Day: March 17, 2024

Chief Justice Martha Koome has assured that the recruitment of all judges will be done by an independent bodies in a fair and transparent manner that will also involve public participation.

In a speech read on her behalf by the Presiding Judge for Environmental and Land Courts Justice Oscar Angote during a Multi-Agency Good Governance Summit held at the Nairobi’s All Saints Cathedral,The CJ said the Judiciary had put up measures in place to make the recruitment process fair and transparent.

The Summit organized by Public Service Governance (PSG) attracted key stakeholders in the justice system including officials from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Director of Criminal Investigations, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission , Police Service among others .

The summit themed ‘Roadmap to Good Governance-Come Let us reason Together’ aims to bring the agencies together to discuss the reforms they are undertaking towards realization of Good Governance multi-agency summit to discuss the road map
to good governance to foster accountability, responsibility and transparency.

She said the Judiciary has taken members of the PSG summit through the reforms that the judiciary has put in place to meet the requirements of Article 10 which requires all state organs to abide by the principal of good governance and value.

Koome announced that the Judiciary performance is conducted annually to monitor the performance of judicial officers in their duties, adding that the Judiciary’s blueprint ensures that the citizenry easily access to justice.

‘The Judiciary resolution is to have a country that is able to run by the rule of law. We will be able to roll the PSG engagement to the county level,’ she stated.

Speaking at the event, PSG Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Esther Waringa said that PSG has embarked on a collective journey towards a future that is characterized by sustainability, progressiveness and realization of the governance solution for the nation under the banner of ‘Come let us reason together’.

She
noted that good governance revolves as a pivot that sustains development, economic stability and a country’s moral standards where education to all, affordable energy for home and business, affordable health care and food surplus, peace and security can only be achieved when the principles of good governances becomes a guiding light in all governance interventions.

Waringa said that United Nations considers good governance to be participatory, consensus oriented, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable and inclusive, as it stresses the rule of law which should be practiced to make public service excellent.

‘Public service is about serving and ensuring that public service governance gives the people a conducive environment to live in their great country of Kenya,’ She stated.

She said the summit brings the fore gaps that exist in governance structure across multi-sectoral agencies with a view to charting a path to better governance and envision a governance framework that not only serves
the interests of the governance but also lays a substantial foundation for generations to come.

‘PSG is guided by the principles of integrity, inclusivity, responsibility, accountability and the rule of law in navigating the intricate terrain of good governance,’ added the CEO.

Waringa urged the stakeholders to strive in building bridges of understanding and cooperation, and to transcend the boundaries that divide and unite PSG under the common purpose of serving the greater good.

The CEO added that transparency requires leaders to carry out their functions in an open manner in public, an issue she said gives an opportunity to scrutinize leadership decisions and enhance transparency as a check to good governance.

She encourage leaders to be accountable for the decisions they make during governance and also need to communicate within the law in order to safeguards against mal-administration and breach of fundamental rights of the citizens.

Waringa announced that PSG will reward champions of good governanc
e from various sectors in public and private sectors who will demonstrate absolute upholding of the principles of good governance in entirety.

‘PSG is ready to go an extra mile to introduce good governance awards at the end of every year to appreciate heroes of good governance, ‘she disclosed.

The CEO said state officers serving in the Public Service are appointed based on merit and capacity to deliver and are not dependent of the political dynamic of the nation in their development, noting while offering services they must be guided by their ministries policies on public service delivery.

The Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson ole Sapit said that in religion teaching and preaching good governance is a management of resources and people of which it ensures that the outcome of governance is harmony, progress and development.

‘If PSG tampers with good governance, the loss will be enormous,’ he said.

Ole Sapit noted that Kenyans will only prosper when those governing the citizenry and managing reso
urces ensure that there is equity and fairness across every sector.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The quest to ensure sustainable management of sanitation for the informal dwellers went a notch higher after a youth organization invented an affordable and modern eco friendlier toilet.

Vera Adhiambo Okumu, Director and Operation Manager at Sunwise Technologies said the eco-toilet was made using a set of plastics. The walls are made using 60 percent of crashed glass bottles and mixed with 40 percent sand to minimize the exploration of the already dilapidating natural resources like sand mining which has become a menace.

