Day: September 12, 2024

The government has promised to settle both medical and funeral expenses for the 21 pupils who perished in the Endarasha Academy fire tragedy last Thursday.

Nyeri County Commissioner and Acting Central Region Commissioner Pius Murugu has said this will form part of the government’s efforts to assist the parents who lost their sons in the devastating incident.

Murugu, who was speaking at the Kabiruini ASK showground yesterday after officiating the opening of this year’s Agricultural trade fair, said a multi-agency security team probing the real cause of the fire will soon fold camp to allow the reopening of the institution to learners.

‘The government has taken the initiative to foot all medical bills and also provide burial expenses. We are also planning to have a memorial service for all the victims before we dispatch the bodies,’ he said, adding, ‘We are still continuing to offer psychological and psychosocial support to the parents and everybody else affected by the tragedy.’

On Tuesday, Murugu confirm
ed that out of the 164 pupils who were sleeping in the doomed dormitory on that fateful Thursday night, only 19 perished, while two others died while receiving specialised treatment in the hospital.

The administrator has also set the records straight and confirmed that all the 164 boys who were in the ill-fated dormitory had been accounted for.

Earlier on, the number of boys who had been sleeping in the dormitory had been placed at 156.

The number of boarders in the school at the time was 330 pupils, with 166 of them being girls. The rest of the school’s population are day scholars. The school has a total of 824 pupils.

The county administrator also confirmed that all parents who lost their children in the fire had presented themselves at the Naromoru Level 4 hospital mortuary for the process of body identification.

He said the decision to move the bodies to the county morgue was to help expedite the process of carrying out DNA analysis and avert overwhelming staff at the Nyeri County Teaching and Referr
al Hospital.

‘On Tuesday we were able to summon all the bereaved parents to come to the hospital where DNA samples were taken for the purpose of matching them with the bodies so that they can be identified by name. This process will take some time since some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition,’ he stated.

Investigators working at the school are yet to crack the riddle of what really caused the Thursday night deadly fire after Kenya Power ruled out an electric fault on Tuesday.

Nyeri Kenya Power Business manager Duncan Machuka said after conducting comprehensive investigations at the school power connections, it had been established that the cause of the fire lay elsewhere.

‘Based on the findings of the preliminary analysis of our protection system, from the meter box to the substation where the medium voltage line serving the school emanates from, we have ascertained there was no link between the cause of the fire and any fault on our network as alleged in sections of media reports,’ read part of
his statement.

‘The company will continue to work collaboratively with other investigating agencies to establish the cause of the fire,’ he added.

The company’s investigations revealed the line supplying power to the school is a low-voltage line from Mweiga substation and that at the time of the incident the supply was stable.

Similarly, it has been verified that the utility power installations, including the meter, supply cable, earth wires, low-voltage and high-tension fuses, and the transformer, were intact.

Finally, the probe read, it has been established that the fire did not affect the two prepaid meters located within the larger school’s complex.

With this conclusion, attention now shifts to the power regulator, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), which is responsible for any power beyond the meter.

Machuka told the press his team will continue working hand in hand with other investigators at the site to come to the bottom of what caused the blaze.

‘I am aware our regulator (Ep
ra) is on the ground doing investigations, and we are working with them to ascertain that. We haven’t conclusively gone beyond that jurisdiction area, but we have ascertained that there was no link between the fire and our system,’ said the official.

Preliminary speculations had zeroed in on a possible power failure, but a press statement from the Kenya Power has ruled that.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government has promised to settle both medical and funeral expenses for the 21 pupils who perished in the Endarasha Academy fire tragedy last Thursday.

Nyeri County Commissioner and Acting Central Region Commissioner Pius Murugu has said this will form part of the government’s efforts to assist the parents who lost their sons in the devastating incident.

Murugu, who was speaking at the Kabiruini ASK showground yesterday after officiating the opening of this year’s Agricultural trade fair, said a multi-agency security team probing the real cause of the fire will soon fold camp to allow the reopening of the institution to learners.

‘The government has taken the initiative to foot all medical bills and also provide burial expenses. We are also planning to have a memorial service for all the victims before we dispatch the bodies,’ he said, adding, ‘We are still continuing to offer psychological and psychosocial support to the parents and everybody else affected by the tragedy.’

