KBC Channel 1

Author: Nicholas Kigondu

  • Tana River:MPs pledge support for integrated fruit processing plant

    Tana River:MPs pledge support for integrated fruit processing plant

    The Departmental Committee on Regional Development has pledged to support the expansion of the Coast Development Authority (CDA) Integrated Fruit Processing Plant in Tana River County to curb post-harvest losses.

    The Committee, led by Kabuchai legislator Majimbo Kalasinga noted that with the operationalization of the plant with a capacity to crush more than 1,200 tons of mangoes per year, the livelihood of farmers has significantly improved.

    The Kabuchai MP said the government is keen to enhance value addition to increase farmers’ earnings.

    The plant, he said, needs to be expanded to increase its capacity to satisfy the market with Tana River one of the major mango-producing counties in Kenya.

    “As a committee, we should see what best we can do for this plant to move from 1000 litres per hour to 3000 litres per hour to absorb more mangoes from the market,” said Kalasinga during a tour of the plant in Hola, Galole constituency.

    He urged CDA to offer farmers competitive prices to discourage them from selling their mangoes to exploitative brokers.

    Speaking during the tour of the facility, Magarini MP Mwalimu Kombe said they were satisfied with the plant’s progress, urging farmers to supply mangoes for continuous pulp production at the plant.

    “They harvest immature mangos thus contributing to loss. I advise farmers to put more effort by increasing farm acreage of mangoes and to be careful during harvesting to avoid losses,” said Kombe, adding that the plant will improve the economy of the Coast region.

    CDA Managing Director CDA Mohamed Keinan said the factory was established primarily to cushion mango farmers in Tana River, Garissa, Lamu and Kilifi counties against any post-harvest loss.

    “To our satisfaction, we installed a one-ton-per-hour capacity crushing machine which produces pulp. The pulp is the puree that will sell to juice makers,” said MD Keinan.

    Deye Salim, Vice Chairman of Galole Mango Farmers’ Cooperative Society said they will continue to supply mangoes to the plant as CDA offers competitive prices.

    “There is direct impact although there are some gaps which must be addressed to move in the right direction. In the past, mangoes used to mature well but brokers made farmers harvest immature mangoes,” said Salim.

    Jamey Ayu, a Mango farmer said they have started to reap the economic benefits of the plant as farmers.

    “I have educated my children up to the university level. We want the plant to be expanded to crush more mangoes and create employment to improve our livelihoods,” she said.

     

     

     

     

  • MoH set to launch National AYPSRH Social and Behavior Change Strategy

    MoH set to launch National AYPSRH Social and Behavior Change Strategy

    The ministry of health has finalized the development of the National Adolescent and Young People Sexual and Reproductive Health Social and Behavior Change Strategy.

    Speaking on Monday during validation of the document, Head of the Maternal and Reproductive Health Division at the Ministry of Health Dr Edward Serem said the important document, targeted at increasing sexual and reproductive health knowledge and skills among adolescents and young people, will soon be launched.

    “The development of the strategy has been realized through a series of engagements with different target audiences, key AYSRH stakeholders and the subsequent review by MOH technical team” observed Serem.

    According to Mary Magubo, the Social and Behavioural Change and communications coordinator at the Division of Reproductive and Maternal health, the strategy will help create demand and acceptability for age appropriate SRH services among adolescent and young people besides addressing existing healthcare system gaps through integrated SBC approaches to ensure they are more responsive to the needs of adolescents and young people.

    A team of technical experts drawn from the ministry of health and stakeholders have been putting final touches on the National Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) Strategy for Adolescents and Young People Sexual and Reproductive Health .

    The strategy which envisions innovative SRH services that will resonate with adolescents and young people aged between 10 – 24 years will be in use for the next six years.

     

     

     

  • Two police officers in custody over recovered ammunition

    Two police officers in custody over recovered ammunition

    Two police officers have been arrested in connection with the recovery of 2,658 bullets in Laikipia County.

    Chief Inspector Joel Warui Githaiga and Police Constable Martin Murimi from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit Sondu Camp have been arrested for allegedly selling ammunition to criminals.

    The illegal consignment was recovered last week in a house in Minjore village of Ol’ Moran Kirima sub county in Laikipia County.

    In a statement from Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome, the National Police Service says the two officers have been suspended from service with immediate effect.

    The duo was on Monday, April 22 arraigned, with the court granting prosecution’s prayers of holding the suspects for four days to allow them complete their investigations.

    The two officers, alongside Josphat Karanja and his wife Teresiah Wairimu in whose house the bullets were nabbed, will now appear before Kibera Law Courts on Friday, April 26.

