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Category: 6 Priorities

  • Social media influencers warned against promoting drugs

    Social media influencers warned against promoting drugs

    The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) has issued a stern warning to social media influencers and content creators against promoting drug and substance abuse on social media. 

    The advisory was issued following what the organisation called a “growing trend of promoting drug use on digital platforms”.

    Influencers and digital creators are often unintentionally seen as role models by their audiences. 

    NACADA said that when these personalities post content that depicts drug use as acceptable or “cool,” it not only normalizes the behaviour but also undermines the ongoing efforts to combat substance abuse in Kenya.

    “Such content, often directed at young audiences, poses a significant threat to the fight against alcohol and drug abuse, while undermining the efforts to protect vulnerable groups, especially children, from these harmful influences,” NACADA said.

    In addition to the moral implications, NACADA reminded influencers and the public that promoting drugs through social media is a violation of the law. 

    Kenya’s Alcoholic Drinks Control Act, 2010 (ADCA) and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Control Act, 1994 explicitly prohibit the advertisement, promotion, or endorsement of drug use. 

    Any individual or entity found guilty of such activities could face severe legal consequences, including fines and imprisonment.

    “The Authority reminds the public that promoting drugs and substance use through social media is not only irresponsible but is also a violation of the law,” the authority warned.

    According to NACADA’s 2022 report, drug and substance abuse continues to be a significant issue in Kenya, with 1 in 6 Kenyans between the ages of 15 and 65 using at least one substance. 

    Males are disproportionately affected, with 1 in every 3 men using drugs, compared to 1 in every 16 women. The most commonly abused substances include alcohol, tobacco, khat, and cannabis. 

    Alcohol remains the most widely used, with nearly 3.2 million Kenyans reported as alcoholics, particularly in regions such as Western, Coast, and Central.

    In addition, NACADA encouraged parents to report any harmful content they come across to relevant authorities, ensuring that action is taken to remove such content and hold those responsible accountable.

    “We encourage parents and guardians to closely monitor the content their children are exposed to online, particularly on social media platforms, which often lack adequate safeguards. 

    “Parents should exercise control by enabling parental control settings, educating children about the dangers of drug use, and reporting any harmful content to relevant authorities.”

  • Tsavo National Park named among 52 travel destinations of 2024

    Tsavo National Park named among 52 travel destinations of 2024

    The Tsavo National Park is one of the 52 travel destinations highlighted by the New York Times among the best destinations to visit in 2024.

    Highlighting its elephant population, the magazine said the “Tsavo, {was} home to Africa’s most successful elephant rehabilitation program, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.”

    In 2021, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, an international organization working in the field of nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, listed the African savanna elephant endangered on its red list.

    Kenya’s first wildlife census conducted in 2021, recorded a 12 per cent surge in the elephant population and the home of 36,280 endangered elephants making the country and the Tsavo a shining example of how beneficial wildlife rehabilitation could be.

    Courtesy of the KWS Wildlife report 2021.

    At the time, the then President, Uhuru Kenyatta, lauded the Kenya Wildlife Services efforts by saying, “Kenya is leading the way by implementing bold and decisive actions to conserve and promote our ecological wealth.”

    Pointing out its appeal as a travel destination for the animal and safari lover, the NYT contributor Danielle Pergament praised the trust’s work and its eco-lodges.

    “At its heart are several core conservation projects, including an elephant orphanage, rehabilitation units and mobile veterinary clinics that have treated more than 11,000 animals, including some 3,500 elephants, since 1977.

    The organization has rehabilitated and released 200 elephant orphans (120 are still in their care) and runs anti-poaching teams, builds water sources and secures vulnerable boundaries.

    The wildlife trust also manages six small eco-lodges, which provide local jobs and help its conservation work.”

    The Ithumba Camp, which is one of the lodges run by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, is located in the Tsavo East National Park and offers an opportunity for guests to see their conservation efforts up close by visiting the Ithumba Reintegration Unit established in 2004.

    It is one of their most successful Reintegration Units, where dozens of orphaned elephants have found their way back to the wild.

    The Tsavo appears at number 31 on the list alongside destinations in Morrocco, Singapore, India, Iceland and more.

  • Kenyans to access parks, museums for free on Jamhuri day

    Kenyans to access parks, museums for free on Jamhuri day

    Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has announced free access to all National Parks and Museums for Kenyans on Jamhuri Day.

    In a statement, Friday, the CS noted that the directive would enable Kenyans to go and enjoy sightseeing activities.

