Day: September 26, 2024

Young women in Suba North sub county, Homa Bay County have embarked on cage fishing in Lake Victoria.

Under the umbrella of Rusinga Nile Perch Women Group, the women from Rusinga Island have waded into an otherwise male dominated fishing venture.

The group’s chairperson Petina Odhiambo said that they embarked on the business of fish production because they used to be exploited when they depended on men for fish supply.

She said they started engaging in fish production in 2021 as a small group using their own nets before they acquired a cage which they set up in Nyagina beach in Rusinga Island ward.

The group’s Secretary Cynthia Onyango said women in the fish business suffered in the hands of rogue fishermen.

She said some men would only supply fish to women who gave in to their sex demands in an exchange called ‘Jaboya’.

‘Sexual exploitation was rampant as young women ventured in fish business. Sex for fish was the order of the day because women lacked fish supply,’ Onyango said.

The officials who spo
ke to the media in Nyagina beach during a site visit by partners said they started mobilizing and sensitizing women about the importance of coming together and starting the project.

The women who joined the group were sensitized on the need to be economically independent.

Fortunately, some local and non-governmental organizations noticed the group and chipped in to empower them.

Onyango said the group started with ten members but it has grown to more than 20 members.

At least 300 women across Suba North have embraced the idea of cage fishing. Some of them have boats and nets which they are able to rent out and get fish as well.

‘The group has the capacity to assign some fishermen to go to the lake and get us fish. This has completely eradicated jaboya in beaches,’ Onyango said.

She said the group has undergone training which enables them to take care of fish. ‘We currently have plans to engage in soya bean production. The crop can be used as fish feed to cut production cost,’ Onyango said. Fishermen wel
comed the project saying it would redeem the image of fisher folks.

The group received support from Farm Africa organization which set up a cage where they have stocked more than 3,500 fingerlings.

The fish will be harvested after eight months and was expected to further boost the income of the group.

Farm Africa Country Director Mary Nyale said the organization assisted the group as part of its objectives to empower young women.

She said the organization runs a project dubbed Youths in Sustainable Aquaculture where groups and individual farmers are supported to grow fish.

Nyale said five other organizations support the project through different initiatives such as market linkages, production of fingerlings and black soldier flies value chain.

‘The organization intends to empower young women and create 150,000 jobs across six counties in Nyanza and Western regions,’ she said noting that such empowerment promotes self-reliance among the youth.

She said young women are assisted with capital to start busi
nesses to curb cases of men taking advantage of them as women in the fish business who do not have capital are vulnerable.

‘Many women lacked money to start business hence we provided them with capital. The start-up capital for the women has reduced vices that affect them,’ she said.

In the project, women at Nyagina beach have been provided with a revolving fund to support them set up cages. The support also includes supply of fish feed.

She said the women have also been provided with a freezer and other equipment needed for the business to run.

‘We’re conducting capacity building for the women to acquire business skills and be economically independent,’ Nyale said.

Nyagina Beach Management Unit Chairman Joseph Ouma concurred that such empowerment to women has indeed enabled them to eradicate jaboya.

‘Many women have shown interest in joining cage fishing and we expect more groups to be formed in order to attract such support,’ Ouma said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Cabinet Secretary (CS) of the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome has affirmed the government’s commitment to build 250,000 low-cost housing units every year through the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).

Wahome made the remarks on Wednesday when she opened the fifth edition of the National Construction Authority (NCA) premier biennial event, the International Construction Research Conference and Exhibition (ICoRCE) in Mombasa.

ICoRCE is central to developing and disseminating research works in the construction industry.

The three-day conference, themed ‘Leveraging on the Potential of MSMEs and Technology for a Resilient and Sustainable Construction Industry,’ supports implementing and monitoring the National Construction Research Agenda (NaCRA), focusing on strategic industry challenges.

CS Wahome recalled that when the Kenya Kwanza government took the reins of power in 2022, there were about 9000 housing units ongoing that are now in the final touches.

‘Sin
ce then I have ongoing construction of about 75,000 units in different stages. I am working on procurement of another 60,000 units. Some have gone for tendering others we have finalized the evaluation, so that when I do my total numbers, I am talking of almost 145,000 units,’ she stated.

