Day: April 12, 2024

He risked his life to provide food and supplies to the Mau Mau fighters and was imprisoned several times for his role in supporting the independence struggle.

In 1952, when he was living in Muranga, Jeremiah Mucheru, who was buried at his Wanyororo Farm within Bahati Sub-County in Nakuru on Thursday, joined Mau-Mau freedom fighters’ movement.

Mucheru, who passed away aged 102 years had embraced Christianity during his childhood and learned about the new faith at missionaries’ tents alongside other children.

According to the veteran’s 62-year-old son, Mr Charles Mukurura, distressing encounters at settlers’ farms, marked by racist altercations that included verbal and physical violence against Kikuyu men and sexual violence against Kikuyu women, changed his father’s path.

This experience strengthened his determination to enter the forest and join the fight for his kinsmen’s liberation where he fought alongside notable freedom fighters like Field Marshall Mbaria Kaniu and General Muraya Mbuthia in Aberdare
Forest.

Mukurura lauded his father’s bravery and explained that he too became courageous enough to stand up to the oppressors when he got a chance.

The Freedom Fighter’s son recalled an incident where his father in company of other Mau-Mau fighters, laid an ambush on a prison in Naivasha and managed to free over 20 inmates who had been locked up in connection with Mau-Mau activities.

88-year-old James Kago also a Mau Mau war veteran, confirmed Mucheru’s involvement with the Kenya Land and Freedom Army (KLFA), which led to the Mau Mau uprising in the Aberdare Forest.

Kago described Mucheru as a fearless fighter with exceptional forest navigation skills and marksmanship.

‘In Mucheru’s demise, I have lost a close friend, colleague and confidante,’ Kago said.

He recalled their incidents of forest escapades, including leading night raids, stealing supplies, and gathering intelligence.

Kago said Mucheru was a valiant warrior who was part of the struggle from the front.

Against the background of copious trib
utes, Mucheru’s death reignited the touchy debate on the fate of Kenya’s freedom fighters and other national achievers.

Kago was forthright in his displeasure with how the country treats its special class of citizens. He took the moment to tell off individuals who, in his words, masqueraded as men and women who did wonders for the nation.

Some, he said, are seeking undeserved credit for work done by others in the seminal stages of the republic.

Sixty-one years after independence, the veteran regretted that the few surviving freedom fighters and their descendants were fighting in their own way to feel appreciated.

Most politicians he added, were stuck on sweet declarations without much action.

The Kenya Heroes Act was enacted in 2014 to provide a framework for recognising, identifying, and honouring heroes.

‘The state needs to map out Mau Mau families to find out their situation. Has this group and their families been shunned? Besides loss of lives and land, support for the Mau Mau kin has been given out
selectively. The country yearns for a status update from the National Heroes Assistance Fund,’ he observed.

Kago indicated that most neglected heroes and heroines have since died a poor lot but added that the country can do’something’ even if it’s too little, too late, to salvage the freedom fighters and their families from their plight.

‘There have been positives, such as setting aside Mashujaa Day on October 20. Dedan Kimathi has also been immortalized on Kimathi Street, Nairobi. It was equally a big relief for the 5,000 Mau Mau fighters who successfully sued the British government for torture in detention camps in 1952. It is refreshing that justice can be within reach however long it takes,’ said the veteran.

Mr Kago indicated that freedom fighters and their families need a structured, transparent, well-resourced and legally binding support system devoid of political interference and that the welfare of the heroes should not be used for political expediency.

He also called for proper documentation. Th
e National Heroes Council added Mr Kago should consistently tell Kenyans who these heroes are or were, the obstacles they overcame, their character strengths and how, as a nation, we can share their qualities.

He said some of the freedom fighters left young children and their wives could not take them to school due to poverty and stress. Their children need support.

John Mukurura, also the deceased veteran’s son, noted that some fighters took a long time to fight and their families suffered.

‘They should be recognised alongside those who have contributed in various fields to improve the lives of people,’ John said.

He expressed disappointment that while accolades are being heaped on the famous and prosperous freedom fighters who were jailed, there was little mention of the more than 40,000 men who took up arms and confronted the British colonialists head-on.

Very few of my father’s surviving colleagues have received the Head of State commendation, even though they are still poor and sickly,’ said John, w
hile reaching out to President William Ruto to intervene.

He added that most freedom fighters are languishing in abject poverty because their livelihood base was destroyed by colonialists during the independence struggle.

John appealed to the state to set up a financial kitty within government expenditures that will take care of the welfare of freedom fighters and their families.

‘The greatest honour our freedom fighters can be given is to be supported financially by the government to live with dignity,’ said John.

He urged the government to also consider the plight of surviving families of the fallen heroes who died in the course of fighting for independence so that the blood they shed would not have been spilt in vain.

‘It is regrettable that our freedom heroes shed their blood and some of them even died at the hands of our former colonizers. Some of them have been neglected by their families due to pressing demands of old age,’ said John, adding that this will increase their lifespan.

After independe
nce, Mucheru led an active life, both in entrepreneurship and social work.

In 1969 after consultation with Kenya’s founding President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta the veteran Mucheru teamed up with others and formed Wanyororo Farmers Company Limited.

In 1970 the company acquired Wanyororo ‘B’ Farm, with Kiamunyeki ‘A’ and Mugwathe farms being bought in 1971 and 1972 respectively.

Mucheru was instrumental in the establishment of Bavuni Secondary School whose board he chaired for 16 years from 1973 to 1989.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Pharmacy and Poisons Board has inspected 400 premises and seized 200 cartons of assorted medicines in the ongoing multi agency operation.

The Board’s CEO Fred Siyoi said that in response to 25 Presidential Directives issued on March 7 aimed at combating illicit brews, Alcohol, Drug, and Substance Abuse, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board initiated a joint multi-agency operation nationwide.

‘This operation aims to audit regulated pharmaceutical entities to ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practices, with particular attention given to auditing the distribution of narcotic and psychotropic substances to identify, monitor, and establish compliance with proper dispensing practices,’ explained Dr Siyoi.

He highlighted that the Board is mandated to regulate pharmacy practice and ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of Medical Products and Health Technologies.

Dr Siyoi said that the exhibits that they have seized are currently pending court proceedings and will be disposed in accordance with applicab
le rules and regulations for pharmaceutical disposal.

‘This collaborative effort underscores the Board’s commitment to curbing unlawful practices in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring public safety, and upholding regulatory standards,’ he said.

He affirmed that the success of the mission reflects the dedication of the Board to maintaining the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry and safeguarding the well-being of citizens.

‘The targeted operation will continue to complement the efforts of the National Government Agency spearheaded by the Ministry of Interior to eradicate all illegal pharmaceutical outlets in the country,’ he said.

Dr Siyoi explained that to promote compliance and adherence, the Board has released a list of registered pharmaceutical outlets accessible through https://practice.pharmacyboardkenya.org/Licensestatus?register=facilities.

He highlighted that the Board strongly advises the public to exercise caution and only purchase pharmaceuticals from licensed and reputable sources. Furt
hermore, the public is cautioned against chemists operating without names (a key indicator of illegality) and unregistered medicines, as they may not meet regulatory standards and could pose health risks.

‘For their safety and well-being, the public is urged to verify the legitimacy of pharmaceutical establishments and report any suspicious activities to the Board. Registered public and private healthcare facilities handling pharmaceuticals are notified to apply online for disposal of pharmaceutical waste or contact PPB regional officers (website:www.pharmacyboardkenya.org),’ said Dr Siyoi.

He continued… ‘All registered pharmaceutical practitioners are urged to embrace and stay updated with regulatory provisions governing the prescription and dispensing of controlled medicines. They should also ensure availability of records for review whenever requested by authorised officers.’

He advised practitioners to comply with labeling requirements as documented under the Pharmacy and Poison Act (CAP 244).

Source
: Kenya News Agency

In the heart of Voi, a group of students from various schools have decided to utilise their holiday to gain more skills in robotics and technology. A cohort of 26 students converge at P.C.E.A. St. Stephen’s Academy to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of robotics.

Among them is Emmanuel Mcharo, a student from Mwatate Junior Academy who is driven by a keen interest in robotics.

His curiosity led him to delve into the complicated world of robotics, where he discovered the endless possibilities of LED lights, buzzers, and programming.

‘We’ve learned a lot about robotics and programming. We’ve learned about LED lights, buzzers, and their applications, for instance, in security systems, household appliances and communication devices, among others,’ said Mcharo.

Emmanuel Shungula from Citadel Junior Academy in Voi shares his fascination with the diverse types of robots, from battery-powered to electric ones. His insights extend beyond mere fascination as he ponders the broader implications of r
obotics in governmental surveillance.

