Category: General

Kwale County government has kicked off the distribution of 1000 hybrid coconut tree seedlings to local farmers in a bid to significantly enhance coconut production across the coastal county.

The county government has embarked on an aggressive expansion programme for the cultivation of coconut plantations commonly called ‘the tree of life’ across Kwale to encourage massive production of coconut.

Every single part of the coconut tree is good and useful and is often referred to as the tree of life because of its usefulness starting from the leaves and fruits down to the trunk and roots.

Coconut trees are a source of food, beverage, oil seed, fibers and timber and health products and are also associated with mystery and omen in the lives of coastal communities.

Coir (fibre from the outer husk of the coconut) products such as floor mats, rope, brushes and filings for mattresses are made from the tough fibre of coconut husk.

Governor Fatuma Achani who has launched the distribution exercise has affirmed that th
e devolved government will continue to provide maximum support to all farmers in the coastal county.

She decried that the coconut production in the coastal region has been declining over the years owing to the wanton felling of coconut trees for housing, fuel and industrial use.

Achani also noted that the coconut subsector had also been constrained by lack of adequate research, poor agronomical practices, lack of appropriate and affordable technologies, exploitation by middlemen and lack of access to credit facilities by smallholder farmers.

‘The full potential of the coconut sub-sector can be realised by investing in value-added activities in the coconut value chain,’ she said.

Governor Achani says the initiative, which involves the distribution of hybrid coconut seedlings to over 1000 farmers, marks a pivotal moment in efforts to revitalise the coconut sub-sector and promote sustainable agriculture.

She says her administration will give the agricultural sector its rightful position in the development o
f the county and called on the people to avail themselves of the various opportunities in agriculture made possible by the devolved government to improve their standards of living.

Achani says the distribution of the seedlings dubbed ‘cash crop revolution programme’ is part of efforts by the devolved unit to increase the production level of coconut in the county.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the county headquarters, Governor Achani emphasised the critical role of farming in the county’s economy and urged farmers to seize the opportunity presented by the onset of the long rainy season.

‘I urge farmers to seize the opportunity at this onset of the long rains and that the distribution exercise will take place in all 20 administrative wards of Kwale to lift families out of poverty,’ she said.

She went on, ‘Farming is the backbone of our economy; I therefore call on all farmers to take advantage of the long rainy season and put efforts into farming,’.

Achani says the coconut tree seedlings distributio
n is part of efforts to revamp the coconut sector noting that coconut investors are available within and outside the county signifying the high potential of coconut farming.

She says the county through the partnership with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is poised to encourage the farmers to contribute to the collaborative effort of massive production of coconuts and its value chains describing coconut as a major game changer in terms of crop diversification.

Achani says her administration would ensure that the coconut seedlings allocated to the county through AFA will be judiciously and transparently distributed to the local farmers.

She acknowledged that the production level of coconut in the county is low and urged local farmers to invest in coconut production.

The coastal county boss emphasised that coconut farming is a cash-flowing business and encouraged local farmers to embrace coconut farming.

Achani says coconut is a highly significant commodity in the coastal region culturally, sociall
y and economically.

She says they are abundantly used in everyday life from consumption to cultural events and yield great potential for local and export markets.

Meanwhile Governor Achani opened a small scale cassava processing plant in Magodi in mivumoni village unit of Ramisi Ward, Msambweni Sub-county.

Achani challenged the local farmers to plant cassavas on a large scale so as to keep up with the milling process at the new plant and attract a wider market.

‘The cassava processing plant managed by vision Magodi cassava processors will help in converting the cassava tree final product into flour that can be used for various purposes,’ she said.

The processing plant project is financed by the European Union under the Go Blue Programme and is being implemented by CIHEAM Bari (International Centre for Advanced Agronomic Studies) as a sub-delegated agency of AICS (Italian Agency for Development and Cooperation).

She says the project is involved in cassava production where introduction of certified cassav
a seeds was done, cassava processing equipment was installed and training on marketing and linking the Magodi Cassava Processors to entrepreneurs and consumers.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The county government of Nyeri through its bursary programme, Elimu Fund, has started issuing bursary cheques to some 15,000 students from needy backgrounds.

The beneficiaries include secondary school students as well as college, polytechnic and university students from the 30 wards in the county. Students from special-needs schools will also benefit from the funding.

Students from boarding secondary schools each received a Sh6,000 cheque, while those from colleges received Sh4,000 support. Students in special schools were awarded a Sh5,000 sponsorship; polytechnic students were awarded Sh6,000; and university students were each issued a Sh7,000 cheque.

Speaking after issuing the cheques at the Dedan Kimathi Kamkunji stadium in Nyeri town, Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting education.

The DG said that the executive would be increasing financial allocation by Sh50 million in the next financial year in order to support more students access educat
ion.

