Month: May 2024

Cooperative societies need to seek joint ventures and strategic alliances to inspire more growth, a national cooperative leadership forum was told.

During a national cooperative leadership forum to discuss leadership, ethics and governance the cooperative leadership heard that the cooperative movement in Kenya has registered impressive growth over the years owing to implementation of an integrated and fast tracking of business opportunities.

Cooperative Insurance Company (CIC) chairman Nelson Kuria argued that leadership in the movement has contributed to the remarkable development of the movement and observance of good governance practices.

‘Since the laying of the foundation of the movement in early sixties by our forefathers, the cooperative societies have registered notable development both in terms of deposits, membership and influencing growth in other sectors’ ‘, he said .

He however noted that despite the movement being the key to help unlock the great opportunities that exist within the nation,
counties and at individual level, they need to move a notch higher in terms of good leadership and ethics.

‘Everything rises and falls on leadership since they are stewards and pioneers who build the co-op movement to become one that is renowned globally at number 7 globally and number 1 in Africa’, he noted .

Kuria continued to say ‘Cooperatives have demonstrated their capacity to unleash the potential that lies underneath, when people put their act together and work together, they get is better’.

He stated that there are still challenges despite the strides and inspiring growth made saying that it is time to speak the truth, bite the bullet and speak candidly on matters of leadership which has to involve integrity.

The movement, Kuria pointed out, is grappling with numerous challenges and thus frustrating the desire to realize high potential. For example, bad governance coupled with malpractices of members’ resources is still a big challenge to the cooperative movement leadership.

Other challenges incl
ude cyber security, low uptake of technology, low participation of youth and women, demographics of membership and debt accumulation. There is high demand for transparency, equity and fairness and regulation, Kuria said .

‘Majority of the movement is good but there are a few individuals that we are not calling out even as they continue to make our brand dirty . It is time to call them out’, Kuria said.

The CIC chairman emphasized on the need for leaders to call out others who are not towing to the line saying ‘ it is not us. It is about the greater majority of the people. And when we do not do it, we fail the greater majority of the people and therefore are equally culpable of the mistakes of those few as long as we don’t speak’.

Daniel Marube, CEO Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) said they want to put a foundation on future cooperatives saying that although the movement has done well in the past it is not sufficient.

He mentioned that in spite of the rising cost of living in this country, there has be
en growth in savings, which means that cooperators have continued to sacrifice and deny themselves of some luxuries within their lifestyle to continue maintaining the savings.

Looking forward, he added that considering 65 percent of our cooperative members are maturing and another youth population is below 35 percent , leaders are thinking ahead to be able to bring the youth on board leadership and also to participate in wealth creation within the cooperative business model.

‘Leadership has been accused of having old people. we want the young people to come in , and as leaders we want to create and initiate a mentorship programme for every Sacco to within cooperative movement that will bring in new young people to have a continuous flow of leadership not only for today but 50 years to come’, Marube said

David Mategwa , Chairman of Kenya Police Sacco said that tapping the youth to be on board will require Sacco’s to go digital .

‘Sacco’s need to digitize their services. We need to make sure that our servi
ces and business is driven by technology’, he said, noting that as police Sacco , they continue to invest through providing a budget for technology as it keeps on changing .

Tindi Sitati, representing Worker Cooperative that is mostly of the youth called upon cooperative leaders movement to engage the worker cooperative model, get to learn about it , understand how it does their work and open doors for them as they are sourcing for work in their saccos.

Worker cooperative are businesses that are owned, controlled, managed by the members who are also workers. Most of them are notably in the jua kali sectors namely technicians, messengers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters, steel fixers among others.