On Tuesday, Murugu confirm
ed that out of the 164 pupils who were sleeping in the doomed dormitory on that fateful Thursday night, only 19 perished, while two others died while receiving specialised treatment in the hospital.

The administrator has also set the records straight and confirmed that all the 164 boys who were in the ill-fated dormitory had been accounted for.

Earlier on, the number of boys who had been sleeping in the dormitory had been placed at 156.

The number of boarders in the school at the time was 330 pupils, with 166 of them being girls. The rest of the school’s population are day scholars. The school has a total of 824 pupils.

The county administrator also confirmed that all parents who lost their children in the fire had presented themselves at the Naromoru Level 4 hospital mortuary for the process of body identification.

He said the decision to move the bodies to the county morgue was to help expedite the process of carrying out DNA analysis and avert overwhelming staff at the Nyeri County Teaching and Referr
al Hospital.

‘On Tuesday we were able to summon all the bereaved parents to come to the hospital where DNA samples were taken for the purpose of matching them with the bodies so that they can be identified by name. This process will take some time since some of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition,’ he stated.

Investigators working at the school are yet to crack the riddle of what really caused the Thursday night deadly fire after Kenya Power ruled out an electric fault on Tuesday.

Nyeri Kenya Power Business manager Duncan Machuka said after conducting comprehensive investigations at the school power connections, it had been established that the cause of the fire lay elsewhere.

‘Based on the findings of the preliminary analysis of our protection system, from the meter box to the substation where the medium voltage line serving the school emanates from, we have ascertained there was no link between the cause of the fire and any fault on our network as alleged in sections of media reports,’ read part of
his statement.

‘The company will continue to work collaboratively with other investigating agencies to establish the cause of the fire,’ he added.

The company’s investigations revealed the line supplying power to the school is a low-voltage line from Mweiga substation and that at the time of the incident the supply was stable.

Similarly, it has been verified that the utility power installations, including the meter, supply cable, earth wires, low-voltage and high-tension fuses, and the transformer, were intact.

Finally, the probe read, it has been established that the fire did not affect the two prepaid meters located within the larger school’s complex.

With this conclusion, attention now shifts to the power regulator, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra), which is responsible for any power beyond the meter.

Machuka told the press his team will continue working hand in hand with other investigators at the site to come to the bottom of what caused the blaze.

‘I am aware our regulator (Ep
ra) is on the ground doing investigations, and we are working with them to ascertain that. We haven’t conclusively gone beyond that jurisdiction area, but we have ascertained that there was no link between the fire and our system,’ said the official.

Preliminary speculations had zeroed in on a possible power failure, but a press statement from the Kenya Power has ruled that.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Lugari Sub County in Kakamega County have been encouraged to embrace sunflower farming to boost the government’s plans to promote locally produced edible oil and cut on imports.

Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Simon Mutai and Chekalini Ward Agriculture Officer Linet Kiyari made the rallying call at Koromait in Chekalini location during a public baraza.

They noted that sunflower farming has numerous potential benefits for the community besides improving the local economy and providing a cheap, sustainable source of cooking oil for households in the area.

Mutai said the government, in collaboration with selected county governments, is implementing a five-year Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project through the Agriculture and Food Authority to enhance domestic production.

He said it is ironic for the government to continue importing edible oil from other countries, yet we are blessed with fertile soils and favourable weather conditions.

He said, ‘We are appealing to farmers in the three selected
wards of Chekalini, Lumakanda, and Mautuma in Lugari Sub County to seize the opportunity and grow sunflower. We are lucky to be among the three subcounties enlisted for the project in Kakamega County.

‘Initially, farmers abandoned sunflower growing due to market challenges, but now the government has tasked the Agriculture and Food Authority to do the marketing.

‘Let farmers take advantage of the programme and diversify their farming activities, as the crop only takes about three months to be ready.’

Mutai disclosed that a large percentage of registered farmers in the three wards have already received free seeds from Kenya Seed Company, which was tasked by the government to distribute the right seeds.

Kiyari, on her part, told residents that they will have themselves to blame if they have not benefitted from the programme when the five years’ elapse.

She said the government is investing heavily in sunflower growing upon realisation that it is spending a lot on edible oil imports.

