World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers (Gr.H): Tunisia’s squad against Equatorial Guinea and Namibia


Tunis: The Tunisian Football Federation (French: FTF) revealed on Wednesday the list of Tunisia’s 26-man squad to play in the World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers Group H against Equatorial Guinea on June 5 in Rades and Namibia on June 9 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Here is the list of the 26-man squad:

Goalkeepers: Aymen Dhamène, Béchir Ben Said, Amanallah Memmiche.

Defenders: Yan Valery Hamza Mathlouthi, Montassar Talbi, Ala Ghram, Dylan Bronn, Yassine Meriah, Mortadha Ben Ouannas, Oussama Haddadi, Ali Abdi.

Midfielders and strikers: Elyès Skhiri, Aissa Laidouni, Nader Ghandri, Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, Moataz Zaddem, Hamza Rfia, Mohamed Haj Mahmoud, Ghaylène Chaalali, Elias Saad, Seifeddine Jaziri, Elias Achouri, Seifallah Ltaief, Wouajdi Sahli, Raki Aouani.

Group H also includes: Malawi, Liberia and Sao Tomé-et-Principe.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

IHF Men’s World Championship 2025 (draw): Tunisia in Group B with holders Denmark


Tunis: Tunisia’s national handball team have been placed in Group B in the IHF Men’s World Championship 2025, which will be held in Denmark, Norway and Croatia from January 14 to February 2, following Wednesday’s draw in Zagreb.

Tunisia will play alongside Denmark, the reigning world champions, Italy and Algeria.

Group B matches will be played in Herning, Denmark.

The Maghreb derby between Tunisia and Algeria promises to be a fierce battle for a place in the second round of the competition.

Egypt, the reigning African champions, have been drawn in Group H with Croatia, Argentina and Bahrain.

Africa’s fourth representative, Guinea, who have qualified for the first time in their history, will play alongside Hungary in Group D.

The fifth African team, Cape Verde, have been drawn in Group G alongside Slovenia and Iceland.

The 32 teams that qualified for the World Championship 2025 have been divided into eight groups of four.

At the end of the group stage, the top three teams in each group will qualify for
the main round.

Tunisia finished third behind hosts Egypt and Algeria at the last African Nations Championship in January.

Group A (in Herning, Denmark): Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland

Group B (in Herning, Denmark): Denmark, Italy, Algeria, Tunisia

Group C (in Porec, Croatia): Austria, France, Kuwait, Qatar

Group D (in Varazdin, Croatia): Hungary, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Guinea

Group E (in Oslo, Norway): Norway, Portugal, Brazil, United States

Group F (in Oslo, Norway): Sweden, Spain, Japan, Chile

Group G (in Zagreb, Croatia): Slovenia, Iceland, Cuba, Cape Verde

Group H (in Zagreb, Croatia): Egypt, Croatia, Argentina, Bahrain

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse

VITAL VOICES HONORS WOMEN LEADING THE RISE AT 3RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL & 23RD ANNUAL GLOBAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS IN WASHINGTON, DC FROM MAY 29 to 30

Notable Speakers include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Diane von Furstenberg, Tarana Burke, Donna Langley, Amna Nawaz, Amber Tamblyn, and more; Vital Voices to Honor Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, Diplomat Aya Chebbi, SafeCity Global, Activist Nika Kovač and Colombian Environmental Minister Susana Muhamad

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vital Voices Global Partnership (Vital Voices) is combining two of its most beloved annual events into one spectacular week of inspiration and action with the Vital Voices Festival and 23rd Global Leadership Awards, taking place on May 29 and 30 in Washington, DC. These events will bring together and honor world leaders, activists, actors, supporters and journalists from around the globe.

“With a record-breaking number of elections to be held in 2024, expanding global crises and a wave of authoritarian regimes threatening to pull us backwards, women around the world are rising to meet this moment in every region,” said Vital Voices President and CEO Alyse Nelson. “Vital Voices is proud to honor the women defending progress and leading powerful movements for human rights, peace and justice.”