‘We want to call upon you leaders in the cooperative movement to engage with the worker cooperative model, we are going to be able to provide this work or employment opportunities for these groups of people who are the youth ‘, she added

According to the International Labour Organization, the global
youth unemployment rate stands at 13 percent, and this is three times the unemployment rate for adults. In Kenya, according to the Federation of Kenya Employers, 67 percent of youth in Kenya are unemployed, and this is 35 percent of the total population that we have in Kenya and these statistics should essentially be very worrying to the cooperatives movement because we would wish to provide a solution to the youth with regards to employment. Sitati said

George Okari from FundiTech a member of the worker cooperative gave an example of about 2.4 million young people in the building and construction space who are looking at how to put a whole team, be able to start from the foundation to the end and make sure they are engaged in the construction industry in a more organized way , be given the jobs and be able to form Saccos

Source: Kenya News Agency

MaMa Doing Good in partnership with Kenya Forest Service (KFS) plans to plant 500 million trees across the Country by 2032 to increase tree cover by 30 percent and protect water catchment areas.

According to an official from the Organisation Arnold Kipchumba, the move is meant to compliment government efforts of planting 15 billion trees adding that so far, they have planted over 3 million trees in forests and learning institutions.

Speaking at Kimondi forest during a tree planting exercise, Kipchumba stated that forests play a key role in the Kenyan economy providing a substantial source of employment and economic growth as well as contributing to climate risk reduction.

He said there is need to reverse forest degradation and deforestation in line with global, continental and national goals on landscape and ecosystem restoration.

‘The office has adopted different strategies to achieve this ambitious commitment. These include forest adoption, promoting establishment of women and youth led tree nurseries,
promoting tree growing through agro forest for improved livelihoods and growing of forests and fruit trees within institutions and schools among others,’ he said

Nandi County Forest conservator Dennis Kerengo noted that the county tree cover is still low adding that to achieve 40% tree cover, residents should embark on tree planting on their lands.

‘Our responsibility as Kenya Forest Service is to ensure we plant 17 million tree seedlings and grow so that we increase our tree cover from 26 percent to 40 percent. As a county we have achieved 10 percent tree cover but the big task is to achieve the 30% as envisaged by our president,’ he said

He warned those individuals who will be found illegally cutting trees in the forest that they will bear the burden of paying a fine of Sh50,000 or six months’ imprisonment or both.

Kerengo challenged locals to plant indigenous trees that are environmental friendly along reparian land and remove eucalyptus trees which draw a lot of water and lower water levels.

Chesumei
Assistant County Commissioner Benson Kamau disclosed that one thousand trees were planted during the exercise adding that Nandi County is expected to plant over 174 million tree seedlings in those 10 years

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Uasin Gishu County Disaster Management Committee has outlined key strategies to avert emergencies caused by floods across various parts of the county.

The Committee co-chaired by the two levels of government and other stakeholders like Kenya Red Cross held a sitting at the County Chambers, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, on Friday morning to identify affected dams across the county in order to prevent damage to lives and property.

Speaking during a press briefing, Governor Jonathan Chelilim indicated that on Monday the county received flash floods in the area of Cheptiret, Kipchamo ward which displaced 72 households and property.

‘The County government together with the National government and other agencies is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the county from the potential impacts of the floods,’ added the Governor.

He pointed out that the county is undertaking a series of proactive measures in collaboration with a multi-agency disaster preparedness team in response to the increasing risks posed by
increasing weather events and climate.

Dr Chelilim revealed that the committee formed other 6 sub committees to who were sent across the 6 sub counties of Moiben, Ainabkoi, Kapseret, Kesses, Soy and Turbo to conduct a comprehensive survey to map out rivers, dams and river embankments at risk of bursting or overflowing during the heavy ongoing rains.

‘The County has 278 dams and water pans, 28 have been identified which require immediate attention. Action plans on these dams include opening of spillways, expanding of existing spillways, opening and expanding of downstream drains, improving foot bridges on the identified dams,’ said the Governor.

Additionally, the county is also opening up clogged drainages at the Eldoret CBD, informal settlements and other identified areas across the county while at the same time working with educational institutions to identify school infrastructure affected by the floods before opening of schools.

He called on residents and parents to exercise caution and accompany schoo
l going children to and from school, while assisting them to cross streams and rivers and for possible protection in case of floods on the way.

