AstraZeneca Implements Cancer Care Patient Treatment In Kenya


The Ministry of Health, in partnership with AstraZeneca, has launched the Cancer Care Africa Programme to improve Cancer Care in the Country by improving access and outcomes across the patient care pathways, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

Cancer has become a major public health concern in Kenya and across Africa, with the latest statistics from the World Health Organisation showing that there were 44,726 cancer cases and 29,317 cancer deaths in Kenya in the year 2022.

The figure is set against a regional context that estimates a total of 2.1 million new cases and 1.4 million deaths annually by 2040 across Africa.

The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Susan Nakhumicha, said that the launch of the Cancer Care Africa programme in the country signifies a step towards improving cancer care for all.

Nakhumicha made the remarks in a speech read on her behalf by the National Cancer Institute of Kenya, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Elias Melly, during the launch of the Cancer Care Africa Programme held at the
Nairobi Hotel.

She said that the collaborative initiative with other stakeholders has the potential to significantly improve access to diagnosis, treatment, and care, saving lives and improving the well-being of the country.

The CS noted that a few decades ago, cancer and other non-communicable diseases were not a major concern for the country, while adding that preoccupation was largely with infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, among others.

‘Today, however, cancer has emerged as a critical health issue across Africa, exerting a disproportionately huge burden on families and on our healthcare system. Today, cancer is ranked the third leading cause of death in Kenya, behind infectious diseases and cardiovascular diseases, and the fifth in Africa,’ she said.

The CS said what most Kenyans dread is a cancer diagnosis to a family member, as such a diagnosis may not only portend an early loss of a loved one, but a catastrophic financial burden for the entire household.

‘Despite its grow
ing prevalence and mortality, quality cancer care remains a challenge for many; this has a more severe impact on underserved populations, exacerbating existing health inequalities,’ CS said.

She said that the programme will play a key role in cancer care and management by challenging traditional thinking and advocating for policy changes in cancer care to improve outcomes for all individuals affected by the disease, regardless of their demographic, geographic, or socio-economic status.

‘The Accelerating Change for Cancer Care programme is key in supporting health systems to embrace innovative health technologies, which have the potential to make cancer screening more accessible, particularly in remote and underserved communities in Africa,’ she stated.

She announced that the ministry and partners envision a country with sustainable and equitable cancer care infrastructure that bridges the gap from diagnosis to treatment by leveraging local initiatives in Africa to redefine cancer care and build healthcare
capacity for the delivery of quality and affordable care for all.

‘The partnership with AstraZeneca brings together cancer experts, researchers, patient voices, health tech firms, government officials, and policymakers, aiming to develop sustainable cancer care ecosystems that can withstand the burden of future pressures,’ she revealed.

CS acknowledges that partnerships with AstraZeneca Cancer Care Africa, will amplify cancer prevention and control and co-create a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cancer care in the country.

Additionally, she said that this collaborative initiative has the potential to significantly improve access to diagnosis, treatment, and care, ultimately saving lives and improving the well-being of Kenyans impacted by this disease, as well as their families and communities.

She said the government under the Ministry of Health has prioritised and made cancer diagnosis, care, and treatment affordable for families, noting that with the establishment of the Social Health Authorit
y (SHA), Kenyans will get even greater relief on spending as SHA will take care of the huge costs of cancer treatment for all.

In his remarks, Dave Fredrickson, Executive Vice-President, Oncology Business Unit, at AstraZeneca, said that the Cancer Care Africa programme will support early detection, increase timely diagnosis, and improve access to treatment options for patients in Kenya.

‘With an increasing number of patients being diagnosed with cancer in Kenya and across Africa in the coming decades, joint action to improve patient outcomes and safeguard health care systems for the future has never been more important,’ he said.

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led bio-pharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and Bio pharmaceuticals.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Health IT Initiative


Nakuru County’s Department of Health is conducting a comprehensive review of the implementation progress of the Kenya Electronic Medical Records (EMR) roadmap, a project that seeks to digitize all medical records and help the county go paperless with the support of USAID, Health IT initiative.

This collaborative effort aims to enhance digital health solutions across the county, ensuring streamlined and efficient healthcare delivery aligning with the deployment of a robust digital system in healthcare to ensure efficiency in patient management, and transparency in resource utilization.

