Day: June 1, 2024

Mazoezi yana umuhimu mwingi sana katika mwili wa mwanadamu. Wazee katika mji wa Nyahururu wamekumbatia uchezaji wa voliboli kama njia ya kufanya mazoezi kwa sababu kibao.

Fred Osongo ambaye ni Kocha wa timu ya voliboli mjini Nyahururu anaeleza kuwa yeye na wenzake waliamua kuanzisha mchezo wa voliboli mnamo mwaka juzi. Walianza wakiwa wachezaji wachache lakini kufikia sasa, wamefika wachezaji 40.

Fred anaendelea kusema kuwa sababu kuu iliyowafanya kuanzisha mchezo huu ni haja ya kufanya mazoezi baada ya kazi nyingi za kila siku.

‘Sababu kuu iliyotufanya kuanzisha mchezo huu ni kwa sababu ya kufanya mazoezi baada ya kazi kuona kuwa baadhi yetu ni wanabodaboda. Tulipokuwa tukianzisha mchezo huu, tulikuwa wachache sana. Baadhi ya watu walikuwa na mtazamo kuwa mchezo huu ni wa vijana pekee. Wanaume wengi hawakuwa na hamu ya kutuunga mkono katika mchezo huu kwa vile wengi walichukulia kuwa wanaopaswa kucheza ni vijana pekee. Kufikia sasa tumeweza kuvutia wazee wengi na hivi sasa tuko arobaini,’ Anaeleza.

Fred
anaendelea kusema kuwa mchezo huu umewasaidia sana katika kupunguza uzito wa mwili ili kupigana na magonjwa yanayotokana na uzito wa mwili uliozidi kama kisukari, msisimko wa damu na mengine mengi. Isitoshe, mchezo huu wa voliboli umewasaidia kupata ujuzi mwingi kuhusu sheria za mchezo huu wa wavu.

‘Voliboli imetusaidia sana kwa sababu tumeweza kupata ujuzi mwingi kuhusu uchezaji kwa voliboli na pia unasaidia kupunguza uzito kupita kiasi wa mwili ili kupigana na magonjwa yanayotokana na uzito iliokidhiri wa mwili,’ anaeleza.

Brian ambaye ni mchezaji wa voliboli anaeleza kuwa umuhimu mkubwa wa mchezo huu wa voliboli ni kuwa huwa haitaji nguvu nyingi wakati wa kucheza hivyo huwa rahisi kuchezwa na wazee. Anaongeza kusema kuwa mchezo huu umesaidia kuleta wazee pamoja hivyo kuendeleza ushirirkiano baina yao.

‘Umuhimu wa mchezo huu ni kuwa huwa hauhitaji nguvu nyingi sana kama mchezo wa kandanda wakati wa kucheza hivyo unatufaa sana hasa wazee wa umri wetu. Pia mchezo huu umetusaidia kuja pamoja na kujuana na h
ili limetusaidia kuunda urafiki kiasi cha kwamba tunaweza kusaidiana iwapo mmoja wetu ana tatizo,’ anaeleza.

Mchezo wa voliboli unapaswa kuchukuliwa kwa uzito katika jamii na haswa miongoni mwa watu walio na umri mkubwa. Wanawake pia wanapaswa kuukumbatia mchezo huu ili kukuza vipawa vyao vya kucheza mchezo wa voliboli na pia kwa lengo la kufanya mazoezi.

Source: Kenya News Agency

President William Ruto has announced initiatives aimed at fostering development and improving livelihoods of the residents across the nine constituencies of Bungoma County.

During his four day in Bungoma County, the President assured that his government is committed to initiating development plans geared at changing the livelihoods of wananchi.

He noted that during the election, the residents stood with him. ‘This was the time I needed a friend and you helped me bag the 2022 general elections something that I will forever be grateful,’ he said.