The AHP has employed over 160,000 construction workers and contractors. The architects, engineers, quantity surveyors and other professionals have been directly engaged in the significant program.

‘Our target for 200,000 units is likely to be achieved by about February within the year. We are funding our work from the Affordable Housing levy. The amount we are collecting so far is about Sh63-65B per year. It is a space that we should encourage and support,’ she said.

The programme is so far in 40 counties and plans are underway to extend to the remaining seven counties. The government intends to have all 290 constituencies have at least a minimum of 220 units.

‘Overall, within maybe the next three years, we should be able
to achieve about 800,000 units. Our target is a million but we also have private investors working in the same space,’ divulged the CS.

She added that they wanted a situation where the private sector is complementing the government in the housing programme. To achieve this, the government is supporting the private sector with incentives like ‘waiver of unnecessary taxes and duties to bring down the cost’.

The CS further revealed that demand for the houses is high with 545,000 applications received in the Boma Yangu Platform for the Affordable Housing.

The number, she noted was expected to double once the allocation of the houses starts. The Ministry is finalizing works for the platform to allocate the houses, pricing, the number of units and the specific project where ones buy.

The CS stated that the recently launched National Building Code 2024 provided for building standards that support the development of climate-resilient infrastructure.

The code incorporates measures to address the impacts of climat
e change, ensuring that infrastructure projects are designed and constructed to withstand climate-related stresses, with the inclusion of hazard maps in the code enhancing the assessment of climate risks in the design and construction of infrastructure.

‘The building code embraces the green building standards in various aspects therefore enhancing the sustainability of the built environment,’ she stated.

The Engineers, Surveyors, Architects and Constructors were challenged to review the benefits, drivers, barriers and strategies that could enhance the implementation of Smart Contracts (SCs) in construction.

‘On-time delivery of documentation and contracts has been recognized as a crucial requirement for the successful delivery of projects. However, the construction industry still depends on time-consuming traditional contract processes, which negatively affect the overall productivity of projects in the industry,’ said the CS.

‘The use of SCs is highlighted as a suitable novel technology to expedite the c
ontract processes and establish a reliable payment environment in the construction industry. Whilst there has been an increase in the debate about the use of SCs in construction in recent years, their use in practice still seems to be in its infancy,’ she added.

The construction stakeholders were advised to build climate-resilient infrastructure to withstand and adapt to climate-related challenges thus minimizing the potential for significant disruptions and economic losses, and ensuring long-term viability for infrastructures.

They were also encouraged to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) which has the potential to bring fundamental change and innovation in the construction process.

‘The potential of AI presents new challenges to the construction sector in areas such as architectural design, engineering design, and building services. It is important to analyze AI methods with the possibility of combining them with the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies,’ said CS Wahome.

The CS w
as accompanied by the Principal Secretaries for State Departments for Public Works and SMES Development Joel Arumonyang and Susan Mang’eni respectively.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has launched a comprehensive sensitization programme to improve police welfare and mental health among officers in different parts of the country.

The five-day sensitization exercise is aimed at bridging the gap between the Commission and police officers and is also targeted at fostering a deeper understanding of NPSC’s mandate, enhancing the visibility of the commission and strengthening engagement with law enforcement officers.

Officers from Kajiado, Isinya and Namanga attended the sensitization programme which was held at the Kajiado National Polytechnic.

Led by Commissioners John Ole Moyaki and Edwin Cheluget, police officers from Kajiado County were taken through retirement preparation strategies and self-care techniques.

‘This initiative marks a significant step towards bridging the gap between the Commission and police officers. Our goal is to enhance understanding of the NPSC’s mandate while addressing the welfare challenges faced by officers, particu
larly concerning trauma,’ said Commissioner Moyaki.

The programme focused on several key areas, including the Commission’s milestones, promotion procedures within various ranks, and crucial mental wellness topics.

On the second day of the initiative, the importance of communication and transparency was highlighted allowing officers to voice their concerns and share insights.

Trauma has emerged as a leading cause of death among police officers, prompting the NPSC to implement additional support measures.