‘We urge Schools not to release children during heavy rains and raising awareness to the members of the public through the support of the Kenya Red Cross, media and, the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), churches and faith-based organizations on the risks posed by floods,’ noted Dr Chelilim

The county disaster management and response team have been put on high alert in case of an emergency and residents are urged to report through 0710646464 or dial 1199 for prompt action in case of an emergency.

Deputy Governor Eng John Barorot confirmed that they have deployed various machines including bulldozers, excavators and others with a budget covering 30,000 litres of fuel to strategic high-risk areas in order to ensure drainages are clear to allow flood water flowing without overflowing to the neighbourhoods causing further possible eventualities.

Cou
nty Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale affirmed the preparedness by the county multi agency on disaster management to ensure the ongoing floods do not pose threat to lives and property.

He called on the members of the community living around and blocking waterways to consider moving early to safer places before disaster strikes.

The CC acknowledged the role played by the media in terms of reporting incidents and educating the public on the risk of floods.

‘To the residents let us avoid floods, do not try water, it has its own strength, it has its own path, just avoid it by living 30 square meters away from the waters,’ noted Dr Nyale.

In his remarks Oscar Okumu North Rift Regional Coordinator for Kenya Redcross pointed out that the current situation requires quick action in order to prevent the risks posed by heavy downpour in the region.

He underscored that they are working together with the national, county government and other agencies to ensure preparedness and quick response in case of an emergency.

‘We
have activated our national warehouse to reposition its operations in Eldoret town just in case of eventualities. We have instructed all our ambulance volunteers to reach out to all communities living downstream in the need of moving to safer grounds,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of Health has launched the staff head count to eliminate ghost workers in the health ministry.

The Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Medical Services, Harry Kimutai, who led the inauguration of the exercise at Afya House grounds on Thursday, said the aim of the head count is to enable the department to know the exact number of staff it has for purposes of cleaning the payroll system and removing ghost workers.

Kimutai said that the matter of undertaking the exercise had been discussed at a senior management meeting and passed by the ministry for effective service delivery.

The PS noted that all members of staff will be required to submit their documents within a period of seven-days, failure to which after 30 days, the employees will receive a suspension letter and thereafter go through the disciplinary process.

‘Tell your colleagues, wherever they are, that if they don’t submit their paperwork to be aligned with their files by the end of this month, we will stop their salary unt
il they come,’ cautioned the PS.

Kimutai added, ‘Those who fail to submit their papers for verification will be deemed to have absconded duty, more so those on strike.’

‘This is an exercise that has been sanctioned by the public service, so as to verify our certificates with either the National Examination Council, universities and colleges that we went through,’ he said.

‘I want you people to take this exercise very seriously, we are already done with the team that is in Mathare,’ he urged.

Kimutai announced at the same time that within the next seven-days, when the headcount exercise takes place, staff will be deployed to various counties where there is inadequate staff.

He observed that some employees are overburdened with a lot of work, whereas there are colleagues who are earning salaries and are using their working hours to run their own errands.

‘We need to allocate duties according to the establishment so that other employees are not overburdened,’ the PS stated.

The PS noted that the ministry
has been shouldering the burden of paying officers who are on the payroll salaries, yet they are working for Non-governmental organisations and earning allowances, adding that a total of 1000 employees who are supposed to be in the State Department for Medical Services are not seen at their places of work.

‘Immediately we are done with this exercise, and before we get approval from Public Service to advertise the vacant positions, we will realign the heads of divisions and the heads of directorate according to staff establishment and suitability that we would have done on assessment,’ said the PS.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Swahili Pot Hub and Mombasa County Government have unveiled the fifth edition of the Pwani Innovation Week (PIW) to help create a widespread culture of innovation and stimulate the innovation ecosystem in the Pwani region of East Africa.

This year’s PIW will be held from October 14th to October 18th, 2024, at Swahilipot Hub Foundation under the theme: The Pwani We Desire: Youth, Culture, Peace, and Innovation in the Decade of Action.

