Day: April 10, 2024

Residents of Busia County have been urged to be vigilant and adhere to advice from experts especially during this rainy season.

Speaking to the press after a multi-agency meeting at a hotel in Busia town on Tuesday, the Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia said that the enhanced rainfall as predicted by the Kenya Meteorological Department may cause flooding in Bunyala and other areas.

‘The rains also cause other forms of disaster like loss of lives on the roads due to poor visibility and drowning of children,’ he said.

Macharia urged stakeholders to pool resources together with a view to addressing possible disasters caused by rains.

‘We are doing a lot of sensitizations to ensure that our people are informed, and we have carried out mapping to know which areas will be affected,’ he said.

He pointed out that Busia is leading with high potential of flooding while Vihiga is prone to landslides.

‘There are also chances of flooding in some areas of Kakamega County,’ he said, adding that cases of m
ines collapsing are likely to occur.

The official urged the locals to refrain from mining activities during the season adding that they can continue with the activities when the rains subside.

‘We are appealing to our people to heed to our warnings by moving to higher grounds,’ he said, adding that drivers should also be careful on the roads.

Macharia at the same time said that special security officers will be deployed to man evacuation centres to ensure that the areas are free of gender-based violence.

‘We know our children will be affected but we are doing the best we can with other stakeholders to make sure that our children continue accessing education,’ he said.

He also urged parents to be more responsible for their children because the responsibility of safety and security of their children is mainly with the parents.

The RC further said that assistance to flood victims will be coordinated through the County Disaster Management Committee in order to avoid duplication of work.

‘So the committee w
ill sit and identify priority needs,’ he said, adding that the government is ready to provide the necessary resources to support flood victims.

Busia County CEC Member for Public Service and Governance Pamela Awori stated that a section of Bunyala residents have been displaced by floods.

‘As a County, we have embarked on unblocking drainages, sensitizing the locals and providing food and non-food items to the affected persons,’ he said.

Awori added that the County has enhanced its budget towards response to disaster and was working with willing partners with a view to reduce the impact of disaster across the county.

‘As of now, we are talking about 1,000 flood victims in the Bunyala area,’ she said, adding that the victims have been moved to various churches and schools for safety.

According to reports from the Kenya Meteorological Department, the Western Kenya region is likely to experience above normal rains.

Source: Kenya News Agency

African ICT Ministers, policymakers and stakeholders have been urged to institute policy reforms within Africa’s ICT sector with a view to the harmonize better ICT policies for the continent’s digital economy.

Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo said that outdated policies are limiting investment in the continent’s ICT sector.

Owalo speaking during the unveiling of the Connected Africa Summit 2024 singled out policies such as the 30 percent local shareholding rule for foreign companies to invest in Kenya’s ICT sector as a hindrance to foreign direct investment.

‘In Kenya, for example, we have managed to waive the 30 percent local content requirements that necessitated that ICT companies must have 30 percent local ownership. What is the purpose of having a law that impedes foreign direct capital investment? That is the direction that we need to go as Africa, making sure that there is foreign direct capital investment while at the same time also protecting our o
wn local interests as Africa,’ said the CS.

‘Anything and everything that we are doing as African countries must be aligned to Africa Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063. We need to think together as Africa while aligning to the overall policy framework, which is the AU agenda 2063. Africa can be transformed when leveraging technology into a continental digital marketplace, which is boundless once we have good enabling policies, laws and regulations that facilitate the database,’ said CS Owalo.

State Department of ICT and Digital Economy Principal Secretary (PS) Eng. John Tanui said: ‘We are also encouraging more players to come up with what we call digital platforms. These are new spaces which will ensure that Kenya and Africa as a continent also have digital platforms, which are local and indigenous, and are able to contribute to the Kenyan and African economy.’

According to Kenya’s ICT Authority, while African innovators continue to roll out new products and services, they are unable to scale and secure capital to
grow beyond set niche markets a factor that has seen many innovators sell off their innovations.

‘Most of the global economy is now entirely on digital platforms. Digital platforms are already controlling about 30 percent of the global economy or enabling 30 percent of the global economy. So, it is important for young people to be exposed to this new space so that they can be able to familiarize themselves, learn and be participants and players in that space,’ PS Tanui added.

