Category: General

Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has affirmed commitment to ensure elevation of hospitality standards in the country.

This was revealed during a two-day seminar for hoteliers drawn from Trans Nzoia County organised and facilitated by the regulatory body.

Acknowledging the input of TRA which she said is geared towards improving standards and uplifting the tourism sector, Trans Nzoia County Secretary Truphosa Amere said the training would help ensure quality service delivery.

She challenged the hoteliers to take advantage of such training opportunities to raise and maintain standards in the hotel industry pointing out that it is only through such, more profits will be harvested.

Meanwhile, Amere affirmed the commitment of the county government to support the hotel industry through mutual collaborations, pointing out the recently launched county government sponsored NAWIRI Fund as a fertile avenue the hoteliers can use to expand their empires.

‘Allow me thank the department for tourism for the innovative
approach which has propelled this training to a success. This is only a sign of good things which are to come in future,’ she added.

During the training, hoteliers were updated on the new guidelines which TRA has formulated to guide the sector.

The Director of Gender, Youth, and Sports Nicholas Nandasaba bemoaned lack of standard hotel facilities in the region which can host high level meetings as he urged investors to seize the opportunity.

‘Hotel industry is an area where we have so many investment opportunities in this region. I call upon those who have an interest in the sector to give it a try,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The State Department for Diaspora Affairs yesterday launched an inaugural Diaspora Jobs fair in Meru County that attracted hundreds of youth seeking employment opportunities abroad.

Speaking during the launch, the department’s Principal Secretary (PS) Roseline Njogu said the purpose of the fair was to bring together people with skills and ready for job opportunities abroad and the recruiting agencies who will link them with the available jobs.

She said this was in line with President William Ruto’s manifesto in addressing youth unemployment in the country by collaborating with foreign countries who in turn offer available slots for the country.

‘We have about 520 licensed recruitment agencies and these can be found in the National Employment Authority (NEA) website and 14 crew recruitment agencies who are registered by the Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA).’

‘We urge Kenyans seeking job opportunities abroad to first check whether the agencies they are dealing with are registered by the two institutions befo
re going forward to give them money,’ Ms Njogu cautioned.

She added that in the last 16 months, her department has been very keen to weed out the unregistered agencies as well as punishing those that are registered but are not acting as per regulations.

‘When we started, we had more than 1,200 recruiting agencies but currently we have only 520 after deregistering the ones that were not toeing the line.

This tells you that we are very firm in ensuring that Kenyans are not conned or mistreated by any recruiting agency whatsoever,’ said Ms Njogu.

On the issue of ensuring that the welfare and rights of Kenyans working abroad are protected, the PS said that they have a board that looks into this and that they have already visited about 35 Kenya Consulates, Missions, and Embassies abroad sensitising Kenyans and issuing them with the right documents so that they can travel comfortably whenever they wish to.

‘If you are keen, you will realise distress calls from Kenyans working in the Middle East have reduced in
the last 16 months courtesy of our department’s efforts to ensure that their welfare is taken care of.’

‘We also recently evacuated Kenyans in Israel when war broke out there and it is on record that Kenya was the first country to evacuate her citizens from South Sudan when war broke out. This is what our department is meant to do and we will not relent in protecting our people working abroad,’ said Ms Njogu.

Her Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) counterpart Dr Esther Muoria said their main mandate is to equip young Kenyans with skills that will enable them to get jobs abroad.

She said they have already changed the curricula, ensured there are enough and qualified trainers as well as good space for trainees to acquire the necessary skills.

‘We are actively listening to the diaspora needs in terms of skills so that we can equip our young people with the right ones and ensure that they fit the job market,’ said Dr Muoria.

Source: Kenya News Agency

President Dr. William Ruto Thursday granted charters to two universities Tangaza University and Management University of Africa during a colourful ceremony at Statehouse Nairobi bringing the total number of accredited universities to 64 in the country.

‘Kenya now boasts of 64 chattered universities solidifying our status as a regional hub for higher education,’ said President Ruto during the ceremony calling on education stakeholders to continue striving to meet the ever growing demand for higher education with a focus on elevating those at the bottom of the social and economic pyramids to access quality education.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu expressed his gratitude noting that this comes after the recent award of charter to the first online university in Kenya, the Open University.

