Month: May 2024

The French government, in collaboration with the Kericho County government, has granted Sh 68 million towards the solid waste management project in Kericho County.

The France Ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Arnaud Suquet, while speaking during the commissioning of the solid waste project in Kericho town today, said that France had provided the grants and the digital technology to the County government of Kericho to Collect and Manage Solid waste that is becoming a challenge globally.

‘The issue of Solid waste management is not only affecting Kericho, but it is a major challenge in every urban setting around the world, and we are all struggling to find adequate solutions to this very problem of waste management. Digital technology will come in handy to aid in waste management.’ Mr. Suquet said.

”We are having major climate change, and we are facing a triple climate crisis. Pollution being one of the components that contribute to this, we need to find solutions to deal with this issue in order to foster sustainabl
e ecological and environmental measures that are suitable for all to live in. The Solid waste management project in Kericho is meant to inform a policy for data and science, which is a critical element as we move to address issues of climate change in the country.” The French ambassador, Mr. Arnaud Suquet, remarked.

He said that the technology will be employed in Solid waste management in Kericho, a pilot project in the country. The project being in the lead to go digital in the County has provided a platform for a common mwananchi to address some of the issues concerning waste management to report, to ask for help or assistance on disposal and collection of Solid waste via an app, and a telephone line (0746 400 821) has been provided.

Further, a WhatsApp group has been established where Kericho town residents can post reports for any uncollected waste within the town and its environs.

The French ambassador and Kericho governor also commissioned a weigh bridge and waste recycling machines.

Kericho Govern
or Dr. Eric Mutai hosted the visiting France ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Arnaud Saquet. The two held a closed-door meeting before heading to the garbage waste site in Kericho town. Governor Mutai said Kericho town collects at least 100 tons of waste, and with the latest developments, the county government will be able to recycle the waste for profitable products.

Fertilizers and biogas products are some of the products that are going to create employment for the local youth. The ambassador said the pilot project is not the end of the partnership between his Country and the County government of Kericho, saying more partnership is going to come if the current project is sustained through sound management.

Governor Mutai thanked the French government for grants and assistance in Solid waste management in the County. He said that the project will go a long way in enabling the County to manage a more coordinated solid management of waste and recycling of the same for the benefit of county residents, who will also b
e able to source their own fertilizer from within.

Also present were Kipkelion East MP Joseph Cherorot, the CECM for Water and Environment, Ms. Rosemary Rop, and the County Secretary, Dr. Wesley Bor.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Bomet town are grappling with a severe water shortage, now aggravated by a staggering Sh25 million electricity bill, plunging the area into crisis.

The situation has forced locals to resort to expensive alternatives and raised concerns about public health risks.

The acute water shortage, persisting for over a month, has pushed residents to desperate measures. With taps running dry, they are now reliant on water vendors, who are capitalizing on the crisis by charging exorbitant prices.

Interviewed residents lamented having to pay as much as Sh30 for every 20 liters of water delivered to their doorsteps.

The crisis has also triggered an unexpected shift in the local economy, with Boda Boda operators forsaking their usual transport duties to capitalize on the water demand.

These operators are now ferrying water to various establishments, including hotels, schools, private residences, and university hostels, fetching profits far exceeding their usual income from passenger transport.

While the w
ater vendors profit, residents and businesses are feeling the strain.

Melody Chepkemoi, a hotel operator in the Central Business District, expressed the impact on her business, noting delayed openings due to the time-consuming task of sourcing water.

Chaotic scenes have unfolded at water sources, such as the Chepteny Beek River, where Boda Boda riders and water bowsers scramble for access, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Frustrated residents are now threatening to take to the streets in protest next week, demanding action from county authorities to resolve the crisis.

Bildad Cheruiyot criticized the negligence of the Bomet Water and Sanitation Company and accused county leaders of failing in their oversight responsibilities.

Concerns about public health are mounting as locals’ resort to drawing water from rivers. Peter Langat warned of potential disease outbreaks and called on public health authorities to intervene urgently.

In response, Dr. Benard Tanui, the Bomet County Executive Committee
member in Charge of Water and Environment, assured residents that efforts were underway to restore water supply.

He attributed the electricity disconnection to delayed funds from the national government, which has hindered the county’s ability to pay its bills.

Tanui acknowledged the challenges faced, including damage to water infrastructure from recent flooding. Despite the setbacks, he remained optimistic that solutions would be found once funds were released.

As the water crisis persists, residents are left to grapple with the immediate consequences while urging swift action from authorities to alleviate their plight and safeguard public health.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has launched its 70th New Brand and Strategic plan for the year 2023-2027 with the aim of impacting lives through the provision of innovative housing solutions across the country.

Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Lands, Public Works, and Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome says that NHC is prepared for a total of 50,000 housing units across the country.

Wahome observed that a decently housed nation will be achieved through the support of parliament and the government budget allocation, and she also commended the community and stakeholders who have worked to ensure every citizen has an opportunity to find a place they can proudly call home.

‘We are here to reflect on all the past achievements of NHC, present success, and chart a bold cause for the future of the housing agenda,’ maintained Wahome.

She noted that the journey of NHC began in 1953, a time when the need for organised housing solutions arose, adding that over the past seven decades, NHC has achieved numero
us milestones that have had a profound impact on the lives of many citizens, including the delivery of over 50,000 housing units across the country.

The CS made these remarks on Monday in Nairobi during the commemoration of 70 years of NHC positively impacting lives across the country through the provision of innovative housing solutions.

She stated that NHC housing will help the country’s stability and progress through fostering community development, economic growth, and social harmony.

‘NHC projects have been diverse, inclusive of affordable housing for low-income families and high-quality residences for the middle and other classes,’ she exemplified, adding that NHC has been instrumental in developing entire communities with essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, and facilities.

Wahome reiterated that NHC is committed to achieving sustainable development, whereby, in recent years, the corporation has integrated green building practices and incubated projects which ensure that housing solution
s are environmentally friendly and resilient.

‘It is crucial to look into the future since the role of NHC is more critical now than ever as it faces challenges and opportunities presented by growing population and urbanisation,’ she noted.

The CS pointed out that the government has prioritised affordable housing and underscored the NHC commitment to address the challenges, vowing that NHC will continue to be at the forefront in collaborating with the Ministry to explore innovative financing housing model, leverage public and private partnerships, and harness cutting-edge technology to accelerate the delivery of affordable housing.

She disclosed that NHC has embarked on a new chapter in conveying the new brand identity, which symbolises commitment to innovation and modernization, terming the identity as more of a tagline representing the core values, including integrity and inclusivity, and signifies the pledge to continue providing high quality, affordable housing while adopting new technologies and metho
dologies to serve the citizens.

‘NHC’s strategic plan for the year 2023-2027 outlines the vision for the future and strategic initiatives that will enable them to achieve their goals,’ voiced the CS.

Wahome highlighted the 5 key pillars of the plan, including increasing housing supply to address the home demand for housing, which involves the construction of new homes and renovating the existing ones; promoting home ownership through mortgages, mortgage subsidies, low-interest loans, and rent-to-own schemes that will make home ownership accessible to the Kenyan population; and enhancing urbanisation by leveraging architecture to address the urban population.

Others include fostering community development through investment in government community facilities such as schools, among others, and embracing technology and innovation to improve efficiency and sustainable households.

At the same time, the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, said that NHC has provided affordable housing that w
ill shape the nation’s landscape through innovation and excellence, stressing that the new brand is not only a logo but a holistic transformation of fidelity to the rule of law in the use of public resources.

Koskei urged stakeholders to collaborate with corporations and the government in order to impact digitalization in all states.

He mentioned that the housing plan is critical since it creates quality jobs for young people who keep graduating every year.

‘The five-year plan will help in the delivery of housing to the citizens, and it will not only build communities but also homes and also promote the economy of the country since contractors are using local products as they transfer skills,’ said Koskei.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Global Climate Policy, Dan Jannik Jørgensen, announced on Monday that Denmark and other philanthropic organizations have joined hands to support the implementation of the Shirika Plan at a cost of US $70 million over three years.

The plan aims at transforming the refugee camps into integrated settlements that support the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees and host communities in Garissa, Turkana, and urban areas.

Accompanied by Governor Jeremiah Lomurkai, he made the announcement during the launch of the Inclusive Refugee Response Programme in Kakuma, Turkana West Sub-County, where he was the Chief Guest.

In his remarks, Governor Lomorukai said the programme will boost ongoing efforts by the County Government to deliver critical services to both refugees and the host community, in line with the Kenya Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework (KISEDP II).

‘The programme aligns with the Refugees Act 2021, which provides a legal foundation for refugees in K
enya to achieve greater self-reliance among refugees. It also empowers local authorities like ours to enhance the delivery of essential services to all community members, fostering a more inclusive society,’ said Governor Lomorukai.

He acknowledged existing gaps in the healthcare system despite investments by the government and appreciated the Danish government’s support for improving primary healthcare.

Governor Lomorukai reiterated that collaboration is instrumental in enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare in the county.

He pointed out that, ‘the integration of refugee and local communities funding through partnerships with organizations like Amref, which is funded by DANIDA, have already commenced, with inception meetings already concluded. These steps are vital in ensuring that our collaborative efforts are sustained and effective.’

He lauded the National Government and Turkana County Government for their efforts in hosting and promoting policies that support refugee inclusion.

‘We we
lcome the government’s progressive approach and the new Ushirika Plan. This, we believe, is a matter that should be replicated in other refugee-hosting areas,’ he concluded.

UNHCR Country Representative Caroline Van Buren said that public-private partnerships focusing on inclusion are vital for sustainable development. She noted that the programme will facilitate refugee inclusion and leverage their potential for local economic growth.

The County Assembly was represented by House Speaker Christopher Nakuleu as well as MCAs Eliud Emoni (Kakuma) and Julius Apuron (Kalobeyei).

Heads of philanthropic foundations (LEG5O, GRUNDFOS, and MFA) and representatives from the national government were also present.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Construction Authority (NCA) has partnered with Community Roads Empowerment (CORE-Kenya), a non-governmental organisation rehabilitating access roads in Meru town, to train and empower young people to be future contractors in the construction industry.

The young people who are directors in their specific groups met in one of the hotels in Meru town, where they underwent a training session on NCA registration requirements, processes, and regulations.

According to Geroge Kaluma, an engineer at CORE, the training was meant to equip the directors with knowledge and skills that will enable them to register as small-scale contractors under NCA Category 8 and later on progress as they continue working and earning more income.

‘Today we had 15 groups undergoing training by NCA, and they are afterwards expected to register with the body as agreed.’

‘We are therefore expecting that in the coming few weeks we will get the status of the registration, but what we are sure of is that all the groups will do
it smoothly now that they are already aware of the procedures and requirements,’ said Mr. Kaluma.

By the end of June, which marks two years of existence in Meru, Mr. Kaluma added, CORE expects to have 35 registered groups, with 20 in the first year and 15 in the second year.

Engineer Antony Mwangi from NCA said they also took participants through the process of registration for skilled and unskilled workers, which the body does free of charge.

‘We have already told them what they require for their registration, and we guarantee them of our support throughout the process in case they get stuck along the way,’ said Mr. Mwangi.

He congratulated CORE for organising the young people in groups, adding that this way, they will attract more tenders considering that they also have women as well as people with disabilities as their members.

‘When they are registered, they become official members of NCA, and they are recognised by the government, meaning they can easily get tenders and work anywhere in the country
as opposed to when they are just out there and working as individuals,’ said Mr. Mwangi.

He thanked the CORE-Kenya, the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF), the World Bank, the national government, and the county government of Meru for carrying out such an important initiative that will leave the young people with a source of livelihood.

‘Without the efforts of all the partners in this project, all these people gathered here today, as well as those who are not here, might just be languishing out there. But what you are doing is commendable, and thank you for inviting us. I hope you will call us again to continue the good work,’ said Mr. Antony.

Destiny Group Director, Mr. Duncan Murithi Marete, said the invaluable insights from NCA were an eye-opener for them, and they will henceforth use them for their own benefit.

‘We are happy that today we know the requirements for registration from the horse’s mouth, and we will definitely play our part in ensuring that we are fully registered,’ said Mr. Marete, add
ing that they will forward the information to their group members for action.

The directors are part of the 375 people in Gitimbine who underwent hands-on training on road rehabilitation for the second year, where eight kilometres of access roads were rehabilitated.

CORE’s main objective in Meru is to boost the status of Meru youth through the creation of job opportunities as well as skills development for self-reliance.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to improving menstrual health and hygiene across the nation as the world celebrates Menstrual Hygiene Day, commemorated every 28th day of May.

State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary (PS) Mary Muthoni Muriuki said that this year’s theme focuses on making Kenya period-friendly, ensuring every woman and girl has access to the necessary resources and support for managing menstruation with dignity and safety.

The PS explained that since 2014, Kenya has commemorated Menstrual Hygiene Day to highlight the importance of proper menstrual practices and to work towards a period-friendly nation. Efforts include providing accurate information on menstruation, ensuring access to affordable menstrual products, promoting sanitation facilities, and implementing sustainable waste management practices.

‘Kenya’s Three-Pronged Approach to Menstrual Management includes breaking the silence, promoting open discussions about menstruati
on to eliminate stigma, and educating girls and women about this natural biological process,’ said Ms. Muriuki.

She highlighted that other efforts include hygienic and safe management by ensuring access to water, washing materials, private spaces for menstrual management, pain management at home and in public spaces, and overall healthcare.

Ms. Muriuki added that they also advocate for safe reuse and disposal through environmentally friendly methods for the reuse, collection, and disposal of menstrual waste.

According to the PS, Kenya launched its MHM policy on May 28, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. While significant strides have been made, including the integration of MHM into various government activities and projects, continued support and improvement are needed.

‘Research conducted by the Ministry of Health in 2016 highlights challenges faced by Kenyan girls and women regarding menstrual health and hygiene. Key findings include a reliance on disposable pads among 46% of respondents, with 54% of K
enyan girls experiencing challenges accessing menstrual hygiene management (MHM) products,’ said Ms. Muriuki.

She said that the lack of access to MHM products is associated with risky sexual behavior, with some resorting to unsafe methods or engaging in transactional sex to acquire them.

The PS added that poor WASH conditions in schools further exacerbate challenges, hindering girls’ education and attendance.

‘Despite efforts, including the provision of sanitary pads in schools, more than half of menstruating Kenyan girls and women (65%) still lack sustainable access to safe menstrual products,’ explained the PS.

She highlighted that the Ministry has made strides in providing accurate information on menstruation to dispel myths and taboos. It has developed and launched a menstrual hygiene management teachers’ handbook to support this component in primary schools.

Ms. Muriuki added that efforts have been made to ensure affordable access to quality menstrual products and to promote sanitation facilities th
at offer privacy and support.

‘Sustainable menstrual waste management practices have been implemented, integral to the Ministry’s ‘Epuka Uchafu Campaign,’ aimed at improving overall hygiene and health standards,’ said the PS.

Additionally, the PS said partnerships with organizations such as USAID, Amref, and UNICEF have been crucial in supporting counties to implement the MHM policy, with anticipation of further support from the Sanitation and Hygiene Fund.

She said that a call to action is issued to organizations and implementers to support county-level implementation of the MHM Policy, lobby the National Government for full policy implementation, and support the establishment of the National MHM Task Force.

‘Opportunities for partnership and collaboration include joint learning, research endeavors, progress assessment meetings, and strengthening the market base for MHM products and services,’ said Ms. Muriuki.

She assured that the Ministry of Health remains committed to creating a supportive environmen
t where every woman and girl can manage menstruation with dignity and safety, envisioning a future where menstruation is not a barrier to education, health, or empowerment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A 62-year-old man is seeking assistance to raise Sh4 million to undergo a kidney transplant in India to get a new lease of life after years of battling end-stage renal disease.

In retrospect, Samson Kavoi, said his health woes started in 1991, when he was diagnosed with diabetes and high blood pressure.

‘It reached a point where urinating was difficult. When I went to the hospital, I was informed I had kidney problems because I stopped peeing at all. The doctor told me the condition is kidney end stage, and it can only be treated through dialysis,’ explained Kavoi with tears flowing down his cheeks in his house in Migadini, Changamwe.

Kavoi started dialysis in 2022 with three sessions a week, spending four hours in each session. Each session of dialysis cost Sh 9600, with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) catering for one session per week.

‘Life has not been the same since I was diagnosed with kidney end stage. I am the sole breadwinner in my family. The disease has disrupted my day-to-day activit
ies. I cannot do any work,’ said Kavoi.

He has undergone several In-Center Hemodialysis (HD), but doctors have advised him not to continue with HD.

Kavoi now uses a hemodialysis catheter, but he said, ‘It poses a big risk of infection since it is connected to the heart, which doctors don’t prefer because it may result in heart problems.’

He noted that dialysis is not the cure but a way of helping a patient live. He revealed that doctors usually give patients five years, for the kidneys to function optimally. After three years, if they are not functioning, they recommend a kidney transplant.

‘A fellow patient has successfully undergone a transplant in India. I have been wishing for the same to happen to me. The money needed for the transplant is Sh4 million. I know well-wishers can assist me in getting out of this depressing situation. It is a pain for me,’ appealed Kavoi.

He revealed that dialysis has weakened his body as it always removes important nutrients. His daughter is ready to donate a kidney and
has undergone all the necessary tests.

John Osiemo, Kavoi’s friend, urged well-wishers to fulfil Kavoi’s dream of living a normal life.

‘We have seen Kavoi’s health deteriorate, but we didn’t know what he was going through. When he reached the dialysis stage, he sought assistance through the church,’ said Osiemo.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Trans Nzoia County has launched a five-year Emergency Medical Care Plan which will ensure systems meant to effectively handle medical emergencies are put in place.

Governor George Natembeya, in a speech read on his behalf during the launch by the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for health services, Sam Ojwang, expressed optimism, saying the plan will help provide a framework on how to tackle the ever-increasing emergencies and disasters in the region.

Revealing that the plan developed is in line with the Kenya Medical Care Policy 2020-2030 and the Kenya Emergency Medical Care Strategy 2020-2025, Natembeya said his government is committed to ensuring timely intervention in disasters with the motive of mitigating deaths which occur as a result of the disasters.

‘The Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Health Act 2017 guarantee that every Kenyan has a right to emergency medical treatment regardless of whether they are able to afford it or not. It is for this important reason that we are setting this p
lan in place,’ he said.

The Governor said that once implemented, the plan will empower Community Health Promoters (CHPs) and Community Health Assistants (CHAs) on how to handle basic emergencies while initiating referrals to the nearest health facility.

‘Under this plan, we are going to train our CHPs and CHAs in an effort to increase their capacity to handle emergencies at the grassroots before any referral is done. By so doing, we are sure we will go on to save many lives,’ he said, adding that matatu and boda boda operators, who are critical players during emergencies, will be considered for training.

Explaining that effective and timely multidisciplinary response to disasters requires a well-coordinated network bringing together various players, the Governor revealed plans to set up a County Disaster Command Centre (CDCC).

The operations of the CDCC will comprise input from the Kenya police service, fire fighters, the Red Cross, first responders, and the county emergency medical services.

In preparat
ion for the coordinated response, the county has established an 0800724994 toll-free number that the public can use to call for help in case of emergencies.

Meanwhile, Governor Natembeya said plans are underway to equip the available ambulances so as to meet the required standards and even acquire more funds, allowing for better response services.