Eliud Owalo, CS, Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (centre), Eng. John Tanui, PS, State Department of ICT and Digital Economy, (second left), Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, Principal Secretary, State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications (second right) , Sylvanus Maritim ICT Authority Board Chairman (far right) and Stanley Kamanguya ICT Authority CEO (far left) during the unveiling of the Connected Africa Summit 2024.

ICT Authority CEO Stanley Kamanguya said that the most important thing that needs to be done
is to set up policies that support and ring-fence our innovators, because what has been happening is that most of our innovators start good solutions, and then they sell them for a dime to foreign investors.

‘We do this because that person does not have the required resources for them to move from startup to growth so they find it easier to negotiate with a foreign investor, and they sell out their innovation,’ said Kamunguya.

Africa’s digital marketplace requires good enabling policies, laws, and regulations, cutting across borders and aligned with AU’s Agenda 2063, which will attract more foreign investment while empowering the continent’s innovators. To enable the harmonization of these polices Kenya is hosting the Connecter Africa Summit from the 21st to the 24th of April this year.

The agenda 2063 aims to put in place policies and strategies that will lead to transformative e-applications and services in Africa; especially the intra-African broadband terrestrial infrastructure.

So far, Africa Union C
hairperson (AUC), Moussa Faki Mahamat, World Bank (WB) President Ajay Banga and Africa Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, six Africa nation ministers and fifteen ambassadors have confirmed attendance for the Connected Africa Summit 2024 which will take place from 21st – 25th of April in Nairobi.

The Summit will act as a platform where African leaders can position the African tech agenda in readiness for the UN Summit of the Future to be held in September 2024 and determine their role in green technology and governance of generative AI for African realities.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Traders at Ramba Market, Homa Bay County are a delighted lot following the construction of a modern market at a cost of Sh 13 million.

The project which has 117 stalls was constructed by the office of the Woman Representative in the county.

Governor Gladys Wanga and the Woman Representative Joyce Osogo presided over the opening of the project today.

Wanga said that the project will enable traders transact business in a conducive environment.

She called for unity amongst local leaders so that they can pull in the same direction in service delivery.

The Governor warned some individuals who she did not name against antagonizing elected leaders.

Ms Osogo said it is the first market that her office has undertaken in the county.

‘Other markets will be constructed in the coming financial years. In the meantime, traders from some selected markets will get tents and chairs to ease their operations,’ she said.

Ramba market was started in 1973 as an open-air market with its catchment area spanning across three
counties of Nyamira, Kisumu and Homa Bay.

Ms Osogo said the market has been built to modern standards.

‘The ablution block will be managed by a special interest group to empower them,’ Ms Osogo said.

She added that traders can access free Internet at the market after the Ministry of ICT and digital economy installed a public WiFi.

The Woman Rep said access to the Internet will enables traders to look for markets.

She added that waste management was well taken care of with litter bins provided to promote hygiene.

After the official opening, Ms Osogo signed a memorandum of understanding with the Governor and handed over the market to the county government.

Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie said that the parliamentary committee on Communication, Information and Innovation provided two computers that traders at the market will use to source markets.

‘We are in the digital economy and it is therefore important that traders at the market have access to the internet,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) wants the reforms done under the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) must be people driven to reflect on the anticipated governance and electoral reforms proposed in the report.

NCCK said the NADCO report that was recently passed by Parliament and earmarked for implementation was a negotiated political compromise to a perennial crisis in the electoral circle in a perpetual struggle for power and money.

The General Secretary, Rev Canon Chris Kinyanjui said the country is faced with many challenges such as economic and health crisis among others and calls for adequate participation of the public and opposed Parliament plans to make the amendments without involving stakeholders.

Presenting the NCCK statement at a press briefing held at Christian Students’ Leadership Center, Ufungamano House, the NCCK Chairman Nairobi Region Rev. Dr. Alphonse Kanga said the churches have assessed the nine Bills that are being processed by the National Assembly, and taken into c
onsideration the age-old definition of democracy themed ‘A government of the people, by the people, for the people’.

