Day: April 17, 2024

Bodaboda operators have been advised to go for cheap and environmentally friendly electric motorbikes in order to save on fuel and earn profit.

Senior Deputy Secretary of State Department of Transport Mr. Ibrahim Maalim Abdi said there are two million motorcycles in the country and the transport sub-sector has enabled a big number of the youth to be in gainful economic activity.

Speaking during a public participation meeting on transport policy in Isiolo town which saw about 100 stakeholders in the transport sector drawn from bodaboda riders, PSV matatu organizations and taxi drivers, Mr. Abdi said that choice of type of fuel to use would be more profitable due to price variations.

He said that the government introduced the policy to make sure that the common people can benefit more while using the electric motorcycles compared to other fuels.

The Deputy Secretary said that major road projects that are underway along the great northern highway and the Lapsset transport corridor would open the region wher
e the government would put up electric charging centres after every 100km.

Mr. Abdi added that electric motorbikes numbers had increased to 2557 by December last year while the electric vehicles were 1353 and the figures are soaring following the rise in popularity of the new technologies.

The Isiolo County government CECM for transport Mr. Yusuf Dahir said that the county government was supporting the youth and women to embrace the environment friendly technologies as well as planting more trees and use of Gas and electrical systems to reduce climate change effects.

Mr. Dahir said that with tarmacking of Isiolo – Mandera road northern Kenya would open for development and challenged locals to support both the National and County governments in implementing the projects.

Source: Kenya News Agency

At least 19 recruits have been recruited to join Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers in Makueni County.

Among those recruited included 16 men and 3 women who took position one in hotly contested races conducted at the Police Sports Ground in Wote town on Tuesday.

‘We have recruited 19 persons here that comprises 10 men and 2 women who have undergone National Youth Service (NYS) and 7 others. This is according to the Presidential Directive,’ said Senior Assistant Director Tsavo Conservation Area Captain Kenneth Ochieng while speaking to the media at the Police Sports Ground.

Ochieng disclosed that the counties that are close to the National Parks get more slots in recruitment because of the effects of the human/wildlife conflict in those areas.

‘Kitui, Makueni and Taita Taveta have been given more slots compared to the other counties. This is because they neighbour the national parks and they get affected by human/wildlife conflict from time to time,’ said the Senior Assistant Director.

He further said
that the recruits were expected to be Kenyan citizens, have D plain and be aged between 18 and 26 years.

While the recruits who spoke said that the exercise was fair and transparent, hundreds of other youths who turned up to be recruited went home disappointed.

‘For those who were unsuccessful, I say sorry to them, the competition was so stiff and wish them well next time,’ said Ochieng.

During the event, Ochieng issued appointment letters to the 19 recruits which they will use to report to Manyani KWS training camp on 20/05/2024.

The recruits were challenged to be disciplined and be committed besides being honest even as they wait to undergo the training. The candidates were recruited from the 10 sub counties in the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of Mining has closed 1,546 mines in the country for failing to comply with the law governing mining.

Speaking in Nyeri town today, when he launched artisanal mining committees in six counties in Mt Kenya region, Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Elijah Mwangi, said that the mines mostly involved in processing precious stones, were closed due to lack of licencing from the Ministry, as provided for by law.

He said the government decriminalized the activities of artisanal mining in 2023, and as per the directive, artisanal miners were required to formalize their operations by organizing themselves into cooperatives.

‘As we talk, we have closed down these mines, many of which were operating without consent from the government. We know many are still operational and from tomorrow, we will conduct crackdown using Mining Police Unit that has been formed,’ said Mwangi.

The PS who was accompanied by senior ministry officials said that the committees, whi
ch have been established and are under the governor, will be mandated to licence artisan mining, commonly known as quarries producing building stones, ballasts and sands, among other products.

‘For the last four years, our ministry has not licenced anyone; now that we have launched these committees to regulate mining at local level, this will ensure compliance and payment of taxes,’ said Mwangi.

Mwangi added that the licencing will also ensure that safety precautions are observed while doing the work in quarrying and establishment of cooperatives for benefit of minors.

‘As a government, we want to regulate this industry, just like what is happening to Boda Boda industry. the lead person will be the governor, whose nominee is the chairman, and will ensure fairness,” said Mwangi.

Mwangi’s comments come at a time when Kenyans have raised a red flag over government increased taxation.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The KCB Foundation has entered into a partnership with the County Government of Busia with a view to support students to pursue artisan and certificate courses.

The three-year programme dubbed ‘tujiajiri’ targets to support 500 students drawn from the 35 wards across Busia County at a cost of Sh35 million.

Speaking during the official launch of the programme at Matayos Vocational Training Centre on Tuesday, Western Region KCB Foundation Coordinator Isaac Osoro said that there was a need to empower the community with whom they interact.

‘Tujiajiri programme is a skill-based development programme that is seeking to catalyse employment and wealth creation,’ he said.

Osore added that the programme focuses on self-employment and enterprise development through supporting training on hands-on technical skills.

He noted that a number of youth lack certificates to access employment and also lack capital to kick-start their own enterprises.

