KBC Channel 1

Author: KNA NEWS

  • Governor Nassir orders probe into patient’s death over oxygen disruption

    Governor Nassir orders probe into patient’s death over oxygen disruption

    Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has assured the family of an 81-year-old patient who allegedly died after oxygen was switched off at the Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital (CGTRH) allegedly for maintenance that a thorough probe would be conducted.

    Governor Nassir condoled with the bereaved families who lost their loved ones in the ward that was affected by the oxygen disruption.

    “There was an incident. It is purported that oxygen disruption at Coast General Hospital has caused the death of an elderly citizen,” said the Governor

    The Governor today met with the family of the deceased and agreed for an autopsy to be conducted for the cause of death to be ascertained.

    A private pathologist has been commissioned by the family, while both the hospital and Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) are expected to submit comprehensive reports.

    “Whoever is responsible will definitely face the law. There are no two ways about it,” the Governor stated, urging the bereaved family to be patient and wait for the reports.

    He reiterated that the County Government would take stern action against any staff who may have been involved through negligence or inaction.

    Alfred Kimanzi said his father, Kimanzi Mwangi, was admitted a week ago at ward six, and his condition had improved.

    He alleged that the hospital management was doing maintenance and deliberately switched off the oxygen.

    According to the deceased’s family, the oxygen supply was abruptly shut off to facilitate maintenance, leading to their father’s death within 30 minutes.

    The family is dismayed by the lack of a standby generator or an emergency plan to evacuate patients.

    “We want justice for our dad because if it was not for that oxygen that was switched off by the management, our dad would not have died,” he said.

    John Kimanzi blamed the management for the oxygen disruption and wants the hospital to take full responsibility for the untimely death of their father.

    “I would say this should be treated as manslaughter since it was done deliberately. If at all there was renovation, the patient could have been transferred to either the Intensive Care Unit or the casualty,” said Sebastian Kimanzi, another son of the deceased.

  • Eight traders arrested for using banned plastic bags in Machakos

    Eight traders arrested for using banned plastic bags in Machakos

    The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), in collaboration with police officers from Kyumbi, has arrested eight traders for using banned plastic bags at Kyumbi/Makutano Market in Machakos.

    The traders were found in possession of 1,000 illegal plastic bags during a joint inspection by NEMA’s Nairobi and Machakos enforcement teams.

    They were taken to Kyumbi Police Station and will be arraigned at Mavoko Law Court on Friday.

    Shien Koyiet from NEMA’s Enforcement Department warned that despite the plastic ban being in place since 2017, some traders continue to defy the law. He reiterated that those caught risk arrest and prosecution.

    “We are tracking down manufacturers and suppliers of these illegal plastic bags. However, traders are refusing to disclose their sources,” Koyiet said, adding that NEMA remains committed to enforcing the ban due to the environmental hazards caused by plastics, especially during the rainy season when they clog drainage systems and contribute to flooding.

    NEMA Eastern Regional Director Patrick Lekenit termed the operation a success, crediting the collaboration between the National Police Service, NEMA Police Unit and Machakos NEMA officials.

    Lekenit noted that while the circulation of banned plastic bags has declined over the years, a significant portion still enters Kenya through cross-border trade, with an estimated 80 per cent originating from neighboring countries where such bans are not enforced.

    He urged traders and residents to switch to government-approved alternative bags and called on the public to report suppliers and manufacturers via the NEMA hotline, assuring whistleblowers of confidentiality.

  • Milimani Affordable Housing Project nears completion in Vihiga

    Milimani Affordable Housing Project nears completion in Vihiga

    The construction of 220 housing units under the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) in Milimani Estate, Vihiga County, is nearing completion, with the project now 76 percent done.

    The initiative, valued at approximately Ksh 536 million, is expected to be finalized by August of this year.

    According to County Director of Housing (CDH) Teresia Ooko, the contractor has so far been paid Ksh 343 million for the completed work.

    Speaking during the County Development Implementation Management Committee (CDIMC) meeting, Ooko expressed confidence that the contractor would meet the set timelines.

    “The contractor has assured us that the project will be completed as scheduled,” said Ooko.

    She noted that since the project commenced in September 2023, hundreds of local residents have secured both skilled and unskilled jobs, boosting the local economy.

    The housing units will be priced at Sh1 million for a one-bedroom, Ksh 2 million for a two-bedroom, and Ksh 3 million for a three-bedroom.

    To acquire a unit, prospective buyers are required to apply via the Boma Yangu website or dial *832# and follow the registration instructions.

    Members of the CDIMC recently visited the construction site to inspect the ongoing work and expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far.

  • NEMA begins cleanup of polluted Owino-Uhuru amid fierce resistance

    NEMA begins cleanup of polluted Owino-Uhuru amid fierce resistance

    The National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has commenced the long-awaited remediation of the pollution-stricken Owino-Uhuru settlement in Jomvu Sub-County, following a Supreme Court directive.