Ruto donated Sh10 million at Machakha Technical Training Institute (TTI) for its expansion and 100 computers to the institution saying the computers were expected to enhance the digital literacy and technical skills of the students. ‘The government is committed to advancing education and technological proficiency,’ he said.

On his way to Bungoma county State Lounge, the President told Nzoia Sugar Factory workers that he has allocated Sh150 million which has been di
sbursed to the company to pay salary arrears.

‘This payment is meant to boost the morale of the workers and stabilize operations at the company,’ he said.

He revealed that Nzoia farmers would receive the remaining 20 per cent of their Sh54 million dues starting Monday, ensuring they are fully compensated for their produce.

The President also revealed that plans to restore Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) tractors at Nzoia Company were underway and would take effect very soon.

He noted that the initiative would help maintain the nuclear estate in prime condition, thereby supporting agricultural productivity and efficiency.

He confirmed that the Treasury has released Sh61 million to continue the construction of the Industrial Park at Sang’alo Kabuchai constituency.

‘The funding will expedite the development of the park that is expected to become a hub for industrial activities and job creation,’ he noted

In a major boost to the area’s infrastructure, the President unveiled a Sh27 billion rural
electrification programme seeking to connect 600,000 residents, including those in Bungoma, to the national power grid over the next two years.

Ruto added that the projects were poised to bring about transformative changes, driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents not only to the county but also to the region at large

John Wekesa from Webuye noted that Ruto’s visit showed the government’s commitment to addressing both immediate needs and long-term development goals in Bungoma County.

Meanwhile, Nzoia Company expressed their gratitude to the President for his considerate gesture, and acknowledged lack of staff as one of their main challenges.

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula praised the head of state for his commitment to the people of Bungoma. ‘They deserve it since they played a pivotal role in his 2022 electoral victory. Ruto has left his state house in Nairobi and decided to spend four days with us here. Isn’t that genuine love for the people of Bungoma?’ he rem
arked.

The Speaker noted that during the last general elections, they both traversed the region with Ruto to engage the people with respectful dialogue.

He further noted that they united with other regions and formed the government by voting Ruto ‘since the people believed in you and shall walk with you in future’.

Wetangula laid emphasis on the positive loyalty and reciprocal gestures, noting the appointment of several individuals from the region to prominent government positions saying in the last regime, the region had only one Cabinet Secretary (CS) position.

‘Now, we have our daughter Susan Nakhumicha as Health CS, Ababu Namwamba as Sports CS, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, yours truly as the Speaker of the National Assembly several Principal Secretaries, and Ambassadors. This is truly our government,’ he said.

Wetangula urged residents to support the Kenya Kwanza government and allow it time to deliver on its promises. H also assured Nzoia staff that their funds and the balance for farme
rs had been disbursed.

Wetang’ula also highlighted the significance of Bungoma hosting Madaraka Day, calling it an honor that means a lot to the residents. He encouraged leaders and citizens to unite and collaborate for meaningful progress.

Leaders present included Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, MPs Didmus Barasa, John Waluke, Cathrine Wambilyanga, Martin Wanyonyi, Dan Wanyama, John Chikati among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Cabinet secretary for National Treasury Prof. Njuguna Ndungu (L) hands over the chairmanship of Board of Governors for Africa Development Bank to Mr. Philippe Lasmel, temporary AFDB Governor for Cote d’lvoire at the closing ceremony of the 59th Annual Meeting of AFDB Governors at KICC Nairobi on Friday, May 31, 2024. The next meeting will be hosted by Cote d’lvoire in 2025.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Masalani residents in Ijara constituency have reason to smile as a power outage which has hampered their business for the last two weeks has been restored.

According to Masalani watchdog chairman Mr. Abdullahi Abdi, Masalani youth leader Mrs. Furaha Abdullahi has commended Kenya Power Company under the leadership of Mr. Silas Limo for rescuing them from the morass of want and desperation.

However, Limo said it was hectic offing load a one tonne electricity pole from the flooded area but they have made tremendous action in the two weeks’ power outage has continued in Masalani town.