    The National Police Service has cautioned members of public from engaging in unauthorised purchase, possession, manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition and instead report any such criminal activities to the nearest police station.

     

     

     

  • Pharmacists call for stern action against those selling prescription drugs to minors

    Pharmacists call for stern action against those selling prescription drugs to minors

    The Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya now want action taken against those involved in the illegal sale of medications to minors even as it moved to distance itself from those accused of engaging in the illicit trade.

    The development coming in the wake of reports that authorities in the coastal city of Mombasa last week closed down over 20 pharmacies in the region during a crackdown targeting those selling Rohypnol, an anti-anxiety medication, to minors.

    In a statement, PSK President Louis Machogu said the society was deeply concerned by the recent reports calling for immediate attention and action from all stakeholders.

    He however defended pharmacists saying they stand firm in their commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and patient care.

    “Pharmacists in Kenya are bound by strict regulations and ethical guidelines that prohibit the sale of prescription medications without verification of prescription furthermore to unaccompanied minors. The Pharmacy and Poisons Board plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with these regulations, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Kenya actively participates in the Enquiries and Disciplinary Committee of the PPB to address any complaints or concerns related to the conduct of pharmacists.” Observed Machogu.

    He said the pharmaceutical Society of Kenya remains committed to promoting the health and well-being of all Kenyans and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the integrity of the pharmaceutical profession.

  • Connected Africa Summit: PS Tanui roots for bridging of digital divide

    Connected Africa Summit: PS Tanui roots for bridging of digital divide

    ICT and Digital economy Principal Secretary Engineer John Tanui says the government has put in place elaborate measures meant to bridge the digital divide across the country.

    Speaking during a meeting with media editors and stakeholders ahead of the forthcoming Connected Africa Summit 2024 hosted by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Tanui said the government is laying 100,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable as it moves to ensure that every part of the country including public institutions is connected to the internet similar to the last mile power connectivity initiative.

    “9.5 million Businesses and homes in the country are connected to electricity while about 1.2 million people are connected to the internet. We want to enhance access to the internet to ensure Kenyans reap from associated benefits” said Tanui.

    He said the connected Africa Summit will shape the future of the country’s technology landscape setting the stage for unprecedented growth and prosperity.

    According to ICT Authority Chief Executive officer Stanley Kamanguya, invited guests including stakeholders and technology partners will gather to chart the way forward in unlocking investment opportunities for the region and foster collaboration and exchange knowledge.

    He said the forum will focus on diverse areas including digital connectivity, digital trade, emerging technologies digital skilling circular economy and the future of work.

    This even as he revealed that the government is developing forward looking policies and frameworks to address emerging challenges resulting from new technologies.

     

     

     

     

  • NSDCC enhances HIV response during 2024 WRC Safari Rally

    NSDCC enhances HIV response during 2024 WRC Safari Rally

    As curtains came down for the 2024 WRC Safari Rally on Sunday, stakeholders in the fight against HIV remained upbeat that their efforts were successful in preventing new infections.

    With thousands of rally enthusiasts thronging the famed Naivasha town to witness first-hand rally drivers compete for the coveted title through the torturous terrain, fears remained rife the event could emerge as a congregation of risk providing fertile ground for new HIV infections especially among young people.

    Over the four days of the rally, The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council (NSDCC) in partnership with Nakuru County government and stakeholders deployed over 100 of its staff supported by community health promoters across six spectator stages.

    According to NSDCC CEO Dr Ruth Masha, more than 75 percent of new HIV infections (about 22,000) are among young people between the ages of 15 and 34 years.

    According to NSDCC CEO Dr Ruth Masha, about 15,000 young people sought HIV services within Naivasha with over 10,000 people issued with HIV self-test kits.

    “We took the opportunity of the large number of young people who had thronged Naivasha for the Safari rally by ensuring that young people are having fun, but fun that is responsible. We have been providing services the entirety of this period, we have also been giving condoms to those who are sexually active and try to insist that it is important for them to be safe.” Said Masha.

    Masha says more than 75 percent of new HIV infections (about22,00) are recorded among young people between the ages of 15 and 34 years.

    “Alcohol and substance use is the biggest driver of HIV among young people because 6.5 percent of them say when they had sex, it was because of other substances leading to the act. Statistics from NACADA indicates that about 11.6 percent of boys start using drugs in schools, a trend that continues in colleges and universities.” She observed.

    Many of the safari rally fans received prevention services such as condoms, and information on pre-exposure prophylaxis drugs and post-exposure prophylaxis drugs

    According to Masha, increase in the number of sexually transmitted infections among sexually active people remains another challenge facing HIV response.

    “Sexually transmitted infections are going up as a result of failure by sexually active individuals to use protection. If this is not checked, STDs will increase even as cases of HIV reduce. STDs can increase the risk of one acquiring HIV from associated lesions” Noted Masha.

    This even as she warned against wrong use of pre-exposure prophylaxis and post-exposure prophylaxis drugs which she said had recorded highest uptake especially among sex workers and high-risk adolescents.

    “If you are planning to have unprotected sex, you have to take pre-exposure prophylaxis 7 days before the act. Some of the people who come seeking for post exposure prophylaxis come late, over 72 hours after the exposure making it ineffective.”  She said.

    Alcohol and substance use has been cited as the biggest driver of HIV infections among young people

    Enhanced efforts to decisively deal with the threat posed by HIV has seen the country on course to end HIV/AIDS as a public threat by 2027 ahead of the global target of 2030 witnessing a 78 percent drop in new HIV infections over the last ten years.

  • Adopt a multifaceted approach to deal with regulation of medicines

    Adopt a multifaceted approach to deal with regulation of medicines

    Recently, the government ordered for the fresh round of verification of licenses for pharmacies and Agrovets by the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) and Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

    The government, through the CS Interior, Kithure Kindiki says the crackdown is necessitated by a marked increase in the abuse of drugs and other illicit substances. The campaign, initiated by DP Rigathi Cachagua’s war against alcoholism, has now spread to cover the regulation of medicines for both human and veterinary use.

    For the veterinary profession, concern has been raised about the misuse of anesthetics such ketamine and xylazine for recreational purposes, as supported by the new report from the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA).

    This exercise goes well beyond general law enforcement as it has implications for the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine.

    While some controlled veterinary medicines are used for recreational purposes posing a significant threat to public health and safety, this is not just an issue in Kenya but for other jurisdictions such as the US and UK where different formulations of anesthetics are abused by being mixed with other substances such as heroine.

    NACADA also notes that drugs intended for animal use end up finding their way into hands of individuals who seek to abuse them contributing to the proliferation of substance abuse.

    The misuse of veterinary medicines not only has consequences on public health but also on animal welfare and food safety. The practice where drugs are used and obtained without proper veterinary oversight, contributes to antimicrobial resistance, an urgent public health crisis. This practice also jeopardizes the public trust bestowed upon veterinarians as per their oath to protect both human and animal life.

    For this crackdown to succeed, it requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both the supply and demand of the drugs as well as access to health.

    The wanton use of Prescription Only Medicines (POM) does not happen in a vacuum-it reflects our societal norms and values. We love shortcuts and quick riches as society, and this just a representation of that.

    Primary healthcare in Kenya seems to be a preserve of the wealthy and those in urban areas. Large areas of Kenya lack even basic healthcare facilities such as dispensaries and veterinary offices. In such localities, agrovet and chemist assistants play the role of medical and veterinary doctors filling a void the government ought to have filled. How do you turn away an ailing patient for lack of a prescription when the nearest medical centre is 70km away?

    Furthermore, relevant regulatory bodies including the Kenya Veterinary Board and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate should enforce the government directive humanely.

    Giving professionals and businesses a reasonably extended period to regularize will lead to better compliance. The long lines witnessed at the two agencies as vets rushed to beat the deadline are a sign that our members are willing to comply. Extending this period is necessary to ensure order compliance that focuses on compliance instead of harassment.

    I am also opposed to the Kenya Drug Authority Bill that is currently in the senate and senators to reject the Bill’s push to revert the regulation of veterinary medicines to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board.

    Before the creation of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, the practice of veterinary medicines was beset with problems as all the board PPB was interested in was collection of license fees. The board either lacked capacity or interest in the key facets of regulation including pharmacovigilance.

    Kenya should not rush adopt practices in the US, and instead should follow precedence in the commonwealth or the European Union. The US has some of the most conservative regulatory laws and hence we shouldn’t use the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) as a template. In fact, most other jurisdictions including the UK and Canada have ensured control of veterinary medicines rests with veterinary professionals.

    Rather than pushing for a reversion of roles, stakeholders should push the government to build the capacity of both the Pharmacy and Poisons Board and the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to ensure better regulation.

     

    The writer is a Veterinary Surgeon

  • Government introduces force number for private security guards

    Government introduces force number for private security guards

    The government has introduced a Guard Force Number (GFN) to enhance oversight and coordination within the private security sector.

    Hundreds of security guards from various private security companies turned up for the mass registration exercise on Saturday convened by the private security regulatory Authority in line with the ongoing mandatory nationwide security vetting, training, and licensing of private security officers.

