KBC Channel 1

Author: Nicholas Kigondu

  • New report documents increase in HIV drug resistance to dolutegravir

    New report documents increase in HIV drug resistance to dolutegravir

    A new report released by the World Health Organisation has revealed an increase in HIV drug resistance to dolutegravir, a drug that has been a first-line regimen for adults and adolescents.

    According to the report documenting four surveys, levels of resistance to dolutegravir ranged from 3.9% to 8.6%, and reached 19.6% among people experienced with treatment and transitioned to a DTG-containing ART while having high HIV viral loads.

    While the report contains positive news Indicating high levels of HIV viral load suppression (>90%) in populations receiving dolutegravir (DTG)-containing antiretroviral therapy (ART), observational and country-generated survey data reveals that levels of HIV drug resistance to DTG are exceeding levels observed in clinical trials.

    “The worrying evidence of resistance in individuals with unsuppressed viral load despite dolutegravir treatment underscores the necessity for increased vigilance and intensified efforts to optimize the quality of HIV care delivery,” said Dr Meg Doherty, Director, WHO Department of the Global HIV, Hepatitis and STI Programmes. “Standardized surveillance of HIV drug resistance is essential for effectively preventing, monitoring, and responding to these challenges”. Doherty added.

    Since 2018, WHO has recommended use of dolutegravir as the preferred first- and second-line HIV treatment for all population groups. The drug is deemed more effective, easier to take, and has fewer side effects than other drugs currently in use and has a high genetic barrier to developing drug resistance.

    The report also documents cases of resistance to integrase-strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) after recent exposure to cabotegravir (CAB-LA). Delayed detection and confirmation of HIV infection can increase the risk of developing resistance to INSTIs. Since 2022, WHO has recommended the use of long-acting injectable CAB-LA as an additional HIV prevention option for people at substantial risk of HIV infection.

    The new HIVDR report emphasizes the importance of strengthening data reporting systems so that countries can effectively monitor and report quality-of-care indicators. It underscores the active engagement by ART clinics and programmes in use of indicator data to develop locally appropriate and sustainable solutions which it says are crucial for optimizing service delivery quality, thereby reducing the emergence of drug-resistant HIV.

    According to latest report by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council, there were 1,377,784 Kenyans living with HIV in 2023, with 57 percent coming from 10 counties, namely; Kisumu (128,091), Nairobi (124,609), Homa Bay (120,600), Siaya (96,297), Migori (76,053), Nakuru (57,635), Mombasa (50,656), Kakamega (48,733), Kiambu (45,917) and Kisii (42,210).

    The report indicate that the country recorded substantial decline in AIDS-related deaths between 2013 and 2022, attributed to the availability and access to anti-retroviral treatment.

     

     

     

  • 16 suspects arrested as police intensify crackdown on electronic theft

    16 suspects arrested as police intensify crackdown on electronic theft

    Hundreds of suspected stolen phones, laptops and tablets have been seized in a police operation targeting suspicious phone repair stalls.

    In the operation conducted, over 182 mobile phones, a laptop, iPad and two heating machines were seized in Ruai and Kamulu areas, when detectives stormed Free Mack Electronic Shop and Kamale Mobile Repair in Ruai, & Friends Communication Shop in Kamulu.

    Fiive suspects, namely Fredrick Maina, Macnair Gedion, Robin Muturi, John Kamau Mwangi and Kelvin Kamau Njuguna were arrested during the operation.

    In Kamukunji, detectives confiscated 19 suspected stolen mobile phones within Information Shops numbers 3A and 2B, before proceeding to Cianda Market shop number 426 where 10 more phones were found.  SamuelKang’ethe, Anthony Kamau and Kelvin Kihara were arrested.

    In Lang’ata’s Mobihub Planet-BIHI Towers, Lynne Wambui and Paul Kamau Wainaina were arrested with 34 suspected stolen phones while 8 laptops were seized at Skydeck Technologies shop by DCI Central detectives.

    Found in possession of the laptops were Brian Mwangi & Robert Thuo Mwangi who were equally rounded up. Four other suspects were arrested in Kasarani’s Githurai 44 area in a similar operation.

    Meanwhile, 5 robbers who waylaid a Matopeni area dweller at Mukuru kwa Njenga – Reli section stealing from him a jacket and an OPPO phone valued at 20 shillings have been arrssted.

    Bethwel Kiprop, Shadrack Otwori, Edwin Ongori, Mike Sagero & Collins Sigei were ambushed minutes after the robbery, and have since been arraigned.

     

     

     

     

  • It is time for Africa to write its own story, President Ruto

    It is time for Africa to write its own story, President Ruto

    President William Ruto has challenged legislators from the East African community member states to help advance the story of Africa’s potential as the home of the next industrial revolution.

    Addressing the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) special plenary sitting during the inaugural session of the 5th Assembly on Tuesday, the president said it was no longer tenable for the continent to continue wearing the badge of conflict, disease and poverty despite holding the largest global mineral deposits within its borders.

    “In fact, 30 percent of the world’s natural mineral resources are located in Africa. We have 60 percent of all renewable energy resources in the world. We have a 1.4 billion people market. In fact, by 2025, it is going to be the single largest market in the world. With those kinds of resources, it is incorrect to classify our continent as a continent of conflict, poverty and disease.” Observed the president.

    Using an idiom from Chinua Achebe’s novel, Things fall apart; that until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter, Ruto said it was time for the country to write its own story of potential and investment opportunities.

    “It is about the opportunities that we have, it is about the investment that is awaiting and position our continent as the only place where the next industrial revolution is going to happen.  It is important for you as legislators from EAC, to appropriate this position, so that together, we can push a new narrative for our continent.” The president told the regional assembly.

    He said there was a need for EAC legislators to lend their support to the African Leaders’ Nairobi Declaration and Call to Action, which defines a strong and distinctly African contribution to the global discourse on humanity’s foremost existential challenge. This he said is by affirming the nexus between climate action and sustainable development and calling for increased investment in Africa to kick-start a green industrial revolution.

    “When we met in Nairobi last year, we made a deliberate decision, that was no longer going to be in a corner where we are seen as victims of climate change and where our pre-occupation is on complaining, finger pointing and doing what we have done many years, but that we are going to reposition our continent as a place of opportunity, great potential and ready for investment.” Implored the President.

    The 63-member state assembly will hold its sittings in Nairobi for the next three weeks in line with Article 55 of the Treaty for the establishment of the East African Community which provides for rotational sittings among members states.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Four suspects in court over forged academic certificates

    Four suspects in court over forged academic certificates

    Four suspects accused of forging academic certificates to secure employment have been charged before an Eldoret court.

    Bethwel Kipkoech, Celestine Cherop Chepsoi, Eddah Cheptanui Boit and Jackson Kipkosgei denied the charges and were released on a 100,000 shillings cash bail or a bond of 300,000 shillings.

    They were charged with the offences of forgery of academic certificates, making of false documents, uttering of false documents and fraudulent acquisition of public property.

    The four were accused of forging credentials to acquire public service jobs at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.

     

  • ODPP, ILF partner in a bid to decongest prisons

    ODPP, ILF partner in a bid to decongest prisons

    The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is partnering with the International Legal Foundation on alternative dispute resolution mechanisms as part of ongoing efforts to decongest prisons.

    Speaking during a delegation meeting, Senior Assistant Director Public Prosecutions, Alexander Muteti said the project will be piloted at the Makadara Law Courts for a period of one year.

    “Our office has been conducting a similar program known as “all for Justice Initiative” which is armed to decongest the prisons with the last phase taking place in 2023,” said Muteti.

    The partnership will provide training and capacity building for prosecutors at the Prosecution Training institute.

    “The ILF will partner with Justice Initiatives Global (JIGlobal), a locally registered non-governmental organization, to implement the project,”said ILF Executive Director, Jennifer Smith.

    The alternative mechanisms under consideration include diversion and plea bargaining and the provision of pro-bono advocates in 60 new misdemeanor cases monthly that involve both adults and juveniles.

    The project dubbed ‘The Impact of early access to quality legal aid on reducing unnecessary and prolonged pre-trial detention” aims to enhance efficiency by reducing backlog.

    Statistics indicate that 134 prison facilities in Kenya are currently holding over 60,000 persons yet they have a capacity of 30,000 people with Pretrial detainees being 35,000 which is 51 person of the entire prison population.

  • Government acquires 430 wagons to streamline freight services

    Government acquires 430 wagons to streamline freight services

    The Principal Secretary of the State Department for Transport, Mohamed Daghar has commissioned 430 rolling stock (wagons) meant to improve efficiency in freight service.

    The arrival of the wagons will also bolster the clearance of a backlog of 100,000 tonnes made up of steel pellets and coils and other loose cargo at the port of Mombasa.

    According to Daghar, the wagons will enhance the capacity of SGR and MGR by gradually replacing the current wagons that are over 40 years old.