Held on May 29 and 30 at the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership—the world’s first embassy for women—in Washington, DC, the festival serves as a homecoming for our network of women leaders, partners, and supporters from around the world. Festival speakers of note include Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, a Vital Voices co-founder, who will moderate a panel on women defending democracy, Entrepreneur and Vital Voices Board Member Diane von Furstenberg, Author, Actor and Director Amber Tamblyn, who will moderate a panel discussing the critical role of male allies in the fight for gender equality and combating gender-based violence, and more. CNN International Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh will speak on a panel exploring peacebuilding efforts amidst the Gaza-Israel conflict alongside Arwa Damon, founder and president of International Network for Aid, Relief & Assistance (INARA). The festival will also include Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. Department of State Geeta Rao Gupta; Daughters for Earth Co-Founder Zainab Salbi; Co-Founder & CEO of The American Sunlight Project and Adjunct Professor, Syracuse University Nina Jankowicz; Feminist, Activist and Author of The Resilience Myth Soraya Chemaly; three-time NYT Bestselling Author Gayle Tzemach Lemmon, and many more.

The 23rd Annual Global Leadership Awards at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on May 30 will honor and pay tribute to five women and one organization whose leadership is helping move the world forward: Nobel Laureate and Rappler Co-founder and CEO Maria Ressa for her unwavering commitment to fight for press freedom in the Philippines, President of the Marshall Islands Hilda Heine for her work on the front lines of climate change, Diplomat and Feminist Aya Chebbi, whose blogging and voice for democracy rose to prominence during the Tunisian Revolution, Activist Nika Kovač for building coalitions to transform legal precedent on gender and economic inequalities in Slovenia, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia Susana Muhamad for her sustainability and environmental conservation work, and non-profit SafeCity Global. Secretary Clinton and Diane von Furstenberg will also present at the Global Leadership Awards.

The Vital Voices festival is open by invitation only. The Global Leadership Awards is open to members of the public who reserve a seat. Ticketing and more information about the Vital Voices Festival and Global Leadership Awards can be found at www.vitalvoices.org.

About Vital Voices Global Partnership
Now celebrating 27 years, Vital Voices Global Partnership has directly invested in more than 20,000 women leaders across 185 countries and territories since its inception in 1997. Driven by the universal truth that women are the key to progress in their communities and nations cannot move forward without women in leadership positions, Vital Voices has provided early support for leaders who went on to become Nobel Peace Prize Laureates, U.S. Youth Poet Laureates, prime ministers, award-winning innovators, pioneering human rights defenders, and breakthrough social entrepreneurs, including Amanda Gorman and Malala Yousafzai. In an effort to advance and expand this work, in 2022 Vital Voices opened the doors to the world’s first global embassy for women, the Vital Voices Global Headquarters for Women’s Leadership. It is a first-of-its-kind space that allows for convening, innovation, planning, and action—all in the pursuit of serving women leaders who are taking on the world’s greatest challenges.

Attachment

Emmanuelle Errera
Vital Voices
2024460513
EmmanuelleE@vitalvoices.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9144606

Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONGD) Acquires Prestigious Royalty-Generating IP Stake in “Goodnight Gotham” by Rihanna

NAPLES, Fla., May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (OTC: SONGD), a distinguished leader in the acquisition and management of music royalties, proudly announces the acquisition of royalty-generating intellectual property in the chart-topping track “Goodnight Gotham” by Rihanna. This strategic acquisition enhances our portfolio with high-caliber assets from one of the industry’s most influential artists.

“Goodnight Gotham” is a testament to Rihanna’s enduring popularity and wide-reaching influence. This acquisition is set to provide consistent revenue streams across various platforms, including streaming services, radio, and media outlets.

Watch “Goodnight Gotham” by Rihanna here.

About Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) (OTC: SONGD) (ProMusicRights.com)

Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG), also known as Pro Music Rights, is a diversified holding company and the fifth public performance rights organization (PRO) formed in the United States. Its licensees include notable companies such as TikTok, iHeart Media, Triller, Napster, 7Digital, Vevo, and many others. Pro Music Rights holds an estimated market share of 7.4% in the United States, representing over 2,500,000 works by notable artists such as A$AP Rocky, Wiz Khalifa, Pharrell, Young Jeezy, Juelz Santana, Lil Yachty, MoneyBagg Yo, Larry June, Trae Pound, Sauce Walka, Trae Tha Truth, Sosamann, Soulja Boy, Lex Luger, Trauma Tone, Lud Foe, SlowBucks, Gunplay, OG Maco, Rich The Kid, Fat Trel, Young Scooter, Nipsey Hussle, Famous Dex, Boosie Badazz, Shy Glizzy, 2 Chainz, Migos, Gucci Mane, Young Dolph, Trinidad James, Chingy, Lil Gnar, 3OhBlack, Curren$y, Fall Out Boy, Money Man, Dej Loaf, Lil Uzi Vert, and countless others, as well as artificial intelligence (A.I.) created music.

Additionally, Music Licensing, Inc. (OTC: SONG) owns royalty stakes in Listerine “Mouthwash” Antiseptic and musical works by artists such as The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Elton John, Mike Posner, blackbear, Lil Nas X, Lil Yachty, DaBaby, Stunna 4 Vegas, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, XXXTentacion, Jeremih, Ty Dolla $ign, Eric Bellinger, Ne-Yo, MoneyBagg Yo, Halsey, Desiigner, DaniLeigh, Rihanna, and numerous others.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Music Licensing, Inc. & Pro Music Rights, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Pro Music Rights, Inc., Music Licensing, Inc., or any other person.

Non-Legal Advice Disclosure:

This press release does not constitute legal advice, and readers are advised to seek legal counsel for any legal matters or questions related to the content herein.

Non-Investment Advice Disclosure:

This communication is intended solely for informational purposes and does not in any way imply or constitute a recommendation or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, commodities, bonds, options, derivatives, or any other investment products. Any decisions related to investments should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor or professional. We assume no liability for any actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this communication

Contact: investors@ProMusicRights.com

SOURCE: Music Licensing, Inc.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9144217

Rio de Janeiro recebe FII PRIORITY Summit com o tema “Investir com Dignidade”

Pela primeira vez na América Latina, o encontro vai reunir líderes, autoridades e especialistas de todo mundo para debater temas urgentes para o desenvolvimento sustentável

SÃO PAULO, Brasil, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O Rio de Janeiro recebe, pela primeira vez, o FII PRIORITY Summit, encontro de líderes e executivos de todo mundo para debater oportunidades de investimento que proporcionem crescimento sustentável aos países. O evento é organizado pelo Future Investment Initiative Institute (FII Institute), uma entidade sem fins lucrativos com recursos do Fundo de Investimento Público da Arábia Saudita (PIF, na sigla em inglês).

Esta é a primeira vez que o instituto faz um evento na América Latina, e o local escolhido é o Copacabana Palace, que entre os dias 11 e 13 de junho, vai reunir mais de 150 palestrantes, em 44 sessões, para um público superior a mil convidados.

Realizado sob o tema “Investir em Dignidade”, o encontro, vai debater alternativas de investimento em transição energética, sustentável, avanço em tecnologia e inovação, e inclusão social, temas importantes para construir uma nova ordem global que priorize a dignidade para todos. O evento pretende também estreitar as relações entre o Brasil e a Arábia Saudita, potencializando investimentos, além de projetar o país como um pólo de ideias e iniciativas sustentáveis merecedor do investimento global.

Entre os principais palestrantes, estão a Princesa Reema Bint Bandar Al Saud, Embaixadora da Arábia Saudita nos EUA, o Príncipe Faisal Bin Bandar Al Saud, Presidente da Federação Saudita de Esportes Eletrônicos, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governador do Fundo de Investimento Público (PIF) e Presidente do Instituto FII, Mike Pompeo, ex-Secretário de Estado dos EUA, e os ex-presidentes Felipe Calderón (México), Juan Manuel Santos (Colômbia), Jorge Quiroga (Bolívia) e Laura Chinchilla (Costa Rica).

