Month: September 2024

The Awendo- based South Nyanza (Sony) Sugar Company is set for a major maintenance operation aimed at restoring the plant’s ability to mill at full capacity.

The maintenance which is scheduled to start in mid-October to late November this year will require at least Sh.400 million for maintenance operations to boost the factory’s ability to mill cane beyond 1,500 tonnes per day.

According to the Company’s Managing Director (MD), Martin Dima, they have already started to acquire the necessary tools and spares both locally and abroad.

The plant has a capacity to crush up to 3,000 tonnes if the fatigued machine is properly maintained or replaced.

The 1979 installed machine has been working for over 45 years exposing it to wear and tear for years into fatigued.

Since Dima was appointed three months ago, there has been an improvement in the operation of the machine allowing it to crush between 1,700 to 2,200 tonnes of cane per day as compared to the previous 800 tonnes.

The Sh865 million worth semi-autonomou
s company has not had a substantive Managing Director for close to eight years, and the appointment of Dima three months ago has breathed life into the factory putting it on the right path of restoring to its lost glory.

The frequent breakdown of the plant has however reduced its effectiveness in maximizing its full potential of crashing at least 3,000 tonnes of cane per day.

The old machines have also reduced the sugar production, which under normal circumstances is one tonne of sugar per 10 tonnes of cane. This frequent breakdowns have however led to the plant crushing only 12 tonnes of cane to produce one tonne of sugar.

MD Dima has also overseen the transformation the mill’s ability to produce 1,500 tonnes of sugar weekly from the previous 700 tonnes of bagged sugar, doubling the company’s final output.

However, despite these challenges, Dima acknowledges that the company has restored farmers’ confidence by boosting operational frameworks through the efforts that been effectively put in place.

The
resolved payment delays to farmers and prompt payment to 1,500 direct employees and other 3,000 indirectly employed staff has greatly elevated the morale of farmers and the workforce.

The MD disclosed that the company has been able to reduce the five-month delay period of paying farmers to within a month which has seen an increase in cane deliveries to the factory.

‘When I was appointed a substantive Managing Director, I found a lapse of five months of non-payment to farmers. Currently, we are paying farmers that delivered their canes this August’, disclosed Dima.

Dima explains that going forward they want to reduce the payment window to within a week to further improve the economic status of the cane farmers who play a crucial role in ensuring the factory operates optimally

The revival of the Company will also require increased acreage of cane to fully utilise the company’s capacity to crash 3,000 tonnes of cane per day.

The factory has 2,400 hectares of nuclear under cane with an additional 6,000 hecta
res from contracted farmers. Dima emphasizes the need to increase cane acreage to continuously provide raw materials to the company.

Currently, Sony Sugar has more than 25,000 contracted farmers from the counties of Narok, Homabay, Kisii and Migori.

In the recent past, the majority of cane farmers in South Nyanza had to diversity their cane farming to other crops after years of disappointments over delayed payments.

While others decided to sell their cane to private millers like the Sukari Industries in Homabay and the Mara Sugar from Narok, a good number have reverted to growing other crops such maize, sweet potatoes and bamboo to get income, after uprooting sugarcane from their plots.

Dima says that the reduction of cane acreage has involuntarily made them partner with Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (Kalro) and the Sugar Research Institute to develop early maturity cane, that is resistant to weeds and which contains high sucrose to enhance the production of sugar produced by the
company.

The MD has also praised the sugar ban by the Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) saying that the sugar prices will go up to maximize good returns both to the company and the cane farmers.

This month, the government through the Ministry of Agriculture banned the importation of sugar into the country from countries outside the East African Community (EAC) and Comesa.

Under the new management and guidance of Dima, the company has also been able to review and audit cases against the company by farmers and service providers.

Dima noted that the Company has been able to review and resolve cases that stood at 3,500 downwards to 1,700.

Dima stresses that some of the cases audited were non-existent while others were forgery. He said that it was improper for the company to pay for services that were not consumed by the organisation.

