Day: September 24, 2024

Interior and Coordination Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki and his Roads counterpart Davis Chirchir on Monday re-launched the construction of a 44.5-kilometre road in Kinangop Constituency.

The duo, who also inspected the 4 kilometres that had been constructed before the project stalled one year ago promised that it would not stop midway and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure it is constructed to the specified standard.

They launched the construction works on Engineer-Mbiginano-Gathara-Tulaga-Mbirithi-Chuma Road Project.

Speaking at Gathara shopping centre during the launch, Prof. Kindiki said the government will ensure the project would not stall since it is already financed fully by the government in collaboration with the China Development Fund (CDF).

Roads CS Chirchir echoed his sentiments citing that the contractor was already on site and that there was no cause for further delays in the construction works.

Accompanying the duo were, Principal Secretary for Roads Joseph Mbugua,
and Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku, among other elected leaders.

The Interior CS noted that the government is accelerating the programme to complete road projects that stalled under the former Administration due to funding constraints.

Kindiki further directed Nyandarua County Commissioner, being the coordinator of government projects at the county level to ensure the road projects are done to standards and not to hesitate reporting any uncalled for delays.

The CS called upon the county commissioner also to ensure the contractor engages local community for non-skilled and semi-skilled labour.

He went on to say that the state is also initiating new road projects, which are crucial to the movement of people and goods thereby expediting Kenya’s economic transformation.

Kindiki urged leaders to unite and work for the greater good of the people of Kenya. He underscored the need for leaders to work together regardless of race, religion or rank.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The United Kingdom Government has expressed its commitment to support the Kenyan government in enhancing its digital transformation.

Speaking during the launch of community action plan and agriculture digital platform at Busia Agricultural Training Centre on Monday, the UK Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett said that the UK government has a lot to learn from Kenyan innovators and vice versa.

‘Here in Busia, we want to translate that commitment into tangible goals through the support of Agricultural digital platforms,’ he said.

Dr Barnett stated that the UK governments will initiate a Sh390 million project in Busia and Mandera Counties to support youth, women and people with disabilities.

He further stated that the project will provide digital literacy skills to farmers and other citizens to enable them to use digital tools and platforms to access relevant content and services.

‘It will train young people to develop their digital skills as community digital champions, they will pass on this training whi
ch includes financial literacy, entrepreneurship and psycho-social and mental health wellness to the wider community,’ he said.

The official added that the project is part of the broad digital access programme across Kenya that started in 2019 and has reached over 5 million people.

‘We have supported government websites like e-citizen and other 14,000 government digital services,’ he said.

The Deputy High Commissioner at the same time said that the UK government has also undertaken a comprehensive accessibility assessment to ensure that persons with disability benefit from the project.

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma said Digital Access Program (DAP) will revolutionise Busia and Mandera County by enhancing digital inclusivity to ensure universal access to digital resources and technology to foster socio-economic empowerment among marginalized groups.

Otuoma noted that a number of youth in the County had no access to employment adding that mothers are also struggling to pay school fees.

He urged Members of Co
unty Assembly to mobilise the local residents and ensure that youth and women participate in the programme.

The governor at the same time said the agricultural digital platform will connect farmers to markets, improve access to agricultural services across the county and offer real time weather updates, crop management advice and market information.

On the community action plan the governor said ‘the plan will address real aspirations and challenges by empowering local leaders and residents, we aim to build a more resilient and dynamic community.We cannot continue to do agriculture the way our ancestors did it. we must be able to know what is our input and output. That is the only way we will be able to monetize our rural economies and bring our people out of poverty’, he said.

Former Busia governor who is now the chair of New Partnership for Africa’s Development Africa Peer Review Mechanism NEPAD/APRM Sospeter Ojaamong promised to partner with Busia County to ensure effectively delivery in the area of agr
iculture, youth empowerment and good governance.

Source: Kenya News Agency

East African Community (EAC), ASALs, and Regional Development, Cabinet Secretary (CS), Beatrice Moe, has hailed the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) as a crucial organ promoting regional cooperation and development within member states.

Moe said EALA has been instrumental in advancing collaborative initiatives that drive economic growth and integration among member states, bolstering its position as a key cog within the East African Community (EAC) cooperation framework.

