KBC Channel 1

Blog

  • Senate to probe former governor Nanok over ownership of water company

    Senate to probe former governor Nanok over ownership of water company

    Former Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok has been invited by the Senate Investment Committee to shed light on the ownership of Lodwar Water and Sewerage Company.

    Senators are probing why the water company partially owned by private entities is yet to fold up four years after a law was passed prohibiting operations of public-private owned water companies.

    Nanok who is the Deputy Head of Public Service is on the spot for allegedly failing to dissolve Lodwar Water and Sewerage Company in 2019 as required by the law.

    Additionally, the Senate watchdog committee wants the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to conduct a forensic audit of the company’s books.

    The senate county public investment committee has also invited the current Governor Jeremiah Lomurukai to give information on the ownership status of the water company that has been operating unprocedurally since 2019.

    The 2016 Water Act directed all counties to dissolve public-private owned water companies in three years.

    But the Josephat Nanok administration never complied with the law and instead registered two other water companies.

    The Committee now wants the county government to take over operations of the water company in accordance with the water act within 90 days and the ethics and anti-corruption commission commences investigations into its operations.

    Reporting by Christine Muchira

  • Scare after suspected Influenza outbreak at Rapogi school

    Scare after suspected Influenza outbreak at Rapogi school

    Over 100 students from Rapogi School in Uriri in Migori have been diagnosed with flu-like symptoms, sending panic at the institution.

    Confirming the incident, the senior principal Mr Erastus Nyagwa said the students showing signs of dry cough and flu were taken to various hospitals within the county for further tests and treatment.

    He said Covid-19 has been ruled out after tests conducted returned negative. It was however feared it could suspected influenza outbreak.

    However, two students who were diagnosed with malaria were admitted at St Joseph’s Ombo hospital as the entire school staff and students remained under observation.

    Mr Nyagwa is appealing to other schools to take precautions to avert such an outbreak.

    With the cold season setting in, Kenyans have lately been complaining of suffering serious symptoms of the flu including high fever, cough, sore throat, watery eyes, headaches and body aches.

    The flu (influenza in full) is different from a cold and can cause mild to severe illness and death.

    Most people who get the flu recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people develop complications (such as pneumonia), some of which can be life-threatening.

    Mukumu girls

    Meanwhile, learning at the Sacred Heart Mukumu Girls in Kakamega County has fully resumed with over 1800 out of 2028 learners having reported back.

    School Principal Jane Mmbone told a multi-agency team led by the Western Regional Commissioner Samuel Irungu Macharia that some of the students, especially from form one and two had sought transfer to other schools while a smaller number were still expected to report to school.

    The multi-agency team was tasked to provide recommendations for improved sanitation at the institution, has however declared that there was no new disease outbreak at the institution, contrary to information circulating on social media.

    Speaking to the media after an extensive tour of the school accompanied by members of the multi-agency team among them officials from the Ministry of water, Public health, parents’ representatives and the Principal, the RC told off those peddling lies about the school and asked them to let students concentrate on their studies.

    The RC however asked parents to continue communicating with the school management about the welfare of their children and called for support from all stakeholders to ensure smooth running of learning activities at the school.

    Sacred Heart Mukumu girls was closed for about a month in April after four students and a teacher died following a disease outbreak.

    Public health officials diagnosed salmonella typhii (a bacteria that causes typhoid) and amebiasis (a parasitic infection of the intestines that causes stomach pain and diarrhea).

    Irungu said the school has been connected to a new water supply by the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency (LVNWWDA), new water purification and chlorination plant nearing completion and establishment of additional hand washing points.

    “This is meant to provide safe drinking water for the students, the water which was previously stored by the school was also flashed out, with a borehole now sunk to provide additional water to the institution,” he added.

    “Corrective measures recommended by the multi-agency team had been put in place, including the renovation of the food store to increase ventilation and the improvement of the flooring in the store.

    “New maize stock was also brought in, which was dried for four days to ensure there was no moisture before storing,” he added.

    Weighing in on the 100 per cent transition to secondary education, the Regional Commissioner noted that it came with challenges among them congestion in classrooms, dormitories and exerted pressure on the school sewage system.

    He however, assured that the government was committed to improving infrastructure in schools through working in collaboration with Non- Governmental Organization (NGOs) and other partners to improve infrastructure and sanitation in schools.