She told KNA that the youth organization was formed with the objective to research on simple and affordable sanitation Management practices to promote ecological sanitation saying

‘The tray collects human waste and inside it, we load it with Black Soldiers Fly (BSF) larvae which is a non-pest insect. The maggots we get when keep the BSF colony that lays eggs that are used to feed into the toilet to hatch and process the waste matter’ She explained

She said the BSF maggots were strategical
ly placed to eat and sterilize human waste to produce crass. After 14 days of their life cycle, we harvest the maggots before they turn into a fly, then we cede again as a continuous process,” clarified

Okumu who holds a degree in Public Health and a Masters in Sanitation both from Meru

University expressed fears that lack of employment among the youth and poor sanitation motivated the group to explore such avenues.

‘We developed the eco toilet concept waste management which is a bio-converter toilet; with a container just below the substructure which has a tray. We understand our needs and technology converts waste into a resource and a source of income,’ he added.

Okumu in an interview at the organizations Incubation Centre offices located at the Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO) Plant in Kasagam-Kisumu East attests that the by-products are beneficial and environmentally friendly.

She said based on their piloting and research, they know how much they should load the larvae and how long they
should check the progress because the byproducts are a cell conditioner and produce rich biomass of the larvae which can be used as animal feed formulations.

‘They have come to see our prototype toilet here and checked how it works. There is no smell in our toilets using this technology because the black soldier fly doesn’t give room for fermentation which promotes the smell. You can even relax beside it without smelling any bad odour,’ Ouko clarified.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Residents of Chasimba location in Kilifi South sub-county are divided over the proposed plans for multibillion Mashujaa Cement Company in the area which some arguing proper public participation was not undertaken.

A section of the villagers claimed that they were denied a chance to make informed decision saying the proposed 12.8 billion cement production project in Chasimba area lacked adequate public participation

Speaking during a public hearing held by the National Environmental Complaints Committee (NECC) at Chasimba , the residents asked for community engagements and the provision of adequate information regarding the project for consensus purposes.

‘There is still so much that needs to be discussed especially matters to do with the environment. We have seen many instances where a project is brought into an area and ends up causing a lot of adverse effects to the residents in the area’, Bishop Ronald Nzai a resident of Chasimba said.

He added that there was a need for the investors to consider all po
ssible critical environmental impacts that will be brought about by the project, and come up with adequate mitigation measures to counter those impacts.

Talking about the recently released Environmental and Social Impact (ESIA) report, the cleric pointed out that the residents were not consulted before the preparation and release of the report, stating the need for transparency from the company.

He further noted that the project had the potential to disrupt peace in the area because of the conflicted opinions on the subject and disputes over selling land to the company.

‘We need to sit down and identify parts of this project that need to be rectified, once they are rectified we can then decide as a community whether the project can proceed or not’, he said.

Tindai Mtana a resident of Chasimba while citing the effects that Mombasa and Bamburi Cement factories had caused in their respective locations, asked for Mashujaa company’s assurance that all possible environmental effects would be considered before s
etting up the cement plant in that area.

‘We are not refusing investors, what we are asking is you give us an investment that will improve our livelihoods; that will do more good than harm to the people in this area’, Mtana remarked.

Former area Chief Rachael Dzombo however urged the residents to support the project stating that it would bring more developmental benefits to the area and create job opportunities for the many unemployed youths in Chasimba.

‘Poverty and other problems facing this area will not come to an end if every time a new project is proposed that will bring benefits into this area, you reject the investors and send them away’, Dzombo said.

‘Let us look at both the pros and cons of this project, and if in your view the pros outweigh the cons, then it will be wise to welcome the project’, she added.

NECC Secretary Mary Njogu said that they will use the grievances gathered from the residents to generate their report, especially focusing on the positive and negative impacts that the proje
ct will pose on the environment.

She added that Mashujaa Cement Company will hand over their reports and minutes from previous meetings held with the people to NECC for review and feedback.

‘We have also agreed with the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) that they will hold a meeting with the people to ensure that the Environmental Impact Assessment and public participation was done in the right manner’, Njogu stated.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Principal Secretary Arid Lands and Semi-Arid Lands Mr. Idris Salim Dakota has directed state departments in Tana River county to offer vehicles to transport relief food to needy cases in remote locations.

Speaking yesterday at Lisa Hola School for the deaf Mr.Dakota however challenged local residents to fully exploit the potentials of River Tana waters through farming activities to reduce the cases of perennial food insecurity in the county.

Speaking at the same event Shekhe Obute Musa head of SUPKEM in Tana River County commended the National government for donating 320 bags of rice, 800 bags of beans,10 carton of cooking oil,one box of meat and fish respectively to the vulnerable families .