Enid Gombe, a visionary student from Sironga Girls High School, dreams of becoming a robotic engineer and opening her own company to manufacture robots.

‘My dream is to become a robotic engineer. I want to continue with this in my higher education to gain more skills, which will enable me to open a company to manufacture robots in the future that will help me earn a living,’ said Gombe.

Her aspiration reflects the potential of robotics not only as a career path but also as a means of socioeconomic empowerment.

Meanwhile, Lovenia Mwakio from Happy Land Preparatory School in Nairobi finds joy in exploring the creative aspects of robotics, from crafting different sounds with buzzers to understanding their practical applications in daily life.

‘From learning to make buzzers sing at different speeds to understanding how robots improve our daily lives, this journey is just the beginning. With each step, we are not just learning; we’re crafting a future where robotics isn’t
just a hobby but a livelihood,’ noted Mwakio.

Guiding these young minds is Francis Monaja, a software engineer from Meliora Company and Muru Technologies, who is dedicated to nurturing their understanding of robotics.

Through practical learning experiences, Francis aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, enabling students to relate robotics to everyday phenomena like alarms and fridges.

‘This programme bridges classroom concepts to home appliances, like fridges and alarms, fostering early interest for future problem-solvers. Empowering today’s youth ensures a tomorrow filled with innovative solutions for our advancing world,’ said engineer Monaja.

Supporting Francis is Chengo Erick, an ICT teacher at P.C.E.A. St. Stephen’s Academy in Voi, who emphasises the importance of introducing such programming at an early stage.

By equipping students with practical skills, Chengo believes they can emerge as problem solvers and innovators capable of addressing societal chall
enges.

Chris Muru, CEO of Muru Technologies, underscores the transformative potential of robotics in shaping the future of technology.

Through robotics training, they not only keep students engaged but also instill in them the importance of leveraging technology to enhance human productivity and address pressing issues in agriculture, healthcare, and logistics.

‘Apart from keeping them busy, we are triggering their interest in the future of technology. Now, many things are being automated. There is artificial intelligence, machine learning and the Internet of Things. So because of that, we decided these kids needed to be triggered,’ he said.

As these students immerse themselves in the world of robotics, they not only gain technical skills but also develop a mindset geared towards innovation and problem-solving.

Their journey exemplifies the power of education to empower the next generation of leaders and pioneers in the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Muru added that ‘
the robots that the students are using are what will actually give them mileage in their STEM competition back in school. Also, it is the knowledge that will actually help them solve community challenges.’

According to Muru, when people hear about robotics and artificial intelligence, they think that it’s coming to replace humans because it’s doing what human beings can do. Actually, robotics complements humans by thinking faster than humans could because it’s fetching information from different sources and it must be noted that artificial intelligence and robotics are here to improve the productivity of humans.

‘We use technology to simplify things, solve challenges, and actually make things work faster. It even gives companies and organisations working on technological advancements a chance to innovate and actually handle multiple products and projects at the same time,’ he added.

Despite the challenges they face in disseminating information to vulnerable communities, the commitment of educators like Fra
ncis, Chengo, and Chris remains unwavering. Together, they strive to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has access to the transformative power of robotics education, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) has vowed to ensure that the health sector is run in a professional and ethical manner devoid of quacks.

KHPOA chairman Dr Amit Thakker said that they will work to ensure adherence to good governance in health service delivery by providing oversight on regulation, maintenance of standards and quality services.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday during a consultative meeting to address gaps in the health care system, Dr Thakker said that quality health care ensures that the population is healthy and able to contribute to productivity and socio-economic development of the country.

‘We will work to improve the conduct and ethical practice of health professionals in public and private institutions to ensure that all citizens receive the highest standards of health,’ said Dr Thakker.

He said that they will be conducting impromptu visits to hospitals and training facilities for doctors to check on the qualifications of the health practitioners and the train
ers, a move which will help get rid of quacks in the sector.

‘The health regulatory boards and council will be required to enforce compliance to the respective codes of professional conduct and ethical practice,’ said Thakker.

He explained that KHPOA’s mandate is to provide oversight in health care services which include training, registration, and licensing of health professionals, coordination of joint health inspection, receiving and facilitating resolution of complaints and arbitrating disputes and conflicts, ensuring compliance of health professionals standards and monitoring execution of respective mandates and functions of health regulatory bodies.

