KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Health Advisory Council to solve workers’ issues

    Health Advisory Council to solve workers’ issues

    President William Ruto has challenged the Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council to resolve issues affecting health professionals in the country.

    The President said the Council whose mandate is to review policy and establish norms and standards for health workers, should ensure health professionals are happy and productive.

    The council will be chaired by Dr. Francis Wafula, a lecturer at Strathmore University, and comprise representatives from the National Government, counties, and training institutions.

    The President spoke on Monday at State House, Nairobi, when he inaugurated the council, which he said was the result of extensive consultations between the National and County governments.

    “Inadequate consultation between the two levels of government in the past prevented the operationalization of the council affecting effective delivery of health services.”

    The advisory council will handle the posting of interns to National and County governments’ health facilities, inter-county transfer of health professionals, and transfers from one level of government to the other.

    The Kenya Health Human Resource Advisory Council will also standardize the welfare and schemes of service for health professionals and manage the rotation of specialist doctors to enhance effective service delivery across the country.

    It will also maintain a master register for all health practitioners in the counties.

    The President said the Council will also address issues of training of staff in the counties.

    “The National Government pays for the training of health professionals, while counties continue to pay their salaries and can’t replace them when on training. These are some of the issues the advisory council will deal with,” President Ruto said.

    Council of Governors Chair Anne Waiguru said the advisory council’s composition has been informed by the constitutional roles the two levels of government have in the provision of health services.

     

  • Police begin combating alcoholism from within

    Police begin combating alcoholism from within

    Law enforcement agencies have now adopted a lead-by-example principle in an effort to combat the escalating national scourge of drug and substance addiction.

    A number of rehabilitation programs have been lined up to help security officers struggling with dependence and addiction recovery from the scourge.

    According to Internal Security and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, the strategy is intended at providing the affected officers with supportive counseling and more access to specialized treatment and ultimately positions them as credible role models.

    “To serve as an example, we have begun sowing these seeds of change from within, and our focus is on our security officers,” he said, adding that the move will also demonstrate a higher level of commitment of the officers in enforcing the national guidelines on alcohol and drug use prevention.

    He was speaking during the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, which is marked on the 26th of June every year as part of the global efforts to eradicate drug abuse.

    Dr. Omollo attributed most cases of addiction within the National Police Service to work-related issues and prolonged exposure to high-stress environments, a cold reality he said the government has undertaken to address through the ongoing reforms in the sector.

    He said, “It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge this harsh reality. These brave men and women confront harrowing situations; some of them come face-to-face with life-threatening risks, and we have always counted on them to bear the weight of our national security burden without failure.”

    According to him, the government continues to deploy an open dialogue strategy in encouraging the affected officers to commit to the available alcohol addiction recovery programs.

    The PS also stated that among the key priorities set for this financial year is the improvement of police welfare, with a focus on their working conditions and remuneration.

    This will also be extended to mental health support and stress management programs to avert the destructive path of substance abuse.

    “That is why we are encouraging them to seek help without fear of judgment, victimization or repercussions,” he noted.

    His call to action is aligned with the theme of this year’s World Drug Day, whose message is anchored on ending stigma and discrimination against addicts.

    This approach is already yielding positive results, with more than 30 officers recently graduating from the Rehabilitation Centre at the Regional Police Training Center in Kimilii, Bungoma County

  • Man on the ran after razing down 7 houses in Homa Bay County

    Man on the ran after razing down 7 houses in Homa Bay County

    A 28-year-old man is on the run after he allegedly torched a house leading to the razing down of seven homes at Litare Beach in Mbita, Homa Bay County.

    Kamasengre West Sub location Chief Meshack Wachianga said the incident occurred when the homeowners were attending a funeral funds drive in the area. He said the suspect sneaked into a house where he lived with his estranged wife and set it on fire with petrol.

    “The man poured petrol in the house, lit the fire, and disappeared as the fire spread fast to the neighboring six houses,” Wachianga said.

    According to the locals, the man was furious after being ditched by his wife with whom he had been cohabiting in the house.

    “The information we have is that the man was revenging because his wife expelled him from the house. The woman used to stay alone in the house prior to their marriage. But when they got married, he decided to live with the woman in the same house,” Wachianga said.

    He said the incident caused the loss of property estimated at Ksh 3 million.

    Caroline Achieng, one of the victims said the incident left her destitute. “As we speak, the only property I have are the clothes on my body. It is a serious loss. I appeal for humanitarian aid,” Achieng said.

    She called on Homa Bay County disaster management department to support the families with humanitarian aid. “We also appeal to any well-wishers to come to our aid,” she added.

    Wachianga said they are pursuing the suspect. “The suspect is a known person in this area because he has been cohabiting with a woman who is one of the victims. He disappeared but I am sure we will get hold of him,” Wachianga said.

    He told residents to seek a better way to solve domestic disputes. “Let residents be careful on how to handle domestic issues without causing such damages,” Wachianga added.

  • Convicted Sexual Offenders Register is now electronic

    Convicted Sexual Offenders Register is now electronic

    The Convicted Sexual Offenders Register is now electronic.

    Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Register, which is established under the Sexual Offences Act, serves as a crucial database that holds the records of all convicted sexual offenders countrywide.

    The Sexual Offenders Register holds immense potential in safeguarding our communities and empowering survivors.

    “Through the establishment of this register, we strive to protect vulnerable individuals, minimize the risk posed by offenders, and provide necessary information to institutions working with minors or vulnerable populations,” the CJ said.

    Kenya, being the second country in Africa after South Africa to adopt this register, is paving the way for other nations on the continent.

    At the same time, the Chief Justice also launched a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court (SGBV) Strategy, Child Justice Strategy, and established SGBV Courts in Kibera and Makadara Law Courts.

    The strategy aims to empower survivors, ensure their access to justice, and work towards eliminating the scourge of SGBV from our communities.

    “By outlining key principles and actions, this strategy establishes a framework for transformative change and offers hope for a safer, more inclusive society,” she said.

    The strategy emphasizes the importance of treating survivors with compassion, sensitivity, and respect while upholding their rights throughout the legal process.

    This includes providing survivor support services and ensuring their meaningful participation in decision-making and court proceedings.

    The SGBV Strategy emphasizes specialized training programs that provide judges, magistrates, and court staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to handle SGBV cases effectively. This includes understanding the dynamics of gender-based violence and being aware of the social and cultural factors that influence these cases.

    By equipping judicial officers with the tools they need, the strategy seeks to promote fair, impartial, and informed decision-making in SGBV cases.

    The initiatives are in line with the strategic focus of the Judiciary to transform the justice system into a people-centered one that upholds the dignity and rights of all Kenyans, especially those who suffer from Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, child abuse and exploitation.

     

  • Nairobi Expressway to be closed for the Nairobi City Marathon

    Nairobi Expressway to be closed for the Nairobi City Marathon

    The Moja Expressway Company has announced that the Nairobi Expressway will be temporarily closed on Saturday and Sunday.

    In a statement on Monday, the company said this will be done to allow for the Nairobi City Marathon, which is scheduled to take place on July 2.

    “Please note that the Nairobi Expressway will be temporarily closed from Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 10 pm to Sunday, July 2, 2023, at 4 pm as we host the 2nd edition of the Nairobi City Marathon,” the notice reads.

    Motorists have been asked to plan their journeys on the said dates.

    “We kindly request all motorists and commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.”

    This is the second edition of the action-packed marathon event.

    More than 3000 athletes have registered for the marathon that will be held on July 2.

    The marathon which was initially set to be held on May 21 will be held along the Nairobi Expressway and will comprise 42km, 21km, 10km, and 6km races.

  • KWS issued 3-day ultimatum to drive back marauding elephants into Tsavo

    KWS issued 3-day ultimatum to drive back marauding elephants into Tsavo

    Residents in the Mutha location in Kitui County have issued the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) a three-day ultimatum to drive over 70 elephants back into the Tsavo Game Reserve.