‘The government has bee
n spending a lot on importation, hence the need to sensitise and encourage farmers to revert to sunflower and other edible crop farming.

‘Apart from sunflowers, we shall also grow soya beans. Those are the two edible oil crops the county government is promoting within Kakamega County.’ Kiyari explained.

She disclosed that during the registration of farmers willing to engage in sunflower farming, most village elders claimed that residents initially abandoned the crop, due to challenges posed by birds, a claim she dismissed, saying pricing was the biggest problem.

She said, ‘The major challenge was marketing. Birds are only a challenge for two to three weeks. However, the marketing challenge is being worked upon as the county government is negotiating prices with potential buyers.

‘Besides capacity-building farmers, the county government also has plans to acquire oil extraction machines, which will be stationed closer to farmers. With the machines easily accessible, the farmer will be at liberty to either s
ell the oil or use it.’

The Agriculture and Food Authority will be implementing an edible oil crop promotion project which seeks to support the availability of affordable and quality inputs, technical support on production, as well as promoting cottage-level processing.

Sunflower, which is widely adapted to almost all ecological zones in the country, is one of the crops singled out as a viable alternative towards achieving self-sufficiency and import substitution.

The proposed project will contribute towards the creation of employment opportunities in a number of areas, including seed distribution, production, produce aggregation, transportation, warehousing, aggregation, and agro-processing.

Within the next 5 years, interventions through the project are anticipated to increase domestically produced edible oil from the current 80,000 metric tonnes to 240,000 metric tonnes. This will lead to a production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of soya bean, canola, and sunflower seed for use as raw materials in oil e
xtraction.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Lugari Sub County in Kakamega County have been encouraged to embrace sunflower farming to boost the government’s plans to promote locally produced edible oil and cut on imports.

Lugari Deputy County Commissioner Simon Mutai and Chekalini Ward Agriculture Officer Linet Kiyari made the rallying call at Koromait in Chekalini location during a public baraza.

They noted that sunflower farming has numerous potential benefits for the community besides improving the local economy and providing a cheap, sustainable source of cooking oil for households in the area.

Mutai said the government, in collaboration with selected county governments, is implementing a five-year Edible Oil Crops Promotion Project through the Agriculture and Food Authority to enhance domestic production.

He said it is ironic for the government to continue importing edible oil from other countries, yet we are blessed with fertile soils and favourable weather conditions.

He said, ‘We are appealing to farmers in the three selected
wards of Chekalini, Lumakanda, and Mautuma in Lugari Sub County to seize the opportunity and grow sunflower. We are lucky to be among the three subcounties enlisted for the project in Kakamega County.

‘Initially, farmers abandoned sunflower growing due to market challenges, but now the government has tasked the Agriculture and Food Authority to do the marketing.

‘Let farmers take advantage of the programme and diversify their farming activities, as the crop only takes about three months to be ready.’

Mutai disclosed that a large percentage of registered farmers in the three wards have already received free seeds from Kenya Seed Company, which was tasked by the government to distribute the right seeds.

Kiyari, on her part, told residents that they will have themselves to blame if they have not benefitted from the programme when the five years’ elapse.

She said the government is investing heavily in sunflower growing upon realisation that it is spending a lot on edible oil imports.

‘The government has bee
n spending a lot on importation, hence the need to sensitise and encourage farmers to revert to sunflower and other edible crop farming.

‘Apart from sunflowers, we shall also grow soya beans. Those are the two edible oil crops the county government is promoting within Kakamega County.’ Kiyari explained.

She disclosed that during the registration of farmers willing to engage in sunflower farming, most village elders claimed that residents initially abandoned the crop, due to challenges posed by birds, a claim she dismissed, saying pricing was the biggest problem.

She said, ‘The major challenge was marketing. Birds are only a challenge for two to three weeks. However, the marketing challenge is being worked upon as the county government is negotiating prices with potential buyers.

‘Besides capacity-building farmers, the county government also has plans to acquire oil extraction machines, which will be stationed closer to farmers. With the machines easily accessible, the farmer will be at liberty to either s
ell the oil or use it.’

The Agriculture and Food Authority will be implementing an edible oil crop promotion project which seeks to support the availability of affordable and quality inputs, technical support on production, as well as promoting cottage-level processing.

Sunflower, which is widely adapted to almost all ecological zones in the country, is one of the crops singled out as a viable alternative towards achieving self-sufficiency and import substitution.

The proposed project will contribute towards the creation of employment opportunities in a number of areas, including seed distribution, production, produce aggregation, transportation, warehousing, aggregation, and agro-processing.

Within the next 5 years, interventions through the project are anticipated to increase domestically produced edible oil from the current 80,000 metric tonnes to 240,000 metric tonnes. This will lead to a production of 1.5 million metric tonnes of soya bean, canola, and sunflower seed for use as raw materials in oil e
xtraction.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), with the support of the Government of Canada, has reiterated its commitment to bolstering community engagement and policing in Wajir County.

Speaking on Thursday during a flagging-off ceremony for a roadshow caravan, IOM Representative Soumana Ali emphasised the organisation’s efforts in supporting the Kenyan government to foster better relationships between communities and state authorities, particularly in border areas.

‘We, as IOM, are supporting the Government of Kenya in community engagement and policing. These initiatives aim to enhance human security by ensuring the active participation of communities in border governance,’ said Ali.

He highlighted that the goal is to shift the perception of border communities, who are often seen as a challenge, into being recognised as a vital part of the solution to ineffective border governance.

The Wajir East Deputy County Commissioner, George Onyango, expressed gratitude to the local community, acknowledging
the crucial role that elders, women, and youth have played in preserving peace.

‘The peace we enjoy in Wajir is not just because of security forces but largely due to the community’s involvement,’ Onyango said.

The DCC highlighted Wajir’s proximity to Somalia and the ongoing challenges in the neighbouring country, emphasising that the town’s stability relies heavily on the proactive engagement of its residents.

‘Residents are fully engaged in ensuring safety,’ he remarked, calling on the community to continue supporting local security agencies.

He reminded the community that peace and development go hand in hand, urging residents to remain vigilant.

‘Where there is peace, there is development,’ he stated, encouraging the public to report any potential threats, such as unknown individuals or illegal activities, especially drug trafficking.

Onyango also voiced concern about the dangers posed to Wajir’s youth by the menace of drugs, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the next generation.

He warne
d that authorities would not tolerate those involved in the drug trade, stressing the collective responsibility to protect the town’s future.

The Deputy County Commissioner reassured the community of the commitment of security forces in maintaining peace, urging continued cooperation for a safer and more prosperous Wajir.

The roadshow caravan is part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration, build trust, and promote safety and security across border regions. Through increased community participation, the initiative seeks to address challenges of border governance while fostering peace, stability, and prosperity for the affected populations.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), with the support of the Government of Canada, has reiterated its commitment to bolstering community engagement and policing in Wajir County.

Speaking on Thursday during a flagging-off ceremony for a roadshow caravan, IOM Representative Soumana Ali emphasised the organisation’s efforts in supporting the Kenyan government to foster better relationships between communities and state authorities, particularly in border areas.

‘We, as IOM, are supporting the Government of Kenya in community engagement and policing. These initiatives aim to enhance human security by ensuring the active participation of communities in border governance,’ said Ali.

He highlighted that the goal is to shift the perception of border communities, who are often seen as a challenge, into being recognised as a vital part of the solution to ineffective border governance.

The Wajir East Deputy County Commissioner, George Onyango, expressed gratitude to the local community, acknowledging
the crucial role that elders, women, and youth have played in preserving peace.

‘The peace we enjoy in Wajir is not just because of security forces but largely due to the community’s involvement,’ Onyango said.

The DCC highlighted Wajir’s proximity to Somalia and the ongoing challenges in the neighbouring country, emphasising that the town’s stability relies heavily on the proactive engagement of its residents.

‘Residents are fully engaged in ensuring safety,’ he remarked, calling on the community to continue supporting local security agencies.

He reminded the community that peace and development go hand in hand, urging residents to remain vigilant.

‘Where there is peace, there is development,’ he stated, encouraging the public to report any potential threats, such as unknown individuals or illegal activities, especially drug trafficking.

Onyango also voiced concern about the dangers posed to Wajir’s youth by the menace of drugs, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the next generation.

He warne
d that authorities would not tolerate those involved in the drug trade, stressing the collective responsibility to protect the town’s future.

The Deputy County Commissioner reassured the community of the commitment of security forces in maintaining peace, urging continued cooperation for a safer and more prosperous Wajir.

The roadshow caravan is part of broader efforts to strengthen collaboration, build trust, and promote safety and security across border regions. Through increased community participation, the initiative seeks to address challenges of border governance while fostering peace, stability, and prosperity for the affected populations.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Cooperative movement in the country have been challenged to optimize their potentials by tapping into new and lucrative avenues to double their resources in the sector

Despite controlling close to Ksh 1 trillion worth of assets, the movement is yet to fully exploit endowed new economic avenues such as real estate, retail and wholesale ventures which largely remains unexploited

Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) chairman Macloud Malonza however expressed optimism that the cooperative movement continued to register impressive milestone that contributed to the larger economic growth of the country.

‘The cooperative societies have continued to mobilize more resources and disbursed them to investors in loans posting very progressive records as a leading financial cornerstone for business startups but had more room to tap into other and lucrative economic sectors to register more growth,’ said Malonza.

Speaking during a two day workshop organized by the CAK on how the cooperative leaders can align with curren
t tools to overcome emerging risks facing businesses, the chairman however expressed fears that the cooperatives had primarily concentrated their resources bases from traditional economic sector like coffee, dairy and tea but have not gone beyond to the new avenues.

According to the Sacco supervision annual Report, 2023, released this week by the Sacco societies authority (SASRA), Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies harbours the largest proportion of the sector’s assets which amounted to Sh971.96 billion representing 6.43 per cent of the national nominal gross Domestic product (GDP).

During the year 2023, 357 regulated SACCOs gross loans grew by 11.50per cent to reach Sh758.57 billion from Sh680.35 billion in 2022, depicting increased demand for their credit services. These loans were mainly funded by savings and deposits mobilized from the membership which increased by 9.95 per cent to reach Sh682.19 billion in 2023, thereby cementing the place of regulated SACCOs as critical mobilizers of domestic sa
vings.

Malonza said the cooperative movement is on course saying the Cooperative new bill that is at its second reading and almost being finalized hopefully by October will be able to change the business model of the SACCOs.

Director in charge of the Cooperatives Banking Division at Cooperative Bank of Kenya Vincent Marangu noted that cooperatives are model and contribute in a big way in enhancing financial inclusion.

He said by July this year asset bases under the control of all cooperatives have reached close to Sh1.7 trillion demonstrating the sector endowment.

‘There are more opportunities the cooperative movement can pursue to grow their businesses, for example, property development, retail and wholesale sectors, hospitality industry, transport and health sector,’ said Mr. Marangu.

In the developed world credit unions are controlling a huge sector of the economies as well as the national savings and according to the state department of Cooperatives, close to 35 per cent of the national savings is un
der the cooperative societies.

Marangu explained that the cooperatives can grow their credit business by expanding beyond the usual sources such as salaries and other proceeds and fast track other businesses associated with institution members.

‘This however requires a high level of business innovation, mind and interaction. For example, as Sacco credit officer go further and ask the teacher, banker, transport officer, manufacturer, worker, what else do you do? If the farmer undertakes dairy farming or poultry farming where are their proceeds deposited to,’ Marangu added.

He gave an example of cooperatives that have been risking on investing in housing projects saying its important that they know at what level to scale it up and also pick up on the project

What we are seeing, he added, is the appetite for large, mega projects. But we have seen that the most successful investment cooperatives or housing cooperatives are the ones that are able to take smaller projects, that they are sure they are able to of
fload to their members.

‘Work on a project of 1000 houses, where you have an assurance that 80 percent of your members will take up the project, and you go out there to market 20’., he said

The Director encouraged SACCOs who normally make good money at the end of the year to think critically on their reserves, how they are a building on their capital so that they prepare themselves for difficult times in future.

‘ If there could be such a time, this is the time now that SACCOs are now empowered to know that they are not competing on dividend payment or interest on deposits but on creating reserves and building their capital for any day in future’, he added

Marangu noted that SACCOs and corporates in general have remained resilient and that is the sustainability in the sector. ‘Supporting the members, giving them loans at fairly priced rates, giving them back in terms of sharing what they remain with in a very sustainable manner, which is what will take our cooperatives forward.