He said they had to come with cranes to take away the poles and conductors that were burnt during flooding at Boji Masalani bridge in Ijara constituency.

Business has normalised and residents can now continue doing their businesses.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A total of Sh8.3 million scholarship has been awarded to 40 students from less fortunate families in Kericho and Bomet counties to join Technical Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVET) to pursue various technical courses.

The inaugural TVET scholarship programme courtesy of the Finlays Community Trust was held at a Kericho hotel where beneficiaries accompanied by their parents were awarded the scholarships to join Belgut and Konoin Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The Regional Deputy Director TVET Kenya Mrs. Zipporah Njoroge who was the chief guest commended the Community Trust for its continued dedication to fostering education and empowering the youth in Kericho and Bomet.

She said the TVET Scholarship Programme represents a significant new milestone in the Trust’s commitment to supporting the education sector.

‘The government will continue to engage and partner with all stakeholders to ensure that all Kenyan students have equitable access to quality education, research,
innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability opportunities for the benefit of their communities and the posterity of Kenya,’ Ms. Njoroge added.

Finlays Community Trust Chairperson Bishop Alfred Rotich said the Trust now provides scholarships for all education levels adding that to-date, the scholarship has benefited a total of 586 secondary school students, 400 undergraduate students, and 23 graduates students in Kericho and Bomet counties at a cost of Sh276.2 million.

Bishop Rotich emphasized that the launch of the programme would not only provide improved access to education but have also catalyzed economic progress within the communities, instilling a spirit of innovation and creativity, and nurturing self-resilience among the beneficiaries.

He pointed out that education plays a pivotal role in the society’s future, urging beneficiaries to approach the new stage of education knowing that they were bright and could conquer any challenges as they had a community behind them.

‘We recognize and value th
e community’s need for human capital, and providing scholarships is one of the most reliable ways to foster long-term growth and sustainability in this area,’ said Bishop Rotich

Finalys Community Trust Secretary Sammy Kirui, said a rigorous process was followed in identifying the most deserving students who scored either a D or a D+ in KCSE, adding that the scholarships would cover students’ education until their study sessions were done.

He further assured that after their training, the beneficiaries would each receive financial capital as a starter pack to enable them venture into self-employment and apply the technical skills learned.

The Managing Director of the Brown’s Plantations LTD Simeon Hutchinson also graced the occasion.

Further, the Finlays Community Trust has invested Sh305.6 million in over 76 education infrastructure projects across Kericho and Bomet counties. The projects include the construction of classroom blocks, science laboratories, libraries, dormitories, and a dining hall.

Sourc
e: Kenya News Agency

The launch of a modern medical laboratory at Loglogo health centre is set to improve access to quality health care to residents of Laisamis constituency in Marsabit County in a big way.

The laboratory constructed and equipped by the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP) company in conjunction with Z. Boskovic Air Charters is intended to avail curative and promotional, and preventive health services to members of local communities.

LTWP new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Max Schiff said apart from the green energy producing firm’s focus on the implementation of community development projects in the water and education sectors, taking quality health care services closer to the people was of major concern.

Schiff noted with satisfaction during the handing over of the facility to the Marsabit county government that members of the local communities would no longer have to travel long distances in search of the important diagnostic service whenever they fell sick.

‘This gesture is definitely going to make the access to
the desired health services less costly and readily available to the residents of this area,’ he said.

The facility was built and equipped at a cost of more than Sh15 million as a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture to the community by the company’s Wind of Change (WoC) foundation.

Marsabit County Chief Officer for Health Dr. Adan Alamin said that the devolved unit values partnerships with the private sector and such collaboration helps in speeding up development.

Dr. Alamin termed the availability of the laboratory as a big boost in the provision of health care to the residents adding that the county government would strive to avail not only curative but also promotional and preventive health services.

The Chief Officer thanked LTWP for also donating reagents for use at the facility and pledged that the county government would post the requisite medical personnel including lab technologists at the health centre.