O encontro também contará com executivos renomados, especialistas em investimentos e autoridades governamentais, tais como Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih, Ministro do Investimento da Arábia Saudita, Baronesa Ariane de Rothschild, CEO do Edmond de Rothschild Holding, Gustavo Manrique, Ex-Ministro das Relações Exteriores e Ex-Ministro do Meio Ambiente do Equador, Sir Martin Sorrell, Presidente Executivo do S4 Capital Group, André Esteves, Chairman do BTG Pactual, Marcelo Claure, Fundador e CEO do Claure Group, Bernard Mensah, Presidente Internacional do Bank of America, Aloizio Mercadante, Presidente do BNDES, Eduardo Bartolomeo, CEO da Vale, e Julia Dias Leite, CEO do Centro Brasileiro de Relações Internacionais (CEBRi).

As seções abordarão questões relacionadas à ação climática, BRICS, transição energética, desenvolvimento sustentável, empreendedorismo e tecnologias emergentes. Os destaques incluem o “Conselho de Agentes de Mudança”, focado em oportunidades de crescimento e prosperidade econômica, “Como os Investidores Podem Navegar em Mercados Dinâmicos?”, que discutirá estratégias de investimento em meio à volatilidade do mercado, e “O Futuro da Energia Global”, em que serão apresentadas tecnologias e projetos energéticos emergentes. Outros tópicos abordarão megatendências de investimento global, convergência entre fintech e finanças tradicionais, e liderança na ascensão do sul global.

Sobre o FII Institute
Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute é uma fundação global sem fins lucrativos movida por dados, com um braço de investimento focado em iniciativas impactantes para a humanidade. Através de seus Encontros PRIORITY, o instituto reúne grandes mentes para fomentar a inovação e soluções sustentáveis em todo o mundo.

Para cobertura do evento, faça sua inscrição no link abaixo:

Inscrições: https://prioritysummit.fii-institute.org/
Código de acesso: MCJHRKA9I6
Mais informações sobre o evento do Rio de Janeiro e edições anteriores, podem ser encontradas AQUI!

Em caso de dúvidas, por favor envie um e-mail para fii-institute@fsb.com.br e media@fii-institute.org

A imagem que acompanha o anúncio está disponível em: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fec08610-6358-43a3-96c0-8f9116ea9033

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000963243

Duck Creek Technologies Recognizes IAT Insurance Group and Coforge with its Standard of Excellence Award

IAT Insurance Group, in strategic partnership with Coforge, takes home the Standard of Excellence Customer Award for the transition from multiple siloed legacy policy administration systems into the cloud-based Duck Creek system, driving digital transformation

BOSTON, May 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has recognized both IAT Insurance Group and their strategic transformation partner, Coforge, with the 2024 Standard of Excellence Customer Award winner at Formation ’24 in Dallas.

The Duck Creek Standard of Excellence Customer Awards recognizes customers who have achieved the highest level of excellence through their implementation of Duck Creek solutions and who are reimagining the future of insurance.

IAT Insurance Group, a leading specialty insurance company providing property, casualty, and surety products for niche markets, earned the Standard of Excellence Customer Award for the transformation of 7 diverse business segments that includes General Liability, Property, Management Liability, Excess, Inland Marine, and Commercial Auto lines of business. Moving key product lines onto the Duck Creek system has helped streamline the property and casualty insurer’s internal operations, improve user experience, and improve access to data and analytics.

Manish Chawla, CIO, IAT Insurance Group said, “We are honored to receive the Standard of Excellence Award. Our vision for transformation is deeply aligned with our business priorities and our commitment to serving our customers better. We believe in leveraging technology to create solutions that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations. This journey of transformation has been made possible through our strategic partnership with Coforge. Our shared vision has been instrumental in helping us turn our vision into reality, enabling us to deliver superior value to our customers.”

As part of a large, multi-year, multi-million-dollar business transformation initiative, IAT Insurance transitioned multiple lines of business onto the Duck Creek Full Suite, covering 50 states. This effort, supported by Coforge, was designed to modernize legacy systems, enhance scalability, and ensure regulatory compliance across IAT’s diverse portfolio of insurance products.

Rajeev Batra, Executive Vice President, Insurance, Coforge, said, “As a Premier Delivery Partner for Duck Creek Technologies, with 1000+ Duck Creek SME’s globally, Coforge is proud to be a part of IAT Insurance Group’s transformation journey. The synergy between Coforge, IAT Insurance Group and Duck Creek Technologies exemplifies flawless teamwork and collaboration.”