    “We are giving the KWS three days to remove the elephants but if they do not act, then after the three days we will take matters into our own hands,” said irate residents.

    The ultimatum was issued after the marauding elephants caused mass destruction of crops after invading farms in the area.

    The stray elephants are believed to have crossed over from the bordering Tsavo Game Reserve.

    Speaking to KNA at their farms in Mutha on Sunday, the locals decried mass losses they incurred after the destruction of their maturing crops and other properties.

    The residents said they are living in fear of more crop destruction and even death from attacks by the wild animals.

    They asked the KWS to drive away the elephants immediately and compensate them for the losses caused by the elephants.

    “We are tired of living in fear. The elephants are destroying our crops and property, the KWS should take action immediately,” Martin Muthui, a local farmer who incurred massive losses said.

    The invasion by the elephants has also had a devastating impact on education, as children in local schools in the area have been forced to temporarily halt attending due to wildlife insecurity.

    The Mutha location residents have expressed concern over the safety of their children since the elephants pose a danger to their lives.

    “We cannot keep our children in schools when there are elephants roaming around, we are afraid of their safety,” said Jane Syokau, a resident and a mother.

    The officer in charge of KWS at the game reserve warden Jimale Rashid confirmed the presence and invasion of farms by the stray elephants and said that KWS officers are working round the clock to drive the elephants back into the game reserve.

    “We are aware of the invasion of elephants in the Mutha area,” said Rashid. “We have dispatched a team of rangers to the area to drive the elephants back to Tsavo Game Reserve. We will also be working with the locals to ensure that the elephants do not return to the area,” he added.

    Rashid urged the locals to remain calm and cooperate with the KWS offices. He said that the KWS is committed to protecting the lives and property of the locals.

  • KDF troops prepare for deployment in the DRC

    KDF troops prepare for deployment in the DRC

    Deputy Army Commander Major General David Tarus visited Kenya Defence Forces Quick Reaction Force and Kenya Signals Company as they entered the homestretch phase of their pre-deployment training.

    The troops will soon deploy to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).

    Major General Tarus commended the troops for their dedication and commitment in undertaking the rigorous pre-deployment training that is geared towards making them mission ready.

    ‘‘The hard work and dedication I have witnessed in your various facets of this pre-deployment training is a testament of the commitment to the duty of the Kenyan soldier. As you continue with the remaining elements of the training, maintain the momentum and even push your limits harder for you to be able to operate with ease in the mission area,’’ said Major General Tarus.

    The Deputy Army Commander further urged them to be good ambassadors of the Republic of Kenya by hoisting the Kenyan flag high through upholding professionalism, discipline, a high sense of integrity, and adhering to the United Nations Code of Conduct.

    “For many years now, the Republic of Kenya has deployed troops in various peacekeeping and enforcement missions and has performed commendably well in the duties. As you prepare to deploy, you have an enormous task of protecting the image of the country owing to the high standards that have been set by your predecessors,” said Major General Tarus.

    During the visit, the troops demonstrated impeccable skills in conducting various drills like ambushes and crowd control, among others. The Quick Reaction Force and Kenya Signals Company will be the third and second contingents to deploy to DRC under MONUSCO, respectively.

     

  • DCI intercept car used in a spate of housebreaking incidents

    DCI intercept car used in a spate of housebreaking incidents

    Detectives based at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) headquarters have intercepted a motor vehicle used in a spate of housebreaking incidents in the Syokimau area.

    The interception took place following a mid-morning car chase with the suspects in Kasarani.

    According to the DCI detectives, the pursuit and subsequent interception of the vehicle in which several suspected stolen properties were recovered followed numerous complaints by victims, where most of the breakings were staged during the day.

    CCTV footage circulated in various social media platforms captured the detained vehicle – a white Toyota Vanguard bearing fake registration numbers – being used by the suspects.