Rev. Kanga NCCK shares the message with the people of Kenya including validation of NADCO report which states that all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya, and should be exercised either directly or through democratically elected representatives and requires organs to act in accordance with the constitution.

‘For this reason, it is absolute necessity that the report of the NADCO be taken to the people of Kenya for validation before it is implemented,’ he said.

He added that the people of Kenya have a basic right to know and agree with the recommendations made by NADCO, hence it would not be proper for the National Assembly to unilaterally implement decisions that radically affect the governance and electoral environment

Kanga urged both the Speakers of National Assembly and Senate to have the report published and accessed by Kenyans while at the same time calling on the Justice a
nd Legal Affairs Committee to hold sittings in the counties to receive feedback from citizens.

He said the feedback will enable the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee review the Parliamentary Bills attendant to the NADCO report to reflect on the people’s wishes.

Bishop Joseph Omollo, a presiding Bishop of Evangelical Church said electoral reforms should focus on improving governance, accountability and legitimacy by securing peaceful, free and credible elections and improving participation and representation of the youth, women, and persons with disabilities in elective bodies.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Principal Secretary for Basic Education Belio Kipsang has urged students competing at the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national competitions being held at Machakos Boys School to compete with honor and dignity.

PS Kipsang asked the students to uphold values that define true sportsmanship like integrity, respect and fair play.

The PS said this in a speech read by Director Basic Education Secondary Schools Paul Kibet, during the official opening of the KSSSA competition at Machakos Kenyatta stadium on Tuesday which will see champions from the eight regions fighting for top positions.

The inter-school championship will feature athletics, basketball, hockey, cross country, handball, rugby and swimming and the winners of the five-day event will head to Uganda for the East Africa Games that will be held in August.

Kipsang said the championship presents a chance for learners to showcase their skills, resilience, and sportsmanship and interact and learn from one another thus surpassing regi
onal and ethnic boundaries.

He reaffirmed the Ministry of Education’s commitment in promoting sports and inclusivity by encouraging co-curricular activities in schools every year.

‘We believe in the power of sports to unite and empower individuals and communities to achieve great things and develop individuals into compassionate and understanding human beings,’ said Kipsang.

The PS added that the government has mobilized resources for co curriculum activities and disclosed plans to reorganize how co -curricular activities are conducted to give each learner an opportunity to develop and exploit their talent.

He however discouraged the students from any form of cheating and doping in pursuit of victory and implored the coaches to help the learners to develop their skills and talent to full potential.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi on his part decried the lack of sporting facilities and urged the national government to collaborate with counties to establish more sporting facilities of internatio
nal standards.

Mwangangi hailed Brookside for sponsoring the KSSA and called upon other organizations to extend their support for the national championship games.

Machakos Deputy County Commissioner David Rotich while speaking at the same event, assured the participants and guests of their safety saying the county security team has made proper arrangements to ensure all are safe during the competitions.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) is in the process of developing a five year strategic plan that will steer the implementation of the fund.

NG-CDF Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Yusuf Mbuno said the strategic plan that is currently at the drafting stage will align with the government’s Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and vision 2030.

Speaking Tuesday in Machakos during a stakeholder engagement forum Mbuno hailed the fund as one of the initiatives unveiled by the government to roll out development to the grass root level.

‘The government is very keen on ensuring that development starts from the bottom as all other agencies we pick up direction from the government and the strategic plan will be in line with the government’s long and short term goals,’ he said.

The CEO said after the stakeholder engagement the draft strategic plan will be presented to the Fund’s board of directors after which it will be finalised and launched.

‘We will also engage parliamentaria
ns and get their input before formally launching the document,’ said Mbuno.

He also called on constituencies to develop their own strategic plans to guide the operations and implementation of the fund.

‘All constituencies are being guided to take the cue and roll out their own strategic plans,’ noted the CEO.

The 2023-2027 strategic plan will inform resource allocation for the fund to ensure equitable social economic development across the country.