‘We acknowledge with appreciation the contribution that Lake Turkana Wind Power is
making in the health sector which goes a long way in improving the livelihoods of our people,’ he noted adding that it was barely a month after the company handed over a fully equipped male ward at the Laisamis sub-county hospital that cost Sh15.3 million.

The Company Liaison Manager Job Lengoiyap said that the project was demand driven following a public participation exercise saying the ownership assures the sustainability of the facility.

Lengoiyap added that the residents of Laisamis constituency have had to cover many kilometers either to Marsabit County referral hospital, Isiolo or beyond whenever the need for the essential service arose.

The manager urged the county government to post the required medical personnel to the health facilities in the area in order to make them useful to the targeted communities.

Boskovic Air Charters Managing Director Jimmy Kibati said the firm decided to join efforts with LTWP in achieving the CSR initiative because they were business partners.

Kibati pointed out tha
t his organization had realized the big benefits that the local community attached to the project, saying the need for analytical medical services was imperative in order to make the service effective.

‘Medical laboratories are critical when it comes to rendering effective health services,’ he pointed out saying the aspect of disease diagnosis was a catalyst for not only quality treatment but tames the risk of patients developing immunity against drugs.

Kibati added that the facility would go a long way in offering room for research on chronic illnesses and diseases because it was equipped with modern scientific equipment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

University and college students in Kericho County are grappling with escalating mental health issues, significantly impacting their academic performance and overall well-being. This alarming trend has prompted local leaders to take urgent action. Led by the Deputy County Assembly Speaker Erick Bett, who is also the MCA for Kipchebor Ward, and nominated MCA Bhavina Serem, a comprehensive initiative is underway to address the root causes of this crisis.

These leaders are advocating for increased mental health resources, awareness campaigns, and the integration of mental health services within educational institutions to provide immediate support to affected students.

Speaking at a function attended by Kericho County Tertiary Student Association (KECOTSA) held at Nishkam Saint Puran Singh Institute (NSPSI), Bett said that mental health challenges were mainly contributed by financial constraints, unemployment and lack of proper guidance by parents and the community.

‘We are taking a bill to the County Assembly
‘The Youth empowerment bill 2024′. The bill will be advocating for the 30 percent share to youths in every sphere of the county activities including the contracts and tenders. Secondly the county should know the fields where each and every comrade is specified on to help in linking them with opportunities when they arise,’ said Bett.

Kericho County has been struck by a disturbing rise in student suicides, with eight cases reported in 2024 alone, according to Serem.

The nominated MCA highlighted that many of these tragic incidents were linked to social problems, including relationships issues. The alarming trends need better mental health support and intervention strategies within the community, he said.

Serem expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the underlying issues that were pushing these young individuals to such desperate measures.

He urged students to seek help and speak openly about their struggles. ‘I encourage all students to speak up whenever they have
issues. It’s crucial that we create environments where young people feel safe to share their problems, both in our schools and at home. By fostering a culture of openness and support, we can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent further tragedies. We all have a responsibility to safeguard the well-being of our youth and ensure they receive the care and understanding they need,’ she spoke.

Other speakers at the event urged the youth to steer away from pitfalls like drug abuse and alcoholism, saying that they were destructive to individual lives and communities.

Through reports and statistical evidence, the youth were encouraged to embrace healthier lifestyles. The message resonated deeply, fostering a sense of empowerment among attendees to resist peer pressure and seek support when needed.

Amidst the discourse on avoiding harmful practices, the spotlight shifted towards nurturing entrepreneurial spirit.

Speakers shared inspiring narratives of individuals who transformed their passions in
to successful ventures, embodying the ethos of innovation and resilience. Encouraging the audience to harness their creativity and resourcefulness.

The leaders emphasized the importance of self-empowerment through entrepreneurship. Practical insights and actionable advice were offered, empowering youths to explore avenues for economic independence and contribute meaningfully to society.