The County Director for ICT Leonard Kirui today commended USAID for supporting Nakuru County with developing and deploying EMRs through capacity building and technical support.

He noted that this review aims to empower the County managers implement health automation to embrace the latest cutting-edge technology for improved healthcare outcomes.

Additionally, he said once the EMR is implemented countrywide, no patient would
be required to walk around with x-rays in envelopes or any other medical records since everything would be available at the touch of the button.

In the past, expectant mothers and other patients were required to carry cards which held records of the progress of their pregnancy, and once they gave birth, they were added another card indicating the birth date of the infant and they were required to carry it until all the immunization jabs were completed.

Unfortunately, the mothers who lost the cards were not only scolded by the nurses but some simply stopped taking the babies for the remaining vaccinations, which sometimes led to infant mortality.

Furthermore, Kirui said the EMR would ensure every child born in the country completes their immunisation and the dates of birth would be immortalized and that would enable even those born in remote areas get to know their exact birthdays instead of being told, ‘oh you were born during the rainy season or famine’.

Present during the training were the County Direct
or for Health Administration and Planning Dr Joy Mugambi, technical officers from the County, and Health IT and IT experts from the University of Nairobi.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Declare Floods A National Disaster, Kalonzo


Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has called upon the government to declare the current floods a national disaster.

Kalonzo said this in Mumbuni Primary School in Machakos when he helped distribute food and non-food items to the residents who were affected by the floods in the county.

He said the floods that have killed and displaced thousands of Kenyans have also been worsened by the ongoing doctors’ strike and called on the government to put in place proper intervention measures to prevent further losses.

Kalonzo also urged Kenyans of good will to offer humanitarian support to those affected by the floods.

The Wiper leader was accompanied by Eugene Wamalwa who noted that 32 counties had been affected by the floods and asked the government to declare the floods a national crisis so that international partners and other non-state organisations can assist.

‘As Azimio we demand that the time has come for Kenya Kwanza to declare the floods a national disaster,’ said Wamalwa.

Governor Wavinya Ndeti disclosed th
at Machakos has so far lost 20 people and over 4,000 families displaced and affected by the floods.

Wavinya said the county government has distributed food and nonfood items to flood victims and was also assisting several families to rebuild their houses.She further called upon Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to fast track the inspection of bridges that have been destroyed by the floods to reduce the number of casualties and save lives.

Also present was Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni and Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi and other County officials.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Multi-Billion Vihiga Granite Processing Plant To Boost BETA’s Affordable Housing Program


The construction sector in Kenya is poised for a major take-off as the government inches closer to signing a Sh2.5 billion mining investment deal with a private investor that will see the establishment of a granite processing plant at Emwatsi village in Vihiga County.

Construction of the state-of-the-art granite processing facility is part of the government’s policy that focuses on establishment of Kenya-based value addition and mineral-processing centers.

A five-acre land parcel where the plant will be built has already been acquired and land ownership documents processed.

With negotiations complete, the State and the investor, Equip Agencies Limited, are only awaiting to sign this historic contract to allow the project to kick off.

This is the first granite plant in Kenya where the government will have a minimum of 10 percent stake according to the Mining Act 2016.

State Department for Mining Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi says the granite plant is expected to contribute significantly to the growth
of the processing of construction minerals in in Kenya.

He adds that the aggressive push and relentless hunt by the mining department for strategic investors is informed by the urgent need to have a robust collaborative framework to help exploit the massive latent potential in the sector.

He notes that the government, keen on promoting local mineral processing, was giving priority to investors who had demonstrated interest and capacity to establish mineral processing facilities in the country.

Such a move would boost the creation of employment opportunities for hundreds of local residents, increase the prices and value of locally-sourced minerals and provide a ready-market for granite excavated by local artisanal miners.

‘The construction of this plant speaks to our singular vision as a department to support the value addition for minerals as we actively create jobs and employment opportunities by putting up mineral processing centers across Kenya,’ explained Mr. Mwangi.

Preliminary data in the study of
geological report indicates that Vihiga County has significant deposits that cover an extensive area of over 250 square kilometers on the southern part. This translates to a granite resource occupying a land size of slightly over 60,000 acres.

