Day: April 26, 2024

The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the West Pokot County government have provided prosthetic legs to local people with physical impairments, which is often unaffordable.

Speaking during the issuance at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, NCPWD County Coordinator Edwin Musungu termed the assistive devices as very expensive for the common citizen, hence the need for government intervention to enable the victims lead a normal lifestyle.

Musungu stated that one cosmetic prosthetic leg goes for about Sh70,000 with those functional types going for Sh1 million, which majority of people may not afford, thus the need for the government to take care of issues affecting persons with such disabilities by protecting and promoting their rights.

‘The council in West Pokot County is implementing an assistive technology programme to assist individuals with disabilities in enhancing their mobility and ensuring a decent living,’ said the county coordinator.

He explained that through the program
me, 15 people were fitted with prosthetic limps under the pilot phase with more expected to benefit from all other subcounties once assessments are done.

‘This is just the beginning because beneficiaries have been identified from West Pokot Sub County and we believe going forward, the programme will be rolled out in all other subcounties for more beneficiaries,’ said Musungu.

He called on well-wishers and partners to join the government in providing the devices noting that the government has been upfront in supporting people living with disabilities.

‘Lack of such assistive devices has made some people miss schooling, which is a drawback to development. We call upon more stakeholders to come on board and assist such members of society,’ he appealed.

The cordinator reiterated the council’s commitment to the provision of the devices in strict accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) protocols urging other service providers to adhere to them.

Meanwhile, a physiotherapist at Kapenguria County re
ferral hospital Mark Chelule said it was a rare privilege to see people with disabilities being fixed with artificial limbs hinting that in the next few weeks another assessment will be conducted to identify other beneficiaries.

He asked those not reached to contact the physiotherapy section at the hospital or visit the people with disabilities offices for assistance.

For instance, Dancan Sawanga from Gateway Prosthetics and Orthotics Limited noted that the initiative to have the victims fixed with the artificial lower limbs called for a lot of patience since measurements were to be taken before effecting the process.

‘We took measurements sometimes back and we are aware the beneficiaries have been waiting but today all has come to fruition. The devices are good and aesthetic, hence a success,’ posed Sawanga.

On his part, an excited Noah Tanui from Talau location narrated that his predicaments came after an accident while he was riding a bicycle which led him to lose his leg but he now has a replacement.

A
lso, Janerose Kipkeny from Tartar said her leg was amputated after getting injured three years ago and her admission to hospital bore no fruit.

Mourine Charito from Kacheliba said she was born without one leg and her greatest joy is being fitted with artificial limbs.

She expressed her admiration for those who walk on their two feet, stating that today is his day to walk comfortably, overcoming the stigma he has been suffering.

At the same time, Stanley Kinywa from prosthetics and orthotic medical said they have been working with the council for the past four years and were being sent counties of their choice, where they congregate with those in need of the devices.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Mombasa County Commissioner (CC) Mohamed Noor has assured residents and visitors of security days after criminals were captured by Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) mugging a shopper along Haile Selassie Road.

CC Noor directed the halting of a feeding programme for street families being conducted by a cement firm as it harbours criminals who are belligerent once they are full of food and are a menace to pedestrians. Most of the street families are from the neighbouring Kilifi and Kwale counties.

The CC noted that although the programme is noble in assisting the less fortunate it has been infiltrated by criminals and directed the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) to contact the cement firm to suspend the free food distribution.

The CC challenged philanthropists to devise a long-term solution to empower the youths to earn a living but not through free food which is not sustainable in the long run.

‘Criminals when they are full after eating breakfast, lunch and supper start to mug people. As a
government, we will not allow the continuation of that. If we want to help people it must be well structured,’ said CC.

CC Noor further promised to come up with a strategy to assist the less fortunate in partnership with the county government.

‘It is a shame in a big town for people to be mugged in broad daylight in CBD by youths who are fond of terrorising people after eating free food. We have directed the programme to be stopped as we find a way of helping the vulnerable,’ he said.

Security committees have been ordered to close down all dens in their localities where street urchins used to stay.

On Wednesday, the CSIC planned and carried out operations in the Central Business District (CBD) after social media was awash with a video of a shopper being mugged moments after he stepped out of a supermarket.

‘We have been able to nab 150 people among them suspects and those who have been terrorising residents in Mombasa CBD.

The operations will continue. We have extended it to Kisauni where yesterday nigh
t we arrested 27 people. We also nabbed one-kilogramme brooms of bhang,’ said CC Noor promising heightened security across the county to weed out criminals.

He added that they have stepped up efforts to ensure the coastal city is safe and people go on with their day-to-day activities without fear.

‘Traders should open their businesses without fear. Shoppers should buy without looking over their shoulders. Those visiting CBD at night should not be anxious,’ stated the CC, assuring traders of their safety without interference.

