Day: September 16, 2024

Nakuru County has embarked on converting waste disposal sites and sewerage treatment facilities into useful resources through recycling as a way of mitigating the impacts of the waste on the environment and public health.

According to County Executive Committee Member (CECM) of Water, Environment, Energy, and Natural Resources Nelson Maara, the county is undertaking the conversion of waste disposal sites and sewerage treatment facilities into centres of sustainable innovation.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with the management of NAWASCOAL, a county-owned entity that manufactures fuel briquettes and other products from waste materials, the CECM said they were working in partnerships with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and organisations to transform waste into eco-friendly products like construction materials, furniture, and household items, among other innovative products.

He was happy that Governor Susan Kihika’s administration had adopted a sustainable and effective approach to waste managemen
t by embracing a circular economy model, which emphasises waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.

This approach, Dr. Maara explained, could significantly reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and mitigate its impact on climate change and public health.

‘Through proper waste management, greenhouse gases emitted during waste combustion and decomposition in landfills will be reduced significantly,’ he added.

The meeting focused on ways of restructuring NAWASCOAL with a view to expanding its board of directors, a move the CECM said aims at enhancing the company’s effectiveness that will help attract more funding and ensure improved sanitation services for Nakuru City residents.

Dr. Maara said they are encouraging business people and residents to continue practicing the three R’s of reusing, recycling, and recovering what is useful from waste disposals.

He said the county government was also working with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and other stakeholders on ways of disco
uraging people from using plastics and other materials that are not friendly to the environment.

NAWASCOAL, which manufactures briquettes from human waste with a kilogramme retailing at Sh39 and operates a plant at Kaloleni, within Nakuru-Town East Sub-County, is a joint venture between Nakuru Water and Sanitation Services Company (NAWASCO) and Naivasha Water and Sanitation Services Company that are both owned by the County Government and development partners.

Dr. Maara noted that the method of waste collection had also improved sanitation in towns and villages, with the chemicals used to carbonise the waste and reduce its smell to make it easier to collect, helping to make these areas easier to live in and walk through.

The waste collection method, according to the CECM, has seen many youths get employment as they help in the collection of waste from latrines and also help sell the briquettes.

He encouraged innovators to come up with more technical methods of environmental conservation and sewage managem
ent in urban regions and high-population rural areas to help in environmental conservation.

The CECM further added that they have collaborated with retailers to come up with more sustainable carrier bags that will help in waste segregation, especially dry waste and wet waste, and also plastic from the biodegradable waste.

Segregating waste can improve the recycling process. For example, separating wet waste from dry waste is a simple way to help recycling companies. It will help to recycle non-biodegradable waste and treat biodegradable waste directly.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Leaders from the Mount Kenya region who have been in the recent past exchanging political tirades have been requested to calm down and concentrate on the development agenda.

Speaking at Our Lady of Sorrows Baricho Catholic Church in Ndia Constituency during the 100 years’ centenary celebrations, leaders led by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Governor Anne Waiguru, called on the need to deliver promises made during the last general elections.

DP Rigathi Gachagua and Governor Anne Waiguru join the Catholic Church clerics in cutting the cake to mark 100 years’ centenary celebrations. Photo by Mutai Kipngetich

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the ongoing politics was not healthy for the region, asking elected leaders to stick to their lane so as to avoid unnecessary supremacy battles at the expense of development.

‘I know you are clever enough to see what is going on in the country and in our region, I want to ask you to remain silent and watch. I have also decided to remain silent and watch,’ he
said.

The DP acknowledged the role of the Catholic Church in the provision of education and quality health care facilities in the country as part of a national development programme as well as its contribution to the socio-economic development of the community.

‘The Catholic Church has participated in socioeconomic development. You are our partners of the government in the development agenda; we will continue working together,’ the DP said.

Baricho Parish, which is under the Catholic Diocese of Murang’a, was established on September 15, 1923. The worshippers were celebrating 100 years of faith and evangelisation over which the Parish has established schools and hospitals and participated in the alleviation of social ills.

Governor Waiguru said every elected leader has a well-cut-out job that they were given by voters, and this should be their main focus instead of engaging in divisive politics and insults.

She said the region is solidly behind the government and warned that the country’s development agen
da should not be distracted by divisive politics and early 2027 campaigns.