The report further shows viable mineral occurrences are located in Hamisi, Emuhaya, Luanda, Sabatia and Vihiga sub-counties. Additional deposits are found in the neighboring counties of Kakamega, Bungoma, Siaya, Nandi, Kisumu and Busia.

Granite is one of the dominant minerals that is heavily utilized in the building and construction sector.

Due to its rigidity, stability and exceptional vibration traits, it is extensively used in engineering. Other common uses of granite include making of kitchen and bathroom countertops, tiles, terrazzo and staircases.

The mineral has been gaining popularity in architectural aesthetics where it is utilized in the making of artistic mantelpieces, statues and monuments. It is also used in designing elaborate pavements, walkways, pede
strian walks and cemetery monuments.

One main sector poised to benefit immensely from the establishment of the granite plant is the housing sector under the government’s Affordable Housing Program.

Being one of the main pillars for Kenya-Kwanza’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Affordable Housing Program has set a target of constructing 200,000 housing units annually.

To optimize on the potential of construction material value-chain, the plant is anticipated to support the housing project by supplying processed building materials like rocks, ballast, crusher dust, tiles and related products.

The shift towards locally-processed and manufactured materials for use in government programs is a strategic approach to not only create jobs and market for local products but also support and enhance sustainability of mineral processing through the Buy Kenya-Build Kenya initiative.

Artisanal miners in quarrying and rock-crushing view the plant as a panacea to their perennial challenges of lack o
f market, unemployment and struggling livelihoods.

Mr. Jotham Makokha, the chair of Emwatsi village community, says the impending opening of the granite factory has rekindled optimism amongst the local residents who expect to reap benefits from a resource that is oft looked at as a nuisance.

He adds that most farms are characterized by granite rocky outcrops and massive boulders that hamper effective farming. He points out that local farmers will sell their granite resource to the factory for processing which will clear their land and offer them additional space for agriculture.

‘We are excited because this is a win-win situation for us. They will take the rocks to process and we get extra space for crops. We are also expecting our youths who have been migrating to find jobs in other towns to come home and work here,’ he said.

For the Vihiga County government, the granite plant, once dogged by curse of delays, is now a reality. Governor Dr. Wilbur Ottichilo says the county is not only committed to creatin
g a favorable investment atmosphere for investors but also ready to partner with the national government and partners to promote development in the region.

Stating that the plant was a symbol of the mineral processing capacity in the region, the governor urged investors to exploit other opportunities available in the county for investment.

‘This project will be life-changing for the people of Vihiga and beyond. We are calling for more investors to come and set up shop in this region,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Governor Achani Urges Residents In Flood Prone Areas To Relocate


Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called on residents in low land and flood-prone areas to relocate to higher ground as heavy rains are expected in the coastal region in the days and weeks ahead.

Governor Achani ordered people living around river banks and flood-prone areas of the coastal county to relocate to higher grounds to avoid flooding until after the rainy season.

The county boss said the devolved government had put necessary measures in place in mitigating the effects of possible flood disasters noting that the move would keep residents of such areas safe ahead of the expected heavy rains in May.

She stated that the devolved unit is making the necessary preparations to effectively mitigate the negative impact of floods in the region.

‘As a devolved government in collaboration with the national government and other stakeholders we have begun adequate preparations to avert any possible flooding,’ she said.

She added that they have also begun to create awareness about the dangers of flooding and al
erted people living along riversides and lowland areas to relocate to safer elevated areas.

The governor said the Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted flooding in some areas of the coastal region during the current long rains season.

She said recently the weatherman forecasted heavy rains with potential flooding expected in Mombasa, Kwale and Kilifi counties in the month of May.

‘We are glad as a county since we have not yet experienced any floods or people being affected by it as seen in other parts of the country which has claimed the lives of over 170 people countrywide, and 72 who are yet to be located as a result of the floods, however as a county we have to take precautions,’ she said.

She says the county has identified areas such as Vanga, Majoreni, Jego and Kiwegu in Lungalunga Sub County as among the worst flood prone areas.

‘When it rains in Usambara areas in the neighbouring country of Tanzania, Umba River usually breaks its banks leading to flooding across Lungalunga Sub County and t
herefore we are calling on the border residents to vacate immediately they notice any signs of floods in order to avoid losses,’ she said.

