KBC Channel 1

Author: Muraya Kamunde

  • CS Machogu calls for more security to avert disruption 

    CS Machogu calls for more security to avert disruption 

    Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has condemned the incident where a teargas canister was hurled at Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi during the Wednesday Anti-government protest.

    He cautioned police against lobbing tear gas at institutions such as schools and hospitals when confronting demonstrators.

    Speaking during a visit at the School where pupils were tear gassed on Wednesday, Machogu appealed for more security in schools to avert disruption of learning.

    While condemning the orchestrators of the violent protests, Machogu called for peace especially near learning and medical institutions.

    Earlier on Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accompanied by other legislators also toured the school and condemned the incident.

    Over 50 pupils at the school were rushed to hospital following the teargas incident.

    One pupil is still admitted while the rest were treated and discharged.

  • Azimio leaders condemn police brutality

    Azimio leaders condemn police brutality

    Azimio-One Kenya Alliance leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua have condemned police brutality on citizens whom they say were only exercising their democratic right to picket.

    “Our Constitution is very clear on the rights of all including that to picket and peacefully demonstrate. The use of excessive force on Wednesday, against unarmed civilians, was unwarranted, unjustified, and against the spirit and articles of our Constitution. More so, that of our moral and ethical constitution,” Kalonzo said.

    The leaders say the Azimio-OKA mantra is a peaceful demonstration that is protected by the law of the land and regretted that police had turned violent against citizens whom they are supposed to protect.

    The leaders spoke during a visit to Shalom and Machakos level 4 hospitals where those who were injured during Wednesday’s opposition demonstrations are undergoing treatment.

    He says the tales of those they visited painted a picture of Kenyans who were about their daily business but excited police decided to fire live bullets against citizens.

    “Many were shot from behind, unaware of the happenings in the streets,” he said.

    Other leaders condemned the police actions as they announced more demonstrations starting Wednesday next week.

    Reporting by Jackline Macharia

  • President Ruto vows to stop any more demonstrations

    President Ruto vows to stop any more demonstrations

    President William Ruto has vowed that the government will not tolerate any more demonstrations by the opposition.

    The President said that he was ready to face opposition leader Raila Odinga face to face warning that any demonstration would only be held in the latter’s home.

    An irate President accused former Head of State Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila of paying youths to cause chaos across the country noting that this would soon be history.

    This came hours after the Azimio La Umoja coalition announced that next week, the demonstrations would run for three days from Wednesday to Friday.

    Reacting to this, Ruto accused Raila for the continued loss of lives and property adding that time was ripe to tame him and his cronies.

    “This man was behind the 1982 coup, he tried to destabilize Kibaki’s government and I have vowed that this time I will make sure there are no more violent demonstrations,” he said.

    Speaking in Kinamba center in Naivasha after officially opening the Naivasha-Njabini road, the President admitted that the cost of living had gone up.

    “In the coming months we shall have bumper harvest across the country following our fertilizer subsidy programme and this will bring down the cost of living,” he said.

    He was quick to note that the cost of living would not be addressed through violent demonstrations while ruling out any ‘handshake’ with Raila.

    “Raila should learn that elections ended last year and we shall not allow any extra-constitutional means to join the government,” he said.

    Ruto who referred to Raila as the ‘King of Anarchy’ wondered how many more people would die in the guise of demonstrations before calling off the demonstrations.

    “The handshake brothers are paying youths to cause chaos in the country yet they are responsible for the economic crisis after leaving the country with a debt of Kshs. 9 trillion,” he said.

    Taking cue from their boss, several MPs led by the Leader of Majority in Parliament Kimani Ichung’wa noted that the demonstrations were part of a plan to topple the government by August.

    He alleged that the billions looted in the previous regime were now being used to recruit and pay Mungiki youths to cause chaos in the country.

    “We are aware of a plan to topple the government by August this year by Raila and his handshake brother and we shall no longer entertain them,” he said.

    He revisited the ICC case where Uhuru was charged with crimes against humanity adding the country had not forgotten the issue.

    EALA MP Kanini Kega challenged his former boss to delink himself from the demonstrations that were hurting the common mwananchi.