Dr Thakker said KHPOA aspires to provide effective and responsive oversight in the regulation of healthcare services, health professions, and statutory regulation of healthcare and resolution of complaints for progressive fulfilment of the right to the highest attainable standard of health which include right to health care service.

‘In an effort to impl
ement the constitution, the ministry of health embarked on the enactment of the health Act which became effective on 20th September 2017,’ Dr Thakker said.

Dr Thakker said that the Act has brought together several health-related laws to facilitate the implementation of the health policy and to address gaps in the health sector including human resource management, UHC, emergency health care, service delivery and regulation of health products and technologies.

He noted that over the past seven years the Ministry of Health has embarked on systems and structures to improve overall health care in the country while adding that it is dedicated to moving ahead and transforming health so that Kenyans can enjoy affordable and equitable health care.

The Chair announced that one of the structures and systems under KHPOA through the collaboration of stakeholders was to ensure that the Health Act of 2017 which is a legal document in framework is formulated and had a few institutions that are established to improve the q
uality of health in the country.

‘The authority’s mandate is aligned to the Kenya Vision 2030 which aims to transform Kenya into an industrialised, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to its citizens,’ said the chair.

Additionally, KHPOA commits to resolve complaints referred to it by health institutions or any appeal by aggrieved persons or parties since any person has right to file a complaint about the manner in which he or she was treated at a health facility and have the complaint investigated appropriately.

‘If a health facility or regulatory body fails to resolve a complaint to the satisfaction of the complaint, the authority shall take necessary action,’ he stated.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A section of the Muslim community in Turkana County has raised concerns over alleged discrimination in the issuance of identity cards.

Led by special elect MCA Sarah Muna, the leaders said some of the requirements imposed during the vetting exercise were inconsiderate and impractical.

Muna cited instances where separated or divorced mothers had been asked to come with the father of their children or their particulars saying it was a tall order.

‘It is unfair for a mother to be asked to produce documents of the father of their children, yet they were separated. It is only practical to ask such a mother to come with her parents particulars, which can help identify her and her children,’ she said.

She was speaking during the Id-ul-Fitr celebrations in Lodwar.

Similar concerns were expressed when the president met Muslim leaders at state house on Monday evening and the present promised to relook at the vetting exercise.

The Muslim community lauded Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai for considering Muslim minoriti
es for employment opportunities.

She appealed to the government to fence areas marked for Muslim cemeteries to prevent encroachment on the land.

She also appealed to the county government to drill boreholes in mosques, citing high demand for water in places of worship.

Chief Officer of Public Works Khadra Abdi thanked Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai for appointing her as chief officer.

She said it was the first time that county government had appointed a Muslim woman to be a chief officer. She challenged Muslims who win tenders to deliver.

‘I urge members of the Muslim community who have been awarded contracts not to let down the governor. Make sure you deliver as stipulated in the contracts,’ she said.

A mayor from neighbouring Moroto, Uganda Mohammed Ismail also attended the celebrations.

He commended Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai for his leadership in uniting the communities from both countries.

He said the Ugandan government would always welcome the Turkana community to Uganda as they migrate in search
of water and pasture during drought seasons.

He appealed to the Turkana county government to emulate the construction of modern markets like in Uganda for the benefit of her traders.

Supkem county chairman Yussuf Aremon also hailed Governor Lomorukai for nominating Muna as a representative of the minorities in the county assembly, saying she had helped address issues facing the minorities.

Special elect MCA from Napeitom, Ejore Turkana East, called on the community to take girls to school to improve their quality of life.

She urged Muslims and Christians to coexist peacefully for the development of the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Mango farmers in Makueni County stand to reap more benefits from their produce after the government found a new market outside Kenya, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr has said.

Governor Mutula said this on Thursday after meeting with the Presidential Economic Transformation Secretariat led by the Senior Advisor to the President Augustine Cheruiyot in his Wote office where they discussed transformation of agriculture especially on value chain.

The governor said that farmers will now earn higher profits besides curbing wastage of mangoes hence improving their standard of living.

‘This team has an investor on mango. They collected our samples from Kalamba Fruit factory and took it abroad to an investor outside Kenya. The only thing we need is to increase our production,’ said Mutula Jnr while speaking to the media outside his office.

