KBC Channel 1

Author: Beth Nyaga

  • Over 300 flood victims receive support from county gov’t, partners

    Over 300 flood victims receive support from county gov’t, partners

    Some 300 families in Turkana Central have received assorted supplies from the County Government and its partners as part of disaster response following recent floods that disrupted their lives. 

    The supplies which were issued at Napetet in Township ward, Jack City and Nawoitorong in Kanamkemer ward included maize meal, cooking oil, household items and non-food items courtesy of the County Government, UNICEF and World Vision.

    Speaking during the event on Friday, Acting Director for Disaster Risk management Natapar Philip said that the beneficiaries of the supplies had been identified through a county-led assessment jointly undertaken with Kenya Red Cross Society in early May.

    Natapar said the supplies will go a long way in supporting the recovery of the victims following the huge losses suffered during the recent floods. He said the supplies were part of Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai’s nine-point agenda in respect to speedy disaster response.

    Natapar emphasised that plans were underway to escalate the programme throughout the county to reach all the victims in their respective areas. The beneficiaries of the supplies appreciated the County led efforts and said that the help was long overdue as their lives had been badly disrupted.

    The exercise was facilitated by respective ward administrators with the help of village administrators and staff of the County Government.

     

  • Kenya, Angola hold bilateral talks to discuss trade

    Kenya, Angola hold bilateral talks to discuss trade

    Prime Cabinet Secretary of the Republic of Kenya Musalia Mudavadi held bilateral talks with the President of the Republic of Angola Joāo Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço at the sidelines of the high-level summit on DRC peace initiative in Luanda, Angola.

    The talks centered on issues of mutual interest to the two countries that include boosting trade in Agricultural Sector, Oil, Mining, tourism and the Blue Economy.

    “We also discussed the critical role our two countries play in promoting Peace and Stability in the African continent,” Mudavadi said.

    The PCS was accompanied by PS Aurelia Rono , State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Andrew Mujivane, Charge D’Affaires Kenyan Embassy in Angola and Samuel Karanja, Special Advisor to my Office.

    Mudavadi had earlier represented President William Ruto at the summit and presented Kenya’s position in efforts to restore peace and stability in Congo (DRC) and Sudan.

    The Summit reaffirmed the relevance of the decisions of the Mini Summit on Peace and Security in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo held on 23rd November 2022 in Luanda, Angola and invited all the parties and the M23 to fully implement its decisions as reiterated by the Mini Summit on Peace and Security in the Eastern Region of the DRC held on 17th February 2023, in Addis Ababa, Federal Republic of Ethiopia and subsequently endorsed by the Africa Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) meeting.

    The Summit reaffirmed its support for the conclusions of the 11th High Level Meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Region held on 6th May 2023 in Bujumbura, Republic of Burundi in particular the revitalization of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework.

    The Summit further welcomed the decisions of the 21st Extra-ordinary Summit of the East African Community held on 31st May 2023 in Bujumbura, Republic of Burundi.

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta who was also in attendance participated in the summit which is a follow-up on the progress and new developments emerging after the previous summit in Bujumbura, Burundi late in May.

    Heads of state and government from various African countries present called on warring parties in DRC to engage in a meaningful and honest dialogue to resolve the prevailing conflict.

    This is the 10th Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

     

  • Mudavadi presents Kenya’s position to restore peace in DRC

    Mudavadi presents Kenya’s position to restore peace in DRC

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi Saturday represented President William Ruto at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the signatory countries of the framework agreement for Peace, Security and Co-operation (PSC) for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region.

    This is the 10th Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

    The Prime CS presented Kenya’s position in efforts to restore peace and stability in Congo (DRC) and Sudan.

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta who was also in attendance participated in the summit which is a follow-up on the progress and new developments emerging after the previous summit in Bujumbura, Burundi late in May.

    Heads of state and government from various African countries present called on warring parties in DRC to engage in a meaningful and honest dialogue to resolve the prevailing conflict.

    Kenya’s commitment to supporting its neighbors in their quest for lasting peace and stability is in line with the African Union’s goal of promoting African solutions to African problems.

    By working together, African countries can address the root causes of conflict and build a more peaceful and prosperous continent.

    Mudavadi was accompanied by Aurelia Rono, PS State Department for Parliamentary Affairs, Charge D’Affaires at Kenyan Embassy in Angola Andrew Mujivane and a Team from the Kenyan Foreign Affairs charged with the DRC Peace Process.

    Earlier in the Day the Prime CS held a Pre-Summit meeting with Alfred Mutua and the Kenyan team who briefed him on the progress the talks and Peace Progress had taken since the Burundi Summit.

  • Pastor Dorcas takes boy child campaign to Nandi County

    Pastor Dorcas takes boy child campaign to Nandi County

    The second lady of Kenya Pastor Dorcas Rigathi Saturday took her boy child campaign to Nandi County as she calling for the support of the county government and religious organizations.

    Speaking at the Kobujoi grounds in Aldai Constituency, Pastor Dorcas said she will not relent in her quest to dignify the boy child.

    She said by addressing the issues affecting the boy child who is the seed carrier the issues of the girl child will also be addressed.

    “The boy child must be saved, he must be delivered from where he has fallen. And I know if you address the plight of the boy child you have addressed the plight of the girl child,” she said.

    She further applauded the efforts taken by the President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua in the fight against drugs and substance abuse. She was attending the Kobujoi medical camp.

    Others present were Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Chebotip, Aldai MP Maryanne Keitany and other local leaders.

  • Finance Bill 2023 is unstoppable, Gachagua says

    Finance Bill 2023 is unstoppable, Gachagua says

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua says the Finance Bill 2023 is unstoppable.

    The DP in dismissing voices opposed to the bill said the government’s taxation plan is informed by the need to develop the nation, an endeavor that cannot be deterred.

    Gachagua was the guest of honor at a funds drive at St Charles Lwanga Secondary School in Kitui, where leaders spoke up on the Finance Bill 2023 that is scheduled for debate next week.

    The deputy president dismissed threats by Azimio One Kenya leaders that they would defeat the bill, saying the Opposition lacks requisite numbers in Parliament to stop it.

    Rigathi said Kenya Kwanza’s taxation plan was premised on the decision to reduce external borrowing while maintaining the development agenda.

    He said the country had been pushed to its financial limits by excess debts in the previous regime.

    “We pushed the country to the limit. We cannot go that route anymore. When you are in a hole, you cannot keep digging, we must get out of the financial hole we are in,” said the DP.

    Gachagua stated the best way for the country to move forward was through payment of taxes to build a pool of adequate resources for its recurrent and development expenditure.

    “If we don’t collect taxes, we will not be able to roll out the development projects we have lined up across the country,” the DP asserted.

    According to the deputy president, stalled projects like the Umma dam in Kitui would be completed in the next financial year to enhance agriculture in semi-arid area.

    The Deputy President also asked the Ukambani region leaders to rally behind the Government and reject those leading the people astray through retrogressive politics.

    The DP also promised a facelift for the institution, terming it a premier school in the region and undertook to buy a bus for the school, following a request by the students.

    The DP was accompanied by Cabinet secretaries Ezekiel Machogu (Education) and Peninah Malonza (Tourism), the area MP Dr Makali Muli and a number of MPs from the region and elsewhere.

     

  • Eight people perish in Githunguri-Ruiru Road accident

    Eight people perish in Githunguri-Ruiru Road accident

    Residents of Kwa Maiko in Gitunguri Sub- county in Kiambu County are calling on the Kenya National Highways Authority to erect speed bumps along the Githunguri-Ruiru Road.

    This follows a tragic road accident on Friday night in which eight people perished in a road accident near Miguta in Ngewa area.

    Githunguri Deputy Sub- County Police Commander, George Koros, said the accident occurred after a personal car lost control and collided head on with 14-seater matatu.

    Four people died on the spot while the other four died while receiving treatment in Githunguri, Ruiru and Kiambu Hospitals respectively.

    Koros said six people are still receiving treatment in various hospitals in the county.

    The whereabouts of the driver of the personal car are unknown.

    Area residents led by Ngewa Member of County Assembly Charles Kangethe have faulted the Kenya National Highways Authority for laxity in erecting  speed bumps on the road which they say is a black spot.

    They have urged KENHA to put road marks to give proper directions to the drivers using the road.

     

  • Operation Amani Boni troops conduct humanitarian civic action in Garissa

    Operation Amani Boni troops conduct humanitarian civic action in Garissa

    Troops stationed at Bullagolol Forward Operation Base (FOB) under Operation Amani Boni in Garissa County recently conducted a humanitarian civic action in the general area of Gubis.

    The purpose of this action was to provide medical services to the local residents, strengthen the relationship between the soldiers and the locals, and raise awareness about healthcare management, including the prevention and management of common and non-common ailments.

    Major Cyrus N. Waweru oversaw the CIMIC (Civil-Military Cooperation) patrol, which aimed to bring medical services closer to the locals and foster a positive connection between the soldiers and the community.

    During a Key Leader Engagement (KLE) session, Maj. Waweru expressed gratitude to the locals for their support and assured them that their guidance would always be sought whenever problems arose. He emphasized the importance of their continued support as they worked together toward the progress of the nation.

    In addition to providing medical services, the troops also donated assorted foodstuffs to the residents, demonstrating their compassion and commitment to humanity.

    The exercise included Key Leader Engagement sessions where local leaders, led by Mohamed Ali Juma, the chair of the council of elders, and his assistant Abdula Bihe, acknowledged the positive impact of Bullagolol FOB and other security agencies on the overall security situation.

    They pledged their support to the troops, assuring them that they would stand against any internal or external threats that could hinder development in the region.