    “This includes the Water Resource Management Authority working in partnership with The Water Project and Friends of Timothy to provide water in schools in Mumias West, East and Navokholo sub-counties” he noted.

    Reporting by Celestine Mwango and KNA

  • NHIF eyes Ksh 1.07B unremitted contributions from employers

    NHIF eyes Ksh 1.07B unremitted contributions from employers

    The National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) has mounted a crackdown on employers who do not remit their monthly statutory fund.

    This exercise aims to seal the gaps in revenue collection to ensure that the funds run uninterrupted.

    NHIF acting Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sam Kuhora says the three weeks exercise targets to collect Ksh 712 million in remittance out of Ksh 1.07 billion which is yet to be paid by employers.

    Speaking at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu during a consultative meeting with the Central Organisation of Trade Union (COTU) officials, Dr Kuhora said the move will help clear pending bills and ensure NHIF beneficiaries continue to enjoy services at all the accredited facilities.

    According to Dr Kuhora, 64pc of the national insurer’s revenue comes from workers adding that measures have been put in place to seal loopholes affecting collections.

    “We have had engagements with them through the Kenya Health Care Federation and briefed them on the status of payments and the challenges affecting the process,” said Dr Kuhora.

    The NHIF was saddened by the reports of beneficiaries being denied services due to pending bills.

    Dr Kuhora said this was a violation of contractual provisions the insurer has with the facilities assuring them that all the pending bills will be cleared.

    He further added that employer compliance remained the biggest challenge affecting revenue collections with medical fraud.

    COTU Secretary General Dr Francis Atwoli has said corruption has remained the biggest challenge in service delivery.

    He further called on NHIF to crack the whip on corruption to safeguard employee’s contributions.

    He asked for an audit of the accredited health facilities to ensure that only those that meet the threshold are allowed to operate.

  • Raila blames State for perennial flooding on Lake Victoria basin

    Raila blames State for perennial flooding on Lake Victoria basin

    The Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has accused the government of failing to construct dams on rivers Nzoia, Yala and Nyando respectively to contain the perennial floods in Lake Victoria Basin.

    Speaking at Siagonjo Stadium in Budalangi during the distribution of relief food to flood victims, the former Prime Minister stated that the plan to construct the dams on the flooding rivers could have reduced the suffering of the people.

    He observed that the waters from dams could also be used for irrigation to produce enough food and export the surplus.

    Busia Governor Dr.Paul Otuoma noted that the lower Nzoia irrigation project will be an economic game changer through the increment of land acreage under rice from 3000 to 20,000.

    Budalangi Member of Parliament Raphael Wanjala urged the government to consider constructing four dams in Nyanza and Western province among the scheduled construction of the 100 dams.

    On the other hand, minority leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi has demanded the government charge high-ranking officials behind the theft of the condemned sugar and Kenya Medical Supplies Agency KEMSA scandal on mosquito nets.

    He threatened to name the official next week if the government fails to take action.

  • What to expect from “Kyallo Kulture” Season 2

    What to expect from “Kyallo Kulture” Season 2

    The second season of the reality series “Kyallo Kulture” is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes airing every Tuesday. 

    “Kyallo Kulture S2” follows the Kyallo sisters Betty, Mercy and Gloria as they continue on their journey through sisterhood and what it means to be a Kyallo, as well as their individual journeys into entrepreneurship and self-discovery.

    Here are some things to expect this season;-

    Betty Kyallo

    More honesty and vulnerability

    Coming off his success with “The Real Housewives of Nairobi”, executive producer Eugene Mbugua says the new season is full of more vulnerable and honest moments with the sisters that the Kenyan audience will appreciate.

    “It takes the cast being vulnerable and honest on camera to make a hit reality show because viewers are very quick to pick up what is fake or pretentious,” says Eugene. “In the first season, everyone working on the production was getting to know each other better on camera. Things were a lot easier in season two as the sisters are now used to the camera as they share their all with the audience.”

    Mercy Kyallo as the main character

    Season two also sees Mercy take centre stage as she reintroduces herself to her fans, an opportunity the middle Kyallo sister welcomes with open arms. 

