KBC Channel 1

Author: KNA NEWS

  • Kiambu County grapples with alarming increase in SGBV cases

    Kiambu County grapples with alarming increase in SGBV cases

    Kiambu County has reported 137 new cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), accounting for 34 per cent of all cases reported nationally, according to a report by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC).

    The report highlights an eight-fold surge in SGBV cases not only in Kiambu but across the country, with cases rising from 2,466 in 2016 to 20,053 in 2023.

    The United Nations defines SGBV as any sexual act, attempted sexual act, or other acts directed against a person’s sexuality through coercion, regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.

    According to Marion Mashoo, NSDCC Regional HIV Coordinator, sexual violence not only violates an individual’s rights but also increases the risk of HIV infection and unintended pregnancies.

    “Kenya is committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat and addressing all forms of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) by 2030. To achieve this, the government has partnered with relevant stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to combat this menace,” said Mashoo while attending an SGBV technical working committee meeting in Ruiru Sub-county.

    Mashoo, who oversees Nairobi, Kiambu, and Kajiado counties, emphasized the strong correlation between SGBV cases, HIV infections, and unintended pregnancies, warning that any increase in these cases could hinder Kenya’s goal of ending HIV by 2030.

    She noted that SGBV cases have been on the rise over the past seven years, with Kiambu County reporting just 18 cases in 2016 compared to 137 in 2023.

    “Thika Sub-county recorded the highest number of reported SGBV cases in Kiambu at 52 per cent, followed by Githunguri at 26.7 per cent, and Kiambu town at 20 per cent. Other areas such as Juja, Lari, and Limuru each recorded 16 per cent, while the remaining sub-counties reported less than 5 per cent of the total cases,” Mashoo stated.

    Olympia Karimi, the Director of the State Department of Gender, who led the Kiambu County SGBV Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting in Ruiru, noted that the county has made significant strides in developing a comprehensive SGBV reporting, monitoring, and evaluation framework. This has enhanced response mechanisms for SGBV cases.

    “Since launching data collection late last year, we have gathered more comprehensive information that guides our interventions,” Karimi stated.

    She added that the tool has helped identify regions requiring more sensitization efforts, ensuring that every part of the county is accounted for in the fight against SGBV.

    “With such interventions and partnerships with key stakeholders in our communities, we are optimistic that SGBV cases will begin to decline,” said Karimi.

    According to the National Syndemic Disease Control Council’s 2019 survey, 46 per cent of women and 52 per cent of men aged 18-24 in Kenya reported experiencing at least one form of violence during childhood.

    Additionally, between 2016 and 2023, 42 per cent (87,500) of all reported SGBV cases involved children and adolescents aged 10-17 years.

  • Mandera County launches relief food distribution to aid vulnerable households

    Mandera County launches relief food distribution to aid vulnerable households

    Mandera County Government has launched a relief food distribution initiative to support vulnerable households across all nine sub-counties.

    The program, aimed at enhancing food security and disaster preparedness, seeks to assist over 70,000 households struggling to meet their basic food needs amid worsening climatic conditions.

    Flagging off the first batch of relief supplies, Mandera Governor Mohamed Khalif assured residents that the distribution would be swift, transparent, and inclusive.

    “I want to assure all residents that this food aid will reach every corner of Mandera County. We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind,” said Governor Khalif.

    He also urged non-state actors to collaborate with the county government to provide humanitarian support to affected communities.

    Additionally, the governor called on residents to take climate change seriously by adopting sustainable environmental practices.

    “I call upon everyone to make environmental conservation a personal responsibility, plant more trees, water the existing ones, and refrain from deforestation and harmful activities that degrade our ecosystem,” he emphasized.

    The relief effort comes at a critical time, as parts of Banissa, Mandera North, and Mandera West sub-counties continue to experience acute food shortages and severe climatic challenges.

    Mandera County is currently grappling with extreme heat conditions and shifting weather patterns, raising concerns about the well-being of its residents.