The second-term governor challenged the residents of Kirinyaga that when her time to exit the governor seat comes, voters should look for a leader who has a clear vision for development.

DP Rigathi Gachagua and Governor Anne Waiguru join the dance and Baricho Catholic Church. Photo by Mutai Kipngetich

‘I urge our leaders to support and appreciate each other for achievement instead of pulling each other down to discredit and derail development for selfish interests at the expense of deserving residents,’ she said.

Kirinyaga Women Representative Jane Njeri reminded the church of the critical role they play in nurturing Kenyans spiritually, mentally, and taking part in matters of national discourse.

She noted the establishment of ‘St Mary For The Aged’ in Sagana under the Catholic Church as a testament to what the church has done in taking care of the elderly women who may have no alternative quality living standards.

Source: Kenya
News Agency

Bandari FC won their first match of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Kenya Premier League (KPL) 2024/2025 season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Mara Sugar FC at Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday.

Shasiri Nahimana scored the match’s lone goal in the 35th minute following a powerful shot that deflected off Mara Sugar defender Drona Openda.

Bandari fought for the win to ensure they secured their first win of the season after a 1-1 draw in their opening match against Posta Rangers.

During the first half, Bandari’s striking force put pressure on the Mara Sugar defenders, forcing them to sit back and defend. However, Bandari failed to capitalise on several chances except for Nahimana’s one.

It was not until the second half that Mara had their first shot on target, showing their ambition to equalize. They dominated Bandari for most of the half, but thanks to Bandari’s strong defensive efforts, Mara was unable to secure a draw.

Bandari Coach Ken Odhiambo was not pleased with the style in which his team won today
, claiming the pace was not up to his standard.

‘The speed at which we played today was not good, and if we work on that, then our next opponents will be in big trouble,’ said Odhiambo.

The Coach also stated he was not satisfied with today’s win, stating that the season has just started, so they will only celebrate after the season concludes while they have performed well.

Mara’s Coach, George Midenyo, said their opponent had an upper hand in the first half, and the mistake done by his player gifted Bandari the goal.

‘The boys tried their best, especially in the second half, but luck was not on our side. We are considered underdogs in the league, so our focus is on avoiding relegation and taking each match seriously,’ said Midenyo.

Mara Sugar will face Nairobi City Stars on Saturday, while Bandari has a huge task next week on Sunday as they prepare to face Kenyan football giants, Gor Mahia, in a match expected to be played at Ukunda Showground, Kwale County.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The king of Bailundo, Ekukui VI, on Monday advised legislators to adapt civil law to the traditional experiences, habits and customs of different peoples, to strengthen Angolan culture.

The sovereign presented this idea when he was speaking on the topic of the ‘Role of Law in the Construction and Strengthening of Culture and Custom’, during the 1st Law Forum in the province of Huambo, organized by ‘Laweventos e Eventos Jurídicas’.

On the occasion, he said that Angolan legislators must, before enacting laws, carry out public consultations and in-depth knowledge of the traditional experiences of different peoples, for the social harmonization of positive and customary law.

He recalled that people’s culture has an impact on positive law and vice versa, hence the importance of controlling customary norms, for the preservation of human dignity and the prevention of conflicts in communities.

He said that human attitudes and behaviors are regulated through positive law, under these conditions, their structuring
must be reconciled with the characteristics and lifestyles of the local population, in a contextualized way, with consideration and studies of the habits and customs of different peoples. Angolans.

In turn, university professor, Njunju de Oliveira, defended the need to publicize the fundamental rights of Angolans, especially the legal instruments that highlight the protection of women.

The jurist said that the role of churches, traditional authorities, non-governmental organizations and media bodies is equally important, in participating in the dissemination of laws approved to increase women’s legal culture.

For his part, the president of Lusíada Higher Polytechnic Institute in Huambo, Henrique Jay, said that positive law finds adaptations through the lived context, as a result of new social trends.

He pointed out that law cannot be alien to the dynamics of society, hence the need for a greater approach to family values, to seek new concepts, through the evolution and contextualization of communities.

T
he event also served to deepen knowledge in specific areas of law, develop critical analysis and legal argumentation skills, update yourself on the latest trends and jurisprudence, establish contact with other professionals in the field, and expand your networking network.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

Angola produced 52,036.3 kiloliters of cooking oil, from January to July this year, representing a growth of over 100 percent compared to the same period of 2023.

A note from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, to which ANGOP had access on Monday, indicates that production, from January to July, last year was 18,628.7 kiloliters.

The growth, the note says, is part of the Executive’s decision to regulate the import of this product from the basic food basket.

According to preliminary data on the evolution of the productive sector assessed by the Economic Team (EE), for example, in monthly terms, production grew by 4.3% between June and July of this year, from 6,983.7 kiloliters to 7,286.3 kiloliters.

The largest producers of cooking oil in the country are Grupo Cart, which has a refinery, Sovena and Induve, both with filling lines, and Grupo Naval, whose refinery starts producing next November, in addition to Angoalisar, which will operate from 2025.

For full integration, the Executive’s focus is now on t
he production of soybeans and sunflowers.

On the other hand, the document adds that the Italian company ENI will create more than 100,000 jobs in Angola, through investment in the production of close to 120,000 tons of cooking oil, from cereals produced in an area of about 150,000 hectares

Source: Angola Press News Agency

The Minister of Culture, Filipe Zau, arrived on Monday afternoon in the city of Dundo, Lunda-Norte province for the central celebration ceremony of the National Hero’s Day, taking place Tuesday.

Received at Deolinda do Kamaquenzo airport, by the local governor, Filomena Miza and members of his government, Filipe Zau will work for two days in Lunda-Norte, where, in addition to the central act of the National Hero’s Day, he will open a seven-classroom school in the urban district of Chitato.

Also on Tuesday, Filipe Zau will visit the Dundo Regional Museum and the Book and Health fairs.

The National Hero’s Day is dedicated to António Agostinho Neto who was born on September 17, 1922 – 102 years ago – in the village of Caxicane, municipality of Icolo e Bengo, province of Luanda. He died of illness in Moscow on September 10, 1979.

António Agostinho Neto took over the leadership of the MPLA, of which he had been honorary president since 1960, and proclaimed National Independence on November 11, 1975, thus beco
ming the highest representative of the nation.

Source: Angola Press News Agency

Kilgoris MP Juluis Sunkuli handed over the first-ever modern chief’s office at the Isokon location in Trans Mara South sub-county in a bid to enhance service delivery to the local people.

For years, many chiefs in Trans Mara South Sub-County have been operating under challenging conditions, some from their homes, under trees, others in rented, semi-permanent structures in local centers, despite the critical administrative roles they play.

However, this situation is set to change after Sunkuli launched an initiative to construct offices for chiefs: the Isokon office, which is completed and commissioned; the Kapune location office; the Pusanki location office; and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations office at Lolgorian town, which are ongoing, aiming to improve service delivery to the community.

Speaking during the handover of the newly constructed office in Isokon Location, Sunkuli emphasized the importance of these offices as the first point of contact between locals and government services.

‘The
chief’s office is essential in providing government services at the grassroots level. It plays a vital administrative role in the community,’ he said.

The MP noted that residents often had to walk long distances to the chiefs’ homes or semi-permanent offices to seek services, but with the establishment of modern offices, locals will now have a central, accessible place to get the assistance they need.

The Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) in charge of Trans Mara South, Muhammed Jubat, acknowledged the significance of this development, stating, ‘This is the first-ever chief’s office in Trans Mara South since the sub-county was established. You are fortunate to be the first in the larger Trans Mara region to receive such a facility.’

The DCC also shared plans to establish a police station in Isokon Location to ensure security in the area is improved.

Area Chief Daniel Sururu praised the government’s use of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to support grassroots initiatives. He recalled a time when the
late Minister of Interior, Prof. George Saitoti, visited the area, and there was no office available to host him or even sign a visitors’ book.

‘Today, we are proud that if any government official visits Isokon, we can properly welcome them and offer a visitors’ book to sign. We’ve come a long way,’ he remarked.

Moses Nkiroin, senior chief of the Kapune location, who noted that they have long been accustomed to carrying official rubber stamps in their pockets due to a lack of offices, welcomed the development.