    He added that the declaration was also in line with the 60th celebrations of Kenya gaining independence.

    “In commemorating our 60th year of independence, the Government proudly announces free entry for Kenyan citizens to all national parks and museums on Jamhuri Day, December 12, 2023. This initiative aligns with our collective pride in being Kenyan and our desire for everyone to relish the gifts bestowed upon us by nature” he announced.

    Mutua’s directive also covers marine parks, animal orphanages, and the Safari Walk. According to the CS, the free entry will begin at 6 am and end at 6 pm.

    “Please pack a picnic basket and gather your family to savour the treasures we’ve cherished and protected for your enjoyment.This complimentary access encompasses marine parks, the Safari walk, and animal orphanages, from 6 am to 6 pm on Tuesday, December 12, 2023” he said.

    Kenyans intending to enjoy the free offer will have to prove their identity through various documentation such as the ID, and children must be accompanied by their parents or guardians.

    Kenya Wildlife officials have called for patience at entry points and within the various premises to ensure that services run smoothly.

  • Kenya’s Foreign Policy has bolstered our global standing, Mudavadi

    Kenya’s Foreign Policy has bolstered our global standing, Mudavadi

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has highlighted Kenya’s foreign policy imperatives, creating a symphony of diplomacy, resilience, and global vision.

    In a resounding address at Chatham House in London on December 7th, 2023, the Prime CS called for a concerted effort to promote peace, economic connectivity, and sustainable development in Africa and across the globe.

    Elaborating on the Kenya-UK partnership, PCS and CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs thanked His Majesty King Charles III for his recent visit to Kenya saying it played a crucial role in cementing the long-standing relations between Nairobi and London.

    Dr. Mudavadi also lauded the appointment of former Prime Minister, Lord David William Donald Cameron as UK’s new Foreign Secretary saying his vast diplomatic experience will have a profound impact on Kenya- UK partnership.

    “Diplomacy is an art, and UK leaders have painted a canvas of relations where the strokes favor Kenya, reflected in our rare trade balance,” He noted

    President William Ruto’s call for a visa-free Africa emerged as a crescendo of continental unity.

    “In rejecting past limitations, we aspire to compose a symphony where Africans trade, communicate, and explore freely a harmonious movement towards interconnectedness.” He said.

    Dr. Mudavadi’s discourse seamlessly transitioned to Kenya’s role in peace and security, with a poignant note: “In the spectrum of global stability, Kenya plays a vital instrument. Our commitment extends beyond borders, orchestrating peacekeeping efforts in conflict-stricken regions.”

    PCS apprised participants in the Chatham House session on the ongoing Cop-28 Summit in Dubai saying President William Ruto positioned Kenya as the global advocate on Climate Change.

    “In this symphony of global environmental concern, Kenya’s proactive stance plays a crucial tune. I call for harmonious policies to combat Climate Change,” Mudavadi added.

    The Kenyan Diaspora emerged as a crucial movement in the matrix, with PCS lauding their continued investments back home.

    “The Diaspora, a chorus of cultural ambassadors, extends our melody beyond geographical boundaries. Their financial notes support families, education, and local businesses, a harmonious contribution to national development,” he noted

    As Kenya approached its 60th year of independence, Prime CS words resonated as a concluding movement.

    “Our commitment to democratic principles, economic transformation, and a holistic foreign policy is the grand finale; a symphony that envisions a future marked by limitless growth and shared prosperity.”

    Dr. Mudavadi is in the United Kingdom for an official visit, during which he has actively engaged with senior government officials to discuss matters of mutual interest and shared vision.

  • Machogu underscores critical role of career guidance in skills development

    Machogu underscores critical role of career guidance in skills development

    Lack of adequate and professional career guidance has been blamed for low transition rates of secondary schools’ students into institutions of higher learning in the country.

    According to Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, many young people in Kenya enter the labour market without adequate skills majorly because they were not exposed to proper and professional career guidance from primary school to university level.

    Machogu says the same is to blame for the skills deficiency currently being witnessed in the country’s labour market, where there is a mismatch between skills that employers are looking for and the training and experience that school leavers possess.

    Quoting the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service KUCCPS), Machogu noted that the transition rate of secondary school graduates (2022 cohort) to vocational training, technical institutions or universities stood at 32 per cent during the 2023/2024 placement cycle.