    However, the cleanup effort has sparked fierce opposition from residents and activists who accuse NEMA of lacking transparency and failing to involve the community adequately.

    The battle for environmental justice dates back to 2016, when the Environment and Land Court in Mombasa first heard the case.

    Residents, led by the Center for Justice Governance and Environmental Action (CJGEA), accused Metal Refinery (EPZ) Limited of causing widespread lead poisoning after setting up a lead-acid battery recycling factory on a plot leased from Penguin Paper and Book Company Limited in 2006.

    According to the community, the factory’s toxic waste seeped into the village, contaminating soil and water and causing severe health complications, including lead poisoning that claimed over 20 lives.

    Alarmed by the escalating health crisis, residents and CJGEA campaigned relentlessly for the factory’s closure and demanded accountability from authorities.

    After a protracted legal battle that progressed from the Environment and Land Court to the Supreme Court, the judiciary upheld the decision to hold NEMA accountable for remediation.

    The court ordered the environmental watchdog to clean up the contaminated soil and water and remove any waste deposited within the village.

    Failure to comply would result in a Ksh 700 million payout to CJGEA to coordinate the cleanup.

    Speaking during a public participation meeting at the Mombasa County Commissioner’s Office, NEMA Legal Director Erastus Gitonga confirmed that the agency had already begun remediation and submitted a preliminary progress report to the court.

    Gitonga, however, condemned resistance from some petitioners who he claimed were determined to derail the process.

    “The Owino-Uhuru case highlighted the devastating impact of industrial pollution on community health. We are fully committed to implementing the court’s directives and working with stakeholders to ensure a thorough and sustainable cleanup of the area,” Gitonga stated.

    NEMA Director of Environmental Enforcement and Compliance Robert Orina revealed that the agency had met with all six respondents in the case to develop a clear strategy for implementing the court ruling.

    He outlined plans to conduct an environmental assessment to evaluate the current pollution levels, as natural attenuation over the years may have altered the extent of contamination.

    “We will carry out a detailed investigation involving soil sampling, water monitoring, and vegetation analysis to determine pollutant levels and the magnitude of contamination. This data will guide the necessary remediation measures,” Orina explained.

    In addition, NEMA will gather secondary data from public health records to determine whether residents continue to suffer health impacts from the contamination.

    Orina noted that the agency had also gazetted chemical regulations in November last year to guide the establishment of chemical industries and prevent similar environmental disasters.

    The meeting, however, took a dramatic turn when pollution victim Khamisi Diyo and renowned environmental activist Phyllis Omido stormed the venue, demanding an immediate end to the proceedings.

    The pair accused NEMA of contravening the Supreme Court’s directive by holding the meeting without adequate community consultation.

    Despite the disruption, NEMA maintained that it remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring environmental justice.

    The agency has scheduled a public baraza tomorrow at Owino-Uhuru to engage directly with residents and address their concerns, with local leaders and stakeholders expected to attend.

  • Narok steps up fight against FGM with new implementation matrix

    Narok steps up fight against FGM with new implementation matrix

    Narok County has officially adopted the Anti-FGM Policy Implementation Matrix, marking a critical step in reinforcing efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

    The move follows the development and launch of the county’s Anti-FGM and Gender Policies in 2022.

    The County Department of Gender, in collaboration with the County Gender Technical Working Group, developed the matrix to provide clear guidelines for policy implementation.

    During the adoption forum, Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) were briefed on the policy framework and its objectives.

    Robert Simotwo, the County Executive Committee Member for Gender, commended the MCAs for their role in passing and supporting gender-related policies.

    “Your leadership in advocacy is crucial in eliminating FGM within our communities,” he stated.

    Jefferson Langat, Chair of the County Gender Committee, reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Anti-FGM Policy Matrix, praising stakeholders for their dedication to eradicating the harmful practice.

    Ipato Surum, Chairperson of the Anti-FGM Committee, condemned FGM as outdated and illegal, warning against economic empowerment that could lead to the medicalization of FGM, making it more secretive and dangerous.

    Reports indicate that Narok County had an FGM prevalence of 78 per cent in 2014, which declined to 51 per cent in 2022 and now stands at 22 per cent in remote areas.

    Despite the significant progress, the fight against FGM remains urgent as the practice continues to contribute to early marriages and other harmful social norms.

    The forum received support from We-World, the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC), Kakenya’s Dream and Amref Health Africa, who have been key partners in the fight against FGM in the county.

  • Garissa Governor sounds alarm as Tana River swells again

    Garissa Governor sounds alarm as Tana River swells again

    Garissa Governor Nathif Jama has called on the National Government to urgently find a permanent solution to manage the swelling of River Tana, as water levels continue to rise, threatening downstream counties.

    Speaking during Idd-ul-Fitr celebrations at General Mohamud grounds in Garissa, Governor Jama lamented that the county has suffered long enough from devastating floods fueled by upstream rains and dam water releases.

    “What happens in Garissa every time we get rain blessings is that the people of this town and our farmers suffer heavily because of the dam water which is released in the upstream of River Tana. We are telling the National Government that we cannot keep on suffering due to floods sixty years on since independence,” Jama said.

    Despite Garissa County itself receiving minimal rainfall this season, River Tana is beginning to swell as upstream counties experience heavy downpours.

    The river, which originates from the slopes of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare mountains, flows eastward to Garissa and Tana River counties before emptying into the Indian Ocean at the Tana Delta.

    Some of the key tributaries feeding the river include the Chania, Thiba, Maragua and Thika rivers.

    Additionally, when the Massinga, Kiambere, Kamburu, Gitaru, and Kindaruma dams reach capacity, excess water is released, leading to catastrophic flooding downstream.

    In recent years, the swelling of the River Tana has caused unimaginable loss. Farmers have lost not only their livelihoods but also their lives as floodwaters ravage their homes and fields.

    Last year alone, more than 20 people were swept away by raging floods in Garissa. The floods have also damaged key infrastructure, including sections of the Garissa-Madogo road, which remains under reconstruction.

    Governor Jama expressed frustration at the lack of political goodwill from the National Government, citing unfulfilled proposals to divert some of the river’s water to dry northern regions where it could be beneficial rather than destructive.

    “It is shameful that we have not been able to get a permanent solution when it comes to floods. We lack goodwill from the National Government because we have made suggestions that the water be diverted to the northern parts of the country where there is a lack of water,” Jama added.

    His sentiments were echoed by Sheikh Abdillahi Salat, Secretary of SUPKEM’s Garissa branch, who urged residents living along the river to move to higher ground to avoid being marooned by floodwaters.

    As the Tana River continues to rise, residents remain on high alert, bracing for potential floods and hoping for decisive action from the government to finally put an end to decades of suffering.

  • CS Barasa leads tree planting drive in West Pokot

    CS Barasa leads tree planting drive in West Pokot

    Outgoing Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Barasa, who now serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, has led a tree-planting initiative in West Pokot County, reinforcing the government’s commitment to planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

    Speaking at Lomukee Forest in Pokot South Sub-County, Barasa underscored the importance of adopting innovative strategies to address climate change, emphasizing that successful tree planting requires consistent care and maintenance.

    “There is a distinct difference between planting a tree and growing a tree,” Barasa remarked, calling on households, schools, and community leaders to actively participate in conservation efforts.

    She also urged the youth of West Pokot to take up environmental stewardship, encouraging farmers to practice agroforestry and herders to protect young trees from livestock.

    The CS praised the dedication of local elders in restoring riverbanks, which has led to the rejuvenation of waterways, strengthened ecosystems, and improved community health.

    She acknowledged that West Pokot has grappled with environmental challenges, including prolonged drought and land degradation, stressing the urgency of tree planting to promote favorable weather patterns and ensure ecological protection.

    Barasa emphasized that each tree planted contributes to revitalizing the land, boosting river flows, and enriching soils for agricultural productivity.

    She called on local environmental champions and community groups to scale up tree planting as an investment in food security, economic resilience, and climate adaptation.

    West Pokot Chief Officer for Water and Environment, Leonard Kamsait, echoed Barasa’s sentiments, urging the community to prioritize planting indigenous and fruit trees, which can serve as a source of income and improve livelihoods.

    He also warned against illegal charcoal production, cautioning that stern action would be taken against those found engaging in environmental degradation.

  • I&M Bank commits Ksh 162M to transform Ngong Forest

    I&M Bank commits Ksh 162M to transform Ngong Forest

    I&M Bank, through its I&M Foundation, has committed Ksh 162 million towards the first phase of ‘Project Imarisha Ngong’ Forest’, an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at fencing, restoring, and developing critical infrastructure within Ngong Forest.

    The unveiling ceremony was graced by outgoing Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, Aden Duale, I&M Bank Executive Director Sarit Raja-Shah, Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko and I&M Bank Founder and Chairman Emeritus S.BR Shah, among other senior bank and foundation leaders.

    Speaking at the event, CS Duale emphasized the economic and social importance of restoring Nairobi’s green spaces, noting that environmental conservation is not just a duty but an essential investment.

    “We commend I&M Foundation’s leadership in ensuring this vision becomes a reality,” Duale remarked.

    Sarit Raja-Shah outlined the key developments funded by the project, including the construction of rangers’ housing featuring apartment units and three-bedroom bungalows to boost forest security, the drilling of boreholes and installation of water tanks to support seedling survival and the establishment of six modern ablution blocks for public convenience.

    Additionally, he announced the installation of two new access gates at Southern Bypass and Kibera, designed to enhance security and accessibility.

    Raja-Shah highlighted I&M Group’s commitment to sustainability, aligning the project with Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

    “Through projects like Ngong Forest, we aim to positively impact 10 million lives by 2026. This is just the beginning, and we invite like-minded organisations to join us in these efforts,” he stated.

    Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between I&M Foundation and KFS in April 2024, the project has made significant progress, including engaging communities in Dagoretti South, Kibera and Lang’ata through public participation exercises, securing an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) license from NEMA, creating 682 jobs by clearing invasive species and expanding trails, rehabilitating three hectares of degraded forest, sinking a borehole, installing five kilometers of electrified fencing and developing 35 kilometers of nature trails.

    KFS Chief Conservator Alex Lemarkoko noted that revitalizing Ngong Forest would alleviate pressure on Karura Forest, which currently hosts over 70,000 visitors monthly.

    “This sanctuary is not just a forest; it is a critical ecosystem at the heart of Nairobi,” he said.

    Marking five years of impactful initiatives, the I&M Foundation continues to channel 2 per cent of the bank’s annual Profit Before Tax (PBT) towards social and environmental projects.

    Its commitment to sustainability extends beyond Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda and Mauritius, where similar conservation efforts are underway.

  • Kenya, U.S. join forces to empower creatives with global opportunities

    Kenya, U.S. join forces to empower creatives with global opportunities

    Kenya and the United States are set to co-host a groundbreaking Creative Economy Conference later this year, bringing together industry leaders, artists and policymakers from both nations.

    The event aims to drive innovation and foster talent development in creative sectors like film, music, and digital arts, creating new economic opportunities for creatives.

    The initiative follows bilateral discussions between President William Ruto and U.S. officials during his state visit to Atlanta last year.

    Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, Salim Mvurya, emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering young creatives through economic opportunities and growth.

    “We are focused on empowering creatives economically and providing opportunities that inspire growth,” said Mvurya, adding that the conference will offer a platform for Kenyan and American creatives to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and develop sustainable careers.

    Mvurya noted that Kenya’s creative economy has become a critical sector for job creation, especially for the youth, as digital content creation, film production, and music continue to thrive.

    The conference will feature workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions with industry experts from both countries.

    To ensure a long-term impact, the Kenyan government is fast-tracking policies and legislative frameworks that will enable young creatives to commercialize their talent, access funding and thrive in the global market.

    Mvurya reaffirmed that the creative economy is a key pillar of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with the upcoming conference generating excitement among artists, filmmakers, and musicians eager to showcase their work internationally.

    The event is also expected to attract key players from Hollywood, the African film industry, and global streaming platforms.

    U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Marc Billard affirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Kenya’s creative industry, emphasizing collaboration as the key to unlocking opportunities.

    “The youth are our future, and creating opportunities that connect talent, skills, and knowledge between Kenya and the U.S. remains a key objective that we will continue to advance,” said Billard.

    He also noted that the U.S. has extensive experience in the entertainment industry and digital arts, which Kenyan creatives can leverage to scale their work globally.

    With preparations in full swing, stakeholders in the creative industry are optimistic that the event will spark lasting partnerships, increase investment and strengthen policies that ensure fair compensation for creatives, ultimately positioning Kenya as a global hub for creative talent.

  • Isiolo MCA hospitalized after being shot outside local hotel

    Isiolo MCA hospitalized after being shot outside local hotel

    A member of the Isiolo County Assembly is receiving treatment after being shot twice by an unidentified gunman outside a local hotel on Wednesday night.

    Burat MCA, Nicholas Lorot, was in the company of four other MCAs when the assailant, dressed in a helmet and reflector jacket, approached him while he was seated in a private vehicle and opened fire at close range.

    Isiolo Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Christopher Siele confirmed the incident, stating that one bullet struck Lorot’s collarbone while another severed his middle finger.

    The attacker fled the scene on a motorbike parked across the road.

    The injured MCA was rushed to Kirua Mission Hospital in Meru County, where he is reported to be in stable condition and responding well to treatment.

    Security agencies have launched investigations into the attack, with authorities urging members of the public to provide any useful information that could help track down the suspect.

    “Two spent cartridges were recovered from the scene and will aid in determining the type of firearm used,” said DCC Siele.

    Condemning the attack, Siele called for calm and assured residents that security teams were intensifying patrols to enhance safety in the area.

    “We urge residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting any individuals in possession of illegal firearms. Only authorized officers should handle weapons and anyone found with an illegal firearm will face the full force of the law,” he warned.

    Authorities have pledged to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to bring the assailant to justice.