In a globalized world teeming with opportunities, the event served as a beacon of enlightenment, illuminating pathways to success beyond borders.

The leaders expressed that there are many possibilities out there, from educational pursuits to career advancement. Through firsthand accounts, an expert explained that while out there, they should seize the opportunities available.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) constituency elections in Narok County went on smoothly in the six constituencies with most delegates choosing to accept the poll outcome.

Most delegates interviewed by Kenya News Agency called on their members to maintain peace after the result outcome as they believed the elections were carried out in a free and fair manner.

Narok County Assembly Majority Leader Sonkoi Lemain, who lost in the party’s Secretary General position for Narok South Sub County but conceded the defeat, described the process as transparent and credible saying all those who won the elections were the legitimate winners.

Lemain, who is supporting Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu for the county’s party chairmanship position, asked their rival group that is led by Narok West Member of Parliament Gabriel Tongoyo to accept the result for the good of the party.

He alleged that most delegates supporting Tongoyo’s side were not at the polling station, wondering why they had chosen to pull out very early.

S
ogoo ward MCA Hilary Kipngeno also lauded the election process saying it was very smooth, fair and free.

Kipngeno who was vying to represent the professionals in the party, was elected unopposed and called on all the successful delegates to represent the party well by ensuring the party gets a clear win in the next elections.

The Narok West MP, who is also the chairman of the Security committee at the National Assembly had earlier alleged that the ward elections were not free and fair alleging that the process had been manipulated to favour his rival, governor Ntutu.

There were six elective seats: Organizing secretary, male member, secretary, deputy secretary, treasurer, female member, chairperson and deputy chairperson.

In Narok South, Otuni Milton was elected as organizing secretary, Denis Sonkoi (male member), Sena Moibel (Secretary), Kishoyian Mkum (treasurer), Chelangat Hildah (Female member), Simon Mashati (Chairperson).

A total of 111 delegates voted in the constituency.

Source: Kenya News Agenc
y

Kisii University has planted 3000 tree seedlings at Nyosia farm in Kisii Central Sub-County as part of the institution’s efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The exercise was done in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), National Research Fund (NRF), National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI) and AAR Hospital.

Speaking during the event, Kisii University Vice Chancellor Professor Nathan Ogechi said they are committed to promoting environmental sustainability and addressing climate change matters.

He noted that since the launch of the 15 billion trees campaign by President William Ruto, the University has planted over 16,000 tree seedlings in the university and within farms belonging to the surrounding communities.

‘Fostering a clean and healthy environment remains our main concern by ensuring we make the world a better place to live in, and we can only achieve this when we work in unity,’ said Prof. Ogechi.

T
he VC encouraged the teaching staff to engage the students in expressing their potential skills by conducting research related to environment change.

National Research Fund (NRF) Chairperson Prof. Ratemo Michieka, who graced the occasion, urged the students to prioritize the environment issues by practicing re-afforestation and restoring previously existing forest that have been destroyed.

‘Let us not just plant trees and abandon them, but instead let us take good care of them. It will be a great waste if we plant over 3,000 seedlings today and only 100 seedlings grow to maturity because we did not nurture them,’ noted Prof. Michieka.

On his part, Joel Ongoto from UNESCO affirmed that they were ready to support the National Government’s agenda of planting 15 billion trees as part of restoring the environment back to its normal state.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Tunis: Tunisian Dr. Adel Khedher has been elected Deputy Secretary General of the Arab Writers’ Union.

The Egyptian candidate, Dr. Alaa Abdel Hadi, was unanimously elected Secretary General of the Union.

The elections for the 28th General Conference of the Arab Writers’ Union took place on Friday in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, after they could not be held in Tunisia in mid-May due to a lack of quorum.

Born in Tunis on February 27, 1961, the researcher and university professor holds a doctorate in Arabic language and literature from the Faculty of Letters in Manouba.

A former director of the International Book Fair, he is the author of numerous publications and scientific studies on ancient and modern literature.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse