KBC Channel 1

Author: Nicholas Kigondu

  • Programme seeking to end teen pregnancies in Garissa launched

    Programme seeking to end teen pregnancies in Garissa launched

    The Forum for African Women Educationists Kenya (FAWE) has launched an ambitious programme that seeks to contain teen pregnancies and promote girl child education in Garissa County.

    The  Imarisha Msichana Programme, will involve school going children, bodaboda operators, teachers and religious leaders and will see sustained campaigns in all parts of the county on the rights of girl child and the need to stop early marriages.

    Garissa Township Deputy county commissioner Solomon Chesut urged the team to speak out against early marriages and teen sex in the societies especially for the vulnerable girls.

    “I urge you, as you go out to the villages to spread this message, let us help our girls achieve their dreams in life whether through education, in business or any other projects they want to do in our society,” said Chesut.

    “There is a common saying that if you educate a girl child, you educate a whole nation. If we fail to educate our girls, we are failing our country,” he added.

    Garissa county CEC for Gender Hawa Abdi Sahal urged the team to also be ambassadors against sexual and gender based violence especially against school going children.

    Hawa said it is time to stop the ‘rape culture’ in the county, and tasked the bodaboda riders to lead the campaigns and guard their name from a few crooked elements within the sector.

    “If you see any form of sexual abuse in schools or in the villages and you report it to the relevant authorities and action is taken, you are keeping the community safe,” Hawa said.

    “We also need to tell our societies to stop blaming the victims of Gender Based Violence. Stigmatization our girls whose rights have been violated and impregnated is not good, it makes some of them stop even schooling. We need to support them and not to rebuke them for the bad things that happened to them,” she added.

     

  • Karua vows to push for fair distribution of resources

    Karua vows to push for fair distribution of resources

    Narc Kenya party leader Martha Karua is accusing political leaders from the Mt. Kenya region of allegedly failing to push for fair distribution of resources.

    Karua who spoke while attending a Sunday service at the Witeithie African Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) said most of the politicians from the region appear to have abandoned the fight for equal share of national resources.

    “The leaders instead adopted the one-man, one-plate, one-soda mantra in pushing for their own selfish interests at the expense of the general public good,” said Karua.

    The Narc Kenya Party leader also took issue with the government’s plan to peg higher education loans on individual student’s financial capabilities, terming it as a plot to discriminate some learners.

    Karua was accompanied by among others fellow Azimio leader and former Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni and ex-Mungiki sect leader Maina Njenga.

    Kioni said the Azimio coalition leadership will keep fighting for better services from the government.

  • 3,500 set to benefit as efforts to integrate youth into the informal sector intensify

    3,500 set to benefit as efforts to integrate youth into the informal sector intensify

    Over 3,500 young people drawn from the East Africa region have benefited from skills in masonry, electrical engineering, carpentry, hairdressing and motor vehicle mechanic courtesy of the KCB foundation in partnership with GIZ E4D Kenya.

    Speaking while presiding over the KCB Group’s 2Jiajiri graduation ceremony at Kasarani, President William Ruto said the initiative will compliment ongoing government efforts aimed bridging the skills gap.

    He said there is need to sharpen, train and impact knowledge and competencies among the youth to drive the economy adding that the government has already allocated 630 Billion this financial year to cater for the education sector.

    “We are deliberate and committed to changing the youth story by creating more jobs working with corporate and other partners. We will incorporate the youth in all government projects, beginning with the housing agenda that seeks to create opportunities for 1 million youth.” said  Ruto.

    The 2Jiajiri Project aims to create at least 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs while helping to set up 30,000 businesses over the next five years.

    To curb the menace that is unemployment, the government says it will create at least 1.15 million direct and indirect jobs and set up 30,000 businesses over the next five years

    “We leverage an integrated approach that includes up skilling to make small and medium-sized businesses more competitive, so they can meet the growing demand for supplies and services in the market. Ultimately, our goal is to generate more decent and sustainable employment in East Africa,” said GIZ E4D Kenya Team Leader, Thomas Jaeschke.

    Through the 2Jiajiri ,  22,959 youth have received technical and entrepreneurial training and Kshs 259 million disbursed as loans to enable youth to set up their business enterprises through provision of capital since 2016.

     

  • Nairobi county government repossess grabbed land

    Nairobi county government repossess grabbed land

    The Nairobi County government has repossessed a football field in Embakasi East Sub County that had been grabbed.

    The decision by the county administration has received applause from area residents who say it will enable youth hone their skills and talents and stay away from social vices.

    This even as they called on the Nairobi county government to establish more public amenities including social halls and public schools in the area.

    The residents say the land was taken from them and it has taken great efforts to have it finally reverted back.

    Young people in the region see the Football game as an instrument to prevent the youth from engaging in drug abuse and other social vices.

     

     

  • Stanbic leverages on SEE drivers to ensure sustainability

    Stanbic leverages on SEE drivers to ensure sustainability

    After recording a post-tax profit of 7.1 Billion shillings, Stanbic bank has attributed the success to its commitment towards ensuring a just transition for clients and the community through capacity building, partnerships and grants for key initiatives in education, health and entrepreneurship.

    “We continue to center our strategic priorities on growth drivers that are sustainable and beneficial for our people, clients and the entire environmental ecosystem. Through sustainable financing and strategic partnerships, we continue to implement market specific solutions that drive inclusion, social, economic growth and environmental (SEE) stewardship, “said Stanbic Chief Executive, Joshua Oigara.

    Focusing on green financing, the bank has channeled funds towards projects that will have an impact on the economy and future generations aiming to position Kenyan businesses for success while addressing the skills gap in the country by boosting entrepreneurship and employability of citizens.

    Stanbic has channeled Ksh 15 Billion towards sustainable infrastructure where Ksh 267 Million was issued in loans towards affordable housing .A total of 25,604 people who underwent screening in 10 counties benefited from the Ksh 5.98 million spent on healthcare initiatives.

    Over Ksh 76 Million in grants and catalytic funding was disbursed to over 400 MSME’s (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) and Ksh 912 Million will be generated into the economy.

    William Khamasi, Stanbic Head of Sustainability said, ‘’ we continue to deploy tools, systems and capabilities to drive sustainability, mitigate risk and create sustainable value for our clients, partners, shareholders and community. Aligned to our purpose to drive growth in Kenya and South Sudan, we are well equipped to contribute to several sustainable development goals (SDG) priorities through funding, capacity building and innovation. Climate change remains a key focus area and we will continue to work with our stakeholders to support green projects and the blue economy,’

  • National health facility census: 808 health facilities assessed

    National health facility census: 808 health facilities assessed

    A total of 808 health facilities have been covered in the ongoing national health facility census which kicked off on Monday.

    According to Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, the facilities include 551 dispensaries and clinics, 176 health centers and 81 level 4 hospitals had been covered by close of business Thursday.

    According to the PS, the census marks a significant step in enhancing healthcare delivery and planning in Kenya by assessing existing gaps in key resources such as infrastructure, equipment, and health workers in health facilities.

    “Data collected from this census will serve as a foundation for evidence-based decision-making within the health sector, including ensuring that the population can access quality healthcare within a reasonable distance and cost. Observed Muthoni.

    The goal of the census is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of 15,000 health facilities, capturing essential data that will guide future healthcare policies and strategies and is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from the Ministry of Health, health professional regulatory agencies, the private sector and County Governments.

    The two weeks exercise will run from August 14 to August 25 after which a report will be compiled.

  • Public health PS underscores significance of port health

    Public health PS underscores significance of port health

    State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards principal secretary Mary Muthoni has underscored the critical role played by port health officers describing them as the first line of defense against cross border disease outbreaks.

    Speaking during a visit of the Eldoret International Airport Port Health Facility, Muthoni said the team remain critical during events occasioned by mass international arrivals such the ongoing devolution conference and the forthcoming Africa Climate Summit.

    She said the purpose of the visit was to assess emergency preparedness at the point of entry and exit.

    In a sitting with the Head of the Section Phylis Tobosei and the staff, the PS  explored strategies for bolstering the service delivery points saying port health officers are available to offer emergency health services at all entry points.

  • Foreign and Diaspora affairs CS defends US envoy

    Foreign and Diaspora affairs CS defends US envoy

    Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has defended the United States Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman in the wake of her comments at the Biennial Devolution Conference.

    Taking to his Twitter account, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized that her candid remarks should not be met with undue criticism.

    “The Kenyan Government has extended a warm welcome to the forthright comments made by Ambassador Whitman during her address, acknowledging the commendable progress that Kenya has achieved in the past year.”  Said Mutua.

    The Cabinet Secretary emphasized that Kenya values its partnerships and welcomes constructive discourse adding that diplomatic corps and development partners should not feel daunted by unjustified threats or intimidation

    “While the truth may be uncomfortable for some, Ambassador Whitman’s words find resonance with Kenya’s comprehensive economic empowerment initiative, Kenya Kwanza.” Added the CS.

    Addressing concerns about diplomatic relations, the Cabinet Secretary clarified that any issues with diplomats or nations should be addressed through the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs insisting the power to recall an envoy rests solely with the Government of Kenya

    He says The Government of Kenya, remains steadfast in its commitment to collaboration with those who share the common goal of propelling Kenya forward.