“It’s a great honor to be recognized with the Standard of Excellence Award. Our focus has been on leveraging innovative solutions to drive digital transformation for IAT Insurance Group. Our collaborative efforts have led to the successful transition of multiple business units onto a modern platform, enhancing scalability and regulatory compliance.”

About Duck Creek Technologies

Duck Creek Technologies is the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry. We are the platform upon which modern insurance systems are built, enabling the industry to capitalize on the power of the cloud to run agile, intelligent, and evergreen operations. Authenticity, purpose, and transparency are core to Duck Creek, and we believe insurance should be there for individuals and businesses when, where, and how they need it most. Our market-leading solutions are available on a standalone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. Visit www.duckcreek.com to learn more. Follow Duck Creek on our social channels for the latest information – LinkedIn and X.

Media Contacts:
Carley Bunch
carley.bunch@duckcreek.com

About IAT Insurance Group

IAT Insurance Group (IAT) is a privately owned, specialty insurance company providing property, casualty, and surety products for niche markets. IAT goes to market through eight business units – Commercial Transportation, Excess & Surplus, Homeowners, Programs, Inland Marine, Reinsurance, Surety and Management Liability. The IAT Insurance Group companies are rated A- Excellent by A.M. Best. Connect with IAT Insurance Group on LinkedIn and learn more about the company at iatinsurancegroup.com.

About Coforge

Coforge is a global digital services and solutions provider, which leverages emerging technologies and deep domain expertise to deliver real-world business impact for its clients. A focus on very selects industries, a detailed understanding of the underlying processes of those industries, and partnerships with leading platforms provide us with a distinct perspective. Coforge leads with its product engineering approach and leverages Cloud, Data, Integration, and Automation technologies to transform client businesses into intelligent, high-growth enterprises. Coforge’s proprietary platforms power critical business processes across its core verticals. The firm has a presence in 21 countries with 25 delivery centres across nine countries.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9123545

Emerging Nicotine, Tobacco Products Pose Challenges For Tobacco Control


The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022 KDHS) shows a decrease in tobacco use from 12% in 2014 to 9% in 2022.

State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni Muriuki said that despite the progress, Kenya now faces new challenges with the rapid proliferation of Novel Nicotine and Emerging Tobacco Products (NNETPs), such as nicotine pouches, vapes, and electronic cigarettes.

Ms. Muriuki said that these products are often marketed as less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes and are targeted toward young people with appealing flavors and misleading health claims.

Thus, ‘The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Development Partners and Civil Society Organizations, aims to leverage World No Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2024 to increase awareness of the dangers associated with both conventional tobacco products and NNETPs,’ said the PS.

She said that her ministry is seeking to create awareness on the adverse effects of tobacco and nicotine products
on public health, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality in Kenya and globally.

‘Additionally, Kenya has joined and is observing World Tobacco Day (WNTD), a global day promoting health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce consumption,’ said the PS.

She continued: ‘Established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, this day has been celebrated annually on May 31st since 1988. This year’s theme, ‘Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,’ aligns with the WHO’s ‘Stop the Lies’ campaign, a vital initiative to shield young people from the manipulative tactics of the tobacco industry.’

Ms. Muriuki said that this campaign calls for an end to tobacco industry interference in health policy, a demand echoed by youth globally who urge governments to protect them from the dangers of tobacco products.

The PS said that Kenya has made significant strides in tobacco control, including the implementation of stringent regulations and policies ai
med at reducing tobacco use. Key achievements include the establishment of a Multi-Sector Task Force.

‘A dedicated task force was established to investigate novel nicotine and other emerging tobacco products, shedding light on various aspects of these products and their potential impact on public health. Implementation of the recommendations is currently underway,’ explained the PS.

She added that Kenya has continued to enforce the Tobacco Control Act of 2007, which mandates graphic health warnings on cigarette packages and bans smoking in public places. Enforcement of smoke-free laws has led to significant reductions in exposure to second-hand smoke in public areas.

Ms. Muriuki highlighted that a comprehensive review of the Tobacco Control Act was conducted to amend and align it with current market dynamics. ‘An Omnibus Bill carrying several amendments, including the ban on shisha, is currently under consideration,’ said the PS.

