KBC Channel 1

Author: Nicholas Kigondu

  • Probe launched to unravel killing of a Police officer at a drinking den in Kibarani

    Probe launched to unravel killing of a Police officer at a drinking den in Kibarani

    Police are investigating the brutal murder of a Police Officer stationed at Mikindani Police Station in Jomvu Sub-County.

    The lifeless body of the male Police Officer was discovered in the wee hours of Wednesday morning by a passerby in Kibarani village in Bahati Sub-Location lying in a pool of blood near an alcohol drinking den famously known as Mangwe.

    The Police Officer was reportedly assaulted in the same area on Friday last week.

    Jomvu Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) Lydia Wanjiru confirmed the incident saying the Police Officer Muhidin Sheikh met his death while on general duty.

    “Today morning we got a report that a lifeless body of a man was found in Kibarani village. We identified the body as one of our own. It has saddened us,” said the Jomvu SCPC.

    She warned the public against taking the law into their hands urging them to instead report cases to relevant government agencies for action.

    “We don’t want a repeat of this awful incident. If someone has an issue with a Police Officer or fellow citizen, they should lodge a complaint in our offices and we will assist them. We should not lose the life of anyone else. Investigations are ongoing; we don’t know what caused the conflict or death,” stated the Jomvu Sub-County Police boss.

    She revealed that the Police are in hot pursuit of one suspect who is still at large to unravel the mystery surrounding the death of the Officer found with serious cuts on the head.

    “I don’t know what transpired but we have one suspect in custody who will assist us with investigations,” said the SCPC.

    Alex Mwega, Kibarani Village Elder said he was called by a person who saw the lifeless body lying in a pool of blood and he informed the police.

    Another Village Elder, Alfred Wafula, said after receiving the report he rushed to the scene and thwarted attempts by a lady who operates the drinking den to escape.

    The residents have called for a crackdown on illegal drinking dens saying they pose serious risks to their safety.

  • Theresa May lauds Kenya’s efforts in fight against modern slavery and human trafficking

    Theresa May lauds Kenya’s efforts in fight against modern slavery and human trafficking

    Former British Prime Minister Theresa May has commended Kenya’s efforts in stemming modern slavery and human trafficking.

    May, who has been in the country chairing meetings of state and non-state actors on the eradication of the vices, however said a lot more still needs to be done to free millions of people who are still in bondage.

    “It will be good for Kenya to take a lead role in the region in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. I am encouraged by the steps taken to protect vulnerable women and girls who form the majority of the people in slavery,” said May.

    The former Premier is chairing the Global Commision on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking which aims to exert high-level political leverage to restore political momentum towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 8.7.

    The particular SDG seeks to eradicate forced labour, and end modern slavery and human trafficking.

    “In the end, we want governments to not only pass laws but also work to implement them to ensure perpetrators are held to account,” said May.

    Speaking to KBC Digital in Nairobi, Theresa May said she understands the political environment in which the Commission operates, but it was incumbent upon decision-makers to deal decisively with human trafficking which is estimated to rake in billions of shillings annually.

    “It will be impossible to completely eradicate these problems by 2030, but we strongly believe that the steps we are taking now will contribute immensely to the commitment already shown by all partners.”  She observed.

    May said technology is increasingly being used to entice people to take up jobs abroad, many of whom end up in slavery.

    “We are working with tech giants to understand what is already being done to identify, flag, and deal with this unethical use of the internet,” says May.

    More than 4 million Kenyans work abroad, with 200,000 of them in the Middle East. Some of those who have ventured out and sought the opportunities have complained of being compelled to work in hostile environments. Many migrant workers have also lost their lives in some of these countries under mysterious circumstances.

    “Today more and more people are becoming vulnerable to modern slavery, trafficking, and forced labour due to several global challenges, including climate change and the war in Ukraine, yet at the same time I fear that modern slavery has fallen down the global political agenda,” says May.

  • Modern slavery: The complexities of fighting a faceless enemy

    Modern slavery: The complexities of fighting a faceless enemy

    It is Monday afternoon in a tiny compound in one of Nairobi’s suburbs. A dozen teenage girls are hurdled in one of the corners, waiting patiently for a very special guest, Theresa May.

    Until today, some of them had only read about her on the internet and maybe a couple of times watched videos of her on YouTube answering tough questions in the House of Commons.

    Today it’s their turn to ask the questions, though not as tough as those fielded by British Members of Parliament. It’s also their chance to tell their stories with the hope that the brief interaction will inspire a wind of change that will break the shackles that have enslaved millions of others around the world.