The Governor also said that areas such as Vumbu which borders two dams that were constructed by Kiskol Sugar Company and the mining firm Base Titanium are also likely to experience floods in case of heavy rains and urged the residents to look for shelter in areas like social halls, churches and mosques.

She said with more rain in the forecast, the safety of Kwale residents was of paramount importance and that the county government had taken proactive measures to avert any untoward incident.

The Governor warned residents against blocking drainages with refuse in order to prevent flooding and the loss of lives and properties.

She called on urban residents living close to major gutters and storm drains, culverts and bridges to move away to safeguard lives and properties.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Seven Flood Marooned Residents In Kabaa,Mwala Sub County Rescued


Seven people who had been marooned by flooding waters in Kikuuni village in Kabaa,Mwala sub county after River Athi burst its banks have been rescued.

The seven, six men and a pregnant woman were evacuated to safety on Friday afternoon by a private chopper chartered by the Machakos County Government.

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti and her Deputy Francis Mwangangi coordinated the rescue efforts after the seven got stuck on Wednesday evening when flooding waters surrounded their homes.

According to Mwala Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Dennis Muthomi earlier attempts to rescue the stranded residents were not successful due to the raging waters.

‘We have been trying since Wednesday to rescue the residents to no avail and we thank the county government and the national government for the collaboration,’ said Muthomi.

The ACC said the rescued residents are currently undergoing treatment at Kabaa Health Centre.

‘The victims are currently being treated here at Kabaa.They will also undergo counseling for
the ordeal they went through,’ he said.

The administrator called on residents living in flood prone areas to heed to the government’s directive to relocate to safer grounds.

‘Those residents whose houses are at the risk of mudslides or living near rivers and other dangerous water bodies should move for their own good,’ added Muthomi.

Governor Wavinya said the county government will facilitate alternative accommodation for the affected residents until the water subsides.

‘We will offer accommodation and support to the victims until it is safe for them to go back home,’ said Wavinya.

She appealed to residents of Kyeleni,Vulya and Matungulu to evacuate immediately to avoid floods following heavy rains that are expected in the area.

‘The meteorological department has issued a warning of heavy rains starting Friday evening and we are asking residents living in those areas to move to avoid casualties,’ added the governor.

Mary Mutheu,one the victims expressed her relief after the chopper evacuated them to sa
fety.

Mutheu said the flooding waters washed away crops and livestock following heavy rains.

‘We watched helplessly as the water levels kept on rising. We however decided to assemble in one place and keep each other company as we waited to be rescued,’ she said.

Paul Mulatya, described the three-day ordeal as scary and a brush with death.

‘We even ran out of food and were surviving on bananas and fish,’ said Mulatya.

Close to 20 people have lost their lives while 4,000 households have been displaced in the county by floods.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Coast Journalists Urged To Raise Awareness Of Environmental Conservation


Coast journalists have been urged to leverage diverse media channels to educate their audiences to tackle the vagaries of climate change.

Kenya Correspondents Association (KCA) Coast Region Chairman Omar Shungu says Journalists should be the champion of environmental conservation measures.

The World today commemorates World Press Freedom Day under the theme: ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.’

Shungu noted that the environmental crisis facing the world is a great challenge that must be addressed by all and should not be left to the government and environmentalists alone.

‘As journalists, we must shine a light on the urgent issues facing our environment, from climate change and deforestation to pollution and biodiversity loss,’ Shungu said during a sensitization forum with Journalists.

He challenged journalists to come up with write-ups on environmental stories that focus on marine ecosystems to preserve aquatic lives from extinction.

‘Our work serves as a vital
conduit for raising awareness, holding governments and corporations accountable, and empowering communities to take action,’ he said, adding, that journalists play a pivotal role in the dissemination of information to the public.

The Chairman affirmed his commitment to ensuring journalists get training on climate change reporting.

‘We recognize the importance of accurate, evidence-based reporting in shaping public discourse and driving policy decisions that safeguard our planet for future generations,’ said the KCA Chairman.

‘Despite facing threats, intimidation, and censorship, journalists in Coast remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and accountability. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues around the world who risk their lives to report on environmental issues in the face of adversity,’ he added.

He further urged the government, corporations and civil societies to support and protect journalists who are at the forefront of environmental reporting.