The theme for the two day
workshop is -‘Integrating continuous improvement in audit, financial reporting and risk management strategies for co-operatives of tomorrow.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Cooperative movement in the country have been challenged to optimize their potentials by tapping into new and lucrative avenues to double their resources in the sector

Despite controlling close to Ksh 1 trillion worth of assets, the movement is yet to fully exploit endowed new economic avenues such as real estate, retail and wholesale ventures which largely remains unexploited

Cooperative Alliance of Kenya (CAK) chairman Macloud Malonza however expressed optimism that the cooperative movement continued to register impressive milestone that contributed to the larger economic growth of the country.

‘The cooperative societies have continued to mobilize more resources and disbursed them to investors in loans posting very progressive records as a leading financial cornerstone for business startups but had more room to tap into other and lucrative economic sectors to register more growth,’ said Malonza.

Speaking during a two day workshop organized by the CAK on how the cooperative leaders can align with curren
t tools to overcome emerging risks facing businesses, the chairman however expressed fears that the cooperatives had primarily concentrated their resources bases from traditional economic sector like coffee, dairy and tea but have not gone beyond to the new avenues.

According to the Sacco supervision annual Report, 2023, released this week by the Sacco societies authority (SASRA), Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies harbours the largest proportion of the sector’s assets which amounted to Sh971.96 billion representing 6.43 per cent of the national nominal gross Domestic product (GDP).

During the year 2023, 357 regulated SACCOs gross loans grew by 11.50per cent to reach Sh758.57 billion from Sh680.35 billion in 2022, depicting increased demand for their credit services. These loans were mainly funded by savings and deposits mobilized from the membership which increased by 9.95 per cent to reach Sh682.19 billion in 2023, thereby cementing the place of regulated SACCOs as critical mobilizers of domestic sa
vings.

Malonza said the cooperative movement is on course saying the Cooperative new bill that is at its second reading and almost being finalized hopefully by October will be able to change the business model of the SACCOs.

Director in charge of the Cooperatives Banking Division at Cooperative Bank of Kenya Vincent Marangu noted that cooperatives are model and contribute in a big way in enhancing financial inclusion.

He said by July this year asset bases under the control of all cooperatives have reached close to Sh1.7 trillion demonstrating the sector endowment.

‘There are more opportunities the cooperative movement can pursue to grow their businesses, for example, property development, retail and wholesale sectors, hospitality industry, transport and health sector,’ said Mr. Marangu.

In the developed world credit unions are controlling a huge sector of the economies as well as the national savings and according to the state department of Cooperatives, close to 35 per cent of the national savings is un
der the cooperative societies.

Marangu explained that the cooperatives can grow their credit business by expanding beyond the usual sources such as salaries and other proceeds and fast track other businesses associated with institution members.

‘This however requires a high level of business innovation, mind and interaction. For example, as Sacco credit officer go further and ask the teacher, banker, transport officer, manufacturer, worker, what else do you do? If the farmer undertakes dairy farming or poultry farming where are their proceeds deposited to,’ Marangu added.

He gave an example of cooperatives that have been risking on investing in housing projects saying its important that they know at what level to scale it up and also pick up on the project

What we are seeing, he added, is the appetite for large, mega projects. But we have seen that the most successful investment cooperatives or housing cooperatives are the ones that are able to take smaller projects, that they are sure they are able to of
fload to their members.

‘Work on a project of 1000 houses, where you have an assurance that 80 percent of your members will take up the project, and you go out there to market 20’., he said

The Director encouraged SACCOs who normally make good money at the end of the year to think critically on their reserves, how they are a building on their capital so that they prepare themselves for difficult times in future.

‘ If there could be such a time, this is the time now that SACCOs are now empowered to know that they are not competing on dividend payment or interest on deposits but on creating reserves and building their capital for any day in future’, he added

Marangu noted that SACCOs and corporates in general have remained resilient and that is the sustainability in the sector. ‘Supporting the members, giving them loans at fairly priced rates, giving them back in terms of sharing what they remain with in a very sustainable manner, which is what will take our cooperatives forward.

The theme for the two day
workshop is -‘Integrating continuous improvement in audit, financial reporting and risk management strategies for co-operatives of tomorrow.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Inter-University Environmental Students Association (KIUESA), in collaboration with the Kisumu County Government and the TINADA organisation, has sensitised approximately 200 young people on the critical links between environmental conservation and mental health.

The initiative, dubbed the ‘Greening Kisumu Initiative,’ aims to hold monthly events across various learning institutions in Kisumu County to raise awareness about these intertwined issues.

The first event took place at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu, where speakers highlighted the vital connection between a healthy environment and mental well-being.

Daniel Owino, representing the Kisumu Slums Waste Pickers Network, emphasised the deep relationship between a clean environment and improved mental health well-being.

He noted that the programme seeks to foster community engagement and collaboration to inspire lasting change, particularly among young people.

‘Living in cleaner, greener surroundings reduces stress levels, enhances people
‘s mood, and builds overall psychological resilience,’ Owino stated.

Professor Leo Ogalo, Dean of the Faculty of Agri-Business and Technology at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu, stressed the importance of linking environmental and mental health campaigns to drive sustainable practices and address mental health challenges worsened by environmental degradation.

‘These programmes educate communities on the interdependence between a healthy environment and mental health,’ Prof. Ogalo remarked.

‘They cultivate a sense of responsibility towards preserving nature while simultaneously addressing mental health issues,’ he asserted.

Prof. Ogalo praised the collaborating organisations for their commitment to tackling mental health challenges among the youth and applauded the decision to host the tree-planting event at Great Lakes University. He further encouraged the institution to continue planting trees, contributing to environmental health and sustainability.

Moses Okal, an environmentalist and KIUESA offic
ial, described the initiative as crucial in nurturing environmental stewardship among the younger generation. He explained that the programme seeks to engage students actively in tree planting, waste management, and other sustainable practices, instilling a sense of responsibility toward nature and the fight against climate change.

‘By integrating these values early in their education, students will grow into environmentally conscious citizens, ensuring long-term ecological sustainability for Kisumu,’ Okal concluded.

During the event, participants planted 150 tree seedlings as part of the Greening Kisumu Initiative, which aims to plant 3 million trees in the county over the next three years.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Inter-University Environmental Students Association (KIUESA), in collaboration with the Kisumu County Government and the TINADA organisation, has sensitised approximately 200 young people on the critical links between environmental conservation and mental health.

The initiative, dubbed the ‘Greening Kisumu Initiative,’ aims to hold monthly events across various learning institutions in Kisumu County to raise awareness about these intertwined issues.

The first event took place at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu, where speakers highlighted the vital connection between a healthy environment and mental well-being.

Daniel Owino, representing the Kisumu Slums Waste Pickers Network, emphasised the deep relationship between a clean environment and improved mental health well-being.

He noted that the programme seeks to foster community engagement and collaboration to inspire lasting change, particularly among young people.

‘Living in cleaner, greener surroundings reduces stress levels, enhances people
‘s mood, and builds overall psychological resilience,’ Owino stated.

Professor Leo Ogalo, Dean of the Faculty of Agri-Business and Technology at the Great Lakes University of Kisumu, stressed the importance of linking environmental and mental health campaigns to drive sustainable practices and address mental health challenges worsened by environmental degradation.

‘These programmes educate communities on the interdependence between a healthy environment and mental health,’ Prof. Ogalo remarked.

‘They cultivate a sense of responsibility towards preserving nature while simultaneously addressing mental health issues,’ he asserted.

Prof. Ogalo praised the collaborating organisations for their commitment to tackling mental health challenges among the youth and applauded the decision to host the tree-planting event at Great Lakes University. He further encouraged the institution to continue planting trees, contributing to environmental health and sustainability.

Moses Okal, an environmentalist and KIUESA offic
ial, described the initiative as crucial in nurturing environmental stewardship among the younger generation. He explained that the programme seeks to engage students actively in tree planting, waste management, and other sustainable practices, instilling a sense of responsibility toward nature and the fight against climate change.

‘By integrating these values early in their education, students will grow into environmentally conscious citizens, ensuring long-term ecological sustainability for Kisumu,’ Okal concluded.

During the event, participants planted 150 tree seedlings as part of the Greening Kisumu Initiative, which aims to plant 3 million trees in the county over the next three years.

Source: Kenya News Agency