KBC Channel 1

Author: Eric Biegon

  • Interior CS defends police against claims of bias

    Interior CS defends police against claims of bias

    Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kithure Kindiki has defended security agencies against accusations by the Opposition that the police have taken political sides.

    Kindiki says contrary to the claims, security agencies have remained apolitical, only concentrating on their key mandate of protecting the lives and property of Kenyans.

    “As security agencies, our officers are instructed to stay away from politics and concentrate on their key mandate; protecting the lives and property of the people of Kenya,” the  CS charged

    Speaking at a church service tye Interior CS called on politicians to avoid violence and instead embark on dialogue.He warned that no one will be allowed to terrorize or blackmail Kenyans.

    “We must not allow the political class, in the guise of expressing divergent opinion, to destroy private and public property, injure civilians and security officers, or cause mayhem in our country,” he said

    Opposition leader Raila Odinga has criticized the inspector general of police over the handling of protests in the country.

    The CS says violence should never be an option even if the ongoing mediation efforts prove difficult.

    “The political class has embarked on dialogue. As they deliberate on various issues, we must remind them that violence should never be part of the equation. In the event they disagree, no one will be allowed to terrorise or blackmail the people of Kenya,” said Prof Kindiki

    The bipartisan talks between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions will start officially on Monday, August 14.

  • Nairobi county announces plans to establish Kenya’s biggest wood furniture industry

    Nairobi county announces plans to establish Kenya’s biggest wood furniture industry

    Nairobi City County government will soon set up the first wood furniture industry in the country through the aggregation and industrial parks project that targets 27 priority counties.

    County Executive, Business and Hustler Opportunities Maureen Njeri said Nairobi City County was among the 27 counties that were picked to undertake the CAIPs project and a budget allocation on the same has been provided in this current financial year.

    “As a City, we will be undertaking a Wood Furniture Aggregation and Industrial Park. We are in the process of finalizing the project designs.” Disclosed Njeri

    The Furniture and Wood Industry will come in handy, especially during the construction of the affordable housing units in Nairobi through the manufacture of quality and standardised flash doors and other products which will translate to job creation in line with Governor Johnson Sakaja’s Manifesto of Opportunities for all in terms of employment provision.

    “The architectural designs of the project are complete and the engineers are now embarking on the structural, civil, and electrical detailing of the designs with a set target to complete the master plan and the detailed designing before the end of August,” said Acting Chief Officer for Markets and Trade Mr. Godfrey Akumali.

    “Through skills development, technology transfer, training and capacity building the quality of products manufactured will compete at larger markets which will result in more revenue for the County” he added

    Also in attendance were; Mr.Cavin Otieno, the Grants Manager-Strathmore University, Ms.Elizabeth Njau Director of Trade and Industries, Mr.Ian Mong’are, State Department for Housing and Urban Development, Eng.Karani Njeru,the Project Chairman, Mr.Malei Nthiwa, Managing Director Bola Properties among others.

  • Experts say Africa views gas as most promising course for energy cooperation with Russia

    Experts say Africa views gas as most promising course for energy cooperation with Russia

    Africa sees natural gas as a promising direction of cooperation with Russian energy companies in order to become an energy-self-sufficient continent.

    The Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber NJ Ayuk made the comment during the second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, that took place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.

    “I think gas is going to be something that is so promising, huge amounts of gas reserves that have been discovered and that need to be brought into development especially in Nigeria and Congo,” Ayuk said when asked about potential vectors of energy cooperation with Russia.

    The African Energy Chamber’s chief also said that Russian energy companies such as Gazprom had “great skills in gas capture,” which turns gas into electricity and petrochemicals such as ammonia.

    “[We are] looking at gas, developing gas, not just for export but for domestic use, making energy poverty history and driving a gas-based economy to really improve people’s lives,” Ayuk said on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg.

    He went on to say that Russia is a 100% energy-self-sufficient country that should be able to assist Africa in capacity building, technology transfer, and finding solutions to Africa’s energy crisis.

    “We will continue to meet with Russian companies, encourage them to continue to invest in Africa and to partner with Africans on projects that would alleviate energy poverty,” Ayuk added.

    He noted that 600 million Africans do not have access to electricity and 900 million Africans do not have access to clean cooking technologies, most of them women. He also expressed confidence that Africa could become energy sustainable.