Shungu called for concerted efforts to harn
ess the power of the media to address environmental degradation to build a sustainable future.

‘On this World Press Freedom Day, let us recommit ourselves to the principles of a free and independent press, and let us harness the power of journalism to protect our planet for generations to come,’ said Shungu.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Let Us Implement Programs Instead Of Board Room Meetings, Otuoma


Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has urged partners on climate change to ensure that funds are channeled to support the common mwananchi at the grassroot level.

Speaking to the victims of floods in Bunyala South Ward on Thursday, Otuoma noted that several meetings on climate change were being held in high end hotels, yet some of the most affected people were not being supported.

‘ Several capacity buildings have been held in big hotels for the last 60 years, yet our people have not received any help,’ he said.

He pointed out that Sh35 billion that were set aside by the National Assembly for Emergency response have not been disbursed to the County.

‘I want to urge those concerned to do what is expected of them instead of waiting to see Kenyans lose lives to disaster,’ he said.

The governor stated that Busia County expected to be given Sh700 million but the devolved unit has received only Sh35 million to date.

‘As Western region, we suggested that a dam be constructed at Charanganyi , Lugari , Siaya, Malakisi
with a view to contain the waters that are affecting the residents of Bunyala through floods,’ he said, adding that implementation of programmes is a big challenge.

Otuoma further stated that governors are willing to cooperate with the national government and support the implementation of national government programmes.

‘This is because we must move away from rain-fed agriculture and embrace irrigation,’ he said, adding that there was a need to implement programmes in line with the vision 2030.

He further urged development partners to move away from board room meetings but instead provide resources that can relieve the common man from suffering.

‘We must find a permanent solution to the Budalangi floods because we also fought for Independence,’ he said, adding that the County leadership was ready to sacrifice whatever little resources that it has to ensure that people do not die from situations that can be prevented.

Bunyala Deputy County Commissioner Paul Papa urged those living in flood prone areas alo
ng River Nzoia to move to higher grounds.

Papa stated that 1700 households displaced and were living in temporary camps were in dire need of humanitarian support.

The flood victims received 160 bags of rice, 212 cartons of cooking fat, 90 bags of maize, 90 bags of beans and 250 cartons of bar soap from the County government

Source: Kenya News Agency

Inter-Religious Council Of Kenya’s Advocacy For Early Childhood Development In Siaya County


The inter-religious council of Kenya (IRCK) has embarked on an initiative aimed at nurturing and developing children aged 0-3 years across the country.

By recognizing the pivotal role that religious leaders play in their communities, the council is empowering them to inform and educate society about the importance of nurturing early childhood development.

The council’s recent efforts in Siaya County, spearheaded by Advocacy Strategist and Development Specialist Judith Atieno, demonstrates the power of faith-based leaders in shaping a healthier future for Kenya’s youngest generation.

IRCK’s approach centers around training religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim faiths on the significance of nurturing early childhood development.

This collaboration aims to ensure that parents, especially mothers, are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide optimal care to their children during the crucial first three years of life.

‘Religious leaders hold a deep connection with their communities and are
often trusted sources of guidance,’ Atieno explains.

‘By educating them on good nurturing practices, we empower them to support families in making informed choices for the health of their children and development. This initiative not only benefits children but also strengthens family bonds and societal cohesion.’

Mary Anyango, a mother of two from Gem Sub-county in Siaya, is one of many who have benefitted from IRCK’s initiative. She shares how the teachings provided by her local pastor have positively impacted her family’s nurturing practices.

‘Before attending sessions with my pastor, I didn’t understand how crucial exclusive breastfeeding was for my baby’s health and development,’ says Anyango. ‘I also learned about the importance of early stimulation for my baby, which has brought us closer as a family and helped my children thrive.’

One key aspect of IRCK’s initiative involves dispelling myths and misconceptions, such as men being reluctant to accompany their expectant wives to clinics.

By addressin
g these issues head-on, the council aims to ensure that both parents are actively involved in their children’s upbringing.

‘It’s essential to encourage fathers to participate in prenatal and postnatal care, as well as in early nurturing practices,’ Atieno explains. ‘By doing so, we strengthen the family unit and create a more supportive environment for children.’