She added that a dedicated multi-agency enforcement team was established to
ensure compliance with tobacco control regulations and to crack down on the illicit tobacco trade. ‘Public awareness campaigns, especially focusing on youth and vulnerable groups, were intensified through various media platforms, educating the public on the risks of tobacco use,’ she said.

Reiterating Kenya’s commitment to developing and enforcing stringent health policies against tobacco and nicotine products, Ms. Muriuki said that the Ministry of Health has planned a series of activities to mark World No Tobacco Day on May 31, 2024, including a one-Day Sensitization Session for the County Health workforce, focusing on enforcement officers.

‘We have also organized a Two-Day School Sensitization Programme targeting identified secondary and primary schools, aligning with this year’s theme. Other activities include Media Engagements encompassing interviews, panel discussions on selected TV and radio stations, print media special pullouts, opinion articles, and social media engagements,’ said the PS.

Source:
Kenya News Agency

Kilifi Clerics Support The Ban On Muguka


Religious leaders in Kilifi County have supported the ban on the transportation, sale, and consumption of muguka by Mombasa and Kilifi County Governors Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir and Gideon Mung’aro in their counties.

The clergymen from the Christian and Muslim faiths called upon the other four coastal county governors to follow suit in order to completely stop the herb from reaching the counties and save thousands of young people from destruction.

Speaking to journalists at the New Life Ministries church in Kilifi Town, the clerics said that the intoxicant had destroyed many young people, including primary school pupils, as it was cheaply available, and lauded the two governors for taking what they described as a bold step.

Led by Bishop Amos Lewa, the Chairman of the House of Bishops in Kilifi County, the religious leaders said they would not keep quiet as muguka and other intoxicants continue to destroy the county’s future generations.

Bishop Lewa said some youngsters had formed a habit of stealing fro
m their parents in order to buy muguka, while others were diverting their school fees to buy the herb, thus compounding the problem of school dropouts in the county.

On his part, Bishop Thomas Kakala of the JCC Ministries, who is also the patron of the Malindi Pastors Fellowship, said the Coast region was already reeling under the burden of the unending vice of narcotic drug trade and abuse and that the ban on muguka would be a great relief.

‘We already have the burden of narcotic drugs, which are expensive and hard to access. Now muguka is being sold openly and cheaply and is being accessed even by primary school pupils,’ he said.

He said many families had broken up due to the abuse of the intoxicant ‘because male users became impotent’ and urged muguka traders to find alternative businesses.

Sheikh Famau Mohamed Famau, a veteran anti-narcotic drugs crusader in Kilifi County, said the religious leaders had received the news of the ban with great joy and urged traders in Muguka to seek alternative busines
ses.

‘Many of our youths are not in school because of muguka, yet it is the government policy that all children should go to school,’ he said, adding that this has led to the emergence of juvenile criminals harassing innocent wananchi in various coastal towns.

Ustadh Badi Islam, the Kilifi branch chairman of the Kenya Muslims National Advisory Council (KEMNAC), asked other coastal governors to ban the product in their counties.

Bishop James Chigodi of the New Life Ministries Church in Kilifi County said muguka was an intoxicating drug harmful to human health and should not be allowed anywhere in Kenya.

He said many youngsters were stealing from their parents or diverting school fees to buy muguka, sentiments that were echoed by Ustadh Hamisi from Masjid Khairati.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Recreation Business Booms In Nyahururu


Thompson Falls, located in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, is one of the major tourist attractions in the country.

Entrepreneurs around the area are a happy lot, as their businesses thrive because of the high demand for services needed by both local and international tourists.

Some of the businesses around the area include attire shops, art and craft shops, hotels, and recreational areas. The recreation sector, being one of the businesses located on the outskirts of the falls, has also been thriving as more tourists and residents of the area continue to visit the scenery.

Kennedy Kimani, owner of a merry-go-round, horses, and swing, said that the sector has been thriving because of the many people visiting the area who promote the business and that it is his only source of income.

‘This business has been thriving a lot because of the many visitors and residents who promote me, and this is my only source of income,’ he said.