Meanwhile, the CC disclosed that the war on drugs and alcohol is paying off as some users have started to exhibit withdrawal symptoms for heroin as a result of the shortage of the drug.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Amidst the ongoing long rains sweeping across Kenya, citizens are being encouraged to seize the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s green legacy by planting trees.

The call was made by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board chairman Titus Korir during the national launch of the long rainfall tree-growing campaign at Chepalungu forest station, Siongiroi block in Bomet County on Thursday.

Representing Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Korir emphasised the importance of this initiative in achieving the presidential target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

The event witnessed the planting of over 3,000 trees and the installation of electric fences covering a 22-kilometre stretch. Bomet County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar and Bomet County Forest Conservator Joseph Kingori were among the dignitaries present.

‘We are here today for the launch of the tree planting season which marks the rollout of tree-growing activities for the March-April-May long rainfall season,’ sta
ted Korir, highlighting the theme for this season: ’15 billion trees by 2032, wajibu wetu’ (our responsibility).

Korir urged citizens to capitalise on the enhanced rainfall season to bolster tree cover across the nation, emphasising the critical role trees play in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Acknowledging the efforts of the KFS Board and staff, Korir revealed that the Board is steadfastly supporting the KFS in its endeavour to grow 300 million trees annually.

He commended the dedication of forest rangers who have taken on the additional responsibility of raising tree seedlings to meet this target.

Furthermore, Korir outlined the KFS’s commitment to forest conservation and protection, citing initiatives such as the Fire Project and the installation of communication masts to facilitate rapid response to fire outbreaks.

He also highlighted the integration of drone technology for surveillance purposes, with several staff members trained as drone operators.

In a bid to ensure the realis
ation of the 15 billion tree target, Korir called upon every Kenya Forest Service staff member to spearhead tree-growing efforts at the county level and provide technical support to stakeholders involved in tree planting.

Expressing gratitude to partners for their support towards tree-growing initiatives, Korir affirmed the KFS’s unwavering commitment to these activities, aligning with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya has recorded a steady decline in malaria cases in the past decade indicating significant progress in the country’s intensified efforts to eliminate the disease.

National malaria prevalence dropped from 8% in 2015 to 6% in 2020, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha attributes the milestone to the collaborative efforts between the national and county governments, healthcare professionals, private partners, as well as communities in the uptake of malaria prevention and treatment measures.

Nakhumicha reported that malaria incidents decreased by 7% between 2016 and 2023, while the mortality rate declined by 32% between 2019 and 2023.

Speaking in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County on Thursday during World Malaria Day 2024, the CS emphasised the need for a collective approach by engaging all sectors to accelerate the efforts to realise a malaria-free Kenya by 2030.

‘There is a strong responsibility on the community to ensure that the investments
in malaria count. This is by ensuring consistent and correct use of critical malaria prevention tools like the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs),’ she said.

She said the mass distribution of 16 million LLINs to over 27 million citizens in 22 high malaria-burden counties in the financial year 2023/24 substantially reduced cases of the vector-borne disease in the country.

The government’s initiative to implement indoor residual spraying (IRS) in malaria-burdened counties such as Busia, Migori and Homa Bay has yielded remarkable results in reducing transmission rates and effectively preventing and protecting pregnant women and children under age 5 from malaria.

The IRS focuses on spraying buildings with an insecticide which kills mosquitoes, a vector that spreads malaria.

‘Furthermore, the roll-out of a malaria vaccine in high-endemic counties has contributed to a decrease in hospitalisations due to severe malaria in children under five years of age,’ she added, while expressing satisfaction at the sign
ificant strides on the uptake of the RTS-S malaria vaccine recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).

However, Nakhumicha claimed that progress remains fragile and challenging and she underscored the need to urgently address the intersecting issues of gender disparities, health equity and human rights in the quest to eradicate malaria.

‘Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including financial constraints, climate change, and emerging resistance to insecticides and drugs. We must remain vigilant in our surveillance efforts and invest in innovative strategies to address these obstacles head-on,’ she remarked.

Dr. James Dan Otieno, malaria technical officer with WHO Kenya, while representing Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO Kenya Representative, at the event, emphasised the critical role of enhanced partner collaboration in achieving Kenya’s ambitious malaria eradication goals.

He reiterated that with a focused effort in the fight against the scourge, Kenya has the potential to achieve zero malar
ia cases by 2030.

Dr. Otieno lamented over the grim reality that an estimated 3.5 million new clinical cases are recorded and 10,700 deaths occur due to malaria annually.

Source: Kenya News Agency

About 5,000 tree seedlings were planted in Maasai Mau Forest during the launch of Long Rains Tree Growing Season by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) countrywide under the theme of 15 billion trees by 2032.

Speaking during the launch in Maasai Mau Forest, the Narok County Forest Conservator, Daniel Mukung’ said 5,000 tree seedlings planted in Maasai Mau Forest Block were a collaboration between Paran Women’s Group and Kenya Forest Service (KFS).

