KBC Channel 1

Author: KNA NEWS

  • Victims of wildlife attacks decry years-long delay in KWS compensation

    Victims of wildlife attacks decry years-long delay in KWS compensation

    Victims of human- wildlife conflict in Kajiado South are raising concerns over delays in compensation by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

    Led by their area Member of Parliament, Sakimpa Parashina, the residents lament that the compensation process takes too long, forcing victims to wait for years before their claims are approved and paid.

    “You will find that claims made as far back as 2018 have not been paid to date, yet in some cases, the victim was the family’s breadwinner. It is unfair for compensation to take more than ten years. We want the process to be expedited so that payments are made within a year to be meaningful to the victims,” said the MP.

    Parashina also called on KWS to conduct sensitization forums on compensation procedures, as many residents are unaware of where to report wildlife attacks and how the process works.

    “Our people should know how much compensation is paid and when to expect payment, whether for death, injury, or crop destruction. This will help curb retaliatory attacks where communities kill wildlife in response to losses,” he added.

    Jeremiah Ngashngash, a village elder in Elang’ata Enkima, said that hyenas and lions frequently kill their livestock, yet KWS takes too long to compensate them, despite livestock being their primary source of income.

    “The compensation process delays, and sometimes the amount paid does not even match the market value of the livestock lost. While we have benefited from other KWS projects, such as boreholes, we are requesting more timely compensation and the installation of solar lights to deter wildlife attacks at night,” he said.

    He further urged KWS to introduce a tree-planting initiative in the area, as elephants have destroyed most of the existing trees.

    Simon Olashumpai, a resident of Kuku Ward, expressed frustration over the financial burden farmers face in getting agricultural officers to assess and validate wildlife-related damages.

    “Some of our farms were destroyed years ago, and we are still following up on payments. A hyena killed 20 of my goats in January last year, yet we are still awaiting compensation, despite KWS promising prompt payment. They need to act faster,” he lamented.

    William Tajiri, a resident of Elang’ata Enkima, highlighted the destruction of crops by elephants searching for water near homesteads. He urged KWS to drill boreholes and construct water pans for wildlife away from residential areas to minimize human- wildlife conflicts.

    In response, KWS Kajiado Assistant Director Francis Mbaka encouraged the community to report all wildlife-related incidents by dialing *202*09# for faster, fairer, and more efficient digital compensation.

  • Isuzu Women Council honors Busia MP Catherine Omanyo for gender advocacy

    Isuzu Women Council honors Busia MP Catherine Omanyo for gender advocacy

    As the world heads on to mark the International Women’s Day Celebrations, Busia County Women Representative Catherine Omanyo, has been honored by Isuzu Women Council for her outright advocacy on Gender Based Violence, Education for all and women empowerment.

    Omanyo who has been active and outspoken regarding issues of human rights and equality, which earned her recognition at the national and international levels. As a result, she became a role model for many in Busia County and throughout the country.

    She has also been working in many projects focused on improving the lives of Busia residents and also mobilizing resources aimed at leveling the playing field for women and the community at large.

    Isuzu Women Council will on 7th March 2025 award her for the exemplary effort she has put in transforming the society by being the voice of the underserved and oppressed persons.

    “Your efforts have inspired many and continue to create a lasting impact. We would like to honor you at Isuzu East Africa’s International Women’s Day Celebration, where we will recognize inspirational women who accelerate action and create meaningful impact in their respective fields,” wrote Mary Mwelu from Avid Public Relations of BSD Group on behalf of Isuzu East Africa.

    On education, Omanyo has been able to offer second chance full scholarship to over 50 student for the last two years she has been in office. The legislator has supplied 50 school with water tanks and drilled additional 100 boreholes in school to ensure learners have enough chance to compete favorable with other across the country.

    Catherine Omanyo at previous empowerment programs which has earned her award and recognition by Isuzu East Africa

    While addressing the press early last week, she highlighted the need to ensure learners from vulnerable families don’t drop out and need to propel them to reach their limits in life.

    “Education is the equalizer in life. Most learners from rural areas drop out of school due to hard economic times at their places or unbearable conditions in schools like lack of access to basic needs like clean water,” noted Omanyo.

