Day: June 13, 2024

The government has put in place measures to increase milk production from the current 5 billion to 11 billion litres per year by 2027.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said there is a two-pronged approach that will see farmers being provided with sexed semen for herd growth and credit so as to produce enough nutritious feeds for dairy animals.

The CS said funds that farmers can borrow to grow fodder have been availed to the Agricultural Finance Corporation.

He said through the semen subsidy program farmers will be able to acquire semen that will only yield heifers at Sh2900 per insemination, compared to the current market rate of Sh7, 000 to Sh9, 000.

Linturi was speaking to tea farmers at Rukuriri Tea Factory in Embu, where he said it was the government’s intention to help the farmers to diversify so as improve their incomes and shield themselves from tea market shocks.

The CS assured farmers that the government will not interfere with their forthcoming electio
ns, saying that they will work with those the farmers will elect.

He said the sector reforms started by the government five years ago had yielded better governance in the sector. Among the reforms is the removal of weighted voting where people with more tea wielded more votes than those with a few bushes.

Linturi said the shift to the in-demand orthodox teas would increase farmers’ incomes and eventually boost the crop’s contribution to the GDP of the country which currently stands at 4 per cent.

Linturi revisited the fake fertilizer issue and distanced himself from the scandal.

He said the issue was clouded in lies and propaganda and that he had nothing to do with the fake product.

‘I do not manufacture fertilizer,’ he quipped.

The Kenya Tea Development Agency national Chairman Enos Njeru urged the government to remove all taxes on tea packaging materials, saying the taxes had hampered value addition in the tea sector and slowed down domestic tea sales.

Njeru said it was his board’s intention to raise
tea total farmer payouts from the current Sh60 to Sh85 in the near future and eventually to more than Sh100.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The rift valley regional commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan has warned that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against criminals who were attacking and killing security officers on duty.

The RC said while insecurity cases had drastically reduced as a result of efforts by both government and wananchi, there were disturbing cases of criminals killing police officers especially in the Marakwet region.

Speaking in Iten, Dr. Hassan said the government had deployed police officers in the area to maintain peace so that residents can go about their daily activities and said it was sad that the criminals were turning against the officers.

He therefore called on police officers to apply what they were trained to do saying they should not take chances when attacked by armed criminals.

‘If an officer is armed and is confronted by an armed criminal, then according to their training, they know what they should do,’ he said.

In the recent past two police officers, one in Mogil and another in Arror were kil
led by criminals while in another incident a police vehicle was burnt.

Hassan called on the area residents to discard practices that do not add any value to their lives saying in the current era, people fight intellectually and not physically.

The RC appealed to wananchi to support the officers in their work of ending banditry in the region so that they can engage in development activities saying the area was well endowed agriculturally not only to feed themselves but the rest of the country.

He warned the criminals that the government would nab them saying while it may seem to be slow it was sure that it will get them whatever it takes.

He said the government will hunt them even if they hide in caves and flush them out and deal with them accordingly.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The rift valley regional commissioner Dr. Abdi Hassan has warned that the government will not hesitate to take stern action against criminals who were attacking and killing security officers on duty.

The RC said while insecurity cases had drastically reduced as a result of efforts by both government and wananchi, there were disturbing cases of criminals killing police officers especially in the Marakwet region.

Speaking in Iten, Dr. Hassan said the government had deployed police officers in the area to maintain peace so that residents can go about their daily activities and said it was sad that the criminals were turning against the officers.

He therefore called on police officers to apply what they were trained to do saying they should not take chances when attacked by armed criminals.

‘If an officer is armed and is confronted by an armed criminal, then according to their training, they know what they should do,’ he said.

In the recent past two police officers, one in Mogil and another in Arror were kil
led by criminals while in another incident a police vehicle was burnt.

Hassan called on the area residents to discard practices that do not add any value to their lives saying in the current era, people fight intellectually and not physically.

The RC appealed to wananchi to support the officers in their work of ending banditry in the region so that they can engage in development activities saying the area was well endowed agriculturally not only to feed themselves but the rest of the country.

He warned the criminals that the government would nab them saying while it may seem to be slow it was sure that it will get them whatever it takes.

He said the government will hunt them even if they hide in caves and flush them out and deal with them accordingly.

Source: Kenya News Agency

After a six-month rehabilitation program under the Office of the Deputy President’s spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, 65 reformed addicts have a new lease life.

The 65 include seven women, who were part of the program at Eden house and Reach out rehabilitation centres in Mombasa County.

The reformed addicts were identified when Pastor Dorcas toured drug dens in Shimamzi in Mombasa.

She later organized a medical camp at the Railways dispensary and Miritini December last year for the identification of addicts, who needed rehabilitation.

Most of the addicts had lost hope of recovering from the shackles of drug abuse. Some were separated from their loved ones, while one of them had been fired from work.

