Day: October 19, 2023

The Judicial Service Commission has rolled out the Small Claims Court in Malaba of Busia County to ease the process of justice administration for residents and reduce the backlog of cases at the Resident Magistrate court. This comes three months after Malaba Law Court was operationalised hastening the access to justice by residents of Teso North, Teso South and Teso Central sub counties who had to pay heavily to get justice at Busia High Court before then. Speaking to the press the Deputy Registrar of Small Claims Courts Susan Gitonga noted that already JSC has established 22 small claims courts in the country with 15 others to be rolled out next month. ‘A Small Claim Court is a subordinate court in line with Article 169(1)(d) of the Constitution and established under Section 4 (1) of the Small Claims Act No. 2 of 2016 and has jurisdiction over civil claims whose subject matter does not exceed Kenya Shillings One Million (Sh1,000,000),’ said Gitonga. The main objective of the establishment of these courts is to enhance access to and expeditious delivery of justice as envisioned under article 48 of the constitution. ‘The court has jurisdiction over civil claims relating to contract for sale and supply of goods and services, contract relating to money held and received, liability in tort in respect of loss or damage of any property, compensation for personal injuries claims and set-off and counterclaim under any contract,’ she added. Similar sentiments were echoed by Malaba Resident Magistrate Ocharo Momanyi who noted that so far since establishment of Small Claims Courts, 34,000 cases have been registered of which 29,000 have been attended resulting in Sh6.5 billion paid out to the complainants. ‘Malaba is very strategic to the hundreds of residents from three subcounties owing to the fact that we also handle numerous traffic cases due to the fact that Malaba Highway being the gateway to East and Central Africa,’ noted magistrate Momanyi. The operationalisation of the SCCs is also aimed at the creation of a people-centric approach to access to justice by affording the citizenry justice services that were accessible, inclusive, efficient, timely and responsive to specific access needs of particular groups likely to suffer from social and economic disadvantage. Initially Teso North residents residing at Changara had to pay over Sh1500 to hire bodaboda motorbike operators to attend court proceedings in Busia. Today Busia, Mandera, Moyale and Taita Taveta benefited with the addition of SCCs in effort to streamline administration of justice. ‘It had largely been observed that hefty court fees, complexity of procedures and delays in determination of cases contributed to barriers to access to justice more so to the marginalized, vulnerable and those with complex needs,’ added Gitonga. It is notable that the operationalization of the Small Claims Courts has enhanced access to justice by expanding the reach of the formal justice system and facilitated access to justice for a category of claimants who were previously unable to access mainstream judicial services for various reasons.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Roam Motors has ushered in the Roam Move Electric Shuttle Bus which promises a quieter, cleaner and more economical way to get around the city. Roam Move is the second bus type by the company, the first being the Roam Rapid, their electric mass transit bus. ‘We are thrilled to officially launch the Roam Move bus operation that introduces an innovative, sustainable transportation solution to the city of Nairobi,’ said Dennis Wakaba, Country Sales Executive at Roam. ‘Our mission is to enhance urban mobility while minimizing environmental impact, and the Roam Move is a prime example of that commitment. We believe this will revolutionize the way people travel within the city making it convenient and eco-friendly,’ he added. Wakaba said the move was prompted by the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint generated by the transport sector. With its partners such as Riara Schools, KBS Sacco, Virginia Coach, Zamzam Sacco and Good Testimony Schools, they have chosen to be a part of a sustainable urban transportation solution that will benefit the environment and the community. Roam Move has also partnered with Kenya Power to support the development of the immobility ecosystem by the identification of site protected charging stations and developing prerequisite geo-mapping software to enable users to locate the nearby charging station. NCBA bank, one of its current financiers has aided support to Roam Move to ensure environmentally, pricing initiative to drive change to the world. ‘NCBA has offered to finance the electric vehicle up to 80 percent cost for a maximum period of five years and one percent processing theme of the total finance amount,’ said Elizabeth Karanja, the General Manager, Asset Finance NCBA bank. Notably, the Roam Move has a carrying capacity of 51 passengers and a range of 200 km and it guarantees a noise pollution free and zero emission experience which will benefit the passengers and the community that it will serve. Roam is a technology company which was founded in 2017 and was the first company to deliver locally produced electric motorcycles and buses. With over 200 employees, Roam is today the leading provider of electric vehicles in Africa and was recently a 2022 Finalist in Prince Williams Earthshot Prize.