KBC Channel 1

Author: Christine Muchira

  • Environmentalists engage in beach-cleanup in Mombasa

    Environmentalists engage in beach-cleanup in Mombasa

    Mombasa environmentalists Saturday morning turned up for a beach cleanup held at Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach popularly known as Pirates Beach in Nyali Constituency, Mombasa County.

    The event was aimed at promoting environmental conservation and raising awareness on the impact of pollution on the Indian Ocean and the environment by discarding plastic waste along the shores of the coastal line.

    The beach clean-up activities along the shoreline of Pirates Beach were aimed at removing floating marine litter and debris.

    Speaking during the one-day exercise Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Corporal in charge of Mombasa Marine Park Beatrice Jerop said plastics pollution is a major challenge to the conservation of marine life.

    Jerop said the clean-up exercise was an opportunity for participants to come together to tackle marine pollution and adopt responsible waste disposal practices in the community.

    She said the marine rubbish has the potential to suffocate wildlife besides rendering the sandy white beaches untidy and hazardous to visitors and holidaymakers.

    Several stakeholders and the state corporation were involved in the organization of the one-day exercise.

    On his part, Mombasa Cement representative Sujal Yogesh said the existence of a clean environment plays a vital role in the wellbeing of human life.

    He commended the work done by Save Mothers Heart organization through sensitizing the community on the importance of environmental conservation.

    “There has been a lot of movement on environmental awareness campaigns to put members of the public on alert,” he pointed out.

  • Speaker urges media to issue factual information on legislative work

    Speaker urges media to issue factual information on legislative work

    The media has been challenged to be factual and professional in their line of duty especially when covering legislative work.

    Speaking during a sensitization forum between the Senate and Kenya Parliamentary Journalists Association (KPJA) at Serena hotel in Mombasa, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi said that media plays a crucial role in disseminating information to the public about the legislative function thus the need to ensure the content shared is truthful and sensible.

    Kingi said the house respects the freedom of the media as listed in Article 34 of the Kenyan Constitution noting that they have made the Senate accessible for journalists to cover its daily activities.

    He said the symbiotic relationship between the Senate and the media is a true reflection of how the two are ready to work to empower the public with information and updates of the leaders they elected to represent them.

    “Factual and balanced news is informative to the public and it will ensure accountability and transparency in the legislative process,” he said.

    He added that in order to effectively deliver on its mandate, the Senate relies on partnerships and one that has stood out is the media who were represented by KPJA.

    Kingi said the media has served as a vital pipeline of feedback from the grassroots on how devolution is boarded in line with Chapter 11 of the Constitution.

    He said both senators and the media have been able to keep their fingers on the pulse of existing and emerging political and social dynamics in the county.

    “Article 34, 35 and 108 of the Constitution guarantees the freedom of the media, right to information and public participation, respectively,” said Kingi adding that through their work, media enforces public opinion and firm decision making besides serving as a point of reference and scanning societal institutional environment.

    “The public are always on the lookout and tend to ask questions like what does the media have to say on a certain issue? How come we have not seen this in the media which tells us the credibility of the press still exists/,” he said.

    The Speaker further assured the KPJA team of the Senate’s support to enable them to effectively deliver their duties.

    Kilifi County Senator Stewart Madzayo reiterated the Speaker’s comments by asking journalists to report what the elected Members of Parliament were doing in terms of representation and oversight roles.

    “The house is now undermined as there is no freedom for some members to oversee the executive. It is now upon the media to bring this to light and inform the public on the role their leaders are playing in parliament,” he said.

    KPJA Chairman Dancan Khaemba acknowledged Parliament’s effort in facilitating their work.

    Khaemba urged journalists to ensure they adhere to the code of conduct while covering news stories and called for continued cooperation between journalists and the Parliament saying teamwork was needed to ensure the public is well served.

    “For us to operate optimally, we have to clear some obstacles. Accessibility is a challenge as there are some instances where protocols do not go hand in hand with deadlines for journalists,” he said.

    The Kenya Parliamentary Journalist Association was established in the 9th Parliament. Its role is to boost media effort in dissemination of factual news through specialised reporting on parliament affairs.