‘I want to announce that we are not only the best producers of mangoes in Kenya but we have qualified to export in the field of puree which is a good thing. It is good for p
eople growing mangoes because it is going to reduce the 45 percent going to waste and it will address poverty levels among farmers,’ Governor Mutula said.

He noted that 78 percent of the residents of Makueni are engaged in agriculture and added that if well supported they will increase food production that will boost food security in the country.

‘We have identified key agenda on agriculture where collaboration can be done to ensure the value chain in agriculture can solve the problem of food insecurity and unemployment among the youth in the county,’ he added.

Mutula further said that his government will embark on coordinating the relevant dockets to ensure the planned initiatives are actualised especially through cooperatives besides having aggregating centres in wards across the county.

Dr. Cheruiyot said the national government was ready to work closely with the county to ensure they avail resources especially in the mango value added chain.

At the same time, the President’s Economic Advisor said tha
t they have also identified the livestock sector where they will collaborate with the county to improve the 289,000 head of cattle to increase productivity.

‘We want Makueni County to become a centre of excellence for mango production both for local and export market. In livestock, we have 289,000 cattle of zebu breed that can be upgraded to increase productivity. Now they are doing 70 kilos but we aim to double that to 140 kilos just by managing. That is why we are introducing a feedlot,’ posed Dr Cheruiyot.

‘Also we are going to set up an extension system but using a different model called the entrepreneur model that is the market model,’ he added.

Dr Cheruiyot also said that they are going to ensure the food is safe by introducing a veterinary component where animal health will be given priority in every Ward through setting veterinary units in the Wards.

He said that all these will run under the cooperative system specifically in a multi-value chain where cooperatives will be put in every Ward and wil
l be linked with the aggregation centres to address the financial component.

Present at the event included Department of Agriculture and Irrigation Executive Committee Member (ECM) Joyce Mutua among other senior officials from the county government.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Researchers from the United Kingdom’s University of Exeter met officials from the County Directorate of Climate Change over intentions to roll out a research study aimed at assisting households to utilise climate change information for better adaptation and resilience building.

The meeting, attended by county departments whose work contributes to resilience building against adverse effects of climate change, brought together the directorates of climate change, environment, water, public health, finance, economic planning, public service, administration, agriculture, blue economy, and livestock development.

In his remarks at the meeting, Director for Climate Change, George Emase, described the intended study as an opportunity for sector players to appreciate the impact of climate change forecasting information at the household level.

Director Emase expressed satisfaction at the invitation of state and non-state agencies in the climate change sector to the meeting, emphasising their invaluable contribution
in terms of experience and linkages.

Turkana University College (TUK), the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kenya Meteorological Services (KMS), Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ), and Lodwar Caritas attended.

Dr. Julian Dyer of the University of Exeter explained that the meeting was meant to share the details of the methodological approach to be employed during the study period and solicit feedback from sector players.

‘We intend to ensure that our study findings are as useful as possible to policymakers, development practitioners, and the household as the end users of the forecasting information,’ Dr. Julian Dyer said.

The study comes at a time when the Directorate of Climate Change is set to lead a public campaign to sensitize the public on their obligations in the face of imminent floods potentially arising from the forecasted heavy rains in the current month of April by the Meteorological Service.

Present during the meeting w
ere Dr Peter Edome (Dean School of Sciences, TUK) County Directors, Isaac Eregae, Benedict Mukoo, Mike Erupe, Aaron Nanok, and Thomas Kiyong’a (Deputy Director, Climate Change).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya has officially joined the Acceleration Action on Elimination of Child Labour (ACCEL) African Project, in a move aimed at accelerating efforts towards elimination of child labor in the Country.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), inaugurated the project today in Nairobi with clarion calls to act on policies that will make the mission achievable.

The project which will be implemented four counties, in Kirinyaga, Kisii, Kericho and Meru respectively, comes at a time when Kenya is reviewing its National policy of child labor so as to streamline policies safeguarding children on labor issues.

The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore while speaking during the launch stated that the project scheduled to take five years will accelerate action in elimination of Child Labour in the Tea and coffee sectors in Kenya.

She noted that the pillars of the project would include strengthening policy, institut
ional and legal frameworks, institutionalizing innovative and evidence based solutions, and scaling strategies through knowledge sharing ,partnerships and financing in elimination of child labor.