Mukung said the site was chosen because it was invaded by squatters and was seriously degraded. In 2017-2018, those who were illegally occupying the forest were evicted, now they are trying to restore it.

Mukung said the Mau forest was divided into restoration blocks for ease of adoption by the partners who were interested in conservation. adding that a block is one kilometre square.

He added that so far, they have had over 136 blocks adding that they have done 48 blocks since 2019 up to date and the survival is quite impressive.

Mukung applauded the Eden restorati
on project where they adopted the largest number of blocks in the Mau forest adding that they had managed to do 16 out of the 56 blocks adopted.

Other partners who have adopted blocks in Maasai Mau Forest are KFS, which has adapted 8 blocks; Ministry of Energy, which has 2 blocks; Kenya Water Towers, 8 blocks and many others coming on board for adoption.

The conservator encouraged other partners who were interested in the conservation to come in and adopt blocks.

Mukung said the positive effect has been felt; water levels in the rivers have risen and animals that are endangered are back.

‘As we speak, everybody is happy, and if we continue planting trees the positive impact is going to be felt more.’ added Mukung’

The county forest conservators were leading the exercise in all 47 counties in collaboration with the county governments and national government officials.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Police officers based at Nangili in Kakamega’s Likuyani Sub County yesterday recovered 13 stolen sheep following a raid at a homestead in Karara village in the neighbouring Trans Nzoia County.

Five suspects were also arrested during the raid, in connection with the theft but the main one, Jeremiah Njuguna managed to escape.

The five who include four men and a woman, who is the mother-in-law of the main suspect, will be arraigned in court to face theft charges.

Speaking to the press at Nangili police station, Kongoni location Chief Peter Lugano lauded residents for cooperating with security agencies towards recovery of the sheep.

He said, ‘For the last few weeks we have received numerous complaints from residents over increased theft cases of sheep in the area. However, today we have had a breakthrough following a tip-off from members of the public who led police officers to the homestead of the main suspect, who is now at large.’

Lugano said all 13 sheep worth Sh 130,000 have been positively identified
by the owners.

He appealed to Kongoni residents to be vigilant and continue sharing information with security personnel for the sake of their own security.

He issued a warning to those abetting or involved in criminal activities in the location where their days are numbered.

Margret Khatemo, who positively identified her lamb, which was stolen a week ago, lauded Nangili police officers for their swift action to recover the sheep.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A new company that will deliver high-speed internet connectivity to thousands of digitally underserved residents in nearby towns and informal settlements in Kiambu has been created.

Created by Rendeavour, owner and developer of Tatu City, Fahari Link will provide low connection fees, daily internet plans, reliable internet connectivity and technical support to citizens of Kiambu County, including those earning subsistence wages.

In addition to connecting homes, Fahari Link will deploy Wi-Fi internet connections in public spaces such as shopping centres and sports fields, ensuring that digital access is available to all, including mobile users.

Alex Kahu, Deputy Country Head, Kenya, Rendeavour said that by expanding affordable internet and broadband services to the neighbouring community, Tatu City is ensuring that no one is left behind in Africa’s digital future.

‘With Fahari Link, we are not just connecting people; we are connecting aspirations, opportunities, and futures,’ he said.

Gina M. Raimondo, U
.S. Secretary of Commerce, at the American Chamber of Commerce Business Summit presided over the transformative initiative.

Raimondo noted that two years ago in December 2022, President Biden launched the Digital Transformation with Africa (DTA) initiative, committing over USD 350 million to expand digital access and literacy across the African continent.

‘Through the DTA, we are working to deliver technical assistance and investment that support private sector-led projects to expand digital access, increase digital literacy, and strengthen digitally enabling environments across Africa,’ said Secretary Raimondo.

With Africa’s projected population of 1.7 billion by 2030, doubling internet connectivity to 1 billion users is a key goal, he said noting that digital access is especially important for women and girls who rely on the internet to acquire new skills, address health disparities, and improve the overall quality of life for themselves and their families.

John Njogu, MCA Gitothua Ward, Kiambu County s
aid the development will make a huge difference to individuals and businesses, giving them the tools they need to develop, grow, and prosper in an increasingly digital world.

‘This is great news for the people in the surrounding communities around Tatu City, including informal communities of BTL and Gitothua.

Tatu Telecom, Tatu City’s telecommunications company, has already laid over 40 km of fibre optic cables and currently serves over 1,000 residential and commercial customers, including schools and local, regional, and multinational companies within Tatu City.

Tatu Telecom has also built an open-access network, allowing multiple internet service providers to serve Tatu City residents and businesses.

Fahari Link has invested heavily in acquiring wholesale bandwidth from global internet service providers to extend its reach to areas beyond Tatu City, including the informal communities of BTL, OJ and Rutoro. Ruiru town will also be served, as will the communities of Oaklands, Murera, Kamakis and other par
ts of Kiambu County.

In total, Fahari’s services will be available to close to one million people.

Source: Kenya News Agency