Sony Sugar has also become the first state miller corporation to be approved on its Human resources policy tools by the State Cooperation Advisor
y Committee. The human resource tools will help the miller improve, cure human resource challenges as well as motivate a spirited team to occupy permanent positions and promotions in the company.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru County Government has assured property owners that the on-going public participation on the new Draft Property Valuation roll was not aimed at increasing land rates but at updating the County valuation land register.

Valuation rolls are records of the value of land within a county, which may be used to determine the rates that property owners have to pay to the county government. This is provided in Valuation for Rating Act CAP 266.

Physical Planning Chief Officer Ms Stella Mwaura said the public participation fora which were being conducted across the 11 sub-counties would go on until September 18th this year and were being conducted to educate the public as per the law.

Ms Mwaura emphasized that the Draft Valuation Roll aimed at updating the valuation land register and does not prescribe any rates that land owners would pay to the county government but rather provided values for land parcels within the devolved unit.

The Chief Officer who spoke today during consultative meeting with Sub-Counties
and Ward Administrators drawn from Nakuru Town West and East Sub Counties to address concerns arising from the ongoing exercise, said that civic education remained key in all county government programmes so that residents are educated and informed on the government activities as set out in law.

Ms Mwaura told property owners who found that information collected was either incorrect or missing some details have a right to object as per the Nakuru County Valuation and Rating Act of 2023.

She explained that the information captured by Draft Valuation Roll included the plot number of property, name(s) of owners or parties affiliated to the property, area of land in hectares, value of land, location of the property, current use and postal address.

The defunct municipalities used to review the valuation roll after every 10 years, but the county government, in its ‘Valuation Bill 2017’, reduced the period to five years.

Public Service Management Chief Officer Mr Charles Koech assured property owners in the count
y that the objections would be reviewed and determined by an Independent Valuation Tribunal.

Mr Koech said a Draft Valuation Roll would be deemed complete after the following steps are complied with: Collection of data from various marketplaces, preliminary visits conducted, public participation conducted to get public input, and compiling of the data that leads to a draft.

‘When valuing land, we have to consider the location, that is, its proximity to the nearest town or urban center, social amenities like schools, hospitals and size of the land,’ added the Public Service Management Chief Officer.

Koech said that valuation could not be done on forests, power stations, and cemeteries adding that it was only based on the piece of land without including the structures therein while a card shows temporary ownership.

Land rates are a major source of revenue for county governments, which enable them to provide essential services and infrastructure to the residents.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi has announced that his multi agency security team have impounded 83 number plates, three motorcycles and several motorcycles parts stolen from boda boda operators within Uasin Gishu and its neighbouring counties.

Speaking to the media at the Eldoret Central police station the police county commander noted that his team have been investigating on the raised concerns over rampant motorcycle theft in the past months.

‘Through our investigations we were able to get leads on the locations where motorcycles are taken and we were able to recover them from a garage in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia county,’ he said.

Mwanthi said that four suspects have been arrested three from Trans Nzoia county and one from Uasin Gishu and are set to be arraigned.

He confirmed that the recovered 83 number plates are genuine meaning the motorbikes were stolen and dismantled and sold as spare parts.

‘We appeal to the boda boda operators whose motorbikes have been stolen to come to the
station and identify the 83 number plates as well as the body parts,’ he said.

He urged the members of the public to be on the watch out for any suspicious characters and the National Police Service is appealing to anyone with information regarding any motorcycle theft should report to toll-free number 112 or 999.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A series of community-led peace initiatives in the Kerio Valley, which straddles the borders of Elgeyo Marakwet West Pokot and Baringo counties, is showing promising results.

This success comes after concerted efforts by Midrift Hurinet, with support from the Embassy of Denmark in Kenya and Somalia through Act Change Transform initiative.

The region has faced challenges for years due to inter-communal tensions and banditry, but recent developments indicated a significant shift.