    One by one they greet the former Premier, who is on a global assignment to get governments talking and taking deliberate actions to end modern slavery and human trafficking. They then begin to narrate to Mrs. May how they ended up at the Maisha Girls Safe House.

    Pendo *not her real name* was trafficked from Nairobi to Nakuru to work as a house manager. She had just dropped out of school when a relative convinced her to take up the role. Determined to help her parents cater to her three younger siblings, she put her life on hold and moved in with a family in Nakuru with the hope of raising money to send back home.

    “Everything seemed normal at the beginning, until my boss’s husband began sneaking back to the house to sexually abuse me,” Pendo tells Theresa May. “He would force himself on me and threaten to kill me if I uttered a word to his wife.”

    “For weeks I was restricted to the compound, and never allowed to venture outside, until one afternoon when I was finally sent to buy groceries,” Pendo says with teary eyes. Overwhelmed, she then pauses before she continues to narrate how the shopkeeper took her by the hand and whisked her to the nearest police station.

    “On our way to the station the shopkeeper told me that he had been monitoring the happenings at the home and felt that I needed saving, ” says Pendo.

    Just like Pendo, every girl here has a story. Moraa* says she was molested in Kisii, trafficked and raped in Narok, then trafficked once again to Nairobi where she endured more sexual abuse before she was rescued and sent to the safe house.

    Sheila* has been at the Maisha Girls Safe House for 7 years. She says that in that time, she has managed to finish high school and is now studying criminology at the University. Sheila appears oldest among the girls here and has a litany of questions for the former British Premier, who chairs the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

    “What are you going to do to ensure perpetrators of sexual and gender-based violence are made to pay for what they are doing to us?” Sheila asks Theresa May. “I cannot promise that results will be achieved by tomorrow, but we are in this to ensure governments recognize the magnitude of the problem and raise political momentum towards the eradication of modern slavery and human trafficking.” May tells Sheila.

    The Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking is an international initiative led by The Rt Hon Theresa May, MP, aimed at accelerating political momentum to achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking. The Commission comprises CEOs, former world leaders, academics, and influential civil society leaders.

    The recent Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report revealed a rise of 10 million people forced to work or marry since 2016. The report estimates that about 50 million people are currently living in modern slavery. Launched on 5th October 2023, following a scoping study that highlighted the urgent need for such an initiative, the Commission seeks to address the increased vulnerability to exploitation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, new and protracted conflicts, and the direct effects of climate change.

    May is leading the Commission at a meeting in Nairobi and has convened cross-sector stakeholders to discuss the direct impact of these issues in Kenya and across the African continent. While in Nairobi, the Commission will also host meetings with African leaders, civil society organizations and people with lived experience to acquire a geographical perspective on a range of issues such as the effect of conflict and the civil society response in conflict situations, forced labor in supply chains including mining sectors in the region. The visit will be a scoping exercise ahead of the Global Commission report due to be published next year.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Matatu owners want government to reconsider introduction of Motor Vehicle Tax

    Matatu owners want government to reconsider introduction of Motor Vehicle Tax

    The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) is urging the government to rescind the proposed motor vehicle annual tax as contained in the draft Finance Bill, 2024.

    MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha termed the tax, to be capped at a minimum of 5,000 and a maximum of 100,000 shillings, as a death knell to the country’s budding automotive industry.

    The association has vowed to oppose the Finance Bill 2024, as it will affect their businesses.

    “We still pay other taxes from fuel levy to insurance. We are telling the government that 2.5 per cent (Motor Vehicle tax) as an association we can’t support because the same vehicles are the ones carrying the hustlers,” said Karakacha.

    He urged the government to exclude the tax on the Bill. “We have a listening President. We believe it will be put away.”

    The MOA Chairman was speaking in Mombasa during a Road Safety Clinic organised in partnership with GB Auto.

    Karakacha said they have been conducting countrywide road safety clinics that have significantly reduced road carnage.

    “We want to make sure we change the image of the transport industry,” stated Karakacha, adding, that the road accidents witnessed in the country were caused by the heavy rains that affected visibility on the roads.

    Karakacha lauded GB Auto for supporting the matatu industry through the introduction of a high-quality vehicle dubbed King Long Van.

    GB Auto handed over a van assembled in the country valued at 3 million shillings to Sabaki SACCO on a one-month pilot.

    Buyers will enjoy a free service of up to 1000 kilometres and a warrant of three years.

    “We are relatively new in the market but with the best products, therefore we want the SACCO to have the opportunity to enjoy our service,” said GB Auto Mombasa Branch Manager Edwin Okombo.

