Kenyaleo.co.ke

Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • C & I Installations to play a Role in Attaining the 100 Percent Clean Energy in Kenya

    A pannel discussion during the ESAK conference 27th March at Sarova Panafric Nairobi.

    The Electricity Sector Association of Kenya (ESAK) has highlited the need to include captive power installations in Kenya to help achieve the 100 percent clean energy by 2030.

    The Conference theme ” accelerating C & I installations for sustainability” which is also in line with the country’s push for 100 percent renewable energy.

    “C & I is a key enabler of sustainability. We see more uptake of C & I installations not only being beneficial to the grid but also useful to customers looking to manage costs, maintain a green manufacturing portfolio and ensure energy security .” Said Eddy Njoroge, Chairperson ESAK.

    EPRA are working on the wheeling regulations and net metering regulations which will allow for more consumer control of electricity production.

    There has been an uprising installations of captive power of meaning , that consumers are installing their own power generation facilities. These consumers normally already have a connection to the grid, via a KPLC line. Large and Medium sized consumers like factories, lodges and shopping malls are choosing to go solar. These installations were initially motivated by the enforcement of energy management rules by EPRA in the last 14 years.

    “Today the drive is not only energy efficiency but also energy security , improving power quality and responding to environmental targets. Captive systems offer supply where the grid has not reached allowing establishments to access the services of electricity in an environmentally responsible manner.” Said George Aluru ESAK CEO.

    The opening up of captive power plant market also allows for the absorption of foreign direct investment in the country and savings on public finance of electricity infrastructure, that will lead to better economic outcomes for the country. Jobs will be created, investment will be absorbed, efficiency will be improved, and new service companies established to support these installations.
    “The anticipated 1GW of C&I installations by 2030 would equate to a total of USD1bn worth of investments in the country.”, noted Mr.Aluru.

    In addition, As at 2023, C&I installations in Kenya were estimated at 439MW and is projected to reach 1GW by 2030. The growth in C&I installations is highly attributed to companies need to go green and cut on their carbon print, need for energy security and cheaper as well efficiency for industries.
    In Kenya, the C&I energy mix comprises of solar PV, small hydro, bioenergy as well geothermal.

  • Search For Common Ground Aims to Inspire Peace and Security

    Search For Common Ground has today held a Sensitization workshop that highlighted the need to address and end cases of insecurity in Lamu, Garissa and other places.

    The forum also saw the launch of a document addressing on encountering Violence Extremism.

    The auspacious occassion saw the attendance of Civil Society organisations, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and other Government Partners.

    “We are not trying to make people sign a piece of paper to stop fighting. Our goal is much broader. We want to transform conflict from violent to cooperative, to change the everyday interactions between people in conflict from destructive to constructive.
    Transforming conflict can be as simple as “reframing” a situation creating a new context in which people attack common problems, rather than each other. A win-lose, you-or-me mindset just perpetuates violence because it disregards the fact that the people involved still have to co-exist after someone wins.” Said Judy Kimamo Country Director Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

    Various issues like extremism were also mentioned during the discussions where this normally means holding of extreme political or religious views or fanaticism. The issue of radicalization of Youth was also in debate.

    The Country Director further observed that, there is need to engage with the Counties and the police to end extremism and radicalization cases, With a slogan Kwa Pamoja Tuzuie Balaa.
    Empowering Community leaders and Government counterparts in inspiring peace and security in Lamu and Garissa.

    There is also need to sign peace deals, to make sure that we are stable, to make sure all parties are involved. Ending conflict in Lamu Garissa. Ending also acts of extremism.

    Social media has also been of help by using it to advocate for issues from various groups.
    Gender based violence is also tackled here.
    Issues of Personification, docking are tackled to ensure the space for women and children is safe . We have also done training with Meta and part of funding we receive from various donors like USA.

    Barriers towards information from affected areas have been successfully removed and
    Access to justice is all that is needed.

    Hon. Pascal Nabwana observed that, Alternative dispute solving mechanism do work well and where cases are prolonged in court in Lamu they have alternative dispute resolution where elders of Community solve minor cases in a Cultural way.
    One is able to have people resolve cases peacefully, the succes rate on this is very high. Examples of Peace making Initiatives were also showcased.

    Search For Common Ground are purposeful in creating a more diverse and inclusive culture at Search and knows that no one succeeds alone, so they embrace courageous engagement and collaboration and listen deeply to new ideas, welcoming multiple and fresh perspectives
    Our differences beliefs, values, and backgrounds lead to conflict. These disagreements are natural. It’s when we respond with anger, fear, or even hatred that we’ve started down a destructive path. But violence is not inevitable. Disagreements are opportunities to learn new perspectives. Conflict is a chance to work together and find a solution that addresses everyone’s needs.

  • Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania to combat cross-border counterfeit goods

    Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania to combat cross-border counterfeit goods

    The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania have announced a renewed partnership aimed at intensifying its efforts to disrupt and combat the trade in counterfeit goods across the region.

    The collaboration was formalized during a benchmarking and collaboration session, where a delegation from the Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania visited Kenya.

    Both institutions, mandated to combat counterfeiting and illicit trade while promoting fair trade practices, underscored the importance of concerted regional action in addressing this growing challenge.

    Against the backdrop of enhanced bilateral talks between Kenya and Tanzania, the two East African economic powerhouses are focusing on strengthening trade relations and overcoming barriers that impede their commercial ties.

    Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant threats to economic stability, public health, and safety, not only within the region but also globally. The current trade between Kenya and Tanzania stands at Ksh. 90 billion annually.

    According to the 2018 report, counterfeiting represents one of the largest criminal enterprises globally, with estimated domestic and international sales ranging from $1.7 trillion to $4.5 trillion annually, surpassing even drug trafficking and human trafficking in scale.

    Regional assessments by the International Peace Institute indicate an annual market share of Ksh. 180 billion for counterfeit trading within the East African Community as of 2017.

    In Kenya alone, counterfeit trading was valued at Ksh 70 billion in 2017, reaching Ksh 90 billion in 2029, rivaling key sectors like tourism, tea, and coffee traditionally top earners for the country.

    During the event, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, stressed the urgent need to address the counterfeit menace, highlighting the detrimental impacts on the economy, investor confidence, and innovation.

    Echoing the sentiment, Mr. William Eroi, Director General of the Fair Competition Commission, emphasized the patriotic duty shared by both agencies to stand for fair and open trade, ensuring economic growth and prosperity across their nations.

  • Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania in renewed regional efforts to combat cross-border trade in counterfeit goods

    During the meeting Between the ACA and FCC of Tanzania at Nairobi ACA headquarters

    The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania have announced a renewed partnership aimed at intensifying their efforts to disrupt and combat the trade in counterfeit goods across the region.

    The collaboration was formalized during a benchmarking and collaboration session, where a delegation from the Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania visited Kenya. Both institutions, mandated to combat counterfeiting and illicit trade while promoting fair trade practices, underscored the importance of concerted regional action in addressing this growing challenge.
    Against the backdrop of enhanced bilateral talks between Kenya and Tanzania, the two East African economic powerhouses are focusing on strengthening trade relations and overcoming barriers that impede
    their commercial ties.

    Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant threats to economic stability, public health, and safety, not
    only within the region but also globally. Current trade between Kenya and Tanzania stands at Ksh 90 billion annually. According to the OECD’s 2018 report, counterfeiting represents one of the largest criminal enterprises globally, with estimated domestic and international sales ranging from $1.7 trillion to $4.5 trillion annually, surpassing even drug trafficking and human trafficking in scale.

    Regional assessments by the International Peace Institute indicate an annual market share of Ksh 180 billion for counterfeit trading within the East African Community as of 2017. In Kenya alone, counterfeit
    trading was valued at Ksh 70 billion in 2017, reaching Ksh 90 billion in 2029, rivaling key sectors like tourism, tea, and coffee – traditionally top earners for the country.
    During the event, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, stressed the urgent need to address the counterfeit menace, highlighting the detrimental impacts on the
    economy, investor confidence, and innovation. Echoing the sentiment, Mr. William Eroi, Director General of the Fair Competition Commission, emphasized the patriotic duty shared by both agencies to stand for fair and open trade, ensuring economicgrowth and prosperity across their nations.

    The renewed partnership opens avenues for law enforcement agencies to develop innovative approaches and strategies in combating counterfeit trade. Areas of collaboration will include information sharing for enforcement actions, public outreach, research, and expertise exchange, with the overarching goal of
    enhancing investigative capabilities and intelligence networks to successfully tackle counterfeit and illicit trade activities.

    The Anti-Counterfeit Authority was established under the Anti-Counterfeit Act 2008 as a State Corporation with the mandates to enlighten and inform the public on matters relating to counterfeiting,
    combat counterfeiting, trade and other dealings in counterfeit goods, devise and promote training programs to combat counterfeiting and co-ordinate with national, regional or international organizations involved in combating counterfeiting.

    It is a state corporation currently within the Ministry of Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry. The Act was passed by Kenya’s Parliament in 2008, it came into force on 1st July 2009 with the principal aim
    of prohibiting trade in counterfeit goods. The Authority came into operation in June 2010.

  • Donkey Sanctuary Celebrates World water Day through women Empowering

    During the celebration of World water Day

    The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya celebrated the World water day by raising awareness of the profound impact of working donkeys on female empowerment in rural Kenya.

    In addition areas, where access to clean water is often a challenge, these resilient animals play a pivotal role in transforming communities. Globally, a staggering 200 million hours are reportedly lost by women and girls collecting water every day (UNICEF: NEW YORK/STOCKHOLM, 29 August 2016) (WaterAid, February, 22, 2024). In many parts of rural Kenya, women and girls are traditionally tasked with the arduous responsibility of fetching water, often walking long distances multiple times a day. This not only consumes a significant portion of their time but also limits their opportunities for education, work, and personal development. However, by recognising the value of working donkeys and improving their welfare, this narrative can begin to change.


    The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya is in the rural village of Nuu, Mwingi, where these hardworking animals are relied upon to transport water from distant sources to households, alleviating the burden on women, who would otherwise have to carry heavy loads over long distances.
    Donkeys’ strength and resilience make them well-suited for Nuu’s challenging arid terrains. Their contribution enhances water accessibility, improves overall community wellbeing, and fosters harmony between communities who unite around the fair and sustainable use of water –which ties in with this year’s theme Water for Peace’.

    The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya’s Country Director, Solomon Onyango, added ;“Access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is a basic need for the health and wellbeing of both humans and donkeys. There are over 3,000 working donkeys in Nuu, many of whom make a daily round trip of up to 9km, carrying 80kg of water on their backs. However, like many of the country’s 1.2 million donkeys, their critical role is often overlooked, and their welfare is not prioritised.
    “We know when working donkeys are poorly fed, overworked or suffer illness and disease, they cannot achieve their productive potential and it is not only the donkey that suffers but the whole community.
    “Today we are providing free health checks and veterinary services for Nuu’s working donkeys, and offering advice to owners on how best to care for their donkeys, so these wonderful animals can continue to reduce the physical burden on women, enabling them to collect more water in less time, allowing for increased productivity in other aspects of their lives.”

    The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. We provide lifelong care to over 7,000 donkeys in the UK and Europe, and reach many more globally through our international programmes and partnerships. Our colleagues are based all over the world and we work with a global network of partners, NGOs and governments, who share our vision of a world where every donkey has a good quality of life.
    The Donkey Sanctuary has been working in Kenya since 1987, where our mission remains to improve the welfare of donkeys and, in doing so, help safeguard the livelihood of millions of people who depend on donkeys for their everyday sustenance.

     

     

  • KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a

    KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a

    Irungu Nyakera paid a courtesy call to the CEO of Kakuzi PLC in Murang’a.
    Irungu Nyakera paid a courtesy call to the CEO of Kakuzi PLC in Murang’a.

    The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Irungu Nyakera, recently paid a courtesy call to the Kakuzi PLC leadership in Murang’a. During the visit, Nyakera praised the company for its positive impact on the community.

    “I was impressed by the role Kakuzi is playing in value addition, aggregation, and community engagement. They have fully integrated smallholder farmers into their ecosystem,” noted Nyakera.

    Nyakera was particularly impressed with Kakuzi’s commitment to human rights. “What impressed me most is that Kakuzi has a Human Rights Awareness Manager dedicated to engaging all employees and stakeholders to ensure their rights are guaranteed and protected.”

    Nyakera also highlighted the need for Kakuzi to expand its operations beyond Murang’a County. “I discussed the importance of Kakuzi focusing on becoming a national company rather than just a company based in Murang’a. Let’s grow together.”

    Chairman KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers
    Chairman KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera, was worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers

    In addition to his visit to Kakuzi, Nyakera also engaged with tea farmers in Kariara Ward, Murang’a, where he discussed the impact of recent tea reforms. He noted significant improvements in the payments to tea farmers.

    “I championed reforms that have borne fruit: monthly payments increased from 16 to 25, the mini bonus from 3 to 12, and the yearly bonus more than doubled in 2021. We implemented a ‘one man, one vote’ system in factory elections, and cartels have been removed. Since farmers are the foundation of our economy, let us now take care of them,” Nyakera continued.

  • KWAL INVESTS KES. 10 MILLION FOR A PERIOD OF 3 YEARS TO UPSKILL THE YOUTH IN MUKURU INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS

    During the Mou Signing at Carnivore Nairobi.

    Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) and Tamarind Group to upskill the youth in Mukuru informal settlements in culinary training.

    KWAL will be investing at least Ten Million Kenya Shillings (KES. 10,000,000) over a period of 3 years on a program dubbed ‘Inua’ meant to impact youth by enabling them to earn a decent living in the Hospitality Industry.

    Inua is a vocational training program targeting the youth from informal settlements which seeks to scale a consistent approach in supporting the hospitality industry value chain in Kenya through skills enhancement.

    Speaking during the MOU signing event, KWAL Managing Director, Ms. Lina Githuka commented, “Beyond technical skills training, our vision with INUA is to promote a sense of belonging to the participants. We want to holistically nurture the potential of our youth.”

    She added, “In line with this, we redesigned the program, to equip the participants with the necessary exposure and mindset they require to succeed in life.”
    The Inua program has been enabled by the Tripartite partnership between KWAL, Mukuru Promotion Centre and Tamarind Group.

    Mukuru Promotion Centre Director, Sister Mary Killeen commented, “The youth will be undergoing an intense training through a comprehensive hospitality curriculum to ensure they become the best at culinary art. The training will cover various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary arts, customer service, hotel management, and more. It’s designed not just to equip our students with the skills they need to succeed but also to instil in them the confidence to aspire for greatness.”

    As partners, Mukuru Promotion Centre will be conducting the program with the youth at Mukuru. Through their Vocational Institute, MPC provides an opportunity for the youth from disadvantaged background to gain relevant skill, break the cycle of poverty and inspire others in their community. At the moment, 40 students are enrolled for the Food and Beverage Course and will all stand a chance to benefit in the INUA partnership.Nairobi, Kenya 20th March 2024 – Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) and Tamarind Group to upskill the youth in Mukuru informal settlements in culinary training.
    KWAL will be investing at least Ten Million Kenya Shillings (KES. 10,000,000) over a period of 3 years on a program dubbed ‘Inua’ meant to impact youth by enabling them to earn a decent living in the Hospitality Industry.
    Inua is a vocational training program targeting the youth from informal settlements which seeks to scale a consistent approach in supporting the hospitality industry value chain in Kenya through skills enhancement.
    Speaking during the MOU signing event, KWAL Managing Director, Ms. Lina Githuka commented, “Beyond technical skills training, our vision with INUA is to promote a sense of belonging to the participants. We want to holistically nurture the potential of our youth.”
    She added, “In line with this, we redesigned the program, to equip the participants with the necessary exposure and mindset they require to succeed in life.”
    The Inua program has been enabled by the Tripartite partnership between KWAL, Mukuru Promotion Centre and Tamarind Group.
    Mukuru Promotion Centre Director, Sister Mary Killeen commented, “The youth will be undergoing an intense training through a comprehensive hospitality curriculum to ensure they become the best at culinary art. The training will cover various aspects of the hospitality industry, including culinary arts, customer service, hotel management, and more. It’s designed not just to equip our students with the skills they need to succeed but also to instil in them the confidence to aspire for greatness.”
    As partners, Mukuru Promotion Centre will be conducting the program with the youth at Mukuru. Through their Vocational Institute, MPC provides an opportunity for the youth from disadvantaged background to gain relevant skill, break the cycle of poverty and inspire others in their community. At the moment, 40 students are enrolled for the Food and Beverage Course and will all stand a chance to benefit in the INUA partnership.
    The Tamarind Group will be assisting and coordinating the trainees’ tours in the hotel

    chain and chef exchange visits to equip the students with the technical know-how and real-life chef experiences. In addition, Tamarind Group will be providing the program participants with the opportunity to be part of their Apprentice Program which will not only offer the students practical experience, but also give them a foot in the door of the Hospitality Industry.

    Tamarind Group Operations Director, Joseph Gacheru commented, “Learning hospitality skills isn’t just about acquiring the knowledge to serve; it’s about learning the art of making others feel welcome, understood, and valued. It’s a profound transformation that goes beyond professional development to personal growth. The internship opportunities will not only provide practical experience but also a foot in the door of the hospitality industry, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of a globally renowned hospitality brand.”

    KWAL will be sponsoring and facilitating the trainees’ activities at Mukuru Promotion Centre. Also present at the signing ceremony was The Regional Director of the State Department of Youth and creative economy, Mr. Daniel Kirui, who affirmed the government’s commitment in addressing youth concerns in the country. ‘‘The INUA program perfectly aligns with this government’s commitment to uplift young Kenyans, ensuring they have the capacities to establish meaningful careers and contribute to our nation’s socio-economic development, by not only enhancing the value chain of the hospitality industry but also directly contributing to the reduction of unemployment and underemployment among our youth.’’ He stated in his speech.

    The Inua program is in line with fulfilling and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 through promoting sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all. The program also supports Chapter 3 of Agenda 21 of the United Nations which mentions the need to strengthen employment and income- generating programmes as tool of eradicating poverty and the need of generating employment for vulnerable groups, specifically women, urban poor, unemployed rural labour as well as low-income urban residents.

     

  • KNBS Launches Strategic Plan 2023-2027

    During the launch of KNBS strategic Plan 2023-2027

    Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has today launched the fifth Strategic Plan for the period 2023 to 2027. The Strategic Plan outlines KNBS’ strategic focus areas on data accuracy, integrity, and timely dissemination to enable evidence-based decision-making across various sectors of the economy.

    Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) has also developed the Kenya Statistical Code of Practice (KeSCoP) and established a Data Science Training Center also launched today.

    KeSCoP will act as a technical and ethical standard instrument for continuous improvement of the quality of official statistics, while the Data Science Training Center aims to explore the use of new methods in statistics production and dissemination such as data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning.

    “The Kenya Statistics Code of Practise is a document that sets the professional Standards that producers of official Statistics must commit to when producing and releasing of official Statistics. It is also a benchmark for quality assesment of official Statistics.” Said Dr. Mark Obudho Director General KNBS.

    An estimated 160 public sector, development partners, private sector, and civil society actors including policy analysis experts from across the country and international development practitioners will participate in the launch event to be held in person in Nairobi.

    The plan requires Ksh 52,538.10 Million for full implementation for the 5 years period. It will also cater for the deficit of 26,283.27 a resource mobilization strategy 2023-2027.

  • MPs Call for Collaboration urging Kenyatta University to Halt Hospital Takeover and Prioritize Student Benefits

    MPs Call for Collaboration urging Kenyatta University to Halt Hospital Takeover and Prioritize Student Benefits

    Dr. Robert Pukose, Endebess MP and Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Health, Prof. Olive Mugenda, Board Chairman of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral & Research Hospital, and Ahmed Dagane, the Chief Executive Officer, are pictured during the committee's visit to the institution.
    Dr. Robert Pukose, Endebess MP and Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Health, Prof. Olive Mugenda, Board Chairman of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, & Research Hospital, and Ahmed Dagane, the Chief Executive Officer, are pictured during the committee’s visit to the institution.

    The National Assembly’s Health Committee Instructs Kenyatta University Management to Cease Consideration of Reverting Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Ownership.

    MPs instructed the University Vice Chancellor, Paul Wainana, to cooperate with the hospital management to benefit students in the schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and dentistry.

    The university’s vice chancellor, Prof. Paul Wainana, and the hospital’s board chairperson, Prof. Olive Mugenda, engage in public dispute over hospital management rights.

    “To revert KUTRRH to Kenyatta University, it would therefore be mandatory to revoke the legal notice No. 4 of 2019 governing its establishment. Which will not be possible, university management must leave with the fact that KUTRRH is a state department under the Ministry of Health, therefore, oversight by this committee,” said Endebess MP Dr. Robert Pukose, Chairperson of the Health Committee.

    “It is the health committee that appropriates money to KUTRRH while our sister committee on education oversees and appropriates funds to Kenyatta University, so the feuding must end and everyone must respect his space,” Dr. Pukose added.

    Dr. Pukose spoke today during the fact-finding mission at KUTRRH to assess its capacity and services, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment and diagnosis.

    The committee visit aimed to evaluate the hospital’s infrastructure, technology, expertise, and patient care practices in managing cancer diseases.

    “The committee has observed with great pleasure that the hospital boasts of modern infrastructure and facilities tailored to cancer treatment and diagnosis. This includes advanced imaging equipment, radiation therapy facilities, and specialized oncology units,” said Dr. Pukose.

    “We want you to remain in the realm of cancer treatment and diagnosis because you are recognized as a specialized hospital at level six hospital, many Kenyans now depend on you and we don’t want you to veer off from that trajectory,” he added.

    Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, & Research Hospital offers a holistic approach to cancer care, encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.

    In his remarks, Patrick Munene, the Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP and vice-chairperson of the committee, commended the hospital management for their holistic approach to cancer care, praising the integration of diverse medical specialties and supportive services aimed at delivering comprehensive care to cancer patients.

    “We are happy that the hospital has assembled a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals specializing in oncology, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. This expertise ensures that patients receive personalized and evidence-based care tailored to their specific needs,” said Munene.

    Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron advocates for increased investment in research, clinical trials, and advanced technologies to improve cancer treatment outcomes and drive medical innovation.

    Nandi Women representative Cynthia Muge-Rotich acknowledged efforts by the hospital to enhance the accessibility and affordability of cancer care services.

    “Initiatives such as subsidized treatment programs, partnerships with insurance providers, and community outreach programs aim to mitigate financial barriers and ensure equitable access to quality cancer care,” said Muge.

    Prof. Olive Mugenda, Chair of the KUTRRH Board, expressed gratitude to the committee for their unwavering support for the institution. She assured the committee of the hospital management’s steadfast dedication to its mandate.

    Despite the hospital’s commendable efforts, the committee identified challenges such as limited resources, workforce shortages, and infrastructure constraints.

    Proposals were put forward to tackle these issues, encompassing heightened government funding, initiatives to bolster capacity, and fostering strategic partnerships with academic institutions and international organizations.

  • Opposition MPs Denounce the government’s Pledge on School fund Disbursement, saying it is empty promises

    Opposition MPs Denounce the government’s Pledge on School fund Disbursement, saying it is empty promises

    From left, sitting Robert Mbui, Kathiani Mp, and Deputy Leader of Minority in the National Assembly. James Opiyo Wandayi, Minority Leader in the National Assembly. Makali Mulu Kitui Central, MP
    From left, sitting Robert Mbui, Kathiani Mp, and Deputy Leader of Minority in the National Assembly. James Opiyo Wandayi, Minority Leader in the National Assembly. Makali Mulu Kitui Central, MP

    Opposition MPs have dismissed the announcement by the government on Monday that it will disburse the outstanding capitation funds to public schools in the next 10 days.

    MPs allied to the Azimio La Umoja Coalition termed the promise a “game of lies” and called on teachers and parents to overcome fear and speak out boldly for Kenyan children whose future is being stolen by the government.

    At a press conference in parliament buildings, the company of twelve MPs said they have lost count of the numerous times such promises have been made since the Kenya Kwanza regime took over.

    “No plausible reason has been given as to why funds that should have been disbursed at the beginning of the term are only being disbursed towards the end of the term,” said National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

    The MPs faulted the Ministry of Education, accusing it of setting up school heads for ridicule, failure, and blame.

    “In this game of lies, our children are collateral,’’ said Wandayi.

    The MPs were reacting to a statement attributed to PS Kipsang when he told the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly on Monday that the government will next week release Sh16.25 billion toward free secondary education capitation.

    PS Kipsang, who had appeared before the Committee and responded to audit queries for the year ended June 30, 2022, noted that the government allocated Sh65 billion for free secondary education capitation in the current financial year.

    However, the Azimio team expressed dissatisfaction with the promise, saying that whenever the fee disbursement queries are raised, the government manages the school heads and the public by issuing statements that monies are set to be released to schools.

    “Whenever the Ministry of Education has come under pressure over the disbursement of funds to schools, they do what they did yesterday; they assemble the media, put together some figures, and announce that the money will be released the following week. Most times, it never gets done, and when it is done, it is never sufficient,’’ said Wandayi.

    The MPs challenged the government to deliver on the accrued promises in the education sector, noting that it is the cause of the difficulties Kenyan parents are going through.

    “We are here to call out the government on the lies that have now crippled schools and exposed otherwise innocent principals and teachers to the wrath of parents and learners who buy into government lies that funds have been released to schools and other learning institutions,” said the statement.

    Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu challenged the government to give clarity and a way forward on matters of free education due to the prevailing situation in the education sector.

    “We are challenging the Kenya Kwanza regime to come out and tell Kenyans whether it has done away with free primary and free secondary education because, from the look of things, this seems to be the case,” Mulu said.