Day: November 11, 2023

Butula Member of Parliament Joseph Oyula has urged residents to join a cooperative society to benefit from numerous grants and empowerment funds from both national and county governments and boost their businesses. Speaking at Butula Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) grounds, when he issued the Sh4 million Uwezo Fund to 20 groups, Oyula challenged the residents to embrace the habit of investing their earnings in constructive business to pull the out of the poverty bracket. ‘The government has so many loans and grants at low interest rates, compared to other financial institutions, so let us grab the opportunity to get ourselves out of poverty,’ he said. The MP underscored the need to sensitize residents on developing saving habits and purposeful borrowing from the Uwezo Fund and other government kitties with a view to improving their living standards. ‘We are way behind when it comes to taking loans, many residents here fear the risk, when it comes to investment. Lack of sensitization has denied people massive opportunities to get grants and they end up in the hands of shylock,’ he decried. The MP announced plans to launch a grassroots campaign to educate residents on sound financial literacy to boost their saving habits. On climate change, Oyula said he will lead a tree planting campaign on Monday the 13th to ensure the constituency does not miss out on the important tree planting campaign. ‘We must plant more trees to conserve our water catchment areas and mitigate the effects of global warming which has altered the weather pattern worldwide,’ added Oyula. The MP now wants the government to open up the constituency, which is rich in edible oils cultivation from its unique soil topography and climate. ‘Butula resident has the greatest potential for producing groundnuts, sesame, and sunflower on a large scale if the government can only find ready markets, which will boost the morale of residents who engage in this kind of farming,’ he noted.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government has assured the nation that it has taken all the necessary measures to reduce the negative impact of the rains that have caused havoc in more than 19 Counties in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASAL) and non-ASAL areas. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said the rains have cut off some sections of roads in Wajir, Isiolo, Mandera, Marsabit, Tana River and, Garissa counties among others, thereby reducing access to various parts of the country. He noted that in the last few weeks, many parts of the country have been receiving more than normal rains, which he noted has threatened the lives and livelihoods of residents living especially downstream, where several rivers have reportedly burst their banks due to rising water levels. ‘Families have been displaced, especially in Northern Kenya and downstream in areas like Tana River. We face the risk of rivers breaking their banks,’ he stated and urged people to be on the lookout. Gachagua at the same time announced that the government is in the process of documenting missing persons, lost livestock, and the crops destroyed by the rains, and assured that the data will be made public once confirmed. Speaking at Harambee House Annex on the current flood situation in the country, the DP said the government was working with other partners through the National Emergency Response Committee to reduce the negative impact of the rains. ‘All necessary resources will be deployed to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of our People and their property,’ he assured. The DP cited the deployment of aircraft to evacuate the marooned families to safe grounds, and delivery of the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examinations to areas disconnected by the damaged roads and the supply of safe and clean water, and addressing other sanitation concerns in the various rescue centres as some the measures the government has taken. The government is also monitoring the progress of the rain patterns to avert catastrophic outcomes besides providing security response around the clock. He said the government in collaboration with development partners, counties, and other key agencies, is distributing food that includes maize, rice, beans cooking oil, and non-food items to tens of families affected to reduce their suffering. ‘We have activated multi-agency teams and mobilized technical and financial resources for easier response,’ he stated. The DP mentioned that the Emergency Response Committee is coordinating a consolidated approach for efficiency and effective action to prevent duplication of the response and to ensure that no place or person is left behind. He said the ministries of Health and Agriculture are also on the ground monitoring the situation to prevent possible outbreaks of animal diseases, adding that mobile health facilities have been placed in areas where infrastructure has been destroyed or marooned. To avert adverse effects, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is running an operation centre at the KDF Headquarters, while the Ministry of Roads and Transport is undertaking Emergency repair and rehabilitation of roads to improve access, and unclogging waterways and other drainage systems. The DP said with weather projections pointing to possible prolonged rains up to the First Quarter of 2024, the government will share safety messaging, especially sensitization of communities living in lowlands and landslide-prone areas to evacuate to safer grounds. ‘We are sharing distress call numbers to the public to ensure the people can report and ask for swift assistance in case of emergencies,’ he added. Gachagua appealed to development partners to enhance their support and the private sector to complement the government’s interventions by setting aside and dedicating more resources. He also called upon the counties to reallocate resources for the emergency and humanitarian organizations, counties and development partners, other stakeholders, and communities to continue working as a team in order to prevent escalation of the humanitarian situation.