The Deputy President’s spouse could not hide her joy, on seeing the transformation in the men and women, who had previously abused drugs for years.

She noted that some of the reformed addicts were admitted to the facilities with their families.

‘The lives of our children are very precious and we must save them
regardless of our differences. When I look at you (Religious leaders) I see the solution to the challenges facing our children. We must save our generation,’ she said.

Pastor Dorcas further called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle drug and substance abuse in the Coast region, while religious leaders were urged to shun stigma to persons living with HIV/AIDs.

‘Use pulpits to deliver messages of hope,’ said Pastor Dorcas, urging the clerics to open their doors to boys and men to get guidance.

In retrospect, the Deputy President’s spouse recalled her humble upbringing in Kiandutu slums saying it’s her responsibility to help drug addicts recover.

‘I have a vision for a better Kenya for the boy child. I have a vision for them,’ she emphasized.

Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai lauded Pastor Dorcas efforts in saving the boy child.

The PS promised that some of the reformed men will be trained as trainers by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).

‘I appreciate your efforts in bridging the
gender gaps that stand in the way to realize our ambitious goal. Your leadership to galvanize religious leaders across faith as represented here today is commendable,’ said Kimtai.

Kisauni Sub-County Deputy county commissioner Jamleck Mbuba promised that chiefs will work closely with the religious leaders to combat drugs and substance abuse menace.

‘The battle is not over, but we have made strides. Let’s join hands and end the drug menace,’ said Mbuba.

On his part, Ushindi Baptist Church Bishop Joseph Maisha said the addicts were in bad state before they were rehabilitated.

‘They had lost hope, but now I see the work that has been done and as a region we are proud,’ said Bishop Maisha.

Sheikh Rashid Swaleh echoed Maisha’s sentiments calling for cooperation in the fight against alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.

Evelyn Watere and her husband have been heroin addicts for more than two decades. They were both rescued and joined the rehabilitation program during the visit by Pastor Dorcas at the Shimanzi d
rug den.

‘I have been trying to get out of the addiction for years in vain, but when Mama Dorcas rescued us I have now been transformed,’ said Watere.

Another reformed addict and a counsellor by profession Boniface Ndirangu said he will now go back to his job.

At least 2000 religious leaders from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties were sensitized on prevention and treatment for HIV, drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse among boys and men.

Source: Kenya News Agency

After a six-month rehabilitation program under the Office of the Deputy President’s spouse, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, 65 reformed addicts have a new lease life.

The 65 include seven women, who were part of the program at Eden house and Reach out rehabilitation centres in Mombasa County.

The reformed addicts were identified when Pastor Dorcas toured drug dens in Shimamzi in Mombasa.

She later organized a medical camp at the Railways dispensary and Miritini December last year for the identification of addicts, who needed rehabilitation.

Most of the addicts had lost hope of recovering from the shackles of drug abuse. Some were separated from their loved ones, while one of them had been fired from work.

The Deputy President’s spouse could not hide her joy, on seeing the transformation in the men and women, who had previously abused drugs for years.

She noted that some of the reformed addicts were admitted to the facilities with their families.

‘The lives of our children are very precious and we must save them
regardless of our differences. When I look at you (Religious leaders) I see the solution to the challenges facing our children. We must save our generation,’ she said.

Pastor Dorcas further called for a multi-sectoral approach to tackle drug and substance abuse in the Coast region, while religious leaders were urged to shun stigma to persons living with HIV/AIDs.

‘Use pulpits to deliver messages of hope,’ said Pastor Dorcas, urging the clerics to open their doors to boys and men to get guidance.

In retrospect, the Deputy President’s spouse recalled her humble upbringing in Kiandutu slums saying it’s her responsibility to help drug addicts recover.

‘I have a vision for a better Kenya for the boy child. I have a vision for them,’ she emphasized.

Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai lauded Pastor Dorcas efforts in saving the boy child.

The PS promised that some of the reformed men will be trained as trainers by the National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC).

‘I appreciate your efforts in bridging the
gender gaps that stand in the way to realize our ambitious goal. Your leadership to galvanize religious leaders across faith as represented here today is commendable,’ said Kimtai.

Kisauni Sub-County Deputy county commissioner Jamleck Mbuba promised that chiefs will work closely with the religious leaders to combat drugs and substance abuse menace.

‘The battle is not over, but we have made strides. Let’s join hands and end the drug menace,’ said Mbuba.

On his part, Ushindi Baptist Church Bishop Joseph Maisha said the addicts were in bad state before they were rehabilitated.

‘They had lost hope, but now I see the work that has been done and as a region we are proud,’ said Bishop Maisha.

Sheikh Rashid Swaleh echoed Maisha’s sentiments calling for cooperation in the fight against alcohol, drugs and substance abuse.