    Despite the challenges faced by the community, such as water scarcity during dry seasons and the absence of permanent medical facilities, the presence of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) in the area is seen by the elders as a vital link between them and the national government.

    The community, represented by their leaders, expressed deep appreciation for the contribution of the troops, not only in terms of security but also in improving their lives.

    They acknowledged the continuous support provided by the security agencies in the region and emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration to ensure the success of the LAPPSSET project for socio-economic development in their region.

     

  • Ruto: Gov’t will focus on select value chains to grow manufacturing

    Ruto: Gov’t will focus on select value chains to grow manufacturing

    The government will focus on select value chains to grow manufacturing to create jobs, President William Ruto has said.

    The President said the identified value chains have significant untapped industrial potential and will create thousands of jobs.

    “We see leather, pyrethrum, cotton, textiles and apparel, pharmaceutical, edible oils as value chains whose industrialisation will hasten the attainment of our vision for national economic growth and transformation,” the President said.

    The President was speaking during Economic Dialogue on Value Chains at the Serena Hotel, Nairobi, attended by more than 20 governors led by Chairperson Anne Waiguru, Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and the private sector led by KEPSA Chief Executive Officer Carole Kariuki.

    He said Kenya’s leather industry is operating well below its potential despite having the third-largest livestock population in Africa.

    “We import shoes worth nine billion every year. Our leather industry has the capacity to deliver 80,000 jobs and 100 billion dollars. This is a gap we must close.”

    The President called on county governments and the private sector to join hands to develop these value chains.

     

  • KoTDA, Nandi County to facilitate digitization of county gov’t services

    KoTDA, Nandi County to facilitate digitization of county gov’t services

    Konza Technopolis Development Authority (KoTDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the County Government of Nandi that will see KoTDA provide ICT support to Nandi County for the adoption of e-government services and digital transformation of agricultural value chains.

    The collaboration was inked during the launch of the Nandi County Digital MarketPlace, an online B2B trading platform for Nandi County entrepreneurs.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony,  KoTDA CEO (Ag.) John Paul Okwiri lauded the initiative which he noted is in line with KoTDA’s mandate of promoting the use of ICT in all 47 counties and powering the country’s ambition to become a Digitally Enabled Society.

    “This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey towards enabling Kenyans across all 47 counties to receive enhanced Government services. We are delighted to kick start this transformation with Nandi County. I believe it is a good step in our quest to grow the local tech ecosystem and unlock the digital economy potential. This step in the right direction will open a world of opportunities for the people of Nandi County including digital skills and combating unemployment,” Okwiri said.

    Under the terms of the MoU, KoTDA will facilitate the adoption of e-Government services, ICT research and innovation, digitalization of the Dairy Value Chain and related ecosystems, Apiculture and its related value Chain, Coffee Value Chain, and the Poultry Value Chain.

    KoTDA will further provide ICT support in Digital Measurement Reporting and Verification (DMRV) of Climate-smart farmer practices for farmers to earn carbon credits as well as provide cloud computing services for storage and processing of County data.

    While giving his remarks, Nandi County Governor H.E. Stephen Sang lauded KoTDA for the various initiatives they are carrying out with players in the national government such as Jitume Program and the cloud storage services offered at the Data Center.

    Governor Sang expressed his confidence in the partnership and stated that this is a big milestone towards achieving the County’s digitization transformation.

    “I am delighted to officiate this progressive collaboration between Nandi County and KoTDA,” said Sang.

    “Nandi County aims to be at the forefront of technological innovation and digital transformation, and this partnership will undoubtedly accelerate our efforts towards achieving these goals.”

    The initiative is part of the government’s wider plan to entrench ICT in all its operations, as the country seeks to become a leading digital economy In the region.

    Already, the government has defined a number of flagship projects whose realization will deliver a digital future for Kenyans.

    These include the development of 100,000 Kms of fiber optic infrastructure, setting up of 25,000 hotspots countrywide as well as automating and digitizing all core government services.

  • Four officers in custody for alleged theft of Ksh 300,000

    Four officers in custody for alleged theft of Ksh 300,000

    Four police officers have been arrested for allegedly stealing over Ksh 300,000 from a businessman at Nyamakima, Nairobi.

    The Ksh 373,000 was from proceeds of the meat of twelve cows he sold at Burma market in Nairobi.

    Kamukunji Police Station police revealed that the trader, William Tongoyo, was heading to board a matatu bound for Narok before he was accosted by four plain-clothed police officers who conducted a search on him and took the cash from him and arrested Tongoyo for loitering aimlessly.

    He then reported the matter to Kamukunji Police Station where senior officers summoned the four who were on patrol in the area when the incident happened.

    The businessman was able to identify one of the officers who eventually gave the identity of his colleagues.

    The officers were immediately disarmed and are under police custody at the Kamukunji Police Station for further investigations.