KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Ministry of Education moves to resolve TUK industrial action

    Ministry of Education moves to resolve TUK industrial action

    The Ministry of Education has assured students, staff and parents at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK) that it is actively working to resolve the ongoing industrial action at the institution.

    Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala stated that a Technical Committee established by the Ministry has been engaging all relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive Recovery and Sustainable Strategy for the university.

    The committee is working closely with the university management and other key parties to find a long-term solution that ensures stability while minimizing disruptions to learning.

    “The Government remains fully committed to delivering quality higher education within the academic calendar and is working through established legal frameworks, including the University Council, to implement sustainable solutions,” Dr. Inyangala said in a statement.

    She urged all affected parties to allow negotiations to proceed constructively, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in resolving the matter.

    The Ministry also encouraged students to remain patient, assuring them that every effort is being made to restore normal operations without compromising academic integrity.

    The ministry says that further updates on the resolution process will be communicated as discussions progress.

  • Rwanda rejects European Parliament’s ‘selective outrage’ on DRC conflict

    Rwanda rejects European Parliament’s ‘selective outrage’ on DRC conflict

    The Rwandan Parliament has called for a balanced and objective approach to resolving the security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging international actors to avoid one-sided narratives that could further escalate tensions in the region.

    In a resolution passed on February 21, 2025, Rwandan lawmakers criticized the European Parliament’s recent stance on the conflict, arguing that it fails to address the historical and political complexities fueling instability in eastern DRC.

    They condemned what they described as selective outrage, saying the European Parliament’s resolution unfairly targets Rwanda while ignoring the role of the Congolese government and its allied armed groups in perpetuating violence.

    According to the Rwandan Parliament, the crisis in eastern DRC is deeply rooted in colonial-era territorial arrangements that left Kinyarwanda-speaking communities within Congolese borders.

    They argued that successive Congolese governments have failed to address these historical injustices, fueling ethnic tensions, discrimination and violence, particularly against the Congolese Tutsi community.

    The resolution further highlighted that the conflict has been exacerbated by the presence of over 250 armed groups in the region, the most prominent being the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), a militia composed of individuals responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

    Rwandan lawmakers accused the Congolese government of integrating these militias into its armed forces and forming an anti-Rwanda coalition that includes Burundian forces, European mercenaries, and ethnic militias known as Wazalendo.

    The Parliament condemned recent attacks on Rwandan territory, including the cross-border assault in Rubavu on January 26, 2025, which killed 16 people and left 177 others injured. Lawmakers asserted that Rwanda cannot ignore such security threats and must take necessary measures to protect its citizens.

    Additionally, the Rwandan Parliament took issue with the European Parliament’s focus on the March 23 Movement (M23), saying it failed to acknowledge the conditions that led to the group’s resurgence.

    They also criticized the lack of condemnation for atrocities committed against Congolese Tutsi communities, who continue to face targeted killings, hate speech, and other forms of persecution.

    Rejecting claims that the conflict is primarily driven by mineral exploitation, the Rwandan Parliament insisted that the root cause is the Congolese government’s failure to address internal ethnic divisions.

    They also decried what they termed the politicization of development cooperation, warning that lobbying for sanctions against Rwanda would only embolden Kinshasa’s military ambitions rather than foster peace.

    Despite the rising tensions, Rwandan lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic resolution.

    They expressed support for the ongoing peace efforts, including the commitments made during the joint East African Community-Southern African Development Community (EAC-SADC) Heads of State Summit in Dar es Salaam on February 8, 2025, which the African Union later endorsed.

    The resolution called on regional and international bodies to abandon biased narratives and instead promote meaningful dialogue among all warring parties.

    The lawmakers urged the international community, particularly the European Union, to play an active role in combating genocide ideology and ensuring that individuals responsible for the 1994 genocide do not continue to pose a threat to regional security.

    In conclusion, the Rwandan Parliament reiterated that every sovereign nation has the right to defend its territorial integrity and protect its people.

    It urged global stakeholders, including the European Commission, the African Union and regional economic blocs, to take a more balanced approach in addressing the crisis in eastern DRC and fostering long-term peace in the Great Lakes region.