    For the first time, the sub counties of Samia and Teso North which are in semi- arid cluster have had government lunch programs an initiative the legislator lobbied to reduce cases school dropout which were on rise.

    “We are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring our children go to school and also supporting community-based organizations so as to ensure that we have an educated and self-sufficient community,” stated Omanyo.

    “Busia being among poorest counties there is need for the government to launch school feeding program in all primary schools to sustain those learners and reduce absenteeism,” she added.

    On gender advocacy and empowerment, Omanyo through the NGAAF has been able to issues grants to a total of over 215 groups as mean to boost their efforts in business and agriculture sector.

    “When I was elected in office I realized most cases of GBV reported in Busia were as a result of high poverty index and residents lack of financial muscles to gear their development agendas. That is why we have issued grants to women groups, bodaboda groups and youth groups from all 7 constituencies to boost their efforts,” Omanyo narrated.

    She reiterated her dedication to the people of Busia to continue making policies that enhance gender balance and economic opportunities for women in rural areas.

    “I owe it to society to help women because an empowered woman leads to an empowered society,” she said.

    Busia County Women Representative Catherine Omanyo at previous empowerment programs which has earned her award and recognition by Isuzu East Africa

    It’s through her tireless efforts in education, GBV advocacy, championing for human rights and empowerment programs that she has earned recognition from Isuzu East Africa who are ready to crown her.

    Omanyo serves as a living example of what can be achieved when women are given an opportunity to lead.

  • ODM leaders await Raila’s next political move amid UDA talks

    ODM leaders await Raila’s next political move amid UDA talks

    Leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have declared their readiness to follow any political direction that party leader Raila Odinga decides regarding the party’s future.

    Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed revealed that Raila is currently consulting all ODM party organs on whether to work with President William Ruto’s UDA party or chart an independent political path.

    “Our leader is Raila Amolo Odinga, and we take orders from him. Every party must evaluate its strategic interests, and ODM will make decisions based on its objectives and the aspirations of our supporters,” Junet stated.

    He emphasized that ODM is a political movement aimed at securing power, not a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).

    “ODM defends the rights of citizens, opposes abductions, and fights against injustices, but our primary goal is to seek political power. No one can dictate the direction we take,” he asserted.

    Junet urged party supporters to remain steadfast, assuring them that they should not be intimidated as the party follows Raila’s guidance.

    Following Raila’s unsuccessful bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, the ODM leader has been engaging with President William Ruto in a broader government collaboration. Ruto had backed Raila’s AUC candidacy in the February 2025 election held in Addis Ababa.

    “We must thank President William Ruto for his support in Baba’s campaign for the AUC seat,” Homa Bay Governor and ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga stated.

    Wanga reaffirmed the party’s unwavering loyalty to Raila, saying, “If Baba says march left, we go left. If he says march right, we go right. If he says fire, we fire.”

    Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were also expressed his readiness to follow Raila’s lead. “Tell Baba that the people of Kasipul constituency will accept and support whatever decision he makes,” the MP said.

    The leaders were speaking on Monday in Oyugis during the launch of the Kasipul Constituency Traders’ Association Sacco, where they helped raise KSh 2.6 million to support local traders in expanding their businesses.

  • Kajiado locals on a mission to uproot pasture-killing ipomoea weed

    Kajiado locals on a mission to uproot pasture-killing ipomoea weed

    Residents of Ilng’osuani sub-location in Kajiado Central have joined forces to uproot the invasive weed Ipomoea carnea, commonly known as Bush Morning Glory, which has overtaken their grazing fields. The initiative comes as they await the long rains, aiming to curb the weed’s spread before it flowers.

    Led by Senior Assistant Chief Maureen Maya, community members are working in teams to manually remove the weed, which has significantly reduced pasture availability for livestock.

    “Several acres of land have been invaded by the choke weed, and this greatly affects the growth of the much-needed pasture for our animals. We are uprooting it before it flowers because controlling it after the rains isn’t effective,” said Chief Maya.

    She acknowledged that the uprooting method is labor-intensive and time-consuming but emphasized that it remains the only viable option since livestock cannot consume the weed, and no effective herbicide has been developed yet.

    The weed spreads rapidly through stem fragments and seeds, which are easily carried by floodwaters.

    It is particularly harmful to cattle when consumed in large quantities and can be toxic to goats, affecting their central nervous system.

    “We have observed that once the weed matures, its hairy seeds are easily dispersed by water and regrow after rains. However, uprooting it before maturity prevents regeneration, which is why we are tackling it now,” Maya explained.

    Beyond controlling the invasive species, Chief Maya is also encouraging residents to plant and nurture trees as part of climate change mitigation efforts.

    John Rakita, a resident of Ilng’osuani, highlighted the economic toll of weed on the community. “Livestock is our backbone, and this weed has led to significant losses as we are forced to move our animals in search of pasture.”

    Another resident, Faith Topoika, noted the increased workload brought about by the weed’s spread. “Since the introduction of this weed, we have to search for grazing areas that have not been invaded, making our daily tasks even harder.”

    The Ipomoea carnea weed was first detected in Kenya during the 1997 El Niño rains and has since spread to an estimated three million acres in Kajiado County alone.

    In June last year, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku declared the invasive weed a county disaster, citing it as a massive threat to pastoralism in the region.

     

  • Fire razes 15 acres in Loldaiga Conservancy

    Fire razes 15 acres in Loldaiga Conservancy

    A fire outbreak at Loldaiga Conservancy in Laikipia County has razed approximately 15 acres of vegetation, raising fresh concerns over fire management in the area.

    The blaze, which broke out at noon on Wednesday, is believed to have originated from one of the rangers’ camps, according to area chief Wang’ombe Wanjau.

    He stated that residents from the neighbouring community attempted to contain the fire but were overwhelmed by its rapid spread.

    “People from the community tried to put it out, but it spread too fast for them,” Wanjau said in a phone interview.

    The situation was salvaged by the neighbouring Loisaba Conservancy, which has firefighting equipment. The team responded swiftly and successfully extinguished the flames before they could spread further.

    Gateri Mwangi, a resident living near the 45,000-acre conservancy, noted that despite the community’s efforts, they lacked the necessary capacity to contain such a fast-moving fire.

    “The fire started around noon, and we tried to put it out, but it kept spreading. We are yet to establish the exact cause,” he said.

    This is not the first fire incident at Loldaiga Conservancy.

    In March 2021, a massive fire destroyed nearly 12,000 acres, displacing wildlife and disrupting the local community.

    That incident was linked to activities by the British Army Training Unit in Kenya (BATUK).

    Authorities are now assessing the damage and investigating the cause of the latest fire.

  • Senate moves to regulate fire and rescue services with new bill

    Senate moves to regulate fire and rescue services with new bill

    The Senate has introduced a Bill seeking to regulate fire and rescue services in Kenya through the establishment of a Fire and Rescue Service Professionals Board.

    The proposed legislation, championed by Wajir Senator Mohammed Abass Sheikh, aims to streamline training, certification, and licensing for professionals in the sector while ensuring adherence to industry standards.

    The Board will be responsible for examining, training, registering, and licensing fire and rescue service professionals.

    Additionally, it will advise the National and County Governments on matters related to fire prevention and disaster management.

    It will also work closely with training institutions, professional associations, and fire brigades to enhance the skills and professional development of personnel in the sector.

    The Board will be headquartered in Nairobi and will consist of a chairperson appointed by the relevant Cabinet Secretary, Principal Secretaries from ministries overseeing fire prevention, disaster management, Treasury and Internal Security, one representative from the Kenya Red Cross Society, two representatives from the Council of County Governors, one representative from the Kenya National Fire Brigades Association, one representative from the Kenya Medical Association and a registrar who will serve as an ex-officio member without voting rights.

    The Bill states that no person shall practice as a fire and rescue service consultant, operate a private fire brigade, or offer professional fire and rescue services without being registered under the provisions of the Act.

    To qualify for registration, an individual must hold a degree, diploma, or certificate in fire and rescue services from a recognized institution in Kenya or possess an equivalent qualification from a foreign institution.

    The Bill outlines stringent penalties for those who flout the regulations. Practising without proper registration will attract fines ranging from KSh 500,000 to KSh 1 million or a jail term of up to five years—or both.

    Individuals who deliberately fail to follow professional standards, commit gross negligence, or demonstrate incompetence in delivering fire and rescue services will also face penalties.

    Fraudulent registration or licensing attempts will result in a fine not exceeding KSh 500,000 or imprisonment for up to five years. Institutions falsely claiming accreditation from the Board will face a KSh 2 million fine or up to five years in jail.

    Members of the public dissatisfied with fire and rescue services will have the right to lodge complaints with the Board.

    Upon receiving a complaint, the Board will summon the accused party and allow them an opportunity to respond before taking appropriate action.

    According to a February 16, 2023 article in the European Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, fire disasters account for 20% of all reported disasters in Kenya.

    Between 2014 and 2022, Nairobi recorded 248 fire incidents, with 30 occurring in Gikomba Market alone. Despite Kenya’s adoption of multi-stakeholder disaster risk management strategies, the study found that community involvement remains passive, highlighting the urgent need for improved fire response and prevention measures.

    If passed, the proposed Bill will enhance fire safety regulations, professionalize the sector, and improve disaster response efforts across the country.

  • Family demands answers after Embu University student found dead in dam

    Family demands answers after Embu University student found dead in dam

    The family of a University of Embu student whose body was discovered floating in a dam within the university compound on Saturday afternoon is demanding a thorough investigation into his death.

    A postmortem conducted on Monday at Embu Level Five Hospital Morgue revealed that 22-year-old second-year student Daniel Amaya died from drowning. However, his family remains unconvinced and is calling for further investigations.

    Journalists covering the postmortem were ejected from the facility by detectives for undisclosed reasons, leaving them to rely on the family’s account of the findings.

    “The doctor told us he drowned, but how he ended up in the dam remains a mystery,” said his elder brother, Josphat Amaya, dismissing any possibility of suicide.

    “Our hearts will only be at peace once we know exactly what led to his death.”

    Josphat recounted the anguish his family endured while searching for Daniel, who had been reported missing on Wednesday. Their desperate search ended in tragedy when his body was found three days later.

    “We travelled from Kisii County after receiving reports of his disappearance and combed through the area until Saturday when we were informed that a body had been found floating in a dam,” he said.

    Daniel’s death comes just days after another student was found hanging from a tree within the university precincts under unclear circumstances.

    Embu West Sub-County Police Commander Zacharia Omae confirmed the two deaths, stating that investigations were ongoing to establish the causes.

    “We urge students and residents to remain calm as we conduct thorough inquiries. We also encourage anyone struggling with personal challenges to seek help and support,” he said.

    He further emphasized the need to strengthen security measures and enhance mental health programs to support students.

  • Murang’a County launches mobile dialysis unit for kidney patients

    Murang’a County launches mobile dialysis unit for kidney patients

    Murang’a County Government in collaboration with a healthcare provider Benacare, has launched a mobile dialysis unit to improve healthcare access for residents in remote areas.

    The unit, unveiled at Kirwara Hospital in Gatanga sub county, will be deployed across various healthcare centres in the county, ensuring kidney patients receive timely treatment without the need to travel long distances.

    Speaking during the launch of the mobile unit on Saturday, Governor Irung’u Kang’ata emphasised the unit’s role in easing congestion at existing dialysis centres while also addressing the rising demand for kidney treatment.

    He noted that the county used to have few functional dialysis machines, which were not enough to serve increasing number of patients with kidney related complications.

    “We had four functional dialysis machines in the county which were not enough to serve all patients in need, with some even missing out on treatment. The mobile unit will assist in decongesting existing facilities and provide timely medical care,” said Kang’ata.

    Murang’a has dialysis centres at the county level 5 hospital and Kigumo level 4 facility with many patients being put on a waiting list to access dialysis.

    Kang’ata noted the launch of the unit is part of a broader initiative to improve healthcare services in the county.

    He assured the public that the mobile dialysis service would operate according to a fixed schedule, ensuring equal access throughout the region.

    The governor explained that the mobile dialysis unit is outfitted with advanced dialysis machines adding the mobile unit allows individuals to receive treatment at nearby health centres, sparing them from expensive and exhausting journeys to existing dialysis centres.

    mobile dialysis unit

    “The dialysis truck will be operating in different constituencies within Murang’a where every patient will have access to the services,” Kang’ata remarked.

    With the county’s limited dialysis centres, many were compelled to seek treatment outside the county, resulting in added financial burdens.

    The mobile unit is set to minimise waiting times and reduce costs for patients, especially benefiting elderly individuals and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who often face difficulties accessing specialised treatment.

    Project partners said that the mobile unit will be a game changer in the region, acknowledging that a shortage of dialysis machines is a major challenge for kidney patients in the country.

    They stressed that the mobile unit would not only benefit patients directly but would also ease the burden on overstretched dialysis centres in the county

    Local residents welcomed the development and expressed optimism that the mobile unit will significantly reduce travel costs and other challenges associated with accessing dialysis services.

    Many locals view it as an important advancement in strengthening healthcare services and enhancing the quality of life for kidney patients in Murang’a.

    Gatanga MCA John Kibaiya who attended the occasion lauded the county administration for investing heavily in the health sector.

    Kibaiya said the mobile dialysis unit will go a long way in offering affordable services to kidney patients who have been struggling to access the service in health facilities outside the county.

  • Hundreds of Embu residents benefit from free eye camp

    Hundreds of Embu residents benefit from free eye camp

    Hundreds of Embu residents have benefitted from a free eye medical camp organized by Lions Club Embu in conjunction with Rotary Club.

    The one-day camp held on Saturday at Lion School in Embu Town saw patients screened for various eyesight problems such as cataracts, refractive errors, photosensitivity and age-related problems.

    Ophthalmic Clinical Officer Lilian Nyaga said some of the cases they noted among the aging group was diabetic retinopathy, macular holes and some suspicious growth that they referred for specialized treatment.

    Among the young people, the officer said the most prevalent cases were refractive errors, allergies and photosensitivity as a result of overuse of digit’s gadgets.

    She advised young people to minimize the amount of time they spend on these gadgets and also use them at a distance from the eyes to protect their eyes from harmful UltraViolet (UV) radiation.

    “It is also good that they make use of photo chromic glasses that are designed to protect the eyes from these harmful rays,” she said.

    For those who require cataract surgery, the officer said they are consolidating the list of the cases so that they will be attended to in due course.

    She also called on residents to observe a healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamin A in order to keep their eyesight in good shape.

    During the camp, those with reading problems were provided with glasses for free or eye drops for those with minor ailments such as allergies or infections.

    Beneficiaries termed the opportunity as a life-changing as it has helped improve their vision without incurring the heavy financial burden that such procedures entail.

    “I had a problem with blurry vision where I could not see far objects clearly but today I am happy I have been treated and given glasses to correct that,” said patient Richer Ireri.

    Lions Club Embu President Chandrakant Patel said it is an annual event that they hold as a way of giving back to the society.

  • Police seize 1,500 kilos of donkey meat in Embu, residents warned

    Police seize 1,500 kilos of donkey meat in Embu, residents warned

    Residents of Embu have been cautioned against purchasing uninspected meat after police intercepted a vehicle transporting at least 1,500 kilograms of donkey meat to an undisclosed destination.

    Acting on a tip-off, officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) stopped the vehicle along the Kiritiri-Embu Highway in the early hours of the morning.

    Upon inspection, they discovered the meat packed in sacks, along with 15 donkey hides and a separate package containing the animals’ reproductive organs, which appeared to be set aside for a specific market.

    Three suspects, including the driver, were arrested as detectives launched investigations to trace the source of the illicit trade and identify key players behind the operation.

    This latest incident comes just three months after police uncovered 20 freshly slaughtered donkey carcasses at a homestead in Runyenjes Constituency on December 22, raising concerns over the rampant illegal slaughter of donkeys in the county.

    Following the seizure, residents have been urged to be extra cautious about the meat they consume and to verify its source before purchase.

    Embu West Sub-County Public Health Officer John Njagi warned that the recent cases indicate a well-organized network involved in illegal donkey slaughter and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance.

    “We are stepping up monitoring efforts to ensure uninspected meat is removed from the market to protect the public from potential health risks,” he said.

    Veterinary surgeon Dr. Arthur Njiru echoed these concerns, warning that the consumption of unregulated meat poses serious health risks, especially in light of a recent anthrax outbreak in parts of Embu in December last year.

    Authorities have assured the public that efforts to dismantle the illegal donkey meat trade are ongoing, with law enforcement agencies intensifying crackdowns to safeguard public health.