Shekhe Musa said the Organization has planned a program that each sub county to receive 64 bags of rice, the sub counties are Bangale, Tana River, Tana Delta, Tana North and Galdyetu.

However, Shekhe Musa said they are facing challenge when it comes to transport since the vehicles that are to be used for distribu
tion of food are broken down adding that they also lack enough funds to carry out the program.

He also said that the SUPKEM of Tana River County will ensure that all vulnerable families accessed the needed food to avert possible cases of hunger and starvation.

Tana River County Commissioner David Koske at the same time announced that all the sub counties were set to receive relief food especially during this holy month of Ramadhan

The Women representative Tana River County Ms. Amina Dika expressed her gratitude to the government saying, that good gesture was also witnessed when floods wreaked havoc in the area.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Wajir County Commissioner (CC) Karuku Ngumo, in collaboration with Tarbaj Member of Parliament Hussein Abdi Bare flags off a food distribution exercise National Police Reserves (NPR) in Tarbaj Sub County.

The consignment of 20 tonnes of foodstuff is part of the initiative aimed to provide sustenance for NPR officers and their families during the holy month of Ramadan.

Speaking in Tarbaj Town, Wajir County, during the occasion, the Commissioner said the foodstuffs includes 400 bags of rice and 120 bags of beans, each weighing 50 kilograms.

Commissioner Ngumo lauded the NPR for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding communities against threats, particularly those posed by insurgent groups like al-Shabab.

Expressing gratitude for their relentless efforts, Ngumo underscored the significance of recognizing the sacrifices made by NPR officers and pledged to address their concerns promptly.

‘I came to meet them as the chair of the county security committee,’ CC remarked.

‘I have listened to their grievanc
es, and while some have been addressed today, there are others that require further attention from the Nairobi headquarters. Nonetheless, I am here primarily to commend the NPR for the invaluable service they render to our nation.’

MP Hussein Abdi Bare echoed Commissioner Ngumo’s sentiments, applauding the NPR for their bravery and dedication in the face of adversity.

He emphasized the significance of supporting NPR officers, particularly during Ramadan, to ensure they can celebrate this sacred occasion with their loved ones.

The collaborative effort between local authorities and elected representatives not only highlights solidarity within the community but also underscores a collective commitment to fostering well-being and security for those on the front lines of defense.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has confirmed that only one student and a teacher at Kapsabet Boys High school died after one of the buses was involved in accident during a trip.

He assured worried parents that 59 out of the 60 Kapsabet High School students involved in an accident in Baringo were in stable condition.

Speaking Saturday night at the Baringo County Referral hospital in Kabarnet, Belio confirmed that the 1 pm accident claimed the lives of one student and a teacher after one of the four busses ferrying students for geography trip lost control and rolled off a cliff.

‘We are informed that 8 students have been referred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) for further care and that at the time of their referral they were in stable condition,’ said the PS.

Belio informed that two more students will be referred to MTRH, while the remaining students will stay at Kabarnet hospital for overnight observation.The PS assured parents that all efforts have been made to provide them with
as much information and support as possible. Hence, ‘the rest of the students will be hosted at Kituro High School, since we don’t allow students to travel at night,’ added the PS.

The speaker thanked Baringo County Government, Nandi County Government, St. Luke’s Hospital, Red Cross, MTRH, and its doctors and nurses for their assistance in the emergency services.

The bus had 63 persons; 60 students, two teachers and the driver during the crash that occurred at the steep Patkawanin corner, on the way to Marigat.

Nandi Governor Stephen Sang thanked all those involved in the rescue mission saying would it not be for them the crisis would have gotten out of hand. He reiterated that they have visited the students and confirmed that they are in stable condition and that parents should not be worried as everything was under control.

Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Kipng’ok said that an information desk coordinated by the Red Cross had been set up at the Hospital and also at Kapsabet Boys High School to offer suppo
rt to parents and students.

Baringo County Member of Parliament Florence Jematia assured parents that the medical team is working to help the boys recover. Baringo North member Hon. Joseph Makilap cautioned drivers to exercise caution on steep and winding roads.Kapsabet Boys Chief Principal Mr. Kipchumba Maiyo released 200 students for a geography tour. Baringo County Commissioner Mr. Stephen Kutwa praised the response and promised to enhance the multi-agency team.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Plans to set off Kazi Mashinani youth empowerment initiative in Trans Nzoia are complete.

This follows distribution of tools to all the 25 wards in the County which in turn will be issued out to service providers.