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In response to the imminent threat posed by heavy rains and the risk of flooding, Bunyala Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Dr. Paul Papa has issued an alert urging residents to evacuate to higher grounds as a precautionary measure. The move comes after the meteorological department forecasted intense rainfall over the next few days amid fears of possible flash floods in low-lying areas, warning residents over the looming disaster by taking proactive steps to ensure they were safe during the deluge. Speaking to the residents of Bunyala Sub County, Dr. Papa, stressed the urgency of the situation and directed the Chiefs and their Assistants to advice the community to move to higher grounds, since the region started experiencing rising water levels after river Nzoia burst her banks. ‘Our primary concern is the safety of our residents. Given the forecasted heavy rains and the increased risk of flooding, I urge the Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs to strongly advise all residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to evacuate to higher grounds immediately,’ he stated. The DCC added that the already that Bunyala South and Bunyala central wards have been submerged in water with crops and some houses having been destroyed. Dr. Papa is now calling on the disaster department and Non-Governmental Organizations to intervene and provide support to offer transport, health services and relief food to the floods victims. ‘In order to mitigate the destruction caused by floods, we ask for assistance from the government in partnership with Non-Governmental Organizations to help relocate affected families and the provision of both health and relief food to the victims,’ he said. He said emergency shelters will be set up at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga construction site, equipped with essential supplies, including food, water, and medical assistance. Local law enforcement and emergency services are on high alert and prepared to assist with the evacuation process. Already water level at River Nzoia is at the height of 3.9m and the security team in partnership with the office of area MP has identified 10 boats to help evacuate affected families. ‘Please do not underestimate the potential danger of the upcoming weather conditions. If you are in a low-lying area, it is crucial that you evacuate to higher grounds without delay. Your safety is our top priority,’ emphasized Dr. Paul Papa Authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. Residents are advised to follow official instructions and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety and the safety of their families during this period of heightened risk.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Twenty-four women groups drawn from Kiharu constituency, Murang’a have been issued with Uwezo Fund cheques amounting to Sh22.9 million. Four of the groups were each issued with a Sh200,000 during the occasion held in Murang’a town and presided by the county Women Representative Betty Maina. Some of the groups, accessing money for the first time from the kitty managed to get between Sh60,000 and Sh160, 0000. Maina lauded the groups which have previously benefited from Uwezo Fund saying the repayment rate at Kiharu constituency stands at about 50 percent. Uwezo Fund that’s mainly supports organized groups is normally coordinated by offices of the respective members of parliament across constituencies and that of the county women representatives. The money, Maina said, is targeted to boost income generating projects, while cautioning the beneficiaries against investing in activities, which may not help them generate any returns. The women representative noted that the funds are meant for repayment at the end of the stipulated grace period and advised the women to venture more into agriculture. ‘This money is not meant to buy household items or to cater for personal expenses, but the main purpose is to enable beneficiaries to start income-generating projects or boost the already existing businesses,’ she explained. Maina observed that currently, many parts of the county were receiving ample rains saying the groups could consider venturing into horticulture. ‘Agriculture-related projects can perform well with the current rains. Soon fodder for livestock will be plenty and also growing of vegetables among other crops remains viable,’ she added. The women representative called upon youths and women in the area to continue forming or joining groups so as to benefit from the Uwezo Fund and other government kitties. ‘The Kenya Kwanza government is committed to supporting small and medium enterprises through the provision of various funds. However, most of these funds can only be accessed through groups and I appeal to residents of Murang’a to either form groups, or join the existing ones so as to benefit,’ implored Maina. During the same occasion, one youth group and two individuals benefited from cheques from the Youth Fund amounting to Sh4.7 million. The recipient youths have been operating various enterprises, thus qualifying for individual funding from the Youth Fund.