    “I’ve always wanted to be a movie actress or a big star, and it looked like this was the opportunity coming to me to finally realise that dream,” says Mercy. “Season one was very different and tough for me. I took a break and I thought about everything. I had to rediscover myself, and my sisters and get a new job. And you will see in season two that I get back in the groove of things.”

    Mercy is excited for the new journey and what the future brings. “I can’t wait for season sixteen when I have my second child and Gloria, her first, with Betty building her mansion in Karen,” she says.

    Betty Kyallo embraces her sexuality

    Betty, who admits she felt she was a bit timid in season one, is bringing the sexy back, while also showing a very vulnerable and raw side. 

    “In Kyallo Kulture season two, I’m fierce, vivacious and unafraid of my sexuality. The fans love who I am but it will be interesting to serve them a different side of Betty,” says Betty. “I also want people to know a side of me that cries, a side that feels that I’m appreciated and valued. So we’re bolder in our thoughts, feelings, traumas, and celebrations.”

    Gloria Kyallo

    New loves play a big role this season

    Betty and Mercy will also be introducing their new relationships in season two, an experience that is not new to Gloria. 

    Gloria Kyallo shares what it means to love publicly

    Gloria, the youngest Kyallo sister, whose relationship with her boyfriend Ken was featured in the first season, is hoping she can nurture the relationship better into the new season.

    “It was a lot of pressure having him (Ken) on the show because Mercy and Betty kept reminding me that he’s the masculine energy in the group, but speaking from his point of view, I feel like it was really hard for him,” Gloria says.

  • Nakuru family seeks help to raise disabled children

    Nakuru family seeks help to raise disabled children

    A man in Nakuru County has called out to Kenyans to help him take care of his children who are living with disabilities.

    Joel Parsalaach, a fisherman in Nakuru County says without a source of income he is unable to fend for his family of nine -7 children and the wife.

    Parsalaach is seeking on well wishers to help his children have access to the social amenities, food, shelter, clothing and medication.

    The father of two says he is looking for assistive devices to help his children aged 4 and 15 with mobility.

    He also needs beddings and money for physiotherapy clinics at Kijabe Specialist Clinic which is 200 kilometers away.

    A philanthropist in Nakuru ,Divya Nitin Shah donated three wheelchairs to the family but amid looming hardships the family lost everything after being displaced by floods from the neighboring Lake Baringo.

    An official from the Education Department in Baringo County visited the family but requested to talk to the press on condition of anonymity. She said incidents of negligence toward children with special needs are on the rise in Baringo South.

    She appealed for increased public awareness about the need to avail such children to relevant authorities for timely assistance.

  • Waiguru releases Ksh53M as she launches County development plan

    Waiguru releases Ksh53M as she launches County development plan

    Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has released Ksh. 53.2 million to fund 146 farmers groups to undertake various value chains projects as she launched county’s five-year development plan.

    The funds will be shared by farmers groups undertaking tomato, dairy, avocado, poultry, bee keeping, fish, pig and dairy goat farming among others.

    Waiguru says the projects under the “Wezesha Kirinyaga Empowerment Programme” aims to empowering the beneficiaries to make at least Ksh. 1,000 per day from the various value chains.

    Speaking at the County Headquarters in Kutus, where she released the funds to the farmers, Waiguru said that through Wezesha, her administration has cumulatively disbursed Ksh. 344.3 million with Ksh. 225.3 million supporting 619 groups in tomato, dairy, avocado, poultry, bee keeping, fish, pig and dairy goat farming. Ksh. 119 million went to support producer organizations in dairy, avocado, tomato and poultry.

    “The money that we are releasing today will go a long way in helping the farmers put money into their pockets. We are implementing the bottom-up economic model by empowering farmers to engaging in small scale agri-business and in return earn money to feed their families,” she said.

    The Wezesha Kirinyaga Empowerment Programme which is supported through the National Agricultural Rural Inclusive Growth (NARIG) is in its third phase of funding.

    “This money has uplifted the living standards of the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries are now empowered to make at least Ksh. 1,000 per day from various value chains,” she added.

    At the same time, the governor has launched County’s third Integrated Development Plan (CIDP 2023-2027) that offers a cohesive framework of
    development for the county.

    The governor said the plan seeks to improves the quality of life for everyone that lives and works in Kirinyaga.

