KBC Channel 1

Author: KNA NEWS

  • Garissa town faces surge in crime as leaders blame parents, elders

    Garissa town faces surge in crime as leaders blame parents, elders

    Parents, guardians, and elders in Garissa County have been urged to take their roles seriously in raising their children and preventing them from joining criminal gangs that have been terrorizing Garissa Town in recent weeks.

    Last Saturday, a woman was severely injured when a Grade 7 pupil attempted to snatch her phone on the outskirts of Garissa Town, stabbing her in the process.

    The escalating insecurity has led businesses to close as early as 6 p.m. to avoid attacks.

    The criminals, many of whom are teenagers, have been using machetes, knives, pangas, and in some cases, firearms.

    Notably, an armed gang recently stole Ksh 1.3 million from an M-Pesa agent shop at gunpoint.

    Local leaders are now placing blame on parents, accusing them of neglecting their parental duties or even aiding the crimes by failing to report their children to the authorities.

    Elders from various Somali clans have also been criticized for intervening to secure the release of crime suspects from police custody.

    During a graduation ceremony at Al_Amaar School in Iftin Ward, Garissa Deputy Governor Abdi Dagane, Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed, and Senior Principal Chief Yussuf Mohamed expressed their frustration with the current situation.

    They warned that there would be serious consequences for parents and individuals involved in criminal activities.

    MP Dekow questioned why gangs and criminals seem to dominate the town, attributing the problem to poor parental oversight and inadequacies in the security apparatus.

    “Why is Garissa Town suddenly a battleground for gangs? Our children are joining gangs, using motorbikes for crimes, and robbing people in groups. People know these children and the gangs they belong to,” he said.

    As the area MP, Dekow announced that anyone who attempts to secure the release of a relative arrested for a crime should be arrested as an accomplice.

    “Anyone who dares to go to the police station to seek the release of their children or relatives involved in crime will be arrested as an accomplice,” he warned.

    Deputy Governor Dagane called for tougher action from the security forces to restore order, noting that many of those involved are young schoolchildren. Chief Yussuf Mohamed revealed that several suspects have been arrested, including the Grade 7 pupil involved in the recent attack. He emphasized that parents who ignore their children’s involvement in crime will face consequences.

    Chief Yussuf also urged those possessing illegal firearms to surrender them to the police or local administrators, warning of severe repercussions for those found with weapons. “A major operation involving the police and provincial administration is underway to locate illegal firearms. We have already arrested many suspects, including the Grade 7 pupil involved in the recent incident. We are interrogating him to identify his accomplices,” he said.

    North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno, who recently convened a security meeting in Garissa Town, expressed concern over parents frequently visiting police stations to have their children and relatives released.

    He warned that anyone involved in securing the release of suspects through bribery would face serious consequences.

    “No one should be released because of connections or money. If it’s confirmed that money has changed hands to secure releases, both the giver and receiver will face severe consequences,” he cautioned.

  • Homa Bay activists seek court injunction on County HQ construction

    Homa Bay activists seek court injunction on County HQ construction

    Two residents of Homa Bay County have moved to court to halt the construction of a new county government headquarters.

    Michael Kojo and Evans Oloo, the residents in question, sued the county government for allegedly failing to conduct public participation before starting the construction at Arojo location, on the outskirts of Homa Bay town.

    The two civil society activists also accused the county government of not obtaining approval from Members of the County Assembly to enter into an agreement with the County Pension Fund (CPF) to fund the construction.

    Earlier this year, the county government entered into an agreement with CPF to fund the construction of the offices, with plans to repay the loan over thirty years.

    Governor Gladys Wanga stated that the ultra-modern offices would provide a conducive working environment for county staff.

    “This new headquarters will enhance the efficiency of the county government and serve the citizens for generations to come,” Wanga said during the groundbreaking ceremony.

    Governor Wanga maintained that all due processes were followed before the project’s inception.

    “We consulted the National Treasury, the Controller of Budget, and other relevant institutions before entering into an agreement with the County Pension Fund,” she stated.