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has called upon environment stakeholders to put more effort in restoring the degraded ecosystem in the country by engaging in massive tree-planting initiatives to replenish lost forest cover. Tuya said such initiatives would ensure that the country achieved the target of planting and growing at least 15 billion trees by 2032 to plough back the effects of climate change, attributed to the erratic and extreme weather patterns experienced globally in recent times. ‘There should be no boundaries in forest conservation, it is not only for Kenya Forest Service (KFS) business, but also County governments, community Forest service, and citizens to conserve the environment,’ she said during the commissioning of tree planting at Kiu wetlands in MaKindu Sub County, Makueni County. ‘We have already 150,000 trees to be planted here at Kiu and we are also receiving more of support from stakeholders in the tree planting project, which will also provide casual jobs to young people and women who are expected to nurture the growth of the tree seedlings planted during the exercise’ she added. The CS said at least 30% of 15 billion trees that will be grown are fruit trees and encouraged residents to plant fruit trees in their farms to address food and nutritional needs of the citizens. ‘Our pastoralist should also plant fodder trees and they should not necessarily have to cut the trees to feed the animals,’ she added. Tuya added that the government had put in place the measures to take care of the environment and forest. ‘We are setting up a full-fledged unit with a toll-free number of 0800 724 570 for reporting in real-time information about people who are misusing our environment,’ she added. The CS urged the residents to take the tree planting exercise seriously, adding that the forest cover would drastically reduce cases of floods, ravages of climate change and boost food security. The county Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jnr. however, stressed on the need for better collaboration with KFS to enhanced conservation of the forest cover in Makueni. He suggested that the communities should be incorporated in selling tree seedlings, planting and taking care of them to generate income.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has called on the national government to deploy intelligence-based disarmament strategies to succeed in riding off guns from the wrong hands in the North Rift. Rotich said with the correct intelligence report, security agencies will easily map out illegal gun wielders and ask them to surrender to authorities and help in identifying the ones who fail to surrender. The governor advised against forced mop-up of illegal firearms, saying the strategy was unpopular because innocent people were victimized when security officers undertook a blanket crackdown on communities where the gunmen lived. Speaking when he received the Senate Committee on National Security, Defense, and Foreign Relations at his office, the governor said illegal arms have continued to be the major catalysts of conflicts in the Kerio Valley. Rotich told the committee led by their chair and the Baringo Senator William Cheptumo that while there has been relative calm following the government’s intervention, peace is yet to be restored with residents still possessing firearms. ‘With residents still possessing firearms, any small disagreement between individuals is resolved by using the guns which in turn results in a full-scale war between communities living in the area,’ he said. The governor called for equipping the security personnel with the necessary equipment to enable them to respond effectively saying criminals in the area had more sophisticated equipment than the security personnel. Rotich called for the use of technology, citing the use of drones in the patrol of the vast area and also the use of microchips on livestock which will help in tracking them whenever there is a raid. He added that there was the need to adjudicate land in the area so that each person would fence their portions thus blocking the routes used by criminals adding that the government should consider the construction of schools, especially in Tiaty Sub County in the neighbouring Baringo County. On his part, the county commissioner John Korir called on the government to pay police reservists saying without money they can misuse the firearms as they are armed and demoralized. He appealed to the government to reinstate the payment of stipends to peace committee members who perform a vital role in engaging communities wherever there is a raid. On his part, Cheptumo called on the county governments to complement the government’s efforts in funding security activities. However, Rotich said the county was constrained in terms of resources saying out of the sh.4 billion the county receives, Sh3 billion is consumed by recurrent expenditure, while the Sh1 billion for development is allocated to the 20 wards in the county. He called on the committee to engage the Commission on Revenue Allocation to consider allocating more funds to counties dealing with insecurity. Other senators who attended the meeting included the Vice Chair Karen Nyamu (nominated) and Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo) and the host William Kisang (Elgeyo Maraket).