  • DCI arrests woman for brutal murder of mother in Makueni

    DCI arrests woman for brutal murder of mother in Makueni

    A 43-year-old woman, Kamanthe Makato, has been arrested for the gruesome murder of her mother in Matiliku village on February 18, 2025.

    The victim, 71-year-old Mukeli Makato, was gathering firewood with her grandchild when Kamanthe joined them.

    According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), what started as a misunderstanding between mother and daughter quickly escalated into a violent attack.

    In a fit of rage, Kamanthe brutally hacked her mother to death, leaving the child in terror.

    The horrified grandchild fled the scene, screaming for help. Residents alerted the authorities, and police officers arrived promptly to find Mukeli’s lifeless body in a pool of blood.

    The body bore multiple deep cuts from her head to her legs, indicating the brutality of the attack.

    A blood-stained panga, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene and retained as an exhibit.

    The victim’s body was transported to Kilome Nursing Home Hospital Morgue, where it awaits an autopsy.

    Kamanthe is currently in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities preparing to arraign her in court for the heinous act.

  • Rwanda to Belgium: Keep your aid, respect our sovereignty

    Rwanda to Belgium: Keep your aid, respect our sovereignty

    Rwanda has announced the suspension of the remainder of its 2024-2029 bilateral aid program with Belgium, citing Belgium’s role in undermining its access to development finance.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Rwandan government accused Belgium of leading an aggressive campaign, in collaboration with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to sabotage Rwanda’s access to development funding, including from multilateral institutions.

    The move, Rwanda argues, threatens regional stability and undermines ongoing African-led mediation efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern DRC.

    “Belgium has made a political decision to choose a side in this conflict, which is its right, but politicizing development is wrong,” the statement read.

    “No country in the region should have its development finance jeopardized as a tool of leverage. Punitive, one-sided measures can only be construed as unwarranted external interference that undermines the African-led mediation process, and thereby risks delaying the peaceful resolution of the conflict.”

    Rwanda further emphasized that these actions demonstrate an absence of a sound basis for continued development cooperation with Belgium.

    Consequently, the Rwandan government has decided to suspend all remaining aid programs under the current bilateral framework.

    The government reaffirmed its commitment to national security, stating that Rwanda “will not be bullied or blackmailed into compromising national security.”

    The statement underscored that Rwanda’s primary objective remains to secure its borders and achieve a lasting solution to the issue of violent ethnic extremism in the region.

    “Rwanda needs peace and a durable solution and no one should continue to tolerate the cycles of conflict which continually recur because of the failure of the DRC government and the international community, decade after decade, to fulfil their commitments to dismantle the UN-sanctioned genocidal FDLR militia and protect minority rights,” the statement added.

    Rwanda reiterated that development partnerships must be built on mutual respect and accountability, principles it has consistently upheld.

    The government urged full support for the African Union (AU), East African Community (EAC), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) mediation process as the only viable path toward a lasting resolution in the region.

  • 16 teachers set to benefit from KEWOTA’s school lactation program

    16 teachers set to benefit from KEWOTA’s school lactation program

    Sixteen female teachers at Ndhiwa Comprehensive School in Nyanza are set to benefit from a new lactation room, an initiative by the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) aimed at supporting breastfeeding teachers.

    The program provides a private and comfortable space for nursing mothers, helping them balance their professional and maternal responsibilities more effectively.

    Ndhiwa Comprehensive School is the first institution in Nyanza to receive the facility, which allows teachers to breastfeed their infants during breaks, lunchtime and after school hours.

    KEWOTA plans to expand the initiative to more schools nationwide to ensure working mothers receive the necessary support.

    KEWOTA Marketing Manager Daniel Oswago, alongside other officials, officially handed over the facility to the school administration.

    KEWOTA Coordinator in Homa Bay, Mercy Odhiambo, emphasized the significant health benefits of breastfeeding and urged school administrators in other regions to collaborate in setting up similar facilities.

    “The separation from their children often leads to anxiety and mental health challenges for new mothers. This initiative not only supports breastfeeding but also reduces work-related stress, enabling teachers to focus on their duties,” said Odhiambo.

    The program also incorporates a structured caregiving system, where house helps or family members bring babies to school at designated times for breastfeeding before taking them home.

    This ensures that infants receive adequate nutrition while allowing teachers to concentrate on their work without undue stress.

    Ndhiwa Comprehensive School was selected for the pilot project due to the high number of female teachers with young children. Currently, three teachers have infants, while two are expectant and will soon require the facility.

    Deputy Headteacher Nedy Dulo highlighted the importance of such initiatives, noting that female teachers are required to resume work just four months after childbirth, a period when exclusive breastfeeding remains crucial.

    “With the lactation room, teachers can continue breastfeeding their infants without compromising their professional responsibilities,” she said.

    By supporting breastfeeding teachers, KEWOTA’s initiative is expected to improve teachers’ mental well-being, enhance job satisfaction, and contribute to better academic performance.

    The association continues to advocate for the expansion of the program, urging policymakers and school administrators to prioritize the needs of working mothers in the education sector.

     

    Edited by Beth Nyaga

  • DCI seizes amphetamines hidden in candles at JKIA

    DCI seizes amphetamines hidden in candles at JKIA

    Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Anti-Narcotics Unit have intercepted a shipment of suspected amphetamines at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

    The drugs, which were concealed inside 10 large candles, were being trafficked from Bujumbura, Burundi, to Australia.

    The discovery was made during a routine verification exercise at the DHL Cargo Shed within the airport’s cargo area.

    Upon inspection, officers found a whitish crystalline substance wrapped in yellow cellotape inside a carton.

    Preliminary tests confirmed the substance to be amphetamines, a highly addictive drug.

    Following the seizure, authorities launched further investigations to track down the traffickers behind the illegal shipment.

    The DCI has intensified efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks using Kenya as a transit point.

    This latest bust highlights the increasing sophistication of drug smuggling tactics and the vigilance of Kenyan security agencies in curbing the illicit trade.

  • Farmers in Narok advised to vaccinate livestock against Lumpy Skin Disease

    Farmers in Narok advised to vaccinate livestock against Lumpy Skin Disease

    Farmers in Narok West Sub County have been advised to vaccinate their livestock against Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) following an outbreak in the area.

    Narok West Veterinary Officer Dr. Mathew Nchoko emphasized that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the disease, which is spread by arthropod vectors and primarily affects calves and weak animals.

    “The disease is highly contagious and can be fatal if not treated in time,” Dr. Nchoko warned.

    He outlined the clinical signs of LSD, including fever, excessive tearing, hypersalivation and skin eruptions.

    Dr. Nchoko urged farmers to vaccinate their animals to minimize losses and boost productivity, noting that a single dose costs only Ksh 30.

    “The disease spreads rapidly, especially during the rainy season. As we approach the long rains, I encourage all farmers to vaccinate their livestock to prevent infections,” he reiterated.

    Recent cases of LSD have been reported across Narok County and neighbouring counties, including Kajiado, Homa Bay and Nakuru.

    Kasio Ole Leng’etu, a farmer who lost several animals to the disease, recounted how his livestock became weak, produced less milk, and developed skin eruptions.

    “It is devastating to lose even one animal because our livestock are our livelihood,” he lamented.

    Another farmer, Mama Sophia Supati, first noticed something was wrong when her cows reduced milk production and showed a reluctance to eat.

    “After two weeks, they started developing lumps on their skin, and that’s when I sought help from a veterinary officer,” she said.

    Fortunately, her affected animals received treatment in time, while the rest were vaccinated to prevent further spread.

    Mama Supati urged fellow livestock keepers to prioritize vaccination, highlighting that prevention is far more affordable than treatment.

  • KWS launches aerial wildlife census to assess Tsavo ecosystem

    KWS launches aerial wildlife census to assess Tsavo ecosystem

    The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), in collaboration with key conservation partners, has deployed ten aircraft to conduct an Ecosystem Aerial Total Census in Tsavo West and East National Parks.

    The census, expected to span eight days, will utilize internationally recognized methods to ensure accuracy and avoid double counts.

    According to KWS, the Tsavo ecosystem spans five counties and is a crucial pillar of Kenya’s biodiversity, representing 38 per cent of the country’s elephant population range.

    The last comprehensive census in 2021 recorded 14,964 elephants in the region, reaffirming its status as Kenya’s largest elephant stronghold.

    The aerial survey aims to provide critical insights into wildlife population trends, habitat dynamics, and challenges affecting species within the ecosystem.