Speaking in Nairobi during a hand over ceremony of office to Kenya’s nine East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) members, Moe urged the Kenya Chapter, EALA members to actively support the implementation of existing policies and programmes, that safeguard Kenya’s national interests, while at the same time, advocating for greater socio-economic and political integration within the EAC.

‘Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Agenda aims at addressing economic challenges facing the country and has assigned a pillar touchi
ng on MSMEs, with foreign policy and regional integration being important enablers,’ Moe said.

The East African Legislative Assembly is an organ of the East African Community, established under Article 9 of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community. It plays a crucial role in promoting regional cooperation and development among member states.

CS Moe underscored the crucial role the EALA MPs play in advancing both local and regional economic initiatives, acknowledging their support towards achieving the Kenya Kwanza agenda.

The MPs, she noted, act as important agents of the Kenya Kwanza Bottom-Up Economic Agenda, which pegs the Medium, Small, and Micro Enterprises (MSMEs) with foreign policy and regional integration as important enablers in addressing economic challenges facing the country.

‘It therefore calls for implementing existing policies and programmes with the support of the EALA (Kenya Chapter) members safeguarding Kenya’s national interests in the region,’ she said.

The new
offices for the regional MPs and their staff, are located at the Hazina Trade Centre in Nairobi’s Central Business District with ample parking space.

She congratulated the EALA (Kenya) Chapter members for their significant contributions to the development and finalisation of various bills presented to the Assembly, which benefit both Kenya and the entire East African Community (EAC).

These include the East African Community Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2022; the East African Appropriation Bill, 2022; the East African Community Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2022; and the East African Community Supplementary Budget (No. 2) Bill, 2022.

Moe cited other important areas, including the oversight of the performance and functioning of the Regional Police Centres of Excellence and the cooperation among security agencies to effectively address cross-border crime within the EAC region.

The CS revealed that other ongoing activities include oversight efforts to assess the progress made by partner states in elimina
ting non-tariff barriers within the EAC, as well as the management of wildlife by EAC partner states.

She urged the MPs to take proactive measures in developing and advocating for legislation that incorporates both benefits and sanctions, ensuring that all member states uphold their commitments to the EAC, adding that it was essential to foster accountability and bring meaningful progress within the region.

Principal Secretary (PS), East African Community, Abdi Dubat, highlighted the significance of the new office spaces for Kenya’s EALA representatives.

He noted that it was the first time they are receiving modern office space, marking a major milestone that reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the working environment for MPs.

Dubat observed that the state-of-the-art offices will not only boost morale and productivity of the members but also give them ample time to deliver quality services in the Assembly.

Chairman of the Kenya Chapter of EALA, Hassan Omar, observed that despite their varie
d political alignments, EALA MPs have united as one team to advocate for the EAC integration process and to represent Kenya’s best interests in the regional assembly.

Omar praised Kenya for its leadership role in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), highlighting the country’s prompt and full remission of financial obligations, which he considered essential for the assembly’s effectiveness.

He underscored the dedication and expertise of Kenyan MPs, citing their exceptional performance in various committees and on the assembly floor as a testament to their commitment to regional governance.

Other EALA MPs present at the handover ceremony included Maina Mwangi, Kanini Kega, Kennedy Musyoka, Zipporah Kering and Iman Falhada Deko.

The event also saw the attendance of high-ranking officials from the Ministry of East African Community, ASALs, and Regional Development.

Source: Kenya News Agency

AgriTech Analytics Limited and Rethread Africa of Kenya have won the top prizes in a young entrepreneurs pitch contest held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly and New York Climate Week, after pitching before a panel of international judges.

The announcement of the winners of the Youth Ecopreneur Awards – which recognizes outstanding youth-led start-ups dedicated to sustainability from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and South America – came on 21 September at the event organized by two United Nations agencies, the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the G20 Global Land Initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

A statement to newsrooms indicates that Maryanne Gichanga of AgriTech Analytics, which uses AI-powered tools for smallholder farmers to combat soil degradation and increase yields, won for best land restoration initiative.