The Pokot and Marakwet communities, once locked in long-standing conflict, are now preparing to hold a peace meeting in the coming week.

The community-led inter-communal dialogue aims to build consensus on reopening vital transport routes, serving as a lifeline for local business activities and economic growth in the Kerio Valley.

Midrift Hurinet officials have praised the progress, noting that the talks were the culmination of several outreach programmes targeting local herders and community leaders.

‘This collaboration between
herders, local leaders, and peace actors is yielding significant milestones,’ said Walter Mwania Programmes Coordinator at Midrift Hurinet.

‘Our direct engagements are paving the way for peaceful coexistence and socio-economic development,’ he said.

One of the key outcomes of these discussions has been the call for the reintroduction of livestock branding, which was initially introduced in 1992 under the 31D livestock branding system.

The herders pointed out that the system had been successful in deterring thefts and facilitating easy identification of livestock.

‘The branding of livestock was a crucial step in curbing theft in the region,’ said Shadrack Cheboi, a Marakwet herder.

‘We believe reintroducing it will help prevent future thefts and ease tensions between communities,’ Cheboi said.

Another notable shift has been the changing mindset among herders regarding education. Traditionally, herders in these communities have been reluctant to prioritize formal education, but the recent peace efforts ha
ve sparked a change in attitudes.

Herders from both the Pokot and Marakwet communities have committed to sending their children to school, recognizing the importance of education in securing a better future for the region.

‘We have come to realise that education is key to improving our lives and the future of our children,’ Longiroi Lokwang’ a Pokot elder shared.

‘Our communities will now support education for all, especially for our girls,’ he added.

While peace talks have led to positive developments, herders are also voicing concerns about security operations in the region.

Many have questioned the lack of full recovery of stolen livestock, despite the presence of multiple security agencies such as the Nyumba Kumi initiative, National Police Reservists, Chiefs, and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit.

‘We find it puzzling that criminals, who are few and well-known to the authorities, have not been apprehended,’ said a local herder.

‘We hope the security agencies will step up efforts to address this issue, as
blanket condemnation of entire communities will only hinder the peace process,’ he added.

As part of their long-term vision for the region, community leaders and professionals from the three counties are urging both national and county governments to invest in infrastructure and follow through with development projects.

These believed that these efforts would not only open up the region but also reduce incidents of banditry by creating alternative livelihoods.

Herders have also committed to forming groups to access government affirmative funds such as the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), Uwezo Fund, Women Enterprise Fund, and Youth Fund. These funds will support livelihood diversification efforts, including farming, beekeeping, and livestock trade.

‘Our communities are ready to take up these opportunities. By diversifying our livelihoods, we can reduce our dependence on livestock, which has been a source of conflict,’ said Micah Lorot a Pokot.

Midrift Hurinet, a non-profit organizatio
n founded in 2008, has played a pivotal role in facilitating these conversations. The organization is committed to empowering citizens, the state, and non-state actors to promote a culture of human rights, peace, security, and good governance.

‘Our collaborative approach is bearing fruit, and we are hopeful that the upcoming peace meeting will lead to long-term stability in Kerio Valley,’ commented Coordinator Mwania.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has held its energy benchmarking engagement meeting to analyze the performance of various fields of production in the economic sector as well as improve energy efficiency standards in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch in Nairobi, the Manager for Energy Efficiency Mr. Ronald Keter revealed that the workshop targeted seven sectors namely sugar, tea, cement, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, dairy, hotel, industries and flowers.

‘Kenya has committed to improving its energy efficiency both in the industry and this is in regard to its global commitment under the Paris Agreement where Kenya committed to reduce the greenhouse gas emission by 30 percent,’ added Keter.

He said that to achieve a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, EPRA utilized the Energy Act of 2019 which gives clear provisions for the implementation of energy efficiency and conservation programs.

‘Some of the key provisions in the sections dealing with energy efficiency and conservation programs
are issues to do with energy auditing for industries and development of standards and labeling programs for household appliances and EPRA has already implemented this for appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners,’ he emphasized.

Keter further revealed that EPRA only managed to set three benchmarks in sectors namely sugar, cement and tea since for the other four sectors, the available data was not consistent, nevertheless he assured the stakeholders that further study would be taken to evaluate the findings of the remaining sectors.

Further, the Manager announced that in terms of energy benchmarking for cement, EPRA is among the best-performing organizations across the world.

‘For the tea sector, if EPRA attains the benchmarks agreed, we foresee that we are going to save about 30 megawatts of electricity,’ he disclosed.

At the same time, the Manager for Renewable Energy Caroline Kimathi revealed that they had already agreed on a benchmark with the sugar and tea industry and would soon get one
for the cement industry.

‘For those who are unable to meet the benchmark, EPRA allows you to buy credits just like the way we buy carbon credits thus you can meet the benchmarks that have been set,’ she explained.

Kimathi said that renewable energy normally comes out as one of the key measures in energy audits.

‘Once an auditor visits your facility and looks at your energy consumption, they can recommend that maybe as part of supplementing what you have or making your factory greener, they can recommend that you put up a Renewable Energy Plant,’ she advised.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Hundreds of Pentecostal Bishops have threatened to resist any attempt by the government to regulate religious organizations saying it contravenes the right and freedom of worship.

The Pentecostal bishops representing different churches and umbrella faith-based bodies, said the recommendations by the taskforce that was appointed by President William Ruto to streamline operations of religious groups might spark a religious war that would take years to resolve.

Speaking during a meeting in Ruiru town today, the clergymen under the leadership of Bishop Stephen Ndicho, the former Kiambu Speaker and current chairman of the National Gospel Ministers Alliance (NAGMA) said the proposals are attempts to finish Pentecostal churches and if not reviewed will put the government at crossroads with the Church.

The taskforce recommended the state to come up with a Religious Affairs Commission to oversight religious groups to curtail the spread of cults and financial predatory practices prevalent in some churches in the co
untry.

Ndicho criticized the recommendations terming them unconstitutional, highlighting that no public participation had taken place before drafting of the bill.

He pointed out that the appointment of the Mutava Musyimi taskforce that drafted the legislation was erroneous, as the President had no mandate to establish such a body.

He emphasized that the laws appeared to target Pentecostal churches unfairly, applying strict and punitive regulations.

‘This is a clear attempt to finish Pentecostal churches,’ said Ndicho, further noting that the legislation could be applied selectively, thus infringing on the rights of certain denominations.

He expressed particular concern about the inclusion of non-Christians in the vetting panels, which he argued was unnecessary and potentially harmful to the sanctity of religious affairs.

Apostles Agnes Ndungu and Esther Kamau echoed these sentiments, questioning the fairness of the proposed regulations.

They raised concerns about who would oversee other beliefs systems
, such as magicians and traditionalists, asserting that all should be treated equally.

‘We are not against accountability, but this law is selective,’ said Apostle Ndungu.

Both apostles also objected to the notion that pastors should be required to hold degrees, arguing that such criteria were not necessary for effective spiritual leadership.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A family in Kiandege village in Leshau Pondo Ward of Ndaragwa Constituency is mourning the loss of their kin after a drinking spree.

It was reported that Eliud Maina aged 43 years died shortly after consuming illicit brew at a local pub.

According to his grandmother Serah Wambui, the deceased, a known alcoholic left home and headed to the nearby shopping centre several metres away, but after a short while, he returned home complaining of stomach aches.

Relatives said the deceased started vomiting blood, prompting them to rush him to hospital but he succumbed while on the way.

One suspect, a waitress at the pub, was arrested and is being held at the Mairo Inya Police station pending investigations and subsequent arraignment in court.

Lashau Pondo Ward MCA claimed most pubs in many parts of Nyandarua County were operating without licenses due to the failure of the security agencies to implement the Alcoholic Drinks Law passed at the County Assembly early this year.