    Much more ominously, the Economic Survey indicated a transition rate of only 30 percent from secondary to post-secondary education over the last few years leaving a substantial 70 per cent unaccounted for.

    Machogu noted that the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms reported weak structures for career guidance in schools, and recommended a review of the frameworks for implementation of career guidance.

    In a speech read on his behalf by Dr Meshack Opwora, the Director -TVET in the ministry, the minister said the low transition rates to vocational training, technical institutions and universities had exacerbated youth unemployment in the country, which currently stands at 67 per cent compared to the national unemployment rate of 12. 7 per cent.

    “Young people in Kenya face a monumental challenge of employment. Industry reports show that the youth unemployment rate is 67 percent compared to the overall unemployment rate of 12.7 per cent in the country. For a country that has pegged its development on the robust energy of its youth, this picture does not inspire hope,” Observed Machogu.

    According to Machogu, professional career guidance will assist learners in all stages of transition within CBC from Junior school, Senior school, Colleges, TVETS, Universities into the world of work.

    He was speaking at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development during the 2nd National Career Guidance Development Conference. The conference, organized by The Career Development Association of Kenya (CDAK) brought together local and international experts, stakeholders and thought leaders to deliberate on the role of career guidance and development as a strategy in enhancing lifelong transitions and youth employability amid the ongoing education reforms in Kenya.

     

  • Music Business: ONErpm launches two entities

    Music Business: ONErpm launches two entities

    ONErpm have been instrumental in the careers of Boutross and Lil Maina.

    ONErpm has announced the launch of two new entities, bringing the total number of companies under its umbrella to five, with important changes to ONErpm’s core business.

    The first, ONErpm Enterprise Solutions, is a Software as a Service (SAAS) platform that adapts ONErpm’s proprietary Content Management System (CMS) to cater to the unique needs of record labels and content owners seeking to grow more efficiently. 

    This comprehensive administrative system “streamlines” digital distribution of music and videos and other essential day-to-day operations, including managing artist marketing campaigns; assigning work tasks to departmental employees; and setting up payments; among other activities. 

    The platform empowers companies to efficiently scale operations with transparency and has been a transformative factor for ONErpm since the inception of its CMS in 2019. Since then, ONErpm has experienced a more than fourfold increase in revenues and staff, largely due to economies of scale achieved.

    “We want to partner with like-minded companies who need the technology and tools we have developed and fine-tuned over the years to take their business to the next level” adds CEO Emmanuel Zunz. 

    “We see a need for this service as there are many interesting labels that might struggle to grow in an increasingly competitive environment where having robust tech will give them the competitive edge to succeed.”

    The second company, OFFstep.com, which is Enterprise Solutions first project, is the group’s new DIY offering, where independent artists can upload and distribute unlimited releases for as low as $12 per year while retaining 100% of their royalties. At this price point, OFFstep offers the most affordable plan of its kind. 

    As a result, ONErpm will only partner with artists and labels with whom it has forged relationships, and, moving forward, DIY clients will be directed to OFFstep.

    Throughout its evolution, ONErpm shifted its focus toward offering bespoke solutions to artists and record labels and naturally became a full-service music label and distribution provider. 

    With OFFstep, the company better caters to the needs of DIY customers in a way they have become accustomed to, at the most competitive price point. 

    Upgrades to intermediate and advanced plans that unlock additional features and permissions are also available.

    “Migrating ONErpm’s basic distribution service to OFFstep has been a long time coming, states Zunz. “For years we have invested in marketing personnel and built a global marketing infrastructure that can render services at scale while tackling the challenges of a constantly evolving digital market,” Zunz concludes.

    With the addition of ONErpm’s publishing division introduced in 2022 and the company’s creative arm ONErpm Studios, which oversees recording and video production, ONErpm consists of five distinct entities, each with its unique focus and goals, that share synergies with one another.

    Collectively the group provides a wider array of flexible and tailor-made services to various stakeholders in the music industry. 

    This includes DIY artists embarking on their careers via OFFstep, emerging and established artists on a strong growth trajectory or record labels needing value-added services from ONErpm, and enterprises in different stages of development that need greater independence and flexibility leveraging ONErpm’s technology. 

    Enterprise Solutions will also serve as a vehicle for strategic joint ventures with promising entities, as the technology can be combined with financial investments and marketing services.

  • Turkana Governor pledges to work with President Ruto to develop county

    Turkana Governor pledges to work with President Ruto to develop county

    Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai has pledged to work with President William Ruto to develop Turkana County.

