KBC Channel 1

Author: Eric Biegon

  • President Ruto condemns ouster of democratically elected governments

    President Ruto condemns ouster of democratically elected governments

    President William Ruto weighed into the political power struggles in Niger that led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum last month.

    The forceful takeover of power by the coup leaders, according to President Ruto should be condemned by all and sundry.

    “We support ECOWAS and the interventions that they are putting in place to make sure that we avoid and resist the slide into military dictatorships and unconstitutional removal of governments,” President William Ruto

    He wants urgent steps taken to ensure the democratically elected government in Niger and other parts of the continent are restored and protected in accordance with the law.

    “Whatever means necessary that should be used to make sure that these democratic processes are sustained, maintained, and protected should be brought to bear to stop those who want to use the barrel of the gun to run the affairs of countries,” said Ruto

    The head of state, who is in Mozambique on official visit, reiterates that Africa ought to denounce acts that encourage lawlessness which undermine the will of the majority of the people as demonstrated through elections.

    “Africa is a democratic continent and we believe that Africa has sufficient democratic credentials to be able to manage the affairs of our countries with the legitimacy that comes from the people in democratic elections,” stated Ruto

    He also regretted the situation in Sudan where conflict rages on and a large number of civilians have been forced to flee the country.

    “The conflict in Sudan is completely senseless and unnecessary. The kind of destruction of life, property and infrastructure (in Sudan) is not justified in any way. The sooner that conflict comes to an end the better,” he said

  • KBC boss holds talks with new CMG Africa executive

    KBC boss holds talks with new CMG Africa executive

    Kenya Broadcasting Corporation acting Managing Director Samuel Maina on Thursday hosted the newly appointed China Media Group acting Bureau Chief for Africa Song Jianing at the company’s headquarters in Nairobi.

    The two media executives met to take stock of the ongoing partnership between KBC and China Media Group while also exploring new avenues to expand collaboration in broadcast and content promotion.

    The meeting which is the first one by the two since they assumed their respective roles, also attended by the CMG Africa Deputy Bureau Chief Li Peichun, was described by Mr. Maina as “a fruitful one,”.

    “We deliberated on various areas of partnership between CMG Africa and KBC that will mutually benefit the two institutions,” noted the acting KBC MD after the meeting at Broadcasting House.

    While lauding the existing cooperation between the two media companies, the CMG Africa boss said she was pleased to meet Mr. Maina to discuss opportunities they can leverage to build on their role in the industry.

    “We’re very gratified by the efficiency and productivity of our discussion with Bwana Maina, which reflects the strong will of both CMG and KBC to make use of each other’s strengths and enhance our capacities in state-of-the-art communication,” said Song

    In this regard, she indicated that they already mapped out areas the two sides will explore in the coming days.

    “We look forward to our agreement soon being translated into concrete projects that will better serve our respective audiences,” she said

    The meeting between them comes ahead of a forum organized by China Media Group in conjunction with the Africa Union of Broadcasting (AUB) on Monday where Mr Maina is expected to be among the key speakers.

    The theme of the forum is “deepening communication between Chinese and African civilizations and promoting a China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era,”

    As of now, programmes/content exchange between KBC Channel 1, Radio Taifa, English Service, and KBC Digital with CGTN and China Radio International (Swahili and English services) remain the key features of collaboration between KBC and CMG.

  • IGAD urges resilience building among communities amid climate change impacts in Horn of Africa region

    IGAD urges resilience building among communities amid climate change impacts in Horn of Africa region

    Over 54 million people in the Horn of Africa are in dire need of relief assistance as the impacts of climate change continue to manifest in the Horn of Africa region. An IGAD Member States meeting of agriculture ministers now wants a coordinated approach by member states to create resilience among communities in to cushion them against the adverse effects of climate change.

    The IGAD Climate Predictions and Applications Center Executive Director Dr. Gulleid Artan says changing weather patterns coupled by the threat of trans-boundary pests due to climate change is a major challenge facing the Horn of Africa. He says that pockets of desert locusts have been detected in parts of Sudan and Eritrea which could migrate based on the wind direction, hence the need for a regional approach in dealing with the menace.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony for the high-level “Regional Conference on Risk Transfer and Transboundary Pest Management” Dr. Gulleid said with the impending El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) expected in the fourth quarter of the year, there is need for member states to put in place measures to cushion vulnerable communities. “We are having the ENSO which will last the coming season and into early 2024, meaning we will have very wet conditions, and we need to plan for the impacts,” said Dr. Gulleid and added, “Currently, the humanitarian situation in the IGAD region is dire and continues to deteriorate every year.”