More than 2000 participants from the country and the neighbouring Coastal towns of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania are expected to attend the innovation week to create a central space for youths to exchange ideas.

Over the years, the annual innovation event has evolved into a much-needed annual intervention that has provided a platform for thinkers, innovators, employers, and enterprise-minded youth to converge and innovate tangible solutions.

The captivating five-day event will include innovation challenges and hackathons, training
boot camps and workshops, keynote speeches and panel discussions, an exhibition, deals den, heritage experience, Pwani Gat Talent Concert, and awards.

Swahilipot Hub Chief Mentor Mahmoud Noor said during a media briefing on PIW at the Swahilipot Hub, Mombasa, that the innovation week aspires to be the catalyst that sparks a thriving innovation ecosystem within the region by showcasing the remarkable achievements of young, local entrepreneurs.

‘These success stories serve as powerful inspiration for future generations, demonstrating the possibilities that lie ahead. By cultivating a supportive environment that empowers young people through workshops, mentorship programmes, and skill-building initiatives, PIW aims to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to translate their ideas into reality,’ said Noor.

He added that the commitment to cultivating innovation extends beyond youth development, as PIW also recognises the unique potential of Pwani’s coastal economies and rich biodiversity.

‘By effectiv
ely showcasing these assets, it aims to attract both domestic and foreign investors,’ said Noor, adding that increased awareness among policymakers is expected to lead to the creation of more supportive policies and funding opportunities for regional innovation.

PIW also envisions the establishment of a robust network of young innovators, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship. It strives to position Pwani as a leading destination for sustainable and innovative investment.

‘The creation of a regional investment guide, highlighting Pwani’s success stories and outlining its investment potential, will be a key tool in achieving this goal,’ said Noor.

He further challenged governments, the private sector, civil societies, and communities to keep reinventing interventions that will allow youth to access meaningful livelihoods in the wake of global conflicts and disasters.

On his part, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism, and Investments Mohamed Osman said th
e PIW has become a cornerstone in shaping the future of Port City.

‘PIW serves as a platform to empower youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to become thought leaders and innovators. We aim to equip them to identify emerging challenges and develop tailored solutions that will propel Mombasa’s economic growth,’ said Osman.

The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Registrar for Research Partnership and Innovation, Prof. Rahma Udu, urged innovators to patent their innovations through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).

‘We will only increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by commercialising our innovations. You have to register because whatever you have invented, no one should repeat it,’ she said.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chairman Abud Jamal promised a seed capital of 1,000 United States dollars (USD), equivalent to Sh135,000, to the best innovator.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) held public participation to sensitise Malaba residents on the consequences of encroachment, building along road reserves, and littering.

Engineer Joyce Kosgei said that they will remain vigilant to ensure all structures constructed on road reserves will be demolished to improve drainage and ease traffic snarl-up along the Eldoret-Malaba highway.

‘Protection of road reserves and building along road reserves is also illegal, and perpetrators could face heavy fines,’ she said.

She added, ‘Before you construct any structure on road reserves, it’s vital to visit KeNHA or County Government offices to avoid wastage of resources. Digging in road reserves will also not be tolerated.’

Ms. Kosgei said vandalism of road signs has also escalated, thus endangering motorists who use the busy Corridor ‘B’ road that links Nairobi-Rironi and the Malaba Border.

Kosgei noted that littering is another impediment to KeNHA’s resolve to meet its agenda, blaming Busia County staff for l
eaving litter near drainage sites.

Eng. Kosgei said the Traffic Act bars people from parking on road shoulders along the main carriageway for more than 1-2 hours, with the culprits to face a fine of Sh30,000 or one-year imprisonment.

Eng. Akuku Tillen said anybody who wishes to lease their land or obtain a title near road reserves should seek a surveyor’s map from the County Government, adding that Kenya Power also needs wayleave approval from the county government.

The engineer noted that it was illegal to engage in activities within road reserves. He lauded the county government for seeking permission from the highway authority to expand the Kocholia culvert.