A significant focus of the initiative is the advocacy of early stimulation and bonding, even while the child is still in the womb.

This practice fosters a deep emotional connection between parents and their unborn child, laying the foundation for healthy emotional and cognitive development.

Rose, a Catholic nun who has been part of IRCK’s program training religious leaders, shares a touching story about a couple she guided.

The expectant mother encouraged her baby’s father to caress her belly and talk to the baby, letting it hear his voice. Over time, the mother noticed that whenever the father returned home on his motorcycle from work, the baby
would get excited and move around in the womb.

‘The unborn child developed an ear for her father,’ Rose recounts. ‘The baby could recognize the sound of his motorcycle and the time he usually arrived home. This story is a testament to the power of positive nurturing and how it creates a bond even before the child is born.’

While the initiative has been well-received in many communities within Siaya County, there are challenges to overcome, particularly in some areas where cultural beliefs may hinder progress.

Atieno acknowledges that some men, particularly in the dominantly Luo community, may remain apprehensive due to certain long-held beliefs.

Nevertheless, IRCK’s efforts are gradually changing mindsets. Through educational workshops and community dialogues, the council aims to promote understanding and acceptance of new practices that benefit both children and their families.

Despite resistance in some areas, there is a growing recognition of the importance of bridging traditional practices with conte
mporary child-rearing strategies. Atieno notes that the council’s efforts are showing promising results.

‘Our goal is not to discard cultural traditions but to help communities adapt them in ways that promote the well-being of children,’ she explains.

‘By working with local religious leaders, we can bridge the gap between tradition and progress, ensuring that families benefit from modern nurturing practices while respecting their cultural heritage.’

The collaboration between IRCK and religious leaders across various faiths is paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya’s youngest citizens.

As the initiative continues to expand its reach, more families will benefit from the teachings on nurturing and early childhood development.

By empowering religious leaders to share vital information and dispel myths, IRCK is fostering a community that prioritizes the health and development of its children. This collective effort is not only changing the lives of individual families but also shaping a healthier and
more harmonious society.

As Siaya County continues to embrace IRCK’s teachings, it sets an example for other regions across Kenya. With the support of religious leaders, communities are witnessing the transformative power of nurturing practices in the lives of their children, ensuring a future of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Electricity Production Increased From 2351MW To 3312MW During 2018-2022 Period


The Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has said that electricity production increased from 2,351 MW to 3,312 MW while customer connectivity to electricity incareased from 6.78 million to 9.21 million thus increasing connectivity rate by 75 percent both on-grid and off-grid.

The CS said during the same period, the State Department for Petroleum produced, trucked and delivered 415,032 barrels of crude oil to the Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited out of which 414,777 barrels were exported.

In a speech read on his behalf by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Energy Mr. Alex Wachira, during the Ministy’s validation workshop Thursday to validate its Draft 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, the Energy Cabinet Secretary said similarly, 319,314 6kg LPG cylinders were procured and distributed to low-income households in Machakos and Kajiado counties on pilot basis as a way of promoting clean cooking.

Chirchir urged the participants to meticulously scrutinize the document to ensure the resultan
t plan resonated with Kenya’s development aspirations.

Wachira revealed that the Ministry was set to collaborate with other government agencies to increase the digital superhighway by aligning the fiber optics to the pipelines.

In a presentation by Chief Economist at the Ministry Lucy Gaithi highlighted that Ministry replanted trees on 1,652 hectares along the hydro catchment areas including establishing 402 woodlots.

Gaithi pointed out that the Ministry promoted the use of alternative renewable energy technologies such as Solar PV systems, Biogas and energy efficient charcoal kilns in support of clean cooking.

The Strategic Plan being validated is aligned to both national, regional and international development instruments such as the Fourth Medium Term Plan, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Kenya Vision 2030, the East Africa Community (EAC) Vision 2050 and Africa Agenda 2063.

Participants at the meeting included representatives from various State Departments and agencies, privat
e sector players and membership organizations in the energy and petroleum sectors.

The Strategic Plan has four Key Result Areas (KRAs) namely: Energy and Petroleum Resource Development, Promotion and Commercialization; Access to Energy and Petroleum products and services: Environmental Sustainability in the sector; and Enabling Environment for the growth of the sector.

Source: Kenya News Agency