    Dr. Gulleid raised concern over the continued state of affairs, saying that the region has just come back from five consecutive seasons of depressed rains and a long drought, “a climatic event not seen at least in the last four decades,” he said. Noting that the impacts of the depressed rainfall resulted in a severe, widespread, and prolonged drought, the consecutive failed seasons have been coupled with other stress factors such as conflicts and macroeconomic challenges.

    He said that the combined effects of the climatic shocks have eroded the coping mechanisms of the people, devastated livelihoods, displaced populations, and intensified resource-based conflicts in various parts of the region.

    He called for a regional cooperation to address vulnerability more effectively, promote sustainable development, and build resilience among the pastoralist communities.

    The Agriculture Secretary incharge of Crop Development Josephat Muhunyu warned that reliance on rain fed agriculture, use of low technology farming methods, cyclic floods and droughts are compounding the situation for vulnerable communities.

    “Smallholder farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture and use low-technology farming methods are particularly vulnerable to droughts and floods, sometimes suffering total crop losses,” he said and added, “There is urgent need to take precautionary measures to prevent losses by farmers and pastoralists.”

    Muhunyu said there is need to generate relevant reliable data for decision making through harnessing digital technology and remote sensed data, to support service delivery, particularly for remote areas.

    In the communiqué the Ministers urged the IGAD region to devise mechanisms that improve the role of risk transfer and risk financing approaches in enhancing communities’ resilience and livelihoods;

    The called for the need to adopt innovative technologies, such as satellite monitoring systems and digital data collection tools for pests’ surveillance, monitoring and control operations and in order to increase access to microinsurance products and streamline processes and recommended that the IGAD governments and secretariat develop supportive and synchronized policies and legal frameworks that recognize and promote the role of cooperatives in pastoral and agro-pastoral sectors.

     

     

  • Detectives begin probe into killing of police officer in Kayole

    Detectives begin probe into killing of police officer in Kayole

    Police have launched investigations into the killing of a police officer who was shot dead in Nairobi’s Kayole estate. The deceased officer identified as Constable David Maya from the Makadara Directorate of Criminal Investigations was in the company of his wife at the time of the incident.

    According to Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei, the couple had stopped in the Hurlingham neighborhood in Kayole to repair a puncture when three men on a motorcycle approached them and opened fire shooting him in the head while his wife suffered a gunshot wound on her leg.

    The incident was captured on CCTV. His body was moved to the morgue awaiting an autopsy while his wife is receiving treatment at a hospital in the city.

  • Farewell party held for 48 Kenyan students awarded Chinese government scholarships to study in China

    Farewell party held for 48 Kenyan students awarded Chinese government scholarships to study in China

    The Chinese government was on Thursday lauded for the education support it has been extending to Kenya for the last 40 years.

    Speaking during a farewell reception organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, the Deputy Director for Higher Education in charge of scholarships Dr. David Watene noted that education assistance from Beijing has seen Kenya greatly benefit from highly skilled and competitive manpower in various sectors including engineers, doctors, teachers, businesspeople, diplomats, and hospitality personnel.

    “We recognize the contribution of the Chinese scholarship from which over 1000 Kenyans have benefitted. These scholarships over the years have produced qualified personnel in the field of medicine, engineering, teachers, and diplomats amongst others, which are critical to the development of Kenya” he said

    He said such initiatives have helped the East African country to reduce educational inequalities by making education more accessible.

    “Higher education is critical in producing a pool of highly skilled manpower in various specialized areas necessary for promoting improved productivity for national socio-economic development and carrying out research to provide solutions for societal challenges. Through higher education, knowledge is generated and disseminated,” he said

    While reaffirming his country’s commitment to mutual cooperation with Kenya, Minister Counsellor and deputy head of mission at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi Zhang Zhizhong urged the scholarship beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to study hard and return back and help the country realize its development aspirations.

    “You are the future of Kenya. I hope you will come and apply what you have learnt in China and contribute to Kenya’s development as well as further cooperation between China and Kenya for the next 60 years,” he said in an event graced by government officials, diplomats, political leaders, scholars, businessmen and professionals from different fields.

