Plans by the World Health Organisation to establish a logistics hub in Nairobi are almost complete with the ground-breaking set for later this month. A virtual meeting between Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr. Matshidiso Moeti resolved to fast-track construction of the facility that will be equipped with Emergency Medical Personnel, Commodities and equipment to support Kenya as well as other countries in the region. Speaking during the meeting, the health CS said there was a need for Kenya and the region to adequately prepare for the next pandemic adding that the Covid-19 epidemic provided critical lessons especially for developing nations. “One of the challenges we had during Covid-19 was supply. Moving forward, what we must be prepared for is local supply of what might be needed in an emergency. It’s important to not just build a hub but also think about local manufacturing support, observed the health CS. He said the government has already identified a site where the hub will be set up next to Kenyatta University, Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital (KUTRRH). Africa CDC collaboration Centre has also been allocated land in the area as well as the Kenya National Public Health Institute. According to Dr. Moeti, there is a need to work around partnerships especially building an efficient workforce bearing in mind Kenya’s expanded role adding that the Hub will be a Centre of Excellence in Emergency Medical Training. “Research in Africa is funded from outside. We need to do national investments in line with your proposal. On training, we are keen on ensuring we have the people we require when we need them not just from Kenya but the region.” Noted Dr. Moeti. This even as he lauded Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage Agenda saying his organisation is ready to support ongoing efforts. The logistics hub is expected to build and support capacity in disaster management systems, as well as technical expertise besides prioritizing high profile disease-specific strategies and timely risk assessment. Source: Ministry of Health

County Commissioner says the youths in the Kazi Mtaani programme will be assigned mentors to train them on peace and conflict resolution ahead of elections
The government wants beneficiaries of Kazi Mtaani to also act as peace ambassadors as the country gears up for the 2022 General Election slated for August 9.
Speaking in Mikinduni when he launched phase three of the National Hygiene Programme (NHP), Tana River County Commissioner Thomas Sankei said the youths will be assigned mentors to train them on peace and conflict resolution alongside the programme’s regular activities.
“As we work, we’ll talk to each other and have mentors because we want you to be the peace ambassadors in the areas you will be working. I want you to be a person who will be able to resolve conflicts that occur often,” Sankei said.
The programme was designed by the government in 2020 to cushion vulnerable youth from the effects and response strategies of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The County Commissioner said Tana River was targeting 5,443 workers and 183 supervisors. He urged them to denounce resource-based conflict which is synonymous with Tana between the pastoralists and farming communities and advised them to be exemplary to others by living and working harmoniously.
“We will have ample time for conversations that will lead us to a society with sound morals, we want our youths to be the lead agents in issues of integrity, peace building, and conflict resolutions,” he said..
The programme has been extended to cover all the 15 wards in Tana River, unlike the first phase which enrolled 2,891 youth living in Hola municipality. The youth will receive daily wages of Sh455 for workers and Sh555 for supervisors.
Robert Buya, a beneficiary from the Mikinduni ward, implored the government to consider making the programme permanent saying it was a god-send for many youths who are jobless.
“The programme will reduce cases of drug and alcohol abuse as the youth will be busy working,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Mwana Baraka Abdalla, said the proceeds from the work would enable her to cater to her school-going children’s needs but urged the government to increase the number of beneficiaries in Tana River.

Source: MY Gov