KBC Channel 1

Author: Christine Muchira

  • Jua Kali sector backs housing levy

    Jua Kali sector backs housing levy

    A day after the Trade Cabinet Secretary revealed that 30,000 Kenyans have been contributing to the Housing Fund already, raising Ksh 1.8 Billion, the Jua Kali association made their submission in support of the housing levy.

    The informal sector workers on Sunday stated their position in a statement through Jua Kali Constructors and Nairobi Market Traders Association during Finance Bill 2023 hearings in Nairobi.

    In their submissions, they called on the government to implement the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) and urged legislators to support the Finance Bill that will create employment opportunities.

    “We are the Mama Mbogas and most of our people are slum dwellers and we must be given the opportunity going forward to talk about the housing scheme,” they stated.

    The Jua Kali sector further stated that they know the pain of poor housing and that is why they were in full support of the Affordable Housing Programme introduced by the President.

    “If these houses are for low-income people, let them remain for low-income people,” they noted.

    The 3pc Housing Levy Fund which is a provision under the controversial Finance Bill 2023 has got Kenyans on edge, with the government embarking on a public participation exercise to ramp up discussions on the Bill. 

    Last week the Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga said the proposed housing fund contribution is not a tax but a saving, “the fund confers a direct right to either get an affordable unit or, after seven years if one does not want it, we give you back your money plus your return.”

    PS Hinga who was speaking at State House on Wednesday explained that the proposed housing fund has two schemes; mandatory and voluntary, adding that people in the informal sector are allowed to save through the voluntary scheme.

    He said with the contribution, the government can confidently get investors for the housing plan, with the assurance that they will be able to pay them after construction is done.

    “The housing levy should be driven by law and not voluntary because if it is driven by law, we can call investors because there’s an assurance of collecting money even after three years, so long as the law is there.” Said PS Hinga.

    While demonstrating optimism PS Hinga told parents who are complaining about the housing levy that: “by the time your child is 18, they can have a unit.” 

    On Friday, President William Ruto, commissioned the ground breaking of the eighth project under the Affordable Housing Program in Embu County.

    So far eight projects have been launched constituting 36,092 units in total with the latest being the Embu Affordable Housing by the National Housing Commission (NHC) commissioned on Friday by President William Ruto that constitutes of 400 units. 

    Recently launched projects under the government’s Affordable Housing Program:

    Boma Yangu

    Kenya has an annual housing demand of 250,000, the market produces about 50,000 housing units.

    The Affordable Housing Program (AHP) which is an initiative by the Government that targets the delivery of decent and affordable housing to low and middle-income households has a strategy to deliver the additional 200,000 units annually in line with the national development blueprint (Vision 2030).

    The Housing Portal (Boma Yangu) is providing a platform for aggregating demand for offtake of the units through clicking bomayangu.go.ke link.

    Currently there are five ongoing projects comprising of 9,935 units, they include; Pangani Affordable Housing – 1,562 units, Nakuru Bondeni Affordable Housing – 605 units, Buxton Point Mombasa Affordable Housing – 1,850 units, Bachelors Jeevanjee Estate Affordable Housing – 1,800 units and Moke Gardens Affordable Housing – 4,118 units.

     

     

  • Governor Waiguru and Public Health PS spell out intensified measures to stop spread of Cholera

    Governor Waiguru and Public Health PS spell out intensified measures to stop spread of Cholera

    Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has asked residents to observe strict hygiene measures to help curb the spread of cholera in the county following eight cases that have been reported in areas of Ndia Constituency.

    The governor also warned owners of business enterprises and residential premises against discharging affluent into rivers since it contributes to contamination of water thus endangering lives of the people downstream.

    Waiguru said the cholera outbreak reported three weeks ago has been contained, however, residents must remain vigilant by observing good hygiene measures.

    About 37 counties across the country have reported cholera outbreak with Kirinyaga recording eight cases.