Source: Kenya News Agency

White dazzling petals, with yellow anthers sunken in the middle, brightened by the cool climatic conditions of Kenyan highlands that they bask in. The pyrethrum flowers may pass for your ordinary bush flower, until their anthers assume a bulging middle.

The land on which the cool green leaves supporting the flowers rest is clean and free from pests, a sign that the flowers are not your ordinary flowers that would attract insects to aid in the pollination process. They are ‘deadly on the dudus, but gently on you’.

Despite the small portions of land under the pyrethrum crop, the recently revived sector is turning tables for farmers in Nakuru County, both for those planting the crop and those seeking organic solutions for perennial infestation by worms and pests for other crops as well as livestock.

‘I have increased my portions of land under pyrethrum to two and a half acres which I harvest every two weeks translating to about 60 kilogrammes of dry flowers for every acre,’ notes Joseph Sirma, a farmer at Si
rikwa location in Molo Sub County.

Sirma is glad that unlike other crops that are expensive to manage, pyrethrum only demanded weeding and periodic harvesting to ensure the quality of the flowers is maintained for best returns.

Another farmer, Margaret Kiptanui, at Tangi in the same location prides in the revival of the crop that affords her 90 kilograms of the flowers every harvest on her one and a half acre piece of land.

‘With the revival of this crop, I am assured of Shs.27, 000 paid upfront to my account that comes in handy when educating my children and attending to my needs. Pyrethrum pays more than potatoes and maize that I have been growing,’ added Mrs. Kiptanui.

Kiptanui, who prides in upfront payment on delivery of dry flowers to collectors, calls on other farmers in highland zones of Kenya to grow the crop that is now on high demand following the liberalization of the sector in 2013.

Peter Omari, who manages 22.5 acres under the crop in Kuresoi North is certain that the crop was a game change
r in the lives of small scale farmers.

‘We have seedlings in the nursery that we are transplanting to 15 more acres, with more available for sale to farmers who are willing to start up this venture,’ notes Omari, estimating to reach farmers up to 30 more acres.

The pyrethrum crop was first introduced to the country in 1928 with Kenya commanding up to 70 percent of the international market for pyrethrin, which is an extract of the pyrethrum flowers used in making insecticides and other public health products.

Under the then Pyrethrum Board, more farmers enlisted to grow the crop that largely depended on the international market. The shift to cheap synthetic insecticides and pesticides led to the shrinking of the market, in 2006, occasioning huge losses as the glut exceeded the demand.

The threat that overproduction posed, was that even the excess poison was hazardous to dispose to the environment, and that necessitated the stop.

In 2013, the sector was revitalized through the liberalization of the market
to allow even private producers and processors to join in and reap from the sector. The revival of the sector also prioritized the payment of farmers from Shs.150 to the current guaranteed minimum return of Shs.300 for every kilo of dry flowers delivered.

Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) Production Manager, Carolyne Imbwaga, notes that the crop is planted for its Pyrethrins found in pyrethrum flowers. Pyrethin is an active ingredient used to produce organic based insecticides.

‘Pyrethrum is propagated by seed or vegetative materials starting from tissue culture that produces disease free planting materials with ability to produce high yield of flowers with high pyrethrin content.

The country prides in 19 counties like Uasin Gichu, Nyandarua, West Pokot, Kisii, Nyamira among others, with the potential of alleviating poverty and improving the standards of its producers.

‘We have 14 recommended commercial clones of pyrethrum with high flower yields recommended for the various pyrethrum growing ec
ological zones. These are Kenyan highlands that range from 1700m to 2800m above sea level, with minimum rainfall of 1000mm, well spread across the year.

Kenya competes with Tasmania in Australia, China, Rwanda and Tanzania, with Tasmania now taking lead in the supply of the world’s pyrethrin, having recently overtaken Kenya.

‘The revival strategy targets to increase the acreage under pyrethrum to 80, 000 acres by 2027 from the current 6, 000 acres. Kenya, at its peak, is able to produce over 20 metric tonnes of pyrethrin and there is need to invest more in the high quality planting materials, which are available in small quantities at PPCK,’ says Imbwaga, adding that the company recorded 310 metric tonnes of the produce in 2023.