‘This office is a game-changer for us. It brings much-needed structure and professionalism to our work,’ Chief Nkiroin

Source: Kenya News Agency

The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, returned to the country on Monday afternoon, after a private visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Upon arrival, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, the Angolan Head of the State received greetings from the Vice-President of the Republic, Esperança da Costa, the Ministers of State and other members of the Executive

Source: Angola Press News Agency

Vihiga County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, and Industrialisation, Joseph Lunani, has challenged women to embrace entrepreneurship.

Mr. Lunani argued that the women had, for a long time, been marginalised and hence should take advantage of the prevailing favourable conditions to empower themselves economically.

The CECM stated that they should go for financial support from the Women Enterprise Fund (WEF) and the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) to venture into income-generating activities.

Speaking during a Vihiga County ‘Women in Business’ forum organised by the local chapter of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Lunani encouraged them to practice agribusiness as well as venture into other business activities.

Dr. Billy Nyoje, the Vihiga County KNCCI Chairman, said they are readily available to offer capacity building and credit to the residents and, at the same time, safeguard the interests of the business people.

He said they take a keen i
nterest in women as they play an important role in households and are the pillars that support the communities.

‘It has often been said that empowering women is equivalent to empowering communities, and that is exactly what we are doing,’ asserted he.

He stated that KNCCI has been sponsoring women entrepreneurs to showcase their products at the national and international expos in order to access the market.

The smallholder agriprenuers were encouraged to aggregate their products to be able to attract bulk buyers.

Participants at the forum had an opportunity to interact and establish networks that would enable them to share information relating to their businesses.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The country is once again carrying out the General Census of Population and Housing, this time with the introduction of the digital mode, ten years after the first more comprehensive and complex statistical exercise recorded in the post-independence period.

By Valentim de Carvalho

The previous census, which took place from 16 to 31 May 2014, found the existence of 25 million 789 thousand and 24 inhabitants in the country.

Like the event 10 years ago, the 2024 General Census is an essential process for Angolan society, as it will provide specific and up-to-dated indicators essential for the definition of public policies and decision-making.

Despite the possibility of collecting information by tablets with an appropriate data collection application, the task seems quite arduous, judging by the demographic and housing movement that has occurred in this time interval, at the national level, hence the need for greater rigor, commitment and seriousness from all those involved during the 30 days in which the pr
ocess will take place, which is scheduled to start on the 19th of this month.

In this action, there is the challenge, on a large scale, of achieving and ensuring quality structural statistical information, which aggregates the main demographic, housing and social characteristics most up-to-date in the last decade.

To achieve the effective collection of data, the preparation of the event carefully followed other essential phases, namely, the cartographic update and the pilot census, aiming to ensure compliance with the principles and rigor that is required to carry out events of this magnitude, and the success of its execution ‘requires’, naturally, the alignment of the different living forces of the nation with regard to the mobilization and awareness of the population.

It is, however, unanimous that the data to be provided to the census agents, in this difficult but not impossible mission, are faithful and real, in order to allow society to know and understand how many inhabitants the country has, where t
hey are located and how they live, which will certainly help in updating the Executive’s database, in the planning, execution and management of tasks in the most varied areas.

Taking place under the motto ‘Together we count for Angola’, the Census is organized by the Angolan Government, through the National Institute of Statistics (INE).

The process involves 79,423 field agents, divided into 67,131 enumerators and 12,92 supervisors, who will ensure the work throughout the national territory, and the formal launch act should take place next Wednesday (18th), at the INE facilities, where the ‘Operational Command Post’ will be.

Among other activities, the plan includes the workshop for the official opening of the survey, cultural attraction and the census of special cases such as the homeless, which should be done from midnight on the 19th, reserving for hours later the collection of information from families to fill out the census questionnaire.

The battle, which is expected to be unbridled and tireless, wi
ll take the enumerators towards the four points (North, South, East and West) from urban areas to the most remote rural areas in Angola.

The Census is a United Nations recommendation that takes place over a period of ten years, with a view to cataloguing the dynamics of the population of countries and facilitating assertive decision-making in the public policies of Governments.

The 2024 General Population and Housing Census was scheduled to start on August 19, having been postponed to September for logistical reasons.

The story goes that a census was carried out in the country before national independence, in 1970.

Source: Angola Press News Agency