KBC Channel 1

Author: Nicholas Kigondu

  • Rise in donkey theft sparks urgent plea for action

    Rise in donkey theft sparks urgent plea for action

    Donkey farmers in Narok County have expressed concern over increased cases donkey theft within the region.

    Led by the Association of Donkey Owners of Kenya (ADOK) Narok Branch Chairperson Margaret Mpatiany, the farmers say over 50 donkeys have been reported missing in the county within the past two months.

    “We are wondering where our animals are going. They are mostly stolen during the night, and our attempts to follow them have been in vain,” said Ms. Mpatiany.

    She described the donkey as their sole means of transport, especially during the long rainy seasons when roads become impassable.

    “Because of the donkey, we, as Maasai women, do not bother the government to reduce the cost of fuel, as we have ready transport to the market places. But with the new trend of stealing our donkeys, we are afraid we may start seeking help from the government,” she added.

    In Nkaretta area, Narok Central Sub-County,Josephine Nasieku lamented that her two donkeys were stolen in the early hours of the night last month, and attempts to trace them have proven futile.

    According to Mpatiany, when slaughterhouses in Mogotio, Baringo County, and Naivasha were closed, incidents of donkey theft had reduced significantly.

  • AI: The Next Frontier for Critical Sectors in Africa

    AI: The Next Frontier for Critical Sectors in Africa

    Digital and technological experts have underscored the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI in empowering individuals and organizations across Africa, driving progress in healthcare, education, financial inclusion, and agriculture.

    During a media workshop organized by Microsoft for journalists from Africa, Ayanda Ngcebetsha, Director of Data, Analytics, and AI, underscored AI’s transformative role in critical sectors for the continent’s population.

    The forum revealed that Generative AI, though in its early stages, is rapidly maturing, sparking considerable interest and investment with AI startups garnering over 20 billion dollars in funding over the last three years.

    Vice President and Global Head of AWS Startups, Howard Wright, stated that AWS supports startups in creating, building, and growing on the leading cloud platform. AWS, having worked with 280,000 startups globally, has disbursed over 6 billion dollars in the past decade, primarily aiding those deploying AI and machine learning.

    AWS opened the first development center in Kenya last year to facilitate innovators’ access to cloud-based resources. Concurrently, the launch of ChatGPT last year heightened awareness of Generative AI’s power.

    Trusha Vanmali, Business Program Manager at Microsoft, highlighted Generative AI’s ability to create data-driven, customized content with the potential to address societal challenges in Africa.

    Additionally, Vanmali stated that AI can aid in educational policy, curricula, and content creation by analyzing massive amounts of data. In schools lacking resources, AI can help teachers produce stimulating visual aids and easy-to-understand explanations, enhancing critical thinking skills.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) recently released guidelines for AI in health, emphasizing safety, effectiveness, and stakeholder engagement. Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said the regulations are meant to actively support countries in regulating AI effectively so as to optimize benefits and minimize risks in medical applications.

  • Morocco book their place in round of 16

    Morocco book their place in round of 16

    Morocco booked their place into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations as Group F winners, as a Hakim Ziyech’s goal was enough to see out a 1-0 win over Zambia.

    The Chelsea midfielder, currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasary, scored the game’s only goal when an Achraf Hakimi’s cross meant for En-Neysri was parried away by Zambian keeper Lawrence Mulenga with Ziyech on sight to smash the loose ball home.

    The result enables hosts Ivory Coasts to limp into the knockout phase of the competition and despite being humbled 4-0 by Equatorial Guinea on Monday, the Ivorians boast a better third-placed best record over Zambia.

    They were among four highest ranked third-placed best teams including; Guinea [best third-placed], Namibia [second-best third-placed], Mauritania [third-best third-placed].

    The Atlas Lions had to contest the match without Coach Walid Regragui who had been banned from the dug-out for two matches after a post-match altercation with DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba on Sunday.

    This wouldn’t faze the number-one ranked team in Africa, as they proceeded from the group with 7 points after two wins and one draw.

    They now set their sights on South Africa in the round of 16, while runners-up DR Congo who drew 0-0 with Tanzania will face the Pharaohs of Egypt.

  • Liverpool set to face Chelsea in Carabao cup final

    Liverpool set to face Chelsea in Carabao cup final

    Liverpool booked their place in the Carabao Cup final as an aggregate score of 3-2 advantage was enough to take them through despite a 1-1 draw against a determined Fulham at Craven Cottage.

    The Reds came into the match with a 2-1 advantage from the first-leg played in Anfield, with a win or draw safe to guarantee them a place against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea who thrashed Middleborough 6-1 a day before.

    The team from Merseyside would get on the scoresheet in the 11th minute after a long ball from Jarell Quansah which appeared routine for Fulham right-back, Timothy Castagne to claim but Luis Diaz would catch him napping and with a deflected shot beat the unfortunate Bernd Leno.