  • KPA lauded for enhancing efficiency at the Likoni Ferry Crossing channel

    KPA lauded for enhancing efficiency at the Likoni Ferry Crossing channel

    Residents of Mombasa County have hailed Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for streamlining operations at the Likoni Ferry Crossing channel since the Kenya Ferry Service was amalgamated with KPA.

    According to a report by KPA Managing Director Captain (Capt.) William Ruto, the 24-hour ferry service complements road transport. The Ferry service facilitates transportation to an estimated 126,000,000 million pedestrians and 2,560,000 motorists annually along the Likoni channel.

    “The efficient provision of ferry services continues to be a crucial component in moving people and commodities between the Mombasa Islands and the southern mainland, fostering social-economic growth in the agricultural, tourism, manufacturing, and service sectors,” said Capt. William Ruto.

    The crossing channel is used by over 300,000 passengers and 6,000 vehicles daily, leading to heavy congestion, particularly during peak hours in the morning and evening.

    The Dongo Kundu bypass under construction is poised to be a game changer it will not only connect three main transport corridors: the Mombasa-Nairobi highway, Mombasa-Malindi highway, and the Mombasa- Lunga Lunga highway but also reduce congestion at Likoni ferry.

    Despite the indefinite closure of the Liwatoni Floating Bridge for routine service and the halt of service at Mtongwe ferry, the Likoni channel has recorded an unprecedented surge in passengers during peak hours however passengers have been crossing seamlessly.

    Since KPA took over it has put in place a raft of measures to reduce congestion and seal revenue loopholes. An automated payment system, automatic barrier gates, and well-marked roads are some of the noticeable changes introduced.

    During peak hours, five ferries are in operation. The management has moved routine maintenance procedures to off-peak and even overnight to minimize the inconvenience it might cause to ferry users.

    “Monthly income collection has increased dramatically, from Ksh.30 million to Ksh.56 million, after the cashless system was put into place. Every day, about 7000 fleets of cars cross. Less than 3.5 tonnes weight cars, vans, and buses pay between Ksh 120 and Ksh 600 per way to cross the Waterway,” divulged KPA MD CPT William Ruto.

    “We are grateful to the management of KPA; it has brought tremendous improvement. For two years the ferry precincts were synonymous with long lines of traffic stretching to the CBD. Some motorists used to cross late in the night,” said Evans Momanyi, a Mombasa resident.

    Shee Famau KPA Senior Security Officer attached at Likoni Ferry crossing channel Mombasa Island controlling movement of vehicles and commuters. Photo by Haniel Mengistu

    “Since KPA took over the operations at the Likoni crossing channel by incorporating Kenya Ferry Service staff to KPA there is a lot of changes, ostensibly the personnel feels motivated, there is professionalism, congestion has decreased, and hawkers have disciplined and no longer sell their products along the roads to avert accidents,” he added.

    The residents hailed the multi-agency cooperation for a reduction in cases of pickpockets which were rampant at the channel.

  • State partners with KEPSA to roll out internship programme

    State partners with KEPSA to roll out internship programme

    The government has partnered with the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) to roll out internship programme in the private sector.

    Through the partnership, 50,000 graduates will work and gain experience in the private sector as the government moves to close the unemployment gap in the country.

    The programme, dubbed Kenya Internship and Jobs initiative (KIJI) will see thousands of graduates receive on job training and skilling to be able to compete effectively with their counterparts from around the world.

    State Department for Industry Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Juma Mukwana said the initiative to be launched later this year, will complement the Public Service Internship Programme (PSIP) and the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) internship programme which have absorbed 4,000 and 25, 000 fresh graduates respectively.

    To benefit from the programme, applicants will apply online on a portal where various players in the private sector will post openings.

    The portal-www.kiji.go.ke, he said has already been activated with over 20,000 opportunities advertised.

    Dr. Mukwana said besides earning a monthly stipend through the programmes, the beneficiaries shall be equipped with the necessary skills to compete effectively for opportunities locally and globally.

    The government, he said has formulated a framework to facilitate smooth running of the programme.

    The framework, he said outlines what is expected from the industries in terms of working conditions, insurance, duration of the internship and amount of money to be paid to the interns.

    “What was delaying us was lack of a framework to roll out the programme. We did not want our interns to go into industries with poor working conditions,” he said.

    Speaking during a Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) workshop in Kisumu, the PS underscored the importance of aligning the training offered at the institutions to be in tandem with the industry needs.

    This, he said would facilitate easy placement of interns in the various industries who have expressed interest.

    “We have seen cases where our graduates once given an opportunity cannot deliver. Therefore we must ensure that the training we offer matches industry needs,” he said.

    He lauded the partnership with the private sector urging other players in the sector to come on board to help narrow the unemployment gap in the country.