Evelyn Watere and her husband have been heroin addicts for more than two decades. They were both rescued and joined the rehabilitation program during the visit by Pastor Dorcas at the Shimanzi d
rug den.

‘I have been trying to get out of the addiction for years in vain, but when Mama Dorcas rescued us I have now been transformed,’ said Watere.

Another reformed addict and a counsellor by profession Boniface Ndirangu said he will now go back to his job.

At least 2000 religious leaders from Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties were sensitized on prevention and treatment for HIV, drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse among boys and men.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government is working to root out all rogue diaspora jobs agents to ensure prospective job applicants are not swindled of their money.

The Director General of the International conferences, Media Events, and Public Communications in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Amb Isaiah Kabira said the Ministry of labour will streamline the sector to ensure only genuine agencies are operating in the country.

He however advised prospective job seekers and their families to only pay to agencies they are sure about to avoid being conned.

Amb Kabira was speaking at the Embu Moi Stadium during the first day of a three-day Mt East Jobs Fair that opened its doors on Wednesday.

More than 3000 youths turned up during the first day of the fair organized by the State Departments for Labour, Diaspora Affairs and Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) together with the County Government of Embu.

The fair brought together Diaspora job agents and TVET institutions officials from government institutions who sen
sitized the youths on what they need to do to secure jobs abroad.

Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru challenges the youth to get in-demand skills to be able to get the jobs abroad.

She said it would be foolhardy for anyone to go out there without marketable skills, adding that such people were the ones that ended up suffering abroad.

She pointed out that besides training Kenyans to acquire desired skills, the country’s TVET institutions had a program to certify skilled workers who lacked papers.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Government is working to root out all rogue diaspora jobs agents to ensure prospective job applicants are not swindled of their money.

The Director General of the International conferences, Media Events, and Public Communications in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Amb Isaiah Kabira said the Ministry of labour will streamline the sector to ensure only genuine agencies are operating in the country.

He however advised prospective job seekers and their families to only pay to agencies they are sure about to avoid being conned.

Amb Kabira was speaking at the Embu Moi Stadium during the first day of a three-day Mt East Jobs Fair that opened its doors on Wednesday.

More than 3000 youths turned up during the first day of the fair organized by the State Departments for Labour, Diaspora Affairs and Technical and Vocational Training (TVET) together with the County Government of Embu.

The fair brought together Diaspora job agents and TVET institutions officials from government institutions who sen
sitized the youths on what they need to do to secure jobs abroad.

Embu Woman Representative Njoki Njeru challenges the youth to get in-demand skills to be able to get the jobs abroad.

She said it would be foolhardy for anyone to go out there without marketable skills, adding that such people were the ones that ended up suffering abroad.

She pointed out that besides training Kenyans to acquire desired skills, the country’s TVET institutions had a program to certify skilled workers who lacked papers.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Morijo and Olng’arua locations in Narok South Sub County are a happy lot following the completion of the demarcation exercise of their land after a long wait.

Speaking during the launch of the adjudication register, Narok South Land Adjudication Officer Josphine Njoroge said the residents had a period of 60 days to inspect the land register.

In case of a complaint, the residents were advised to raise the objection with the adjudication office before the period expires at a fee of Sh. 3000 per objection.

‘Following the successful completion of demarcating the land, we hereby call upon the residents to inspect the register at the adjudication office located at Morijo Trading Centre at any working day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,’ she said.

Any person who launches a complaint will be expected to state clear reasons for the objection in a written form and forward it to the sub-county land adjudication office for processing, added Njoroge.

About 11, 000 people from Morijo and 9, 000 from Olng’arua
are benefiting from the parcels of land, where each person is getting 9.6 acres of land in Morijo and 11 acres in Olng’arua.

The adjudication section is the first in Narok County to allocate land for both women and men at an equal share.

Narok South Sub County Deputy Commissioner Felix Kisalu asked the residents not to sell their land to outsiders as they could easily become landless.

‘If you need to sell the land, let it be on a need basis. Please use this piece of land to develop yourself and eradicate poverty,’ he said.

He called on the residents to put aside all their differences and embrace oneness regardless of the clans they originate from, saying clannism was the major threat to the Maa community.

‘Don’t be quick to go to court over issues that can be resolved by the elders on the ground. I ask this community to learn to resolve their differences in an amicable way so that we can benefit from the land,’ he said.

Kisalu asked the land committee to consider the vulnerable, like persons living with
disabilities and widows, and give them parcels of land in favourable places.

‘You are almost getting title deeds for your land. I call upon women to humble themselves before their husbands despite them having a title deed, because if it were not for that man, you could not get the parcel of land,’ reiterated the DCC.

At the same time, he called on the community to respect the forest boundaries by minimising human activities on forest land.