    The governor said the County Government has intensified campaign against the spread of cholera following the detection of sporadic cases in Gacharu village.

    “All of us have a responsibility to make sure that cholera does not spread. We must play our part by ensuring we wash our hands and observe all hygiene measures as guided by our public health officers who are going round in towns sensitizing people,” the governor said.

    The campaign that includes sensitization of the residents through public barazas, health education in schools and use of public address system in urban centers and villages is aimed at informing the public on the importance of protecting themselves against the disease.

    Speaking at Kianyaga Catholic Church, Waiguru said the county will intensify inspection of facilities to check on compliance with Public Health Act and other safety measures.

    “We have sent out public health officials to close down business premises and all facilities discharging affluent into our rivers. It’s unfortunate that Kirinyaga which is bestowed with many rivers can have a problem of cholera,” Waiguru said.

    Besides carrying out public health education, the department has also been decontaminating homesteads where cases have been reported.

    The county government is also giving aqua tabs to enable vulnerable households in the affected areas to treat their drinking water and at the same time giving protective prophylaxis treatment to people who have had close contact with cholera patients.

    Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni said the national and County government are working together to help stop the spread of the disease.

    Muthoni asked Kenyans to join the government to curb the spread of the disease by ensuring they observe proper hygiene measures like washing hands, ensuring food is well cooked, keeping the environment clean and boiling drinking water.

    “Some of these diseases can be stopped by us at home because it is a matter of observing basic hygiene measures. We are calling on Kenyans to remain alert and stop the spread of cholera at their home,” she said.

    The PS noted that cases of cholera, which is a highly contagious disease, has been on the rise in many counties in the recent past, necessitating sustained public action on its prevention and control.

    At the same time, Governor Waiguru says her administration has set aside Ksh 36 million to fund monthly stipend for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) beginning next financial year.

    She further observed that the volunteers have since been given a new reference term and they will now be called Community Health Promoters (CHPs).

    “For a long time, we were not paying the community health workers but now, the county government shall be providing Ksh. 2,500 while the national government provides an equal amount that will enable each of the workers to get a stipend of Ksh. 5,000 per month,” she said.

    On her part PS Muthoni said the CHVs will be equipped with standardized medical kits holding tools that can undertake basic tests such as for blood pressure, sugar levels and temperature.

    The PS observed that the volunteers form a critical component of healthcare service delivery in the counties since they are the first point of contact for patients in the community.

    She added that they play an important role in the promotion of healthy communities through educating the public on disease prevention and control as well as hygiene.

     

  • Kirinyaga Community Health Volunteers set to get monthly stipend 

    Kirinyaga Community Health Volunteers set to get monthly stipend 

    Kirinyaga County Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) are set to receive a monthly stipend in a cost sharing arrangement that will see the national and county government fund the program.

    Governor Anne Waiguru has said that her administration has already factored in the health volunteers’ remuneration in next financial year’s budget.

    This will see about 2,000 CHVs start receiving their pay from July this year.

    She further observed that the volunteers have since been given a new reference term and they will now be called Community Health Promoters (CHPs).

    At the same time, the CHVs will be equipped with standardized medical kits holding tools that can undertake basic tests such as for blood pressure, sugar levels and temperature.

    Waiguru said that the county government shall be providing Ksh. 2,500 while the national government provides an equal amount that will enable each of the workers to get a stipend of Ksh. 5,000 per month.

    The governor observed that the volunteers form a critical component of healthcare service delivery in the county since they are the first point of contact for patients in the community.

    She added that they play an important role in promotion of healthy communities through educating the public on disease prevention and control as well as hygiene.

    Community Health Promoters in the county have received the news with joy and appreciation saying that it will relief them of the burden they have had to carry in the course of their community service.

    Though many of them have relentlessly served their communities for years, they have been encountering challenges especially when it comes to funding expenses such as airtime or transport.

    “We are now very happy that the government has decided to give us some money to facilitate our work. It will go a long way in enabling us serve our communities better. The stipend will enable us meet the cost of airtime that we use when coordinating our services in the grassroots,” said Rubi Mohammed, a community health volunteer in Kutus.

    She pointed out that their work revolves around visiting households and finding out whether there are health issues that need to be addressed.

    In case of situations that they cannot address at home, they refer the cases to the nearest health facility for management.

    Each of the volunteer is attached to a level two health facility within the locality and also works together with the county’s Community Health Workers

    Rubi’s counterpart, Njeru Thiga who is in charge of Kanjata community health unit in Nyangati ward, said that each of the community health workers takes care of around 100 households.

    He said that he has dedicated Tuesdays and Fridays as the days he visits them but he is always available to attend to any emerging issues any day.

    “I believe when my community is healthy, I am also healthy,” said Njeru, thanking the government for looking into their plight and considering to give them a stipend as well as equip them for their work.

    The County Executive Committee Member for Health, George Karoki, acknowledged that community health volunteers help a great deal when it comes to making follow-ups on patients on mandatory treatment for ailments such as T.B. and HIV.

    Such follow up care has led to reduction of cases of people who suffer or die as a result of absconding medication.

    “They also follow up on pregnant women to ensure that they are attending their antenatal clinics accordingly and that they deliver their babies in a health center. After delivery, the volunteers also make follow ups to ensure that the mothers attend postnatal clinics and that their babies attend the child welfare clinics,” said the CECM.

    He said that the department of health has been training community health volunteers on how to offer basic homecare services for patients.

    He said that the role played by community health volunteers is very vital since they are able to penetrate the community and offer the much needed public health education, which has had huge impact on reduction and prevention of many diseases.

    One of the most impactful outcomes of intensified community health promotion in Kirinyaga is the drastic drop in malaria cases whereby the 360,000 cases reported in 2005 have steadily been reducing to the current 25,000 to 30,000 cases per year.

    This has been due to education of county residents on the importance of sleeping under insecticide treated mosquito nets, a campaign that community health volunteers have actively participated in.

    There has also been a reduction of epidemics such as diarrhea due to sustained community health education that has made residents adopt good hygiene practices such as washing of hands, fruits and vegetables before eating them.

     

  • KRA seeks to raise taxes from MSMEs

    KRA seeks to raise taxes from MSMEs

    The Kenya Revenue Authority is looking into ways of raising more taxes from the micro and small-scale enterprises (MSMEs) sector.

    KRA’s acting commissioner for domestic taxes Mwangi Mugo speaking in Embu said the MSME sector contributes 35 to 45 percent of GDP and up to 70 percent of employment yet they only contribute six percent of domestic revenue.

    He is engaging them so as to see if they can raise their tax contribution to at least 20 percent. MSMEs actually have held the greatest potential for revenue growth.

    The Chairman of the Embu Branch of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mugo Mate has told KRA to consider giving new businesses tax holidays as a way of generating more taxpayers.

    Mate has also called on the government to rein in those who pilfer government money saying reports of mega scandals in government killed the morale of those who would like to pay their tax.

    The Chairman of the Embu Jua Kali Association David Munyi Njagi has said that KRA most of his members fail to pay due taxes because they did not know which taxes were due or even how to compute their tax liability.

    He pledges his association’s support in convening meetings where KRA can educate their member on matters.

    He adds that such meetings will also be used to foster good relations between KRA and the Jua Kali operatives.

  • Detectives intercept elephant tusks worth millions

    Detectives intercept elephant tusks worth millions

    Elephant tusks weighing over 110 kilograms have been recovered in Laikipia County and one suspect identified as Alfred Gathecha, arrested.

    In an intelligence led operation conducted by sleuths from the Serious Crimes unit, the 47-year-old man was arrested at Sipili area in Kirima Sub-County, after a vehicle ferrying the tusks was intercepted. 