     

  • APTAK roots for mandatory pension savings for all employees

    APTAK roots for mandatory pension savings for all employees

    The Association of Pension Trustees and Administrators of Kenya (APTAK) is advocating for mandatory pension savings for all citizens to ensure financial security and stability for individuals in their retirement years.

    Speaking at the APTAK 3rd International Annual Conference held in Mombasa, association’s President Hosea Kili emphasized the importance of mandatory pension saving, noting that just as saving for affordable housing through the housing levy and mandatory medical cover have been successfully implemented, it is crucial to advocate for compulsory pension savings.

    The 3-day conference under the theme “Navigating the Nexus of Sustainability and Social Equity in Pension Investments” highlighted pension funds’ critical role in building a stronger, more equitable future for Kenyans.

    The conference brought together pension trustees, administrators, regulators, investment professionals, and policymakers to discuss critical issues impacting the sustainability and resilience of Kenya’s pension sector.

    “The 3rd Annual APTAK Conference has been a resounding success, as stewards of pension funds, we must adopt a more holistic approach to our investment strategies and navigate the complexities of sustainable investing. This conference has not only sparked meaningful dialogues but also spurred collaborative action towards nurturing a more sustainable and inclusive future.” he added.

    Among notable resolutions to emerge from the conference included the establishment of a group investment committee to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with key stakeholders such as Fund Managers Associations, APTAK, NSE, CMA, and RBA.

  • Kenya and Germany complete labour mobility negotiations

    Kenya and Germany complete labour mobility negotiations

    Kenya and Germany have successfully concluded negotiations on the draft Comprehensive Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement.

    The negotiations, that took place in Nairobi on 14th to 15th May, were a follow up of the initial round of negotiations held in Berlin, Germany, in March this year.

    The agreement aims to establish a framework for cooperation on migration and labour mobility between the two nations.

    Labour and skills development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime headed the Kenyan delegation while Diaspora Affairs PS Roseline Njogu was the lead negotiator on Kenya’s side.

    The German Federal Republic delegation on the other hand was led by Dr. Joachim Stamp, the Special Commissioner for Migration Agreements and Mr. Holger Schamberg from the Ministry of Interior and Community.

    “Being an international bilateral agreement, the draft agreement shall be subjected to the relevant internal legal and procedural checks by both governments” said the officials in a joint communique issued at the completion of the negotiations.

    The official signing has been set for September 2024. Implementation of the agreement will commence with a job fair in Nairobi.

    Both countries have committed to its full realisation through the joint implementation committee.

    PS Mwadime affirmed his commitment to the process which he said will smoothen the labour mobility for Kenyans.

    “We are committed to developing a clear framework to allow migration of Kenyan skilled workers in a safe, orderly and regular manner. This will ease mobility and fast track migration between the two countries.” PS Mwadime said.

    He thanked negotiators from both parties for adopting a friendly environment, which made it easy to arrive at general consensus in most of the substantive issues.

    The two countries agreed to form the joint committee in February this year following a meeting held in Berlin between Labour CS Florence Bore and her German counterpart Hubertus Heil.

    The ongoing negotiations result from the initiative conceptualized between President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

    During the first meeting, CS Bore informed the German government of the measures in place to streamline Labour Migration through restructuring of its policies and legal and institutional framework to support seamless Migration and mobility with Germany.

    “Kenya seeks to fill the skills deficit in Germany’s labour market with its well-trained, qualified, hardworking and disciplined labour force in various fields of ICT, health care, construction, engineering, agriculture and hospitality among others. We are able and ready to supply the required labour to fill in the skills deficient in your labour market,” said the CS.

  • Change of guard at the Coast Development Authority

    Change of guard at the Coast Development Authority

    The Coast Development Authority (CDA) Board of Directors and Employees Wednesday bade goodbye to the outgoing Managing Director (MD) Dr Mohamed Keinan after an eight-year stint.

    CDA Chairman Mzee Mwinyi said the board unanimously appointed Pamela Ngure, Director of Corporate Services as the Acting MD.

    The Chairman said the position needs a bold, resilient and a tough person as it comes with its own challenges especially on decision making.

    He lauded Dr. Keinan leadership for transforming and impacting the lives of the employees and the public.

    The Chairman urged employees to sensitize coast region leaders and residents about CDA and its impact on their livelihoods.

    “All the good projects that have been done, we need them to be visible,” he said, adding that Regional Development Authorities (RDAs) are the implementers of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

    The Incoming MD Pamela Ngure promised to build on the success of her predecessor to steer the authority to greater heights.

    Dr.  Geoffrey Rono, Manager Directorate of Corporate Services termed Dr Keinan as determined, focused, resilient, risk taker and a progressive MD in the history of CDA.

    “He took CDA in an ‘ICU bed’ it was well known in the ministry. I could imagine how much he could do to rescue CDA. You can attest that CDA has moved from where it wasn’t supposed to be to where it is,” said Dr Rono.

    Dr Keinan put in place human resource instruments for career progression, a medical cover, and employees are now assured of pension.

    “Today, you’re lucky you can leave CDA and within one month you have your pension dues. It is not easy in the government cycles. If you’re in the mainstream government you’ll spend a fortune to look for your pension,” he added, urging employees not to negate the achievements.

    On his part, Dr. Keinan thanked CDA employees for their support during his eight years at the helm of CDA.

    To achieve progress Dr Keinan advises the incoming Manager to always look for relevant stakeholders, to attract, hire and retain competent team and strategies for resource mobilization.

    “Let meritocracy guide this institution. Let the best be given positions on merit. The moment you’re going to introduce some ‘panya movements’ it will not achieve the desired goal,” said Dr. Keinan.

    Dr Keinan urged the incoming Manager to make pragmatic decision by incorporating the opinions of other stakeholders and not to be rigid. “The person taking over needs to ride on the successes that we have achieved,” he said.

     

     

     

  • Ethiopia’s maiden ship MV Abbey docks at Lamu Port, marking milestone in regional trade

    Ethiopia’s maiden ship MV Abbey docks at Lamu Port, marking milestone in regional trade

    The Lamu Port has received Ethiopia’s maiden ship dubbed MV Abbey which imported 60,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer meant for Southern Ethiopia in a move that signals the East African region’s readiness towards using the LAPSSET corridor.

    At hand to grace the reception, were two Ethiopian Cabinet Ministers; Minister of Agriculture Girma Amante and his counterpart from the Transport docket Dange Boru who led a high-level delegation from the Ethiopian Maritime Authority and the Ethiopian Shipping and Logistics department to mark the maiden reception alongside Kenyan dignitaries.

    Speaking during the reception, Kenya Ports Authority MD Captain William Ruto hailed the reception as a milestone that proves the viability of the Lamu Port and the adjacent LAPSSET corridor.

    He stated that the arrival is symbolic; regionally as it marks the significant strides that the Kenyan government has taken towards cementing a fruitful business partnership with Ethiopia.

    “This moment marks not only a successful trade transaction but also a significant step towards strengthening regional integration and fostering economic cooperation between our nations,” The KPA MD underscored.

    LAPSSET Director General Simon Ikua observed that the reception of MV Abby further signals the government’s commitment towards regional integration by developing a second commercial port (Lamu Port) to tap into the enormous economic potential posed not only by the northern corridor but also by Southern Ethiopia.

    He further reiterated the national government’s commitment towards improving areas within the LAPSSET corridor and expanding the road network to cover the northern corridor extensively.

    Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture Girma Amante in his remarks stated that the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transit Corridor is a transformative project critical for Africa’s ambition to establish a continental free trade area, as it supports the free movement of goods, services and people across the common borders.

    “Ethiopia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, given the size of its population, as the second most populous country in Africa. Therefore, it is a necessity to diversify our access to the seaports,” Amante said.

    A loader loading fertilizer in a lorry at the port of Lamu meant for Ethiopia

    On his part, Ethiopia’s Transport and Logistics minister Dange Boru noted that the expansion of the LAPSSET corridor will facilitate movement of goods, reduce transportation as well as pose socioeconomic advantages for both Kenya and Ethiopia.

    “Regional trade will greatly increase with the continued use of the LAPSSET corridor as well as there being industrial growth, job creation and a general sense of improvement of livelihoods by those living along the LAPSSET corridor,” he noted.

    Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy in his remarks reiterated the county’s support towards the realization of the LAPSSET dream which he stated will significantly improve the fortunes of those living in Lamu.

    . From Left Ethiopia’s Transport and Logistics minister Dange Boru, Lamu County Governor Issa Timamy, Kenya Ports Authority MD Captain William Ruto and Ethiopia’s Minister of Agriculture Girma Amante at Lamu port during the flagging off of 60,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer meant for Ethiopia.

    He stated that expectations are already rife among residents over the advantages presented by the success of the first commercial shipment being made through the Lamu Port, amid continued interest among commercial investors.

    “We are aware of the interest being posed by investors, who have slowly come to the realization that the Lamu Port as well as the LAPSSET corridor is likely to pose advantages in terms of a faster turnaround of offloading and transport of goods not only to Ethiopia but also to the wider Kenyan and East African region,” he stated.

    Lamu County Acting County Commissioner Charles Kitheka on his part said the national government will continue to invest heavily towards making the LAPSSET corridor safe for investors and residents alike.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • CDA scales up its development agenda for sustainable growth

    The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is scaling up its development programmes as it seeks to improve socio-economic well-being of those living in the region.

     The Regional Authority is also aligning its socio-economic activities in the Coast region to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) plan, championed by the National government, to be in tandem with the government agenda on food security.

    CDA Managing Director (MD), Dr. Mohamed Keinan, says the Authority is investing in economic programmes, as well as boosting transformational agricultural, water and maritime activities in the coastal counties of Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Tana River.

    Dr. Keinan says development projects in the coastal counties are being aligned to the government’s five-point BETA plan, which is President William Ruto’s focal point in ensuring his Administration delivers its pre-election pledges to Kenyans.

    The BETA Plan focuses on Agricultural Transformation and Inclusive Growth; Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs); Housing and Settlement, Healthcare, Digital Superhighway and the Creative Industry.

    He says CDA is also rehabilitating areas surrounding the 20 billion shillings Mwache Multipurpose Dam project, which seeks to help tackle persistent water shortages in Kwale, Mombasa and Kilifi Counties.

    CDA has constructed gabions and installed markers and stakes around the banks of the dam site, to prevent local farmers from exploiting the riparian land

    Mwache Dam is an 87.5-meter-tall concrete gravity dyke, holding 118 million cubic meters of water for supply and irrigation and is expected to boost the water supply for Kwale, and Mombasa counties.

    Dr. Keinan says the Mwache Dam project is part of the Second Phase of the Water Security and Climate Resilience programme, which focuses on the coastal counties of Mombasa and Kwale.

    Construction of the Mwache Dam project, is meant to harness the floodwaters from Mwache River Basin in Kinango Sub-County and help tackle persistent water shortages in the coastal region.

    “CDA is committed to improving the social and economic well-being of residents in the coastal region through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships and our focus is on fostering sustainable development, creating opportunities, and enhancing the quality of life for all,” he said.

    CDA MD says the Authority is actively engaging stakeholders in raising awareness on the importance of riparian conservation, to promote social and economic development in the region.

    According to Keinan, climate volatility is leading to decreased crop yields, food insecurity, and malnutrition, hence the need for CDA to support climate-resilient and sustainable agriculture.

    “CDA has prioritized food security programs to help combat poverty among local communities striving to create a sustainable and inclusive environment, where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive,” says Dr. Keinan.

    Director Planning and Research at CDA, Dr. Geoffrey Rono says the Authority is now shifting its focus on livestock feedlots, to boost beef production, the fruit-tree program and the blue economy sector.

    Muhidin Musa, a local marine conservationist, contends that the coral reefs in the Indian Ocean have degraded over the years due to unsustainable fishing activities and climate change.

    Musa, a member of the Wasini Beach Management Unit says threats to oceans are exacerbated by climate change, over-fishing, waste dumping and uncontrolled coastal development.

    He says the corals are incredibly important for fish, lobsters and invertebrates and welcomed the coral restoration programme championed by CDA.

    Galole farmers’ cooperative chairman in Tana River County Hussein Alibichho says the Hola integrated fruit processing factory is helping local farmers to process their fruits, create employment opportunities and increase their income.

     

     

  • Ministry of Health set to unveil adolescents’ guide for parents and caregivers

    Ministry of Health set to unveil adolescents’ guide for parents and caregivers

    The Ministry of Health is finalizing the development of a guide that seeks to provide parents and caregivers with comprehensive and accurate information on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in the face of emerging threats facing the age group.

    Dubbed, understanding adolescents, a guide for parents and caregivers; the handbook is meant to equip Parents and Caregivers with relevant knowledge to effectively provide guidance that is responsive to the needs of today’s adolescent.

    According to Mary Magubo, the Social and Behavioural Change and communications coordinator at the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health, the guide is in line with the National Reproductive Health Policy (2022 – 2032) which aims at improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes in the country.

    “The Ministry recognizes that insufficient access to comprehensive and accurate information about Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) for parents and caregivers has significant and far-reaching consequences.” Noted Magubo.

    Though the country appears to be making progress in reducing the national prevalence of FGM, teenage pregnancy, and gender-based violence, concern remains over current rates with the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 key indicators report revealing that teenage pregnancy rates remain at 15 percent in the country.

    Magubo says the development of the guide, which is spearheaded by the Division of Reproductive and Maternal Health, has benefited from a wealth of knowledge drawn from various stakeholder groups.

    The guide covers a host of topics ranging from adolescent sexual and reproductive health, communicating with adolescents, career choices, social media, harmful practices, nutrition, personal hygiene and grooming   to mental health and life skills.