    Staging a sting operation, a team of DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau detectives caught up with the suspects at Roasters area in Kasarani, but the occupants defied orders to stop and sped off towards Baba Dogo as police gave chase.

    The occupants then abandoned the vehicle at Ngei Estate and escaped on foot, leaving behind the car Reg. No KCX 030P, whose registration in most thievery operations was altered to KCJ 530C.

    Upon search, 5 TV sets (3 Samsung, a Vitron, and Amtec TVs), a PlayStation 5, a Lenovo laptop, crowbars, metal hooks, a bunch of keys, and several number plate stickers were found.

    The detectives say that proper documentation has been done and the recoveries preserved as exhibits.

    Meanwhile, the DCI is still in pursuit of the suspects and any possible accomplices who escaped.

  • CS Owalo launches Jitume Digital Laboratory in Rongo University

    CS Owalo launches Jitume Digital Laboratory in Rongo University

    ICT Cabinet Secretary Eluid Owalo Friday launched another Jitume Digital Laboratory at Rongo University, in Migori County.

    The Jitume Digital Laboratories are the initiative of the Kenya Kwanza Government through the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy to equip and empower the youth with market ready digital skills and subsequent placement on the job market.

    Through the Jitume Program, the Ministry has equipped this lab with 100 computers, digital connectivity, and free digital skills training opportunities.

    Together with the PS-ICT, Eng John Tanui, Owalo was received by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Samuel Gudu, Faculty Members, students and staff of Rongo University, and the wider community.

    Also present were John Okwirry, KOTDA  CEO Dr. Rachel Masake, Chair University Council David Gitonga, Migori County Commissioner Ng’eny, Rongo DCC John Pesa, and local leaders Valentine Ogango, Phares Odera and Fredrick Syengo as well as student leader Martin Migere and Rebecca Ghatti.

  • DNA test results on Shakahola bodies to be released concurrently

    DNA test results on Shakahola bodies to be released concurrently

    Relatives of persons who perished in the Shakahola cultic tragedy will have to wait longer to identify the bodies of their loved ones using scientific methods.

    Chief Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor said results of the 93 DNA samples taken from the relatives were still being analyzed by the Government Chemist and would be released simultaneously after all the autopsies on bodies of the Shakahola massacre are completed.

    “The samples are still being analyzed by the Government Chemist. Since this is a criminal investigation, we intend to release the DNA results simultaneously,” he said Wednesday while answering a question on whether the team had been able to link any of the bodies with the DNA results of the victim’s relatives.

    Meanwhile, it has emerged that the team is finding it increasingly difficult to determine the causes of deaths of the victims due to the levels of decomposition of the bodies exhumed from the Shakahola farm believed to be belonging to controversial preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie.

    Out of 49 bodies on which the pathologists and investigators have carried out postmortem examinations on since the resumption of the exercise on Wednesday, the team has been unable to determine the causes of death of 30 victims, with the deaths of 19 having been caused by starvation.

    On Wednesday, the team was unable to determine the cause of deaths of eleven out of 27 victims while on Thursday, it could not ascertain what killed 19 out of 22 victims due to their bodies’ levels of decay.

    The team has also found it difficult to determine the sexes of many of the victims while in some cases, it could not establish whether the bodies they were examining were those of adults or children due to the levels of decay.

    “The more the bodies stay out there (in the Shakahola forest), the more it becomes difficult to determine the causes of death since these bodies were buried without any form of preservation being done on them,” he said.

    So far, the team has carried out autopsies on 281 out of the 326 bodies of the victim of the cult that influenced them to starve to death in order to meet their maker. 45 bodies are yet to be examined during the third phase of the autopsies that began on Wednesday.

    Dr. Oduor told journalists that the results of the unprecedented number of autopsies would be documented and be made a learning reference not just in Kenya but the entire world.

    He said young investigators and pathologists who have been conducting the exhumations and autopsies have learned a lot from the experience, which he said could help them in their professional duties.