Machogu said the award of the two charters underscored the President’s support for the advancement of tertiary and university education in the country.

The CS commended President Ruto’s recent introduction of
a new funding model for higher education noting that it was through commitment and dedication to the education vision that Kenyan students’ dreams were becoming a reality.

‘By fulfilling the stringent requirements, these two institutions have demonstrated their preparedness to nurture scholars Innovate in research and contribute significantly to our nations intellectual and human capital,’ said Mr Machogu.

He added that the institutions demonstrated robust governance structure, financial prudence and comprehensive academic programmes.

The award of charter is not just the recognition of academic excellence but also a testament in the relentless pursuit to create opportunities for providing knowledge, research and innovation impacting the education sector and society at large.

Machogu expressed confidence in the two institutions saying they are poised for a transformative future producing skilled professionals thereby fostering a culture of critical thinking, research and innovation, thus impacting the soci
ety positively.

During the event, Prof Edward Etengu was installed as the Chancellor of Tangaza University, and Dr Reuben Musyoka Mutiso the Chancellor of the Management University of Africa.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kiambu County Assistant Director of Education Roselyne Wambui has acknowledged that the heavy rains experienced in the County have taken a toll on the education sector.

Speaking to KNA, Wambui said they have been doing a ward-roundup to help drain water in flood-infested institutions even as preparations for opening of schools next week gears up.

‘We are visiting these institutions in each of the wards in Kiambu and removing water from the school grounds, clearing them for the safety of our children in schools,’ she said.

Wambui went on to add that some of the water-tight measures that are being put in place to ensure adequate safety for all the affected school communities include setting up a response team that visits these institutions to gather data regarding flooding.

‘The Department of Education has set up a group called the Set Response team that is sent out to gather data and information in the affected areas and work on the findings,’ she said.

She added that the Department of education in partn
ership with the Ministry of Education has come up with a social directorate that is donating amenities for the children to ensure a stable running of the school system.

‘Our department has joined with the Ministry of Education to ensure our children do not miss anything in terms of social amenities that are required in this weather,’ she said.

Some parents and residents of Kiambu however, are against the idea of children resuming schools for second term as the weather is quite unpredictable and poses a great risk to the lives of children.

Mokaya Bwire, a parent at Ndumberi Primary school and a resident of Kiambu county said he is not ready to let his children resume school because the government has not spoken on how to deal with waterborne and airborne diseases such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.

Schools were supposed to be opened for second term on the 29th of April but due to the heavy rains being experienced across the country, Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced the postponement of school rep
orting dates by one week until the 6th of May 2024.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The heavy rainfall and resulting flooding in the country has caused significant damage and loss of life, and experts are concerned about a potential increase in waterborne diseases as the floods continue to destroy properties, roads, and infrastructure.

Dr Elias Mwangi, CECM of Health Services Kiambu County pointed out that floods have led to the displacement of people and exacerbated poor sanitation and it was therefore crucial to implement proper planning to address these issues before they escalate.

Dr. Mwangi was speaking during an exercise in Juja where the county distributed chlorine-based aqua tabs for household water treatment, water jerricans, bar soap and buckets to members of the public.

He sounded the alarm about a looming disaster and encouraged families living in high-risk areas to stay vigilant in order to reduce their chances of coming into contact with contaminated water.

The Health Executive specifically highlighted the risk for households with pit latrines, cautioning that flooding cou
ld cause overflow and pollute water sources, increasing the likelihood of waterborne illnesses.

‘During this season of heavy rains and floods, it is essential to prioritize WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives to mitigate health risks and ensure the well-being of communities. Health risks are elevated during floods due to the flooding of latrines in affected areas leading to the contamination of above ground water with faecal matter.’

‘The problem is significantly worse in urban areas with existing waste disposal issues as this is when waterborne diseases become a ticking time bomb. It is vital for individuals to remain cautious about their health and anyone having symptoms such as abdominal pain, high fever, vomiting and diarrhoea should seek medical help as soon as possible,’ he said.

Dr. Mwangi called for immediate action and assistance from governmental and non-governmental organizations in tackling the looming crises citing that unsafe water and inadequate sanitation would aggravate the t
ransmission of waterborne diseases, posing serious health risks to individuals, adding that without prompt medical intervention, these diseases would lead to severe illness and death.