    This information is vital for conservation planning, ensuring sustainable management of Kenya’s rich biodiversity.

    Flagging off the aircraft to commence the census, officials from KWS, the Department for Wildlife and other stakeholders emphasized the importance of the exercise.

    The Tsavo ecosystem is Kenya’s largest continuous savannah range, covering approximately 49,611 square kilometres.

    By deploying advanced aerial monitoring techniques, KWS and its partners seek to safeguard the future of Tsavo’s wildlife and enhance conservation strategies for generations to come.

    A few months ago, the government conducted a national wildlife census across Kenya’s national parks and reserves to obtain data that would guide policy development, management, and conservation of wildlife resources.

    The exercise, led by the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) in collaboration with KWS and conservation stakeholders, covered key ecosystems, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Magadi.

    Conservation Secretary Dr. John Chumo, while monitoring the progress of the second phase of the census in the Amboseli-Magadi ecosystem, emphasized its significance in determining wildlife populations, mapping their distribution and identifying migratory corridors.

    The census, which is required by law every three years, also assesses land use factors such as human settlement, agriculture, fencing and infrastructure development, which impact wildlife distribution.

    Dr. Chumo acknowledged the joint efforts of WRTI, KWS and conservation partners and pledged government support for the initiative.

    The census was conducted by wildlife scientists, ecologists, pilots and data specialists using GPS, modern surveillance cameras and audio recorders to ensure data accuracy.

    The Amboseli-Magadi ecosystem remains one of the most studied wildlife conservation areas where humans and wildlife coexist.

    The data gathered from the national census will complement the ongoing Tsavo aerial survey, ensuring a comprehensive approach to wildlife conservation and management in Kenya.

  • EACC arrests Kilgoris ODPP prosecutor for alleged bribery

    EACC arrests Kilgoris ODPP prosecutor for alleged bribery

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arrested Japheth Ouko Mayore Isaboke, the Principal Prosecution Counsel in charge of the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) Kilgoris, on charges of soliciting a bribe.

    Isaboke is accused of demanding Ksh 50,000 from a businessman in exchange for fast-tracking a court case.

    The amount was later negotiated down to Ksh 40,000. However, the businessman refused to comply and reported the matter to the EACC.

    Following the complaint, the Commission carried out a successful operation that led to Isaboke’s arrest on Sunday, 16th February 2025.

    The suspect was apprehended while accepting Ksh 20,000 as part of the agreed bribe.

    Isaboke was subsequently held at Kisii Police Station and later released on a Ksh 30,000 cash bail, pending the completion of investigations.

    The EACC has reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption and promoting integrity within government institutions, emphasizing the importance of reporting such cases to ensure accountability.

    The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

  • Kenya congratulates new African Union Commission leadership

    Kenya congratulates new African Union Commission leadership

    The Government of Kenya has acknowledged the outcome of the African Union Commission (AUC) elections held during the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday.

    In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs extended heartfelt congratulations to H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the newly elected Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and to Ambassador Selma Malika Hadadi, who has been appointed Deputy Chairperson, along with all the newly appointed Commissioners.

    The statement further expressed confidence in the new leadership, emphasizing that under their guidance, the African Union will be well-positioned to steer the continent toward achieving the ambitious goals outlined in Agenda 2063.

    “We are confident that under the new leadership, the Union will rise to the demanding calling of steering the continent towards attaining the ambitious Agenda 2063,” the statement read.

    The Government also took the opportunity to celebrate the campaign of Kenya’s candidate for AUC Chair, former Prime Minister Right Hon. Dr. Raila Amollo Odinga.

    The statement highlighted how Dr. Odinga’s campaign inspired hope and passion across Africa, noting his representation of Kenya with great respect, dignity, and resilience throughout the process.

    “Dr. Odinga’s campaign was a demonstration of true statesmanship. At every stage, he exhibited unparalleled leadership and commitment, reflecting Kenya’s dedication to advancing continental cooperation,” the statement continued.

    The Government of Kenya also expressed its sincere gratitude to all African Union member states that supported Dr. Odinga’s candidacy, acknowledging their significant contributions to his campaign.

    As Kenya continues to play an integral role in shaping Africa’s future, the country remains committed to supporting the African Union’s vision for a united and prosperous continent.