KBC Channel 1

Author: Prudence Wanza

  • CS Owalo meets religious leaders drawn from Nyanza region

    CS Owalo meets religious leaders drawn from Nyanza region

    Information, Communication and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo on Saturday met over 300 religious leaders drawn from Nyanza region.

    During the meeting, the CS outlined government’s agenda for the region and reiterated the commitment to work with the churches to develop the region.

    Owalo urged the church to use their influence to help create a favourable and conducive environment for private sector investment in the region.

    The leaders highlighted some of the most urgent development issues in the region which included solving the menace of flooding in the region, enhancing food production, and creating youth employment.

    Additionally, the leaders called on the government to ensure development of the fish industry, attract investment into the region, as well as growing the church in the Nyanza region.

    The religious leaders from 55 different religious organizations were drawn from Kisumu, Migori, Siaya and Homabay.

    Among the church leaders present were Bishop Johannes Angela of the Anglican Church, Father John Pesa of the Coptic Church, Archbishop David Matengo of AIC Church,  Archbishop Eng. Caleb Olali of Nomiya Faiths; and Archbishop Musa olanya of Nomiya Church.

    Other included Archbishop Musa Osewe of Legio Maria; Archbishop Michael Obego of Nomiya Church; Fauzia Shaban of the Muslim Faith; and Elizabeth Okal, SDA Church.

  • Embrace technology to boost tourism, Hospitality industry urged

    Embrace technology to boost tourism, Hospitality industry urged

    Hoteliers have been challenged to embrace innovation as a means of boosting tourism numbers for both domestic and international visitors in a bid rebuild the sector. 

    Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza noted that rebuilding the tourism sector requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond refurbishing hospitality facilities.

    She said hoteliers must renew their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the well-being of their visitors.

    “We must invest in refurbishing our establishments to maintain and refresh our unmatched national brand. We must also upgrade facilities, expand connectivity, provide affordable transport and accommodation,” said Malonza.

    Malonza was speaking in Mombasa after officially opening the Kenya Association of Hotel Keepers and Caterers annual symposium.

    Speaking during the opening of the event, Malonza emphasized on the need for players in the tourism sector to introduce new and exciting products that enhance the overall visitor experience and position Kenya as a premier destination.

    “Protecting and preserving our wildlife, cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems should be our responsibility as a sector. Let us promote responsible travel, eco-tourism, and environmental protection to create lasting experiences for our visitors,” Malonza said.

    She further urged hoteliers to adapt to the evolving needs and preferences of travelers, harnessing technology and creativity to enhance their experiences.

    By incorporating eco-friendly initiatives and supporting local businesses, she said the industry can offer authentic and meaningful experiences that resonate with the values of modern travelers.

    “There is also a need to build capacity and train our staff to enable them to be at par with current global tourism trends. By investing in our workforce and empowering them with knowledge and skills, we increase Kenya’s competitive advantage as a tourism destination,” she said.

  • Kenya scoops 3 awards during Africa Public Service Day celebrations in Zimbabwe

    Kenya scoops 3 awards during Africa Public Service Day celebrations in Zimbabwe

    Kenya scooped 3 awards at the 9th edition of the Continental Africa Public Service Day (APSD) celebrations held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

    The awards were presented during a colourful gala dinner event held on Friday to mark the end of the 2023 biennial APSD themed ‘African Continental Free Trade Area requires a fit for purpose Public Administration to succeed’

    The winners include Coast Development Authority which won in the best managed organization category for its innovation in Manrove restoration in sandflat deserts.

    Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) Mark Maara won the best centred service delivery award for his innovation in

    Huduma Kenya, emerged 1st runners up in the best managed organization category.

    This year’s celebrations saw over 15 countries exhibit various Public Service Delivery Innovations along side participating in symposium on topical issues tied to the theme.

  • Governor Mwangaza flags off Lewa Safari Marathon

    Governor Mwangaza flags off Lewa Safari Marathon

    Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on Saturday flagged off the Lewa Safari Marathon, 2023 edition.

    Speaking during the event, Mwangaza said the Marathon played an important role in supporting community development and wildlife conservation initiatives over the past 23 years.

    “The raised funds have made a lasting impact on the lives of thousands, and will undoubtedly continue to do so for many years to come,” said Mwangaza

    “I take immense pride in witnessing the seamless unfolding of this unforgettable event which has gradually become interwoven into our rich heritage. It has emerged as a beacon of local and international tourism, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe,” she added

    The marathon which showcases the beauty of our region and highlights the importance of conserving our precious wildlife and natural resources is organized annually.

  • Let’s embrace Pan Africanism, Pastor Dorcas tells African leaders

    Let’s embrace Pan Africanism, Pastor Dorcas tells African leaders

    The Spouse of the Deputy President Pastor Dorcas Rigathi has called on African leaders to reach an agreement to make a free Africa.

    Speaking in State House Entebbe Friday evening Pastor Dorcas said the only way to achieve the Pan African dream is by removing imaginary barriers of 1884 within African countries.

    “From where I sit, I think it is time for Pan African spirit. Let African leaders OAU and regional bodies reach an agreement to make Africa free. We are born free spirits, happy, joyful. Let the fathers of Africa rise and make the right decision to remove the 1884 imaginary barriers,” she said.

    She was making a keynote address during the launch of the book ‘Jesus’ Africa’ written by Patience Museveni Rwabwogo.

    She expressed confidence that Africa has a huge potential that has been hindered by restrictions among African countries. Pastor Dorcas said Africa has everything it needs adding that Africa has a potential to trade within itself and make use of the available resources.

    “Let our children enjoy the African heritage, and dream of crisscrossing and living the dream of Cape to Cairo without boundaries or demand for a visa to restrict them. This I believe is our way of resolving internal conflicts,” she said.

    “Letting the light shine in Africa as one people, speaking one language of love, letting our children dance and celebrate being African and let them trade with each other,” she added.

    Her sentiments were echoed by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni who accused African countries of failing to unite and consolidate their win against the whites.

    President Museveni said Africans were divided by the whites for being greedy. He added that Africans sold their birthright to the whites.

    “There was no way the Europeans could have penetrated Africa at that time. They (Europeans) did not have technology strong enough to defeat us. They had some guns but those guns were not very efficient.so the main problem was us, especially the chiefs,” he said.

    President Museveni said even after Africans won against the whites, they did not consolidate the victory through economic-political integration and self-sufficiency. He said Africans did not concretize their win. He has called on the East African countries to implement the words of the East African anthem.

    “Here we sang two Anthems, one for Uganda, one for East Africa. That is good, to sing the anthem, but let us implement the East Africanisms,” he said

    In her book ‘Jesus Africa’ Patience Museveni Rwabwogo narrates how she received a vision from God in 2005 about the African continent. She says she heard a voice saying ‘out of what was called darkness, will come a great light. This light will come from within you.

  • Azimio can call for protests as long as its peaceful, says President Ruto

    Azimio can call for protests as long as its peaceful, says President Ruto

    President William Ruto says he has no issue with Azimio leader Raila Odinga organizing protests next week.

    Speaking in an interview in his 3 day tour in France, Ruto said the protests should not to lead to destruction of property and businesses of hardworking Kenyans.

    “I have no problem with Raila Odinga organising protests. What I have told Raila Odinga and company is, let them not engage in destruction of property,” the President said

    His sentiments were echoed by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Cleophas Malala who urged Azimio to engage in peaceful protests as they raise their concerns on Finance Bill 2023.

    “We have a duty to protect our nation from election losers who never tire to sabotage our economy after every five years,” he said

    Azimio Coalition leadership yesterday announced plans to hold a consultation on Tuesday next week to discuss the Finance Bill 2023.

    According to the coalition, the forum will be part of Azimio la Umoja’s efforts to engage with the public on key economic issues as it decides whether to return to nationwide protests.

    The coalition reiterated that the government must ensure the national budget reflects the needs of Kenyans.

  • Museveni showers accolades on Pastor Dorcas Rigathi

    Museveni showers accolades on Pastor Dorcas Rigathi

    Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Spouse of the Deputy President, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi for dedication to her work.

    Museveni described Pastor Dorcas as a firebrand and expressed his intention to learn from her pastoral skills

    He spoke on Friday during the launch of ‘Book Jesus’ Africa in State House Entebbe Uganda.

    “I am very happy to see Pastor Rigathi, I didn’t know we have a firebrand in Kenya,” he said

    “When we were swearing in the new government, I was there but she didn’t speak of course, but now am really surprised to see a very powerful cadre here, I will take advantage of your pastoring skills.”

    Pastor Dorcas was the Keynote Speaker during the launch of the book written by Museveni’s daughter Patience Rwabwogo.

  • Over 8000 schools in coast benefit from digital literacy project

    Over 8000 schools in coast benefit from digital literacy project

    More than 8000 Primary School pupils in the Coast region are set to benefit from ABSA Bank Ksh25M nationwide digital literacy project.

    ABSA in partnership with Computer for Schools (CFSK) is augmenting the government’s digital agenda through the donation of computer laboratories to Primary and Secondary schools across the country to enhance digital literacy.

    The Bank targets to fully equip and furnish 70 computer labs in select primary and secondary schools across the country.  The project has so far benefitted 53 schools impacting 53,000 students.

    Each school receives a computer lab consisting of 20 fully networked desktop computers and lab furniture to support learning.

    Speaking during the handing over of the 10th computer lab at Chaani Primary School in Changamwe Constituency, Absa Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdi Mohamed said the initiative is aligned with the bank’s citizenship agenda and complements the government’s digital literacy programme.

    “We are giving back to the community to help the community develop in a sustainable manner. This is part of our bigger agenda in ensuring that we play our role as a corporate citizen,’’ said ABSA CEO, adding that they work with the government, local leaders, and other stakeholders in implementing the project.

    The CEO noted that ABSA recognizes that education is a catalyst and a tool for positive change in the communities.

    “We firmly believe that access to basic digital skills is a fundamental right, and our initiative reflects our commitment to empowering young Kenyans with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world.

    The lab will serve as a hub for creativity, innovation, and knowledge-sharing among the students, educators, and the wider community,” he said.

    The CEO thanked Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi for gracing the event and inspiring the students to improve their academic performance and prepare them for the workplace.

    Technology, he said, is a very important part of curriculum development all over the world and Chaani Primary School is no different.

    On his part, the area MP Omar Mwinyi thanked the bank for the donation of a computer lab and Ksh500, 000 for the purchase of revision textbooks for form fours.

    “We promise you that we will pull up our socks in terms of performance as a result of your contribution. We look forward towards a better working relationship in the future and be there to assist where you can,’’ said Mwinyi urging other corporates to support education through their Community Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes.

    The School’s Head Teacher Risper Anyango expressed the school’s gratitude for Absa’s donation, saying it is a testament to the bank’s dedication to empowering communities and fostering the development of the learners.

    The Bank also planted 500 indigenous, exotic fruit trees at the school as part of its commitment to plant 10 million trees by 2025.

    The fruit trees not only complement the government’s efforts to improve the national tree cover but will also boost nutrition, particularly among school-going children.

    From (Left) Changamwe MP Omar Mwinyi and Absa Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Abdi Mohamed (centre) during the launch of digital literacy project Chaani Primary School in Changamwe Constituency.

  • CS Kindiki reshuffles 204 Deputy County Commissioners

    CS Kindiki reshuffles 204 Deputy County Commissioners

    The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has made changes in the deployment of Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs).

    According to the Ministry, the Commissioners are required to report to their news stations starting Monday, June 26.

    “It is notified for information of the general public that the government has effected transfer/deployment of two hundred and four Deputy County Commissioners countrywide,” Kindiki stated

    In the changes, several DCCs were recalled to the Ministry headquarters from various posts including Angel Makau (Ithanga), Abdihakim Jubat (Trans-Mara) and Evans Wendott (PA to Nairobi Regional Commissioner).

    Other DCCs affected by the changes include Patrick Mwangi Kirienye who has been transfred to Athi River from Samburu East.

    Harun Kamau was transferred from Etago to Khwisero, Jackson Omondi from Khwisero to PA/County Commissioner Murang’a and Paul Waweru from PA/County Commissioner Murang’a to Kiminini in Bungoma.

    Dolphin Wanzala was moved from Kiminini to Marakwet East, Ahmed Somo from Marakwet East to Narok Central, Kennedy Mwangome from Narok Central to Embakasi, and Abraham Kemboi from Embakasi to Luanda.

    The CS also moved Abaraham Laikera to Laikipia West, Stanley Mutua (Konoin), Anneta Mwangi (Tseikuru) and Titus Murei (Mandera North).

  • Ruto calls for equitable global financial system to address poverty, climate change

    Ruto calls for equitable global financial system to address poverty, climate change

    President William Ruto has called for equity in the global financial architecture to address challenges of poverty and climate change.

    He explained that the resources should neither be controlled by the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund.

    “Africa does not want anything for free. But we need a new financial model where power is not in the hands of the few.”

    He said such a move will ensure that “we all have fair access to resources”.

    President Ruto said the globe cannot continue normally when things are not going forward.

    He was speaking on Thursday during a round-table with President of France Emmanuel Macron, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and the President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga in the ongoing New Global Financial Pact Summit in Paris.

    Echoing President Ruto’s call for a review in the global financial system, President Macron noted that a bold and targeted approach can transform the world.

    He said it is also time we integrated debt sustainability and climate vulnerability.

    “We need a diverse but inclusive discussion on climate change to fix the game. No one should be left behind; not even China,” explained Mr Macron.

    He called for the reconditioning of the World Bank and the IMF on how they operate vis-à-vis the realities at the grassroots.

    “It should be done with speed and urgency.”

    An estimated 50 Heads of State, along with international institutions and civil society representatives, are attending the Summit.

    It aims at developing a new global financial system so that vulnerable countries can be better equipped to combat poverty and climate change.

    Earlier, President Ruto held talks with the President of Colombia Gustavo Petro where they agreed to explore new areas of cooperation such as trade and agriculture.

    He also discussed Kenya’s Universal Health Coverage plan with the Former World Health Organisation Director-General Tedros Adhanom.

    Later, he met Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry where issues of mutual interest were at the centre of the discussion table.