Day: April 1, 2024

An alarm has been sounded over the stealing and bush slaughter of donkeys for both skin and meat business in the country.

Consequently, the government has been asked to address legal gaps that have been established as the factors enabling the illegal practice which is threatening the existence of donkeys and exposing the public to health risks.

A media sensitization and consultative workshop organized by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) in conjunction with Weltierschutzgesellschaft (WTG) from Germany held in Moyale town disclosed that about 10,000 donkey skins were exported to China last year despite a ban on the same by the government.

ANAW programme officer Dr Dennis Bahati said that there is increased bush slaughter of donkeys in various parts of the country especially Kajiado, Nakuru, Kiambu and Naivasha purposely for their skin which is in high demand in China for its valuable ejiao, a cultural remedy.

Dr Bahati while hailing the government for revoking export licenses issued to four comp
anies that operated donkey slaughterhouses in the country, said there was urgent need to formulate laws and policies to make an African Union Assembly moratorium adopted in February 2024.

During the extraordinary session, the heads of states and government in Addis Ababa, agreed to stop what was described as horrific donkey skin trade in the continent.

Dr Bahati told the forum which brought journalists working in Isiolo and Marsabit counties as well as the Moyale donkey welfare association that apart from decimating the donkey population the bush slaughter posed a health hazard as the inspected meat passing as beef meat finds its way to the supply chain.

The number of donkeys has been dwindling at an alarming rate reducing to slightly above half a million from a staggering figure of 1.8 million as captured during the 2009 national population and housing census.

The participants were in agreement that careless abandonment of donkey carcasses in the bush was an environmental danger as they pollute water sou
rces and expose nearby schools and homesteads to awful smells.

It is also feared that unless stopped, cross border movement and theft of these animals could easily compromise on the gains the government has made in taming the thorny menace of rustling of livestock in pastoralist areas.

The donkey is a resource that many households among pastoralist communities rely on for their livelihoods.

Ms Hawo Huka Gullied, the treasurer of the local donkey welfare association described the donkey as a very precious animal which local communities especially women depend on when fetching water, wood for cooking, food and goods for trade.

‘It should not be forgotten that we live in areas where conventional mode of transport is limited so we rely on this animal to transport property when we migrate in search of water and pasture’ she said adding that donkeys are used as human transport as well.

The theft and the black marketing of donkeys is emerging as a threat to the livelihoods of hundreds of households in the arid
and semi-arid (ASALs) areas of the country, hence frustrating efforts being employed by the government to address issues of poverty.

ANAW director Josiah Ojwang said that the country has of late witnessed an influx of donkeys smuggling from neighbouring countries of Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Uganda, Sudan and Southern Sudan owing to its porous borders.

‘Donkeys are still considered as food animals in Kenya and a such slaughtering is allowed by law which was enacted in 1999,’ he pointed out and called for a reverse of the same in order to protect the endangered animals and to safeguard human health.

The director noted that the donkey was a difficult breeder animal due to its long gestation period of 13 months besides taking three years before coming on heat after calving.

According to the Moyale sub-county veterinary officer Hassan Nura, the menace of donkey smuggling into the country along the Kenya -Ethiopia border is rampant.

Moyale Sub-county veterinary officer Hassan Nura briefing the press on the
sidelines of the workshop where he called for legislation to fill legal gaps in the management of donkey rearing in the country.

Mr Nura said that the area had since the subsiding of covid-19 witnessed an influx of donkey traders reportedly from Naivasha and Nakuru areas.

He said that his office had in the recent past issued movement permits to the traders to transport over 4,000 donkeys who pretend that they were buying the animals for rearing in the neighbouring Isiolo county.

‘We have since established that the animals are transported beyond Isiolo particularly to Naivasha and Nakuru where they are slaughtered in the bush for their skin,’ he said, adding that his office could not do anything about it as movement of donkeys was permitted in the country.

The official pointed out that the illegal activities surrounding the trade in donkey skins existed because of legal gaps.

The veterinary officer observed that the consumption of donkey meat is legally acknowledged in the country as well as the purchase
and transporting of the animals around the country for domestic use is also permitted.

‘As the guardian of slaughter and sale of healthy meat we are concerned over the reports that uninspected donkey meat could be infiltrating the supply chain,’ he said and urged the legislative organs at county and national level to enact laws that would assist in tackling the problem.

The media was urged to be vigilant and assist the government and other players in championing the welfare of animals and protection of human health.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Amos Kiplagat and Marion Kibor were crowned the winners of Kapsabet Half Marathon 21km road race held in Nandi County on Sunday.

Kiplagat who trains in Nandi ran a brilliant race from behind before increasing the pace in the last three kilometers to win in a time of 62:47.7in the men category followed by Robert Keter from Elgeyo Marakwet who timed 63:04.6 and third position went to Joshua Kimutai Elgeyo Marakwet

Speaking after winning the race, Kiplagat who has never competed in any marathon race said he was happy to have emerged the winner adding that he will now concentrate working hard to ensure he wins future races.

‘I am so happy with the results. It is a good preparation ground for future races,’ he said

Keter who came in second place said the race was tough but he enjoyed the course.

‘I thank God for the second position and l believe next time things will work out better. Being my first race, l have gained a lot of experience.

In the women’s category, Kibor who hails from Nandi broke the tape in
winning the race with a time of 71:34.56 followed by Gladys Singor from Baringo who timed 73:29.31while Joan Chepkosgei sealed the podium positions with74.08.93

‘I am so glad to have emerged a winner today and that gives me more reasons to continue working hard. I believe this win will open new avenues for me,’ she said

In the 10km men category race, Daniel Kinyanjui from Nakuru secured the first place in a time of 27:24.79, second position went to Roncer Konga from Baringo and Dismas Lokira from West Pokot took the third.

In the women category, Pamela Kosgei from Elgeyo Marakwet took the first position with a time of 31:19.31, followed by Millicent Kemboi and third position went to Emmy Jepkemoi both from Elgeyo Marakwet.

Nandi governor Stephen Sang said ‘Today is a historic day as we inaugurate the first ever Kapsabet half marathon, a celebration of athleticism, community and resilience in the athletic real. We are steadfast in our dedication to our athletes, promising to continue our relentless efforts
in providing them with the necessary support and resources,’

Christ is the Answer Ministries (CITAM) in partnership with Kenya Tourism Board and Athletics Kenya were the main sponsors of the race whose aim is to support and nurture upcoming athletes and give them a chance to showcase their talent.

With a theme, ‘Run green, run clean’, the race whose start point was at Nandi Bears club in Nandi hills and ended in Kipchoge Keino complex in Kapsabet town is a celebration of the boundless talents in Athletics and also an opportunity for the church to mentor athletes and educate them on the importance of winning clean without using body enhancement drugs.

CITAM Bishop David Oginde said Kapsabet is known for producing many champions but they have not had any marathon run that is why the church thought it will be a good idea for them to sponsor this first marathon so that it can bring together many champions across the Country.

‘This is one way of tapping talents at grass root level and encouraging our young peo
ple to follow their roots and not to involve in practices that are not acceptable in the society.

Oginde who is also the chairperson of EACC called upon athletes to stop taking shortcuts in life adding that corruption cannot build a nation instead it destroys it.

‘This idea of taking shortcuts in life so that you can reach a place you want can only destroy you. We encourage men and women when given an opportunity to serve the public, just do your work diligently, serve your people faithfully and God will reward you,’ he said

The winners received Sh250,000 while second and third place finishers pocketed Sh150,000 and Sh 100,000 respectively.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a momentous occasion that marked a commitment to bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities, Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime, in collaboration with the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) Governor Geoffrey Korir, spearheaded the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Emergency Operations Centre at Vindo Show Ground, Voi.

With an investment totaling to Sh 22 million, the inauguration signaled the new dawn of a pivotal facility designed to serve as the branch headquarters for managing diverse emergencies across the county.

Governor Mwadime emphasized the critical role the center would play in mitigating disasters swiftly, stating that the facility would utilize modern technology for rapid response, seamless communication, and real-time data analysis.

During his address at the ceremony on Saturday, Mwadime expressed profound gratitude to the Kenya Red Cross Society for their steadfast support, spanning assistance during floods, drought-induced hunger, and various emergencie
s witnessed across the county.

‘I want to sincerely thank the Kenya Red Cross Society for collaborating with my administration to implement this project aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response. We have donated land to put up this centre because Taita Taveta county is hard-hit by emergency incidents dominated by road accidents, fire, floods, drought, and human-wildlife conflicts,’ Said Mwadime.

He emphasized the significance of the center in safeguarding lives within the region, given the prevalence of emergencies such as road accidents, fires, floods, droughts, and human-wildlife conflicts.

KRCS Governor Geoffrey Korir echoed Governor Mwadime’s sentiments, highlighting the centre’s broader impact beyond Taita Taveta County, noting that the facility will be extending its services to the entire Coast and Eastern Regions.

He emphasized the crucial role the centre would play in addressing road accident-related emergencies along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway.

‘This is where disaster
response teams, emergency medical teams, Red Cross responders, Kenya Wildlife Service, and other relevant agencies will be dispatched from,’ Said Korir.

Further, Korir reiterated the Kenya Red Cross Society’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the county government to ensure the prosperity and well-being of the residents.

‘We have lost many people because the first few minutes of every accident are very critical. This is why we are coming up with such facilities close to the people so that in case of an emergency, we respond within the shortest time possible to save lives,’ he added.

He lauded the partnership with the county government and advocated for the expansion of emergency facilities, emphasizing the urgent need for additional land to enhance response capabilities, especially along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway.

‘We thank you for understanding the mandate of KRCS and giving us this land to build our offices here. We will work together for the benefit of the great citizens of Taita Taveta and
the region at large,’ said Korir.

In a bid to further reinforce disaster preparedness and community resilience, Governor Korir outlined ambitious plans to establish a youth center and a training institute, aimed at combating drug abuse and equipping locals with life-saving skills.

‘Currently, as the Kenya Red Cross Society we are bringing our training institutes to the grassroot levels, and if you can allow me, this will be the first county I’m pushing from the national office to get a training institute only if you agree with our ideas,’ he added.

He also proposed the construction of an innovation center, with a vision to foster economic growth and revenue generation for the county.

Further, Korir noted that there is need to have sufficient space noting that the facility will need a landing space for helicopters which will facilitate evacuation of people who need specialized care during emergencies.

As the region braces itself for unforeseen challenges, the inauguration of the emergency operations centr
e stands as a testament to proactive governance, collaborative partnerships, and a shared vision of resilience and prosperity for Taita Taveta County and beyond.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Cabinet Secretary for Defence Aden Duale has reiterated the government’s commitment to religious pluralism.

Speaking at the Mombasa International Grand Quran Competition organized by the Mombasa County Government held at the Serani Sports Ground, CS Duale highlighted the significance of President Ruto’s understanding and respect for diverse religious beliefs.

The event was attended by internationally acclaimed Muslim Scholars like Sheikh Othman Maalim, Dr. Billal Philips and Azhar University scholars. Principal Secretary for Transport Mohamed Daghar, MPs Mishi Mboko, Rashid Bedzimba, Zamzam Mohamed, Mohamed Machele and Senator Mohamed Faki were also in attendance.

In retrospect, Duale underscored his longstanding advocacy for the Muslim’s rights in Kenya.

‘For the past 15 years, I have fought for the rights of Muslims in Kenya. Now, we are fortunate to have a President who embraces religion and respects all faiths,’ said Duale.

He encouraged parents to prioritize secular and religious education for t
heir children.

CS Duale stressed the importance of memorizing the Quran, and its role in shaping moral character and instilling virtues that contribute to national development.

‘Investing in the education of our children, both in secular schools and madrassas (Muslim Schools), is paramount,’ said Duale adding, ‘Memorizing the 30 Juzuu of the Quran not only enriches their spiritual lives but also makes them responsible citizens who contribute positively to our society,’

Mombasa Governor Nassir pledged that the inaugural Mombasa International Grand Quran Competition will continue in the month of Ramadhan during his tenure.

‘I promise that this year’s Quran competition is just the beginning. We will continue to organize this event each year, as it serves as a platform to uplift and inspire the youth of our city,’ stated Governor Nassir.

He acknowledged the support of Mombasa County Assembly members for their unwavering support in the organization of the competition.

More than 115 participants from Somalia,
Zanzibar, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Kenya competed in the Qur’an memorization competition.

Only 22 finalists, distinguished by their exceptional memorization of the 30 chapters of the Qur’an, progressed to the final stage.

Kabito Abdulkarim emerged as the overall winner he got a cash prize of Sh600,000 while Hanif Abdi from Kenya showcased remarkable dedication, clinching the runners-up position and a prize of Sh400,000.

The event not only celebrated the profound commitment to Quranic memorization but also fostered cultural exchange and unity across borders.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A section of tea farmers allied to four tea factories located in northern parts of Murang’a county have blamed pending court cases for delay in elections of new directors.

The farmers allied to Kiru, Gatunguru, Kanyenyaini and Githambo factories have accused former directors who were ousted back in 2020 of instituting court cases to elections of directors and implementation of tea reforms.

They argued that elections were slated for last year but due to 11 pending court cases, the exercise could not be done till the suits are either withdrawn or completed.

Led by Wambugu Gachunji, Julius Muraya, Johnson Maina from Kanyenyaini, Kiru and Githambo tea factories respectively, the farmers claimed that reforms in the tea sector have stalled since elections of new directors have not taken place.

The farmers who spoke at Kahatia market on Sunday argued that proposed reforms in the tea sector could not be implemented since there is infighting between the current boards and former directors saying this was destabili
zing operations at KTDA.

The small-scale tea growers said the former directors should not be allowed to participate in the forthcoming tea elections for allegedly blocking the reforms.

Wambugu said it’s time for the former directors to withdraw all the 11 court cases and allow elections of new directors to be conducted for the benefit of tea farmers.

‘The frustrations in operations of KTDA through court cases is not only affecting current directors but also its detrimental to farmers as money is used by the agency to facilitate the suits,’ noted Wambugu.

He added that the reforms agenda failed to actualize based on the enmity and infightings at KTDA Holdings Limited between the current and former directors.

The tea farmers expressed their confidence in the leadership of KTDA led by Chairman Enos Njeru following increased monthly payment from Sh21 to Sh25 per kilo of green leaf among other incentives that have benefited the sector.

‘As farmers, we call upon former tea directors to honourably withdraw the
cases that are not beneficial to the farmers and impediments to reforms,’ said Wambugu.

On his part, Maina said the farmers were ready to reject former directors at the ballot as they have been working for the downfall of the sector.

‘The proposed reforms by the government were meant to increase farmers’ earnings but unfortunately, this cannot be achieved due to pending court cases,’ observed Maina.

At the same time, Muraya argued that the suits lodged by the former directors have milked the tea growers dry at a tune of Sh48 million.

He added that matters pertaining to tea are deliberated in farmers meetings where the directors seek mandate but not in courts.

‘The reforms were initiated to benefit the farmers who over the years were earning peanuts,’ he noted.

But in a rejoinder, Charles Kamure, a former director, accused a section of current tea directors of misleading the tea growers on issues pertaining to the sector.

Kamure, a former chairman at Njunu Tea Factory, said the misinformation was a ploy
by the directors to continue holding positions.

‘The cases are not by any way blocking the holding of elections. There is a lot of misinformation being peddled for a few to remain in positions,’ added Karume when KNA contacted him via a phone call.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Mombasa county government has launched its inaugural international Quran (Islam’s holy book) recitation competition for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadhan.

Muslims believe Quran recitation especially during the auspicious occasion of Ramadhan strengthens the faith and belief in Allah besides purifying the soul.

The noble Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) during the month of Ramadhan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Ramadhan is called the month of the Quran because it was during this month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad through Angel (Jibreel) Gabriel.

Muslims also believe that by completing the Quran in Ramadhan means the Quran itself will intercede for Muslims on the Day of Judgment.

Additionally, in a hadith (Sayings of the Prophet) from Sahih Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, ‘Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.’ This hadith emphasizes the Quran’s interc
ession for those who read and complete it, particularly during Ramadhan, when its virtues are multiplied.

Muslims are required to fast during the month of Ramadhan which entails abstaining from food, drink, sexual relations and displeasing speech and behaviour from dawn until dusk.

In Surah Al-Anfal (8:2), Allah says,’ The ?true? believers are only those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, whose faith increases when His revelations are recited to them, and who put their trust in their Lord.’

Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir says the just concluded competition with a price of Sh2.2 million was aimed at promoting the recitation and understanding of the Quran.

Nassir says a Muslim is recommended to read the Quran and do good deeds in this blessed month of Ramadhan as much as he can.

He says the pioneer religious event attracted hundreds of participants from all ages and backgrounds from different parts of the country and beyond.

The Governor says they hope the prestigious competition would
lead to a better understanding of the Quran and its recitation among the Muslim youth.

Representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Somalia displayed their expertise drawing thousands of attendees from diverse backgrounds.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Daule (L) with Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir during the inaugural Mombasa international Quran recitation competition held at Serani Muslim grounds in Mombasa.

Governor Nassir says the initiative brought together 19 finalists from over a hundred international participants courtesy of the devolved government of Mombasa.

He says the benefits of this endeavor extended far beyond mere recitation offering believers a unique opportunity for spiritual enrichment and personal transformation especially during this blessed time of fasting.

