KBC Channel 1

Author: Nicholas Kigondu

  • 9,000 scholars targeted as Elimu scholarship selection kicks off

    9,000 scholars targeted as Elimu scholarship selection kicks off

    The government has commenced the selection process for the Elimu Scholarship program targeting those who completed their Kenya Certificate of Primary Education last year in a bid to support secondary education accessibility across the country.

    Speaking in Athi-River during the launch of the exercise,  Elijah Mungai, who is a Director in charge of Projects Coordination and Delivery at the Ministry of Education, said the selection process is underway in all 47 counties and 15 urban informal settlements nationwide and will benefit 9,000 needy learners.

    “This is rolled out to the whole country targeting all sub-counties and trying to reach the most vulnerable children using the community-based selection model where the communities actually sit and identify the children who are needy,” said Mungai.

    While the cut-off marks for eligibility are set at 280, Mungai emphasized the government’s primary consideration is for marginalized and special needs learners.

    The scholarships are set to cover various aspects, including fee payments, personal effects, transportation to and from school, as well as mentorship and monitoring processes for the learners.

    “We are also keen to look at learners like those with special needs. For those ones, we will lower down a bit,” said Mungai.

    Micah Andoro, Athi-River Sub-County Senior Assistant County Commissioner said her office had received 297 applications out of which the Community Selection Advisory Committee will select 41.

    “We had 297 applications and they were 85 shortlisted. And from this, we want to pick 41 comprising of 23 girls and 18 boys,” said Andoro.

    Through intelligence examination and physical visits, the Community Selection Advisory Committee will ensure that only deserving applicants get the chance.

     

  • Navigating the New Year: Prioritizing emotional wellness amidst aspirations

    Navigating the New Year: Prioritizing emotional wellness amidst aspirations

    As the clock strikes midnight, ushering in a cascade of celebratory cheers and resolutions proclaiming “New Year, New Me,” it is imperative to pause amid the confetti and champagne to contemplate the often-over looked emotional toll of the annual self-improvement frenzy.

    Ambition is commendable, and the pursuit of goalsis a testament to our capacity for growth. However, in our relentless pursuit of achievement, the emotional undercurrent is frequently ignored, setting the stage for stress, burnout, and a disquieting sense of unhappiness.

    In the words of renowned guru, Swami Ananda, “True progress lies not only in the destination but in the mindful steps taken along the journey.”

    This encapsulates the essence of our collective resolution for the year: to place emotional well-being on equal footing with our lofty aspirations.

    Renowned psychologist and author,Dr. Brene Brown, emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability and imperfection in our pursuit of personal growth. Dr. Brown contends, “True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, and our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”

    Dr. Brown’s insights underscore the significance of celebrating the journey, acknowledging setbacks, and fostering self-compassion in the pursuit of a transformed and emotionally resilient self.

    To achieve this, we must usher in a paradigm shift, veering away from the confines of the all-or-nothing mentality that often accompanies the notion of “perfect resolutions.”

    Instead, let us embrace the philosophy of “progress over perfection,” celebrating the small victories, learning from setbacks, and finding solace in the beauty of the transformative journey.

    Aligning our goals with authentic fulfilment requires identifying and pursuing objectives that resonate with our deepest desires, transcending societal expectations. This approach transforms the path to our goals into a fulfilling dance rather than a tiresome slog.

    Furthermore, as we embark on this transformative journey, it is essential to trade our inner critic for a compassionate coach, fostering self-forgiveness, acknowledging efforts, and celebrating individual strengths with the same kindness we extend to dear friends.

    A resilient journey to personal growth necessitates the nourishment of mind, body,and soul. Engaging in essential self-care activities, such as rejuvenating yoga sessions, laughter-filled evenings with loved ones, or the simple joy of savouring acup of tea, becomes paramount. By prioritizing these practices, we ensure a healthy and resilient self, better equipped to navigate the inevitable challenges on the road to our goals.

    Recognizing the interconnectedness of our human experience, seeking support and fostering community are important. In this shared journey, the weight of struggles becomes lighter, victories more joyous, and isolation is replaced by the strength derived from connection.

    In rewriting the narrative for the New Year, let’sshift the focus from external ideals to cultivating inner peace and joy, one mindful step at a time.

     

     

    The writer is the Human Resource and Partnership Manager at the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and Founder LeadHers Africa: An Emotional Wellness Community

     

  • ATMIS hands over Qorilow military base to Somali Security Forces

    ATMIS hands over Qorilow military base to Somali Security Forces

    The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia has handed over the Qorilow Forward Operating Base to the Somali National Army.

    The development marks the transfer of the fifth military facility as part of the second phase of the ATMIS troop drawdown.

    Situated in the Hiran region of Hirshabelle State, the base had been under the command of ATMIS Burundi National Defence Forces since 2014, playing a crucial role in the ongoing military operations against Al Shabaab ensuring regional security.

    I thank the local community for the support given to our troops,” said Lt. Col. Jean

    Baptiste Nahishakiye, the ATMIS forwarding operating base Commander, terming the handover as a significant milestone in the peace building process.

    During the ceremony, Lt. Harun Hassan, the incoming SNA commander for Qorilow base, signed the handover documents to symbolize the transfer of security responsibilities.

    The event was presided over by ATMIS Force Headquarters Chief of Plans, Col.George Nkansah, and witnessed by the ATMIS Chief of the Joint Support Operations Centre Sekou Trawally; Senior Adviser to the Head of UNSOS Yvette Langenhuizen, and the SNA Representative Capt. Sakariye Mohamed Omar.

    Lt. Harun expressed his commitment to continue the work done by the Burundi forces and thanked them for their dedication in safeguarding the base and the local community.

    “I want to assure you that we will continue from where you have left. I would like to thank the Burundi forces for your selfless service in securing this base and the local community for many years and wish you a safe journey back home,” said Lt. Harun.

    The second phase of the drawdown resumed on Monday with the handover of State House and Parliament Front Operating bases. The process is in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2710 (2023), mandating the withdrawal of 3,000 ATMIS troops by 31 December 2023.

    The drawdown had previously been halted following a request from the Federal Government for a three-month technical pause. Before the pause two Forward Operating Bases (FOBs); Bio Cadale and Raga Ceel, had already been handed over in September and October respectively. During the first phase of the drawdown, which concluded in June, ATMIS withdrew 2,000 troops and handed over six Forward Operating Bases

  • WHO prequalifies second Malaria vaccine

    WHO prequalifies second Malaria vaccine

    The World Health Organization has added a second malaria vaccine to the list of pre-qualified vaccines in a significant milestone in prevention of the disease.

    WHO had in October recommended the use of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine for the prevention of malaria in children following the advice of the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization and the Malaria Policy Advisory Group.

    Dr Rogério Gaspar, Director of the Department of Regulation and Prequalification, WHO said “Achieving WHO vaccine prequalification ensures that vaccines used in global immunization programmes are safe and effective within their conditions of use in the targeted health systems. WHO evaluates multiple products for prequalification each year and core to this work is ensuring greater access to safe, effective and quality health products”.

    The prequalification of the world’s second malaria vaccine, developed by Oxford University and manufactured by Serum Institute of India, is poised to expand access to malaria prevention through vaccination.

    Dr Kate O’Brien, Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, said “Today marks a huge stride in global health as we welcome the prequalification of R21/Matrix-M, the second malaria vaccine recommended for children in malaria endemic areas. This achievement underscores our relentless commitment to wiping out malaria which remains a formidable foe causing child suffering and death. This is another step toward ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for those who have lived for too long in fear of what malaria could do to their children. Together with our partners, we are united in the pursuit of a malaria-free future, where every life is shielded from the threat of this disease.”

    The prequalification means wider access to vaccines as a key tool to prevent malaria in children with it being a prerequisite for vaccine procurement by UNICEF and funding support for deployment by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

    When implemented broadly, along with other recommended malaria control interventions, they are expected to have a high public health impact.

    The R21 vaccine is the second malaria vaccine prequalified by WHO, following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine which obtained prequalification status in July 2022. Both vaccines are shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, for preventing malaria in children.

    Malaria, a mosquito-borne disease, places a particularly high burden on children in the African Region, where nearly half a million children die from the disease each year. Globally, in 2022, there were an estimated 249 million malaria cases and 608,000 malaria deaths across 85 countries.

  • First Lady’s message to President Ruto on his birthday

    First Lady’s message to President Ruto on his birthday

    It was a heartwarming message for President Ruto on his 57th birthday with First Lady Rachael Ruto venerating the love of her life.

    In a message on her X platform account, the First Lady wished her spouse a happy birthday terming his love and support as a true blessing.

    “Happy birthday, Bill, my cherished friend and confidant. On this momentous day, as we celebrate your birthday and our wedding anniversary, I am filled with gratitude.” Penned Mama Rachael Ruto.

    Reflecting on their journey together, the First Lady quoted 1st Corinthians 13:13 waxing lyrical on the expedition.   “There are three things that will endure-faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love.” Kwa kweli mambo ni matatu,” she wrote.

    “Your love and support have been a true blessing. Thank you for being a constant source of joy and strength,” the First Lady would conclude her note to the President.

    President Ruto was born on December 21, 1966, in Sambut village, Kamagut,  Uasin Gishu County, to Daniel Cheruiyot and Sarah Cheruiyot.

     

  • Governor Badilisha roots for establishment of common bursary fund

    Governor Badilisha roots for establishment of common bursary fund

    Nyandarua County Governor Kiarie Badilisha is urging the political class to establish a common bursary fund that will address challenges facing the country’s education funding system.

    Speaking during the issuance of 182 million shillings bursary kitty to needy students in Nyandarua, Badilisha noted that existence   of different bursary kitties is making it hard to help the most vulnerable and marginalized groups with middlemen taking advantage of existing gaps to benefit themselves.

    He further reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the lost glory of the education system in Nyandarua County was restored.

  • KBC visits Upendo destitute children’s home, gifts children early Christmas

    KBC visits Upendo destitute children’s home, gifts children early Christmas

    It was all smiles at the Upendo destitute children’s home when the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation paid a visit to the facility.

    The public broadcaster was at the children’s home as it sought to put smiles on the faces of children residing at the facility during the Christmas festivities.

    The gesture, which is part of the corporation’s social corporate responsibility, saw the 51 beneficiaries housed at the facility receive an assortment of food and no-food items valued at over 100,000 shillings.

    Apostle John Guda, who is the home’s director and founder, thanked KBC for the support saying it will go a long way in bridging the deficit gap of needs at the facility even as he appealed for more support from well-wishers.

    Apostle John Guda, Director and Founder of Upendo Destitutes Children’s Home, looks on as  his wife holds a five month-old boy who is among those housed at the facility.
    Photo by Jackson Mnyamwezi

    He said the home, which began in Kibera slums but shifted to Zimmerman in 2021 when the initial shelter was destroyed by heavy rains, is in urgent need of support to ensure that those who have sought refuge at the facility enjoy good services.

    Speaking during the handover of the donation, KBC’s Corporate Communications Officer Fridah Nyamu lauded the home for its efforts in supporting the less privileged even as she expressed the corporation’s commitment to continue supporting vulnerable members of the society.

    She called on other organizations and individuals to support those in need especially during the festive season.

    Apostle John Guda says the facility is in dire need of support with the number of those seeking support having increased significantly
    Photo by Jackson Mnyamwezi

    Among those housed at the facility include a five month old infant who was rescued after he was dumped near the gate while 13 others are being supported to complete their studies in various universities across the country with the rest in primary and secondary schools.

  • Ministry of Health to Collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate Universal Health Coverage

    Ministry of Health to Collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate Universal Health Coverage

    Stakeholders in the health sector have committed to support the government in its efforts to bolster health systems aimed at implementing sustainable solutions   towards promoting Universal Health Coverage.

    Carolyne Njuguna, who serves as the Director of PATH’s East Africa Hub and concurrently as the PATH Kenya Country Director, said discussions have been underway to explore avenues for enhancing collaboration with the ministry of health, focusing on strengthening the policy environment and the implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) initiatives.

    During a meeting with health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumincha, Njuguna said Primary health care will address health services crucial in preventing diseases such as diarrhoea,malaria and zoonotic disease outbreaks caused by climate change.

    Lauding the Ministry of Health’s achievements, PATH highlighted the successful training and deployment of 248 Primary Care Network master trainers to all 47 counties across the country.

    “PATH Kenya remains committed to supporting government health priorities and will continue working closely with the Ministry of Health in the UHC roll-out in Kenya,” said Njuguna.

     

  • WHO identifies new Covid-19 variant of interest

    WHO identifies new Covid-19 variant of interest

    The World Health Organization has identified what it says is a Covid-19 variant of interest.

    The global health body says it is continuously monitoring the evidence of variant JN.1, which has been classified as a separate variant of interest from the parent lineage BA.2.86, and will update its risk evaluation as needed.

    According to WHO, based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by the variant is currently evaluated as low though its spread is increasing.

    It however says the variant could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

    “Based on the available evidence, the additional global public health risk posed by JN.1 is currently evaluated as low. Despite this, with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, JN.1 could increase the burden of respiratory infections in many countries.” Reads a statement from WHO.

    WHO is advising people to take measures to prevent infections and severe disease using all available tools including wearing of masks in crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated areas, keeping a safe distance from others, improving ventilation, practicing respiratory etiquette, regularly cleaning of hands, staying up to date with vaccinations against COVID-19 and influenza, especially if you are at high risk for severe disease, staying home if you are sick and getting tested if you have symptoms, or if you might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or influenza.

    For health workers and health facilities, WHO is calling for universal masking within  facilities, as well as appropriate masking, respirators and other PPE for health workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients as well as improvement of ventilation in health facilities.

    “COVID-19 is not the only respiratory disease circulating.  Influenza, RSV and common childhood pneumonia are on the rise.” Cautions WHO.

    According to WHO, current vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and death from JN.1 and other circulating variants of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

    Earlier this year, WHO declared Covid-19 pandemic, which for over three years had killed millions of people, wreaked economic havoc and deepened inequalities, across the globe, as no longer constituting a global health emergency.

    Kenya had confirmed 344,094 confirmed cases of Covid-19, recorded 5,689 deaths with over 23 million vaccine doses having already administered.

     

     

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  • Safaricom attains Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Certification

    Safaricom attains Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Certification

     

    This accreditation will enable the Company to issue virtual cards to enable tap to pay global payments for partners such as Google, Uber, Microsoft, among others

     

    Safaricom has been accredited with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Certification, a worldwide standard of data security for businesses that process card transactions, by the PCI Security Standard Council (PCI SSC).

    The approval will now enable the company be a global payment facilitator for partners such as Google, Uber, Microsoft, among others and is part of its agenda to transform from a telco to a tech co by 2025.

    “Safaricom has always been driven by the desire to innovate and provide cutting-edge solutions to our customers. As we navigate the digital landscape, security remains at the heart of everything we do. This certification for M-PESA is a recognition of our dedication to safeguarding financial transactions of our customers,” said Peter Ndegwa, Safaricom CEO.

    The approval means the company can begin offering various solutions such as  tap to pay, and merchants receive on-line and in-person card payments from its customers. Fintechs and Financial institutions are equally set to leverage on the card processing capabilities empowering them to provide end to end mobile and card payment solutions.

    With the certification, Safaricom will become part of a few institutions in Africa that can create a regional payment switch system while safeguarding customers, merchants and partners payment data.

    The company can now enhance API capability to grow developers on the M-PESA platform to provide enhanced services and expand the portfolio of mobile money services and payment solutions.

    “With this development, our customers can rest assured that our processes ensure that their data is protected at all times. It also means that our partners can access more innovative and secure solutions for their clientele,” said Mr. Ndegwa.

    Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is a globally recognised standard that offers a comprehensive framework to safeguard sensitive customer information during transactions. It ensures robust controls and security measures are in place to protect against data breaches, fraud and unauthorised access.