He added that his services are affordable, so each person can enjoy them despite thei
r social class. He said they are also secure as they are all well maintained, and he ensures that safety measures such as fastening belts in swings are done before the swings are used.

‘My services are very affordable to everyone, whether you are a foreign tourist or a local, and they have regular maintenance and checkups, which makes them very secure,’ he added.

He also recounted the challenges he faces in the recreation sector, where he said he faces the challenge of ensuring the safety of both the horses and the riders. He said he does this by setting protocols and equipment that most riders tend not to follow or use, leading to accidents. Further, the horses require regular care and veterinary check-ups, feeding, and grooming, which are expensive.

‘Horses require a lot of maintenance, which is usually expensive, and some riders do not follow the protocols, hence leading to injuries to both the rider and the horse,’ he narrated.

Mary-go-rounds and swings, on the other hand, have a challenge of maintena
nce as they sometimes receive mechanical breakdowns and need to be repaired.

‘I always ensure my swings are in good condition, and if they breakdown, I repair them, although it is quite expensive,’ he said.

He urged Kenyans to continue supporting each other to uplift the economy of the country, especially local businesses.

Source: Kenya News Agency

County Connects 6400 Rural Households To Piped Water


Kakamega County has enabled 6400 households in rural areas to access clean and safe drinking water through Governor Fernandes Barasa’s Clarion Call, ‘Amatsi Khumuliango’ which means Water at the Doorstep.

The Programme has improved water access to 74 per cent in the county from 62 per cent in 2022, with a target set to increase water accessibility to over 90 per cent by 2027.

The County Executive Committee Member in Charge of Environment, Water, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Peninah Mukabane, says the county needs at least Sh5 billion to ensure all residents access water.

‘When you consider our annual budget, we are not able to meet the Sh5 billion in five years, so the national government, through the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA), has come up with several projects that will help us to provide water to our people,’ she noted.

Mukabane said despite financial constraints, the county government has also identified partners who have heeded the Governor’s clarion call t
o extend water access to communities and schools through the drilling of boreholes and the protection of springs.

‘There are major investments in water infrastructure being done by the Ministry of Water and Sanitation and various partners like the USAID Western Kenya Water Project, Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency, The Water Project, Western Water Sanitation Forum (Wewasafo), and the Believers Revival Mission,’ she disclosed.

One of the partners, The Water Project, which is a non-Governmental Organization (NGO) operating in Western Kenya, has drilled 33 boreholes in schools and communities in Kakamega while also protecting and maintaining springs found in various parts of the county.

Believers Revival Mission, another partner, is supporting the county government by drilling over 36 boreholes in various parts of the county that will enable community members to access water.

‘These partners are constructing boreholes and installing hand pumps. As the county government, we will further inst
all electrical pumps which are hybrid and can be run by electricity, and we will also install solar panels so that people can get water for 24 hours,’ she explained.

The CECM said that in the event that a borehole has been drilled in a school, the county government will construct a Water Kiosk nearby for the community to tap water from the school’s borehole.

She added that the County government is enhancing budgetary allocation and partnering with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Western Kenya Water Project in order to scale up last-mile water connectivity in Kakamega town, Mumias town, Navakholo Lwakhupa, and the Likuyani Lumino Water Project.

Other targeted projects in the last mile water connectivity are Mulwanda Water project in Khwisero, Misango Water project, Mutao Shavunga in Ikolomani Makhokho water project, Shirere, Mahiakalo, Lukhume in Malava, Khuvasali in Malava, Musembe in Lugari, Kholera in Matungu, Matawa in Matungu, Ekero in Mumias East, Wanga Technical, Obula
mu water project in Navakholo, Matunda Water Project in Likuyani, Mukoe Water Project in Butere, and Marenyo Water Project in Butere.

‘We also have the USAID Boresha Jamii, who are helping us on matters of sanitation. You know, when we are talking about Amatsi Khumuliango, we are ensuring sustainability for the future generation and also looking at sanitation and sewerage,’ the CECM explained.

Mukabane, however, decried the destruction of water pipes during road construction and the increasing theft of solar pumps, water pumps, and other water utilities, which derails the gains made in the provision of water to county residents.

Source: Kenya News Agency