‘There is also a lack of business advisory skills that can help them man
age their businesses,’ he said, adding that KCB Foundation will support them by offering technical training skills through the technical training institutions after which they will receive the relevant certificates.

The official further said that the foundation also plans to offer business advisory services to the youth so that they know how to start and run their businesses.

‘As KCB Foundation, we are also offering subsidised loans to fund working capital for youth who will be willing to start and run their businesses,’ he said, adding that the loan will be at 9 percent interest as opposed to 13 percent interest charged on normal loans.

Osoro at the same time said that the Foundation is willing to work closely with like-minded partners to empower youth so that they can realise their goals.

‘In this first programme, we are supporting 500 youth but we are targeting increasing the number during the next financial year,’ he said.

The official also said that 40 percent of the beneficiaries of the program wil
l be issued with tool kits at the end of their training so that they can start their businesses.

Busia Deputy Governor, Arthur Odera urged the beneficiaries to make use of the opportunity to have an income and support their families.

‘These investments that have been made by KCB and the county government of Busia must give dividends and the dividends we are looking for are your success,’ he told the beneficiaries.

Odera encouraged the beneficiaries to steer away from any form of distraction, like drug and substance abuse that may interfere with their career path.

He further explained that the beneficiaries of the programme will have job opportunities at Nasewa Industrial Park which is under construction.

‘This county has also embarked on a revitalization programme through value addition in agriculture,’ he said, adding that the county government was also extending electricity supply to villages.

The official challenged administrators to ensure that they raise the county’s own source of revenue collectio
n and block all forms of revenue leakages for sustainability of the programmes.

Busia CEC Member for Education Beatrice Nakholi urged the MCAs to come up with a garage in the Bumala area so that mechanics who graduate from the programme can repair county government vehicles at the facility.

Nakholi further appealed to the county leadership to allow those pursuing courses in building and construction to be engaged in building the ECDE classrooms across the county.

‘For those pursuing beauty and hairdressing courses, I’m requesting that a section of kiosks being constructed in Busia town be reserved for them so that they can have somewhere to start from.

The beneficiaries welcomed the program adding that it would rekindle their hopes of developing their career paths.

Both the County Government of Busia and the KCB Foundation will contribute Sh17.5 million each to support the programme.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kirinyaga County Commissioner Hussein Allasow urges residents in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant due to increased rainfall causing flash floods in Mwea East and West subcounties.

Speaking when he presided over a tree planting exercise by all heads of departments at Kerugoya Police headquarters, Allasow confirmed that no deaths had been reported. However, destruction of property and homes occurred in some of the affected areas. He further asked those who may not have alternative residents to contact local administration officers for assistance.

The commissioner insisted that the county is not known for floods which is why there is no designated rescue center. The county security department has identified temporary rescue centres at Thiba Primary and Secondary.

‘We request that our people move to safer places as early as possible before being swept away. So far, no deaths have occurred but destruction of property, homes and some shops. Kirinyaga has not been experiencing floods; that is why we don’t ha
ve rescue centres, but Thiba primary and secondary schools are our rescue centres for now,’ Allasow said.

On tree planting, he called on all stakeholders to incorporate tree planting into all their activities. He added that the rains being experienced currently provide the right time for tree planting, which every citizen should embark on.

Kenneth Muthuri, the county forest conservator in Kirinyaga County, said that they have joined hands with the security team to plant trees to mark the long rainy tree planting season.

Muturi noted the exercise is also to answer the clarion call from the president to have about 15 billion trees planted within the next 10 years. Last year Kirinyaga County planted about 1.6 million trees, as captured in Jazamiti app that the government is using to trace and document the data on tree planting.

‘This year we are trying to go beyond a million targets annually, up to this stage we have planted about 146,000 seedlings since the start of the year. Together with the county commis
sioner, we launched the tree planting on the International Day of Forestry, and other planting occasions are coming,’ Muthuri said.

The conservator requested that all departments make sure that they utilise the public lands, take advantage of the rains and help the country achieve the required forest cover of that percent by 2022. ‘We want to ensure that our mother nature doesn’t punish us for damaging it. We come together and continue planting everywhere along the roads, within government infrastructure, in the forest, in the farms.’ He added

Kenya Forest is also collaborating with the Kirinyaga Youth Chapter to ensure that they capture in every ward and sub-county those areas that they are able to plant.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Uasin Gishu County will this year disburse Sh. 165 million as bursaries to more than 23,000 needy students from across the county.

According to Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim, this marks an increase of Sh. 46 million as compared to last financial year. The number of beneficiaries has also increased by 5,259 students to 23,330. This marks the highest amount of bursary disbursement since the inception of the county.

Speaking while presenting bursary cheques to the needy students in Kamagut and Kapsaos wards in Turbo Sub-County, Governor Bii said he had fulfilled the promise he made last year to increase bursary allocations to reach needier learners.

The beneficiaries include students from secondary schools, technical institutions, colleges, and universities; thus, the governor also highlighted that the bursaries will significantly alleviate the financial burden on parents as the funds will cover their children’s tuition fees.

