KBC Channel 1

Author: Christine Muchira

  • Trucks stuck at Namanga, Holili border posts to be granted access

    Trucks stuck at Namanga, Holili border posts to be granted access

    Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has announced that hundreds of trucks that were stuck at the Namanga one-stop border and Holili Border Posts will be granted access into the country. 

    The over 500 trucks ferrying maize from Tanzania into Kenya were denied clearance over lack of permits. 

    He urged Kenyan importers of Tanzanian foodstuff to apply for permits to avoid inconveniences.

    CS Kuria said the two sister countries are committed to eliminating all Trade barriers in the spirit of East African Cooperation. 

    He said he was grateful to Presidents William Ruto and President Samia Suluhu for upholding this spirit. 

    The trucks have been stuck at the border for two weeks now with traders counting losses resulting in millions of shillings. 

    The traders accused the Tanzanian authorities of frustrating them despite having paid levies and acquiring the right import permits.

  • Health CS lauds treasury for releasing funds to NHIF

    Health CS lauds treasury for releasing funds to NHIF

    The National Treasury has released the money it owes the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

    This following a letter written by the Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha to the Treasury requesting that the release of the funds to facilitate the insurer conduct its operations without financial constraints.

    In a tweet, Nakhumicha commended the National Treasury for remitting funds to the NHIF in time to enable settlement of claims by various service providers nationwide.

    “I wish to thank the National Treasury for remitting funds to the NHIF in time to enable settlement of claims by various service providers nationwide.” She said.

    Adding that: “Facilities claims will be settled effective immediately, but I must reiterate that we will ensure prudence and accountability in this exercise.” The CS said.

    The CS said money owed to providers will be settled immediately, but reiterated that her ministry will ensure prudence and accountability in the exercise.

    She said all claims will be thoroughly vetted before settlement to enable them utilise the available resources in the best way possible.

    “ As such, all claims will be thoroughly verified before settlement to enable us utilize the available resources in the best way possible.” She added.

    In the meantime, the CS has requested all facilities to resume services to Kenyans as disbursements continue.

    She said the Ministry remains committed to the pledge of Universal Health Coverage and will ensure that NHIF executes its mandate with utmost objectivity, transparency and excellence, towards the Afya Mashinani promise.

     

  • KU Referral receives Ksh 40M for expansion of cancer treatment center

    KU Referral receives Ksh 40M for expansion of cancer treatment center

    Kenyatta University Teaching Research and Referral Hospital KUTRRH has received Ksh 40 million from the Manu Chandaria Foundation for expansion of its cancer treatment center.

    Speaking after receiving the donation, KUTRRH Board Chairperson Prof Olive Mugenda said the hospital is establishing an endowment fund to help bail out patients who are not able to top up charges above the National Hospital Insurance (NHIF) cover.

    The donation was presented by Dr Manu Chandaria and members of his family.

    She made an appeal for more financing, noting that besides the expansion of the cancer center to a 200-bed capacity, the hospital plans to build a comprehensive breast-care unit, a women hospital and children’s hospital.

    Mugenda, accompanied by the hospital Chief Executive Dr Ahmed Dagane also commended President William Ruto’s administration for its support in acquiring more equipment including radio therapy linear accelerator for cancer treatment.

    Through the government initiative, she added, the facility has also acquired a next generation machine for sample analysis and added that 115 cases are now being treated daily.

    Dr Chandaria said he was impressed by the hospitals cancer treatment services and pledged to continue supporting the facility.

  • DP Gachagua: Gov’t ready to implement coffee sector recommendations

    DP Gachagua: Gov’t ready to implement coffee sector recommendations

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called local leaders in the coffee-growing areas to work with farmers in efforts to support coffee farming in the region and improve the economy.

    Speaking during the second day of the coffee reforms conference in Meru County, the DP lashed out at middlemen who have infiltrated the coffee industry affecting the production and farmers at large.

    The DP said beyond the legal, policy and operational measures, there is a need to have capacity building and strengthening between and among farmers in improving production.

    He further called on working together with members of Parliament and senators in efforts to help and benefit coffee farming in the country adding that the coffee conference in Meru has reignited the debate and rekindled the resilience of Kenyan farmers.

    “The recommendations will be reviewed and included in Coffee Bill 2023 for presentation before Parliament. Coffee reforms are unstoppable, the farmer must prevail and win. “DP Gachagua said.

    The farmers made a raft of measures which the government should implement to exploit the full potential of coffee in the coffee sector.