‘The coastal county of Mombasa has organized its first Grand International Quran Competition as part of our ongoing efforts to celebrate our diversity and enhance cohesion within our communities,
‘ he said.

Speaking about the competition, the coastal county boss says religion plays a critical role in providing a moral compass to the society.

‘We were therefore honoured to host distinguished guests from across the Muslim world who came in solidarity with our vision to use the platform of religion and culture as positive building blocks to combat social vices like drug and substance abuse and violent extremism among the youth,’ said Nassir.

The well attended grand finale of the competition was held at the Muslim Serani grounds in Mombasa.

The esteemed event is a highlight of the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan showcasing the exceptional Quran recitation and memorization skills of the young participants emphasising its place in the lives of young Muslims.

Governor Nassir congratulated all the winners of the Quran recitation competition and thanked the participants and supporters for making the maiden religious event a huge success.

The prestigious grand international Quran recitation competition was
attended by among others Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki, Chief Kadhi Sheikh Abdulhalim Hussein Athman and Sheikh Bilal Philips, an eminent Islamic Scholar.

The attendees witnessed the finals where participants from various counties and countries showcased their mastery of the holy book of Islam as the judges closely observed the competitors’ fluency and precision in recitation.

CS Duale says they are proud that the devolved government of Mombasa has conducted the competition which he noted seeks to promote the recitation and understanding of the Quran among the youth and adults.

‘We believe that this competition will inspire more people to read and understand the teachings of the Quran,’ he said.

He called on Muslims to spread acts of generosity to Muslims and non-Muslims alike during the blessed month of Ramadhan.

Duale says the annual competition is garnering international attention and underscores Kenya’s role as both an anchor State and unifying force in the region
.

The Defence CS used the opportunity to challenge Muslim leaders and faithful to practice what is taught in the Quran, and encourage Muslim women in the country to adhere to the Islamic dressing of hijab.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Catholic Diocese of Murang’a Bishop James Maria Wainaina has lauded the government’s efforts on the war against illicit brews, alcohol and substance abuse and called for concerted efforts amongst all the stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the menace.

Bishop Wainaina noted that dialogue at various levels would leverage the efforts being made against the menace especially among the youth in the country.

‘In these hard economic times, we encourage dialogue by urging parents and the community at large to work closely with the local administration so as to find a lasting solution,’ he said.

‘We laud the efforts being made by the Deputy President and the strides being made in fighting illicit alcohol, drug and substance. These efforts need to be supported by all,’ he added.

Speaking at Gaitega Catholic Church Sunday during his Easter Pastoral message, the bishop noted that the effects of illicit brews and drug abuse were too obvious and dire ranging from wrecking the economies of the family to even deat
h of bread winners and young people at their most productive years.

‘There is a need for the government to study the matter and identify the root cause of the alcohol problem in the country and even stop its production by controlling the sources of raw materials,’ observed Bishop Wainaina

He noted that closing bars and other sale points and limiting the time that they operated were important steps in this endeavor but it was paramount to address the supply side of the business.

‘Suppliers must be identified and sanctioned including closing their business with immediate effect,’ he said.

‘Most recently, we lost close to 20 lives in Kirinyaga and the country cannot afford to lose any more lives to illicit alcohol,’ the cleric noted.

He underscored the need to come up with alternative livelihood for those involved in selling illicit brews.

‘Any list of solutions is not complete without including the psycho-social factors by proposing alternative methods and places of spending free time to attract the victi
m away from bars,’ he noted.

At the same time, the clergy man condemned the entrenchment of Lesbian Gay Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) advocacy groups, noting that the threat is real and is capable of breaking down the family unit and the entire social fabric.

‘To address this, I urge the legislators to come out to strongly challenge any laws passed in Parliament that are against the integrity of the family institution and support any laws coming up in parliament that protect the family from emerging threats,’ he said.

He reiterated their position as the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops that marriage as desired by God is between a man and a woman.

‘All parents have the responsibility to instill good morals in their children as their first teachers and role models and to dialogue with them and pray together as a family unit,’ he stated

Meanwhile, the bishop called on the ministry of health and the county governments, health departments to prioritize dialogue in the ongoing doctors’ strike and
avert the looming health crisis by reducing the hard stances.

‘This Easter season, let us prioritize compassion, empathy, and solidarity and work together to ensure no patient is left to suffer or die due to lack of access to medical care,’ he said

Source: Kenya News Agency