    However, the two activists accused the county government of failing to provide evidence of compliance with all necessary requirements for the project.

    They claimed the county government ignored their requests for proof of compliance.

    In their petition, the activists accused the county government of not responding to their request for information on the project, referencing letter REF: ICHD/S/VOL.4/2024, which sought full disclosure on the land lease agreement, loan details, evidence of national government loan guarantee, and approval from the County Assembly.

    The activists urged the court to stop the construction process and issue a temporary injunction prohibiting business activities at the site.

    The petitioners also claimed that the project commenced without an environmental impact assessment.

    Justice George Ong’ondo of the Lands and Environment Court set the hearing date for October 7.

  • Police officer killed, two injured in Moyale border attack

    Police officer killed, two injured in Moyale border attack

    A police officer was killed and two others sustained serious injuries when an unknown number of heavily armed assailants launched an attack at a checkpoint in the Sessi area of Moyale town, Marsabit County.

    In response, all security apparatus have been activated, and an intense manhunt for the suspects is currently underway.

    A civilian woman, 45 years old, was also critically wounded in the attack, which was carried out by suspects armed with grenades and assault rifles.

    Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo stated that the attack occurred around 6 pm today and was executed by suspects reportedly riding a motorcycle.

    The injured were rushed to Moyale Sub-County Hospital, where one officer succumbed to severe upper limb injuries while undergoing treatment.

    Commander Kimaiyo added that two undetonated grenades were recovered at the scene and later detonated by officers from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) who also responded to the incident.

    He urged the residents of Moyale town to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid in the arrest of the culprits.

    Arrangements are being made to airlift the injured officers, who suffered multiple injuries, to Nairobi for specialized treatment.

    The attackers, who fired indiscriminately at the multi-agency team manning the border point, left the victims with critical wounds, and one officer had grenade pellets lodged in his body.

    Detectives are currently piecing together clues to establish the motive behind the attack.

  • Police smash theft syndicate in Thika, recover assorted stolen goods

    Police smash theft syndicate in Thika, recover assorted stolen goods

    Police in Thika have dismantled a theft syndicate and recovered assorted stolen electronic goods, including mobile phones, gas cookers, television sets, and other household items.

    During the operation, a youthful businesswoman was arrested in Thika’s Kiganjo Estate, where the stolen items were found in her shop.

    Thika West Sub-county Police Commander, Lawrence Muchangi, said they acted on a tip-off from members of the public that suspected individuals were trading the stolen items at the shop.

    Among the items recovered were 37 smartphones of different models, 47 buttoned phones, a water dispenser, 14 gas cylinders, welding machines, blenders, six smart television sets, and seven subwoofers, among other items.

    One of the smartphones, a Nokia, was identified by its owner, Simon Kamau, who reported it stolen in May 2024 in the Makongeni area.

    Commander Muchangi stated that security has been heightened in the town and warned criminals that their days are numbered. He urged residents who have lost personal items to come forward and identify them to build a case and combat crime in the area.

    “Mobile phone snatching is still an issue in the town, with criminals operating in cahoots with boda boda operators. They then sell the stolen items to these suspects. We ask residents to be cautious when using their phones along the streets,” he said.

  • National rollout of program to reunite children in care homes with families begins

    National rollout of program to reunite children in care homes with families begins

    The program to reunite children living in care homes with families is now ready for national rollout following successful preliminary trials in 13 of the 47 counties.

    The Chair of the National Council for Children’s Services (NCCS), Sophia Abdi Noor, inaugurated the national rollout during a function in Embu and emphasized that the program’s success will depend on the cooperation of all stakeholders.

    She noted that the initiative to reintegrate children into society stemmed from many years of research showing that children thrive better in a family setup, highlighting the importance of finding families for all children to grow up in.

    Embu High Court Resident Judge, Lucy Njuguna, stated that the Judiciary, in support of the program, has simplified procedures for the adoption of children.

    She mentioned that parents who wish to adopt children no longer need a lawyer to file adoption papers, as the adoption process is guided by the best interests of the child.

    Justice Njuguna called for greater public sensitization to demystify the adoption process.

    Grace Mwangi, the Country Director of LUMOS, a non-governmental organization championing childcare reforms in the country, remarked that the reintegration process is fragile and complex, requiring honesty and commitment to achieve desired results.

    She added that, due to adequate sensitization, all 17 children’s care homes in Embu had agreed to participate in the reintegration of the children into communities.

    NCCS Executive Director, Abdinoor Mohammed, announced that current children’s homes will be transitioned to continue providing the same services to children through an outreach program.

    He added that buildings and other facilities that previously served as children’s homes will be repurposed for other community uses.

  • Kenya Power to connect over 9,000 households with Ksh1.85B JICA funding

    Kenya Power to connect over 9,000 households with Ksh1.85B JICA funding

    The Last Mile Connectivity Project (LMCP) has received a significant boost with a Sh1.85 billion grant from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

    Under Phase Five of the project, a total of 9,121 households in Nakuru, Kilifi, Kwale, and Nyandarua counties will be connected to the grid. This grant is part of JICA’s broader financing efforts for key energy projects in these regions.

    “We anticipate connecting all targeted households across these four counties by January 2025. Our commitment is to accelerate electricity connections nationwide to achieve universal access,” said Eng. Rosemary Oduor, Kenya Power’s General Manager for Commercial Services and Sales.

    “We are grateful to JICA for this grant, which will greatly enhance electricity access and transform lives.”

    Eng. Oduor noted that the JICA grant follows Kenya Power’s recent signing of 26 contracts for Phase Four of the Last Mile Connectivity Project. Phase Four, funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Union (EU), and the European Investment Bank (EIB), has a budget of Sh27 billion and aims to connect 280,000 new customers by November 2025.

    “To date, the Last Mile Connectivity Project has received Sh73.1 billion in funding. It is a key component of the Kenya National Electrification Strategy, developed in 2015 to expedite electricity access for households and businesses,” said Eng. Oduor.

    Since its inception in 2015, the project has significantly increased the electricity access rate, which now stands at 76 per cent with 9.6 million households connected to the grid. Under the first three phases, 746,867 households were connected at a cost of Ksh 51.1 billion.

    “This success is due to optimizing existing distribution transformers and installing new ones to serve households beyond a 600-meter radius,” she explained.

    Eng. Oduor added that Kenya Power has extended its transmission and distribution network to over 306,000 kilometres.

    As of May 2024, the company serves over 9.62 million accounts, providing over 76 per cent of the population with access to the national grid.

    Kenya Power aims to be the preferred energy solutions provider by offering sustainable, reliable service and supporting the country’s socio-economic development through innovation and technology.

  • Farmers enlist in new farmers’ service centres in Turkana County

    Farmers enlist in new farmers’ service centres in Turkana County

    The Turkana County Government, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), has successfully established new Farmers’ Service Centres (FSCs) as part of the ongoing Vijana In Kilimo Biz initiative in Turkana County.

    An induction workshop, facilitated by the WFP, provided a platform for the new FSCs to be enrolled into the program. This initiative aims to link local produce to ready markets, enhancing the agricultural value chain in the region through farm to market alliances.

    Director for Agriculture, Aaron Nanok, emphasized that the initiative is a collaborative effort to develop livelihood resilience mechanisms, combat poverty, and reduce unemployment, thereby enhancing local entrepreneurship.

    “This initiative is expected to reduce the poverty rate by over 20pc in the coming years. It will leverage the livelihood resilience of about 120,000 people annually,” Nanok stated.

    The WFP envisions significantly boosting Turkana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through strategic agri-preneurship interventions. These interventions will be achieved through integrated peer-to-peer learning, knowledge transfer visits, mentorship, and coaching.

    An FSC agri-preneur from Turkana South, Philip Narebon, highlighted that the program would enable them to mentor other potential FSCs and local communities in adopting farming practices.

    “It boosts production through the value chain for diversified food system hubs,” Narebon explained.

    He further noted that enrolling in Business Development and Entrepreneur Coaching (BDEC) skills courses would incorporate technical expertise into local farming.

    The workshop was attended by Linus Ekidor, Deputy Director of Youth Affairs; Mollen Onderi, Deputy Director of Gender Affairs; Tiya Emmanuel, Fisheries Officer; Erumu Ekiru Samuel, Sub County Agricultural Officer; and other officials. WFP officer Peter Mwaniki was also present.

  • Makueni Court fines man Ksh 1M for narcotics trafficking

    Makueni Court fines man Ksh 1M for narcotics trafficking

    A Makueni Court has fined a 59-year-old man Ksh 1 million or, in default, serve 11 years in prison after he was found guilty of trafficking narcotics contrary to Section 4(a) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

    The accused, Musyoki Muia Mukula, appeared before Makueni Law Court Chief Magistrate Peter Gesora and pleaded guilty to the charge.

    The offence was committed on July 3, 2024, along Kalawa-Katangini murram road in Mbooni Sub-County, where Mukula was found in possession of 2kgs of cannabis sativa with a street value of Ksh 5,000, which he was delivering to his customers at Katangini market.

    “The offender was carrying 2kgs of cannabis sativa valued at Ksh 5,000 that he was delivering to his customers at Katangini market. He also had rolling material in a black bag,” said Makinya location chief Christine Malonza while giving her evidence in court.

    “The accused is a notorious drug peddler at Kalawa market, and he is not fit to live within the community as he will continue selling drugs to the public,” she added.

    Probation Officer Damaris Malenge told the court that the local administration opposed releasing the accused on a non-custodial sentence, hence the need for an alternative verdict.

    “Considering the above, it is my opinion that the accused is unsuitable for a non-custodial sentence and should be given an alternative verdict,” said Malenge.

    In mitigation, the accused told the court that the sale of drugs helped him get extra money to support his children. “I was on my way to Katangini to find a casual job and plead for a fair judgment,” Mukula said.

    “The accused is likely to resume his drug trafficking business if released back to the community. He is given a deterrent sentence to serve as a warning to other drug peddlers,” said Magistrate Gesora while delivering the judgment.

  • Kenya intensifies efforts to curb illegal donkey slaughter, smuggling

    Kenya intensifies efforts to curb illegal donkey slaughter, smuggling

    Kenya intensifies efforts to curThe Kenyan Government is ramping up its efforts to combat the illegal slaughter and smuggling of donkeys, according to Nairobi County Commissioner David Wanyonyi.

    In response to the urgent need to address this issue, the government launched a 100-day Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) on April 16 this year.

    The initiative aims to enforce regulations against illegal donkey slaughter and trafficking and to prevent the extinction of these animals.

    Targeting 12 counties severely affected by this problem—including Turkana, Kajiado, Nairobi, Bomet, Kitui, Machakos, Embu, Narok, Kiambu, Nakuru, Laikipia, and Makueni—the initiative has already seen significant action.

    Wanyonyi revealed that Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kiambu are major hotspots for illegal donkey meat markets.

    During the RRI period, 15 cases of illegal donkey meat were reported, and several smuggling syndicates were dismantled in Nairobi.

    The high-level multi-agency meeting in Naivasha, organized by animal welfare organization Brooke East Africa and the Ministry of Livestock, focused on addressing gaps exploited by traders in smuggling donkey products.

    Raphael Kinoti, Regional Director of Brooke East Africa, called for tighter controls to prevent the illegal export of donkey meat and skins, primarily to China.

    Kinoti praised Emirates and Qatar Airlines for ceasing the transport of donkey meat but urged other airlines to follow suit.

    Kinoti also highlighted the dire consequences of the illegal trade, including a significant decline in Kenya’s donkey population from 1.8 million in 2009 to 1.1 million in 2019.

    The illegal trade is not only devastating for donkey populations but also leaves families reliant on these animals in severe hardship.

    Dr. Allan Azegele, Deputy Director of Veterinary Services, cautioned against consuming uninspected meat, which poses health risks.

    He advised the public to check for Veterinary Officer stamps on meat products.

    Dr Benson Kibore, in charge of enforcement at the Kenya Veterinary Board (KVB), added that illegal slaughtering often occurs under unhygienic conditions, with products being sold using fake licenses.

    The trade-in donkey meat and hides was legalized in Kenya in 2012, but the establishment of four export slaughterhouses led to increased donkey thefts and public outcry.

    Consequently, the government halted operations of these slaughterhouses in 2020.

    Despite this, demand from Chinese markets for donkey products continues to drive illegal activities.

    Donkeys are vital for many Kenyan families, providing transport, water, firewood, and other essential services. The global demand, driven by the use of donkey hides in traditional Chinese medicine and beauty products, has exacerbated the problem.

    As Kenya strives to protect its donkey population, ongoing efforts will focus on tightening regulations, improving enforcement, and ensuring that these valuable animals are safeguarded from exploitation.

  • Quelea bird invasion threatens Nakuru’s wheat production

    Quelea bird invasion threatens Nakuru’s wheat production

    Wheat farmers in Nakuru are facing significant losses after a flock of quelea birds descended on their crops, causing extensive damage.

    These small, voracious birds, which typically target robust wheat, rice, and sorghum plantations, consume an average of 10 grams daily.

    In Rongai Sub-County, farmers risk losing approximately 80,000 kilograms of wheat per day.

    The Nakuru County Government is working with growers to manage the situation.

    Leonard Bor, County Executive Member (CECM) in charge of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, urged residents to report roosting sites for these destructive birds.

    He noted significant damage had already been reported on large-scale wheat farms, such as Madrugada Farm in Rongai.

    To combat the birds, farmers are resorting to rudimentary methods like mounting scarecrows, using catapults and slings, and throwing pebbles at dawn, when the crops are most vulnerable.

    Despite these efforts, the birds continue to pose a significant threat, with farmers expressing concern that their crops could be destroyed without urgent intervention.

    Bor assured farmers that a team is actively mapping and identifying the birds’ roosting sites and conducting surveillance to determine the best control methods.

    He cautioned that using chemicals to flush out the birds could endanger livestock and advised farmers in affected areas to relocate their animals temporarily.

    Nakuru County is a leading wheat producer, second to Trans Nzoia, with Uasin Gishu and Laikipia following.

    The quelea bird invasion, however, threatens to destroy over 40 per cent of the expected harvest, putting both large- and small-scale farmers at risk.

    Bor highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the quelea bird population in the county exceeds 10 million.

    These birds, capable of long-distance migration, can cover over 10 million square kilometres, with colonies consuming up to 50 tons of grain daily.

    Each quelea roost can contain two to three million birds, posing a substantial threat to crops.

    Farmers affected by the quelea menace are urging the county government to take proactive measures ahead of the next planting season.

    Paul Mwaura, a wheat farmer in Tabot village, Visoi ward, described the devastation caused by the birds, noting that they often raid wheat farms from early morning until evening, forcing farmers to remain vigilant.

    While some wealthier farmers can afford to spray their fields, small-scale farmers often watch helplessly as their crops are decimated.

    In addition to wheat, quelea birds also attack barley, millet, oats, rice, and sorghum, though they do not target maize due to their small beaks.

    The quelea invasion exacerbates the threat to food production in a country already facing a food shortage crisis due to changing rainfall patterns and desert locust invasions.

    Persistent drought in the Horn of Africa has reduced the availability of native grasses, queleas’ primary food source, leading them to increasingly forage on grain fields.

    According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), a single quelea can consume up to 10 grams of grain daily.

    While fenthion, an organophosphate pesticide, has been used in Africa to combat these pests, it is toxic to humans and non-target organisms, posing additional risks.