    Speaking during the ceremony, Private Security Regulatory Authority Director General Fazul Mohammed issued an ultimatum for firms to increase the minimum wage for private security officers to 30,000 shillings per month.

    His sentiments were echoed by United Democratic Party UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala.

    Nairobi county governor Johnson Sakaja who was in attendance called on government institutions and unions to come up with a roadmap for the implementation of the minimum wage for private security guards even as G4S Kenya Managing Director Laurence Okelo called for adherence.

    Currently, the minimum wage pay for daytime security guards is 15,201 shillings while night security officers get a pay of 16,959 shillings.

  • Chiggai: Government committed to end the triple threat

    Chiggai: Government committed to end the triple threat

    Presidential Advisor on Women’s Rights Harriette Chiggai has affirmed the government’s commitment to end the triple threat of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) among young people.

    Speaking during the closing ceremony of the 5th Women in Human Resource convention in Mombasa, Chiggai called on sustained multi-sectoral collaboration to step up efforts to end HIV as a public health threat and all forms of SGBV.

    The National Syndemic Diseases Control Council estimates that 98 new HIV infections occur weekly among adolescents aged between 10-19 years.

    According to Chiggai,256 girls get pregnant each day and since they cannot deliver naturally, the government spends up to 6.1 billion shillings to cater for caesarean births.

    Chiggai noted that most SGBV-related cases are societal originated like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a cultural practice that the government has committed to end by 2026.

    “The President pronounced himself on matters FGM which is very important for this country, it has never happened. For us to end FGM the society must participate; the rural women must say we must end FGM because it is a bad cultural practice. The men must also say we are supporting our women and girls.” she stated.

    On Women’s empowerment, she said the government has prioritized empowerment initiatives as espoused in the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and Vision 2030.

    “BETA recognizes that empowering women is a strategic pathway to unlocking Kenya’s full economic potential.” Said Chiggai.

     

     

     

     

  • Kenya and Uganda pledge to enhance bilateral trade

    Kenya and Uganda pledge to enhance bilateral trade

    The Uganda Consulate in partnership with the tourism stakeholders at the Kenyan coast will next month hold a four-day Ugandan culture and food festival as part of ongoing efforts to enhance tourism among the two East African neighbours.

    The event, which will run from April 17 to April 20, seeks to expose the unique Ugandan products to a wider number of corporate Kenyans at the Coast, the youth and other regional and international tourists at the Kenya Coast.

    The festival will have an array of events to be held at Diani Reef in Kwale, Ocean Beach in Malindi, Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi, and Fort Jesus in Mombasa.

    A golf tournament will also be held at Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, as part of the festival. At least 1,800 Kenyan and Ugandan tourism and business communities are expected to attend the festival in Kwale, Kilifi and Mombasa counties.

    Speaking during the launch of the festival in Mombasa, Ambassador Paul Mukumbya, the Consul General in Mombasa, said the Uganda Festival will be about celebrating Ugandan culture, and bringing Ugandans to the Kenya coast.

    “We are trying to use culture and golf to grow the tourism numbers between our two countries. Since as we know Uganda is already the number two source market for Kenya in terms of visitors, and Kenya is the number one source market for Uganda again in terms of visitors,” said Mukumbya.

    He added, “This is something on which we are building to grow the numbers to encourage regional tourism so that we also stop that seasonality of relying so much on the international arrivals.”

    For three years in a row, the Uganda consulate in Mombasa has been organizing the tourism and business events to bring Ugandans to tap into the available opportunities in Mombasa.

    “This partnership is built on the concept of complementarity between Uganda and the Kenya Coast, whereas the Kenya Coast has the very beautiful beaches and the historical sites, and in Uganda, we have the mountain gorillas, the chimpanzees, the adventure tourism on River Nile, the Kampala nightlife, the cultural and religious tourism at the Uganda Martyrs Shrine,” he said.

    Others present during the Uganda Festival launch were Mombasa County Trade and Tourism Executive Osman Mohammed, Kenya Coast Tourists Association Chairperson Victor Shitakha, and Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers coast executive Dr Sam Ikwaye.

    Shitakha said the conversation with the Ugandan consulate began in 2022 and it has now grown into an annual event.

    “We need to get our people and youth to get involved and see what culture is all about so that we can grow. This is what we’re looking for, numbers. The numbers coming into Kenya from Uganda grew from 137,000 to 200,000 after our two conferences,” said Shitakha.

    He added, “The numbers going from Kenya to Uganda grew up to about 350,000. We are the number one supplier of tourists. So, we are doing good for them, and we want them to come to Kenya as well. And that’s why this is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn about these cultural activities so that we can attract a lot more of them into Kenya.”