‘My administration recognises the paramount importance of educati
on, and we believe the students will make us proud by achieving their goals. I urge them to work extra hard to realise their dreams,’ he said.

The county boss further underscored that education was a key pillar under his Nguzo Kumi’s manifesto and affirmed his commitment to investing more in the sector. He also announced plans for the implementation of a school feeding program in ECDEs across the county.

County Executive Committee Member for Education, Vocational Training, Gender, Social Protection, and Gender, Anthony Sitienei, described education as an equalizer in life and urged bursary beneficiaries to make good use of the support to change their livelihoods in the future.

The CECM further encouraged students who did not meet university entry points to enrol in vocational training centres (VTCs). The bursaries will be disbursed to all 30 wards in the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

People working in the informal sector and those in self-employment have been urged to enrol in the social security scheme for protection in old age.

The National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Vihiga County branch manager Esther Kemei, says a good number of adults are still unwilling to save with the fund, yet it is the surest way to guarantee a comfortable life for the elderly.

The manager lamented that some people hold the notion that enrolling in a social protection scheme is a preserve for those in formal employment, terming it a misconception as everybody deserves a sustained good life for the full cycle.

Kemei said any adult with a national identification card is eligible to enrol in the fund under the voluntary contribution arrangement.

She stated that they are using public forums to sensitise the bodaboda operators, numbering over 5,000 in the county to embrace the scheme, disclosing that a substantial number have so far registered and are making the contributions.

‘We are looking out for the juaka
li entrepreneurs, including stall owners in the open-air markets, matatu crews and luggage carriers, among others and encouraging them to voluntarily register and save with us,’ she explained.

She said now that the operations have been digitized, one can easily register by visiting the NSSF website.

Source: Kenya News Agency

County Chief Officer Rosemary Kimani hosted a team from St. Mary’s Girls Primary School to discuss collaborations to improve educational standards for girls in Biashara Ward Nakuru East Sub County.

Speaking to the team, the officer appreciated the idea emphasising its significance as it aligns with Governor Susan Kihika’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to ensure quality service delivery to the people of Nakuru.

Caroline Macharia, the head teacher leading the team, appreciated the County Government of Nakuru for supporting early childhood development education, highlighting its significance in improving education quality in the institution.

Additionally, to address the challenge of flooding and the drainage system in the school, Rosemary assured them that a team from the education office, road and environment will visit the school to assess the situation and chart the way forward that will give learners a conducive learning environment.

St. Mary’s Girls Primary School is the only single-g
ender public school, while the rest are mixed. In the past, it was a leading performing school in the county; however, since the government took it over from the Catholic sponsors, it has been on a steady decline.

Present in the meeting were Janet Bii from the Directorate of Education and Catherine Muiruri, the Department’s administrator.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Munanda, Subukia Ward in Nakuru County are thrilled about the completion of a vital access culvert, which has alleviated years of flooding issues.

The road leading to Kamemo Comprehensive School would become inaccessible whenever the seasonal river overflowed, causing difficulties for residents and students.

Resident Engineer Symon Kariuki, along with the area MCA Isabella Makori, expressed their satisfaction with the timely completion of the project. They emphasised that this achievement aligns with the mission of H.E. Governor Susan Kihika to ensure the successful completion of ongoing infrastructure developments.

In addition to the culvert project, the MCA said significant progress has been made in the grading, graveling, and murraming of roads within the ward. Some of the roads that have been rehabilitated include Moro-Bisonga Road, Mililani-Catholic-Wangara Road, Mililani-Akorino Road, and Gitonga-Mureithi Road.

During rainy seasons, the seasonal rivers create a lot of havoc and on many
occasions, people, especially schoolchildren, have lost their lives through drowning. But the common culture is not to fix anything until disaster occurs; unfortunately, sometimes all that’s needed is a culvert, like in the case of Munanda.

The jubilant residents congratulated their MCA for heading into an annual problem that has not been solved since independence. However, she said some seasonal rivers are created due to blockage of rivers by careless land sellers, who don’t disclose the reality on the ground. And the new buyers construct perimeter walls, not knowing it’s a path for storm water.

Also present during the celebration were Ward Administrator Reuben Anyango and Project Committee Member Michael Gathura.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Tozeur: Twenty-two return flights with 2,873 passengers on board have been operated from the Tozeur-Nefta international airport to the holy sites since the start of the Umrah season last December, Tozeur Governor Mohamed Aymen Bejaoui told TAP.

The pilgrims’ transport from the Tozeur-Nefta international airport during the Umrah season has followed a long period of suspension of activities at the airport, he indicated, adding that these flights has brought services closer to citizens and have positively impacted the airport’s activity.

“The success of the Umrah season testifies to the quality of the services provided by the airport, with regard to both domestic and international flights, towards achieving the aspired economic recovery in the region,” he pointed out.

All these flights had been operated by the national flag carrier Tunisair, the governor specified, pointing out the growing demand for the Tozeur tourist destination as the tourist season approaches.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse