Month: May 2024

The government is prioritising the development of TVETs that are well equipped to provide basic knowledge for learning, David Ng’ang’a, Director in State Department for TVETs has said.

‘The Kenyan government has partnered with the Master Card Foundation under College Institute of Canada to recruit TVET trainers, aiming to meet labor demand locally and abroad, and ensure TVET curriculum fulfillment,’ he said.

Ng’ang’a who was representing State Department for TVET Principal Secretary Esther Mworia during Ndia Technical Vocational College graduation added that the incorporation of the dual trainers programme has given the trainers deep and real-world experience that enables them to acknowledge the gap between theory and practice, and successful collaboration between various TVET institutions and their respective industries, ensuring dual training.

Meanwhile, TVET has been collaborating with the ‘JUA KALI’ sector to assist individuals with skills and experience in obtaining necessary documents for the job mar
ket.

Ndia MP George Kariuki, chair of the Roads and Infrastructure Committee in the National Assembly argued that technical schools are now producing qualified, competent workers in various departments, despite TVET being viewed as a waste of time.

Hence, he challenged the residents to take advantage of the chance that they have to join the institutions and learn different courses.

Kariuki said countries like South Korea, Taiwan, and others have a great GDP per capita due to the use of technology and innovation.

He said these are some of the countries that were in the same league with Kenya and called on the government to invest more in invocation.

‘It has always been my call as a country to stop the import of products that can be locally produced so that we can support our local industry, thus creating jobs for those who are jobless. It was the call of our president, William Ruto, that we support those at the bottom level, and that is why I have always supported TVET every day,’ he said.

However, Kariu
ki has promised to invest an additional Sh 10 million from the NGCDF to help the institution get more classrooms and workshops along with other facilities.

Nicholas Muriuki, principal of NDIA Technical Vocation College, said since the school was started with a population of thirty-three students in 2018, it has improved in terms of population, now having 622 students taking different courses.

He said there is good collaboration coming from the national government and the NGCDF office that has enabled the college to develop by a large margin. ‘From the 209 graduates we are realizing today to the job market, I am confident that we have produced the best-people who are qualified and ready to work and develop themselves,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government has rolled out plans to support poets monetise their content.

Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba said Poetic work will be recognized as part of creative arts opening up opportunities for thousands of poets across the country to earn from their content.

His ministry, he said was in the process of formulating policies to support poets and other creatives through the Talanta Hela Initiative.

Speaking in Kisumu during the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle 2024 edition, the CS said the policies will support the identification, monitoring and nurturing of talents in poetry for sustainable livelihoods.

‘We want when you are here entertaining people and enjoying yourselves you also make a living out of it,’ he said.

‘For those creatives who are making this an area of speciality I want to assure you that my ministry which is in charge of creative arts is your home,’ he added.

Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o said poetry plays a critical role in documenting the hist
ory and life of a people and must be supported for posterity.

‘Poetry is a granary of the history and life of the people. They do this in short verses but within one verse you learn alot,’ he said.

The poetic battle organised by Talent Industry, brought together poets from East Africa to showcase their talent and assert the role of poetry in shaping the society.

Talent Industry Managing Director (MD) Godfrey Emoja said the theme of the battle ‘online misinformation’ was in line with the current trends in the region following the liberalisation of airwaves and penetration of the Internet.

Emoja said poetry was part of the creative industry, lauding the government for declaring support to help poets and artists monetise their content.

‘The recognition of poetry as a form of employment is something we have all been praying for and finally it is happening,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Stanbic Bank and MiDA Advisors, will be partnering with Acorn Holdings, an established real estate developer, to mobilise $700 million in long-term blended finance commitments for green, affordable student housing in Kenya.

Upon approval, the transaction will comprise a $180 million commitment from the United States Development Finance Corporation (DFC) that will secure over $380 million in equivalent KES financing arranged jointly by Stanbic Bank Kenya and MiDA Advisors, and $315 million in equivalent KES financing from Kenyan capital markets, for a total blended financing of $700 million over an 18-year timeframe.

Commenting on the transaction, Dr Joshua Oigara, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic Bank Kenya and South Sudan (CE) said that that Stanbic Bank pride itself on being a catalyst for growth in the region, with sustainable finance acting as an enabler.

Oigara maintained that this blended finance deal would mark one of the largest impact investment transactions in Kenya, with long term impact on job
creation, sustainable housing and education. ‘We are in the final stages of the structuring process and remain committed to the growth of Acorn Holdings and to the country’s sustainable infrastructure goals,” he stated.

Echoing his sentiments, Alakh Kohli, Stanbic Bank Kenya Head, Corporate and Investment Banking revealed that in the past years, Stanbic bank has mobilized about $122 million for green or sustainability linked facilities and remains keen on unlocking more green finance opportunities in Kenya.

‘This partnership would not only advance our growth journey with Acorn but would help us drive more societal impact. We are excited to be lead arranger in one of the largest transactions in affordable green housing in the region and will leverage our investment capabilities to drive a successful transaction upon approval,” noted Kohli.

According to the press statement, the collaboration will result in the construction of 35 certified green housing projects, creating approximately 48,000 new student be
ds over the next 10 years, making it the single largest investment into student housing in Africa.

Furthermore, this project will be key to alleviating the shortage of quality and affordable accommodation for tertiary students in Kenya. Additionally, the initiative will create an estimated 15,000 direct jobs and 35,000 indirect jobs. Moreover, the units will also provide a conducive learning environment for the students, helping to improve access to education.

Thus, this is not Stanbic Bank’s first collaboration with Acorn Holdings. The Bank was instrumental in bringing the first-ever green bond to East Africa, in association with Acorn Holdings, for environmentally friendly student housing in Nairobi.

Stanbic Bank also facilitated the largest purchase of Acorn Holdings’ Income and Development Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) through the Unquoted Securities Platform.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A multi-sectoral team has been established in Turkana County to address the aftermath of floods that caused untold suffering to local residents.

The team comprising of partners and government sector players aims at strengthening community engagements as well as crafting a comprehensive strategy to manage the effects of the floods.

County Executive Committee Member for Public Service, Administration, and Disaster Management, and chair of the multi-sectoral team James Wangiros said the team will also be responsible for enhancing the resilience of the people to future floods.

A significant focus for the team, he said, will be improving water drainage systems which would include; clearing blocked drainage, repairing damaged culverts, and implementing sustainable drainage solutions as means to essential preparations for future disasters.

The meeting also resolved to continue providing adequate relief food and non-food items (NFIs) to the flood victims in a timely manner to prevent further suffering.

The Count
y Executive further warned people against residing in flood prone areas and advised them to relocate to higher and safer grounds.

CECM Wangiros reassured the team that the government is well-prepared to handle such disasters and has already provided necessary support to those affected earlier.

The County Executive for Water Services, Patrick Losike, stated that efforts are underway to fix borehole 9 in a bid to resume normal water supply in Kanamkemer.

He also assured the residents of Lodwar Municipality that the Water Department was well-prepared to ensure consistent water supply despite the ongoing challenges.

The CECM for Lands, Peter Akono, appreciated his colleague for developing a comprehensive strategic plan to address future disasters and emphasized the need to set aside land for displaced victims.

Akono thanked sector players for seamless coordinated efforts to effectively address and prevent the damaging effects of disasters.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The multi-billion shillings Arror and Kimwarer dams that are envisioned to solve water shortage in the drought-prone Kerio Valley region will soon be relaunched.

Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) board chairman Mark Chesergon said they are in the process of developing an implementation road map for the mega-dam projects.

Chesergon, who did not specify the exact period that the Sh63 billion irrigation and hydroelectric projects would commence said the Cabinet had approved the jump-starting of the implementation of the dams in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

‘The Cabinet has approved the settlement agreement for the resumption of the Arror and Kimwarer dams and as an authority we have developed a roadmap that will see the launch of its implementation once we are ready,’ said the board chair.

The chairman made the remarks when he led the KVDA board, management, and other stakeholders in a tree planting exercise where assorted tree and fruit seedlings numbering 200,000 were distributed and planted in Chepyor,
in Keiyo North sub-county.

Following a meeting between President William Rutto and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella in March 2023, the President announced that Kenya agreed with Italy on the resumption of the two stalled projects.

Senior government officials have since been visiting the sites where the mega dams are proposed to be built.

The chairman added that KVDA was also implementing several other water and irrigation projects across their areas of operation. ‘KVDA is also sustaining Kamsiwet and Chepkum irrigation projects in Elgeyo Marakwet, Weiwei in West Pokot, and Napuu in Turkana counties among others,’ he announced adding that the Authority was also starting a new irrigation project in Samburu.

In his remarks, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos said the Authority was committing Sh700 million received from the National Government for conservation of water pans and planting assorted tree and fruit seedlings across Kerio Valley region.

Naporos said eight water pan projects in Elgeyo Ma
rakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo counties were at different stages of implementation.

He said a number of the water pans and small dams had harvested adequate amounts of rainwater during the ongoing rains experienced in the region. ‘Fifty percent of the water pans and small dams are complete and have harvested rainwater. These are long-term projects aimed at ensuring constant supply of water,’ he said.

He added that KVDA has established several mega nurseries each with more than 300,000 assorted tree and fruit seedlings in West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet where members of the community can easily access the seedlings.

The MD however assured that the ongoing heavy rains had not damaged the irrigation projects undertaken by KVDA in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, and Turkana counties.

He also announced that KVDA has been licensed to produce coffee seedlings, and in the next one year, it plans to produce one million coffee seedlings to be planted along the 70-kilometer Spen
cer line from Eldama Ravine in Baringo County to Embobut in Elgeyo Marakwet that has been adversely affected due to environmental degradation caused by changing land use systems.

‘The destruction of the Spencer line over time along the hanging valley has caused massive environmental degradation leading to land and mudslides during the heavy rains,’ said the MD.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A severe power outage continues to affect residents of Masalani town leading to break down of water, health and security services in the town located in Ijara constituency Garissa County.

A spot check by KNA shows that power outage started on Sunday forcing businesses like barber shop, garages, cyber cafe vegetable and milk vendors out of business except for those who have backup power such as generators or solar energy.

The chairman of Masalani town watchdog Mr Abdullahi Abdi said Kenya Power Company is losing millions of shillings while the residents are suffering due to lack of water and health services.

He called upon the Cabinet Secretary for energy Mr Davies Chirchir and the managing director of Kenya power and lighting company to establish a power station in Masalani town.

Mr Abdi acknowledged that the solar energy is the remedy if the intermittent power failure continues in Masalani which he says had 17,000 power connections.

Abdi pointed out that solar energy outlets have long queues of people l
ining up to charge their phones due to outage.

Residents of Ijara town, which is 48 km from Masalani town, have also complained of power blackout for the last two weeks. Other areas affected are Hulugho Sub County, Sangailu and Bothai Sub County forcing them to resort to generators and delight solar energy panels.

Contacted for comment Kenya power and lighting company officer in charge of Masalani Mr Silas Limo said three power poles have collapsed due to flood waters and they are expected to be repaired on Monday.

Masalani Airport which was constructed by engineers from Kenya Airport Authority was also affected forcing them to use backup generators during the intermittent power blackout.

Masalani sub county referral hospital medical officer of health Dr Abdimalik Ibrahim appealed to Garissa County government to equip the hospital with a standby generator as service have been paralysed.

Dr Ibrahim said nurses were last week forced to use torches to assist a woman who was in labour to deliver at the facil
ity.

Mr Silas Limo, the KPLC manager, said the distance between Boji-Masalani bridge and the town is only 5km and they are planning to erect concrete electricity poles after the floods subside to mitigate the frequent power outage.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The establishment of a maternity wing at South Ngariama Health Center, in Mwea, Kirinyaga County has turned out to be one of the most impactful projects implemented by the County Government in the recent past.

Commissioned in October 2023 by Governor Anne Waiguru, it has become a haven for expectant mothers who now have a conducive environment to deliver their babies under the care of skilled birth attendants.

Provision of skilled care at birth is considered the single most important strategy in preventing neonatal morbidity and mortality thus contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals on health.

South Ngariama health facility that is situated in the far flung Mwea East Sub-County, serves a population of 7,000 residents drawn from villages such as Morgan, Ikulungu, Itangi, Kadawa, Miatuini, Makuti and Kiumbu. Before its establishment, residents used to travel long distances to seek services in hospitals such as Gathigiriri, Kimbimbi and Murinduko, almost 10 kilometers away.

Five Mont
hs after the maternity wing was opened, over 60 successful deliveries have been conducted there. About 250 women have sought antenatal clinic services, representing a substantial rise from the previous year’s attendance of 229 women. Postnatal clinic attendance has also risen to 359 mothers, compared to a mere 107 in 2022. Additionally, 658 women have accessed family planning services at the facility.

Governor Anne Waiguru has hailed the maternity ward as a game-changer for mothers emphasizing the importance of providing accessible and affordable maternal and neonatal services as a way of preventing home births and reducing mortality rates.

‘The South Ngariama Maternity wing offers comprehensive services, including antenatal, postnatal, and mother and child health services. Our specialists ensure continuous care for both mothers and children up to five years after delivery,’ stated Governor Waiguru.

Evelyn Kahare, the Nurse-in-charge noted a marked increase in patient numbers since the maternity wing was l
aunched compared to the previous year, attributing this surge to heightened awareness of the services offered by the facility. She emphasized the importance of the maternity wing in averting potential home births.

‘Mothers used to journey from South Ngariama to distant locations like Kiumbu, Murinduko, Gathigiriri, or Kimbimbi. The 51 deliveries we’ve conducted would most likely have ended up as home births were it not for this facility. We aspire to achieve zero home deliveries as Governor Anne Waiguru has empowered us with specialists and skilled personnel to serve the community,’ she noted.