As part of the programme, police authorities have launched counseling services, and the Commission has established a dedicated unit to address mental health issues and substance abuse among officers.

The counseling unit is tasked with evaluating and designing outreach programmes that aim to prevent mental health crises and support officers in managing their emotional well-being.

Cheluget emphasized that the Commission was committed to ensuring that the mental health and welfare of officers remain a prior
ity.

By fostering a supportive environment, the NPSC hopes to promote resilience and better coping strategies among law enforcement personnel.

The sensitization programme is part of a broader effort by the NPSC to enhance its visibility and strengthen engagement with police officers across the country.

The ongoing engagement between the NPSC and police service is expected to pave the way for improved working conditions and a more robust support system for officers in the field.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Loxea, a leading player in Kenya’s vehicle leasing and fleet management industry, has launched the Build Your Dream (BYD) range of Electric Vehicles (EVs).

The company’s strategy of launching electric vehicles is aimed at driving sustainable growth while transforming the country’s transportation landscape and to diversify from its core leasing and fleet management business into the rapidly growing electric mobility sector.

During the launch that was held on Monday at Loxea Showroom in Nairobi, the company announced that it will offer 100 percent electric vehicles for leasing.

Speaking at the event, the Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, Salim Mvurya, hailed Loxea’s for introducing the vehicles, terming the move as a timely contribution to Kenya’s sustainable development goals.

‘The government has prioritized the adoption of e-mobility to achieve a number of targets, not only to comply with the existent carbon emission reduction commitments of 32 percent reduction by 2030, but also to
lower Kenya’s reliance on oil imports,’ said Mvurya.

He said in the 2023 Budget Policy Statement, the government committed to provide financial and tax incentives for Public Service Vehicles and commercial transporters to convert to electric vehicles of which there has been a notable response by the sector.

The CS further noted the three government policies which include incentives for green energy adaption, development of supportive infrastructure (charging points for the cars) and a regulatory framework will be beneficial following the launch of the vehicles, besides easing the ways of doing business.

Loxea Kenya Managing Director, Jennifer Kinyoe said that the electric vehicles are the new mobility solution for Kenya as it aims at reducing Kenya’s carbon footprint since the vehicles are convenient and good for the environment.

‘The transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and transitioning to electric vehicles is a critical step towards achieving climate goals,’ she sa
id.

Kinyoe revealed that the introduction of EVs offer both environmental and economic benefits because they produce zero tailpipe emissions, contribute to reduced air pollution, lower fuel costs, and reduce vehicle maintenance expenses.

‘With Kenya increasingly focusing on renewable energy production, EVs are positioned to leverage the country’s green energy transition,’ she added.

Kinyoe mentioned that electric vehicles offer significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon emissions and air pollutants, contributing to cleaner and a healthier environment.

‘Kenya is currently pursuing investments in renewable energy sources such as geothermal, hydro, and solar, witnessing an increase in the adoption of EVs,’ she stated.

In his remarks, CFAO Mobility Group Chief Executive Officer, Arvinder Reel said that EVs have the potential to lower transportation costs for businesses thus reducing the country’s reliance on fossil fuel, as well as addresses the fight against climate change.

‘We recognize the cri
tical role that EVs will play in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges. EVs are not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective in the long term,’ he added.

Arvinder noted that with the rising fuel costs, electric vehicles will offer lower operational expenses due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance, thereby lowering the cost of transportation, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

He said the three cutting-edge Build your Dream Electric Vehicles models namely the BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal, and BYD Dolphin, are of high-performance standards and zero emissions, and are designed to meet the diverse needs of the Kenyan market.

Loxea aims to position itself as the partner of choice for organizations seeking scalable and modern fleet solutions. Its mission is to empower businesses by managing the complexities of fleet logistics, allowing them to focus on their core operations.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Eastern Regional Commissioner Mr. Paul Rotich and his Rift Valley counterpart Mr. Abdi Hassan have underscored the need for collaborative efforts to enhance security across regions.

During a security meeting in Isiolo town, the two administrators noted that safety was a shared responsibility which could be more fruitful only if the regional security teams and the communities collaborated to tackle cases of insecurity and ensure lives and property of the citizens were secure at all times.