  • The Nairobi Festival: City Hall promises exciting 2023 extravaganza 

    The Nairobi Festival: City Hall promises exciting 2023 extravaganza 

    Plans are in top gear for the second edition of The Nairobi Festival which City Hall says will be “bigger and better.”

    The team led by the County Executive for Inclusivity, Public Participation, and Customer Service, Dr Anastasia Nyalita and County Chief Officer, City Culture, Arts and Tourism, Clement “Clemo” Sijenyi, conducted a site visit with members of the Event’s Planning Committee.

    The extravaganza will kick off from 11th -16th December 2023 and Nairobi County Government has commenced planning to ensure a seamless event.

    “The festival will provide an opportunity for Kenyans to appreciate the city’s diverse food, culture, music, heritage, and art. We look forward to more partners coming onboard, as well as SMEs who will be able to showcase and market their products and services during the 6 days extravaganza. The festival will also coincide with the official re-opening of Uhuru Park. We will also have county Governors’ invited to this year’s extravaganza.” said Dr Nyalita

    Last year, several leading performers took part in the festival, including a number of DJs.

    Clement Sijenyi, Chief Officer, City Culture, Arts, and Tourism, noted that last year was a learning curve.

    “This year, we will send out calls for auditions by September this year so that we give the selected participants enough time to rehearse and perfect their respective acts. I want to tell Nairobians to get ready for an experience of their lives. It will be fire.” said Sijenyi

  • Leveraging youth eco skills for peace and sustainable CVE

    Leveraging youth eco skills for peace and sustainable CVE

    On August 12, the world commemorates International Youth Day, a global celebration dedicated to the potential and promise of young people. This year’s theme, “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” resonates deeply with the imperative of Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE). It highlights the profound synergy between environmental consciousness and the promotion of lasting peace.

    By equipping young individuals with ecological competencies, we not only advance the cause of sustainable development but also cultivate a generation capable of being effective agents of positive change. These skills, including problem-solving, teamwork, critical thinking, and collaboration, are instrumental not only in environmental contexts but also in counter-extremism efforts.

    The significance of environmental expertise extends beyond ecological matters. It underscores the pivotal role that young people play in steering humanity towards a sustainable and harmonious future. These skills, crucial for environmental conservation, possess a dual utility in the realm of CVE. They empower youth to foster resilient communities that are inherently less susceptible to radicalizing influences. Armed with knowledge in fields like renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management, young individuals can make meaningful contributions to long-term peace and a reduced risk of conflict.

    The nexus between nurturing eco-conscious skills and addressing the root causes of extremism is where the true potency lies. Encouraging youth to forge deep connections with their communities and environments instills values of peace, collaboration, and sustainability. By uniting young minds from diverse backgrounds through collaborative environmental initiatives, we erode the very foundations on which extremist ideologies thrive. This unity through dialogue and understanding lays a solid foundation for countering violent extremism.

    In this strategic endeavor, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) wield a pivotal influence. They are integral to bridging the gap between green skills and CVE strategies, thus creating a robust pathway to peace. CSOs can contribute significantly through a spectrum of actions:

    Firstly, CSOs can craft and implement targeted programs that equip young individuals with green skills while emphasizing the profound interconnectedness between sustainability and peacebuilding. These programs, ranging from vocational training to workshops and mentorship initiatives, empower youth to catalyze positive change within their communities.

    Secondly, CSOs have the potential to drive awareness and advocacy. They can utilize their platforms to spotlight the intersections between environmental sustainability, CVE, and peace. By orchestrating advocacy campaigns, seminars, and leveraging social media, CSOs can engage communities, policymakers, and stakeholders in prioritizing these critical issues.

    Thirdly, collaborative initiatives orchestrated by CSOs are pivotal. They can serve as catalysts in bringing together stakeholders from diverse spheres, including governmental bodies, educational institutions, businesses, and local communities. This synergy amplifies the impact of green skills initiatives and fosters comprehensive approaches to CVE and peacebuilding.

    Moreover, CSOs can contribute through research and knowledge sharing. Conducting research to comprehend the specific contexts in which green skills intersect with CVE and peace efforts, and sharing this knowledge through publications, reports, and workshops, can inform evidence-based policies and strategies.

    Furthermore, active youth engagement and empowerment are fundamental for CSOs. Involving young people in the design, execution, and assessment of green skills programs ensures their relevance and empowers youth to take ownership of their roles as catalysts for positive change.