    The wagons are of different specifications with additional safety features and can carry double-stuck containers. The wagons have a load capacity of 70 and 64 tonnes on SGR and MGR respectively.

    In January Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen flagged off 50 wagons.

    The last consignment of 20 wagons is set to arrive in May to bring the total number of wagons acquired this year to 500 with 300 wagons setaside  for SGR while 200 are for MGR.

    “It’s really important to increase efficiency at the Port of Mombasa and one way of increasing efficiency is to ensure both containerized and conventional cargo is discharged efficiently and quickly,” said PS Daghar at the Portreitz Freight Station.

    PS Daghar said the government is determined to continue serving the neighbouring land-locked countries through efficient rail transport for both containerized and conventional cargo.

    He said the government is keen to ensure that the northern corridor that starts at the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo remains competitive and efficient.

    “We don’t want a situation where Kenya Railways will be scavenging for containers. We want to ensure that our yards efficiently transport all the cargo from the port of Mombasa to reduce our dwell time to two days or less,” said PS Daghar.

    Container consignments being loaded on the new wagons for freight services at Port Reitz Freight station, Mombasa.

    The government has also rehabilitated the entire MGR line in the country with only a small section between Voi and Taveta that connects with the Northern part of Tanzania remaining.

    The PS revealed that the State Department of Transport through the National Land Commission has already acquired 1.4 kilometres of land that had halted rehabilitation of the MGR line in Mombasa that will link the central railway station and the SGR terminus in Miritini.

    Once the project is completed in May, passengers using the Madaraka Express passenger service train and the seven stations along the SGR arriving or departing from Mombasa can use the MGR line.

    With each of the 430 wagons boasting a capacity of about 70 tons, the seamless flow of heavy containerized cargo will reduce strain on roads and enhance efficiency.

    Four mini stations are under construction in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini, and Shimanzi to enhance commuter movement for Mombasa residents, who will have an alternative mode of transport, thus easing pressure on road transport.

     

     

  • Counties set to receive additional Ksh. 46.4 billion to foster devolution

    Counties set to receive additional Ksh. 46.4 billion to foster devolution

    Counties will now get an additional 46 billion shillings to facilitate their mandate after President William Ruto assented to the County Governments Additional Allocation Bill.

    Speaking while signing the Bill into law, President William Ruto said the state will continue to mobilize resources and support the smooth operations of County Governments.

    “Today, we have made available KSh. 46 billion that will facilitate our devolved units to discharge their mandate,” said the president.

    According to the president, the government is committed to foster inclusive development and strengthen devolution.

    “This amount is meant to enhance the implementation of the administration’s plan through provision of fertilizers subsidy, the special economic zones, support in construction of county headquarters, provision of library services, enhance own source revenue, primary health care and climate change interventions.” He said.

    Of the 46 billion made available by the presidential assent, 450 million will go towards the completion of five county headquarters among them county governments of Lamu, Isiolo, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi and Tana River that could not raise enough revenues to complete the projects.

     

  • Kenya and Botswana to forge new partnership in livestock development

    Kenya and Botswana to forge new partnership in livestock development

    Kenya and Botswana have announced a partnership focusing on livestock development in a significant move meant to bolster the agricultural sector.

    The announcement was made by Botswana’s president Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi during a visit to the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC) headquarters.

    Masisi toured the KAGRC laboratories for demonstrations on semen production, preservation, and processing. He also observed local breeds, underscoring the importance of genetic diversity in livestock development.

    During the visit, Masisi said Botswana and Kenya can enhance cooperation in the agricultural sector, particularly in animal husbandry, dairy, and beef production.

    The partnership will concentrate on breed improvement, animal husbandry services, feed and fodder and animal disease management.

    Speaking during the visit, Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke said the government remains committed to boost livestock farming in Kenya through creating an enabling environment for livestock production, which will lead to higher income for farmers.

    President Masisi was accompanied by Dr. Lemogang Kwape, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Machana Shamukuni, Minister of Justice, as well as Senior Government Officials from Botswana. Representatives from the Ministry of Co-operatives & Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises were also present.

     

  • Private equity tips on valuing a business acquisition

    Private equity tips on valuing a business acquisition

    There is nothing more subjective than determining the value of a business when making a transaction to acquire it with the buyer pushing for the cheapest price while the seller overestimates its value.

    Over the last decades, deal making in East Africa has evolved as local and international private equity (PE) companies midwife small businesses to scale by linking them with much needed capital.

    The rise of venture capitalists has helped unlock immense value by introducing crucial but lacking ingredients that inhibit the growth and development of small and medium enterprises, including capital, management support, environmental consciousness, and good corporate governance practices.