    Posing as business men, the sleuths lured the suspect before tightening the noose around him, shortly before 1PM Wednesday.

    The suspect will be arraigned in court to answer to charges of dealing in endangered wildlife species contrary to section 92(2) of the wildlife conservation and management act of 2013.

    Elephant tusks fetch a fortune in the black market as a surge in demand for ivory in the East continues to fuel the illicit trade in elephant tusks, especially from Africa.

    The DCI have members of the public are urged to continue volunteering information regarding poaching of wildlife via the Fichua kwa DCI through the hotline 0800 722 203.

     

  • New beginnings as KEMSA board turns to performance-based management

    New beginnings as KEMSA board turns to performance-based management

    KEMSA’s reconstituted board has directed that all staff be put on target-based performance to hold them accountable and ensure productivity.

    Irungu Nyakera, the new board Chair reiterated that individual actions can affect all staff collectively hence the need to re-evaluate our strategies and recommit ourselves to uphold ethical practices in discharging the Authority’s mandate.

    “We cannot accomplish the vision by our President, if we do not put our house in order, do business unusual and go the extra mile to create a brand that can be trusted. A brand that people will be proud of,” said the chair.

    Speaking during a breakfast meeting with KEMSA staff at the Authority’s National Supply Chain Centre Embakasi, Irungu observed that adversity though unwelcome and perhaps regrettable, provides institutions with an opportunity for growth and transformation.

    He noted that this is a catalyst that propels us to reassess our values, re-think our strategies and redefine our purpose to better serve mwananchi and realize the Universal Health Coverage.

    Adding that “We must not shy away from the challenges that lie before us, but rather embrace them as stepping stones towards a brighter future.”

    The reconstituted KEMSA board has a team of experts who will be instrumental in this journey aimed at transforming the Authority’s to effectively deliver its mandate.

    KEMSA Acting CEO, Dr Andrew Mulwa emphasized on the need to make the Authority transparent, responsive and accountable by leveraging on the information and communication technology in all its business processes.

    Dr Mulwa called upon all staff to uphold professionalism by strictly following the Law and laid down procedures in discharging their duties.

    Further, he emphasized on the need for culture change as way to rebuild the tarnished image and win back the public and donor’s trust.

    “It is our responsibility as KEMSA staff and management to go beyond the call of duty to deliver medical supplies to all Kenyans with passion and commitment.

  • PS Hinga defends proposed housing levy

    PS Hinga defends proposed housing levy

    The government has said that the proposed housing fund contribution is not a tax but a saving.

    This according to Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, “the fund confers a direct right to either get an affordable unit or, after seven years if one do not want it, we give you back your money plus your return.”

    PS Hinga explained why the controversial contribution to the proposed housing levy is mandatory during a function at State House Wednesday. 

    He said the housing fund has two schemes; mandatory and voluntary adding that people in the informal sector are allowed to save through the voluntary scheme.

    He said with the contribution, the government can confidently get investors for the housing plan, with the assurance that they will be able to pay them after construction is done.

    The PS revealed that before coming up with the plan, they were benchmarked in various countries which have succeeded in the plan.

    The proposed levy has been met with fierce criticism with a section of leaders and Kenyans at large demanding that contributions be made voluntarily.

    The Finance Bill 2023 is currently in the National Assembly.

    “The housing levy should be driven by law and not voluntary because if it is driven by law, we can call investors because there’s an assurance of collecting money even after three years, so long as the law is there.” Said PS Hinga.

    While demonstrating optimism PS Hinga told parents who are complaining about the housing levy that: “by the time your child is 18, they can have a unit.” 

    In his address he said the housing levy contribution will provide Kenyans with a significant return compared to fixed deposit accounts.

    “Let us disagree where we have to disagree, but let’s not beat this thing (the Housing Fund) so hard that we want it to fail. If it fails, we will not have sorted out the economics of this country or the urbanization issue.” He explained.