The distributed tools among them wheelbarrows, spades, slathers, hoes, reflectors, rakes are expected to enhance service delivery and ensure success of the program.

Speaking during the distribution exercise, Chief Officer in charge of Gender Jane Wachwenge reiterated Governor George Natembeya’s desire to enhance service delivery and ensure living standards are uplifted.

This, she stressed will ensure the public gets value for the money spend.

The Kazi Mashinani Initiative falls under the larger umbrella of Ukombozi Empowerment Programme launched by the County Government last week, which aims to uplift vulnerable groups.

The initiative has seen 2500 youth from informal settlements being recruited.

They will be getting a monthly stipend of Shs 5000 each, after working for 10 days in shifts.

Be
sides, the youth stand a chance to access essential resources after undergoing vocational training.

Source: Kenya News Agency

More than 3,000 patients in the Tigray region are poised to receive sight-saving glaucoma treatment through a collaborative effort of the Tigray Region Interim Administration Health Bureau, Kuha Hospital, and the Himalayan Cataract Project, an NGO.

Himalayan Cataract project Coordinator, Tesfay Teklamariam told ENA that the institutions will be providing glaucoma treatment in different areas of the region.

Since March 11, 2024, over 800 patients in the southern zone have already benefited from the program at Lemlem Karl Hospital Maichew, he revealed.

“Our people deserve to see,” said Tesfay, emphasizing their commitment to expanding the program across the Tigray region.

Lemlem Karl Hospital Maichew Cataract Surgeon, Yemane Gitet assured treated patients of continued follow-up care.

The restored vision of patients like 72-year-old Hiluf Gebremedhin from Hadnet Kebele exemplifies the program’s life-changing impact.

Hiluf has expressed excitement after he regained his eyesight following the free treatment.

Debesay Teka and Zewdu Kalayu from Endamekoni district, who had resigned themselves to blindness for two years, expressed their renewed hope of resuming their agricultural work independently.

This initiative marks a significant step towards ensuring treatable eye diseases do not cause preventable blindness.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Police in Kibwezi East Sub County have arrested a 65 year man who has been on the run since January after he assisted a girl to procure an abortion.

According to the Kibwezi East Sub county Police Commander Mr. Joram Maina, the suspect was arrested at Tasia in Nairobi County on Saturday night where he has been hiding.

‘The suspect identified as Justus Mutuku has been on the run since 19th January 2024 after he helped the minor to secure an abortion in a clinic in Kibwezi town,’ said Maina who confirmed the arrest to KNA on Sunday on the telephone.

He revealed that the suspect was being held at Kibwezi police station and will be arraigned in court on Monday.

Mutuku had offered the form four girl a place to stay near to school since her home was far. However, he turned on the girl and started to abuse her sexually until January when this heinous acts were discovered prompting his disappearance till his arrest.

It should be observed here that the clinical officers who was assisting in procuring the abortion
, has since been charged in court and was out on a bond of sh 500,000.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Kenyan and Ugandan governments have initiated a joint border reaffirmation exercise in the Lokiriama/Lomokori region.

The exercise aims to clearly mark visibility of the boundary through marking the boundary line. Thus, the communities along the joint borders have been sensitized ahead of the exercise that kicked off last week in March 11 and expected to last for 15 days.

A high-powered delegation, including Turkana county security teams, Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Nairobi survey officers, and Director of Public Communications Joshua arap Sang, participated in a public sensitization exercise last week.

The Ugandan delegation was led by David Pulkol who is a special adviser to president Uganda and other senior administrators.

The exercise is being overseen by the ministry of lands, public works, housing and urban development of Kenya, Kenya international boundaries office, and the ministry of lands, housing and urban development of Uganda.

County commissioner Kavita said the exercise was meant for a
dministrative purposes and not deter movement of the members of the two countries who belong to the east African community.’ The boundary determines the extent of sovereignty and jurisdiction of a state,’ added surveyor Rotich.

Furthermore, the process will help facilitate management of Trans boundary resource and unite communities and ensure their peaceful coexistence. A press dispatch announced that the exercise will involve reestablishing destroyed boundary pillars, constructing new ones, and drafting a comprehensive agreement to replace colonial agreements.

The communities living along the area will be involved in the construction works as well as sourcing of construction materials from the host communities to promote ownership of the project. Myths of presence of costly minerals that led to destruction of earlier pillars were also debunked. Hence, ‘we shall engage elders and members of the host communities because we have nothing to hide’ said Rotich.

Source: Kenya News Agency