    This has mainly been done via either debt or equity.

    By providing debt financing from long-term funds of large finance houses, notably development financial institutions, endowment funds and family offices, and putting them into the hands of experienced fund managers, PE helps deploy resources into private enterprises to grow and repay the loans.

    The venture capitalist also arrange for investors to have skin in the game, through purchasing a stake or a combination of debt and equity- usually called mezzanine funding.

    However, equity investment presents significant challenges, especially for early-stage and family-owned enterprises during acquisition.

    Valuation is perhaps the most crucial part of this transaction,brought about by the high degree of conflict between the buyers and the sellers.

    A seller, usually a founder, aims to maximise the stake’s price. Given the founders’ long-term effort and sacrifices in establishing their businesses, there is a kind of nostalgia when they must hand that over to other people. It is, therefore, normal for founders to psychologically overvalue the business at times well beyond its realistic or commercial value.

    Price is thus the payout the buyer asks, negotiates, or demands, and it is driven by several elements, including emotions, greed, or sentimental attachments to the business they have built over time and can’t let it go easily.

    On the other hand, buyers focus on the expected future of the investments. The amount the buyer pays today significantly affects the investment return. The buyer is, therefore, more inclined to the fundamentals of the business and how it can grow and thrive to generate value over time above the price paid out, all in present value terms.

    The buyer’s objective in a negotiation is to reduce the payoutas low as possible.any mistakes the buyer makes by overpaying for the business will take a long time to correct and will eventually determine the long-term return on the investment. Simply put, price is what you pay, and value is what you get.

    Private equity funds are cautious with this aspect as it determines their reported returns, and this not only affects the ability to raise future funds but also determines the reward paid to the fund manager, which usually only kicks in after they attain a pre-determined hurdle or minimum return relative to the amount of capital invested.

    Determining what is referred to as intrinsic value is an established discipline with clear guidelines to ensure that the parties can generally use similar approaches and that any significant differencesin figures arrived at by two valuation expertscan be explained.

    The valuation process utilises different variables, makes assumptions about the future cash flows of the business, and discounts these to the present.

    This process recognizes the time value of money; in that a shilling received today differs from a shilling received a few years from today.  If the present value of the projected future cash flow is less than the price paid today, the buyer will be worse off by engaging in that transaction.

    In projecting future cash flows, the buyer considers the interventions they plan to do to unlock value in the business. The interventions may include strengthening the management team, opening new markets of deeper market penetration, better working capital management, more working capital support, debt, or equity capital injection for capital investment for growth and efficiency improvements.

    Even though the valuation process can sound scientific, there are a lot of qualitative considerations that go into the negotiation process.

    The buyers should strive for a fair settlement. Any feeling of unfair treatment can be detrimental to the future relationship, especially where the seller only offloaded a partial stake, and both parties have to start working together. A wounded seller can overtly work to sabotage the business post-acquisition.

    Failure to commit to further capital injection where desperately needed, bad-mouthing of the new owners, sharing trade secrets, and sheer sabotage are but some revenge that the jilted seller could engage to the detriment of the business.

    The buyer should thus fight the temptation to pay the lowest price but strive for a fair deal; in the end, all parties will be winners.

     

    Anthony Gichini, CFA, is the investment manager at transcentury plc

  • Kenya joins global effort to combat nature crime

    Kenya joins global effort to combat nature crime

    Kenya has received an invitation to join the Nature Crimes Alliance, enhancing its global standing in the battle against environmental crimes.

    Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Soipan Tuya, revealed that the invitation was extended during a meeting with her Norwegian counterpart, Minister for Climate and Environment H.E. Andreas Bjelland Eriksen, on the sidelines of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Gigiri, Nairobi.

    During the engagement, Eriksen emphasized the imperative to dismantle silos and promote cross-border collaboration.

    “Illicit flows of goods and capital drain developing countries of public resources, undermining trust in the rule of law, national institutions, and democratic processes,” he said.

    Yulia Stange, Director of the Nature Crimes Alliance, underscored the necessity for collaboration among governments, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities.

    “Our goal is to address this pressing need and ensure that nature-based solutions prevail,” said Stange.

    The alliance serves as a platform for sharing best practices, technical support, resources, and funding opportunities, ultimately improving the global response to nature crimes.

    The assembly, which concluded on Friday, convened at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi focused on sustainable solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, including the menace of plastics.

    By fostering multilateral collaboration, UNEA-6 highlighted the urgency of collective environmental action and advanced the achievement of sustainable development goals.