     

     

     

  • WFP plan aims to prevent further food aid diversion in Ethiopia

    WFP plan aims to prevent further food aid diversion in Ethiopia

    Following widespread diversion of lifesaving food aid in Ethiopia last month, the World Food Programme (WFP) has strengthened safeguards and controls in a bid to prevent further misuse, the UN agency said on Tuesday.

    WFP had paused distributions in the restive Tigray region in the north after finding evidence of significant supplies on sale in local markets, and immediately launched an investigation.

    Over 20 million people are in dire need of food assistance in Ethiopia, where communities continue to be affected by the impact of prolonged conflict and a historic drought across the Horn of Africa.

    Zero tolerance policy

    “WFP has zero tolerance for theft or diversion that prevents critical food from reaching the hungry families who need it to survive. Those found responsible must be held accountable,” Executive Director Cindy McCain said in a statement.

    “We are committed to doing everything it takes to guarantee that food assistance benefits the people who need it most,” she added.

    The WFP plan will be enacted across all its operations in Ethiopia. Actions include implementing real-time food security and needs assessments, strengthening targeting and management of beneficiary lists and identity checks, and reinforcing tracking to follow food movements from warehouses to beneficiaries.

    The Nobel Prize-winning agency will also work closely with Ethiopian regional and national authorities, and with partners, to implement needed reforms so that urgent food assistance can resume in Tigray and support intended beneficiaries nationwide.

    “Taking food away from starvation is unacceptable, whether in Ethiopia or anywhere else in the world,” said McCain. 

    “WFP is actively assessing all high-risk country operations to ensure stringent processes are in place so that our assistance makes it to the millions and millions of hungry people who depend on us.”

  • Interior PS arrives in Embu ahead of Madaraka Day preparations

    Interior PS arrives in Embu ahead of Madaraka Day preparations

    Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, has arrived at the Embu Stadium Grounds for a final inspection tour ahead of the official opening of the business expo by President William Ruto on Friday.

    PS Omollo is the chairperson of the National Celebrations Committee.

    The one-week exhibition, which is scheduled to run from May 26th to May 30th, is among a series of key events lined up to amplify the theme for this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations, with a prime focus on Cooperatives, MSMEs, Trade and Revenue.

    The rehearsal was attended by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, among other senior government officials, and area leaders. 

    Manyatta Member of Parliament John Mukunji whose constituency will host the celebrations observed that his constituency and Embu County in general had benefited from projects worth Ksh.4B.

     

     

  • Nairobi, Cape Town sign Twin Cities Agreement

    Nairobi, Cape Town sign Twin Cities Agreement

    Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Tuesday signed the Twin Cities Agreement with the Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Hill-Lewis. 

    The signing of the agreement will see Nairobi City and the City of Cape Town, in South Africa, collaborate in various sectors.

    Speaking during the signing of the agreement at the City Hall, Governor Sakaja said Nairobi and Cape Town stand as great regional hubs of the African continent.

    “This partnership, coming hot on the heels of the removal of visa requirements between our two Countries, presents a great opportunity to our people.” Noted Sakaja.

    Adding that: “The South and the East of Africa have come together to work together.”

    Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman Hill-Lewis welcomed the move saying both cities are on similar trajectories, with similar missions to be ‘the undisputed economic and innovation hubs of our respective regions’.

    “It was important to me that our first city-to-city co-operation agreement in this administration is with an African city, and Nairobi is the obvious choice. It is clear that we are both on a mission to become even more globally competitive and to stand out as the most attractive and convenient places to do business in our regions.” Said Lewis.

    Lewis said both regions are tourism giants on the African continent noting that Nairobi and Cape Town attract a very wide range of visitors throughout the year, and have vibrant and well-serviced film industries.

    “We can do so much more together. We can strengthen each other’s tourism markets. We can collaborate with each other’s film industries. We can double the trade between us,” said Mayor Hill-Lewis.