    The county government remains committed to mitigating the effects of climate change while ensuring food security and resilience for its most vulnerable communities.

  • Senator Omtatah intensifies 2027 presidential bid with public forums

    Senator Omtatah intensifies 2027 presidential bid with public forums

    Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has intensified his 2027 presidential bid by holding public engagement forums around the country to gather inputs that will inform his vision and manifesto.

    Senator Omtatah has so far convened a series of meetings in the vote-rich Mt. Kenya Region through his Presidential Exploratory Committee team to popularize his bid and collect views on how to formulate a people-centered blueprint.

    Committee Chair Mary Kathomi said the team has so far been to Kiambu, Meru,Tharaka Nithi and Embu where the meeting forum was held on Wednesday.

    “We want to localize the way Senator Omtatah’s Presidential bid will look by ensuring the views of Kenyans will inform his policy document and campaign manifesto,” she said.

    She said the task has been gazetted for 18 months upon which the recommendations will have been collected, documented and a report handed over to Omtatah.

    “It is the first time in the country where we have a presidential exploratory committee that is building its politics from the grassroots,” Kathomi said.

    She noted that the most pressing concerns that have been raised in the areas they have visited are over-taxation, Social Health Authority (SHA) and Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) failures.

    “Omtatah believes in a people-driven campaign to ensure such concerns raised by Kenyans are given a priority,” said Committee Member Duncan Onyango.

    Omtatah’s move to penetrate Mt Kenya comes at a time when the region’s political scene is undergoing a major realignment following the ouster of Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

    According to the committee, Omtatah comes in as an independent voice that could work to his advantage, especially among residents who feel shortchanged by the current regime.

    One of the locals in Embu, Polycarp Ruri, urged Omtatah to stay the course, noting he was the only presidential candidate they had seen coming to the grassroots to gather public views.

    “We are at a point where we the people ought to be the ones determining how the country will be run and not the leaders who should only be there as custodians of our proposals,” he said.

    University student David Oganga said they have been yearning for a change including elimination of graft that has bled the nation and denied many young people a chance to eke a living.

     

     

  • ODPP strengthens inter-agency collaboration for efficient justice delivery

    ODPP strengthens inter-agency collaboration for efficient justice delivery

    The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) is working to enhance inter-agency relations to improve service delivery efficiency in the justice system.

    Rift Valley Regional Coordinator Tom Imbali emphasized the importance of collaboration among key justice stakeholders to ensure timely and fair justice for all clients.

    “As ODPP, we believe in collaboration, not competition or suspicion. Working together will ensure justice is served efficiently and fairly,” he stated.

    Imbali made these remarks during his visit to the Narok ODPP office, where he held meetings with key justice sector players, including judiciary staff led by Narok Chief Magistrate Jared Nyaberi and the county security team led by Narok County Commissioner Kipkech Lotiatia.

    The discussions focused on critical issues affecting the criminal justice system and strategies to mitigate these challenges. Among the issues addressed were the disappearance of accused persons, witness absenteeism in court, and congestion in prisons.

    Accompanied by Narok ODPP in-charge Gitonga Murang’a, Imbali highlighted the importance of fostering feedback from all relevant players to enhance decision-making and build mutual support among stakeholders.

    He also underscored the necessity for ODPP staff to uphold high standards of honesty, ethics and confidentiality in their daily operations.

    Commissioner Lotiatia echoed the need for continued cooperation between the security team and ODPP to promote a just society. He committed to supporting ODPP by ensuring the timely sharing of files and facilitating the availability of witnesses in court.

    Both departments agreed to organize a prison decongestion exercise to address overcrowding in correctional facilities.

    The ODPP’s core function includes making decisions on charges, determining the appropriate charges in criminal cases, and advising government ministries, departments and state corporations on matters related to criminal law and international relations.