    Liverpool were unlucky not to go 2 goals ahead in the tie, as a Darwin Nunez shot ricocheted off the post for Diaz to slam it home, but the strike was ruled offside as Nunez went too early.

    The tie would blow wide open in the 77th minute as Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson drove down the left wing whipping in a cross that got diverted in by defender Issa Diop who made a galloping dash to the opposition box.

    The West-Londoners’ quest for a dramatic ending and take the tie to extra-time would prove futile as the Reds would hang on and set a repeat of 2022 Carabao final against the Blues.

    Liverpool had won the contest 11-10 on penalties.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea, the surprise package

    AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea, the surprise package

    Equatorial Guinea has emerged as a surprise-package in this year’s African Cup of Nations after qualifying for the knockout round from Group A in impressive fashion.

    Nzalang Nacional was pitted against hosts and two-time champions Ivory Coast, three-time champions Nigeria and Guinea Bissau.

    On paper, most pundits had predicted The Elephants and The Super Eagles would book their places in the next round, but The National Thunder proved they thrive perfectly under the pressure, silencing all critics and doubters.

    The west-central country that has a population of less than two million people, had little hopes of qualifying from a group stacked with champions-pedigree but an opening draw against Nigeria proved that the country was capable of hanging with the elites.

    The super Eagles saved their blushes with a Victor Osimhen penalty, as they found The National Thunder a tough nut to crack.

    Emilio Nsue has been in the forefront of his country’s success in the group stage, with the captain scoring five goals in three matches. His hat trick was influential in the country’s second match as they drubbed Guinea Bissau 4-2.

    He would later star in his country’s 4-0 thrashing of host-nation Ivory Coast; with 2 goals in each half, a result that would be deemed as the upset of the tournament.

    The win was vital for the team and the country with the country’s president declaring a national holiday, a day after Ivory Coast’s 4-0 humbling.

    Equatorial Guinea proceeded to the next round with 7 points, with two wins and one draw.

    The 34-year-old Spanish-born player who plays for CF Intercity currently leads the golden boot race with 5 goals.

  • Delight and despair as AFCON 2023 heads to knockouts

    Delight and despair as AFCON 2023 heads to knockouts

    10 teams have qualified for the African Cup of Nations knockout rounds scheduled for February 2nd in Ivory Coast.

    The hosts, were fancied by many to top Group A alongside 3-time champions Nigeria when the draw was announced, but surprise package, Equatorial Guinea took the group by storm, took the hours topping the group with 7 points after two wins and a draw, which included a 4-0 win over the tournament’s host The Elephants and a 4-2 win over Guinea Bissau.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified alongside them after an undefeated group stage that saw them record a 1-1 draw and narrow 1-0 wins against Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau.

    Group B also had its share of upsets, as 7-time champions Egypt narrowly avoided exit from a group that saw Cape Verde smooth sailing with qualification guaranteed with a match to spare.

    Egypt drew 2-2 in all their group-stage matches but Ghana’s 2-2 collapse against Mozambique meant the Pharaohs luckily went through. The Black Stars finished with 2 points from three matches in what was a torrid campaign for them.

    In Group C, defending champions Senegal booked their place in convincing fashion with dominant wins over Cameroon [3-1] and Gambia [3-0]. Cameroon qualified beside them in their last match as a dramatic 3-2 win over The Gambia got the Indomitable Lions over the line.

    Despite finishing third in the group, Guinea qualified as one of the third-placed best teams after finishing the group on 4 points.

    Angola and Bukina Faso qualified from Group D.

     

     

  • 8 Kenya Ports Authority officials arraigned over graft

    8 Kenya Ports Authority officials arraigned over graft

    Eight Kenya Ports Authority Officials appeared before the Mombasa Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday facing six corruption related charges over 62 million shillings tender.

    The suspects, who appeared before Chief Magistrate Alex Ithuku, included KPA Civil Engineering department Senior Clerical Officer, Robert Bosuben, Chemiso East Africa Account signatory Rose Cherotich and the authority’s agents Idd Arube Nanyang and Azenath Kwamboka Mageto.

    Others include former KPA head of procurement and supplies, Yobesh Oyaro, KPA tender evaluation committee members David Angwenyi, Norah Mugambi and Athanase Wambari.

    The accused persons were charged with fraudulent acquisition of public property contrary to Section 45(1) (a) as read with section 48 of the Anti-corruption and Economic Crimes Act, 2003.

    The accused were also charged with conflict-of-interest contrary to Section 42 (3) as read with section 48 of Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Act No. 3 of 2003.

    They were also charged with money laundering contrary to Section 3(a)(i) as read with Section 16 of the proceeds of crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, No.9 of 2009 and obtaining a contract from public institution by false pretense contrary to section 313 of the Penal Code.

    The accused also faced forgery charges contrary Section 348 as read together with Section 349 of the Penal Code and uttering false documents contrary to Section 353 of the Penal Code.

    The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and prayed to be released on a reasonable bond term. The prosecution through Principal Prosecution Counsel Alex Gituma and Prosecution Counsel Yassir Mohamed did not object the release of the suspects on bond.

    In his ruling, Ithuku granted varied bond terms to the suspects with Bosuben, Cherotich, Nanyang and Mageto being released on a 2 million shillings bond with one surety of similar amount or an alternative cash bail of 500,000 shillings.

    Ithuku further released Oyaro, Angwenyi, Mugambi and Wambari on a 1 million shillings bond with one surety of similar amount or alternative cash bail of 100,000 shillings. Ithuku further summoned another tender evaluation committee member David Arika, who has since retired from KPA.

    He was directed to appear before the court on 7 February 2024 during a pre-trial conference when the defense will be supplied with witness statements and other evidence in readiness for trial.

     

     

     

  • Retrogressive practices blamed for low school enrolment among pastoral communities

    Retrogressive practices blamed for low school enrolment among pastoral communities

    Poverty, Female Genital Mutilation and early marriages have been cited as key factors affecting school enrolment for girls in West Pokot County.

    Jitokeze Wamama Afrika, a charity organization which supports girls who run away from their homes due to FGM and early forced marriages, the situation has been exacerbated by increased high cost of living which has pushed many vulnerable girls into early marriages.

    The Organization, which has a rescue centre in Kapenguria, say many girls in the region are at risk suffering the negative effects of retrogressive cultural practices during the April holidays.

    Stephanie Kidullah, the Operations manager at the Jitokeze Wamama Afrika, which empowers young girls and women from poor families, says her organization has rescued over fifty  girls from   West Pokot and Tiaty in Baringo, from the vices since November last year.

    According to Stephanie, they have also offered scholarship to the fifty five pupils, who come poor families and in the remotest parts of the region, to join secondary schools.

    This even as she urged stakeholders to consider supporting vulnerable groups whose dreams can be fulfilled through decent education.

    Lucy Kitele, a children’s officer at Jitokeze Organization say many parents still hold on to retrogressive cultures that restricts children, especially girls, to go to school.

    Kitele called on Chiefs, village elders, religious leaders, teachers, Community based Organizations (CBOs) local administrators and other partners to join hands and ensure all eligible children are in school.

     

     

  • Absa, Superior Homes partner in mortgage boost for home investors

    Absa, Superior Homes partner in mortgage boost for home investors

    Home Buyers are set to benefit from a 90 percent mortgage financing with terms of up to 25 years.

    This follows Absa Bank’s partnership with Superior Homes (Kenya) PLC which seeks to curb the rising cost of property purchase and limited access to long-term financing.

    The current housing deficit in the country is estimated at 2 million houses which continues to rise due to fundamental constraints on both the demand and supply side exacerbated by an urbanization rate of 4.2 percent equivalent to 0.5 million new city dwellers every year.

    Superior Homes Head of Sales, Clive Ndege says the partnership will help more Kenyans achieve their home ownership dreams while addressing the current housing deficit in the country.

    “This partnership with Absa Bank will ensure that our clients have a hassle-free process of owning a home,” said Ndege.

    Absa Bank Kenya Regional Manager and Head of Mortgage, John Kaburu said this will mark the start of a journey towards unlocking and fulfilling more home ownership dreams for Kenyans.

    “Besides providing mortgages for home investors, there are more financial solutions that we will be offering including financial literacy through enlightening homeowners on the need to secure their investments,” said Kaburu.

  • International Day of Education: UNESCO’s urges practical action for lasting peace

    International Day of Education: UNESCO’s urges practical action for lasting peace

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is rooting for the empowerment of learners with knowledge, values, attitudes, and skills that will transform them into agents of peace within their communities.

    According to UNESCO, the surge in violent conflicts, coupled with increasing discrimination and hate speech, transcends geographical, gender, race, religion, and political boundaries, both offline and online.

    In its fifth year since the United Nations declared January 24 as the International Day of Education in 2018, UNESCO is emphasizing the immediate necessity for a dedicated commitment to peace.

    “Recognizing the urgency of fostering peace, UNESCO emphasizes the crucial role of education, aligning with the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights, and Sustainable Development.’” The UN specialized agency says in its report.

    Kenya has taken broad steps in ensuring that its education sector has been transformed to meet the needs of the future. In 2017, the government unveiled a new system dubbed the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) system, bringing an end to the 8-4-4 education system that existed for 32 years since 1985.

    According to UNESCO, education remains a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility protected by the constitution and international law with the Kenyan laws including the 2010 Constitution, The Basic Education Act, 2013, and the Children’s Act.

    The international laws include the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, 1966, Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989, African Charters on the Welfare and Rights of the Child, and International Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination.