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Author: KBC Digital

  • Nairobi City County health, Wellness and Nutrition staff awarded for great work towards tobacco control

    Nairobi City County health, Wellness and Nutrition staff awarded for great work towards tobacco control

    The Public Health Head of Tobacco Control Unit Anthony Muthemba has emerged the winner (Individual category) of World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) 2023.

    Mr. Muthemba is also the tobacco control liaison officer for Nairobi City County with the Tobacco Control Board-Secretariat.

    “Every year, the World Health Organization presents awards to individuals, organizations, or institutions that show great work ethics towards tobacco control during World No-Tobacco Day. And this year, they have identified Mr Muthemba’s exemplary performance. We are extremely proud of his achievements,” Nairobi Health County Executive Dr. Anastasia Nyalita said

    The Chief Officer Public Health Mr. Tom Nyakaba said it’s an honour for Nairobi County to be recognised by WHO for the great work done by Mr. Muthemba.

    “As a sub-sector, we are extremely proud and excited to continue the good work. Tobacco use and exposure to tobacco smoke kills over 8 million people every year. Approximately 6,000 Kenyans die every year from tobacco related complications and a further 1,200 from exposure to secondhand smoke. Tobacco use poses a major risk factor to Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs), hence the importance of tobacco control,” he said

    “As we celebrate this win, we need to be do more to empower the Tobacco Control Unit with a dynamic, multi-faceted and multi-sectoral approach to help in the fight against tobacco and nicotine products which are associated with the country’s disease burden of NCD’s. This aligns with Governor Johnson Sakaja’s manifesto to have new approach to the management of the entire public health sector.” added Nyakaba

    On his part, Muthemba revealed that in October 2010, he launched the Tobacco Control Unit (1st in the country and county) and still the only one in all the 47 counties at county governments level

    “Thirteen (13) years later, this has come full circle, and this achievement is a great encouragement to continue the journey. I am keen on Policy and legislation development (with special interest in tobacco control),” said MMuthemba

    “I have participated in development of various tobacco control policies that is National Tobacco Control Strategic Plan 2019-2023, Tobacco Control enforcement strategy and participated in tobacco control enforcement capacity building in various counties inorder to ensure comprehensive measures to protect our people.” he disclosed

    Tobacco control is anchored on the tenets of the WHO-FCTC and tobacco control legal framework in Kenya consists of, the Tobacco Control Act, 2007, Tobacco Control Regulations, 2014, and the Public Health (control of shisha smoking) Rules, 2017.

  • UN court declares Félicien Kabuga unfit to stand trial

    UN court declares Félicien Kabuga unfit to stand trial

    The UN war crimes court has ruled declared 88-year-old Félicien Kabuga, who is accused of being a major financier of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, unfit to stand trial

    Kabuga’s lawyers had argued that he suffered from dementia. He was arrested in Paris in 2020 after evading capture for 26 years, reportedly moving around East Africa.

    In their ruling, judges at a UN war crimes court in The Hague said Kabuga was “unfit to participate meaningfully in his trial and is very unlikely to regain fitness in the future”.

    The judges proposed an alternative legal procedure that “resembles a trial as closely as possible, but without the possibility of a conviction”.

    He is alleged to have financed ethnic Hutu militias who slaughtered about 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. He has denied the charges.

    This is the first time a court has given such a ruling in a decades-long campaign to bring Rwandan genocide suspects to justice.

    The court had paused his trial in March to allow for his health to be assessed. According to court documents, he is 88, although there is some dispute about his precise age.

    It is alleged that Kabuga used his large fortune, made in the 1970s tea trade, to buy weapons used to arm the Hutu death squads.

    The wealthy businessman is also accused of using his radio station to urge Hutus to kill Tutsis, fueling the genocide by broadcasting inflammatory hate speech.

    French investigators tracked him down to an apartment in Paris where he had been living under a false identity.

    The United States had offered a reward of 5 million dollars for information leading to his arrest.

     

  • Two killed and five injured in shooting at Virginia graduation

    Two killed and five injured in shooting at Virginia graduation

    Two people have been killed and five others injured in a shooting at a graduation ceremony in Virginia.

    The shooting outside the Altria Theater in Richmond sent hundreds of people, many of them wearing graduation gowns, running for safety on Tuesday evening.

    “It was obviously chaos,” the city’s police chief said. “People scattered.”

    A 19-year-old suspect tried to flee on foot but was arrested. He will be charged with at least two counts of second-degree murder, police said.

    The suspect, who has not been named, is believed to have known at least one of the victims. Police did not fire their weapons when apprehending him and several guns were recovered from the scene.

    The victims’ identities have not been released, but police said the two people killed were an 18-year-old man who was part of the graduating class and his 36-year-old father.

    A 31-year-old who was shot sustained life-threatening injuries and is in a critical condition. Four males, aged 14, 32, 55 and 58, were injured but are stable.

    The gunman opened fire in Monroe Park, which is directly opposite the theatre, shortly after the ceremony for Huguenot High School had finished at around 17:15 (21:15 GMT).

    Families and graduates were leaving the theatre, which is near the campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, when at least eight shots rang out.

    People ran to escape, some carrying young children and babies, while others sought cover in nearby buildings. Graduates hugged and cried when they were reunited after the attack.

    As well as those who were shot, police said another 12 people were injured in the rush or treated for anxiety due to the chaos.

    “This should have been a safe space. People should have felt safe at a graduation,” Interim Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards said at a news conference.

    “It’s just incredibly tragic that someone decided to bring a gun to this incident and rain terror on our community,” he said.

    Superintendent of Richmond Public Schools Jason Kamras said the attack occurred on what was “supposed to be a joyous day when our kids walk the stage and get their diploma”.

    “I don’t have any more words on this, I’m tired of seeing people get shot, our kids get shot and I beg the entire community to stop,” he said.

  • Xi calls for protection of Chinese civilization, culture and heritage

    Xi calls for protection of Chinese civilization, culture and heritage

    CGTN

    Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for the protection of the country’s rich cultural heritage in a speech he made Friday during a visit to the Chinese Academy of History.

    He also visited the China National Archive of Publications and Culture on Thursday afternoon.
    The Chinese leader said a deep and comprehensive understanding of the Chinese past will allow the nation to draw upon its traditional culture to meet the challenges of the time. He stressed the need for creativity and innovation.
    President Xi described Chinese civilization as unique, cohesive, innovative, uniform, and peaceful. He said the nation is not afraid of facing up to challenges, and that the unity of the country is China’s core interest.
    President Xi also reaffirmed that China does not support hegemony or impose its own values and system on others and that Beijing will continue to contribute to world peace and the international order.
    Finally, President Xi said the country is at a historic turning point and he called on experts working in the field of culture to continue preserving and innovating the riches of Chinese civilization.

  • Chinese, U.S. diplomats hold ‘candid, productive’ talks in Beijing

    Chinese, U.S. diplomats hold ‘candid, productive’ talks in Beijing

    CGTN

    Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met Daniel Kritenbrink, U.S. assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Sarah Beran, White House National Security Council’s senior director for China affairs, on Monday in Beijing.

    Yang Tao, director-general of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, held talks with the visiting U.S. diplomats on Monday morning.

    Chinese, U.S. diplomats hold talks in Beijing, China, June 5, 2023. /Chinese Foreign Ministry

    The two sides had “candid, constructive and productive” communication on efforts to improve China-U.S. relations and properly manage differences, as agreed by the heads of state during their meeting in Bali in November 2022, according to a statement of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

    During the talks, the Chinese side stated its stern position on the Taiwan question and other major issues of principle, and both sides agreed to maintain communication.

  • vivo Communications Research Institute introduces new technology vision, hosts 5G technology dialogue with global partners

    vivo Communications Research Institute introduces new technology vision, hosts 5G technology dialogue with global partners

    vivo today released its latest communication technology vision, “Bringing you a boundless intelligent world,” underscoring the company’s ongoing efforts to innovate and support communities in bridging the digital divide.

    As part of this initiative, vivo Communications Research Institute held its first 5G Talk event, which brought together industry experts to discuss the latest developments in 5G and the potential benefits for consumers.

    vivo’s Communication Technology Vision

    vivo believes that with the commercialization of 5G technology and the steady development of 6G research, communication technology will bridge the physical and digital worlds. With high-speed and reliable networks, communication technology will provide seamless integration between the two worlds, giving rise to new applications, services, and experiences. This will break down the boundaries between people, things, space, and time, leading to a boundlessly connected world that will foster the sustainable development of society.

    With this outlook for the future, vivo Communications Research Institute has put forward its latest vision of “Bringing you a boundless intelligent world,” which encapsulates vivo’s commitment to narrowing the digital divide by providing consumers with the ultimate experience in innovative devices and intelligent connectivity services.

    vivo Hosts 5G Tech Talk to Discuss 5G Development and Benefits

    vivo held its first 5G Talk event, featuring six industry experts, including representatives from telecom operators, industry associations, and academia. Discussing the benefits of 5G for developing countries, the panelists concluded that enhanced connectivity could provide solutions to infrastructure challenges, such as remote healthcare and education, IoT for agriculture and disaster recovery, and enable new business models. To watch the full 5G Tech Talk, please visit vivo Global YouTube.

    “At vivo, we are dedicated to making 5G smartphones more convenient, accessible, and affordable, empowering communities to thrive in the new digital landscape,” said Rakesh Tamrakar, Leading Specialist at vivo Communications Research Institute. “Our relentless efforts in this area, including our extensive R&D initiatives, have resulted in cutting-edge innovations that are now a part of global 5G standards. By nurturing innovation and collaboration, we believe we can contribute to shaping a boundless, intelligent world where everyone can benefit from advanced telecommunication technologies.”

    Committed to Bringing Premium 5G Experience to Consumers around the World

    vivo has designed a wide range of products ready for the next generation of connectivity, catering to different consumer preferences and budgets. For instance, the powerful X and V series offer some of the slimmest 5G phones on the market, owing to vivo’s innovative 3D stacking technology. The recently-launched V27 Noble Black is one of the thinnest curved screen phones in vivo’s product portfolio, offering a comfortable grip with a thickness of only 7.36mm and weighing only 182g. These phones also boast exceptional power-saving features, and remarkably reliable connectivity, all backed by years of R&D.

    By supporting the development of local 5G networks and communication technologies, vivo hopes to make high-speed connectivity and digital life more accessible and convenient through its diversified 5G devices, ushering in a boundless, intelligent world.

    While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Xi’an, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies.

  • Police zero in on criminals posing as boda boda operators

    Police zero in on criminals posing as boda boda operators

    Police have identified criminals who have been masquerading as boda boda operators and snatching phones and handbags from pedestrians in Nairobi.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, says the criminal elements are on their radar and will be arrested soon.

    He was speaking during a meeting with the national chairman of the Bodaboda Safety Association of Kenya, Kelvin Mubadi and boda boda leaders from various sub-counties in Nairobi.

    The meeting was called to deliberate and improve the partnership between police and boda boda operators in the running and regulation of the sector.

    In other such incidences, the criminals rob other riders then use get-away motorcycles to escape.

    Kanja urged genuine boda boda operators to be on the lookout and single out criminal elements among them who may attempt to taint the image of the sector.

  • The Big Conversation: Digital Adaptation

    The Big Conversation: Digital Adaptation

    Edward Mwasi, a Publishing Expert & CEO of Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board pitches a conversation with Nick Ndeda & Angela Mwihaki on The Big Conversation to change the public’s perception on DIGITAL ADAPTATION and how it can benefit us as a society.

  • Nairobi county putting strategies in place to enhance own source revenue administration

    Nairobi county putting strategies in place to enhance own source revenue administration

    Nairobi County Finance and Economic Planning Sector held a week-long workshop with County staff heading major revenue streams to develop revenue enhancement strategies, work plans, policies, and revenue administration for Nairobi Revenue Authority Structure.

    While addressing the participants, the County Executive Committee Member for Finance and Economic Planning Charles Kerich noted that the Nairobi Revenue Authority is going to be just like any other organisation, with a leadership, a management and staff, but only aimed at getting best results.

    “You cannot also have a well-structured organisation with technical people insisting on doing management work or vice versa, there has to be a clear structure where everyone’s role is defined and followed,” said Kerich

    County Chief Officer for Revenue Administration Wilson Gakuya said the County has registered a remarkable improvement in revenue performance in the second-half financial year despite teething problems of the revenue collection system.

    In addition, the County Own Source of Revenue (OSR) in the last 5 months, January to May 2023, has grown by more than Ksh. 1.4 billion compared to a similar period in the last Financial Year.

    Chief Gakuya explained that in order to enhance County’s Own Source of Revenue, the County had to fundamentally change how it runs its affairs in revenue administration.

    “One of the deliverables in the Performance Contract was implementation of Nairobi Revenue Authority (NRA). In order to promote efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability in county revenue, the County under the stewardship of H.E the Governor, is in the process of establishing a Nairobi Revenue Authority (NRA),” stated Gakuya

    He further said that the Revenue Authority will be a game changer in the way Revenue Administration is done that will see some of the perennial challenges in revenue administration addressed.

    County Head of Revenue, Nixon Otieno argued that the implementation of the NRA will not be an event rather, a journey that everyone needs to embrace and walk together as a team and that all inputs will be taken into account.

     

    County Director for Revenue, Shaban Asman lauded the workshop saying it is very important towards the establishment of the NRA,  particularly because of the involvement of the revenue stream heads “who will play a critical role of implementing the revenue enhancement strategies and policies,”

    “When doing a structure, one must critically look at three areas; what has worked before should be reinforced; what has not worked should be discontinued and what is needed to improve and prosper,” he said

    The Revenue team led by Ms. Anastaciah Githuba, asked the participants to question themselves while sharing their input as to whether the Revenue Authority the County is creating is speaking to the people and if their lives would improve.

    “As NRA, its product is facilitation; making it easy for that person to understand how to meet their obligation. It is meant to simplify things for the clients to support it fully,” She said

    some of the areas under deliberation inluded strategies for revenue mobilisation, NRA structure, staff establishment, target alignment to the structure, job descriptions and NRA overall strategy document on vision, mission, OSR enhancement and code of ethics.

    In attendance was Economic Affairs Advisor, Governor’s Office, Larry Wambua and County staff heading major revenue streams.

  • Transformative power of addressing mental health in countering violent extremism

    Transformative power of addressing mental health in countering violent extremism

    By Ruth Gathuri

    In today’s complex world, mental health emerges as a crucial factor in countering the pervasive threat of violent extremism. Beyond the absence of mental disorders, mental health encompasses cognitive and emotional well-being, enabling individuals to realize their abilities, cope with life’s stresses, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Recognizing the profound impact mental health can have on countering violent extremism (CVE), it becomes imperative to explore its potential and significance in preventing radicalization and fostering resilience within communities.

    Early intervention and prevention initiatives targeting mental health can play a pivotal role in identifying individuals vulnerable to radicalization and extremism. By addressing underlying mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or social isolation, these programs reduce the likelihood of individuals turning to extremist ideologies as coping mechanisms or seeking a sense of belonging in harmful groups.

    A noteworthy observation is that many individuals who become involved in violent extremism often grapple with underlying psychological challenges like alienation, anger, or a profound sense of purposelessness. By focusing on mental health, we can identify and treat these factors, ultimately diminishing the allure of extremist narratives and ideologies.

    Moreover, mental health initiatives equip individuals with the tools to develop resilience and coping strategies in the face of adversity. Strengthening their capacity to navigate stress, trauma, and emotional challenges, these initiatives reduce the likelihood of seeking solace in extremist ideologies or engaging in violent acts borne from their struggles.

    The importance of social connections and meaningful relationships in countering violent extremism cannot be overstated. Mental health-focused initiatives facilitate the cultivation of positive social ties, support networks, and a sense of belonging within communities. By providing avenues for individuals to forge strong social connections, these initiatives mitigate the appeal of extremist groups that exploit the human desire for identity and purpose.

    For those who have already succumbed to extremist activities, mental health programs become indispensable in their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. These programs address the underlying issues that contributed to their radicalization, provide vital psychological support, and aid their transition into nonviolent and productive lives.

    In a broader context, mental health initiatives contribute to building resilient communities through awareness, education, and dialogue surrounding mental health and extremism. Engaging community members and stakeholders, these programs foster a supportive environment that actively opposes and counters the allure and dissemination of violent extremist ideologies.

    To effectively counter violent extremism, a multidimensional approach involving diverse sectors is essential. Mental health professionals, educators, law enforcement, religious leaders, and community organizations must collaborate, incorporating mental health perspectives into CVE strategies. By developing a comprehensive response that addresses both the psychological and social aspects of radicalization, we can foster a holistic approach encompassing mental health support, community engagement, education, and inclusive governance.

    The transformative power of mental health in countering violent extremism is undeniable. By prioritizing mental well-being, we pave the way for resilient communities that reject extremism and embrace peace. A concerted effort to integrate mental health into CVE strategies will yield substantial benefits in preventing radicalization, promoting resilience, and ultimately fostering a safer and more harmonious world.

    Ruth Gathuri works as Assistant Advocacy and Communication at Epuka Ugaidi Organization