KBC Channel 1

Author: KNA NEWS

  • New climate project aims to uplift 700,000 in West Pokot by 2030

    New climate project aims to uplift 700,000 in West Pokot by 2030

    Ripple Effect, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has launched the “Boresha Mazingira Project” in Mnagei and Kapenguria wards, aimed at enhancing climate resilience and food security for the most vulnerable households in West Pokot County.

    The project is a significant milestone in the region, focusing on environmental protection while empowering local communities to engage in commercial agriculture.

    By equipping families with knowledge and skills, Ripple Effect aims to uplift communities suffering from the adverse effects of climate change, hunger, poverty, and malnutrition.

    Speaking during the launch at Kamorrow in Mnagei ward, Ripple Effect’s Programme and Partner Support Manager, Alfred Juma, emphasized the organization’s commitment to building capacity in rural populations to mitigate climate-related challenges.

    He explained that the organization focuses on sustainable agriculture, using natural resources to improve soil fertility and water retention, ultimately boosting productivity.

    “We work to ensure a confident, thriving, and sustainable rural population. Our mission is to equip families and communities to transform their lives while protecting the environment,” said Juma.

    He highlighted Ripple Effect’s core values of accountability, integrity, and compassion, which drive their efforts in community transformation.

    The Boresha Mazingira Project supports diverse agricultural ventures, including horticulture, poultry, beekeeping, donkey rearing, and crop production.

    Through these initiatives, the organization helps set up micro-enterprises to stimulate local economic growth while establishing reliable market access for the communities.

    Juma also pointed to the project’s focus on gender and social inclusion, targeting vulnerable groups, such as women and individuals affected by hunger, poverty, and malnutrition.

    A recent community assessment revealed high levels of malnutrition, prompting the need for enhanced skills, knowledge, and technological support to improve food production at the household level.

    “We are working closely with the County Government, Pokot Cooperative Farmers Unions, and YANG’AT, aiming to uplift 700,000 people out of poverty by 2030.

    Our goal is for these people to have access to safe, adequate, and nutritious food, earn at least Ksh 250 daily, and save Sh500 every week to better withstand the impacts of climate change,” Juma noted.

    At the regional level, Ripple Effect’s officer, Biron Wayodi, shared that the organization’s broader goal is to support five million people across six counties—Baringo, Isiolo, Marsabit, Samburu, Turkana, and West Pokot—by 2030.

    Wayodi emphasized the significance of the project’s launch in West Pokot, noting that it was a key step in proving the effectiveness of their interventions.

    “We are not shifting focus from the community’s core activities but rather helping them diversify income sources to support their daily economic needs,” said Wayodi.

    Deputy County Commissioner Wycliffe Munanda commended Ripple Effect’s impact in the short time it has been operating in the region. He highlighted the need for the project to be expanded to remote areas facing severe hunger and drought, calling for greater integration of Agricultural Extension Officers into the program.

    “The project has already shown benefits by improving the economic well-being of the community. Scaling it to more areas will be crucial for addressing extreme hunger and drought,” said Munanda.

    Peter Ritonyang, chairman of one of the beneficiary groups, praised the organization for empowering the community through training and equipment, resulting in improved livelihoods.

    Another beneficiary, Esther Karuno, expressed confidence in the sustainability of the farming ventures being practised, noting that they would help eliminate drought and enhance food security in the region.

    The Boresha Mazingira Project marks a hopeful step forward for West Pokot County as it battles the challenges of climate change, hunger, and poverty, with Ripple Effect’s support offering new opportunities for growth and resilience.

  • Gov’t proposes new bill advocating life imprisonment for railway vandalism

    Gov’t proposes new bill advocating life imprisonment for railway vandalism

    The Ministry of Roads and Transport has introduced the Railway Bill 2024, aimed at curbing railway infrastructure vandalism and enhancing safety in the sector.

    The bill proposes stringent penalties for any interference with railway control systems, intentional damage, or acts that could lead to derailment.

    Individuals found guilty of such offences could face life imprisonment.

    Speaking at a public participation forum in Nanyuki on Tuesday, Railway Safety Engineer Jonathan Kilelo emphasized the importance of the proposed laws, which he said are designed to protect the lives of train passengers.

    “The bill introduces severe penalties for vandalism and interference with railway assets. The consequences of such actions could be catastrophic, potentially leading to the loss of many lives,” Kilelo warned.

    The last significant reforms in the railway sector were implemented in 2005, and the bill seeks to bring Kenya in line with regional and international conventions related to economic, safety, and environmental sustainability in railway transport.

    “There is a need to modernize our laws to align with global advancements in the railway sector,” said Brenda Mwango, a Senior Counsel in the Transport Ministry.

    “International conventions have established guidelines that we must adhere to, and this bill will ensure compliance.”

    Mwango added that once passed into law, the bill would promote fairness and competition within the railway sector.

    “Kenya Railways has historically been the operator, regulator, and constructor. However, the bill proposes the introduction of an infrastructure manager and a Railway Regulatory Authority to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness,” she told residents in Nanyuki.

    The bill also includes provisions for the establishment of Railway Training Institutes to enhance skills and expertise in the railway sector.

    During the forum, residents raised concerns, urging the government to consider creating more job opportunities and lowering train fares across the country.

    Nanyuki resident Paul Gituthu called on the Ministry of Transport to educate the public on the benefits of using trains, noting that they are the most efficient mode of transportation.

    He also urged the government to allow sufficient time for individuals encroaching on railway land to relocate before evictions take place.

    Members of the public have until September 13 to submit their views on the proposed Railway Bill 2024.

    Written memoranda can be sent to the Ministry of Transport through the provided email addresses:  railwaybill@transport.go.ke, railbill@krc.co.ke or  ps@transport.go.ke

  • Gov’t allocates Ksh 7.5B for new classrooms in push for Grade 9 readiness

    Gov’t allocates Ksh 7.5B for new classrooms in push for Grade 9 readiness

    The government is set to disburse Ksh 7.5 billion this week for the construction of an additional 7,500 classrooms, which are expected to be completed by December 2024.

    Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that significant progress has already been made in preparing for Grade 9, with 3,500 classrooms currently under construction across the country.

    “We are also finalizing the release of Ksh 3.4 billion to the NG-CDF for the construction of another 6,000 classrooms,” Ogamba said.

    Speaking on Monday at Lenana School Primary, Ogamba added that Grade 9 textbooks will begin being distributed to schools nationwide starting next month.

    “This morning, I visited several primary and junior schools in Kajiado, Machakos, and Nairobi counties. I observed school operations resuming for the third term and monitored the progress of Grade 9 classroom construction,” he said.

    The CS thanked the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) for calling off the teachers’ strike and making the decision in a timely manner, as it enabled the smooth reopening of schools.

    “I commend them for their selfless patriotism. It is critical that schools operate seamlessly this term, as students prepare for national assessments and examinations in the coming months,” said Ogamba.

    Ogamba emphasized the vital role that teachers play in the education system, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving their terms and conditions of service.

    “As a government, we are committed to bettering the welfare of teachers. We will continue to equip and build their capacity to ensure they are prepared for the ongoing implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC),” he explained.

    The CS noted that resources have been allocated for implementing the 2021-2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement and for retooling teachers to ensure they are CBC-ready.

    He added that issues raised by unions, such as access to medical cover, career progression, and promotions, are being addressed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC).

    “The government has given due priority to teachers despite competing needs and challenging economic circumstances,” Ogamba said.

    He called on the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) to reconsider their stance and end their strike, citing the government’s demonstrated goodwill in addressing their concerns.

    “Last week, we disbursed Ksh 21.8 billion in capitation for primary, junior, and secondary schools. This money is now with the schools, and we expect operations to resume smoothly without disruptions,” said Ogamba.

    The CS urged school managers to use the disbursed resources prudently, stressing that these are public funds meant for the benefit of learners.

    “We are committed to ensuring that every cent disbursed is accounted for. We will take swift action against any cases of misappropriation,” he warned.

    Ogamba also stressed that no student should be sent home over unauthorized levies and instructed field officers to report any such cases for immediate action.

    He further cautioned school heads against withholding examination certificates due to unpaid fees, stating that certificates are a right for all students who sit for national examinations.

    “School heads should find other administrative means to recover fee balances without hindering students’ progress by withholding their certificates,” Ogamba added.

    The CS reassured stakeholders that the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure schools are ready and conducive for learning, pledging to work with all parties to ensure efficiency in the education sector.

  • KWS capture notorious hyena in Lichota, Migori County

    KWS capture notorious hyena in Lichota, Migori County

    Residents of Lichota in Suna West Sub-county have expressed their gratitude to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for successfully capturing a hyena that had been terrorizing their community and livestock.

    The capture comes after multiple attempts by KWS to trap the wild animal, which had been preying on cattle, goats, and sheep in the area.

    Since July, KWS has been setting traps in Lichota following residents’ complaints about the presence of wild animals and the threat posed by the hyena invasion.

    Stephen Kaunda, a local resident, revealed that the hyena’s presence had caused them sleepless nights, forcing them to stay awake to protect their livestock.

    Residents commended KWS’s efforts, particularly as schools reopened for the third term.

    “Our young students attend school early in the morning, and a roaming hyena could have posed a serious danger,” said Kaunda.

    In response to the issue, Migori County has allocated funds and set plans in motion to fence off the Lichota forest.

    This initiative aims to prevent wild animals, such as hyenas, from encroaching into residential areas.

  • 70 TVETs to receive Ksh13B high-tech equipment from China

    70 TVETs to receive Ksh13B high-tech equipment from China

    Seventy Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions in Kenya are set to receive state-of-the-art equipment worth Ksh 13 billion from China, under a Government-to-Government agreement aimed at enhancing the country’s TVET sector.

    Speaking to the media from her Jogoo House office, Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, Principal Secretary for the State Department of TVET, said the Kenya-China TVET Project is a timely initiative as the sector embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

    She emphasized the importance of equipping TVET institutions with advanced technology to align trainees’ skills with market demands, particularly with the recent shift to a Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) curriculum.

    Dr. Muoria clarified that the Sh. 13 billion will be provided as a loan in the form of equipment, which includes high-tech tools and advanced technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR).

    These innovations are expected to equip TVET students with cutting-edge skills that will enhance their competitiveness in the global job market.

    The equipment will be distributed across various departments in TVET institutions, including mechanical, electrical and electronic technology, agricultural machinery, mechatronics, civil and building technology, welding and fabrication, hospitality management, automotive, and refrigeration and air conditioning technology.

    Dr. Muoria praised the government’s ongoing support for the TVET sector, noting that Kenya now boasts 240 TVET institutions, with at least one in every constituency.

    She urged the youth to enrol in TVET programs, highlighting the TVET Curriculum Development, Assessment, and Certification Council’s (CDACC) efforts to design short-term training programs that enable quick skill acquisition and immediate income generation.

    She also highlighted the benefits of the Kenya Credit Accumulation and Transfer System (KCATS), which allows students to seamlessly progress through various skill levels in their educational journey within TVET institutions.

  • Migori County reports suspected Mpox case

    Migori County reports suspected Mpox case

    Migori County Chief Officer for Health Services, Mabel Chanzu, has announced that the county has reported a suspected case of Mpox, which is yet to be confirmed.

    Speaking during the launch of the Causality Unit, Cancer Care Unit, and Gastroenterology Unit at Migori County Referral Hospital, Chanzu noted that the county has screened 1,000 individuals at the Isebania and Muhuru border points.

    She also confirmed that the county’s referral hospital has implemented screening services to enhance surveillance and prevent an outbreak of the disease.

    Chanzu urged county residents to revert to COVID-19 preventive measures to maintain high levels of hygiene and curb a potential Mpox outbreak.

    Migori County, which borders Tanzania to the south, has porous borders that pose a challenge to the effective screening of visitors who might be infected.

    Kenya declared an Mpox outbreak on July 31, following the confirmation of one case in Taita-Taveta County.

    According to the Ministry of Health, 29 suspected cases have been identified, with 23 testing positive.

    Chanzu also highlighted that the launch of the Causality Department and the emergency medical care plan, in partnership with the Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation, will strengthen emergency health response systems in Migori.

    Emergency Medicine Kenya Foundation Programmes Director, Emily Nyagaki, expressed the organization’s commitment to partnering with the county to provide more support and pre-hospital services for a healthier population.

    Meanwhile, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, who officiated the event, noted that his administration will continue to equip the county hospital to elevate it to a Level Five facility.

  • Narok residents urged to seek advocates to avoid land scams

    Narok residents urged to seek advocates to avoid land scams

    The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Narok County has urged land buyers and sellers to engage legal advocates during transactions to curb the rising cases of land fraud in the area.

    Narok Senior State Counsel, Gitonga Murang’a, highlighted the prevalence of land scams, where unsuspecting residents are often deceived during the purchase of land, leading to significant financial losses.

    “Many innocent people have fallen victim to middlemen who exploit them under the guise of facilitating land transactions. Involving an advocate from the outset can prevent these costly mistakes and ensure that all legal processes are properly followed,” Murang’a emphasized.

    He made these remarks after a meeting with representatives from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Narok branch. Murang’a noted that his office is committed to collaborating with LSK to enhance the delivery of justice in the county.

    “We are working closely with LSK to address issues related to criminal justice, particularly those affecting land transactions,” he stated.

    Pasiany Masikonte, the Chairperson of the LSK Narok branch, echoed these concerns, noting that land fraud cases are increasingly common, with many ongoing court cases involving innocent buyers who unscrupulous brokers misled.

    Masikonte pointed out that these brokers often target the illiterate population, exploiting their lack of knowledge to swindle them out of money.

    “To protect our people from these fraudulent activities, it’s crucial that they seek legal advice before engaging in any land transactions. Some prefer to conduct deals in secret, but this often leads to problems,” he advised.

  • Gov’t to start compensation for Ksh20B Mwache dam project

    Gov’t to start compensation for Ksh20B Mwache dam project

    The government has kicked off the compensation exercise of Project Affected Persons (PAP) for the Mwache dam project following the release of Ksh500 million by the National Treasury.

    The construction that stalled in July was disrupted by compensation and livelihood restoration demands by the local community in Kinango constituency, Kwale County.

    Irrigation PS Ephantus Kiomotho said that Sh500 million was released to compensate the first batch, except for a few who don’t have proper documents with the local leaders promising to help and resolve the conflict.

    Kiomotho announced that the Treasury and Ministry of Irrigation will release another Sh500 million next week, and the National Land Commission will award awards for Mwavumbo and Bofu areas.

    He noted that the compensation amounts to Sh.4.4 billion with the government having already paid Sh. 1.6 billion for priority area one.

    Furthermore, the plan, which is estimated to cost Sh. 2.8 billion, has been developed in collaboration with local leaders to ensure compensation for affected individuals.

    In January 2025, another Sh538 million will be released which will go towards completing the whole area of the lower check-dam.

    “The other balance of Sh1.3 million will be released in the year 2025/2026,” he added.

    The PS said that the project has a little bit of uniqueness as there will be a component of livelihood whereby the government will restore the livelihood of the project affected persons to where they were before they were relocated.

    Moreover, the government has negotiated with the World Bank, which is the financier of the project and they have agreed to set aside Sh1.9 billion with Sh500 million going to community projects with the involvement of respective elders.

    He added that for the balance of Sh1.4 billion, they have already engaged a consultant who has started work and in three months he will come with a detailed programme to tell on how the respective parts will benefit.

    Unfortunately, the PS said that three schools in the area will also be affected for a very short period of time, with few adjustments and renovation made once relocated.

    “The Mwache dam project is in Kwale County, but the neighboring counties of Mombasa and Kilifi will also benefit. There is a project called Kwale urban which is going to generate 9,000 cubic liters in the county and another 1000 acres of irrigation,” he said.

    Mombasa County will get 186,000 cubic liters of water per day, and as a result, they will no longer need water in Kilifi.

    Hence, Kimotho assured locals that every one of them, who has been affected will be fairly compensated as a lawyer and a surveyor have worked on the project for three years and adjudication of the land and issues of succession have been tackled.

    Kinango Member of Parliament Gonzi Rai said that residents of Kinango had stopped work, demanding compensation, but added that once he took the issue to the assembly, the commission, ministry, and the treasury agreed to sort out the challenge in due course.

    Rai said that the only problem holding back the construction of the dam is a dispute between the contractor and employees, who are demanding salary for July, when the project had been stopped.

    The Mwache dam, located in Kwale County, requires Sh4.4 billion for land acquisition, impacting 4,000 Project Affected Persons, after the construction commenced in March 2023, with the completion said to be by December 2027.

     

     

  • Shelter Afrique, CPF ink deal to scale up development of Affordable Housing

    Shelter Afrique, CPF ink deal to scale up development of Affordable Housing

    Shelter Afrique Development Bank (ShafDB) has signed a Memorandum of Understating (MOU) with CPF Group, aimed at scaling up the development of large-scale affordable housing projects in Kenya. 

    The agreement which is expected to boost Shelter Afrique Development Bank’s mandate of providing decent and affordable housing in Africa, was signed in Nairobi by CPF Group Managing Director, Dr. Hosea Kili, and Shelter Afrique Development Bank Head of Credit and Operations, Mr. Christopher Chege, on behalf of the Managing Director Thierno-Habib Hann.

    “As a company, our overriding strategy is the provision of affordable housing across our member States through public-private partnerships.  This strategic partnership with CPF Group will be key in expanding our projects in Kenya,” stated Chege in a press statement.

    The agreement seeks to provide a platform for intervention across the affordable housing value chain by creating a partnership in affordable housing delivery through co-financing.

    It also seeks to establish a Housing Solutions Fund for Kenya, which will make interventions on the supply and demand side of the affordable housing value chain.

    In addition, both ShafDB and CPF Group will jointly design and manage the Fund, including offering capital raising and technical support to the management of the Fund.

    “We are excited to partner with Shelter Afrique Development and leverage on each institution’s strength as we jointly address the perennial problem of decent and affordable housing in Kenya.  This partnership opens up opportunities for collaboration in many areas including product & services design and finding innovative funding solutions for our current and future projects,” expressed Dr. Kili in a quick rejoinder.

    Kenya has a total housing deficit of 2 million housing units and this number could rise due to high rates of population growth and high urbanization rate at 4.4pc well above the global average of 2.1pc.

    Out of Kenya’s total population of 50.6 million, 29 percent reside in urban areas. In order to resolve the housing conundrum, the Kenyan government has put in place a global framework through the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) to deliver 250,000 housing units per year against the current 50,000 annual deliveries.

    “It is against this background that Shelter Afrique Development Bank and the CPF Group are joining forces through the Collaboration Agreement to scale up affordable housing delivery. We believe our partnership with CPF Group will deepen our impact on Kenya’s and by extension, Africa’s affordable housing value chain, from both the supply and demand side,” Chege reiterated.

    Shelter Afrique Development Bank is a leading Pan-African institution committed to financing and advancing housing, urban, and related infrastructure development across the African continent.

  • Garissa officials demand urgent response to HIV, Teen Pregnancies, SGBV Crisis

    Garissa officials demand urgent response to HIV, Teen Pregnancies, SGBV Crisis

    The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) has called for collective action to tackle the ‘Triple Threat’ facing Kenya: rising HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

    Kenya currently ranks 7th globally in HIV prevalence, with approximately 1.4 million Kenyans living with the virus, of which 90 per cent are receiving treatment.

    However, Wario Boru, an NSDCC official, expressed alarm at the increasing rate of new HIV infections, particularly among young people.

    Speaking at a sensitization forum for community gatekeepers and opinion leaders at Garissa University, Boru warned that the continued rise in new HIV cases could perpetuate a cycle of illness, treatment, and death.

    “If we don’t curb these rising HIV infections, we will be trapped in a vicious cycle that never ends. Alarmingly, about 40 per cent of new infections occur among adolescents and young people aged 15 to 25 years,” Boru stated.

    “The most effective strategy now is prevention. Without a concerted effort to integrate HIV prevention into our programs, we cannot hope to overcome this epidemic.”

    Douglas Bosire, an NSDCC Program Officer, noted that while the HIV epidemic was once concentrated in Nyanza in the 1990s and early 2000s, it has since spread across the country.

    Bosire also emphasized the responsibility of men in curbing teenage pregnancies and the spread of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

    He highlighted the alarming statistic that 691 girls aged 10 to 19 become pregnant every day in Kenya.

    “A 10-year-old girl should be in school, not facing the physical and emotional trauma of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections,” Bosire said.

    “I urge all men to consider how they would feel if their own daughters were defiled. Why are we destroying the lives of our neighbours’ children?”

    Garissa Governor Nathif Jama, who was also present at the forum, called for the formation of a county engagement committee to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and gender-based violence.

    “As leaders, we cannot stand by and watch this happen. I propose a serious stakeholder meeting with all relevant officials to examine this issue more closely,” Jama said.

    “We need a dedicated team to address these challenges and develop actionable recommendations.”

    Garissa County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo stressed the importance of open communication between parents and their children about sex.

    He pointed out that while parents remain silent, their children are engaging in sexual activity, often without understanding the consequences.

    “When there is a problem, we must face it head-on. Our children are being exposed to sex at an early age, yet we are too embarrassed to discuss it with them. We need to be honest with our children about the realities and consequences of sexual activity,” Mwabudzo said.

    “Additionally, in the Muslim community, where polygamy is allowed, parents must spend quality time with each of their children and ensure they are well-informed.”