The four-year-season crop starts yielding three months after transplanting, with farmers being able to break even in a year after planting. The crop is cut back every year, on the onset of rains, to allow fresh shoots and better yields.

Field officers stationed at various sub-coun
ty offices, she adds, help train farmers on agronomic aspects of crop production including managing nurseries for the seeds, to land preparation, picking, drying and delivery of flowers.

‘Farmers are paid Shs.300 upfront on delivery of every kilo of dried flowers to the Nakuru based processing company, with more paid for the percentage of pyrethrin content in the flowers after an analysis is done,’ adds Imbwaga, urging farmers to improve the quality of their produce to earn up to Shs.750 for every kilogramme delivered.

The crop, she says, has the potential of increasing the farmers income up to Shs.6 Billion, with a foreigh exchange of up to Shs.9 billion annually.

Caroline Koech, the Product Development Manager at Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) in Nakuru displays some of the products the company has developed for use in homes, industries and on farms.

‘From land preparation, growing of the crop, harvesting and transportation value chain, the crop is able to support upwards of 5 million Keny
ans if the crop is well established, maintained and supported across the value chain,’ adds Imbwaga.

Pyrethrum growing has continued to take shape in the country, with farmers being urged to take advantage of the processing in the country to meet the demand for pyrethrin products across the world.

Pyrethrum products, that range from aerosol sprays, pesticides and other insecticides as well as animal feeds, are best preferred because they immediately degrade and hence best suited for food safety.

Caroline Koech, the Product Development Manager at PPCK, notes that pyrethrum’s wide spectrum was acceptable for use in making of Botanical insecticide, that were value added products being sold both locally and globally.

‘Pyrethrin being a natural molecule has six distinct insecticidal properties that makes it unique, coupled with its environmental friendly properties as it is easily biodegradable and safe on humans and animals.

‘We have products for control of mosquitos, bedbugs, cockroaches and tick and tsetse
flies in animals. These products are safe for use in homes, manufacturing industries and food handling premises.

‘Pyrethrum is also recommended as a pesticide with a pre-harvest interval of a day, which makes it suitable for those in the horticulture export market as they have no pesticides residues,’ added Koech, noting that Pymac product controlled maize stock borers, that was a nuisance in the maize growing regions.

Koech added that affordable Pymac had good quantities of proteins and carbohydrates that come in handy as an animal feed. The company is in the process of rolling out more products as well as enlisting distributors.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The war on drugs and substance abuse dominated speeches during Eid Prayers at the Rtd .General Mahmoud Grounds in Garissa town leaders calling for collective efforts to contain the habit

Speakers who included Garissa town MP Dekow Mohamed and clerics led by Garissa County SUPKEM secretary Abdullahi Salat called on the government not to relent in the war against the menace.

The calls comes barely a month after the National Government and Administrative officers (NGAO) in partnership with the National Police Service (NPS), the County government, and NACADA mounted a crackdown targeting kiosks, pharmacy shops and peddlers involved in the vice.

The crackdown have however slowed down this month, something the leaders said will again see the drug barons and peddlers resurface.

MP Dekow said that as leaders they have planned for a big conference that will bring together all stakeholders among them political leaders, security apparatus, clerics, parents as well as the youth with the aim being to discuss about th
e menace and come up with possible solutions to tackle the problem once and for all.

‘We all know what drugs and substance abuse have done to our society. And the situation is getting worse by the day. Our youth are wasting away and unfortunately most of the social ills we are having are as a result of the abuse of these drugs, we must all wake to the reality and act now,’ Dekow said.

On his part Sheikh Abdullahi regretted that drug use in the area was on the rise saying that it was a big contributor to some of the ills bedevilling society.

‘The rate at which our youth are consuming drugs is alarming. The situation cannot continue like this. While we continue to call for the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the illegal business. We need laws that will support the same,’ Abdullahi said.

He called on parents not to perform their parental responsibilities by correcting guiding and moulding their children into becoming good people in their society right from an early age blaming some parents for co
ntributing their children going astray.