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government has launched Phase Four and Five of the Last Mile County Connectivity Project (LMCCP), which seeks to enhance accessibility to the internet through the National Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI). The project, which was officially unveiled at the Machakos County Commissioner’s office by the Head of Civil Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, will see connection of 455 sites, both primary and secondary schools, across various government offices at the county headquarters during phase four of the project. ‘The phase will also entail installation of 78 kilometers of fibre optic and the installation of indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots, which will serve as access points for public Wi-Fi hotspots to amplify digital accessibility to the citizens,’ said Koskei. Speaking at the Machakos University when he delivered his keynote speech, the Head of Civil Service said phase five of the LMCCP will extend to the sub counties to ensure that the most remote regions of the country are integrated in the digital landscape. ‘The goal is to connect 660 sites across 110 sub counties to ensure inclusivity and equitable access to digital resources. This ambitious programme will deploy an additional 102 kilometers of fibre and strategically positioned Wi-Fi hotspots to nurture innovation and empower local communities to thrive in the digital age,’ he added. Koskei noted that LMCCP is anchored on the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) which aims to accelerate economic activities and facilitate the efficient delivery of government services across the country. ‘The government is committed to leveraging technology as a catalyst for sustainable development and inclusive growth, which will propel Kenya into a prosperous and a digitally empowered country for all,” said the Head of Civil Service. He hailed the project, terming it as a monumental step towards propelling Kenya into a new era of technological advancement and inclusive development. ‘LMCCP signifies a giant leap in our commitment to bridge the digital divide and ensure that every Kenyan regardless of their location has access to efficient and reliable government services,’ he said. At the same time, Koskei reiterated the need for the country to make more investments in increased connectivity and digital technologies to respond to unemployment and economic recovery. ‘As it stands, there is an increasingly overburdened and fragmented digital infrastructure reducing reliability and performance. However, deployment of 100,000 kilometres of NOFBI to ensure connectivity across the 47 counties is one of the interventions being made to address the digital divide,’ he added. On his part, Information, Communications and The Digital Economy CS Eliud Owalo, while speaking at the same event, stated that the government has implemented the project across the 47 counties as part of the digital superhighway. Owalo added that through the project, government offices both at the county and sub-county levels can now receive internet services such as inter-county communication, IFMIS, and video conferencing among others. ‘Some of the departments that are connected at the county level include Interior, Education, Kenya News Agency, Treasury, Judiciary, hospitals and prisons,” said the CS. He further emphasized that inter-county communications will improve communication among government officers and create efficiency in the delivery of services. On the other hand, ICT and Digital Economy PS Eng. John Tanui disclosed that the digital economy constitutes 18 percent of the country’s GDP. ‘The digital economy is also growing 2.5 times faster than the physical economy. LMCCP will ensure that no Kenyan is left behind in this fast-growing digital space,’ said Tanui. Earlier on, the Head of Civil service had launched the Jitume lab at the Machakos University and Machakos Technical Institute for the blind. Others in attendance included Technical and Vocational Education and Training PS Dr. Esther Muoria, her counterparts Veronica Nduva (Performance and Delivery Management), Teresia Mbaika (Devolution), Chair Parliamentary committee on ICT and Dagoretti MP John Kiarie and Machakos Town MP Caleb Mule.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenyans have been urged to invest their idle cash in secure and liquid collective funds management companies which will enable them to beat the rising inflation by earning a decent return on investment. KUZA Assets Management company CEO James Mose said that the company saw a market potential whereby there was an alarming amount of idle deposits sitting in commercial banks, yet they can be invested in such a way that they do not break a schedule, but work towards preserving the capital. Speaking during the KUZA Assets Management launch of its strategic plan, Mose said that as an investment company, they have come up with strategies on how to make sure that people’s investments are well taken care of and well managed so as