Charles Oyamo of Rethread Africa, which creates biodegradable polyester from sugarcane waste, took the top prize in the green busine
ss solutions category.

The winners were selected from eight finalists, who were chosen from 850 young entrepreneurs across over 100 countries. Each winner will receive $10,000 in cash, as well as services and support to scale up their businesses from the World Intellectual Property Organization, Sidley Austin LLP, and Google Startups for Sustainable Development.

The finalists who pitched on stage were Ceres Seeding, Brazil; AgriTech Analytics Limited, Kenya; SOS Carbon, Dominican Republic; Global Cerah Sdn Bhd, Malaysia; Sustainable Farming Solutions, Malawi; TrashCoin, Nigeria; Rethread Africa, Kenya; and BioMec Prosthetics, Mozambique,

The event, supported by the government of Madagascar and the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, was hosted by ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Madagascar and former Youth Ecopreneur finalist, Max Andonirina Fontaine.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Airways (KQ) has launched a new Government Travel Management Centre at Kenyatta International Convention Center (KICC), aimed at streamlining government services and promoting Kenya as a global hub for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.

The Asante Executive Hub, a first-of-its-kind government travel center, is a unique hub designed to offer one-stop travel solutions for government and private sector executive travelers, offering them a comprehensive range of travel options among them ticketing, customer care while prioritizing convenience, safety, and efficiency at the highest standards.

State Department for Transport Principal Secretary (PS) Mohamed Daghar said that the launch of the Asante Executive Hub marks a significant step in enhancing the nation’s stature in both aviation industry and government service delivery.

‘The Asante Executive Hub is not merely a facility, it is a symbol of strategic thinking and leadership in shaping the future of travel enlargement,’ Daghar said, ad
ding that the milestone also underscores KQ’s role as a pioneering force in the global travel sector.

Speaking during the launch on Monday, the PS said KQ’s innovative approach and dedication to enhance the travel experience reflects a profound understanding both in the global aviation industry and its continued drive for excellence.

He noted that KQ has long been a trusted partner in facilitating government travel and enables the offices to engage effectively in the world, adding that the hub will improve the efficiency of government service delivery.

‘This new travel management center strategically located at the heart of Nairobi, will enhance government travel by streamlining services, reducing inefficiencies and offering personalized care that underscores KQ commitment to customer satisfaction,’ said Daghar.

The PS said the hub represents the good future of executive travel as it will create seamless experiences for national leaders, a testament of the Ministry’s goal to modernize and revolutionize Ke
nya’s aviation sector.

‘By enhancing government travel efficiency, we lay the groundwork for greater international collaboration and stronger partnership that will benefit the nation as a whole in a world where seamless travel is critical to international diplomacy and business. This hub places Kenya at the forefront of aviation innovation,” he said.

Daghar noted that the integration of advanced technology and personalized services at the Executive hub will set the new standards needed in the industry and ensure the country remains a key player in global travel and diplomatic relations as the establishment is aligned with the national goals, economic growth, attract investments, and strengthens global ties to ensure Kenya maintains its prominence.

The PS said that the facility is not only a reflection of the KQ vision but a demonstration of what the country can achieve when it strives for excellence and urged partners to innovate boldly and work in collaboration to ensure Kenya leads in aviation both regi
onally and globally.

Kenya Airways Group Managing Director and CEO Allan Kilavuka reaffirmed the unwavering commitment to excellence stating that The Asante Executive Hub is a testament, dedicated to deliver specialized and high-quality services to the government clientele.

‘This hub positions us as the go-to partner for government travel management, bolstering our commitment to excellence and fostering a closer partnership with government officials,’ he stated.

Additionally, he said that The Asante Executive Hub is perfectly positioned to cater for international travellers attending global conferences and events since it is strategically nestled within KICC, a prime location that not only enhances the convenience for the esteemed guests but also solidifies KQ’s pivotal role in the executive and government travel space.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways said KQ is pioneering innovations and setting new benchmarks for customer satisfaction and loyalty within the travel i
ndustry as part of its customer centricity thrust.

‘We continuously explore innovative ways to enhance our services and create lasting customer value that aligns with our long-term growth strategy to drive our market expansion efforts, particularly within the government and executive travel sectors,’ he stated.