Two weeks ago, Defense CS Aden Duale speaking in Garissa said the war on drugs and drugs abuse is one which the kenya kwanza government is determined to win.

In Garissa several people have been arrested as the crackdown and arraigned in court.

Several pharmacy outlets have since been shut down with suspects arrested for selling psychotropic drugs commonly used by Miraa consumers.

Speaking in the outskirts of Garissa town at Madarasa Hafsa Bintu Sirin during the graduation ceremony, Duale said that anyone one found be involved directly or indirectly in the illegal business will face the full force of the law.

Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo said that the government will not relent on its war against drugs and substance abuse expressing his concern that if the situation is not corrected early enough then a generation will be wasted.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The county government of Murang’a has facilitated training of more than 450 boda boda riders who were issued with smart driving licenses.

The riders were drawn from all the 35 wards with the aim of equipping them with riding and safety skills in effort to minimize road carnage.

Issuing the smart licenses to the riders on Tuesday at the county headquarters, Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the licenses will enable them to apply for licenses noting that incase of accident the riders will be compensated by the respective insurance firm.

Kang’ata said the training which brought in officers from NTSA was critical to ensure the riders observe traffic rules and avoid causing road accidents.

He explained those who got the driving licenses were also trained on road safety rules and undertook NTSA driving tests.

‘The county government factored training of boda boda riders considering their contribution in the economy of the county. We also don’t want to be losing those engaged in the boda boda sector through acciden
ts and the training and issuing of the riders with smart driving licenses is one way of curbing road accidents,’ noted the governor.

He continued ‘with the smart driving license which is supposed to be renewed after three years, you can now embark on applying for insurance. Insuring yourself and the pillion passenger is very important since the insurance cover will ensure you are compensated in case of an accident,’

Underscoring the programme, Kang’ata noted the county government will continue with training boda boda riders saying soon they will launch the second cohort.

‘This programme is supported by the County Assembly and the MCAs are fully involved in the exercise by helping recruit those to be trained. We will have a second cohort soon,’ he added.

Boda boda riders have been accused for increased cases of road accidents with the training deemed to help reduce road carnage.

The county executive member for youth and sports Gachucha Manoah urged the riders to always observe road safety saying reckless
driving has seen many lose their lives.

‘Majority of those engaged in the boda boda sector are young people and this training is very crucial to ensure they conduct their businesses well and protect their lives and their customers,’ said Manoah.

He promised to champion the training until all riders in the county have smart driving licenses and insurance cover.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Authorities in Makima Ward in Mbeere Sub-county, Embu, have partnered with International NGO, ActionAid, to fight drugs and alcohol abuse menace in the area.

The substances including bhang, alcohol and muguka (khat) have been identified as a major threat to the Social-economic development of the area.

Many young people are said to be hooked into abuse of these substances hampering their productivity.

Area Chief Charles Ngari stated that increased cultivation of herbal stimulant, muguka, for its economic benefits in the area had given rise to spread of other drugs such as bhang.

He said traders who come to buy muguka from locals also supply bhang to them leading to rise in its usage especially among young folks alongside the stimulant that is also heavily abused.

‘We have noticed a spike in drug usage among the young people turning them into zombies,’ he said while speaking during a sensitization session for the locals in Katharane village on Tuesday.

He continued, ‘it is for this reason that we have de
cided to take this route to tackle this monster before it is too late.’

ActionAid official and youth activist Triza Musyoka reported parents who have also been hooked into the habits had abdicated their parental roles of educating their children leading to high school dropout rate.

‘It is not strange nowadays to see young boys carrying bhang in their bags to school,’ she said, adding that some were also dropping out of school to work in muguka farms due to the allure of quick money.

She said the area had started lagging behind in terms of development as a result of these vices that had taken a toll on the young people in the prime of their life.

‘Majority of our energetic population is drunk and so no meaningful progress can be made in such an environment and that is why we have decided to take up this matter with the seriousness it deserves,’ she said.

She reported that they are also using sports to reach the youth with anti-drug and alcohol messages by organizing tournaments.

They also asked the gover
nment to sustain the war on illicit brew brews.

Source: Kenya News Agency