    The DP promised to look into the proposal made by farmers to form a special team to tighten the recommendations as well as Streamline the mandates of institutions/agencies through policy and enactment of legislation and oversee their implementation to ensure
    Increased production.

    The DP also assured farmers that the Kenya Kwanza Government will make it’s core mandate to link farmers directly with the consumer to enable them reap all the benefits.

  • Sabatia Eye Hospital unveils Pediatric Ophthalmology Centre

    Sabatia Eye Hospital unveils Pediatric Ophthalmology Centre

    Sabatia Eye Hospital Saturday launched a Pediatric Ophthalmology Centre, after 27 years of its existence in providing comprehensive eye care health services.
    According the Prime Cabinet Secretary who was speaking during the launch, he facility is designed to provide more child-friendly and patient-centered healthcare and enhancing the training of eyecare workers in Kenya and beyond.

    “This demonstrates an initiative that should be emulated in harnessing institutions of excellence across various sectors of our economy within the society.” Said Mudavadi.

    CS Mudavadi noted that: “Institutions should, therefore, promote good management and embrace a collaboration that promotes a symbol of nationhood and helps attract positive partnerships both locally and beyond the borders.”

    Present at the launch were Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, Vihiga County Governor Wilber Otichilo, Area MPs, MCAs, partners, the hospital management and locals.
  • Pastor Dorcas holds inaugural family, marital counselling for police officers

    Pastor Dorcas holds inaugural family, marital counselling for police officers

    The Spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Saturday held the inaugural family and marital counseling session for uniformed and disciplined officers who have already registered for a mass wedding.

    The session was held at the Kenya School of Government in Kabete Saturday.

    Speaking during the session Pastor Dorcas said the plan is an advanced stage waiting for the confirmation of a date.

    She said the solemnization of the marriages of the disciplined service men and women will protect women and children from the agonies they go through when claiming for the benefits of their kin who die in line of duty.

    “We must bring to an end the anguish wives and children go through while trying to access their benefits in times of the unfortunate death of the officers. “She said.

    Pastor Dorcas however called on the officers to cultivate better marriages saying that even though the marriage certificate is important, marriage works best when God is at the center.

    “Marriage does not work because of the certificate. The reason that the certificate is very important is to secure your family, your wife, your children and their future. “She said.

    “A woman is wired to the security of her children and the security of their future. “She added.

    Pastor Dorcas recounted her personal early marriage when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was working as a District Officer.

    She said immediately after their campus life the husband was appointed as a District Officer and posted in Gichugu,Kirinyaga County leaving her in Nairobi while she was 6 Months pregnant. She was however not lucky as the husband was transferred to Nairobi before she delivered.

    “But I thank God he (DP Gachagua) would find time to come home.In the evenings he would drive from Nairobi and come home in Nyeri arriving at midnight. Before he sits down the DC calls him to come back. So, by morning he is not with me, I am left all alone “ She recounted.

    Gachagua was then transferred to Navaholo but still drove home to see his family.

    The two have been married for 35 years.

     Family values and chaplaincy are part of the pillars of the Office of the Spouse of the Deputy President.

    The chairperson of the National Police Wives Welfare Association (NAPOWA) Beryl Ochieng said women suffer most when their husbands die in line of duty.

    “We bear the brunt when calamities hit police officers. When an officer dies and you are following your dues and benefits at times you get more than 3 wives and you as the bona fide wife you have no certificate, it becomes very difficult. “She said.

    During the session the officers were also taken through the marriage registration by the Deputy Register of marriages Victor Okutoyi who emphasized on the need for the officers to have all the required documents.

    Present was the Chief Chaplain of the Administration Police Bishop Dr.Kipkoech Kibet,The Chaplain Kenya Police College,Kiganjo Rev.John Makai,The leadership of National Police Wives Welfare Association (NAPOWA) led by the Chairperson Beryl Ochieng, Uniformed officer and their spouses.

  • Mudavadi warns against sabotaging NHIF, calls for improved health sector management

    Mudavadi warns against sabotaging NHIF, calls for improved health sector management

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has criticised the actions of unscrupulous individuals undermining the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) scheme, stating that they are hindering the goal of achieving universal healthcare for Kenyans.

    He highlighted the involvement of cartels in the medical insurance business, who are motivated by their own interests rather than the welfare of the national scheme.

    Mudavadi warned individuals that Kenya operates as a free-market country, urging them to compete fairly by reducing their inflated charges instead of disrupting the government’s commitment to providing universal healthcare.

    He acknowledged the country’s resource constraints but emphasized the need for the prudent management of scarce public resources.

    Speaking at the launch of pediatric ophthalmology and training centers at Sabatia Eye Hospital, Vihiga County, Mudavadi underscored the importance of prioritizing the management of the health sector.

    He echoed the sentiments of Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha, who assured that delays in the disbursement of NHIF funds have been resolved.

    Nakhumicha emphasized her commitment to combating corruption in the health sector, stressing that public resources must be utilized effectively.

    Mudavadi also called on the CS to take action against any mismanagement of public resources that could undermine the health sector.

    Expressing concern over unethical practices, Mudavadi denounced hospitals that inflate charges on NHIF bills for substandard treatment.

    Mudavadi also criticized the diversion of medicines meant for government health facilities to private pharmacies with links to the staff, emphasizing the need to address this conflict of interest.

  • Kindiki: Destruction of property during protests will not be tolerated

    Kindiki: Destruction of property during protests will not be tolerated

    The government says it will not tolerate protests and destruction of property over the outcome of the Finance Bill 2023 in parliament.

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki  who was speaking in Tharaka Nithi said Kenyan leaders must learn to use institutions provided to resolve any grievances. 

    “Any form of lawlessness, including disruption of businesses, destruction of public and private property, and looting, will not be allowed. “ Kindiki said.

    The discourse around the finance bill 2023 continues to elicit varied reactions, with emerging details revealing the Parliamentary committee on Finance has reached consensus on controversial clauses after a five days retreat in Naivasha. 

    Kindiki said any party that will be aggrieved by the parliamentary outcome  on the finance bill should use other institutions, such as the Judiciary to contest the decision.

    Kindiki who was speaking in Tharaka Nithi has also differed with those opposed to the  regulation of religious organisations saying the taskforce is not about limiting freedom of worship but weeding out rogue preachers.

    “The Government recognises and acknowledges the critical role played by religious organisations in nourishing souls of the faithful and partnership in providing key services such as education, health, and water, among others. “ He said.

    On the Shakahola killings, Kindiki  said that the government will not relent in flushing out crooks and criminals hiding behind religion and using the  scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers.

    Adding that: “The Government will not relent in flushing out crooks and criminals hiding behind religion and using scriptures to radicalise and indoctrinate their followers.“

    The CS spoke on Sunday during a church service at a Methodist Church in Tharaka Nithi’s Marimanti town.

  • President Ruto to visit Djibuti, attend 14th IGAD summit

    President Ruto to visit Djibuti, attend 14th IGAD summit

    President William Ruto will Saturday evening depart the country for a state visit to Djibouti. 

    Later the President is expected to attend the 14th Ordinary Assembly of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Heads of State and Governments on Monday 12th June 2023.

    In a statement, Statehouse Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said during his state visit President Ruto will engage in bilateral talks with his Djibouti counterpart President Ismail Omar aimed at strengthening and deepening existing ties between the two nations. 

    Hussein said the discussion will cover various areas of mutual interests, including trade relations, collaboration in the field of green energy as well as the pursuit of regional peace and security. 

    This marks the first IGAD summit since 2019, underlining its importance in promoting regional diplomacy and cooperation.

    “The summit will witness deliberations on critical regional matters, with a particular focus on the situation in Sudan, as well as the overall state of peace and security in the region.” Read the statement. 

  • Upcoming music talents urged to make most of Studio Mashinani

    Upcoming music talents urged to make most of Studio Mashinani

    The National Assembly’s Broadcast and Library Committee has challenged talented youth in the country to take advantage of the Studio Mashinani initiative to develop their creativity in music. 

    Studio Mashinani is part of Ajira Digital program under the Ministry of Information, Communication, Technology and Digital Economy that allows talented artists to record music pieces for free.

    The Members of Parliament spoke when they toured the Studio Mashinani establishment at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s Kisumu offices.

    The Studio Mashinani initiative, which is part of the elaborate Ajira Digital Program, is designed to help upcoming creative talents in the music industry who may not have the financial ability to record their pieces with commercial recording studios.

    The Broadcast and Library committee of the National Assembly hailed the studio as an ideal breakthrough pathway for upcoming recording artists.

    The MPs challenged budding talents in the music industry to make the most of the government project and push their capability to greater heights.

    They also urged broadcast stations in the country, especially those with local catchment to assist in elevating budding artists. 

    The Ajira Digital program intends to establish recording studios in all the 47 counties. Seven studios are already operational; they include Kisumu studio, Kitui studio, Gatanga studio in Murang’a, two studios in Lang’ata Nairobi, Mombasa studio, and Komarock studio in Machakos.