    Zhang asked them to observe Chinese way of life which he attributed to the country’s fast-paced development, especially in the last 40 years under the Communist Party of China with an annual growth rate of 9 percent GDP, lifting China from one of the poorest countries to the second-largest economy in the world.

    “The Chinese culture must have something valuable and Chinese people must have done something right…I wish you understand the values, experience, the imagination of the Chinese people” he said

    Zhang added; “The final goal of economic and social development is for the people’s well-being and happiness. You will understand why the satisfaction rate of the Chinese people with the government could reach more than 91 percent in recent years and topped all the countries of the world,”

    His sentiments resonated well with those of the Chairperson of the Kenya China Alumni Association Dr. Henry Rotich who noted that studying in China offers an unparalleled educational experience.

    “The country’s (China’s) rapid growth and technological advancements have positioned it as a global leader in innovation and research. By immersing yourselves in this dynamic environment, you gain access to cutting-edge knowledge and the chance to collaborate with world-renowned scholars and experts. Moreover, exposure to diverse perspectives and lifestyles will broaden your horizons and enrich your personal growth,” he said

    “Professionals with Chinese educational experiences possess unique skills and insights that can drive innovation, enhance trade relationships, and facilitate diplomatic engagements between our two nations,” he reiterated

    Buoyed by the opportunity, Jacob Oloo, a beneficiary of the scholarships, described the gesture from Beijing as an endeavor that fortifies the strong ties between Kenya and China and expressed confidence those awarded scholarships will help transform the country as soon as they complete their pursuit of higher education abroad.

    “Beyond the acquisition of knowledge, let us emphasize the importance of knowledge repatriation. You are not just students; you are stewards of change. The wisdom you gain will transcend geographical boundaries, finding its way back to Kenya and the world, where it will serve as a catalyst for progress,” said Oloo

    Ambassador Lucy Kiruthu who studied international relations with specialization in international politics in China, encouraged the young scholars to stay on course and give a good account of themselves at the end of their studies.

    “I am a proud alumnus of Peking University. I am where I am today because of having studied n China,” she said

    Kiruthu added; “What is important is that you are also going to be our ambassadors in China. I will ask you to fly our flag as high as you can,”

  • Kenya, Mozambique commit to strengthen bonds

    Kenya, Mozambique commit to strengthen bonds

    Kenya and Mozambique on Thursday signed seven MoUs on various areas of cooperation, including mutual legal assistance, diplomatic training, public service training, investment promotion, Blue Economy, and mutual recognition of driving licenses.

    Speaking during the signing ceremony, President William Ruto said the Kenya-Mozambique relations stand on a strong pedestal of trade and investment.

    The head of State said “Kenya celebrates the long-standing warm and cordial relations between the two countries” even as he undertook to strengthen ties between Nairobi and Maputo, “to enhance trade volumes that remain relatively low.”

    The President lauded the agreements signed Thursday, for instance in the area of security saying the stability of countries is front and center of any meaningful nationhood.

    “Signing of the agreements on defense and security is significant because we are dealing with the challenge of violent extremism, terrorism, and organized crime in our region. Sharing of experiences will make our teams better prepared,” said Ruto

    “No meaningful development can take place in an environment that is not secure or in a space that is not stable,” he added

    On behalf of Kenya, he assured his host that he was “looking forward to cooperation in this space so that we can get rid of terrorists and criminals who are impeding our progress,”

    President Ruto said this when he held bilateral talks with President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi in Maputo, Mozambique.

    Ruto who is on a two-day State Visit is in the company of First Lady Rachel Ruto, Justin Muturi (Attorney General), Cabinet Secretaries Alfred Mutua (Foreign Affairs), Aden Duale (Defence) among others.

  • Kenya, Denmark to collaborate by introducing new skills and technology to enhance water services

    Kenya, Denmark to collaborate by introducing new skills and technology to enhance water services

    Denmark is set to collaborate with Kenya in Training technicians and establishing exchange programs so as to introduce new skills and technology in the market.

    T𝗵is was disclosed Thursday when the outgoing Danish Ambassador to Kenya Ole Thonke paid a courtesy visit to the Cabinet Secretary for Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Alice Wahome.

    The move, according to the Ministry of Water, will ensure that there is better management of systems that will result in efficiency and reduction of non-revenue water (water that is pumped but gets lost and can’t be accounted for).

    “Denmark has onboarded a Strategic Water Sector Counsellor who has been introduced to the Cabinet Secretary as a way of initiating dialogue on priorities of the Ministry in the sector,” said a statement from the Ministry

    Denmark has been a long-term partner in the Water sector since 2004. Partnership with Kenya has evolved and grown tremendously since then.

    Wahome used the occasion to bid farewell to Ole Thonke as he wraps up his tour of duty as ambassador of Denmark to Kenya.

  • Rosatom advanced state-of-the-art technologies at second Russia–Africa summit

    Rosatom advanced state-of-the-art technologies at second Russia–Africa summit

    Atom for Africa is an opportunity to shorten the distance and make a leap so that in two-decade time the quality of life, technological sovereignty and development potential in Africa would be no worse than the same on other continents of our planet. This is according to Alexey Likhachev, Director General of State Atomic Energy Corporation, Rosatom.

    He was speaking in Saint Petersburg at the Second Summit of the Economic and Humanitarian Forum Russia–Africa. He described the event as a continuation of the dialogue started at the 2019 Russia-Africa Economic Forum to strengthen Russia’s comprehensive cooperation with African countries and which Rosatom was the general partner.

    “Nuclear industry is an island of relative stability due to the long-term nature technologies and high level of trust among nuclear players in the world.” As Alexey Likhachev emphasized,

    Addressing Rosatom’s “Nuclear Technologies for Africa’s Development” session, Likhachev emphasized the importance of technological sovereignty and reminded that Rosatom offered its partners a wide range of projects to ensure technological sovereignty, from powerful power units to small modular reactors, both in on-shore or off-shore designs.

    “We offer cooperation to every country we are working with, and this also applies to countries’ technological sovereignty projects,” said Rosatom’s Director General.

    Mr. Likhachev noted that Africa has diversity, but was quick to point out that the company can offer a large set of technological and entrepreneurial solutions. He said they can be standard contracts and different schemes of facility co-ownership, including the possibility of simple generation and sales of electricity.

    “This also applies to technologies close to nuclear power, such as nuclear medicine, irradiation centres, research reactors, and wind power,” he said

    Mr. Likhachev reminded the forum that the structure of Rosatom’s products is harmonious, since the company’s annual revenue of about 2 trillion roubles is divided into three parts in roughly equal shares: first of all, there is a nuclear generation; the second part is everything related to nuclear projects, namely construction, service and nuclear fuel; and the third part is so-called new products, such as nuclear medicine and new materials, as well as a whole range of competencies related to new technologies.

    Speakers representing African countries emphasized the importance of nuclear power and Rosatom technologies for socioeconomic development of African countries. In particular, Amged El-Wakeel, Board Chairman of El-Dabaa, an Egyptian nuclear power plant under construction, said that nuclear power meant a lot for development and economic growth of Egypt, and had a positive impact on all spheres of life.

    Doto Mashaka Biteko, Minister of Minerals of Tanzania, spoke about how his country, which had a long history of uranium mining, also intended to use nuclear industry to address social issues.

    Fidèle Ndahayo, Chief Executive Officer of Rwanda Atomic Energy Board spoke of Rwanda’s intention to use nuclear energy that boosts economic growth. Rwanda also intends to develop nuclear medicine.

    Speaking at the session, Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines of Burundi, revealed that, in addition to hydropower, his country also intended to develop nuclear industry with the help of Rosatom to achieve energy self-sufficiency.

    Princess Mthombeni, founder of the “Africa4Nuclear” organization, spoke about advantages and achievements of nuclear industry, and also noted the importance of engaging the youth of Africa in addressing the continent’s the pressing issues.

    A number of agreements were signed during the summit. The Russian Federation and Burundi concluded an agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, including establishment and improvement of the nuclear infrastructure; production of radioisotopes and their uses in industry, medicine and agriculture; and education and training of specialists for the nuclear industry. The document was signed by Mr. Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Corporation, for the Russian side, and by Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation, on the part of the Republic of Burundi.

    Mohamed Amin Cherkaoui, Board Chairman of Water and Energy Solutions, a Moroccan company, and Ksenia Sukhotina, Chief Executive Officer of Rusatom Infrastructure Solutions JSC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on implementation of desalination, water-treatment and water-purification projects. “The signed Memorandum expands cooperation with Morocco in the field of desalination and water treatment, and provides for the possibility of implementing joint projects with the use of Rosatom technologies aimed at providing the region’s industry and population with clean water,” said Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for the Development and International Business Unit of Rosatom State Corporation.

    On the sidelines of the summit, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Zimbabwe also signed an Agreement on cooperation in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The document was signed by Mr. Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom State Corporation, for the Russian side, and by Soda Zhemu, Minister of Energy and Power Development, on the part of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

    A booth of Rosatom State Corporation presents advanced solutions based on nuclear technologies and proposed for implementation in African countries. Furthermore, technical site visits for delegations from a number of African countries to the Leningrad NPP and Baltic Shipyard JSC are arranged within the framework of the Summit.

    A meeting of the Impact Team 2050, an International Youth Council which is attended by representatives of the Global Partners Network from African countries, is held within the framework of the Forum.

  • Airtel Africa, Mastercard jointly launch new remittance transfer service

    Airtel Africa, Mastercard jointly launch new remittance transfer service

    Airtel Africa and Mastercard announced the launch of a new cross-border remittance service in partnership with Mastercard, which will enable Airtel subscribers across 14 African markets to send and receive money safely and securely, with speed and certainty. This innovative service will be rolled out in a phased approach to provide consumers with a seamless digital experience connecting them to millions across the world.

    An estimated $95.6 billion a year flows into the continent, making remittances a major source of foreign currency in Africa. This service will provide customers with the convenience and access they need to reach their loved ones across the globe, promoting financial empowerment and contributing to the economic growth of the continent.

    Through a single and secure point of access, Mastercard Cross-Border Services will support the outward transfer of funds in a phased manner across each of the 14 African markets where Airtel has a presence. This includes Chad, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Through timely delivery, secured transfers and reasonable transaction costs, the platform will connect consumers to wallets in over 145 markets.

    Commenting on the launch, Ian Ferraro, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Money said, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Mastercard, as we work together to roll out a world-class remittance service to our customers. At Airtel Africa, we are deeply committed to transforming the lives of our customers through innovative and accessible financial solutions, and this partnership is a significant step towards that goal. We believe that every individual deserves the chance to succeed, and we are proud to play a part in making that vision a reality.”

    “The digital economy continues to grow and expand, and by rolling out this exciting, seamless remittance service, we’re making it easier for more people to transfer funds with ease, security and certainty. As a global technology company with a long history in Africa, Mastercard is committed to the continent’s growth and connecting its people to convenient digital solutions that will enable a more financially inclusive future for all.  We are proud to continue building on our partnership with Airtel Africa by adding more value and choice for its customers,” said Ngozi Megwa, Senior Vice President, Digital Partners and Enablers, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.

    According to Mastercard’s 2022 Borderless Payments Report, digital payments are seeing strong growth with three-quarters of consumers who send and receive cross-border payments doing so through mobile apps. This growth in cross border mobile transactions has created a genuine need to make cross border remittances easy and secure for both banked and unbanked consumers. Airtel and Mastercard share this passion for digital transformation and making mobile financial services accessible to everyone across the continent.

  • Ruto: We must manage our resources prudently

    Ruto: We must manage our resources prudently

    President William Ruto on Tuesday undertook to ensure that public resources are used prudently.

    Caution in the utilization of resources, according to the President, includes the manner in which the country, henceforth, handles borrowing.

    “I can assure you that we are going to be prudent and careful in the management of our resources and in making sure that even as we borrow, we borrow carefully,” he said

    He sought to reassure Kenyans that the country was now in a good financial situation compared to last year when his administration took charge of the country’s affairs.

    “I want to tell you that the economy of our country is stable. We now have firm foundation for the economy of our country,” he said

    “You have heard about our plans. We have a plan to ensure we are careful about how we plan for the economy of our country,” he added

    He said unlike a number of countries in the continent that are staring at the risk of failure to honour their financial obligations to their creditors, Kenya would honor them citing strengthening financial position.

    “28 African countries are in danger of failure to meet their debt obligations. Already eight have defaulted. But we have put strategies in place and I can assure you Kenya will go walk that path,” President William Ruto

    “Because of what we have done in the last eight months, we have paid our debts,” he reiterated

    He defended the recently enacted and approved Finance Act 2023.

    “The only way to grow our economy is not through debts. To grow the economy in a sustainable and predictable way is to ensure we build it to a great extent using our won resources,”

    “If I learnt anything from Mzee President Mwai Kibaki, it is his rallying call to pay taxes that’s why he said kulipa ushuru ni kujitegemea and Kibaki was the foremost economist and he knew what he was saying,” he added