He accused security officers of laxity
and colluding with pub operators, hence, such incidents were reported in various parts.

Last week, another man died in the same village over the same cause and the residents now want the government to ensure all bar outlets and pubs operating without licenses are closed.

The body was moved to Nyahururu County and Referral Hospital morgue as investigations continued.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Some 57,975 farmers in Murang’a County are set to benefit with certified maize seed and fertilizer from the local county administration ahead of the short rains expected to start in the third week of October.

Murang’a county government will start distribution of seed to registered farmers in various parts within their respective wards from next week.

Governor Irungu Kang’ata noted that inability to afford certified seed has been a major bottleneck to achieving food security in the county.

Through a press release, he said the county administration has procured certified maize seed from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KARLO) and Simlaw Seed Company, firms owned by the government.

Kang’ata said the distribution of certified seed would also help in countering the sale of fake seed in the county, which has in the past affected production.

He noted that the provision of certified seed and fertilizer would boost commercialization of maize production citing the partnership the county gov
ernment had entered with a local miller, which will see farmers sell their maize produce to the miller at not less than Sh3, 500 per sack of 90 kilos.

‘We want farmers to have genuine seed to plant in the expected short rains. With certified seed, the production is expected to be high thus contributing towards food security,’ he stated.

The seed and fertilizer distribution exercise will run from September 23 to October 12. Farmers were notified that the seed and fertilizer will only be available to those who are registered and their names verified between August 26 and 28, 2024.

Each farmer is set to get one packet of 2-kilos of certified maize seed, eight kilos of planting fertilizer and another eight kilos of top dressing fertilizer.

‘Farmers are requested to carry a gunny sack at the time of collecting the seed and fertilizer,’ read part of a public notice from the county government.

The maize seed varieties will be distributed according to various climate zones in the county. Lower parts of Murang’a
will get early maturing seeds from KARLO while the upper parts will get a variety from Simlaw.

A week ago, the Meteorology Department advised farmers in the county to plant early maturing crops saying the region would receive depressed rainfall during the short rain season.

The onset of the short rains is expected to be between October 15 and 22 with the rainfall forecasted to range between 250 mm in lower parts and 700 mm in upper zones of the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Minister of Culture, Filipe Zau, said this Tuesday, in Dundo, Lunda-Norte province, that ‘men of the temper of Agostinho Neto, both in Africa and even planetary, there were few’.

Speaking at the central act of the National Hero’s Day, he stressed that the political, cultural and patriotic path of Agostinho Neto should be remembered with the dignity that will always be necessary, so that his memory is perpetuated forever in the hearts of Angolans.

According to the famous words of Agostinho Neto, such as ‘The most important thing is to solve the problems of the people’, ‘Africa seems like an inert body where each vulture comes to dedicate its piece’ and ‘Angola is and will always be, of its own volition, a firm trench of the revolution in Africa’, should inspire Angolans to participate in the socio-economic development of the country.

He pointed out that by leading the process of ‘Popular Resistance’ and the general mobilization of the people, following the clashes in Luanda and the invasion of the coun
try, to the north and south, by regular foreign troops from the Republic of Zaire and the South African Republic, of the apartheid regime, reinforced by mercenaries, Agostinho Neto demonstrated his love for the Angolan homeland.

‘Despite the beginning of the civil war with evident internationalization of armed conflicts, António Agostinho Neto, on behalf of the Central Committee of the MPLA and the Angolan People, proclaims, on November 11, 1975, the independence of Angola, a demonstration of courage, bravery and selfless love for the homeland’, he stressed.

According to Filipe Zau, Agostinho Neto was a leader of his time, of an Angola that, in the context of the cold war, fought tenaciously for the political self-determination of Angolans.

António Agostinho Neto 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.

He took over the leadership of the MPLA, of which he had been hono
rary president since 1960, and proclaimed National Independence on November 11, 1975, thus becoming the highest representative of the nation.

Source: Angola Press News Agency