  • Children below five to receive free medical services, Mombasa governor directs

    Children below five to receive free medical services, Mombasa governor directs

    Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has issued an edict for children below the age of five to receive free medical services in all public health facilities.

    The directive is aimed at reducing the upsurge of children seeking treatment at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CPGH).

    The only facility the Governor had designated two weeks ago to offer free treatment.

    “From today all the public hospitals have been directed that all children under the age of five will receive free treatment to be able to reduce the number of people at CPGH. The Coast General ideally is a referral hospital,’’ said Governor Abdulswamad Nassir during a press briefing Friday.

    The health facilities, the Governor said, apart from facility improvement funds will also receive additional funds to cater for the treatment of children.

    The County Government will from next week roll out medical camps across the 30 wards in health facilities to select 15,000 beneficiaries of the Universal Health Coverage programme dubbed Mombasa Care.

    “The aim is to get 15,000 families from all wards to be given medical cover which will be 100 per cent paid for by the County Government. We are going to use our Community Health Promoters (CHP) and the media to create awareness on the programme,’’ said the Governor.

    The initiatives will largely be funded by Own Source Revenue (OSR).

    In May, Governor Abdulswamad Nassir commissioned 2,387 Community Health Promoters (CHPs) who will be receiving monthly stipends.

    The Governor reiterated his commitment to enhancing the provision of basic interventions for healthcare services through the Mombasa Care Programme.

    “One of the key ways to achieve this was through regularizing a compensation mechanism for CHPs as they play an important role in advocating for underserved communities to receive services,’’ said Governor Nassir.

  • Principal Secretaries directed to end corruption in government

    Principal Secretaries directed to end corruption in government

    The Head of Public Service Felix Kosgei has called on all Principal Secretaries (PSs) to spearhead efforts on curbing corruption in government.

    Speaking during a meeting with all principal secretaries in Isiolo, Kosgei reiterated that the president has already formed a multi-agency team that is monitoring activities in the public service and no one will be spared if found culpable of corrupt dealings.

    Kosgei who is also the Chief of Staff in the office of the president referred to the vice as a serious challenge that has crippled the country in all sectors across the government and said that the offices of principal secretaries must be the champions to begin the war towards zero tolerance to corruption.

    According to Kosgei all state departments, being the accounting officers must account for all discrepancies in the procurement processes and warned that all principal secretaries be vigilant, especially scrutinizing all audit reports before they got to the office because the back stops with them.

    Kosgei has also warned state officers against revealing confidential government information to the public. He said that there are leaks of confidential government information in the public domain and the trend must be checked.

    According to Kosgei, all principal secretaries must ensure that their key policy decisions be directed toward revamping the Economy by helping the country to lower the cost of living and job creation, enhancing foreign exchange inflows, and promoting inclusive growth which will enhance the bottom-up economic strategy.

  • AU Retreat on Institutional Reforms, second decade of Agenda 2063 kicks off

    AU Retreat on Institutional Reforms, second decade of Agenda 2063 kicks off

    The African Union Retreat on Institutional Reforms and the preparations of the second decade of Agenda 2063 is currently underway in Kigali, Rwanda.

    The four-day retreat facilitated by the African Union Commission, brings together members of the AU Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC); African Union Organs; and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to review the mandates of the AU organs and Permanent Representational Offices, Specialized Technical Agencies, and Liaison offices of the African Union.

    Similarly it is meant to strengthen the working methods of the African Union Peace and Security Council and its role in conflict prevention and crisis management.

    The retreat will also consider the progress on the division of labour between the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms and Member States.

    The Assembly of Heads of State and Government have since adopted a framework that guides the division of labour through the sharing of competencies.

    The framework is anchored on the principle of subsidiarity, complementary and competitive advantage.

    The division of labour is centred around six pillars namely; Policy planning and formulation; Policy adoption; Policy Implementation; Monitoring, evaluation & reporting; Resource mobilization; and Partnerships.

    Further, the retreat will discuss the second ten-year plan of Agenda 2063 that spans from 2024 to 2033.

    The Agenda 2063, adopted in January 2015, embodies the aspirations of the African people and is operationalised through 5 ten-year implementation plans, with the first plan spanning from 2014 to 2023.

    The implementation of the second decade of Agenda 2063 will be focused on acceleration, building on the first decade that focused on convergence.

    Valuable lessons learned from the first decade of Agenda 2063 have been captured in the biennial progress reports and the evaluation of the First Ten-Year Implementation Plan, among other documents, which in turn informed the design of the successor ten-year plan.

    Key among the revelations was the perception widely held by African citizens that Agenda 2063 is as relevant to the Continent’s development discourses as it was in 2013.

    Speaking at the opening session of the retreat, Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission lauded the progress of the reforms underscoring its relevance in repositioning the organization to deliver on the vision for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

    He noted some of achievements of the reforms highlighting, among others, the departmental structure of the AU Commission; the transformation of the NEPAD into the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) with an expanded mandate.

    Consequently, the autonomy of Africa CDC reinforced by a new statute, the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) structure, the expanded mandate of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the implementation of the Decision on Financing the Union for self sufficient financing through domestic resources including the Peace Fund, as well as the enhanced budgeting process.

    “This institutional architecture has proven itself. Beyond some delays observed for various reasons, it is important to note that for the first time in the history of the African Union, a reform decided by the Heads of State and Government has produced concrete and convincing results. Indeed, a quick glance at the tangible results obtained at the course of the last five years is enough to illustrate my point.” He said.

    Financing the reforms and Agenda 2063 remains a top priority. Prof. Manasseh Nshuti, Rwanda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Charge of East African Community, underscored the urgency for the African Union to realize its vision for reliable and predictable financing mechanism stating, “the Union’s reliance on external partner funding demands sincere discussions to achieve operational autonomy progressively. Since the Kigali Summit of 2016, AU Member States fully fund the organization’s operating budget.”

    Adding that: “However, the continued dependence on external partners for program budget and peacekeeping operations defeats the Johannesburg decision to achieve 75pc, and 25pc Member States funding. These shortcomings raise questions about our commitment to peacekeeping operations and conflict prevention.”

    Assoumani Youssouf Mondoha, Comoros Permanent Representative to the AU, and Chairperson of the Permanent Representatives Committee restated the importance of the retreat to deliberate on the key issues of reforms and Agenda 2063.

    He stated, “the two themes at the heart of our retreat today, namely the reform of the African Union and Agenda 2063, are important as they determine the future of our institution in an uncertain international context. The success of our work and the relevance of the recommendations that will result from it will determine the optimal, efficient and harmonious functioning of our organization for the decades to come.”

    The report from the retreat will be considered in the processes of the AU Policy Organs before being presented for consideration by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

  • Kenya Roads Board seeks to raise Ksh 512B in next five years

    Kenya Roads Board seeks to raise Ksh 512B in next five years

    The Kenya Roads Board plans to raise 512 billion shillings that will be used in the construction of 220,000 kilometres of roads in the country in the next 5 years.

    The board is also seeking to construct walk paths for pedestrians across all major towns in a bid to reduce accidents and enhance pedestrian safety.

    Speaking during the official unveiling of Kenya Roads Board strategic plan for the years 2023 to 2027, the road agency director general, Rashid Mohammed stated that under the strategic plan, at least 84pc of all roads in the country will be in good condition.  

    Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, said his ministry will come up with smart road charges for electric cars as the government continues the push for electric mobility.

  • Sudan crisis still having devastating impact on civilians: UN rights office

    Sudan crisis still having devastating impact on civilians: UN rights office

    Warring parties in Sudan must do more to protect civilians caught up in the conflict, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, said on Friday, in response to recent deadly attacks and ongoing violations.

    “We are concerned by the continued devastating impact of the fighting in Sudan on civilians,” Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told journalists in Geneva.

    The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and military rival, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been locked in vicious clashes since mid-April.

    Hundreds have been killed and some 1.2 million have been displaced. UN agencies and partners have repeatedly warned of the growing humanitarian crisis.

    Deadly airstrikes in Khartoum 

    Laurence said at least eight people died in an air strike on a busy livestock market in the capital, Khartoum, on Wednesday, allegedly carried out by the SAF.  At least three of the victims were from the same family.

    A child was reportedly killed in a separate incident that day after a shell struck his home in the Al-Shajraa district, in southern Khartoum.

    Refugee and orphan deaths 

    OHCHR has also received reports of the killings of four other civilians in the capital on Monday, while at least three people from the same family, including a pregnant woman, were reportedly killed on Sunday.

    Airstrikes that day near the Sport Complex in southern Khartoum, hit a refugee centre, reportedly killing at least 10 refugees.

    Furthermore, no fewer than 71 children have died at an orphanage in Khartoum since the fighting started due to lack of humanitarian assistance, including medical supplies.

    Sexual violence, online hate 

    Laurence said OHCHR is also concerned by reports of conflict-related sexual violence.

    “Since the fighting began, our Office has received credible reports of 12 incidents of sexual violence related to the conflict, against at least 37 women although the number could be higher. In at least three incidents, the victims were young girls. In one case, 18 to 20 women were reportedly raped,” he said.

    Growing reports of apparent enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention are another concern, he added, and journalists are also now at greater risk amid a rise in online hate speech and disinformation.

    OHCHR has learnt of a list circulating on social media accusing certain journalists of being RSF supporters.  Staff have also seen comments on Facebook calling for the killing of those on the list.

    Appeal for accountability

    “We reiterate the High Commissioner’s call on both parties to the fighting to ensure protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” he said.

    “They must also ensure all violations are effectively and independently investigated and those responsible are held accountable.”

     

  • IG Koome vows to prosecute financial fraud suspects

    IG Koome vows to prosecute financial fraud suspects

    The Inspector General of Police has committed to ensuring that suspects involved in the financial fraud of more than 5,000 youths in Eldoret are brought to book. 

    Speaking when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Labour and Social Welfare at KICC Nairobi,  Koome said that nearly 300 victims of the First Choice Recruitment Agency have already recorded their statements with the National Police Service financial fraud investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

    He said preliminary investigations indicate that last year, the Agency registered under two directors namely Judy Jepchirchir and Faith Waringa Gichuhi allegedly scammed youths by purporting to secure jobs and study placements on their behalf in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.

    Koome assured justice will be served once investigations by the DCI on the matter are complete.

    Each youth allegedly paid Ksh. 40,000, and surrendered their passports to the agency, but failed to secure either jobs or study placement.

    Victims and senators accuse the police of dragging the probe.

  • Africa to showcase green growth potential, attract investments at climate summit, CS Tuya

    Africa to showcase green growth potential, attract investments at climate summit, CS Tuya

    Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has said Africa will showcase her rich green growth potential including renewable energy resources, and pitch for increased investments at the inaugural Africa Climate Summit set for September 4th to 6th in Nairobi.

    “The Africa Climate Summit will take a resource display and a capital invite approach. This is the approach we want to take in our September summit, so that we can exploit Africa’s resources. The whole world will be invited to bring their capital to Africa to foster climate positive green growth,” CS Tuya said.

    “It is going to be about resources and capital. Africa will showcase its resources to the world, and invite the world to bring its capital to Africa if indeed we’re keen on tackling the climate challenge,” she added.

    CS Tuya spoke on Friday at a meeting of youth leaders convened by the Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Maarten Bouwer at his Nairobi residence to discuss young people’s participation in the Africa Climate Summit. The representatives were drawn from various climate action youth organisations.

    The Cabinet Secretary called on the youth to unite and take a leading role at the African Climate Summit saying effective climate action was a whole-of-society undertaking.

    “We are not leaving anybody behind, not the least our young people. I am extremely excited today that we have our young people on the table way before the summit,” CS Tuya said, adding that the youth were “bearers of climate action dreams for current and future generations”.

    She said the success of the Africa Climate Summit will depend on the participation of Africa’s climate action partners, and invited all stakeholder groups to take a keen interest in the three-day conference that will be held concurrently with this year’s annual Africa Climate Week.

    “Africa Climate Summit is going to be delivered through partnerships. Kenya cannot deliver the summit on its own. We want to collectively come up with complimentary solutions to the climate crisis.

    “We must put our heads together because the nature of climate crisis is such that it has no boundaries, it affects all of us. If we continue with the status quo, we’re all going to suffer.

    “It beholds on all of us to come together, think together as a globe, not just Africa. To come up with bankable solutions to the climate crisis,” CS Tuya said.

    “As we bring the African voice together, we want our voice to resonate with that of the North so that we bridge the gap, and stop the finger pointing. We have to come up with a common position on how to tackle the climate crisis,” she added.

    On the outcomes of the first of its kind conference, CS Tuya said co-hosts Kenya and the African Union anticipate a declaration that will among other aspects consolidate the continent’s green growth priorities including new climate financing mechanisms.

    In his opening remarks, Amb Bouwer said Kenya was a global leader in climate action, and urged Kenyan youth to take a frontline role in climate action saying young people are “a powerful source of change”.

    “Kenya has been an exemplary leader in climate action regionally and globally. Take for example in the power sector where 90 percent of all power is coming from renewable energy sources. There are not many countries that can say that,” Amb Bouwer said.

    Also present at the meeting were German Ambassador to Kenya Sebastian Groth and his European Union counterpart Henriette Geiger as well as representatives of American and Swedish embassies.

     

  • Sistema.bio unveils biodigester manufacturing facility on World Environment Day

    Sistema.bio unveils biodigester manufacturing facility on World Environment Day

    Sistema.bio marked celebration of World Environment Day 2023 with the inauguration of a biodigester manufacturing facility in Pune, India.

    The launch aligns with the company’s ambitious goal of reducing 1 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.

    The facility that sits on a 130,000 square feet, has an annual production capacity of 100,000 biodigesters, which will impact the lives of 600,000 farmers and capture up to 1 million tons of CO2e annually.

    With a significant investment of Ksh250 million ($1.8 million), the state-of-the-art facility is primed to meet the growing demand for energy access and fertilizing solutions among smallholder farmers in the Asia Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America regions, where Sistema.bio operates across 31 countries.

    The advancements in biogas technology and increased production capacity will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable development goals, promoting environmental conservation, and accelerating the transition to decarbonized agriculture.

    At the inauguration event, Sistema.bio’s Co-founder and CEO, Alexander Eaton, expressed his pride and appreciation for the facility, stating, “This facility serves as a global benchmark for innovative technology and efficient business operations, creating a profound impact worldwide. For each smart biogas unit that rolls out of this facility, we can measure tangible outcomes in terms of improved livelihoods for farmers, enhanced human health, and a healthier climate. I am incredibly proud of the team that designed and launched this facility, as well as those who work diligently here every day!”

    Currently operating at a daily capacity of 360 units, the factory has plans to double its output through automation.

    Compared to the previous facility’s production capacity of 30,000 units, this new factory’s annual capacity of 100,000 units marks a significant leap forward.

    The facility has obtained ISO 9001 certification, ensuring the delivery of high-quality products that adhere to strict quality standards and efficient production processes.

    Furthermore, Sistema.bio’s innovative biogas technology is patented under the invention titled ‘Method for Producing a Biogas Reactor and Membrane Template’ in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Act, 1970.

    The factory efficiently produces modern biogas accessories, including booster pumps, biogas purifiers, and H2S filters.

    Additionally, the facility assembles biogas cookstoves and other devices and machinery required on farms to maximize the economic, environmental, and health co-benefits associated with biodigesters.

    With a rejection rate of less than 1 per cent, the facility handles approximately 4.5 tons of waste per month during the manufacturing process.

    Over the next five years, Sistema.bio aims to implement automation to significantly increase its capacity, enabling the company to reach hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country.

    Commenting on this remarkable milestone, Sistema.bio’s Regional Director, East Africa Eng. Madrin Maina, said, “Today, we celebrate the opening of the world’s largest biodigester factory, not only for the remarkable engineering and teamwork achievement it represents but also for the potential it holds to improve the lives of small hold farmers in Africa.”

    Based on livestock ownership, water availability and climate, research shows that cooking with biogas is viable for at least 18.5 million farming families in Africa.

    Kenya is the leader in biogas policies and investments in Africa and so far has approximately 17000 farmers making use of biodigester technology.

    With the increased supply from our new manufacturing plant, we are looking at more than doubling that figure over the next 2 years and reduce the country’s carbon emissions by over 1.5 million tonnes.

    The launch of the biodigester manufacturing facility marks a significant milestone in the sustainable energy landscape.

    This unprecedented facility will revolutionize the biogas industry, enabling Sistema.bio to meet the increasing demand for clean energy solutions among farmers worldwide.