    “Ruto stood with Uhuru for so many years and we are asking Uhuru to give the President peace to serve the country and keep off from destroying the projects he started,” he said.

    On her part, Naivasha Mp Jane Kihara accused Uhuru for the current chaos that has left over ten people dead in the country.

    Others who spoke were Kinangop Mp Zachary Kenya and his Wajir West counterpart Adan Keynan who called on Ruto to remain steadfast and deal ruthlessly with the demonstrations.

    Reporting by Antony Gitonga  

  • TVET students from slum areas gain training in CV and job application

    TVET students from slum areas gain training in CV and job application

    Students from the MOHI Technical Training Institute in Nairobi were today trained on job application, CV writing and interview skills by BrighterMonday.

    The training which is part of the leading recruitment firm aims at impacting the students with soft skills that they can use when applying for various jobs within the Kenya and global markets.

    “Today majority of our college and university graduates fail to secure jobs because they are not equipped with job interview skills like a presentable resume, interview techniques and soft skills of presentation. This is why we are partnering with MOHI technical institute to train over 500 students on these job market skills,” says BrighterMonday Chief Executive Officer, Chris Otundo.

    This is part of the firm’s Corporate Social Investment program that aims to equip millions of Kenyan youth with job placement and interview skills.

    Chris further added that “As a company we have a plan of training and equipping youth with the right soft skills that they can combine with their hard skills to acquire jobs or even pitch for a business funding for those interested in self-employment.

    Cynthia Wairimu, a student at the MOHI technical institute laments the challenges she faces whenever presented with a job interview opportunity.

    “Confidence and a good resume has always been among the challenges I have faced so far, but today with this kind of training I can say that I have gained the basic soft skills that are one needs when attending a job interview, “comments Ms Wairimu.

    The Beauty therapy students also reveals that   most of her peers fail to secure jobs during an interview because of poor research and preparations.

    “You will find that someone has no idea of the role they are applying for or they don’t understand what the pay range in that job category hence they end up flopping at the negotiation table. We understand that the job market is very competitive and training institutions should invest in such forums where their students gained the interview skills that they can use to beat the interviewers at their game and secure their dream jobs,”Ms Wairimu affirms.

    MOHI institute runs TVET program under the Mission of Hope International-a global non-governmental organization that aims to transform lives through Christ.

    “This institute and the entire organization are geared towards addressing the social problems like unemployment and that’s why we work in slum areas where government are not able. Unemployment in the slums is rampant because the dwellers lack skills hence we offer a three months program that equip them with job skills they can tap into to make a living,” comments Dr. Charles Omwanza, Principal, MOHI Technical Training Institute.

    Currently the institute runs a number TVET centres located at Joska area, Dandora, Huruma, Kariobangi North and Turkana County.

    Dr. Omwanza opines that, “We are trying to reach the marginalized youth in every corner of this country in a bid to scale down unemployment as well as poverty .This training forum is something that we shall be undertaking as an institute where our students will be trained on the job interview skillset, we plan to have at least 500 every quarter.”

    BrighterMonday, a job matching platform emerged the overall winner at the prestigious Kenya E-commerce Awards under the category of Best E-Recruitment Platform. It also won the Best recruitment firm category at the Pacesetter Awards.

  • Azimio to resume demos Wednesday next week

    Azimio to resume demos Wednesday next week

    Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party has said that it will hold its anti-government protests on Wednesday next week.

    Addressing the media on Thursday evening, the opposition outfit also announced five-days of mourning for protesters who lost their lives on Wednesday.

    Azimio has called for protests to force the government to review the Finance Act 2023 with the launch of a public portal in its attempt to hit the 15 Million signatures.

    Opposition leader Raila Odinga said the coalition is keen on forcing the executive to abide by the rule of law through the signature drive.

    So far, 1.2 million have been collected even as the opposition rallied Kenyans for demonstrations planned for Wednesday.

    During the launch of the website www.tumechoka.com, Raila said it’s only through unity of purpose that the government can start listening to Kenyans’ grievances.

    “The digital platform we have unveiled is complementary to all other efforts and platforms including civil disobedience, tax boycotts and defiance that are meant to compel the regime to repeal the Finance Act 2023 and take deliberate steps to lower the cost of living,” said Raila.

    The decision was necessitated by the government’s failure to address the opposition’s grievances including punitive taxes, high cost of living, electoral fraud, and biased recruitment of electoral commissioners.

  • Governor Sakaja reshuffles his cabinet

    Governor Sakaja reshuffles his cabinet

    Nairobi Governor Johson Sakaja has re-organized his County Executive Committee Members barely a year since elected in office.

    In a statement Thursday, the Governor said the reshuffling was done in accordance with Article 31 (ba) (d) of the County Government Act 2012.

    In the new changes, Maureen Njeri who was CEC for Green Nairobi has been moved to Business and Hustler Opportunities.

    Governor Sakaja put in charge Suzanne Silantoi to the Health, Wellness and Nutrition docket while Rosemary Kariuki moved to Talent, Skills and Care.

    CEC member Patrick Mbogo was moved from Mobility and Works to Boroughs, Administration and Personnel.

    Dr Anastasia Nyalita who was in charge Health, Wellness and Nutrition of was moved to Inclusivity, Public Participation and Customer Service.

    The Governor also replaced Brian Mulama as the head of Talent, Skills and Care docket to Mobility and Works.

    In his new reshuffle announced Thursday, the Governor retained Charles Kerich (Finance and Economic Affairs, Stephen Gathuita Mwangi (Built Environment and Urban Planning and Michael Magero Gumo (Innovation and Digital Economy).

  • CS Mutua calls for consolidation of Africa’s voice for fair trade

    CS Mutua calls for consolidation of Africa’s voice for fair trade

    Foreign Affairs CS Dr Alfred Mutua on Thursday welcomed AU Member States to the 43rd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council meeting being held in Nairobi.

    Addressing the meeting themed, “Year of AfCFTA Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation,” CS Mutua urged Member States to accelerate integration, create synergies and build on comparative advantages that allow for free trade with each other in order to unlock collective socio-economic potential in Africa.

    On climate change, the CS called on consolidation of Africa’s voice to amplify the need for a fair share of global trade and investments.

    On peace and security, he reiterated that Kenya remains committed to the Silencing of Guns initiative and has actively participated in peace and mediation efforts at the regional level.

    “The Destiny of Africa is in our hands to shape it to a place of prosperity, full of social-economic opportunities and hope for our people,” said CS Mutua.

  • Azimio’s signature collection an exercise in futility, Bondo MP says

    Azimio’s signature collection an exercise in futility, Bondo MP says

    Bondo MP Dr Gideon Ochanda has termed the ongoing signature collection exercise by Azimio One Kenya Alliance coalition aimed at removing President William Ruto from office as an exercise in futility.

    Dr Ochanda said that the signature collection exercise only applies for recall of Members of Parliament or Members of county assembly who have served for two and a half years.

    He said there are stipulated ways in the constitution on how the president may be removed but collection of signatures is not one of them.

    “I do not wish to belittle what the Azimio people are doing. The proponents of signature collection exercise may have known how it will be useful for them but from my understanding it may just be to try and show how popular the idea of removal of president is but will not be useful beyond that,” Ochanda said.

    Ochanda was speaking in his Bondo constituency after a section of ODM ward representatives led by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi had led protesters on a day long anti-government demonstration where residents were asked to participate in the 15 million target signature collection exercise to remove President William Ruto.

    Ochanda further faulted the Alego Usonga MP’s call to residents of Nyanza to abscond President Ruto’s event during the impending Presidential visit saying maintaining Atandi’s remarks was not only against the law but also unfortunate.

    “President Ruto had previously visited Nyanza and we welcomed him with open arms. For anyone to insinuate that the president cannot go to some part of the country is illegal. We only have one president and as people of Nyanza, we have to work with him to realize our development goals,” Ochanda said.

    President Ruto is scheduled to visit Homa Bay and Siaya counties respectively in the next two weeks and is expected to launch development projects including 28 km Bondo- Liunda road, Solar power project in Mageta and the construction of Usenge-Got Agulu causeway in Bondo constituency.

    The President is also expected to address the perennial arrest of Kenyan fishermen by Uganda security forces in Lake Victoria during his planned visit.

    The legislator called on the people of Nyanza and especially residents of Bondo  to turn up in huge numbers to receive the president saying those leaders opposed to his visit should keep off just like those opposed to Maandamano kept off demonstrations.

    Dr Ochanda on the other hand called on Azimio leaders to reconsider their calls for “Maandamano” saying the demonstrations are being used by hooligans to destroy property which is a setback on development achieved especially in the Nyanza region.

    “I am still in Azimio and a member of ODM party. I have no problem with what Azimio leadership is planning so long as it is within the law. Right now the ongoing demonstrations are no longer for the intended purpose and are being used to destroy property and ensure the country is at a standstill. I call on my colleagues in Azimio to reconsider their strategy on “Maandamano” which is getting out of hand,” urged Ochanda.

    The day long demonstrations left a trail of destruction in Bondo with scores injured after battling with police.

    Reporting by KNA

  • Gachagua: Govt to support initiatives to combat climate change

    Gachagua: Govt to support initiatives to combat climate change

    Actions to tackle the effects of climate change will adequately receive Government support, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said.

    Speaking during the launch of the Parliamentary Caucus on climate change on Thursday, DP Gachagua said such projects aimed at addressing climate change are critical solutions to solving the crisis.

    “Climate Change is a real threat to our existence. Therefore, every initiative geared towards supporting our programmes to combat this challenge will receive adequate support from the Government,” Said Gachagua.

    Gachagua called on all elected leaders to make a contribution in mitigating the effects of climate change by joining the government’s initiative to plant 15 billion trees.

    “We have to deal with negative effects of climate change and we must think smart and change the way we do things. We must move away from rain fed agriculture to irrigation.” Observed the DP.

    “We must double our efforts in water harvesting and strengthen our resilient measures especially in Arid and Semi-Arid areas,” he said.

    Last year, President William Ruto launched a tree restoration program in an effort to combat the effects of climate change in the country.

    The initiative, which aims to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, will work to reduce greenhouse emissions, stop and reverse deforestation, restore 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes through the African Landscape Restoration Initiative.

  • Kang’ata calls for dialogue to end indifferences over Delmonte land

    Kang’ata calls for dialogue to end indifferences over Delmonte land

    Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has cautioned some politicians against inciting local residents over land the county acquired two years ago from a fruit processing firm, Delmonte Company.

    Kang’ata observed that some politicians are leading groups of residents to demand part of the 1, 400 acres of land which the company has ceded to the devolved administration.

    He noted despite some groups having agitated to get land from Delmonte, there is need for dialogue to end the indifferences and allow the county government to utilize the land for the benefit of residents.

    Kandara resident’s association, for many years had engaged Delmonte Company in a legal suit seeking to get part of the firm’s land claiming their forefathers were pushed out of their land by colonizers.

    During renewal of the land lease, Delmonte ceded 1, 400 acres of the land to Murang’a county government and other hundreds of acres to Kiambu government.

    Kang’ata, speaking in a local TV show on Wednesday night, observed that his administration has already done a survey of the land and has a masterplan on how to utilize the land located at Kabati area along Thika-Kenol road.

    “On the land, we are planning to put up a Level-5 hospital to assist the Kenneth Matiba eye and dental hospital in Kenol town which is hosted in a rental building.

    “The county government spends more than Sh. 16.5 million annually to cater for rent of the building hosting the hospital,” explained Kang’ata.

    He added that there is urgent need to relocate the hospital from a rental facility saying his administration is at the tendering process for construction of a new hospital on the ceded land.

    The land is also expected to host an industrial park, affordable housing project, a public school among other projects.

    Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria in the recent past has been meeting officials from the ministry of lands, county government, Kandara Resident Association and Delmonte in efforts to reach a truce about the land.

    Meanwhile Kang’ata said his administration was working on a legislation that would compel Nairobi County to pay for water fetched from Murang’a.

    He said 75pc of water consumed in Nairobi is channeled from Murang’a, thus a need to provide an incentive to facilitate planting of more trees in the Ndakaini and Aberdare catchment areas.

    “The best way to approach the matter is through legislation to ensure water abstraction is paid for. We are not ready for activism as we look for incentives to support tree planting,” said the governor.

    Reporting by KNA