‘Kenya as a member of the ILO is obligated to fulfill all the requirements of not only Convention No 182 on elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labour but also on Convention No 138 on minimum age for admission of employment,’ Bore emphasized.

The CS further stated that even as the project takes shape, she is glad that the constitution of Kenya affords and guarantees the children the right to free and compulsory basic education and protection from abuse and inhuman treatment.

CS Florence Bore stressed the importance of mainstreaming elimination efforts across all value chains, emphasizing the government’s dedication to safeguarding children’s futures.

Present was Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Kenya Maarten Brouwer, who noted that putting children to labor is neglecting the potential future value
of his or her labor that can be added through education. It reduces the chances of the child to self-develop.

‘In confronting the harsh reality of persistent child labor, we must recognize the urgency of a holistic strategy. The multifaceted nature of this issue demands a comprehensive approach, targeting the very roots that sustain it. Only then can we safeguard the rights, well-being, and future of our children, paving the way for a brighter tomorrow,’ Benson Okwaro, Deputy Secretary General COTU (K) said.

This groundbreaking initiative, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Government, is geared towards eradicating child labor in Africa’s cocoa, gold, cotton, tea, and coffee supply chains.

The ACCEL Africa Project enters its second phase, following a successful implementation in six countries across the continent. Kenya’s involvement will focus on the agriculture sector, specifically targeting the tea and coffee value chains.

The urgency of this endeavor is underscored by the 202
0 Global Estimates of Child Labour, revealing a distressing rise in child laborers, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the situation, concerted efforts are crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 8.7 by 2025.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Traders in Homa Bay town market have expressed displeasure over disconnection of electricity supply to the market over an unpaid bill.

Homa Bay Giant Traders Association Chairman Jack Nyambega urged the county government to urgently resolve the power connection problem.

He said that the problem arose after the Kenya Power Company disconnected a communal meter.

The chairman said it was regrettable that the traders have been in darkness for over a month for reasons they have no control over.

‘We have waited for the county government to pay the bill and do the separation of meters. We are ready to pay the bills if the meter separation is done, ‘he said.

He also said that it would be impossible for the traders to pay the monthly rent to the county government unless power was restored because majority of the businesses relied on electricity to operate.

‘We use electric machines for our businesses. I am forced to open at eight and leave at five due to darkness,’ said Shadrack Miriro, a tailor.

Another trade
r, John Jaramogi, a butcher, said he is forced to transport his meat for refrigeration elsewhere, incurring heavy expenses.

‘The power blackout has also led to a spike in cases of insecurity as the security lights are always off, ‘Jaramogi added.

Felix Omondi, who has an electronic repair shop, said that his business has stalled because he needs power to fix the devices, which is his main source of livelihood.

Belinda, a businesswoman who sells chips and soda, said she needs electricity for the fryer and the fridge.

‘I am now forced to use gas for making chips and also buy ice to cool the drinks, pushing up the expenses, ‘she complained.

The Giant Traders Association Coordinator Leonard Ojenge said that the power bill stands at Ksh. 572,000 and should be paid by the county government before reconnection.

The traders appeal to the county government to pay the bill without further delay.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma urged teachers to work closely with counties since they host Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres within their institutions.

Otuoma assured that his administration will continue to collaborate with head teachers across Busia County to implement the school feeding program for over 50,000 ECDE learners in the 460 public institutions.

Otuoma added that the program has enabled learners, especially those from humble backgrounds, to attend classes regularly. Western Kenya KEPSHA Chairman, Andrew Omusale, has urged the government to promptly consider disbursing capitation for schools.

Speaking during the annual conference in Busia, Thursday, Omusale noted that some head teachers have not received capitation for junior secondary schools since last year.

He also stated that grade nine should be domiciled in primary schools instead of secondary schools.

The chairman praised the strength and competence of primary school teachers and urged the government to provide the nec
essary learning equipment and laboratories.

Lugari Legislator, Nabii Nabwera, said that teachers should ensure that all the stakeholders conform to the provision that education is free according to the Constitution.

‘It is your mandate to ensure that we have a 100 percent transition, whether learners come in uniform or not,’ he said. Nabwera further reminded the teachers that they were the quality assurance officers in their institutions and should lead by example.

‘The other challenge is that you are a provider, not only of solutions but also resources, to a section of children who are in need,’ he said.

The three-day conference brought together 2,500 delegates from Western Kenya region.

Source: Kenya News Agency