to bring about benefits to the investors in the future. ‘The company which is located in Nairobi was founded in 2021 and we offer bespoke investment solutions. The company is licensed by the Capital Market Authority (CMA) and the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) as a fund manager,’ explained Mose. He said that currently the company has funds under management totaling Sh650 million and based on their projections, they see themselves hitting the Sh.1 billion mark before the end of this year. Mose said that collective investment schemes in Kenya all combined at the end of June 2023 was Sh.176 billion which is not even ten percent of the idle cash sitting in banks. He continued: ‘We need to do better to get funds under management reaching at least Sh.1 Trillion.’ Mose said that since about 11 percent of the Kenyan population is Muslim, the company has come up with a Sharia-compliant program available for all Muslims and non-Muslims. He explained that KUZA specializes in offering various investment options that are expertly crafted to address different client profiles while taking time to understand their key needs such as capital preservation, capital growth, and diversification among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Makueni Acting County Commissioner (CC) Moses Gicharu has appealed to the residents in the area to stop crossing flooded rivers as they risk being swept away by raging waters due to increased rainfall pounding the area. The appeal comes at a time when a man believed to have been drunk lost his life, while two other people were rescued Saturday after a vehicle they were traveling in, was swept away by the raging waters of river Muatineni, along the Sultan Hamud-kasikeu road. ‘Last night, the deceased John Mbelezi from Kitindini village, was swept by floods and his body has been retrieved and taken to Kilungu Sub-county hospital mortuary for preservation,’ said the Makueni County Red Cross Coordinator Evans Peter. The two occupants of the vehicle a man (30) and a woman (19) were rushed to Sultan Hamud Sub County Hospital, where they being treated for shock after they were rescued by the County Emergency Response team. ‘I appeal to the residents of Makueni to avoid crossing rivers as you cannot tell the magnitude of the water just by looking. They should wait for the water to subside or use an alternative route to avert loss of lives,’ warned Gicharu while speaking to KNA one phone. He further said that the ill-fated saloon car is still marooned next to the bridge and it is yet to be removed from the scene of the incident saying motorists should use alternative roads. ‘I urge motorists using our roads to find alternative ones instead of risking to cross flooded rivers,’ observed the administrator. Meanwhile, two bodies of men swept away by raging waters on River Kavuti four days ago are yet to be retrieved. I am appealing to the police to help us with the police dogs to help in retrieving the bodies when the water subsides,’ said the Red Cross Coordinator.

Source: Kenya News Agency

At least 110,000 tree seedlings will be planted by various stakeholders in Kisii County to mark the National Tree Growing Day slated for November 13. The County Commissioner Tom Anjere speaking to the press in Kisii town, noted preparations for the day had been completed by the multi-agency committee tasked with the mobilization of resources, particularly sourcing for seedlings and the areas they will be planted. ‘I am appealing to the residents of Kisii to come out in large numbers and plant trees to demonstrate their commitment towards working with the government in an effort to combat climate change,’ he urged. Anjere encouraged members of the public to plant a minimum of two trees, adding that 20,000 seedlings will be planted at Nyansaria Hills in Kisii South Sub County, another 10,000 seedlings will be planted at Nyangweta forest, while the rest of them will be distributed across the various sub-counties in the county. The county commissioner noted there will be no interruption of the ongoing national KCSE exams as the students will take part in the tree planting exercise over the weekend as part of the county’s build-up activities towards the big day. Kisii County will mark the national celebrations at Nyansaria Hills in Kisii South Sub County and the ceremony will be presided over by the Information, Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary (CS) Eliud Owalo. The stakeholders expected to take part in the exercise include the Kisii County Government, Kenya Forest Service, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), banking institutions, business community, Non-Governmental Organizations and learning institutions among others. Earlier this week, the government through a gazette notice declared November 13 as the National Tree Growing Day, where the public is expected to engage in tree growing countrywide. The exercise is part of Kenya’s Landscape and Ecosystem Restoration Programme, aimed towards growing 15 billion trees by 2032.

Source: Kenya News Agency