KBC Channel 1

Author: KBC Digital

  • Chinese clean energy company donates solar systems to Maasai Mara University

    Chinese clean energy company donates solar systems to Maasai Mara University

    BLUETTI, a Chinese clean energy company, has donated 200 solar systems to Maasai Mara University.

    The donation included battery packs, solar panels, and lights which aim at boosting Clean Energy and Education.

    During the official handing-over ceremony, Allen Yan, Sales Manager at BLUETTI Kenya, said the donation is part of the LAAF program, which enhances educational environments and promotes equitable learning across Africa.

    Yan emphasized BLUETTI’s commitment to supporting underprivileged communities with clean and reliable source of energy.

    “BLUETTI’s donation reflects its ongoing dedication to providing clean energy solutions and enhancing educational environments. As part of the LAAF program, BLUETTI aims to create fair learning opportunities and support sustainable development across Africa.” He said.

    Prof. Bulitia Godrick Mathews – Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic & Student Affairs expressed his gratitude, noting that the solar lighting products will make education more accessible and effective as learning will continue uninterrupted by electricity blackout.

    “Education is a vital weapon for change, and with this donation, we hope to illuminate not just the classrooms but the future of these children. This donation aligns with our values and supports a more sustainable future for our community.” He said.

    He noted that the solar systems will help in creating a more sustainable future for the community living within the institution.

    Claire Huang, LAAF Project Manager at BLUETTI, praised the initiative as an exemplary model of corporate social responsibility noting that the solar donation will play ey role in advancement of education at Maasai Mara University.

    She noted that the initiative highlights the company’s commitment to advancing education and sustainable development in Kenya.

    “By investing in clean energy solutions, BLUETTI not only addresses the immediate needs of educational institutions but also contributes to long-term societal benefits.” She said,

    She highlighted that since the inception of the LAAF program, BLUETTI has donated over 15,000 high-efficiency solar systems, benefiting more than 50,000 individuals in remote areas across Africa.

  • Raila warns ODM members against joining government

    Raila warns ODM members against joining government

    The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has backed the statement by his Secretary General Edwin Sifuna as he issued a stern warning to ODM members, urging them not to join the government.

    In responding to queries about members of ODM who are said to join the cabinet to be announced by the President, he clarified that he has not forwarded any names to the President for appointment to the cabinet.

    Raila said his position and the one that had been taken by the party was that there were critical outstanding issues that needed to be addressed by the government before any form of engagement was entered into.

    On Friday, Raila had issued a statement requiring that the government address some seven issues including, ceasing threats against Gen-Z demonstrators exercising their constitutional rights to peaceful protest.

    He also wanted the families of Kenyans killed by police during protests compensated as well as i⁠mmediately and unconditionally release all arrested political protesters.

    Odinga also wanted all pending charges against protesters dropped and abductions and extrajudicial killings of protesters be halted.

    Further, Odinga said that police officers involved in abductions and killings of protesters should be arrested and prosecuted adding that the reappointment of dismissed Cabinet Secretaries should be stopped.

    Earlier Tuesday, Edwin Sifuna, the ODM Secretary General issued a statement by the party stating that the ODM as a party had not endorsed any member to be appointed to the cabinet.

    Sifuna informed the public that any member seeking such appointment are completely doing so on their own and against the ODM’s position.

    On the current protests, Raila emphasized that both the party and the coalition are in solidarity with the issues being raised by the Gen-Zs, which seeks to address long standing governance issues.

    “Our commitment to the causes championed by Gen-Z remains steadfast. These are the same issues we have long been fighting for, including during last year’s Maandamano protests,” Odinga stated.

    Odinga said he had proposed a national convention, to afford all Kenyans an opportunity to find a lasting solution to these long outstanding issues and chat a way forward

    He therefore highlighted the importance of preparing for a national convention to ensure these outstanding issues are addressed. These issues include high cost of living, unemployment, corruption, ethnicity and tribalism in government employments other governance issues.

    He also said the plight of doctors and health workers must also be addressed immediately.

    Odinga further stated that the issue of odious debt, the cost of education and high taxation must be addressed.

    The ODM leader also identified procurement and revenue collection as a major source of corruption, contributing to Kenya’s economic and political crises.

    “We know exactly where the problems lie in this government and the loopholes that successive governments have exploited to plunder taxpayers’ money. These issues were eradicated during the Government of National Unity, leading to economic growth under Kibaki’s administration. Unfortunately, these problems have resurfaced, and the Gen-Z movement is right to demand an end to them,” Odinga concluded.

    Odinga clarified that the purpose of the convention is not to create new reports, but to look at modalities to implement over 26 reports that have been generated since Kenya’s independence, at the cost of taxpayers’ money but which remain unimplemented.

    He said that the participants will take cognisance of Kenyans diversity.

     

  • National Assembly resumes plenary sittings this afternoon

    National Assembly resumes plenary sittings this afternoon

    The National Assembly resumes plenary sittings this afternoon after a month-long recess.

    The MPs went on a break on June 20, shortly after voting to approve the now-withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024.

    Among the issues to be considered are the Finance Bill and the Budget and Appropriations Committee report on the supplementary budget.

    The Consideration of the President’s Reservations to the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 30 of 2024) has been slated for Wednesday afternoon.

    They are going back to a damaged house after Gen Zs occupied the house during anti-government protests.

    The Initial damage assessment of the extent of destruction stands at Ksh 94 million.

    Speaker Moses Wetangaula has disclosed that the memorandum on the nomination of the 11 Cabinet Secretaries has not been forwarded to the House.

  • Kalua Green says Gov’t directly supporting local industries is vital

    Kalua Green says Gov’t directly supporting local industries is vital

    The national government has been challenged to offer incentives to local manufacturers and assemblers to spur economic growth and create more job opportunities for young people.

    “The future calls for us as a country to ensure that we do things starting from where we are. We cannot go calling for new industrialists to come to Kenya when the existing industries are feeling that they are not supported to the level that they need to be supported,” Honda Kenya chairman and ecopreneur Dr. Isaac Kalua Green said

    Dr. Kalua Green says one of the key areas that the government should look into is the motorcycle manufacturing industry, which he says has the potential to employ over 5 million Kenyans.

    “The greatest opportunity in our country is in the automotive sector. The lowest-hanging fruit is in the motorcycle. A motorcycle has over 290 different parts. Currently, these parts are imported from other countries. The policy should drive a very smooth transition from importing these parts to making them,” he said

    Currently, about 1 million people are benefiting either directly or indirectly from the growing business.

    “Jobs can be created if the working environment, the production environment is supportive and the ground is level for every producer and every manufacturer. We seek that the government will support every industrialist whether small or big even as we go to get others because the foundation must be done from where we are before we move to the next level,” he said

    Consequently, Dr. Green who was the chief guest at the launch of the latest motorcycle from Honda – ACE 150 – an improvement of the Ace 125 currently under their fold, said at the moment, 14 out of the 29 parts needed for the assembly of a motorcycle were being produced in the country, and thus, with support from the government, through the ministry of trade, would increase access to jobs and more employment opportunities.

    When you are in the industry and you find that one producer is being given opportunities of not paying taxes and another is paying, it’s not a level playing ground and in fact, it chases away other investors. This country has an opportunity to make motorcycles, the regional market is over 1.5 million motorcycles, and you can imagine the parts and the employment opportunities that come with that. It’s a great thing,”

    Honda alone has produced 130,585 motorcycles. We have paid Ksh.3.6 billion for that production. It also means employment for each bike. Each rider supports the livelihoods of six people. That amounts to about 920,000 Kenyans who are being supported by each of the motorcycles that we have made.  Policymakers should sit down with the current manufacturers and ask them what they can do for them to continue producing more. You can support 15 percent of the manufacturers to create job opportunities for millions of people,” he explained.

    On its part, Honda Kenya MD Naiko Suiko says the ACE 150 model has been made for the Kenyan market as it now strives to cement its position as a market leader for motorcycles accessible to boda boda operators and those in the delivery businesses.

    “Customers are struggling to purchase this motorcycle. Eventually in the future, we have to see how we can provide customers with a way to acquire our motorcycles for their good,” he said

  • Mudavadi: Gov’t implementing budget cuts, new initiatives for 2024-2025

    Mudavadi: Gov’t implementing budget cuts, new initiatives for 2024-2025

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi revealed Monday that the withdrawal of the Finance Bill for 2024 will lead to a deficit of Ksh 344 billion in the country’s revenue.

    To address this fiscal gap, Mudavadi who is currently the acting CS for National Treasury noted that the government is going to implement significant budget cuts alongside targeted new measures.

    According to Mudavadi, the National Treasury will reduce the development budget by Ksh 138 billion. Cuts include Ksh 8 billion from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), Ksh 1 billion from Parliament, and Ksh 800 million from the Judiciary. Additionally, Ksh 14.6 billion will be slashed from infrastructure projects, Ksh 14.1 billion from road construction, Ksh 6 billion from water and sanitation, and further reductions across several sectors.

    Despite these cuts, the Prime CS indicated that the government will boost funding in key areas, including Ksh 2 billion for coffee debt relief, Ksh 1 billion for sugarcane farmer reforms, Ksh 500 million for milk support, and Ksh 28 billion for pensions. Ksh 30 billion will be transferred to counties, and Ksh 13.5 billion will support the NGCDF.

    During the session with MPs, Treasury Principal Secretary Dr. Chris Kiptoo took time to highlight economic progress registered so far, including a stable Kenyan Shilling and reduced inflation. He said measures put in place aim to manage the revenue shortfall while maintaining essential services.

  • MP Ndindi Nyoro outlines major budget initiatives to support agriculture, education

    MP Ndindi Nyoro outlines major budget initiatives to support agriculture, education

    Kiharu Member of Parliament and National Assembly Budget Committee Chair Ndindi Nyoro on Monday hosted a significant meeting with the National Treasury team that was led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

    The session focused on key budgetary allocations and strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and improving public services.

    Nyoro reaffirmed the allocation of Ksh.10 billion in subsidies for fertilizers, a move designed to support coffee farmers and enhance agricultural productivity across the country.

    “The subsidy will make fertilizers more affordable for farmers, aiming to boost yields and strengthen the economic sustainability of the coffee sector,” he said

    In addition, Nyoro announced a substantial investment of Ksh. 2 billion for the New KCC program, with Ksh. 1.5 billion earmarked specifically for stabilizing milk prices to a target rate of 50 shillings per liter.

    “This initiative seeks to address fluctuating milk prices and support dairy farmers in maintaining fair market conditions,” noted the lawmaker

    The MP also revealed plans to offer permanent and pensionable positions to 46,000 interns currently serving as Junior Secondary School teachers. This move is expected to provide job security and long-term career prospects for these educators.

    Furthermore, Nyoro highlighted an allocation of Ksh. 2 billion for the Coffee Cherry Fund, aimed at supporting coffee farmers through various development programs.

    The MP also disclosed plans to reduce the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) kitty noting that budget cuts were necessary so as to reallocate resources to more essential services and projects that directly benefit residents.

    Monday’s meeting underscored the government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, supporting dairy farmers, and improving educational opportunities while managing financial resources to meet pressing community needs.

  • MCK calls for urgent dialogue between government and media

    MCK calls for urgent dialogue between government and media

    The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has called for dialogue between the government and the media to address national public interest issues while maintaining their respective independence.

    In a statement, MCK CEO David Omwoyo underscored the need for the government and editors to find common ground to prioritize national unity by creating a framework for communicating critical national issues.

    This comes amidst increasing concerns over the treatment of journalists and the professional responsibilities of media houses in covering demonstrations.

    The MCK CEO asked the government to instruct the police to cease the harassment of journalists covering the protests, stating that such actions undermine the relationship between the media and the government.

    Omwoyo noted that the media is guided by the Code of Conduct for the Practice of Journalism in Kenya in its coverage of protests, which demands reasonable delays in cases of active conflict.

    He added that beyond the Code of Conduct, media houses are also guided by in-house editorial policies, questioning whether live images of protestors looting and destroying property serve the public interest or simply fuel further unrest.

    “If the protestors have clearly laid down their demands, isn’t it the work of the media to sift through and critically analyze these demands, create a conversation around their practicality and timeliness, and consider the related consequences informed by global and historical trends, rather than merely report?” he posed.

    Omwoyo urged media houses to critically analyze protestors’ demands and adopt informed conversations around national issues.

  • Regulator exposes 3 illegal NGOs receiving funds

    Regulator exposes 3 illegal NGOs receiving funds

    Three organisations are on DCI radar for operating illegally.

    The Public Benefit Organisations Regulatory Authority previously NGO Coordination Board Monday revealed that the NGOs in question were not registered and were receiving funds they cannot account for channelled through unauthorised accounts.

    Addressing a presser, PBO Chairperson Mwambu Mabongah withheld the names of the organisations which are now under further investigation by the detectives.

    He further confirmed that 16 organisations which had been flagged by the government are registered, three under the PBOs Act, 2013 while the rest by both the Registrar of Societies and Companies.

    Some of the listed organisations were linked to anti-government protests over alleged funding by the Ford Foundation.

    “Out of the 16 organizations listed in the correspondence by the PS State Department for Foreign Affairs, only 3 are registered under the PBOs Act, 2013 whereas the rest are registered by both the Registrar of Societies and Companies” Mabongah stated.

    However, an inquiry into allegations of regulatory breaches exposed the three PBOs for running unauthorised bank accounts.

    “The Authority has further forwarded to the DCI for further investigations, PBOs that are currently in operation without obtaining the requisite registration and yet the PBOs in question are receiving funding and running bank accounts that have not been authorized and implementing projects that cannot be quantified or accounted for,” he said.

    PBOs Act

    The Public Benefit Organisations Act, 2013 (the Act) came into force in May replacing the Non-Governmental Organisations Coordination (NGO) Act.

    With the new law, all organizations engaging in Public Benefit in Kenya are required to either obtain public benefit status as provided for under section 7 and/or register with the Authority under sections 10 and 11 of the PBOs Act.

    NGOs registered under the NGO Coordination Act shall be deemed to be registered as PBOs under the Act and shall have up to one year from the commencement date to seek registration as a PBO while those that were exempted from registration under the NGO Coordination Act have three (3) months from the Commencement Date to apply for registration.

    Failure of NGOs to register as PBOs under the Act within the specified periods will lead to loss of PBO status.

     

  • In Pictures: Sayari all-day dining launch

    In Pictures: Sayari all-day dining launch

    PrideInn Westlands has launched the Sayari all-day dining
    Restaurant.

    The event was attended by esteemed guests, media partners, and the dedicated PrideInn team.

    Read.

  • Kajiado Governor Lenku condemns imported violence

    Kajiado Governor Lenku condemns imported violence

    Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku has condemned the orgy of violence and looting spree witnessed in the County satelites towns in the past one month during the Anti government protests.

    Speaking at his county residence, Governor Lenku said the county has suffered from imported violence and Kajiado County Leadership and the security team will act decisively to avert such violence in future.

    He said such violence might water down the inter communities co existence and the development agenda.

    Governor Lenku also rooted for National Dialogue to heal the country from series of protests that are culminating Into violence ,deaths and loss of properties.

    Ong’ata Rongai and Kitengela towns have borne the major brunt of protests wrath.

    In the entire month that has witnessed protests atleast five three deaths has been reported,scores sustained bullets shot woulds and millions worth properties looted.