Deputy Director in the Directorate of Land Adjudication and Settlement, Michael Kagwe, commended the residents for cooperating with the surveyors on the ground and called for continued support until they were issued title deeds.

He said the community had agreed to set aside a community forest, which will be managed under the Community Land Act, while individual land will be under the Land Adjudication Act.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Morijo and Olng’arua locations in Narok South Sub County are a happy lot following the completion of the demarcation exercise of their land after a long wait.

Speaking during the launch of the adjudication register, Narok South Land Adjudication Officer Josphine Njoroge said the residents had a period of 60 days to inspect the land register.

In case of a complaint, the residents were advised to raise the objection with the adjudication office before the period expires at a fee of Sh. 3000 per objection.

‘Following the successful completion of demarcating the land, we hereby call upon the residents to inspect the register at the adjudication office located at Morijo Trading Centre at any working day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,’ she said.

Any person who launches a complaint will be expected to state clear reasons for the objection in a written form and forward it to the sub-county land adjudication office for processing, added Njoroge.

About 11, 000 people from Morijo and 9, 000 from Olng’arua
are benefiting from the parcels of land, where each person is getting 9.6 acres of land in Morijo and 11 acres in Olng’arua.

The adjudication section is the first in Narok County to allocate land for both women and men at an equal share.

Narok South Sub County Deputy Commissioner Felix Kisalu asked the residents not to sell their land to outsiders as they could easily become landless.

‘If you need to sell the land, let it be on a need basis. Please use this piece of land to develop yourself and eradicate poverty,’ he said.

He called on the residents to put aside all their differences and embrace oneness regardless of the clans they originate from, saying clannism was the major threat to the Maa community.

‘Don’t be quick to go to court over issues that can be resolved by the elders on the ground. I ask this community to learn to resolve their differences in an amicable way so that we can benefit from the land,’ he said.

Kisalu asked the land committee to consider the vulnerable, like persons living with
disabilities and widows, and give them parcels of land in favourable places.

‘You are almost getting title deeds for your land. I call upon women to humble themselves before their husbands despite them having a title deed, because if it were not for that man, you could not get the parcel of land,’ reiterated the DCC.

At the same time, he called on the community to respect the forest boundaries by minimising human activities on forest land.

Deputy Director in the Directorate of Land Adjudication and Settlement, Michael Kagwe, commended the residents for cooperating with the surveyors on the ground and called for continued support until they were issued title deeds.

He said the community had agreed to set aside a community forest, which will be managed under the Community Land Act, while individual land will be under the Land Adjudication Act.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The East African Community, the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs), and Regional Development Cabinet Secretary Penina Malonza has led the dissemination forum for the Kenya Vision 2030 Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) 2023-2027 in Taita Taveta County.

The public engagement, attended by national and county government officials, youth leaders, civil society, religious leaders, and residents of Taita Taveta County, outlined the MTP IV programmes to be implemented in line with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking in Voi, Malonza noted that it is the first time the government is involving residents in the dissemination of the Medium Term Plan, adding that a lot has been done in the three previous MTPs in various sectors such as roads, hospitals, and education.

The CS noted that MTP IV takes into consideration the County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) to ensure synchronisation that will ensure the smooth running of different ministries for the benefit of the citizens.

‘We
are synchronising all these plans so that we can have a very firm and very rich Fourth-Term Medium plan,’ said the CS.

She noted that the MTP IV plan has taken into consideration the well-being of every ministry in terms of the projections the country has for the next four years.

At the same time, the CS noted that an economic turnaround will be achieved through targeted investments across the five BETA pillars of Housing and Settlement, Agriculture, Healthcare, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Digital Superhighway and Creative Economy.

In her capacity, the CS stated that the country is widening and deepening her relations with the East African Community through integration between the eight member states.

She noted that plans are underway to open up the central corridor to enable the free movement of trucks from Kenya to Tanzania.

‘Taita Taveta borders the United Republic of Tanzania, and of course we have the central corridor that we are really working on, actually between Uriri and Boba to
wn in Tanzania. There is a black spot there that we have not interfaced in terms of the digital tracking system, and that is what we are working on. Soon, we are going to open up this corridor so that we can have trucks from here to Tanzania,’ said Malonza.

Malonza added that the country is also working to open up an even wider market that will enable the trucks to move from Kenya through to the DRC and Central Africa.

‘We are working on our relationship with Tanzania. You know the port of Mombasa is serving the central part of Central Africa, and so we are working on the tracking system so that we can open up that corridor so that we can see trucks all the way to the DRC and Central Africa,’ she said.

She further noted that Kenya has maintained a good relationship with the East African Community countries that has facilitated cross-border activities, which will be further enhanced by the opening up of the central corridor.

Source: Kenya News Agency