In the coming months, The Asante Executive Hub will transition into a fully accredited IATA Billing and Settlement (BSP) Plan entity, to allow Kenya Airways to offer expanded services, including ticketing services for other airlines, executive charter services, and advanced online travel management.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The County Government of Homa Bay has moved to strengthen revenue collection by incorporating a new team of inspectorate and compliance officials.

The new team includes the County Head of Inspectorate and Compliance Unit as well as sub county heads for each of the eight administrative units.

The officers were seconded to the Revenue Department to enhance enforcement and compliance of county laws related to revenue collection.

County Executive Committee Member for Governance Administration Communication and Devolution Grace Osewe said the county government was committed to ensuring that the county meets its revenue target of Sh1.5 billion for this financial year.

She told the new team to ensure that they upheld professionalism, discipline, and integrity in revenue collection to boost service delivery for the people of Homa Bay.

The officials were installed Monday in a ceremony held at the Governor’s Restaurant, graced by CECM for Finance Solomon Obiero, and Chief Officer for Administration and Devolution
Isaac Ongiri.

Osewe emphasised Governor Gladys Wanga’s passion for enhancing revenue administration and collection, noting that the county has entered into several funding partnerships, including a critical agreement with the World Bank, which requires the county to improve its revenue potential by 15% annually to qualify for continued financial support.

‘The Governor is committed to ensuring improved revenue collection, and this team of officers will play a key role in ensuring that our targets are not only met but exceeded,’ Osewe remarked.

On his part Ongiri, congratulated the newly installed officers and urged them to work in harmony with the Revenue Department.

He called on the officers to resist any temptations to breach the rules and ensure all loopholes in the revenue system were sealed.

‘Pilferages must be stopped, and loopholes sealed if we are to surpass the Sh1.5 billion target. Integrity and teamwork are crucial as we work towards this goal,’ Ongiri added.

Obiero outlined the separation of
duties between the collection and enforcement teams, noting that officers will undergo training on the use of revenue collection systems and gadgets.

He stressed the importance of a human face in revenue collection, reminding officers that they are dealing with the very people who ensure their employment.

The CECM noted that the conduct of the officers should reflect the core values of public service, including professionalism, honesty, and integrity.

He noted that revenue mobilisation remains a major challenge across counties and called on the officers to embody the best practices in their work.

‘The installation of this team signifies a bold step towards achieving improved service delivery for the people of Homa Bay, underpinned by better resource mobilisation and administration. The County Government remains dedicated to ensuring that every shilling collected translates to better services.’ Obiero said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A Murang’a court on Monday sentenced a 36-year-old man to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of defiling his six-year-old daughter.

Resident Magistrate Amelea Awino found Benson Wanu guilty of sexually abusing his daughter on January 13, 2023 at a village in Murang’a East Sub County.

According to the prosecution, the accused is said to have committed the heinous act when his wife had gone to the river to fetch water.

In the absence of the mother, Wanu chased the oldest child out of the house and then proceeded to commit the crime.

The court further heard that when the mother of the minor returned from the river, in the company of the elder child, she found the accused bathing in the house, instead of the bathroom located outside.

According to the mother’s testimony, she told the court that a day after the incident when she was preparing the victim to go to church, she noticed semen oozing out of her genitals.

After asking the child what happened, the minor disclosed that it was her father who
did the act to her.

While testifying before the court, the minor disclosed that even though she did not scream to attract attention, she felt pain during the incident.

A social worker from a children’s home in Murang’a where the minor is currently residing, said that the incident left the minor traumatized.

The Probation report presented before court further disclosed that the minor does not want anything to do with her father and shies off from discussing any issues relating to the matter.

‘The minor has no interest in returning home. She shies away from discussing issues concerning the matter,’ reads part of the probation report.

The report further disclosed that the accused was unapologetic and did not show any remorse, and refused to defend himself thus not worthy to serve a non-custodial sentence.

A medical report presented before court from Murang’a Level 5 Hospital showed that there were signs of penetration on the minor.

The Magistrate said the prosecution’s facts were beyond any doubt that the
accused defiled the minor. The convict was given the right to appeal the sentence within 14 days.

Source: Kenya News Agency

West Pokot County has held a three-day Agricultural and Trade Fair Show aimed at promoting climate smart agriculture towards improving food security and the county’s sustainable economic growth.

The county is continuously hosting agricultural shows because they provide a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation and technology ideas.

The event provides an opportunity for farmers to learn about the latest new advancements in climate smart practices and digital farming techniques.

Speaking during the just concluded agricultural show held in Kishaunet, Governor Simon Kachapin said they have a responsibility as a county to sponsor the shows every year since there is no other particular sponsor.

‘Just like we know in other counties such events are funded by ASK, for us we depend on our own resources to ensure that the annual exhibition runs smoothly,’ noted Kachapin.

The Governor lauded the Ministry of Agriculture for ensuring that there are successive improvements every year.

He said they were able to se
e bees that were adaptable to climate change hence diversifying farmers to the best way of modern agriculture.

‘Our farmers have been exposed to the best way to modernize agriculture because the land we currently own is continuing to get depleted day-by-day,’ said Kachapin.

He said the new farming techniques allow farmers to carry farming in small pieces of land by using modern farming methods to achieve the best output.

He said that the techniques have been able to show farmers that there are benefits in raising a few animals with value addition, and profit margins are high.

‘In the past, our farmers used to raise a large number of livestock whose value addition was low, but we are moving to a new system where we can raise a few animals that can bring us profit,’ said Kachapin.

The Governor mentioned that animals like galla goats and dorper sheep could withstand the growing harsh climatic conditions.

He proclaimed that indeed the county is indeed the county of hidden treasures because plants such as ba
nanas, pumpkins, cassava, sorghum among others thrive in the region and honey cooperatives with good packaged honey from Kodich areas proved the potential.

County Executive Committee Member ((CECM) for Agriculture William Longuronyang attested how farmers used to be ignorant of the importance of perennial crops therefore the show had come with a lot of significant changes whereby some arid and semi-arid areas like Pokot Central now produce high quality crafted mangoes.

He said the county led by the Governor saw it was wise to host agricultural shows because he realized that it opens up the mindset of many farmers hence opening them to modern farming techniques.

‘My Governor saw that it is wise to host the county agricultural exhibition every year to educate our farmers and since the start of the show many farmers are able to change their mindset when it comes to agriculture practices,’ said Longuronyang.

Locals promised to practice what they had been exposed to during the show, especially the use of moder
n methods of farming.

However, they promised that food would no longer be a problem because the show has opened up their mindset on how to use limited land resources for maximum returns.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A 20-year-old woman was on Monday arraigned before a Murang’a court for allegedly stealing goods worth Sh100, 000 from her employer.

Rose Gathoni, who has been working as a house help was accused of stealing assorted household items belonging to her employer, Wambui Mwangi in Murang’a town between the dates of May 26 and July 26, 2024

The alleged stolen items include clothes belonging to her employer and those belonging to the children she was employed to look after, others are shoes, handbags and assorted items.

Gathoni appeared before Resident Magistrate Dorence Soy where she denied the charges.

She was released on a Sh50,000 cash bail or Sh100,000 with a surety of similar amount.

The case was slated for hearing on October 9, 2024.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nine students have been arrested for allegedly starting a fire that burnt down a dormitory accommodating form 3 students at Makutano boys’ high school in Mwala Sub County in Machakos.

The fire that started on Tuesday morning when the students were in class, razed down the dormitory that accommodated 80 students, burning it to ashes and nothing could be salvaged.

Mwala Sub County Administration Police Commander, Patience Saro while speaking to KNA said that the nine students that have been arrested have been taken to Makutano Patrol base for further investigations.

She added that the County fire brigade and the teachers helped to put out the fire from spreading to the other dormitories in the school, confirming no student has been harmed.

‘One dormitory that housed the form threes was totally burnt, nothing could be salvaged from the fire but we appreciate the fire brigade for coming in time to stop the fire from spreading and no one was harmed,’ said Saro.

She added that the students are to be released
to go home as investigations on the cause of the fire continue.

Source: Kenya News Agency