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Narok County Government has acquired road construction machinery worth Sh1.48 billion to facilitate the opening up of roads and carrying out routine maintenance. Speaking at Ole Ntimama Stadium during his one-year anniversary celebrations, Governor Mr. Patrick Ntutu said the county government has initiated road construction and maintenance projects that connect communities and foster economic growth. ‘This far, we have been able to cover a total of 1,675 kilometers of roads within the county, and we have acquired road construction machinery worth Sh1.48 billion,’ said Ntutu. He said that the county procured graders, tippers, lorries, excavators, rollers and fuel trucks that will be used to open up road networks in all the 30 wards in the county. The Governor said procuring the construction equipment is an effort towards the improvement of transportation services within the County. ‘Through this, there will be easy access to markets and creation of job opportunities for the residents,’ added Ntutu. Ntutu also highlighted that the county government has the budget for increased essential medicines and medical supplies from Sh120 million to Sh360 million per annum. He said the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with County Governments, intends to actualize the Presidential Manifesto of Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) in the spirit of leaving no one behind through Universal Health Coverage (UHC). UHC, said the Governor, will ensure that all people have access to the full range of quality health services that they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. Further, the County boss revealed that his administration has disbursed over Sh 400 million to the Education Department which has benefited 40,000 students in Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions. Ntutu also noted that the county government has taken several measures to increase water supply with water coverage having risen from the previous 47 per cent to 75 per cent. The Governor said Narok County Government has been ranked third countrywide in own source revenue generation and second on improved revenue collection with revenue collection having grown from Sh1.3 billion to Sh 3.1 billion in one year. Further, the Governor noted that the county government has digitized the revenue collection payment systems with a view of tightening cash pilferage loopholes and ensuring zero tolerance to corruption in the county. The occasion was graced by Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Otichilo, Bomet Governor, Prof. Hillary Barchok and East African Legislative Member of Parliament Mr. David Sankok. Other leaders present were Narok North MP Ms Agnes Pareyio, County Woman Representative Ms. Rebecca Tonkei, Narok South MP Mr. Kiti Lai Ntutu, Kilgoris MP Mr. Julius Sunkuli, Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit and Narok County Commissioner Mr. Isaac Masinde.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Mzee Joel Kipsoo Mutai, a revered hero in Kericho County popular for his passion in bettering environment, education and farming has been laid to rest just a few days to the 2023 Mashujaa Day celebrations, which is a special day for Kenyans to honour and celebrate all persons who have contributed positively and significantly to the Kenyan society. Hundreds of residents turned up to bid farewell to the venerable centenarian who championed environmental conservation and equal education opportunities for both boys and girls in his community. The late Mzee Kipsoo who lived 118 years has also been celebrated for his astute tea farming skills and passion which has been an inspiration for generations. According to Agnes Mutai, (one of his daughters) the late Mzee Kipsoo was the first farmer to be licensed to practice tea farming in Kericho and has for years trained and inspired the youth to engage in tea growing. Ms Mutai who is also a leader in the Naona Governmental Organisation in Kenya revealed that her father who cherished education graduated from Kabianga Farmers Training Centre in 1977 where he pursued a course in Tea farming and Animal husbandry. ‘He had his own black board at home where he taught us various academic subjects, in fact he constructed a desk using locally available materials such as carton boxes. The desk is in the archives to-date at Keben primary and secondary school as evidence of his art work,’ added Ms Mutai. Ms Mutai also mentioned that her late father advocated for planting and maintaining of indigenous trees and sensitised the community on significance of creating a clean safe environment. ‘He also invented the first Water-powered Poshomill which was driven by river water to grind the maize and millet during the First World War, following disasters of war and hunger,’ Ms Mutai added. As Kenya celebrates the 60th Mashujaa Day, Mzee Kipsoo is also celebrated posthumously as a hero who made a difference by transforming the lives of many in Kericho County. He is survived by six children, 26 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. This year’s national Mashujaa celebrations are being held at Kericho Green Stadium where various persons regarded as heroes due to their positive contribution to the society will be recognised and honoured by President William Ruto who will be the chief guest.