Author: Eric Biegon

Reprieve for counties with Treasury set to release more funds mid-June

County governments will receive their last batch of funds’ disbursement this financial year on the 19^th of this month.

This was revealed Monday by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua after a meeting with the Council of Governors.

During the meeting convened under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Budget Economic Council, IBEC, it was disclosed that the total outstanding balance to the counties stands at Ksh. 94.35 billion.

So far, Ksh 305.25 billion have been allocated since January with arrears in the months of April, May, and June.

But that was not all. The meeting also deliberated the issue of pending bills, which has been a thorn in the flesh for many county chiefs. The DP disclosed that the council of governors wanted the matter prioritized and sought intervention mechanism to address them in respective counties.

“Pending bills were defined as valid invoices properly delivered and are outstanding at the end of a financial year. Ineligible pending bills cannot be expunged from Pending Bills until the proposed committee sits and makes the decision. Governors are given liberty to verify their bills and make payment plans on the verified bills within 2 weeks,” said Gachagua.

“An additional week will be designated for engagement and negotiation between the counties and the Controller (COB) to reach a mutual agreement on pertinent issues. However, the expansive counties shall be given a longer period,” he added

June 5, 2023
Cherargei wants action taken against ruling party MPs opposed to Finance Bill 2023

The ongoing debate over the contentious Finance Bill 2023 continues to receive mixed public responses.

Amid the divided opinion, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei says members of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance do not have an option but rally behind the Bill unreservedly.

The outspoken legislator wants MPs allied to the ruling party to pass the Bill once it is introduced in Parliament for debate.

Those who fail to toe the line, according to Cherargei, must be slapped with stringent disciplinary action. He reiterates that going against the ruling party and the head of state is unacceptable.

“Any Kenya Kwanza MP who shall vote against the Finance bill 2023 should face the full force of party disciplinary mechanisms,” he charged

“You cannot play opposition politics in government Party Position is supreme in any discipline democracy,” He warned

The senator’s sentiments came just after President William Ruto reiterated that the proposed Finance Bill is good for the country. The president described those opposed to the Bill as simply playing politics.

“We need to pass this bill so Kenya can develop. There are some suggestions that MPs should disclose how they voted when the bill is tabled in parliament, but personally, I am waiting to see any MP who will shut down that bill,” said the president.

June 5, 2023
Chinese Red Cross Foundation to mobilize more support to Kenya, Africa

The Chinese Red Cross Foundation has undertaken to mobilize and channel more support to children in need in Kenya and Africa at large.

This was revealed recently in Beijing during celebrations to mark the sixth anniversary of the International Free Lunch Project run by Chinese organizations in Africa.

The occasion provided an opportunity to evaluate the project’s results and most importantly explore future development.

In his speech, Director of the Chinese Red Cross Foundation Bei Xiaochao, while reviewing the international humanitarian exchanges, cooperation, and assistance carried out by the Foundation in the past ten years, thanked the Chinese people and humanitarian partners from all walks of life who have long supported the Red Cross humanitarian activities especially targeting developing nations.

Bei gave an example of the impact of the international free lunch project in places like informal settlements and remote areas of Kenya whose evaluation recently disclosed valuable outcomes and promised even more aid towards vulnerable communities.

“The Red Cross Foundation of China will continue to actively mobilize social resources under the unified deployment of the Red Cross Society of China in the future, and join hands with more international organizations, charity enterprises and social organizations to practice the concept of a community of human destiny with practical actions,” The Foundation’s Director noted

Minister Counselor of the Kenyan Embassy in China Rebecca Ekuam who was present in the event thanked the Chinese people for what she described as their “long-term concern and support for Kenya’s development.”

She expressed hope that in the future, more organizations and charitable enterprises from China can join hands to promote the people-to-people connection between China and Kenya.

Guo Yang, Deputy Secretary-General of the Red Cross Foundation of China, chaired the event that was also attended by Deputy Director of the Liaison Department of the Red Cross Society of China Song Yi, as well as representatives of charitable enterprises concerned with humanitarian causes, relevant representatives of social organizations, relevant heads of international organizations, experts, scholars, volunteers and other more than 70 people attended the meeting.

A communiqué released after the event indicated that the meeting had deliberated broadly on the global child health and nutrition situation in Africa as well as issues touching on the protection of children’s rights and interests in emergency situations, and provided valuable suggestions for the future development of the International Free Lunch Program.

At the event, the public welfare film “Our Story on the Silk Road” was played and two Chinese and African volunteers, Guo Ningyuan and Xia Yurou, jointly read out the seven basic principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Hu Yihua, director of Hangzhou Lunch Free Public Service Center, Yin Binbin, founder of Dream Free Public Service, and Liu Yimenghan, co-founder of Dream Free Public Service, introduced the background, implementation mode, and physical opening of the international free lunch project.

During the meeting Xiaochao Bei received donations, on behalf of the Red Cross Foundation of China, from new partners including Lions Clubs of China Zhejiang Office, Lions Clubs of Guangdong Province, Lions Clubs of Guangdong Province Zhanjiang Office, Mr. Zhao Xin and Mr. He Jiashu.

Yunhong Zhang, Deputy Director of the East Asia Regional Delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mike Myers, Resource Mobilization Manager of the East Asia Regional Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Huang Yuan, Medical Representative of Médecins Sans Frontières in China, Chen Fu, Partnership Advisor of the United Nations World Food Programme China Office, also made their contributions towards the foundation’s programmes.

June 4, 2023
New CMG project to enhance Kenya, China cultural relations

The “Twinkle Star Project” launched by the China Media Group (CMG) in Nairobi on Wednesday evening has been hailed as a remarkable initiative that will boost ties between Kenya and China.

The animation project that will see cartoons screened across schools of Kenya, according to Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza who was the chief guest at the launch, will in particular provide an invaluable breakthrough to the cultural cooperation between the two countries.

“The project will also provide an opportunity to market destination Kenya and grow visitations from the Chinese source market hence increasing Kenya’s tourism earnings,” she added

State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Prof Edward Kisiang’ani, who was also in attendance, lauded the existing relationship between Nairobi and Beijing even as he expressed optimism that the “Twinkle Star Project” will provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the two sides more so in regards to latest innovations.

“China is a leader in technology and it is important that we share the digital skills and provide opportunities for our youth”, he said.

According to Prof. Kisiang’ani the history of China’s social transformation has provided lessons to Kenya and the whole of Africa on how to overcome challenges.

The PS described the latest initiative as an expansion of space that has always been there between Kenya and China for the last 60 years.

“Our two countries have had a wonderful relationship. And this relationship has affected the way we run our economies and the way we share education skills and values,” noted Prof Kisiangani.

Speaking during the launch, Media Council of Kenya Manager for Accreditation and Compliance Rebecca Mutiso noted that the new CMG product will act as a powerful educational tool, facilitating comprehension, engagement, and retention of knowledge.

“Responsible development of children’s content is crucial for their well-being and development….especially with concepts such as language skills, problem-solving, creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development,” she said

Besides, she believes the project will inspire the next generation of Kenya’s animators and provide a boost to their content creation skills.

“It is important to promote positive messages and values in children’s content such as kindness, empathy, respect, honesty, diversity, and cooperation. Characters and storylines should demonstrate positive behaviour and model appropriate social interactions and be sensitive to diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences,” she said.

Madam Song Jianing, the Acting Bureau Chief of CMG Africa, noted that the Chinese Media outlet has over the years been developing content geared toward children’s empowerment and well-being.

“As China’s state media, CMG started CCTV 14, a special children’s channel in 2003 with a resolution to bring more support, guidance, and happiness to children with the hope that our efforts will aid the realization of the dreams of our future generations,” she said

June 2, 2023
Kenya, China commit to champion children-focused empowerment programmes

The Office of the First Lady Rachael Ruto in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy in Kenya has undertaken to give greater focus to issues aimed at protecting and empowering vulnerable children.

The commitment was made Wednesday during a donations event at Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s home in Eastleigh, Nairobi, through the Warm Children’s Hearts initiative, a China-Africa joint action.

The donations included food, health, and educational and sport supplies made under the African Children’s Caring campaign jointly initiated by Chinese First Lady Professor Peng Liyuan and the Organization of African First Ladys’ Development (OAFLD)

During the outreach event held in Kenya’s capital, Zhao Xiyuan, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi reiterated Beijing’s commitment to continued cooperation with the East Africa nation to empower communities.

He noted, for instance, that Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) cannot be achieved without the realization of children’s rights, health and well-being and more.

“The Chinese government appreciates the efforts of Kenya government in delivering the SDGs and enhancing the well-being of children and women, and is ready to join hands with our Kenyan friends to take concrete measures to help more children in the future to build a China-Africa community with a shared future and a global community of health for all,” he averred

His sentiments resonated with those of Edward Ngaira, a Director at the Kenyan First Lady’s Office. He said the Office of the First Lady deeply appreciated the ongoing partnership that is aimed at making a difference in the lives of children.

He commended the Chinese leadership for prioritizing issues affecting children in the African continent, noting that this was a foundation to the realization of meaningful development.

“Let me send our appreciation from the office of the first lady of Kenya to the First Lady of the Republic of China. Let her know that we appreciate the joint partnership that we have,” said Ngaira

“We appreciate your leadership and your initiative to reach out to the Children. When I look at the slogan you have – warms children’s hearts, I am full of joy because people from far away from here are thinking about our children,” he added

Mama Fatuma Goodwill Children’s Home management team led by Hussein Omar and Mohamed Hiribae expressed gratitude to the Chinese embassy for the kind gesture noting that they would go a long way in helping the home established in 1966 to continue supporting children in need.

The Chinese First Lady is the World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador and UNESCO’s Special Envoy for the advancement of girls and women’s education and she has demonstrated concern for the health situation in Africa over the past decade, especially for children and women.

After the outbreak of COVID-19, Prof. Peng called for donations of medical supplies and vaccines for African children, youths, and women on behalf of the Chinese government in 2020 and 2022.

“Over the past 3 years, China donated over 189 million doses of vaccines for 53 African countries. Under the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund, the Chinese government provided 1 million USD dollar aid to UNICEF Kenya to implement the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Project, which covered 159 medical institutions in 8 counties of Kenya and more than 3 million people benefited from the project from 2020 to 2021,” confirmed Mr Zhao from the Chinese Embassy.

May 31, 2023
Boost to Kilifi mining industry as county signs deal with Chinese company

Kilifi County Governor Gideon Mungaro announced on Monday that he had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Shanichi Mining Development Company Limited for the company to establish an investment and economic working relationship with the Coastal county.

According to the governor, the deal with the Chinese company is aimed at boosting the county’s economic potential through the extraction of valuable minerals.

Mungaro disclosed that the signed agreement will enable the mining industry in Kilifi County to operate optimally, delivering much-needed development support programs to the local community.

“This has been an ongoing consultative discussion in an effort to safeguard the sustainable development and growth of the local communities,” He said during the signing of the MoU.

The Governor further indicated that they also discussed “common goals of boosting growth by utilizing our natural resources well,” even as he expressed optimism that partnership will help his administration to accomplish the commitment to efficiently implement development strategies under his Tujenge Kilifi Initiative.

May 30, 2023
Great performance by Kenyan students at Huawei ICT Competition finals in China

Kenya put on a great showing in this year’s Huawei ICT Competition 2022-2023 Global Finals that just concluded in Shenzhen, China.

The competition attracted more than 120,000 students from 2,000 universities and colleges, from 74 countries and regions around the world. The 146 teams, 429 students from 36 countries and regions, went to China for the global final after the national and regional competitions.

Among the contestants were 15 students from various Kenyan Universities who were flagged off on 18th May 2023 by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Kenya Network Team 1 and Kenya Innovation Team got First Prize whereas Kenya Cloud Team 1, Kenya Cloud Team 2, and Kenya Network Team 3 managed to get Third Prize.

On their way to the finals in Shenzhen, Kenya won three out of four Grand prizes and one 1st prize in the 4 tracks in SAR in the Huawei ICT Competition.

Among those accompanying the students was Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, Vice Chancellor, University of Nairobi who also participated in a panel discussion during the Huawei ICT Academy Teacher Summit.

The Huawei ICT Competition targets students in Huawei Academies and those in higher education institutions that are willing to join the ICT Academy worldwide. Through the competition, Huawei aims to provide students with a platform to compete and exchange ideas, thus enhancing their ICT knowledge and practical skills as well as increasing their ability to innovate by using new technologies and platforms.

May 28, 2023
Chinese language proficiency contest for secondary school students held in Nairobi

Kenyatta University in conjunction with the Chinese Embassy in Kenya hosted the 16th edition of the Chinese Bridge-Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students, the Kenyan Division, in Nairobi.

Senior government officials, diplomats, faculty members, and students graced the event. Participants showcased their understanding of Chinese culture in areas such as folk songs and dances, operas, calligraphy, painting, and martial arts. Contestants also put on show their mastery of Chinese by making a three-minute speech in the Chinese language and working on China’s national knowledge test.

In the end, Telema Njoki, a junior secondary school student, was crowned the overall winner of the contest. She received gifts and a certificate of honor for emerging top in the competition and will also benefit from a sponsored trip to China later in the year.

In response to the growing market demand for Chinese-speaking professionals, Kenyatta University came up with a course in Chinese Language and Culture (BA), whose first intake will be in September this year.

The assistant director of radio and media at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development Susan Mutune noted that holding proficiency in the Chinese language will help students to understand more about China as well as enhance the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

“The course will help address the current shortage of Chinese teachers required to teach in the 35,000 secondary schools in Kenya. We look forward to building Chinese language competence and proficiency among young learners. This is borne out of the understanding that Mandarin promises vast opportunities for our youth,” said Mutune said

Held under the theme of “Fly high with Chinese,” the counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya Tang Jianjun, noted that being equipped with Chinese language skills and culture will help students to understand China better and enhance friendship between the two countries.

“I hope that more Kenyans will learn the Chinese language and culture so that many people can share the joy of cross-cultural communication and dividends brought by China’s economic boom,” he said.

Indeed, acting deputy vice-chancellor of research innovation and outreach at Kenyatta University Professor Caroline Thoruwa argued that the bridge competition is useful in linking Kenyan students to the world and exposing them to bigger opportunities availed through the China-Kenya collaboration programs in education.

“I want to thank the Chinese Embassy in Kenya for supporting the teaching of Chinese language and culture. It is crucial in empowering and equipping the younger generation with skills to compete globally, transform Kenyan society and foster an amicable relationship between the two countries,” said the Ag. Deputy VC

Chinese Director at Kenyatta University’s Confucius Institute Zhou Xiaodong expressed satisfaction in the event saying the contest provided a platform for the young learners to showcase their understanding of the Chinese language and culture as envisioned by the institution.

May 27, 2023
Teaching Swahili in Moscow schools to start September

The Sputnik International News Agency And Radio held a roundtable, Russia – Africa: Prospects for Economic Cooperation.

The discussion was attended by Alexei Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies of Lomonosov Moscow State University (Russia); Andrei Maslov, Director of the Center for African Studies, Higher School of Economics National Research University(Russia); Alexander Beltser, Professor of the History Department, Samara University (Russia); Philani Mthembu, Executive Director at the Institute for Global Dialogue (South Africa); Lubinda Haabazoka, Director of the Graduate School of Business of the University of Zambia and Former President of the Economic Association of Zambia (Zambia); Tunde Ajileye, Partner at SBM Intelligence (Nigeria); and Sevias Guvuriro, Associate Professor of the Department of Economics and Finance, University of Free State (South Africa).

Speaking about fostering expert and analytical personnel’s competencies in Russian-African cooperation, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Studies Alexei Maslov announced that “for the first time at least four Moscow schools will teach Swahili and Amharic for children starting September 2023 as part of the new special program.” Maslov added that, “we are also exploring the possibility of Moscow schoolchildren studying Yoruba. An abrupt turn to Africa requires a completely different type of specialists who could work directly with the economy and would realize that Africa is not just one big continent, but in fact, a patchwork of diverse national, religious and linguistic traditions”.

Executive Director at the Institute for Global Dialogue Philani Mthembu stressed the role of bilateral projects in agriculture and food: “I think it will be important for Russia and Africa to consider not only the possibilities for trade in minerals and resources located on the African continent, but also potential mechanisms for attracting Russian investment, as well as the creation of joint ventures.”

Director of the Graduate School of Business of the University of Zambia Lubinda Haabazoka spoke about the role of the dollar in the modern world: “The Bretton Woods economic system, which was created in 1944, is holding back Africa’s growth. We are very dependent on the dollar, but at the same time, we do not trade with America. That is, thinking logically, we are not receiving the dollars to continue trading with other countries. Even neighboring Zambia and South Africa use dollars in mutual trade. This is kind of absurd. Therefore, we need to have BRICS create an alternative international monetary system as soon as possible.”

“The problem of hunger in countries such as Ethiopia can be largely resolved through smart management of the food security system in that country,” Andrei Maslov noted while presenting HSE’s current research on the digital transformation of public administration in Africa. The expert added that HSE University is developing a training program in digital public administration for African officials.

Tunde Ajileye from SBM Intelligence underscored that, historically, Russia was one of the countries where the African elite went to earn degrees. And now Russia and Africa need to resume educational exchanges, he added. According to the expert, it is also important to intensify cooperation in agriculture, energy and investment.

Sevias Guvuriro from the University of Free State discussed the ongoing change in the existing world order and emphasized the special role of BRICS in relations between Russia and South Africa.

The discussion was part of a series of educational and expert events, “New Horizons of Cooperation between Russia and the Countries of the Middle East and Africa,” organized with the support of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund and the Center for Assistance to Humanitarian and Educational Programs.

May 25, 2023
New parliament building: India opposition boycott casts shadow on inauguration

India’s new parliament is set to be inaugurated this weekend amid a political row as 19 opposition parties say they will boycott the ceremony.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the building on Sunday.

But opposition leaders say India’s president, the highest constitutional authority, should open the building.

Leaders of the governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have accused the opposition of “playing political games”.

On Wednesday, 19 parties – including the main opposition Congress – issued a statement announcing their “collective decision” to boycott the inauguration ceremony.

They said that while the opening was “a momentous occasion”, Mr Modi’s “decision to inaugurate the building by himself” was “a grave insult [and] a “direct assault” on India’s democracy.

The statement also mentioned that opposition MPs had been “disqualified, suspended and muted” while “controversial legislations” were passed with little debate.

“When the soul of democracy has been sucked out from the parliament, we find no value in a new building,” the parties added.

India’s Home Minister Amit Shah said that all political parties had been invited for the ceremony, and asked the opposition to not politicise the event.

“The government has requested all to be present. Everyone will act according to their own feelings,” he said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Relations between the governing BJP and most opposition parties are strained, often leading to an impasse during parliament sessions. Recently, opposition leaders protested after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was disqualified from parliament after he was sentenced to jail in a defamation case.

Leaders from the governing National Democratic Alliance, led by the BJP, criticised the opposition statement, calling it “an egregious insult to our democracy and to their elected representatives”. They also asked the opposition to “think about the nation and not individual political gains”.

Opposition leaders have also criticised the government’s choice of date for the ceremony, which coincides with the birth anniversary of Hindutva ideologue VD Savarkar.

Not all opposition parties are on the same page on the matter – some regional parties such as the Biju Janata Dal and the YSR Congress Party will attend the ceremony.

The new parliament building – which is part of the government’s ambitious project to develop the Central Vista power corridor in capital Delhi – has been steeped in controversy from the outset.

Many opposition politicians, environmentalists and civil society groups had criticised the project for its high cost, and alleged that the government had not consulted other lawmakers and the public. They had also questioned the government’s decision to build a new parliament building instead of upgrading the old one.

The government, however, said that the new parliament was necessary as the older building was “showing signs of distress and over utilization”.

The new building – designed by HCP Design, Planning and Management and constructed by Tata Projects – has increased seating capacity and is built at an estimated cost of 9.7bn rupees ($117.1m, £94.2m).

In 2020, the Congress had also boycotted the foundation stone-laying event of the new parliament, criticising the government for holding it at a time when farmers were protesting against three controversial new laws.

The current row has generated plenty of debate in India, with some commentators saying it reflects a fractious milieu where the governing party and the opposition are unable to reach an agreement on most issues.

The Indian Express newspaper argued, in an editorial, that while the opposition had genuine grievances, it had to find a way to rise above them to mark this historic moment.

“It cannot be – it should not be – that when coming generations look at this diverse nation’s photo album, they see a parliament that is bare and monochromatic because 19 parties could not rise above their grievance, legitimate though it may have been, to embrace the larger occasion,” it said.

May 25, 2023