    Speaking in Nameyana, Turkwel Ward today, the Governor said his decision to collaborate with the president was a no-brainer, as Turkana’s development needs require the collaboration of both levels of government.

    Governor Lomorukai assured residents that Turkana leaders had secured a commitment for major national government projects and were engaging government departments on development with the president’s blessing.

    “Following our engagements with the president, we have received resources for Lake Turkana’s blue economy and water projects. We have held meetings with national ministries following up on projects for our people,” he said.

    He said the leaders were pursuing the interests of Turkana residents and had no time for selfish interests.

    The Governor led a team of leaders and senior county officials for fundraising in support of the Nameyana Neema Women Group.

    He also stated that his administration was keen to entrench accountability in managing public resources as part of the governance reforms he promised Turkana residents.

    He said the County Government was focused on avoiding audits by ensuring funds allocated for development projects were not misappropriated.

    “Accountability is critical. We must account for resources spent to avoid cases which made senators declare Turkana a scene of crime,” he said.

    The Governor commended Turkana leaders for earning recognition nationally in performance, including Woman Representative Cecilia Ng’itit who was recently rated as the best performing representative in Kenya.

    Governor Lomorukai also reiterated his commitment to the peaceful coexistence of communities along the border with West Pokot and Baringo in the spirit of national cohesion. He condemned leaders from neighbouring countries inciting violence for political gain.

    Loima MP Protus Akuja asked residents to take advantage of the national identity card registration exercise set to begin mid-this month to register en masse.

    Leader of Majority Stephen Edukon advised residents to take advantage of government programs focused on community empowerment.

    Senior County Government officials present were County Executives Dr Michael Eregae (Finance) and James Wangiros (Public Service); Chief Officers Janerose Tioko (Agriculture) and Etelej Korea (ECDE), Mark Achila (Roads) as well as Lodwar Municipality Manager Benjamin Tukei.

     

  • Maisha card, digital ID launch set for Monday postponed

    Maisha card, digital ID launch set for Monday postponed

    The launch of the maisha card and digital ID has been postponed due to unavoidable circumstances.

    Through a statement, PS Julius Bitok says a new date for the launch will be communicated in due course.

    President William Ruto was to preside over the launch on the 2nd of October 2023 at the Athletics Club, Nakuru County.

    Meanwhile, the PS Bitok says public participation and stakeholders’ engagement forums on Maisha Namba and the digital ID ecosystem that are ongoing across the country will continue.

    The new and improved digital ID that is fitted with security features, biometrics and a digital signature is not compulsory, however, for new applicants and those replacing a lost ID, it will be mandatory.

    In addition PS Bitok noted that newborns will also have a unique identity card which will serve as their birth certificate number.

    According to the PS this marks the beginning of a major shift in the registration of persons in Kenya.

    The Unique Personal Identifier (UPI) will be crucial throughout a child’s educational journey, serving as their primary and secondary school identification numbers. As the child grows and reaches the age of 18, the UPI seamlessly transitions into their official national identity number.

    Also, the UPI will have multi-faceted utility, serving as the child’s National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) number, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) number, driving license number, and ultimately, even their death certificate number.

    This robust integration will make the digital ID a central and unifying identifier for various essential aspects of a Kenyan’s life.

    Further, with the new system, government officials will also be able to use a digital signature platform to sign official documents even while away from their duty posts.

    So far, 400 agencies have been onboarded with the new personal identifier system.

     

  • Government, private sector to partner to develop country’s digital economy

    Government, private sector to partner to develop country’s digital economy

    President Ruto said the Government has made a deliberate decision to use technology to develop its policies, programs and agenda in accelerating development.

    He mentioned the move to ensure that all Government services are transferred to the digital system as a sufficient example that technology is now developing the country’s economy.

    Speaking during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the IBM Research Lab-Africa at the Catholic University of East Africa in Karen, Nairobi, on Thursday, the President said Kenyans can now access 10,000 services online.

    “We intend to ensure that all our Government services are moved to the digital system effectively,” said President Ruto.

    He said the digital system will ensure efficiency thus eliminating inefficiency, corruption and wastage of public resources.

    The Head of State noted that for the first time in the history of Kenya, farmers were able to receive their fertilizer from the Government without interference from companies that bought it at a cheap price and sold it to them at a high price.

    “This year’s fertilizer subsidy program was the most successful because farmers used online vouchers to get the product. This is why brokers and business companies had no place in the exercise,” said President Ruto.

    Dr Ruto said he is confident that the universal healthcare bill, which is in Parliament, if passed and becomes law, will be implemented properly because it will be implemented digitally.

    He said that the Government has endeavored to protect the future of the country by using technology to provide solutions that improve human life and well-being, to keep a competitive, diverse and strong economy and to strengthen the resilience and security of the community and the nation against all threats.

    The Head of State said that it is the job of leadership to think about the future of opportunities and solutions, and it is the job of designers to design, while it is the job of technology to reconcile the two in order to provide a vision of the future that is safe and sustainable.

    “This event brings together all the key players in one place, and it is fitting that technology, research, development and innovation be at the heart of our ambition to have a prosperous, stable and strong Kenya,” said President Ruto.

    At the same time, President Ruto, urged investors to use the digital potential in the African continent.

    He said that over the past year, he has used many occasions to make strong arguments for investors, international organizations and technology companies to shift their strategic focus to Africa, the young, green continent of the future, by doing so, using geographic advantage. of Kenya as the gateway to the region and the continent.

    “An environment of opportunity is emerging in our continent. A large market of 1.4 billion people has emerged under the Free Trade Zone of the African continent and various regional economic zones that interact,” said Dr Ruto.

    He said that the majority of people in Africa are young, educated, knowledgeable and motivated.

    President Ruto added that the African continent has many natural resources, including important minerals needed by the global transition to clean and green industries.

    “Our continent also has great potential for renewable energy,” he said.

    The Minister of Information and Communication Technology Eliud Owalo said his ministry will continue to cooperate with the private sector in research matters with the intention of meeting the technological needs of the country.

    US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman said companies from the US will take advantage of opportunities in Kenya for the common benefit of the citizens of the two countries.

    He praised President Ruto’s Government for creating the right environment for IBM among other companies to establish their operating centers in the country.

    “Kenya will continue to be a good place for American companies to find opportunities in various sectors of the economy,” said Ambassador Whitman.

    Dr. Dario Gil, Senior Vice President and Director of the IBM Research Center said that his organization is planning to work closely with the Government in bringing economic change through technology.

    “We are ready to face the challenges of climate change together with other stakeholders and use the opportunities available so that the country meets the technological needs of its people,” said Dr. Gil.

    The leaders who attended are the Minister of Education Ezekiel Machogu, Dr. Charity Wayua, Director of IBM Research Center-Africa and Solomon Assefa, Vice President IBM Research Center among others.

  • African Guarantee Fund bolster Sidian Bank lending capacity to SME’s

    African Guarantee Fund bolster Sidian Bank lending capacity to SME’s

    The African Guarantee Fund has bolstered Sidian Bank’s lending for small businesses, with a focus on women entrepreneurs .

    Under the risk-sharing guarantee facility, Sidian Bank plans to scale up its lending to small businesses with women-led businesses earmarked at least 30 percent of the amount.

    Sidian Bank has received an enhancement from African Guarantee Fund to bring its total loan portfolio guarantee to KES 1.5 billion.

    This enhancement of the portfolio guarantee limit is set to empower the bank to provide enhanced support to the Kenyan SME sector over a period of 7 years, commencing in 2023.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Chege Thumbi, CEO of Sidian Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership.

    “Sidian Bank has always been committed to supporting SMEs across the country,and this collaboration with the African Guarantee Fund marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide accessible financial solutions.

    SMEs are the backbone of our economy, and we are dedicated to helping them thrive through various financial instruments designed to improve access to finance.

    This latest collaboration with the African Guarantee Fund further solidifies the bank’s commitment to the growth and prosperity of SMEs and increased contribution to the country’s GDP.”

    On his part, African Guarantee Fund Group Chief Executive Officer, Jules Ngankam said,

    “We are excited about this renewed partnership and the prospect of having an even greater impact in reducing the SME financing gap, which is still a major concern in this critical sector and has been linked to the widespread closure of these small and medium businesses.”

    “The additional facility gives Sidian Bank an extra security measure to expand its lending activities to SMEs, especially green businesses and gender-smart projects, and therefore fostering an inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Kenya” Jules added.

    AGF’s risk-sharing guarantee facility will enable Sidian Bank to scale up its lending activities to SMEs,ensuring that the businesses have access to the credit facilities they need to thrive.

    The African Guarantee Fund is a pan-African guarantee provider whose mission is to empower SMEs to fully play their role as engines of growth in the continent.