They cited the stagnation of development, ethnic conflicts and loss of lives and property among the pastoralist communities’ regions as the major outcomes of cattle rustling that should be done away with to swiftly reverse the long-time losses.

Rotich said there was need for strategic improvement on the pastoralists’ way of life and doing away with cattle raids and other retrogressive traditional activities so that the region could achieve growth.

He said the security managers should be committed to serving the community
members and actively encourage them to participate in sharing information about criminal activities without covering their own.

He added that the fight against the notorious lawbreaking cattle rustling which is the main drawback practice that held back the government’s effort to guarantee total security and development must be emphasized.

The RC also called upon leaders from various sectors to engage in effort to foster a secure environment conducive to education and business growth.

He noted that the recent voluntary surrender of livestock by community members from the region reflected the positive progress achieved through collaboration.

Rotich was optimistic that a strong focus on teamwork and community participation in security matters would in future lead to a more secure environment for all residents and smooth development of the region take place.

Hassan urged the local residents, particularly herders, to abandon the harmful practices of cattle theft and banditry, stating that such actions only le
d to greater loss and suffering.

‘Time has come to move past these outdated behaviours as the uncalled-for conflicts hinder progress in the region,’ he noted.

He said there were similarities between Isiolo and Samburu way of living pointing out that both areas shared the same security hardship environment characterized by cattle thefts which spilt over to even Meru County.

‘The crime can only be addressed through bringing together people from the region to fight and overcome the challenges facing them,’ Hassan said.

He also revealed that the ongoing security operation in parts of North Rift particularly in Laikipia and Samburu had led to recovery of over 150 firearms and a significant quantity of ammunition.

He said collaborative initiatives remained the only hope for a more secure future for the residents, emphasizing that collective action is crucial to fostering lasting peace and stability in the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Alliance for Green Revolution Africa (AGRA) in partnership with Fresh Produce Consortium have embarked on a programme to empower women in the agribusiness sector through the provision of financial and knowledge expertise.

According to AGRA, women represent 50 percent of the agricultural labour force and 70 percent of production in Africa but are still under represented as agribusiness leaders, a need that has made AGRA to step up and give a voice to the female gender.

A specialist for Women Entrepreneurship in Agriculture at AGRA Jacqueline Chepkoech said the Alliance for Green Revolution Africa wants to work with smallholder farmers to increase their resilience and to contribute to agro-food systems in a way that they would benefit and businesses they undertake are sustainable to the environment.

‘AGRA’s interest is to develop inclusive markets, trade and finance markets,’ she stated, adding that the Alliance for Green Revolution Africa’s mission’s aim was to catalyze the growth of sustainable agricultur
e in Africa which was being done through partnerships.

Chepkoech who was speaking at the Women in Agribusiness Forum 2024 at a Nairobi hotel urged women across the globe to join AGRA through the Value4Her platform, which is free and accessible to all for a better and sustainable food-growing system in Africa.

AGRA aims at contributing to an inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa, reduce hunger, improve nutrition and adapt to climate change, she said.

The Agri-business Forum, 2024 brought together women-leaders, entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the agribusiness sector to discuss challenges, share success stories and explore opportunities for growth and collaboration.

AGRA Kenya Country Director John Macharia noted that 80 percent of the labour in agriculture in Kenya is provided by women, and assured that the Alliance would be responsive to the policy issues affecting women in agribusiness.

Speaking at the forum today, the Chief Executive Officer of Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC) Mr. Okisege
re Ojepat said the Value4Her platform provided a road map that is practical, and traceable, noting that the Consortium would track the changes and development done on the platform.

Value4Her platform under AGRA’s continental initiative has set aside certain objectives which include building competitive assets and capabilities, developing marketing linkages, shaping policies and advocacy for women agri-preneur to aid farmers improve their businesses.

The platform offers a Women2women Supply Chain Program, grants and credit opportunities to anchor women business build out supply chains women-owned microenterprises in their ecosystems.

It will also facilitate networking and advocacy through the digital platform and access to finance programmes, provide women with knowledge, skills and tools to grow and scale their businesses.

Source: Kenya News Agency