Author: Muraya Kamunde

DCI commences investigations into Finland scholarship fraud

Victims of the alleged Finland scholarship fraud in Uasin Gishu are expected to record with officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The DCI have already commenced the probe into how thousands of Kenyans lost their monies involving a scholarship program to Finland spearheaded by the County Government of Uasin Gishu.

On Saturday, DCI Sleuths requested aggrieved victims to present themselves at the DCI County Headquarters in Eldoret, on July 18 for statement recording and other investigative procedures in order to bring the suspects to book.

Detectives from DCI Headquarters were expected in Uasin Gishu County between July 18-21, for a comprehensive probe.

This follows numerous complaints by members of the public from Uasin Gishu County, who claimed to have been defrauded millions of shillings in a scholarship program to the Scandinavian country that failed to materialize.

July 18, 2023
Kenya Kwanza, Azimio leaders urged to exercise tolerance and resume talks

The NGO Council of Kenya has appealed to the political class including the opposition to observe political tolerance and resume bipartisan talks.

The council warned that the country cannot afford another round of violent street protests that have killed up to 21 people.

In a statement, Council chairman Stephen Cheboi said the country is at virtual standstill due to demonstrations that are scaring away investors, tourists, and forcing Kenyans to stay indoors..

“It can no longer be business as usual when political hardliners decide to hold the country at ransom while expecting things to improve when they are getting worse,” Cheboi said.

Cheboi noted that already some high end hotels at the coast have started laying off workers due to little business as tourists stay away. Western envoys in Nairobi have issued travel advisories against visiting Kenya which is a blow as tourism is the country’s number one foreign exchange earner.

“We are urging political actors to engage in talks and desist from demonstrations that have rocked the country and disrupted normal business in several parts of the country,” the statement added.

Cheboi urged President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga to put their differences aside for the sake of the country and engage in meaningful talks instead of the planned Wednesday-Friday demonstrations which could plunge the country into total turmoil.

“The violent protests are scaring away investors, tourists and potential development partners,” Cheboi pointed out.

“The NGOs Council urges the opposition to call off planned protests and resume the talks as earlier scheduled. Hard line positions in the country are not helpful at all. ”

“As a Council of NGOs we firmly restate our position through more than 12,000 affiliate Members that the destiny of the country is far more important than the individual ambitions of leaders pushing the country to the edge in a selfish scheme to secure power at whatever cost something that we find unacceptable” said the statement.

The Council expresses regret over the six reported deaths in the saba saba demonstrations and another nine reported deaths during the recent Wednesday demonstrations that turned chaotic in parts of the country.

Our country should learn from what is happening in countries with political instability in other parts of the world like Sudan, Somalia, DRC Congo and Ethiopia.

“We call for Peace and harmony among all leaders in the country. Peace is paramount’, concluded the statement.

July 17, 2023
Nyong’o undergoes successful spinal surgery in Kisumu

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o has undergone a successful spinal surgery at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The surgery conducted by a team of neurosurgeons based in the United States of America (USA), Germany and JOOTRH, becomes the first of its kind to be carried out at the referral facility which is run by the County government of Kisumu.

Nyong’o who was admitted at the facility on Friday afternoon underwent the specialised surgery courtesy of the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative organized by Dr. Bethwel Raore from Atlanta Georgia, Dr. Victor Awuor from Columbus Ohio and Dr. Timothy Ogutu from Dusseldorf Germany.

The neurosurgery team led by Dr. Bethwel Raore and Dr. Lee Ogutha teamed up with JOOTRH doctors, anesthesiologists and nurses under the coordination of the facility’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. George Rae to make the operation a success.

Nyong’o who had been complaining of back pains was diagnosed with a condition known as Cauda Equina Syndrome where tissue stenosis compresses nerves.

He lauded the team for undertaking the operation professionally with limited resources.

“Everything has gone extremely well and I am grateful to the hospital CEO Dr. George Rae and his team for taking very good care of me,” he said.

“I was discharged home the next day on Saturday and I am recovering well. This has given me tremendous relief on my nerves which were compressed,” he added.

He took exception with the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) doctors, nurses and nutritionists for exemplary service.

The historic operation, he said, was proof that with adequate skill development, complex surgeries can be performed in the country.

“It is now very clear to me that even with the existing resources both human and technical we have the capacity to treat conditions that we sometimes shy away from and end up sending huge personal resources elsewhere,” he said.

Nyong’o, who went back to the facility to thank the doctors, asked the County Department of Health to enhance the quality of services at all levels to enhance access to quality health care at affordable and accessible rates.

“I take this opportunity to congratulate JOOTRH and I am proud to give my stamp of approval to the health services you provide. I encourage you to always put the client first. Thank you for literally saving my back,” he said.

For the last eight years, the neurosurgery team has been visiting Kisumu to help build capacity for JOOTRH and give back to the community.

Head of the delegation Dr. Bethwel Raore said the goal of the initiative is to build capacity for neurosurgery at the facility to help the community and the country.

“We are sons of the soil so we are here to give back to the community through building capacity for this hospital. We thank all the patients including the governor for trusting us” he said.

Reporting by KNA

July 17, 2023
UNDP launches digital public infrastructure portfolio

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled its Digital Public Infrastructure portfolio and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy in support of the implementation of Kenya’s Digital Transformation Agenda.

ICT Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MICDE), Eliud Owalo said that the collaborative initiative is well aligned with Ministry’s National Digital masterplan’s five pillars of digital infrastructure, digital services and data management, digital skills, digital entrepreneurship and effective alignment to policy, legal and regulatory frameworks.

“By equipping workers with the necessary digital skills, as envisaged in this partnership and breaking down data silos, automating government services, and fostering the growth of digital jobs and businesses, both parties aim to bedrock the future of Kenya on a solid sustainable and inclusive digital foundation,” said Owalo.

Speaking on Monday at a Nairobi Hotel during the signing of the MoU, the CS said “the government of Kenya recognizes that to achieve our digital agenda we will continually need partners on the deck. As witnessed in this forum, we have representatives from various MDAs, diplomatic missions, private sector organisations and non-governmental institutions.”

UNDP Kenya Resident Representative, Anthony Ngororano said that Kenya is leading the way in digital transformation on the African continent; however, the digital divide remains a challenge.

“Our partnership with the MICDE aims to address this and unlock Kenya’s full digital economy potential,” said Ngororano.

The partnership also aims to drive inclusive digital transformation and bridge the digital divide in Kenya and across Africa.

Collaboration among various stakeholders is paramount to fully unlock the potential of Africa’s digital public infrastructure.

Governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations must work together to create an enabling environment that promotes investment, supports research and development, and nurtures local talent.

Collaboration at regional and continental levels can further enhance knowledge sharing, resource pooling, and the development of scalable solutions to address common challenges, ultimately paving the way for a prosperous and inclusive future.

Reporting by KNA

July 17, 2023
Planned protests are still on, Azimio insist

Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has insisted that the demonstrations will go on as planned and called upon Kenyans to turn out in large numbers.

Addressing the media on Monday, National Assembly Minority leader Opiyo Wandayi affirmed their decision to stand in solidarity with Kenyans to protest for three consecutive days this week against high cost of living.

“Azimio has affirmed that the planned countrywide people’s peaceful demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week are on and called on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers to demand for their rights,” MP Opiyo Wandayi has said.

The Opposition has called for the protests to agitate for a review of the Finance Act 2023 and the high cost of living.

Their statement Monday comes after Kikuyu MP claimed that Azimio leader Raila Odinga is stoking a political crisis to force a handshake settlement.

Ichungwa said that Odinga’s desire is to create a backdoor through mayhem and anarchy to sabotage a legitimately elected government through its anti-government protests.

“The truth is these protests are a product of a refusal to accept reality and the desire to backdoor a way into government. The intention is to flout the law, the design is to cause chaos and make businesses suffer in the false hope that this will cause a power sharing arrangement,” the Kikuyu legislator said.

He said the intended result of the Azimio la Umoja led protests were not about the cost of living but about Raila Odinga’s fifth loss at the Presidential election.

“The Government is addressing the issue of the cost of living but these demonstrations are not about that, they are about Odinga’s bitterness at losing an election for the fifth consecutive time,” MP Ichung’wa noted.

July 17, 2023
KTDA Holdings appoints Enos Njeru as National Chairman

The Board of the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Holdings Limited has appointed Enos Njiru Njeru as its national chairman effective Monday, July 17, 2023.

This follows the resignation of Mr. David Muni Ichoho as Chairman last week on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, through a letter which was received and accepted by the board.

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Njeru said his chairmanship will be committed towards enhancing the welfare of the smallholder tea farmer, with particular focus on the implementation of reforms on issues raised at the recently held tea conference.

“During the recent tea conference held at Kericho, we held thought provoking discussions with passionate stakeholders, who shared their insights and concerns. I want to assure you all that the issues raised will be carefully considered under my chairmanship. I am committed to translating the discussions into action, implementing the necessary reforms, and addressing the challenges faced by our tea farmers with the goal of bettering the returns of their hard work,” he said.

He added, “In line with our commitment to progress, I will champion a comprehensive tea reforms agenda. Our industry is not immune to change, and we must adapt to remain competitive and sustainable. Embracing innovation, exploring new markets, and diversifying our products will be key in expanding the horizons of the tea sector. Together, we will chart a course that elevates the tea industry to new heights of prosperity.”

Mr. Njeru has been a KTDA Holdings Limited board member since July 2021 representing farmers from KTDA Zone Six – which comprises factories in Embu County.

He is a Certified Public Accountant with over 15 years’ experience in finance management.

July 17, 2023
CS Kindiki warns against the planned Azimio-led demonstrations

Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has warned against the Azimio-led demonstrations that are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.

Speaking during a Church Service at St Mary’s Catholic Church Kaanwa in Tharaka Nithi County, Kindiki said he will not allow any attempts to disrupt public order and endanger lives by people hiding under the constitution.

“We have people who are hiding behind the constitution especially on human rights, claiming that they have freedom to demonstrate, to destroy other people’s property, and blocking roads.

I want to say that we will smoke them out from where they are hiding under the constitution to commit crimes,” said Kindiki.

The CS added that based on his training, he has more understanding of the Kenyan constitution than any of the organizers of the demos and that he will be the last one to break it.

“What we have is some criminals citing some parts of the constitution while ignoring others. The same constitution that allows you to protest, is the same one that allows Kenyans the right to own property and have their lives protected,” the CS said.

He noted that the move to deal with illegal demonstrations was not in any way stifling democracy, freedom of speech or political freedoms in the country.

“We have not banned political meetings in any way but what we are saying is that they should be conducted as per the constitution of Kenya,” said Kindiki.

During last Wednesday’s demonstrations, Kindiki added, many people were inconvenienced, shops were looted, people were harassed and others stabbed with knives in the pretext of the freedom of association and assembly but what happened that day will not happen again.

“I accept on Wednesday we didn’t do very well as law enforcement agencies but I promise this week and going forward the country will be ready to deal with those people planning to do so,” said Kindiki.

He warned all those criminals preparing to loot property, block roads and paralyze the economy that he was ready for them and not just in Nairobi but all the 47 counties in the country.

He said any political differences should be solved in terms of policies and not inciting Kenyans into committing crimes.

Reporting by KNA

July 17, 2023
New centre for Malaria elimination launched at MKU

The Government of Japan, in collaboration with Kenya’s ministries of Education and Health have launched a state of the art Malaria research laboratory at Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s main campus in Thika town.

The project aims to evaluate an integrated community-directed strategy for malaria elimination in western Kenya and has achieved significant milestones in the fight against the disease.

The new lab at MKU will be funded by the Government of Japan, Japan’s ambassador to Kenya said in Thika on Friday.

The overall project has made substantial investments in the fight against malaria. The total project cost is approximately Ksh 450 million, with Ksh 300 million allocated for activities in Kenya and Ksh 150 million for activities in Japan.

Launching the facility at MKU’s main campus in Thika town, the envoy said he had visited the project site in Homa Bay County and regretted the fact that malaria has been so devastating a disease in Africa.

“I have been briefed about the challenges facing the people of that region from the malaria disease,” he said.

Added Mr Okinawa; “It is disheartening to know that there continues to be so many people suffering from malaria. It is a complete waste of human resources and human lives.”

The ambassador said malaria has been a persistent threat to residents of Nyanza region and many regions of Kenya.

“MKU vice-chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi said the inauguration of the Centre was a testimony of the university’s unwavering commitment to combating one of the world’s most persistent and devastating tropical diseases. He noted that Malaria remains a formidable global health challenge, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable members of the society, particularly children and pregnant women.

“It ravages communities, undermines economic development and perpetuates a cycle of poverty that we must break. The burden of this disease is not only a health concern but also a social injustice that demands our joint attention and action for eradication,” he said

The VC said MKU has always been at the forefront of addressing societal needs and uplifting communities.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge, fostering innovation and working hand in hand with local communities and global partners to achieve a malaria-free future,” he added.

MKU has postdoctoral candidates and graduate students dedicated to unraveling the complexities of malaria immunity in children and pregnant women.

The VC called upon Kenyans and donors of good will to support the center for sustainability, whether through advocacy, volunteering, or philanthropic contributions so that one day, nobody will ever suffer from malaria, as it will be a thing of the past.

Speaking during the event, MKU Pro-Chancellor, Dr Vincent Gaitho said health is a panacea for development and growth since an unhealthy person cannot perform effectively.

He said the laboratory represents a significant milestone in MKU’s relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation and societal impact.

“We have come together as a community, driven by a shared purpose—to alleviate the burden of disease, eradicate malaria and revolutionize healthcare in our region. Thus, hats-off to the winning team of researchers that brought forth this victory to MKU and Kenya and the region,” Dr Vincent Gaitho said.

In addition to laboratory development, the project has allocated resources for capacity building and training initiatives. Exchange programs for researchers and students between MKU and collaborating Japanese universities, including Osaka City University, have been financially supported.

These programmes aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of individuals involved in malaria research and foster international collaborations.

To strengthen field research capacity, the project has procured field vehicles and mobile research equipment, which has facilitated data collection and surveillance activities in malaria-endemic areas.

It also generating intellectual outputs, including publications and innovations. These contributions have elevated MKU’s profile as a Science and Technology university and have enhanced its webometrics and research rankings.

July 16, 2023
Ruto calls for a constitutional discussion on peaceful demonstrations

President William Ruto is now calling for a constitutional discussion to redefine what amounts to peaceful demonstrations.

During the homecoming and thanksgiving ceremony for Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo in Homa Bay County, the President noted the country cannot afford to witness more incidents of mayhem disguised as peaceful demonstrations.

He warned the government will take stern action against those who abuse the constitution to cause anarchy in the country.

President Ruto would also use the platform to call for a constitutional discussion to clarify the context of peaceful demonstrations.

The Head of State noted that the pockets of violence witnessed in the country in the wake of anti-government protests orchestrated by the opposition cannot continue.

The President further highlighted the government’s development agenda for the Luo Nyanza region.

President Ruto’s visit to the lakeside county of Homa Bay was his third since assuming office.

Interior PS Dr. Omollo in return reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is a success story.

Reporting by Wycliffe Oketch

July 15, 2023
Raila forcing a handshake settlement, Ichung’wa says

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa has claimed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga is stoking a political crisis to force a handshake settlement.

Ichungwa through statement said Odinga’s desire is to create a backdoor through mayhem and anarchy to sabotage a legitimately elected government through its anti-government protests.

“The truth is these protests are a product of a refusal to accept reality and the desire to backdoor a way into government. The intention is to flout the law, the design is to cause chaos and make businesses suffer in the false hope that this will cause a power sharing arrangement,” the Kikuyu legislator said.

“What we are witnessing is not an exercise of “the freedom to assemble” as enshrined in Article 37 of the Constitution. Instead, it is purely a criminal effort by paid and hired gangs to create mayhem, anarchy and terrorism against Kenyans and sabotage a legitimately elected government,” he said.

He said the intended result of the Azimio la Umoja led protests were not about the cost of living but about Raila Odinga’s fifth loss at the Presidential election.

“The Government is addressing the issue of the cost of living but these demonstrations are not about that, they are about Odinga’s bitterness at losing an election for the fifth consecutive time. In his characteristic style, he has resorted to violent and bloody extra-judicial and extra-constitutional means to blackmail the people of Kenya,” MP Ichung’wa noted.

Noting that Mr Odinga has blackmailed successive regimes, the Majority Leader said that the handshake will not be an option, now and in the future.

“We all know where the Lord of violence, is headed with the destructive demonstrations: Cause chaos and shed blood with a view to forcing a handshake,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the Kenya Kwanza Government, MP Ichung’wa called upon the Inspector-General of Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate all acts of criminality, arrest perpetrators and charge them and further take action on financiers and mobilisers of the anti-government protests.

He also urged the IG to investigate the planned mobilization of ethnic criminal gangs being deployed to cause anarchy in strategic areas across the country.

July 15, 2023