Waterborne diseases, including cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and hepatitis A, are caused by tiny organisms like viruses and bacteria. These harmful organisms can enter the body through polluted water or through contact with waste material containing the virus.

He explained that in areas affected by the disaster, a major challenge is obtaining clean, uncontaminated water, and urged individuals to avoid drinking water from unknown sources, to boil water before consumption, to steer clear of uncooked foods, and to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Presiding Bishop and President of the Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) Church Kenya, Bishop John Okinda, has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant during the current rainy season that has resulted in several deaths due to flooding.

Speaking from his home village at Ragana, Suna West Sub-County in Migori County, Bishop Okinda expressed concern over the devastating impact of the floods and encouraged both the government and the public to take preventive measures.

Okinda who was recently re-elected as Presiding Bishop and President of PEFA Church Kenya, emphasised the need for caution when crossing flooded areas and urged the government to take steps to manage the floodwaters to prevent further tragedies.

The clergy also called on churches to offer support to those affected by the floods, asking Kenyans to stand together to support victims and their families.

Bishop Dan Rangili echoed the sentiments, emphasising the importance of community solidarity in supporting those who have lost loved on
es or sustained injuries due to the flooding.

He encouraged Kenyans to exercise caution and work together to mitigate the risks posed by the heavy rains.

Migori County has also been affected by the raging floods, especially in Nyatike Sub County where various homes, beaches and schools have been partially submerged in the water.

According to the Migori Red Cross Situational Report of April 26, flooding has affected numerous communities, including Nyora, Aneko, Modi, Angugo, Kabuto, Makongeni and Gingo villages forcing residents to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in safer areas within their communities.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru County has today commenced the draining of Moricho Dam in Visoi Ward, Rongai Sub-County, to reduce the potential of the dam overflowing, which could result in the damage to properties and loss of life due to the heavy rains and the overflow from Baringo hills.

This decision comes as the dam which is a source of water for farmers, pastoralists and residents across Rongai Sub-County, reached its full capacity due to the recent heavy downpours experienced throughout the country.

According to the Rongai Sub county Water Officer Paul Muhuhe the resolution underscores the implementation of precautionary measures against flood-related disasters as recently witnessed in Mai Mahiu.

Muhuhe said similar inspections and necessary interventions have been carried out at other dams, including Nyenda and Kwa Njane in Turi Ward, Molo Sub- County, as well as Tuyotich Dam in Rongai, which are also undergoing spillway enhancements.

Additionally, he said the County will continue draining other dams at risk of overflow
ing to mitigate possible disasters and prevent any damage to properties and loss of lives.

The dams which are spread all over pastoralists areas are likely to turn into calamities since most of the times they are not maintained and a number of them are full of siltation.

A pastoralist from the area, Peter Rotich said the life of herders is always at the mercy of nature, since during droughts they lose livestock due to lack of pasture while floods make the animals sick and expensive to treat, and young ones get carried away by storm water.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Over 1, 000 ailing Weitethie residents in Juja Subcounty have thronged an eye clinic camp at Zetech University, Mang’u campus to at least access medical care amidst the ongoing strike by medics.

The residents took advantage of the exercise organised by the university and other stakeholders to at least access medical services for other ailments following weeks of suffering at their homes due to lack of treatment.

Zetech Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna said they had targeted to have at least 300 people but over 1,000 flocked their institution something she attributes to the effects of the ongoing strike.

While calling for a truce between striking doctors and the government to end the strike, Prof Njuguna said the high turnout at the camp shows that many ailing Kenyans are suffering in their homes for lack of treatment.

She said many area residents live below the poverty line and could not afford treatment in private hospitals thus a dire need for more free medical camps.

The exercise was adminis
tered by the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, and the Christian Blind Mission, at the institution’s Mang’u Technology Park.

According to statistics by the Christian Blind Mission’s Vision Impact Project, more than 7.5million Kenyans are in need of eye care services.

This is despite only 1.6 million people being able to avail themselves for these crucial services.

Juja Sub County Public Health Officer Anne Mwangi said eye sight challenges need to be addressed through regular screening.

She called on the youth to avoid exposing themselves to intense light especially on their mobile phones and television as a preventive measure.

Ms Mwangi however acknowledged systemic challenges, including workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and inadequate financing, which have historically marginalised those in need of eye care.