The success story of this project cannot be told without the mention of Community Health Promoters (CHPs). They play a critical role in provision of primary healthcare since they are the link between the community and the health facility. The CHPs attached to this facility have been identifying expectant mothers within their villages and ensuring that they attend the minimum required antenatal clinics and also deliver
in hospital. They also make follow-ups to ensure that the mothers attend postnatal clinics and that their babies are immunized accordingly.

Phyllis Karinga, a CHP attached to the facility said that they have been doing a lot of sensitizations among mothers and the community at large as far as health matters are concerned. ‘Mothers in this region previously had a challenge whereby many of them gave birth at home, but that has changed with the opening of the maternity wing.

‘The distance to the health facilities was the biggest challenge; before getting there, you’d find the mother has already delivered. Giving birth at home had detrimental results such as infection, stillbirths, excessive bleeding, and even maternal and infant mortality.’ Karinga noted. She also thanked the County Government for the recent training offered to them as well as the monthly stipend they are now receiving, saying it has gone a long way in boosting their morale.

Stephen Kinyua, a village elder, reiterated the sentiments expressed
by the community health promoter. He pointed out the dire situation prior to the facility’s establishment, saying that their village is now changed.

Another beneficiary of the maternity wing, Emily Wanjiku, said that the facility was the best gift to mothers in the area. ‘The facility has facilitated all my eight antenatal clinics. Prior to its operationalization, I would spend Sh 800 traveling to hospitals in Murinduko, Kiumbu, or Kimbimbi from Ngumano area. Now, I spend as little as Sh 200 to access the facility. The doctors provide excellent services, and we are even provided with a balanced diet.’ Wanjiku said.

South Ngarima Health Center is one of Kirinyaga county projects aimed at strengthening primary health systems in the county, with 20 dispensary projects having been undertaken within the last three years.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Beekeepers in Homa Bay County are calling on the national and county governments to support their venture as a key driver of the economy in the region.

The farmers led by the coordinator of the Homa Bay Beekeepers Association Samuel Oyugi lamented that despite its potential, beekeeping remains largely unsupported.

‘We started beekeeping because we saw it as a good source of income. However, beekeeping has not been recognized for its potential and benefit to the community,’ Oyugi regretted.

The association has over 200 members spread across Oyugis, Homa Bay Town, Ndhiwa, and Rusinga islands. ‘We are urging the government to commit more resources to beekeeping industry which is a cornerstone of economic stimulus programs,’ Oyugi said.

He said one hive can produce up to 7 kilograms of honey, and the market is readily available. He added they cannot meet the demand.

The association highlighted several challenges hindering their growth such as lack of particularly bee suits.

Additionally, he said many beekee
pers lacked proper training and essential tools like smokers and centrifuge systems for honey extraction.

‘We want to see a united front among beekeepers. This way, when companies come for honey, they’ll find a large, reliable source,’ Oyugi added.

The association is seeking government support for training programs and equipment provision.

The bee keepers are also advocating for the formation of beekeeping cooperatives to increase production capacity. ‘We have some Non-Governmental Organisations who support us, we urge the Lake Basin Development Authority to also support us with training and materials,’ he added.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Youth in Busia County have been urged to apply for Youth Enterprise and Development Fund (YEDF), and use the funds to develop themselves, create more employment opportunities and improve their lives.

Speaking to Kenya News Agency, at their offices, Mr. Edgar Akide, area Assistant County Credit officer, urged youths at individual level or group to visit the office and apply for funds.

‘I am urging the youths to visit our office to know how to apply and get these funds because this is their money,’ Akinde said stating that this is the government intervention to ensure the youth develop themselves through engagements in business, farming and other income generating projects.

Akide also asked those who benefit with loans to ensure they pay the money on time to enable others to benefit.

‘Making your payment on time gives you an advantage of increment in your loan limit. It will also help others to benefit from the money you have paid,’ he said.

He added that the loan payment process has been positive whereby
70% of the loans taken have been paid well.

Another Assistant County Credit officer Mr. Silas Baraza said that most youth in the county have benefited from the program giving an example of Auki youth group in Samia Sub County which deal in textiles.

‘This group deals in making school uniforms. We have given them funds and helped them to market their products. They have supplied uniforms to many schools including Butula boys and Sigalame high school,’ he said.

Barasa said that Sh15 million has been issued so far in Busia County since the beginning of this financial year.

He also stated that most of the beneficiaries are from Matayos, followed by Samia and Nambale sub counties.

Mercy Wambui, an officer at YEDF said that the fund is for individuals aged between 18-34 years. ‘For the group to qualify for this loan, 70% of the members has to be youth,’ Wambui explained adding that other requirements include being a Kenyan citizen, and having a business permit if the loan is meant for business.She at the same
time said that they offer training before issuing out the loans to the youths.

Youth Enterprise and Development Fund aims at mainly creating self-employment for the youth across the country.

Source: Kenya News Agency