  • Vihiga County commissions 148 agripreneurs to transform agricultural activities

    Vihiga County commissions 148 agripreneurs to transform agricultural activities

    Vihiga County government has Tuesday commissioned 148 newly recruited and trained agripreneurs who will be working under the National Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

    Speaking while presiding over the ceremony conducted at the county headquarters, Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo said they are going to work under the department of agriculture, livestock and fisheries for the next 18 months.

    Dr. Ottichilo explained that their work would involve registration and profiling farming households as well as non-household farms including large, commercial, institutional, greenhouses and ranches.

    “The other tasks of the agripreneurs would be profiling the various value chain actors; mapping and taking the Global Positioning System (GPS) of the agricultural farms in their wards as well as offering training and extension services to the farmers,” he said.

    The county head stated that the recruitment of the agripreneurs is a great milestone in transforming the county’s agricultural sector from subsistence to commercial.

    ‎He pointed out that in response to the adverse effects of climate change on agricultural activities, farmers need to practice climate-smart agriculture and reduce dependence on rain-fed farming for assured sustainability and good yields.

    Five motorbikes were also commissioned to aid with extension services in the five wards that were not part of the first phase of the project.

  • Cancer crisis looms as health advocates warn of undocumented cases

    Cancer crisis looms as health advocates warn of undocumented cases

    Civil society groups in the health sector have raised concerns over a looming crisis due to the rising number of undocumented cancer cases, warning that the situation could escalate without immediate intervention.

    Speaking on Tuesday during the commemoration of World Cancer Day, themed “United by Unique,” the groups emphasized the need for patient-centred care and called on the government to allocate more resources to tackle the growing burden of cancer.

    Emi Omunene, a multifaceted health advocate, psychologist, and author, urged stakeholders to work together in addressing the crisis, stating, “No matter what, 2025 shall be the best year.” Omunene, an expert in natural therapy and a champion for tuberculosis (TB) and cancer awareness, underscored the urgency of tackling the surge in undocumented cancer cases.

    She also expressed concern over the recent funding cuts by the U.S. government, noting that programs under HIV, TB, and reproductive health—long instrumental in cancer prevention—are particularly affected. “The USA has been a key supporter of HIV-related cancer prevention through USAID programs,” she explained. “With reduced funding, we risk an increase in HIV-related cancers, TB infections, and declining cancer treatment outcomes.”

    Omunene called for increased domestic financing, urging collaboration between the government and private sector to ensure the sustainability of critical health programs.

    “We cannot afford to rely solely on foreign aid. If funding is withdrawn, we must have sustainable, homegrown solutions to keep vital health programs running,” she stated.

    Highlighting the interconnected nature of diseases, she explained how TB, an opportunistic infection, poses a heightened risk to cancer patients with weakened immune systems.

    “Cancer, HIV, and TB are not separate battles,” she warned. “They are intertwined, and any disruption in healthcare funding affects all three.”

    With cancer cases on the rise and financial constraints threatening essential health programs, stakeholders are urging swift action to prevent a full-blown health crisis.

  • Nyeri formulating policy to market its cultural heritage

    Nyeri formulating policy to market its cultural heritage

    Nyeri County, through the Department of Trade, Culture, Tourism and Cooperative Development, is working on a policy document to promote its cultural heritage and support local artists.

    The draft document, titled Cultural and Heritage Policy, is intended to govern training and mentorship for artists, filmmakers, photographers, and animators based on UNESCO best practices. This initiative aims to position the county as a potential tourism hub in Kenya and beyond.

    “The County is in the process of formulating a Cultural and Heritage Policy, and this workshop is a crucial step in that process. The input will help us build a robust and inclusive framework that will guide the growth of our cultural and creative sectors,” said Governor Dr Mutahi Kahiga when he officially closed a two-day capacity-building workshop for stakeholders.

    Dr Kahiga described the partnership between the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO and the Kenya Institute for Public Policy and Research Analysis with the County as a welcome move, insisting that it will help shape the future of cultural heritage preservation and documentation, as well as the promotion of culture and the creative industry for sustainable development.

    The Chief Officer for Trade, Culture, Tourism and Cooperative Development, George Mwangi, stated that the initiative will enhance the county’s status as an ideal place where unique talents are not only nurtured but also documented.

    Mr Mwangi noted that one of the objectives of the policy document is to ensure artists can utilise their talent in ways that can propel them into stardom and open up opportunities for them to earn income.

    “The document is still in the draft stage, and we hope to present it to the public so that they can have their say on the proposals. We want a document that is all-inclusive and that will guide us on how we can improve our cultural heritage as a tourism marketing strategy for this county. Ultimately, we need to promote the rich talents of our young people and ensure they can earn money from their unique skills,” pointed out Mwangi.

    Last month, the County opened an online application portal for young individuals interested in pursuing a career inthe creative arts, dubbedNyeri Youth Talent Search.

    To be considered for the training, applicants were required to showcase their talents during the interview process to qualify for the capacity-building training programme, courtesy of the County government, the Kenya Film Commission, and the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

    Women and people with disabilities have been specially encouraged to apply.

    To register, one must log into the online application platform and provide personal details, including the area of interest.

    The deadline for applications is set for February 8, 2025.

    Mwangi told KNA that among the areas of interest they are seeking include photography, filmmaking, graphic design, animation, music, and videography.

    The officer said the county aims to harness the varied talents of young people currently intending to venture into thecreativeindustry as a means of creating alternative income avenues for youth, while also showcasing the unique talents of Kenyans both locally and internationally.

    “This will be our fifth year as a county organising a talent search for young people with a passion for the creativearts. Last year, we managed to train a total of 100 youths in a similar programme in conjunction with the Kenya Film Commission and hope to do the same this year. Once theseartistshave completed the training, they will be issued with certificates which they can use to seek available openings where they can showcase their skills to be hired,” he said.

    The official also clarified that the training period will last between two weeks and a month, depending on budgetary allocation.

    During his second State of the County address on December 4 last year, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga outlined his plans to transform the county into a preferred cultural and tourism destination in the country.

    Kahiga, while addressing members of the Nyeri County Assembly, stated that the county had also embarked on a long-term goal of establishing a Mau Mau Museum and was awaiting the allocation of more land from the National Land Commission.

    He said the county was working in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Kenya Film Classification Commission, to promote the tourism sector in the county, which is famed for Mount Kenya, the Aberdare game reserves, and its rich vegetation.

    “As a county, we are committed to conserving our fauna and flora by developing tourism sites, goods, and services, connecting them to local and regional tourism circuits. The county has engaged in key partnerships to enhance its cultural and tourism profile. Through these collaborations, the county signed an MOU with the Kenya Film Commission, which will undoubtedly position Nyeri as a prime filming destination,” he said.

  • KMTC adjusts training programs to support SHA rollout

    KMTC adjusts training programs to support SHA rollout

    The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has adjusted its training programs to support the effective rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring efficiency in claims management and service provision under the new system.

    KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch stated that the institution, through research, innovation, and consultancy, is addressing the need for qualified personnel to handle pre-authorization challenges currently being experienced in SHA’s implementation.

    Speaking during a routine visit to Bondo KMTC campus, Dr. Oluoch announced the introduction of a Medical Insurance course at the college, which he said would enhance the government’s efforts in implementing the Taifa Care program for the benefit of Kenyans.

    He urged members of the public to register and contribute to SHA, emphasizing that the system would help in providing universal healthcare, a key pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

  • KMTC introduces medical insurance course to strengthen SHA rollout

    KMTC introduces medical insurance course to strengthen SHA rollout

    The Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) has adjusted its training programs to support the effective rollout of the Social Health Authority (SHA), ensuring efficiency in claims management and service provision under the new system.

    KMTC Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelly Oluoch stated that the institution, through research, innovation, and consultancy, is addressing the need for qualified personnel to handle pre-authorization challenges currently being experienced in SHA’s implementation.

    Speaking during a routine visit to Bondo KMTC campus, Dr. Oluoch announced the introduction of a Medical Insurance course at the college, which he said would enhance the government’s efforts in implementing the Taifa Care program for the benefit of Kenyans.

    He urged members of the public to register and contribute to SHA, emphasizing that the system would help in providing universal healthcare, a key pillar of the Kenya Kwanza administration.

    “As a premier middle-level health training institution with over 70,000 students, KMTC is committed to maintaining, sustaining, and improving the quality of medical training in the country,” he stated.

    Dr. Oluoch stressed the institution’s dedication to quality assurance, explaining that routine campus visits help ensure that training meets high standards.

    “We can never compromise on the quality of training. These visits allow us to monitor and enhance service delivery,” he said.

    Additionally, he revealed that KMTC is upgrading Local Area Networks (LANs) and Wi-Fi access across its campuses to improve internet connectivity, thereby enhancing training and research.

    The CEO further highlighted the importance of e-learning platforms, simulation laboratories, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, which enable students to learn and track their progress remotely.

    “We recognize that we are not just training for the local market but also for international healthcare systems. That’s why we are equipping our students with digital skills to make them competitive in the global health service sector,” he added.

     

  • Garissa magistrate raises concern over low FGM case prosecution

    Garissa magistrate raises concern over low FGM case prosecution

    Garissa Chief Magistrate Thomas Mwangi has raised concerns over the lack of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases reaching the courts, despite the practice remaining rampant in the region.

    Speaking during a public engagement forum with key stakeholders and residents, Mwangi noted that the biggest challenge in prosecuting FGM cases is the absence of complainants.

    “FGM remains a significant problem in this region. However, very few cases make it to court because victims rarely come forward to file complaints,” he said.

    Garissa is among 22 counties with the highest prevalence of FGM. Statistics indicate that 9.5 million girls under the age of 18 undergo the practice annually, with the Somali community leading at 98 per cent, followed by the Samburu at 94 per cent.

    The Chief Magistrate lamented that cultural barriers prevent victims from speaking out.

    “Many victims feel helpless due to deeply ingrained cultural norms. At the moment, they do not have sufficient platforms to express themselves,” he added.

    Mwangi urged residents to embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms for non-criminal cases to help reduce the backlog in courts.

    Some of these mechanisms include reconciliation, mediation, arbitration, and religious dispute resolution methods such as Maslah for the Islamic community.

    He explained that ADR often provides a win-win outcome since parties involved mutually agree on resolutions, unlike court-imposed decisions.

    “The constitution allows for dispute resolution outside the formal court system. Through ADR, elders, arbitrators, or mediators can help settle disputes efficiently,” Mwangi said.

    However, he emphasized that serious criminal cases such as FGM, sexual offences, and robbery with violence cannot be resolved through ADR.

    “Criminal cases must be prosecuted in court. But for other disputes, ADR can be a viable option as long as all parties agree to it. Courts cannot force individuals to file cases if they prefer alternative mechanisms,” he clarified.

    He also revealed that not all cases require witness testimonies, as parties can reach legally binding agreements through court-annexed mediation.

    Meanwhile, North Eastern Regional Coordinator for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Bony Okemo, underscored the crucial role of witnesses in the criminal justice system.

    He noted that the absence of witnesses has often led to case delays and even case dismissals.

    “One of our biggest challenges is securing witnesses in time. Their absence forces us to adjourn cases, contributing to the growing backlog,” Okemo stated.

    He further noted that many cases involving family disputes are withdrawn after parties resolve matters through Maslah or ADR, leading to the disappearance of witnesses.

    Among the most common cases reported at Garissa courts include murder, defilement, rape, assault, causing disturbance, and grievous harm.