘This dispensary serves close to 1500 patients per month, mostly women and children. The equipment from Safaricom foundation will boost services in this dispensary as we know if children do not get good medical care before 5 years it always becomes a challenge for them to grow healthy, this will improve both the health of our mothers and children,’ noted Biwott.

He assured the residents of improved access to clean water for domestic use through the Ziwa dam project which is expected to be completed in 2 months to serve about 500 households in the area, schools and hospitals.

He also mentioned that Safaricom has also made a proposal and concession worth about Sh1 billion to support ELDOWAS to boost water services in Eldoret town and its surroundings and help to reduce Non-Revenue Water (NRW) losses.

Source: Kenya News Agency

More than 7000 learners in Laikipia County have benefitted from porridge flour to improve nutrition courtesy of the office of the first lady Rachel Ruto.

Laikipia county deputy governor Rubeen Kamuri speaking in Nanyuki on Tuesday during the official flagging off the food aid consignment, said that the 250 bales of the flour would address malnutrition among the school learners in the county.

‘We are glad to receive this food aid that is expected to benefit our learners across the county. We have received 250 bales of porridge flour and will benefit over 7000 students,’ said Kamuri.

Kamuri pointed out that the porridge would ensure pupils do not miss out of school due to hunger and at the same lauded the initiative noting it was timely.

Office of the first lady, Mercy works Secretary Edward Ngaira said that the government was committed to alleviating hunger in the county among the learners aimed at boosting education.

”The first lady is committed to reaching out to the families and children with no food
and I call upon other partners to join us in making such children geared initiatives successful in bid to keep them in school,’ said Ngaira.

Additionally, Ngaira said that Laikipia has arable land and soil fertile to practice farming and urged stakeholders for collaboration and increase food basket through agriculture as a lasting solution to hunger in the county.

‘The best solution to addressing hunger in our county is through agriculture. Laikipia is fertile for agriculture and while we address food shortage, there will at the same time be job creation,” urged Ngaira.

On his part, Habitat for Humanity Kenya internal adviser Koome Kiragu called for more donors in bid to increase the number of beneficiaries. The flour is expected to be distributed across all schools in the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The sports for learners with special needs taking place in Nakuru High School, Nakuru Girls, Nakuru Hills Special School and Kirobon boys and Girls Secondary Schools have demonstrated competitive abilities with learners displaying their best to win new titles.

Sheila Lutta the Assistant Director Ministry of Education at Directorate of Special Needs Education said various villages hosted different events depending on the types of impairments including hearing, physical, Deaf blindness, learners with intellectual disability and those with autism.

She noted that the games are at the tail end having begun on Saturday 6th April where track events are ongoing for learners with low vision and those with total blindness.

The ongoing track events known as T1 and T12 came after having field events in javelin, discus and shot put for different categories of learners.

This year marks the new entrance for activities for learners who transited to Junior School grade 7, 8 and 9 following a review of the curriculum and
education reforms in the country.

The interesting sporting events have attracted local Nakuru town residents, sports fans from other areas in the country and beyond.

Helen Cherono Kiprono is a veteran athlete based in New York, USA and special needs sports champion with unmatched passion, dedication and commitment to advance the sports.

She has been supporting special needs sports students in Kenya through her efforts and those of network of friends from New York and around the world under an organization called Game Possibilities International.

Helen Cherono appreciated the opportunity to be part of the activities happening in Nakuru to support the children and encourage them to the next level of athletics.

Cherono prides in the milestones the special needs sports has undergone in the country considering last year she held training for the special learners to take part in trials for paralympics.

‘Am proud to see our special needs sports participants shining and leading and it is priceless to be here.’
Said Hellen

Beth Carini a New York resident together with her husband Steven Carini accompanied Cherono on her tour to Nakuru Kenya to witness and be part of inspiration for the learners with special needs taking part in sports.

Beth and Steven are friends of Cherono who came to support her efforts to mainstream special needs students through one of her sponsored institutions Korara Special School in Kiambu County in Kenya.

The New York friends of Helen Cherono Kiprono, Mr Steven Carini and Mrs Beth Carini and their Kenyan counterpart Irene Wamuyu Gacheru address Media in Nakuru. Photo by Joseph Kamolo Mutua

The couple visited the school last week which is managed by Irene Wamuyu to pray for the students and support in cash and kind in appreciation for the great work undertaken by the institution in giving life a better meaning for the children with special needs.

‘We want to learn about the school and the students there so as to find ways to raise contributions for them and learn more about children wit
h disabilities and find ways we can be of help to them.’ Said Steven Carini

Irene Wamuyu Gacheru is the chaplain at Korara Special School courtesy of Helen Cherono. She traveled to Nakuru to offer the much needed moral support as a team in solidarity with the children who are so far the best in the sporting events.

Josiah Kavoi from Korara Special school in Kiambu Central region in Kenya is a special needs learner who has dominated both the 200 and 400 meters race setting a 44.13 seconds record in Tuesdays 400 meters finals for the T1 boys Secondary School category.

David Muiruri from central also came first in the 400 meters T12 category while Rose Halima from Eastern won the 400 meters T12 girls’ junior school having clocked in 53.58 seconds.

Beatrice Neema from Eastern scooped the first position in the T1 category for girls while Brendalin Asemo from western won the senior primary girls 400 metres T12 girls category.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has embarked on a comprehensive operation aimed at raising awareness on road safety, particularly on the Kaplong-Bomet-Mulot-Narok roads.

The initiative seeks to educate both the public and stakeholders within the transport industry on the importance of adherence to safety regulations to mitigate the alarming rate of accidents on Kenyan roads.

Speaking during the launch, Engineer Christine Ogut, Deputy Director of Safety Audit and Inspections at NTSA, emphasized the urgent need for increased safety measures to address the rising number of accidents.

‘The rate at which accidents are occurring is alarming. Our inspections and sensitization efforts are aimed at educating drivers and road users on the importance of responsible road usage,’ stated Ogut.

Ogut highlighted that compared to the same period last year, the country has witnessed a surge in accidents, prompting NTSA to launch operations nationwide.

She identified lack of speed limiters in vehicles,
particularly public service vehicles, as a significant contributing factor to accidents.

‘Speed is the leading cause of accidents on our roads, accounting for up to 70 percent of total accidents,’ explained Ogut.

Engineer Christine Ogut, Deputy Director of Safety Audit and Inspections at NTSA flanked by Bomet Traffic Base Commander Nickson Terter addressing the media after conducting an inspecting safety audit in Bomet

NTSA’s data reveals a worrisome trend, with fatalities increasing by 5 percent compared to the same period last year, reaching a total of 1,214 fatalities by April 3rd. In response, the NTSA has intensified efforts to engage with drivers and Matatu Saccos, summoning them for sensitization sessions on road safety protocols.

Engineer Ogut further outlined NTSA’s commitment to auditing different sections of the country’s roads, providing reports, and advising road agencies on measures to curb accidents in specific regions.

‘As the audit safety department, we are actively assessing road condit
ions and providing recommendations to enhance safety,’ Ogut affirmed.

The launch of this operation underscores NTSA’s dedication to promoting road safety and reducing road accidents across the nation.

Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders and ongoing sensitization initiatives, NTSA aims to create a safer environment for all road users and mitigate the devastating impact of road accidents for road users.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Ngao village in Tana River County is poised to get a community museum thanks to rehabilitation works being undertaken by the National Museums of Kenya on a more than 120 years old missionary building within the village.

The NMK has secured a 19,500 Euro (about Sh2.7 million) grant from Greece-based Heritage International and has embarked on renovation works on the building that was constructed between 1900 and 1902 by German missionaries who used it as a launching pad for evangelistic work among the Pokomo of Tana River after an earlier attempt to evangelized the Galla (Orma) failed.

NMK’s Assistant Director of Museums and Monuments in charge of the Coast Region, Mr. Athman Hussein, toured the building situated in the newly created Tarasaa Sub County early this week to assess the progress of ongoing works.

He announced that the building would be converted into a small museum and made part of a tourism circuit that includes three First World War monuments in Garsen and the nearby Methodist Church.

Mr. Hus
sein also toured the abandoned Methodist church building (constructed between 1903 and 1906) that is in a great state of disrepair and announced that the NMK would embark on its rehabilitation after works on the missionary house are complete.

‘Our objective is to renovate the entire building (the missionary house) and convert it into a small museum that will attract tourists in this sleepy village,’ he said adding that this was in line with the government’s policy of utalii mashinani (grassroots tourism).

Mr. Hussein said the NMK would gazette the more than 100 years historical relics (the missionary house and the church) in partnership with the Methodist Church in Kenya so that they can continue receiving attention from Government and other partners.

‘We believe that by renovating these two buildings, we will open up Ngao, Tarasaa and even Garsen which is renowned for hosting World War I monuments. All these will be connected to each other so that we form a tourism circuit,’ he said.

Mr. Philip Jimbi Kat
ana, a heritage consultant, said the two buildings were significant because of their history, the unique architecture and their connection with the church.

‘This building (the missionary house) will be the first museum in Tana River and will be one of the very few community museums in the country,’ said Mr. Jimbi, a retired Chief Curator at the Fort Jesus Museum in Mombasa.

The abandoned Ngao Methodist Church that was constructed by German Missionaries between the years 1903 and 1906. The National Museums of Kenya will rehabilitate it and use it as a tourist attraction in the sleepy Christian village of Ngao, Tana River County.

The project coordinator, Mr. William Muta Saka, who is also the Curator of Jumba National Monument in Mombasa, said NMK received 19,500 Euros from Heritage International for the rehabilitation works which he said would be completed by June this year.

Mr. Edward Yesse, an administrator and author from Ngao village, said the community was elated by the ongoing works saying the histor
y of Ngao as a Christian village will be preserved through the opening of the museum.

‘It took us seven years to bring in the National Museums of Kenya. It is not easy to get funding, especially now. The whole community is ready for the museum and I know that the church will also be rehabilitated so that it can be used by members of the community,’ he said.

Mr. Yesse narrated the history of evangelism in the area, which he said was conducted by the German missionaries who initially targeted the Galla (Orma community) but later turned to the Pokomo, leading to the construction of the missionary house between 1900 to 1902 and the church from 1903 to 1906.

He said the missionaries also established the Ngao Methodist Hospital (Now Ngao Sub County Hospital) as well as the Ngao Primary School (now Arap Moi Primary School) to cater for the health and educational needs of the locals.

Mama Esther Nankuni, a worshipper at the Ngao Methodist Church, said she was happy that the NMK had initiated the projects and hope
d that their church building would be restored so that they can stop worshipping in a mabati structure next to the main church building, which they abandoned after it started collapsing.

Charo Mashanga Tsofa, the chairman of a local community-based organization welcomed the project and called for the renovation and improvement of the hospital and the school, which he said were in bad states of disrepair.

Source: Kenya News Agency