Residents welcomed the initiative saying they at least got to understand their health better.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The county government of Nyeri has acquired ownership of 322 motor vehicles and motorbikes valued at Sh 3 billion previously owned by the Karatina, Nyeri, and Othaya Municipal Councils.

The handover marks the beginning of the process of transferring assets, valuation reports, and registers of valuables-previously owned by the defunct municipal councils to county governments.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the governor’s office, Dr. Perminus Nyaga, a member of the Inter-Governmental Relation Technical Committee (IGRTC), said that the process is also in line with the ‘resources follow functions’ mantra and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

According to Dr. Nyaga, the process also actualizes the resolution of the 10th National and County Governments Coordinating Summit held in February 2023, where it was resolved that the State Department for Devolution and IGRTC would coordinate the transfer of assets to county governments.

He noted that the exercise took a phased approach where IGRTC
partnered with other state departments and the county governments for the valuation of the plant, motor vehicles, and equipment.

He at the same time urged the county governments to ensure the valued assets are updated in the county asset registers and the recommendations in the handing over report are implemented to safeguard and protect the public assets.

‘The county government of Nyeri, with its legal ownership, will now be able to do whatever they choose with the assets. And seeing that the assets have already been valued, the finance department of the county will be able to take up the values and include them in their balance sheets, which is a requirement of the Public Finance Management Act,’ said Dr. Nyaga.

Additionally, Dr. Nyaga also challenged the county to establish an asset disposal committee in line with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act to fast-track disposing of some of the obsolete assets held in various yards and parking lots. Additionally, he said that the valuation for fixed assets
, which will cover parcels of land and buildings, is still in progress and plans are underway to complete the pending work.

‘These assets belong to them; therefore, the functions that have been delineated and transferred to local authorities will follow the same route. There will be a transfer of resources, including land, buildings, and many other accessories, from the national government to the county governments,’ he said.

Speaking after receiving the assets, Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri welcomed the move and called for the process of transferring the remaining assets to be expedited to allow counties to chart the way forward on the fate of the assets.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kwale Governor Fatuma Mohamed Achani has hailed President William Ruto for appointing Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed as the first woman service commander.

President Ruto promoted Major General Fatuma to Kenya Air Force Commander, becoming the first-ever woman service commander to occupy the position in the military top brass.

‘I send my warmest congratulations to Major General Fatuma on her promotion as Kenya Air Force Commander,’ said Achani.

Achani who is the first female Governor from the coastal region noted that the new air force service commander is an inspiration to the girl child and all women in leadership positions.

The coastal county boss said the appointment of Maj- Gen Fatuma marks an important milestone and is seen as a promise fulfilled by President Ruto in ensuring inclusivity and gender equity in public service.

Maj-Gen Fatuma joined the military in 1983 serving under the Women Service Corps a woman-only outfit that operated as a separate entity from the other main arms of the defence forces before
it was disbanded in 1999 and its members allowed to join the main military services – the navy, air force and army.

She termed the military appointment as an opportunity to engage and empower women on transformational leadership and governance.

Governor Achani also noted that the inclusivity of women serving in high-ranking positions will amplify the voice of women on national and gender issues which will create a platform for networking, enhance transformational approach towards leadership and offer mentorship growth for young women and girls.

She said the victory of seven women governors in the August 2022 general election was a testament to the changing narrative of leadership in Kenya where women are seen and recognised as equal stakeholders in building the nation.

Achani says the seven women governors in the country dubbed the G7 have launched a strategy to increase the number of female governors from 7 to at least 16 in the 2027 general elections. ‘We as women leaders should continue to stand by one
another and celebrate the remarkable achievements we have attained since inception of devolution,’ said Achani.

President Ruto as the Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces also promoted Lieutenant General Charles Muriu Kahariri to the rank of General and appointed him Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

The new CDF now takes over the post left vacant following the death of General Francis Ogolla in a helicopter crash.

At the same time, the current Kenya Army Commander, Major General John Mugaravai Omenda, has been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and named Vice Chief of Defence Forces.

Other appointments include that of Major General Thomas Ng’ang’a, currently Kenya Navy commander, to the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration and Finance, at the National Defence University-Kenya.

Ng’ang’a, will now be replaced by Major General Paul Owuor Otieno, who takes over as the new navy chief.

Source: Kenya News Agency