‘The county government of Nyeri is committed to promoting the education sector as it is the only tool which can make a difference in Nyeri and the country at large. Bursaries bring major benefits to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and should be maintained alongside outreach programmes,’ he said.

‘To this end, the county government is planning to increase next financial year’s allocation from Sh100 million to Sh150 million in the next financial year so that more students can benefit,’ added Kinaniri.

Accompanying the DG were County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in Charge of Education Margaret Macharia, Transport and Energy CEC Abi Hanif, Public Service CEC Peter Macharia and a host of Nyeri ward representatives.

At the same time, Kinaniri urged the beneficiaries to maintain discipline and work hard towards realising their educational goals.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Maua town are alarmed after three people lost their lives in a span of one week by drowning in Iriene Swamp in Maua, Meru County, leaving the residents devastated and worried.

It is alleged that on Thursday last week, the first victim threw himself into the deep swamp, while the second drowned in a heroic attempt to save the first victim.

In another incident that took place yesterday morning, the third victim is said to have committed suicide in the same swamp, leaving the community with many questions unanswered concerning the safety and mental wellbeing of the youths in the area.

Maua Town Municipality Manager, Timothy Mwenda, noted that the consecutive tragic incidents call for urgent measures and interventions.

Mwenda warned the residents against nearing the water body, noting that the tragic incidences may be attributed to mental-health challenges, which most of the time go unaddressed.

The Igembe South firefighters and Red Cross efforts to retrieve the body also bore no fruit, as the s
earch continues.

According to an eyewitness who sought anonymity, a middle-aged man came running and was seen throwing himself into the water and submerged.

‘I saw a young man running towards the swamp and throwing himself into the water as I was parking my motorcycle near the area, and before I could arrive at the scene, he had already submerged under water,” he narrated.

The distressing situation has led to intervention by local elders, who performed rituals, including sprinkling honey and finger millet into the water, with hopes that the body would resurface after a few days, as in the case of the previous week.

According to the elders, suicide may be a result of mental illness or stigma drowning associated with spiritual or supernatural influences, which may compel somebody to end their lives by drowning.

They advised the residents to seek intervention from spiritual leaders and incorporate traditional rituals and ceremonies believed to restore spiritual and emotional wellbeing of society.

Source:
Kenya News Agency

Elgeyo Marakwet County government has disbursed bursaries worth Sh 95 million to support the education of needy students in the county.

Governor Wisley Rotich presided over the disbursement benefiting 9705 students across the county at the Governor’s Square in Iten on Tuesday.

Accompanied by MPs Adams Kipsanai for Keiyo North and Caroline Ng’elechei, the County Women MP, Governor Rotich stressed the transparency of the bursary allocation process, ensuring that every deserving student received aid.

‘I can assure you that there is no complaint whatsoever from the grassroots. Disbursing Sh95 million fairly is not a joke because this is not pocket change anyway,’ Governor Rotich assured attendees.

The governor used the occasion to urge communities to engage in economic activities, stressing the importance of self-sustainability in meeting educational needs.

‘There is nothing as pleasant as being capable of paying your children’s school fees comfortably without having to line up for a bursary,’ he remarked.

Addressing the issue of youth unemployment, Rotich expressed satisfaction with the increased enrollment in vocational training centres and village polytechnics.

‘From the time I became governor, the student enrollment in polytechnics was 1,080 and currently we have 3,800 which represents a significant improvement. I believe we have managed to convince young people that going to polytechnic is not a demeanour,’ Rotich highlighted.

MP Kipsanai commended the governor for allocating a substantial amount towards bursaries while raising questions about the efficacy of the funds allocated for both bursaries and infrastructure development in learning institutions.

‘It is about time we ask ourselves about the value of the money that we have disbursed towards both bursaries and infrastructural development in the learning institutions,’ Kipsanai remarked.

Echoing similar sentiments, the Women Representative urged beneficiaries to ensure value for money in their academic performance.

‘I call upon every parent to ens
ure you give your children a good foundation. A good foundation doesn’t mean enrolling them in expensive academies. It means you instill discipline in them,’ Ng’elechei emphasised.

Furthermore, Ng’elechei highlighted the importance of students achieving quality grades commensurate with the funds disbursed to schools.

Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek stressed the importance of agricultural sustainability by urging bursary beneficiaries to participate in agricultural activities.

She announced that every beneficiary, upon receiving their checks, would be provided with free seeds by the County Department of Agriculture for planting.

The event, attended by education stakeholders including vocational training centre managers, secondary school heads, and officials from TSC, KNUT, and KUPPET, marks a significant effort by the Elgeyo Marakwet County government to prioritise education and youth empowerment.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A total of 9,700 students from Elgeyo Marakwet County have received bursaries worth Sh95 million from the county government.

Speaking when he disbursed the cheques, Governor Wisley Rotich said the beneficiaries, who came from all wards in the county were identified by wananchi themselves terming the exercise as fair and above board.

The governor however called on residents to take advantage of the various economic programmes being implemented by the county government to ensure that they improved themselves economically so that in future, they would not rely on bursaries to educate their children.

‘The bursary is a temporary initiative and we therefore are calling on you to embrace programmes like cash crop farming which will in future enable you meet your financial obligations including payment of school fees,’ he said.

Governor Rotich said once parents were able to pay their children’s school fees, then the funds set aside for bursaries could be redirected to other development activities which would have
an overall impact on the development of the county.

The governor said students from secondary and middle-level colleges including TVETs and universities benefitted from the programme adding that the funds would be available in schools once they opened.

He said he was happy with the notable increase in the number of students joining TVETs, which he noted had increased from 1,080 to 3,800 in the last two years, an indication that both students and parents were slowly gaining confidence in the institutions.

Speaking on the same occasion, County Women Rep Carolyne Ng’elechei called on parents to take their children to affordable schools saying giving a child a good foundation does not mean taking them to expensive academies.

‘Giving a child a good foundation does not mean expensive schools but instilling in them discipline and ensuring that they are well rounded both in academics and life in general,’ the MP counselled.

The function was also attended by area MP Adams Kipsanai, Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Che
serek, Keiyo North DCC Julius Maiyo among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Traders in Iten town will in the next six months start enjoying improved services as the national government embarks on the construction of a sh50 million modern market under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP).

Keiyo North DCC Julius Maiyo said once complete, the market will accommodate 600 traders adding that in addition to the market, the government will soon be launching the construction of 200 housing units within Iten town.

The DCC called on the contractor to ensure that the project is delivered within the agreed timelines so that traders can conduct their businesses in not only a secure environment but also one where they are protected from the vagaries of weather.

‘We are also asking the contractor to ensure that government gets value for its money by ensuring that you do quality work. On behalf of government we are assuring Wananchi that we will closely monitor the work to ensure we get what we signed for,’ he said.

Keiyo North MP Adams Kipsanai said currently there are 380 traders operating i
n the two main markets in Iten town and therefore called on residents to increase the numbers so that the market once complete can operate at full capacity.

‘It will not augur well for the government to spend millions of shillings to construct a market which will operate at slightly above half the capacity,’ the MP said.

The county MP Carolyne Ng’elechei called on residents to take advantage of grants being offered by the government under Ngaaf to engage in business.

Area governor Wisley Rotich said the market was part of the bottom-up economic model saying all hustlers will be accommodated at the market adding that more markets will be constructed in Chepkorio, Kapcherop and Kapyego.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Makueni County Referral Hospital is expected to save Sh7 million annually after installing 200 kilowatt solar power panels, Executive Committee Member (ECM) for Infrastructure, Transport, Public Works and Energy Sabastian Kyoni has said.

Kyoni disclosed that the installation of the panels follows a partnership with the County Government of Makueni and the UK- Partnership for Accelerating Climate Transitions (UK PACT), supported by the British Government.

‘UK-PACT and county government officials from Energy and Environment have visited Makueni Referral Hospital where the installation of solar panels will enable 100% reliance on solar power. This project supported by the UK in collaboration with the County Government of Makueni will install a capacity of 200 kilowatts that will save power costs by Sh 7 million annually,’ said Kyoni while speaking to the media at the health facility in Wote town.

During the press briefing, the ECM said that the County Referral Hospital pays Sh 2 million monthly and termed the
installation of the solar panels a milestone, saying this move will ensure the health facility has reliable energy to serve wananchi effectively.

On his part, the Economic Consular at the British High Commission in Kenya Daniel Wilcox said they are committed to tackling joint environmental and climate change issues for the sake of future generations.

‘This is why we are working with counties like Makueni towards the realisation of green energy land and ecosystem restoration. We are committed to strengthening the community’s capacity to respond to climate change and support productive use of energy through useful energy plans,’ said Mr Wilcox.

Earlier, the Economic Consular with his delegation paid a courtesy call on Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in his Wote office.

Their talks centred on modalities of joint mobilisation of resources to promote innovative renewable energy technologies and transition from grid-powered to solar systems within the county.

During the talks they identified Kisingo Techni
cal Training Institute where they will set up a state-of-the-art county energy centre.

Source: Kenya News Agency

KCA University is among a number of Kenyan universities that have received grants in millions of shillings from the British Council to come up with programmes to help tackle climate change resilience challenges.

The university received a Sh6 million grant for a programme dubbed Learning and Design Lab that will see its students and those of Nottingham University in the UK collaborate to identify, develop, and implement practical solutions to real-world challenges related to climate change.

Other local universities and those from the UK who have been roped into the programme include Strathmore, Rongo, University of Portsmouth in the UK and Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine (UK).

KCA Vice Chancellor Prof Isaiah Wakindiki said 20 students from his university and those from Nottingham School of Business through an exchange programme will co-develop human-centred solutions to specific climate challenges.

‘We have put our students into different activities for specific challenges of climate
change and they will also do a lot of research and through interactions with their Nottingham counterparts, they will come up with specific human-centred solutions,’ Wakindiki told journalists at the university on Tuesday.

He added, ‘The students too will hone their skills and gain invaluable practical experience as they prepare to get into the environment of work and entrepreneurship.’

In addition, he said, the partnership will help the local universities get international recognition for helping tackle climate change and also help students gain experience collaborating with their counterparts in institutions abroad.

Other industry partners including Chemolex, Greenspoon and Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment will also benefit from the programme by using the recommendations from the students to identify opportunities for innovation, develop new products and services and also address their most pressing business challenges.

The British Council has appointed Circle Innovation which will facilit
ate the labs. Circle Innovation’s expertise in innovation practices is well-established across the region, encompassing processes, tools, and methods that enable the creation of impactful innovations scalable to various contexts.

Other universities that benefited from this grant include Rongo University (Kenya) University of Portsmouth (UK), Strathmore University (Kenya), and Imperial College of Science, Technology, and Medicine (UK).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Migori County Assembly Speaker Charles Likowa has been impeached by the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) over alleged mishandling of House affairs.

Tuesday’s impeachment motion was passed by 59 out of 60 MCAs present during the afternoon session.

The majority of the MCAs accused the Speaker of poor management of the County Assembly matters and a lack of accountability over the Assembly’s finance affairs.

Led by Majority Leader Ken Ouma, the MCAs said that they have not been paid their committee allowances for a long time. Ouma said that Likowa has not been giving any proper reason or explanation, which shows a lack of respect for the members of the county assembly.

Ouma said the failure of the Speaker to run the County Assembly as per the expectations of the MCAs has disrupted House business.

North Kamagambo MCA Collins Osewe also acknowledged that since December, the MCAs have not held any House Assembly committees which has hugely affected the discharge of duties as expected.

‘The Speaker has not
been looking into the welfare of our members and it was important that the MCAs relook and reassess to make an informed choice on the way forward,’ lamented Osewe.

Migori Deputy Speaker and Bukira East MCA Mathews Chacha who assumed the role of interim Speaker disclosed that he was going to work together with all the MCAs to address the issues that have been ailing the County Assembly.

Likowa’s impeachment comes at a time when he has been battling cases in court challenging his election as the Speaker of the Migori County Assembly.

In February 2023 activist Isaac Aluochier, who vied to become Migori County Assembly Speaker but lost, contested the victor, Charles Owino Likowa’s victory in court.

High Court Judge Roseline Wendoh ruled that Likowa’s election was null and void as legal compliance with the poll’s conduct was proven.

The court ordered that a fresh election be conducted in 21 days, but Likowa’s lawyer sought stay orders to allow the filing of an appeal.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Acyberschool to train one million Kenyan youths on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

The partnership is geared towards positioning Kenyan youth in a vantage position to create and thrive in jobs in the digital economy across Africa and beyond.

The MoU, which was signed on Wednesday at the ongoing Connected Africa Summit 2024 at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi, will be implemented in five years, with both parties collaborating in mobilization of resources required to make the partnership successful.

Speaking after the signing, KoTDA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Paul Okwiri noted that the partnership will boost the Jitume Digital Skills programme and accelerate digital skills development in the country.

‘This partnership with Acyberschool will enable us to train Kenyan youth on AI, emerging technologies, and cybersecurity solutions. This means that in the near future, we will enhance our ability
to have more jobs in the digital space,’ said Okwiri.

He added that the programme which will be done in phases is a key target for the two partners, and believes that through mobilising resources together, they will be able to augment their key efforts in Jitume programmes.

In his remarks, the CEO, Acyberschool and Chairperson, Africa Cybersecurity and AI Foundation (ACAIF) Evalyn Oloo who urged Kenyan youth to take advantage of the training, said the MoU will help young Kenyans acquire skills required in the market as well as prepare them to be ready for future jobs.

‘Cybersecurity and AI are emerging areas which are key to the new digital jobs. We are training Kenyans for the future of work, and I would like to encourage all young people to take this opportunity, train and acquire the relevant skills required to thrive in the digital industry.’ she said.

The African ICT Industry has been calling on all industry players at the ongoing Connected Africa Summit 2024 which started on Monday this week to leve
rage young people and advance the digital space.

Currently, Konza Technopolis, ICT Authority and The Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority are spearheading the Jitume Programme training together with the private sector in an endeavour to provide specialised training and resources to support growth.

Source: Kenya News Agency