Out of the 89 health facilities in Trans Nzoia County, only 10 have ambulances at their disposal.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government has put in place measures to make sure Muhoroni, Nzoia, Sondu, and Chemilil sugar factories get back to real business so that they can provide livelihoods to the people of the region and the country as a whole.

The Principal Secretary, State Department of Agriculture, Dr. Paul Rono, said that the government had also put in place plans for the farmers and workers who were owed money by the factories to be paid in the next three months.

The PS was speaking during the official opening of a five-day pre-Madaraka day exhibition at Kibabii University in Bungoma, primarily focusing on agriculture and food security in the country.

Concerning the tea sector, Dr. Rono asked farmers to be careful and elect leaders with integrity who can turn the tea sector around during the oncoming elections for directors. ‘Farmers want value for their money,’ he said.

He noted that top-dressing fertilizer had been released to all farmers in the country, pointing out that the delay in the distribution of the fertiliz
er had been occasioned by heavy rains that led to floods and prevented the movement of the trucks to various regions of the country.

Unfortunately, the country lost close to 60,000 acres of crop to the floods experienced in the country three weeks ago, which affected 10,000 farmers. As a mitigation measure, the government has established an emergency programme that will assist these farmers in recovering from the loss.

On the low-quality fertilizer that had been supplied to farmers, the PS said that the government had compensated over 95% of the farmers and that the rest were being sought and would be compensated.

The five-day exhibition has attracted 283 stakeholders from the agriculture sector.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Junior Golf Foundation-Kenya (JFG) has picked a team of 22 junior golfers that will go to camp next week to start training for upcoming international competitions.

12 boys and 10 girls have been identified for the provisional national squad based on their performance throughout the year.

JGF trustee Vincent Mukiri insisted that the order of merit was crucial in identifying the top players.

‘From the provisional squad, we will have a team that can represent Kenya in the various junior competitions, and some of these juniors can compete at select seniors’ competitions. We already know who we can consider instead of just trying to get ready when the competition is about to begin,’ he explained.

In the last tournament of the NCBA US Kids Local Tour at the Muthaiga Golf Club, where 186 kids participated, four junior players played level par or under, showing how much the game has improved among the juniors.

The toast of the tournament was Kanana Muthomi, who won the girls 11-12 year old category with a sc
ore of three under par 69. Kanana had a rough first nine with only one birdie and three bogeys. But in the second nine, she was flawless, picking up three birdies and an eagle for a remarkable five under par in those nine holes.

‘My putts weren’t sinking in the first nine, and I made a lot of mistakes. But in the second nine, my course management and putting improved, and I played some good golf,’ she said.

Aryan Patel won the boys six and under category with a score of -1. Three other players-Maahir Patel in the boys 13-14 year old category, Ivan Ng’eno in the boys 8 year old category, and Ashley Gachora in the girls 9-10 year old category-all played level par.

‘It was a game of crying and happiness. I had a bad double bogey at hole number 15, and I got very angry. I think my mind was not in the game on that hole. But everything just turned around in the last hole, where I got an eagle,’ said a beaming Ashley.

Following the success of the US Kids tournament, NCBA now plans to spread the game to the kids
who ordinarily would not have access to the sport or have no opportunity to pick up the sport.

‘When we started this journey, it was about the belief that we must give back to the community which we are in, and one of our ways of giving is to develop these junior golfers for the future development of golf for Kenyans. We have seen about 3000 kids playing across the country and now calling themselves golfers,’ recounted NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora.

The NCBA, in partnership with JGF, will conduct golf clinics to attract more kids to play golf. ICEA Lion, who also joined in as a partner for the Junior Golf Foundation, is so impressed with the work put in to develop the junior golfers.

‘The juniors are playing very mature golf. Last year, we incorporated the amateur golfers with the junior golfers at our grand finale in Nyali, and one of the winners was a junior golfer. This is where the future is, and with two juniors getting scholarships, this takes our brand to a global level,’ remarked Diana
Nyakio of ICEA Lion Business Development.

Source: Kenya News Agency