    While unveiling the plan, the Council of Governors chair said her administration will work together with the national government, development partners, Public Private Partners to mobilize resources for the implementation of key projects.

    “Despite the scarcity of resources, we shall endeavour to equitably allocate the available resources to ensure equitable development across the county. We shall also enhance effective and efficient monitoring and evaluation systems that will see to it that the projects are implemented within the given timelines,” Waiguru added.

    “The CIDP takes into account the inclusion of special groups such as the youth and women as key factors of production in our county’s economic growth. As such the projects identified herein will ensure that they will translate to their economic empowerment,” said the governor.

    She said the plan’s main strategic goals includes; job creation through the establishment of new industries and product diversification and better health through accessible and affordable health care.

    The plan also seeks to increase income from improved and efficient agricultural productivity, market access, product marketing, and competitive market prices.

    “In our five-year plan, we also seek to have improved urban planning and infrastructure to create state-of-the-art towns and cities and at the same time have enhanced knowledge and skills development to establish demand driven, adaptive, diligent, talented and unique workforce,” the COG chair said.

    She further said that her government will enhance effective and efficient monitoring and evaluation systems that will see that the projects are implemented within the given timelines.

    Waiguru said her government will prioritize actualization of the establishment of the Sagana Climate Smart Agro-Industrial City which will host an array of development, including an Export Processing Zone (EPZ), the County Aggregation
    Industrial Parks (CAIPS), affordable housing units and a sports complex.

    In health, the governor said she will equipping and operationalisation of Kerugoya County Level 5 Referral Hospital, completion, equipping, and operationalisation of Kimbimbi and Kianyaga Level Four Hospitals will take center stage.

    “This will be supported by the completion and operationalisation of more than 20 dispensaries across the county, to support primary healthcare. The facilities will be managed through Hospital Information Management System for accurate management of hospital commodities and supplies,” the governor added.

    In agriculture, Waiguru said she plans to expand the Wezesha Kirinyaga program to incorporate an additional 100,000 households into the program.

    Reporting by Christine Muchira

  • Police raid Al-Shabaab camp in Garissa, seize weapons

    Police raid Al-Shabaab camp in Garissa, seize weapons

    Kenyan security forces are pursuing suspected Al-Shabaab militants who escaped following a raid on their makeshift camp in Garissa county.

    According to the National Police Service, officers from the Special Operation Group who were on patrol Monday at 11 am engaged about 10 militants in a shootout but they fled.

    The special unit followed a trail of footprints for almost three kilometers when they stumbled on the assailant’s hideout.

    In the process, they recovered several warfare equipment including; 2 RPGs with 7 warheads, 6 AK47 rifles with 20 Magazines, 1 PKM Machine gun with a belt of 200 rounds, 2 hand grenades, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials, food cache, a cell phone and memory card.

    “On 22 May 2023, at around 1100hrs while along Diiso, Biamthow SOG Officers on patrol found fresh footprints at Billow Dam and after tracking the footprints for about 2.7 kms, where they came across a makeshift camp with about 10 suspected Alshabaab militants engaged in a shootout, and the militants escaped,” NPS said in a statement.

    Efforts are underway to arrest the suspects.

  • Sugarcane farmers call for tough action on condemned sugar suspects

    Sugarcane farmers call for tough action on condemned sugar suspects

    Cane farmers in western region are calling on the government to move in swiftly and arrest all suspects who participated in the release of condemned sugar which continues to be repacked in various parts of the country.

    Sugarcane growers drawn from Kisumu County and Busia County say arrest illegal sugar importers have been the biggest contributors to their current economic afflictions which have also stalled growth in the sugar industry.

    On Wednesday last week, 27 individuals including Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Bernard Njiraini and other from KEBS, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), National Police Service, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) were suspended over the irregular diversion and unprocedural release of the condemned sugar.

    “It is our plea that the government deals decisively with all those who have been adversely mentioned over illegal sugar importation especially the echelons at the sugar directorate and thorough investigations be launched so that truth be established on how such illegal sugar gained entry into the country because the company that has been mentioned in the case is in the first place not even legally registered to import sugar into the country,” said Richard Ogendo, a sugar farmer in Kisumu County.

    The 27 official who have since been charged are accused of releasing 20,000 bags of 50kg of the condemned sugar imported in 2018 and which had been identified as unfit for human consumption.

    “So it is in this sense that we as an organization feel that the government should not sacrifice small people but strike hard on the principal officers in charge at Kilimo House towards bettering the welfare of the ministry” noted Ogendo.

    Director of Busia Outgrowers Company Lambert Ogochi has expressed concern that some sugar that was condemned by the relevant authorities had found its way into the market.

    Ogochi lamented that factories from Western Kenya region like Busibwabo, Olepito West Kenya, Kabras and Tongaren were struggling to produce sugar yet some companies were still importing the commodity.

    “What is worrying is that there is a lot of corruption within the sugar sector,” he said, adding that repackaging of toxic sugar was taking place.

    He argued that the government knows the companies that were carrying out the vice and should crack the whip immediately.

    Ogochi urged the government to subsidize fertilizer prices as a way of motivating farmers so that the issue of cane shortage is addressed.

    Sugarcane farmers are further urging the government to consider sugar prices from the current Ksh 5,500 to Ksh 7,000 as a way of motivating farmers, fast track the Sugar Bill 2011 and facilitate the return of the Sugar Board which was the regulatory body of the sector.

    Additional reporting by KNA

  • Qatar Airways unveils ambitious plans for Africa in 2023

    Qatar Airways unveils ambitious plans for Africa in 2023

    Qatar Airways is setting its sights on further expanding its presence and operations in Africa in 2023.

    With a robust recovery plan in place, the airline aims to capitalize on the continent’s potential for growth and become a leading carrier in the region. Through strategic partnerships, increased flight frequencies, and a commitment to quality service, Qatar Airways is positioning itself for success while fostering trade, commerce, and tourism across Africa.

    Qatar Airways is committed to strengthening its connectivity across Africa, recognizing the continent’s immense potential for growth. By leveraging its extensive network and unrivalled knowledge of global passenger flows, the airline plans to expand its operations to key markets and sectors in Africa. Notably, Nigeria has emerged as Qatar Airways’ most connected market in Africa, leading to the launch of new services to Kano and Port Harcourt, in addition to existing flights to Lagos and Abuja.

    Strategic partnerships play a vital role in Qatar Airways’ plans for Africa. The airline recently announced a comprehensive codeshare agreement with Airlink, a South African carrier, offering travellers enhanced services and improved connectivity between 45 destinations in 13 countries across the region.

    Additionally, Qatar Airways and RwandAir signed a comprehensive codeshare agreement, granting the Rwandan carrier access to Qatar Airways’ extensive network across Africa and the rest of the world. Plans to launch cargo flights to Kigali further reinforce Qatar Airways’ commitment to bolstering intra-Africa routes.

    Qatar Airways recognizes the significant role it can play in boosting trade and commerce within Africa. By increasing its flight frequencies and expanding its network to over 150 destinations worldwide, the airline aims to improve connectivity and provide travellers with more choice and convenience. These efforts will not only enhance travel experiences but also act as catalysts for increased economic activity, facilitating the movement of goods, medicines, and essential travel between Africa and the rest of the world.

    To maintain its competitive edge in the region, Qatar Airways remains dedicated to continually improving its services. Celebrating its first anniversary in Kano and Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the airline acknowledges the support it has received from Africans and aims to enhance each service provided to its clients. The company is committed to listening to customer feedback and tailoring its services to meet their needs effectively.

    Looking ahead, Qatar Airways is poised to capitalize on the promising future of the airline industry as it gradually recovers from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The International Air Transport Association predicts a return to profitability for the global airline industry in 2023, with the Middle East airlines, including Qatar Airways, expected to see passenger demand rise by 23.4%. Qatar Airways’ expansion plans in Africa align perfectly with these projections, positioning the airline to tap into the continent’s growth potential and drive profitability.

    As Qatar Airways embarks on its ambitious plans for Africa in 2023, the airline is set to make significant strides in expanding its reach, enhancing partnerships, and driving trade and commerce across the continent. With its unwavering commitment to quality service, coupled with strategic initiatives and a keen focus on customer satisfaction, Qatar Airways aims to solidify its position as a leading global carrier connecting Africa.

    By strengthening its operations and network in Africa, Qatar Airways aims to contribute to the growth and development of the region while providing travellers with seamless, world-class experiences.