    Lastly, CSOs should focus on capacity building. Offering programs to enhance the understanding of their staff and volunteers regarding the intricate connections between environmental sustainability, CVE, and peace equips them with the tools to effectively advocate for, implement, and evaluate green skills initiatives.

    By aligning their endeavors with the theme of “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World,” CSOs amplify the impact of CVE strategies and peacebuilding initiatives. Through collaborative efforts, education, and strategic advocacy, CSOs play a pivotal role in nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious and peace-driven youth. These empowered individuals are poised to counter extremism effectively and contribute to a harmonious, sustainable, and resilient world.

    Wambui Kiragu is a Nairobi-based Creative Designer and Animator.

  • Africa has great potential in nuclear technologies – Russia’s Rosatom head

    Africa has great potential in nuclear technologies – Russia’s Rosatom head

    The African continent has a great potential for growth in the sphere of nuclear energy technologies and hence for improving the standard of living, the head of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev said

    “We are sure that there will be a very active demand for nuclear technologies from African countries,” Likhachev said at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg.

    Africa is expected to actively participate in the construction of power generation facilities in the coming decades, so the continent has great potential for improving technologies and living standards, he added.

    “Africa is poised to increase its population from one-fifth to one-third of the world’s population. If we look at global electricity generation, in 2022 about 30 trillion kilowatt-hours will be generated globally, while Africa will account for less than one trillion of that. This imbalance cannot continue for long,” Likhachev said.

    The African continent already has a grasp of what peaceful nuclear energy is, with an active nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates and another under construction in Egypt, he said.

    The second Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum is taking place in the Russian city of St. Petersburg from July 27-28. Summit participants are expected to sign a number of international and bilateral documents, the Kremlin said.

     

     

  • Koskei lauds new university funding model, says it’s designed fairly

    Koskei lauds new university funding model, says it’s designed fairly

    Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei has backed the new university funding model terming it as fair.

    According to Koskei, the way the new model is designed will bring equity in access to higher education. He said university fees will now be pegged on a parent’s/guardian’s ability to afford the fees.

    “University fees are now affordable since parents will be individually assessed on their ability to afford,” he said today in St. Mary’s Tachasis Girls Secondary School, Tindiret, Nandi County.

    Mr. Koskei called on Kenyans to take advantage of the newly-launched Open University of Kenya to access higher education cheaply online.

    At the same time, he urged the area residents to diversify their farming activities by embracing coffee growing as well as dairy farming.

    “That’s the only way you are sure of getting money in your pockets,” he said.

    He directed the security agencies in the region to intensify the fight against alcoholism and drug abuse, which he said was destroying generations of youth.

    He also warned that the government will take firm action against rogue road contractors, as he said that the Songhor-Timboroa would be redone following shoddy work by the previous contractor.

    Earlier, Mr. Koskei had attended prayers for students from four secondary schools in the area, where he encouraged students to study hard since “education is the greatest equalizer.”

    He was accompanied by Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago, Tindiret MP Julius Melly, and Bishop Dominic Kimengich Eldoret Catholic diocese.

    Others in attendance were PSs Susan Mangeni ( MSMEs Development), and Kello Harsama (Crop Development), Allan Kosgey (CAS nominee, State Law Office), Nandi County Commissioner, Caroline Mueni, CEOs, MDs, MCAs and a host of elected and appointed leaders.

  • KCB, Swedish agency unveil Ksh 1 Billion kitty to boost SMEs growth

    KCB, Swedish agency unveil Ksh 1 Billion kitty to boost SMEs growth

    Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the country got a major boost Friday in their efforts to access credit and support their growth and ambitions.

    This comes in the wake of a guarantee scheme jointly launched by Kenya Commercial Bank and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).

    The introduction of Ksh. 1 billion kitty will enable the bank to strengthen its commitment to financing SMEs that continue to face credit-related challenges.

    KCB Bank Acting Director of Retail Banking, Micheal Kung’u noted that the new instrument will enable SMEs to tap into the bank’s expanded portfolio of SME financing options to enable them to contribute to the growth of Kenya’s economy.

    “We are excited about this new instrument as it offers us the flexibility to work with SMEs and the refugee population in their ambitions to support the entrepreneurial journey. The SME guarantee will therefore go a long way in diversifying the SME’s financing resources and reducing collateral requirements, thereby enabling them to play a leading role in achieving economic and social development,” said Kung’u

    According to the Swedish Ambassador to Kenya Caroline Vicini, in order to support the knowledge gap by lenders, they should use risk-sharing facilities as a tool to broaden the SME lending to mitigate risk and allow them to build capabilities and track records in serving niche markets like SME’s and refuges.

    “Sweden’s Development Cooperation through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency aims to create opportunities for better living conditions for people living in poverty and under oppression. This initiative will enable Sweden’s engagement to go beyond the official Development Assistance (ODA) and focus more on innovative financing approaches to mobilize domestic resources and external private capital to reach the most vulnerable communities in Kenya,” she said.

  • Kindiki vows major crackdown on alcohol, drug peddlers near learning institutions

    Kindiki vows major crackdown on alcohol, drug peddlers near learning institutions

    Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki Friday warned that the government is going after all persons peddling illegal substances to young people in Kenya, especially those still in school.

    Kindiki announced that authorities are under firm instructions to ensure that individuals involved in the unlawful practice have been apprehended.

    “We are seeing many of our young people being lured into drug addiction and abuse of alcohol.  All people who are involved in selling alcohol and drugs to our children must know they are the greatest enemies of Kenya,” Interior CS Kindiki Kithure

    “We are going to fight them. My colleagues in the ministry have already been instructed to fight alcoholism and drugs, and especially make sure that our schools and learning institutions are secure from those who want to profit by destroying our young people,” he said

    According to the Interior CS, anyone selling alcohol near a learning institution is an enemy of Kenya just like Al-Shabaab terrorists.

    “You are destroying our children and our country. We will fight you with the same strength, vigor, and commitment that we are using to fight other enemies of our country,” he charged

    Prof. Kindiki, who was addressing parents, teachers, and students at St. Germaine Gatanga Girls High School in Gatanga Constituency, Murang’a County during the school’s prize-giving day, says the state will use all available resources to protect children from harmful practices.

  • State to undertake registration of all private security guards

    State to undertake registration of all private security guards

    The government has commenced the process of registering private security guards in the country in an effort to enhance accountability and address deep-rooted human resource issues that have dogged the industry for years.

    Through the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PSRA), the state is seeking to establish a centralized database of the entire workforce in the sector for harmonized enforcement of compliance with the country’s labour laws and professional ethics and standards. Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr. Raymond Omollo has said the intention is to institute a clear regulatory and supervisory regime that will facilitate monitoring of the operations of private security companies and track the conduct of their personnel.

    “This is another statement on the accountability front,” Dr. Omollo said. “This essential step will not only foster a higher level of professionalism within the industry but also provide a structured framework for monitoring and regulating their activities while on duty.”

    Speaking in Kisumu during the launch of the registration drive, the PS noted that the move was conceptualized in recognition of the private sector’s immense contribution to Kenya’s security preparedness, job creation as well as economic growth. Notably, the scope of the planned cross-cutting reforms will also be extended to implementation of an inclusive approach to discipline and fair resolution of complaints within the sector, which Dr. Omollo described as a critical cog in the country’s national security framework.

    He said, “We recognize that private security guards can be cogent partners for maintenance of law and order. That is why we have come out strongly to prescribe this move to better track, evaluate, and elevate the quality of their services within our communities.”

    The registration exercise comes a few weeks after the unveiling of a standardized training curriculum for the sector, with graduating guards set to be assigned unique service numbers for easy identification and recognition by members of the public. According to the PS, the guards will also be issued with licenses that will enable them to practise in the country and even open more opportunities for them across the borders.

    He also appealed to local and international partners to plug into the comprehensive reform agenda, and called for more investment in establishment of modern training facilities with the capacity to meet the global security standards. The PS further challenged individuals and entities enlisting the services of private security guards to be sensitive to the needs of the officers and safeguard their welfare, particularly in terms of their remuneration and working conditions.

    “Fair compensation will not only demonstrate our collective respect for their dedication but also foster a motivated and committed security personnel,” Dr. Omollo noted.

    The PS, who was flanked by PSRA Director General Fazul Mohammed, also presided over the official opening of the Authority’s first ever regional offices. The facility will serve Nyanza region as the regulatory body seeks to decentralize its services and establish more presence at the grassroots level.