KBC Channel 1

Author: Prudence Wanza

  • 50 per cent of teens in Samburu have ever been pregnant, KNBS report

    50 per cent of teens in Samburu have ever been pregnant, KNBS report

    Half of teenagers in Samburu County have experienced pregnancy, a recent report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has revealed.

    According to the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022 KDHS) unveiled on Monday, 50 per cent of women aged 15 to 19 in Samburu have ever been pregnant.

    The data further highlights West Pokot County as having the second highest number of teenage pregnancies, with 36 per cent of teenagers aged 15-19 having been pregnant.

    Marsabit follows in the third place with 29 per cent while Narok and Meru stand at 28 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.

    On the other hand, the report reveals that Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Vihiga and Nairobi have the lowest percentage of teenage pregnancies.

  • DP Gachagua urges SACCOs to tap into digital economy

    DP Gachagua urges SACCOs to tap into digital economy

    Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday urged Savings and Cooperative Societies(Saccos) to tap into the digital economy in a bid to expand their investment portfolios and enhance businesses.

    The DP said Sacco’s must be innovative to tap into the emerging high-value market bases like the digital economy.

    “While we boast of the growth in membership and deposits, we must be innovative to tap into emerging high-value- but ignored market bases like the digital economy. Under the Ministry of ICT, we are rolling out a 100,000 kilometre digital superhighway to create more job opportunities in the online platforms,” said the Deputy President.

    He spoke in Meru town at the 30th Anniversary Celebrations of Solution Sacco.

    The DP urged the Saccos to recruit the youth in the cooperative movement.

    “Including the youth into the cooperative movement makes them part of the solutions to the day to day challenges like Cyber crimes. Against rising competition from other institutions, there is need to tailor products to tap into the informal sectors as well as the creative, sports and artisan sections of our economy,” said Gachagua.

    “We want to enhance saving culture in Kenya so that we borrow our own money. Initially we used to borrow from foreign countries money saved by citizens of those countries,” he added.

    He stated that the Government is committed to work with the cooperative movement in creating sustainable communities under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

    “Under the Kenya Kwanza Plan, cooperatives play a key role in aggregation of produce for better returns to farmers. A stable cooperative movement is a key pillar as we lead public sector reforms, specifically in the Tea, Coffee and Dairy sub-sectors,” he stated.

    The DP was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Mithika Linturi (Agriculture) and Simon Chelugui (Cooperatives), Principal Secretary State Department for Co-operatives Patrick Kilemi, Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza and her Laikipia counter Joshua Irungu, the Sacco’s CEO Daniel Kinyua Marete and Chairman  Francis Muriithi.

  • Uhuru chairs consultative meeting on Nairobi Peace Process

    Uhuru chairs consultative meeting on Nairobi Peace Process

    Former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday convened a consultative meeting on Nairobi Peace Process which is aimed at restoring peace in the Eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

    The meeting held in Nairobi focused on stakeholders reach a consensus on how they can collectively work towards achieving the final stage of the process initiated during the Luanda Summit held on 23rd November 2022.

    Uhuru has been leading the peace process in his capacity as the facilitator of the East African Community (EAC) in a bid to find a lasting solution to the conflict in DRC.

    Addressing the delegates in Nairobi, the former Head of State underscored that the cantonment is a sensitive aspect of the peace restoration process that requires transparency, open consultation, and stakeholder dialogue.

    “The cantonment aspect presents a sensitive and urgent challenge. We must ensure that all parties are adequately consulted and reach an agreement regarding this crucial stage. It is imperative to address all necessary technical and logistical matters, including establishing open and indirect lines of dialogue and consultation with the armed groups we aim to canton,” he said.

    Uhuru further stated that it is paramount that the cantonment stage succeeds if substantial progress in implementing the political and military objectives of sustainable peace and stability in the eastern part of the DRC.

    The former President lauded the leadership of the East Africa Community for their unwavering commitment and determination to assist the government of the DRC in pacifying the eastern region of the country.

    He further commended the militaries and Chiefs of Defence Forces of the EAC countries for their close cooperation with EAC and the military authorities in the DRC, ensuring the proper and effective deployment of these forces across various sectors.

    The Facilitator called on all stakeholders to work together to complete the cantonment process noting it will set the stage for subsequent activities within the framework of disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration, and resettlement (DDRRR) required in the future.

    The meeting brought together representatives from the East African Community member states, the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

  • President Ruto approves pay increment for civil servants

    President Ruto approves pay increment for civil servants

    President William Ruto has approved salary increment of between 7 to 10 per cent for civil servants beginning 1st July, 2023.

    The President indicated that the increment will apply to civil servants below the level of Principal Secretary.

    Speaking during the unveiling of digitized government services on Friday, Ruto put on hold the Salaries Remuneration Commission (SRC) review that had proposed pay rise for state officials including the President, Deputy President, Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries among others.

    ‘I know there is a proposal by the SRC for the increase of salaries of different cadres of both civil servants and other public servants. Because of the economic times we live in, we have approved that salaries of other civil servants can be adjusted beginning tomorrow,” said Ruto.

    ‘I have instructed the SRC to give us international best practice because we need to reduce the gap between all of us who work for the people of Kenya. We need to make sure that the gap between the person paid the least and the person paid the most is not too big,” he added

  • Over 5.4 million taxpayers file returns ahead of Friday deadline

    Over 5.4 million taxpayers file returns ahead of Friday deadline

    Over 5.4 million Kenyans had filed their returns by 28th June 2023, representing a 16 per cent growth compared to the returns submitted last year.

    In a statement on Thursday, the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) said that an average of 150,000 returns were being processed daily, with the number expected to increase as the filling deadline approaches.

    “The increment in the number of returns filed, reflects increased tax compliance rate. Tax compliance has experienced significant growth over a five year period, from 2 million returns filed for 2017 to 5.5 million returns filed for the 2021 year of income,” KRA said.

    KRA noted that the growth is as a result of taxpayers’ consistency in fulfilling their return filing obligations.

    “Over the years, KRA has also enhanced its service support framework by providing offsite filling support during ushuru mashinani engagements, extended working hours at KRA service centers,” KRA stated

    The authority is urging taxpayers to file their returns before the deadline, which is tomorrow 30th June, 2023.

  • Ruto meets Moussa Faki, agree to work together in reforming AU

    Ruto meets Moussa Faki, agree to work together in reforming AU

    President William Ruto and African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki have pledged to collaborate in efforts aimed at reforming the Commission.

    Ruto said the meeting, held on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, focused on building a secure, peaceful, equitable and climate resilient Africa.

    They also agreed on the urgent need for a peaceful Sudan.

    The Head of State noted that building partnerships is an effective way to dealing with climate change that threatens our communities and ecosystems.

    “If we respond collectively and boldly and in a co-ordinated way, we stand to make strides in our development, meet our aspirations and prosper,” said Ruto

    The meeting with Faki comes weeks after Ruto called for urgent reforms of the African Union (AU) to ensure a stronger economic performance in the continent.

    Speaking during the 22nd Summit of the COMESA Heads of States and Governments in Lusaka, Zambia, Ruto said the reforms will ensure stronger economic performance in the continent.

    “I have had an engagement with legislators of the Pan African Parliament and implored on them the need to reform the African Union to conform with the current realities,” the President said.

    “The AU Reform Agenda must therefore be a priority and we must interrogate and conduct the process to ensure that structurally, the roles of bureau, summits, committees, regional caucuses, secretariat and commission are duly rationalized to give Africa a fit-for-purpose continental governance body with the capacity to engage globally,” he added

     

  • Nyandarua: Four family members killed in house fire

    Nyandarua: Four family members killed in house fire

    Four members of one family on Wednesday night perished in a fire incident at Boiman village in Nyandarua west in a suspected arson attack.

    Among those who died in the inferno include an 85 year old granny, her daughter aged 36 and two grandchildren aged 10 and 5.

    John Mwangi, son to the deceased said that they heard screams from the home and rushed to save the family.

    The three-bedroom house is reported to have been locked from outside making it difficult for the four to escape.

    Residents are now calling on  security officers to investigate the matter.

  • Kilifi County surpasses Ksh1.1B revenue collection as Mung’aro unveils inspectorate team

    Kilifi County surpasses Ksh1.1B revenue collection as Mung’aro unveils inspectorate team

    Kilifi County Government has surpassed KSh1.1 billion revenue collection target for the first time in a decade.

    Governor Gideon Mung’aro said the county aims at coming up with more measures such as the establishment of a new county court which will have its own magistrate to prosecute offenders going against the county government rules.

    The Governor said the court will have a magistrate assigned to the county full time and all offenders shall face legal action which will help raise revenue in the county in terms of fines collected.

    “We have already crossed by yesterday the Ksh1.1 billion collection, for the last 10 years the county has not crossed Ksh800 million, now we have reached Sh. 1.1 billion, next year I want to collect Sh. 2.5 billion,” said the Governor.

    “This week we will begin setting up the new court. We will start construction this Monday in the next two months we will have our own court,” he said.

    Mung’aro spoke during the official unveiling and awarding of certificates and trophies to new Transport County inspectorate officers who have graduated after undergoing vigorous training in Mombasa.

    Mung’aro who was accompanied by the CEC Member for Roads Catherine Kenga together with Ganze MP Kenneth Kazungu and Kilifi South Legislator Ken Chonga and other senior county officials said the county inspectorate will no longer have excuses and directed them not charge offenders after two days but ensure once an offender is nabbed at 9 am he is charged after one hour.

    The Governor also warned county officials against misusing county government property particularly drivers who go with county vehicles in bars and palm wine dens saying they will be held responsible.

    Mung’aro said the county inspectorate shall also have new set of uniforms for operation and leave the current one for ceremonial functions.

    “You will have two uniforms those who are marshalling in the night we will make sure that you have reflectors not only on the jacket but the hands that direct cars,” he said.

  • Over 9,000 students benefit from Narok East CDF bursary

    Over 9,000 students benefit from Narok East CDF bursary

    Over 9000 students from Narok East constituency are set to benefit from Ksh30 Million bursary through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the financial year 2022/2023.

    Narok East Member of Parliament Ken Aramat said the beneficiaries had applied through an online platform, after which they were verified as bonified members by the local chiefs.

    The online application, he said, ensures transparency and accountability as those who apply, regardless of their political background benefit from the funds.

    He revealed that the number of applicants has risen from 3, 000 in 2013 to Sh. 9, 000 in the current financial year praising the residents for embracing education by ensuring all their children are in school.

    The third term MP said the challenges that come with digital application is that many people from the neighbouring constituencies apply for the funds, while other people apply for multiple applications.

    However, the MP said a high percentage of the students in the area study in schools outside the constituency, making those far schools to benefit from the constituency fund.

    The residents applauded the process saying everybody regardless of their clan, religion or political affiliation had benefited from the fund.

  • Ruto: Boda Boda formalization will enhance compliance and safety

    Ruto: Boda Boda formalization will enhance compliance and safety

    The Government is committed to reforming Boda Boda business and stop the criminalisation of the sector.

    President William Ruto said the Government is formalising the sector that creates 1.5 million jobs, generating Sh300 billion a year.

    Besides organising them in SACCOs, he said the exercise will also include the administration of continuous training and maintenance of a database of operators.

    This, he explained, will provide the Government with a platform to improve the well-being of operators.

    “We will work with all stakeholders to ensure the training and licensing of Boda Boda riders does not exceed Sh2500,” he added.

    He made the remarks during the launch of the Boda Boda Empowerment Programme at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

    The Head of State said formalising the sector will also facilitate access to affordable credit through the Hustler Fund.

    He noted that the programme’s initial phase will train 200,000 riders selected from all the 47 counties.

    The training will entail road safety, traffic regulations, accident management, entrepreneurship and financial management.

    The President said the Government is reducing taxes on electric motorbike parts to reduce the cost of the final product and encourage its uptake.

    “Using electric motorbike, you will save upto 68 per cent to power electric motorbikes and save upto 30 per cent in servicing cost,” he said.