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Turkana County Government and Kenya Medical Supplies Authority – KEMSA have reaffirmed their commitment to enter a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will span three years. The revised MoU reflects the collaboration between the county and KEMSA, to ensure essential medicines and medical supplies are accessible to the people. This also furthers the universal healthcare agenda. A notable revision in the renewed MoU is the extension of the credit period from the previous 30 days to a more flexible 90 days. This adjustment allows the Department of Health and Sanitation to reduce late payments. Speaking during a meeting with KEMSA representative, County Executive of Health and Sanitation, Dr Anthony Apalia, welcomed the credit period extension and added that a justifiable late payment would not hinder the placement of orders. ‘We commend KEMSA for its efforts in visiting health facilities. However, I urge them to prioritise visits to the hard-to-reach areas to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s unique needs,’ he said. Dr Gilchrist Lokoel, the County Chief Officer for Medical Services, requested KEMSA to further improve its feedback mechanism, particularly when essential items are temporarily out of stock. ‘This enhanced communication will enable the county to place timely orders through alternative channels, such as the MEDS (Mission for Essential Drugs and Supplies),’ Chief Officer Lokoel said. In line with these recommendations, both Dr Apalia and Dr Lokoel encouraged KEMSA to consider engaging in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities that would benefit the local community. The Ag Director for Health Products and Technologies, Dr David Moru, revealed that the Directorate was exploring the possibility of placing additional orders for sub-county hospitals. He explained that the hospitals have higher workloads and often support other facilities with supplies. Furthermore, Dr Brian Muyokani, the County Pharmacist, urged KEMSA to enhance their fill rate to ensure timely and complete fulfilment of orders, thus maintaining a consistent supply of essential medicines and medical supplies. Zaccheaus Muya Lutomia, County Sales and Marketing Officer for the North Rift Region (KEMSA), underlined that the new revised MoU includes terms that would significantly improve service delivery to the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has recovered 18 hectares of public land in Kisumu County which had been illegally acquired by a private investor. EACC Chief Executive Officer Mr. Twalib Mbarak when speaking in Kisumu County on Wednesday confirmed that the repossessed land valued at Sh.2 billion belonged to the expansive Kibuye market. ‘The Commission commenced investigations on February 16 this year upon receipt of a distress call from Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o reporting that the market had been fraudulently acquired by an individual who was demanding a payment of Sh.7 billion to relinquish the market or he evicts the traders,’ Mbarak said. The prime land was recovered after the anti-graft body filed a case in the Kisumu Environment and Land Court against the perpetrator. Traders at the Kibuye Market during the visit by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission CEO Mr. Twalib Mbarak and Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o. Kibuye market has served a population from Nyanza, Western and Rift Valley regions since 1971 and is a source of income for over 5,000 traders. It is one of the largest markets in East and Central Africa. Nyong’o assured residents that his government has teamed up with the National Land Commission (NLC) and the EACC to recover all stolen public land and property in illegal hands. ‘With the help of EACC and the NLC, we shall fearlessly and mercilessly crack down on the land barons. Cartels and brokers must surrender before we go for them,’ said Nyong’o. The County Boss lamented that irregular allocations and land grabbing have negatively impacted the growth of the lakeside city. He pointed out that the land-grabbing crisis has highly affected land spaces that had been earmarked for pathways, parking spaces, sewer lines, drainage systems, playgrounds, development of ECDE Centres, health facilities and affordable housing. In Kisumu alone, the EACC has recovered other strategic public assets constituting the Taifa Park measuring 1.5 acres valued at Sh 500 million, three properties belonging to the Judiciary valued at Sh 940 million and over 20 parcels of land belonging to the Kenya Railways Corporation valued at approximately Sh 2 billion. Others include prime land in the Milimani area that was used to build the County Speaker’s residence and another parcel that was earmarked for the expansion of the Kisumu Water and Sanitation Company Limited (KIWASCO) water treatment plant. EACC is also seeking to recover 105 HA in the Kibos area that was set aside for the establishment of Kisumu Industrial Park. ‘Besides the grabbing cartels, Kisumu is also home to people who hold on to and personalize public property with impunity. We appeal to those holding onto illegally acquired government land in Milimani, Kibos, Migosi and Kanyakwar areas to surrender them,’ said Nyong’o.

Source: Kenya News Agency