Akuku said vandalism of signs was a nationwide phenomenon. He sighted a case between 2019/2020 between Malaba/ Webuye Road when all installed signs were vandalised in a spate of one month.

He told the Municipality Board to enforce the law to make it mandatory for hawkers doing business along the busy highway to always wear reflectors to ensure the
ir safety from the long-distance truck drivers.

Chief Officer in the county government of Busia in charge of Urban Development and Physical Planning, Ken Mbaja, regretted that the Bungoma-Malaba road was very narrow, which calls for urgent expansion.

He noted that the reorganisation of Malaba town was painful and told Municipality Manager Francis Asoyong to act fast and remove illegal structures within the border town after holding public participation and constructing modern kiosks.

‘Tough laws are required to reorganise the town, including the road, sewer, and drainage. He urged KeNHA to expedite the culverts’ approval from private developers instead of the current trend where approval takes 3-4 months,’ he said.

Municipality Manager Francis Asoyong said the county government has acquired an investor to construct a trailer park with Sh100 million set aside for the purchase of land.

Asoyong said littering challenges in the Municipality will be a thing of the past as they will budget for the purchase of
two tractors to carry litter to the dumping site on a daily basis, unlike the current trend when litter was ferried on a weekly basis with a tractor from Busia.

The manager said they have entered into an agreement with a contractor to construct the trailer park to expand the box culvert at ACK.

Businessman Dominic Kihara said trailers should be allowed to stop for at least 10 minutes to buy goods that would spur the economy of the border town, adding that darkness is a great concern with no street lights.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The first ever modern Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in Samburu North sub-county has been operationalised.

This is after the college, situated in Baragoi town, enrolled 63 pioneer trainees who will acquire technical skills that will make them employable and also create employment.

Speaking during the County Implementation Coordination Management Committee, Samburu North TVET Principal Peter Lemalasia noted that the students would be trained on courses that would enable them to get employment in the national government’s affordable housing project, which is part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

‘We are offering them courses like plumbing, water engineering, electrical installation, social work, and cosmetology, among others. Most of these courses are in demand in various sectors of the economy,’ he said.

The Principal expressed optimism with the first government-sponsored students, saying that technical courses were being well received in the pastoralist
s’ region.

‘We have enrolled 34 male and 29 female trainees who will undertake various technical courses for six months. High enrollment of youths will also see a reduction in overdependence of livestock as a source of livelihood and consequently a reduction in cattle rustling in Baragoi,’ Lemalasia added.

He called on the government to expedite equipping the institution so that the trainees could have practical lessons.

The Baragoi TVET becomes the third government-sponsored institution of higher learning in operation in Samburu County after Archers Post TVET in Samburu East and Maralal Polytechnic.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The county government of Nyeri has acquired ownership of 322 motor vehicles and motorbikes valued at Sh 3 billion previously owned by the Karatina, Nyeri, and Othaya Municipal Councils.

The handover marks the beginning of the process of transferring assets, valuation reports, and registers of valuables-previously owned by the defunct municipal councils to county governments.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the governor’s office, Dr. Perminus Nyaga, a member of the Inter-Governmental Relation Technical Committee (IGRTC), said that the process is also in line with the ‘resources follow functions’ mantra and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

According to Dr. Nyaga, the process also actualizes the resolution of the 10th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit held in February 2023, where it was resolved that the State Department for Devolution and IGRTC would coordinate the transfer of assets to county governments.

He noted that the exercise took a phased approach where IGRTC
partnered with other state departments and the county governments for the valuation of the plant, motor vehicles, and equipment.

He at the same time urged the county governments to ensure the valued assets are updated in the county asset registers and the recommendations in the handing over report are implemented to safeguard and protect the public assets.

‘The county government of Nyeri, with its legal ownership, will now be able to do whatever they choose with the assets. And seeing that the assets have already been valued, the finance department of the county will be able to take up the values and include them in their balance sheets, which is a requirement of the Public Finance Management Act,’ said Dr. Nyaga.

Additionally, Dr. Nyaga also challenged the county to establish an asset disposal committee in line with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act to fast-track disposing of some of the obsolete assets held in various yards and parking lots. Additionally, he said that the valuation for fixed assets
, which will cover parcels of land and buildings, is still in progress and plans are underway to complete the pending work.

‘These assets belong to them; therefore, the functions that have been delineated and transferred to local authorities will follow the same route. There will be a transfer of resources, including land, buildings, and many other accessories, from the national government to the county governments,’ he said.

Speaking after receiving the assets, Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri welcomed the move and called for the process of transferring the remaining assets to be expedited to allow counties to chart the way forward on the fate of the assets.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru County has today commenced the draining of Moricho Dam in Visoi Ward, Rongai Sub-County, to reduce the potential of the dam overflowing, which could result in the damage to properties and loss of life due to the heavy rains and the overflow from Baringo hills.

This decision comes as the dam which is a source of water for farmers, pastoralists and residents across Rongai Sub-County, reached its full capacity due to the recent heavy downpours experienced throughout the country.

According to the Rongai Sub county Water Officer Paul Muhuhe the resolution underscores the implementation of precautionary measures against flood-related disasters as recently witnessed in Mai Mahiu.

Muhuhe said similar inspections and necessary interventions have been carried out at other dams, including Nyenda and Kwa Njane in Turi Ward, Molo Sub- County, as well as Tuyotich Dam in Rongai, which are also undergoing spillway enhancements.

Additionally, he said the County will continue draining other dams at risk of overflow
ing to mitigate possible disasters and prevent any damage to properties and loss of lives.

The dams which are spread all over pastoralists areas are likely to turn into calamities since most of the times they are not maintained and a number of them are full of siltation.

A pastoralist from the area, Peter Rotich said the life of herders is always at the mercy of nature, since during droughts they lose livestock due to lack of pasture while floods make the animals sick and expensive to treat, and young ones get carried away by storm water.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The heavy rainfall and resulting flooding in the country has caused significant damage and loss of life, and experts are concerned about a potential increase in waterborne diseases as the floods continue to destroy properties, roads, and infrastructure.

Dr Elias Mwangi, CECM of Health Services Kiambu County pointed out that floods have led to the displacement of people and exacerbated poor sanitation and it was therefore crucial to implement proper planning to address these issues before they escalate.

Dr. Mwangi was speaking during an exercise in Juja where the county distributed chlorine-based aqua tabs for household water treatment, water jerricans, bar soap and buckets to members of the public.

He sounded the alarm about a looming disaster and encouraged families living in high-risk areas to stay vigilant in order to reduce their chances of coming into contact with contaminated water.

The Health Executive specifically highlighted the risk for households with pit latrines, cautioning that flooding cou
ld cause overflow and pollute water sources, increasing the likelihood of waterborne illnesses.

‘During this season of heavy rains and floods, it is essential to prioritize WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives to mitigate health risks and ensure the well-being of communities. Health risks are elevated during floods due to the flooding of latrines in affected areas leading to the contamination of above ground water with faecal matter.’

‘The problem is significantly worse in urban areas with existing waste disposal issues as this is when waterborne diseases become a ticking time bomb. It is vital for individuals to remain cautious about their health and anyone having symptoms such as abdominal pain, high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea should seek medical help as soon as possible,’ he said.

Dr. Mwangi called for immediate action and assistance from governmental and non-governmental organizations in tackling the looming crises citing that unsafe water and inadequate sanitation would aggravate the t
ransmission of waterborne diseases, posing serious health risks to individuals, adding that without prompt medical intervention, these diseases would lead to severe illness and death.

Waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis A, are caused by tiny organisms like viruses and bacteria. These harmful organisms can enter the body through polluted water or through contact with waste material containing the virus.

He explained that in areas affected by the disaster, a major challenge is obtaining clean, uncontaminated water, and urged individuals to avoid drinking water from unknown sources, to boil water before consumption, to steer clear of uncooked foods, and to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Source: Kenya News Agency