Kenyaleo.co.ke

Author: Kenyaleo Editorial Team

  • Kenya Tourism Board Launches Photography Contest targeting Domestic Travel ahead

    The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has today rolled out a photography contest aimed at showcasing various travel destinations across the country with a focus on hidden gems.

    The contest dubbed ‘Tembea Kenya, Capture Magical Kenya’ will run on social media with Kenyans encouraged to take photos of various destinations, indicate their location, and tag KTB on its social media handles on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

    According to KTB CEO, June Chepkemei, the contest aims to engage the wider public in promoting destinations in their home counties that have gone unnoticed despite their tourism appeal.

    “At the County level, Kenyans have invested in the growth of tourism through accommodation and other hospitality services around nontraditional tourism destinations. These investments continue to open up urban and remote areas to tourism activities. Unfortunately, most Kenyans are not aware of these attractions, through this contest we hope to leverage the power of photography to publicize these hidden gems.” Said the CEO

    The contest will also seek to highlight the traditional tourism sites that are often viewed as targeting international travelers and are not frequented by domestic tourists.

    “As an industry, we recognize the important role played by domestic tourism in not only promoting Kenya as a global destination but also in sustaining the entire hospitality sector, especially during low season occasioned by low international visitors into the country. This contest will therefore go a long way in unearthing more diverse experiences for domestic tourists to enjoy.” Miss Chepkemei added

    The Photography Contest will run from the 5th of November to the 11th of December with Kenyans highlighting various tourism products through photography ranging from; Wildlife, Culture, Adventure, city life and landscapes alongside conservation and sustainability.

    The contest which will culminate in a photo exhibition will run under 8 categories namely; Hidden Gems of Kenya, Kenyan Wildlife Wonder, Rich Cultural Heritage & Traditions, Breath-taking Landscapes, 50 Million Smiles – Kenyan People and Faces, Adventure in Kenya, Urban Vibes: Kenya’s Vibrant Cities and Sustainable Travel – Community & Conservation Efforts. Winners across the 8 categories stand a chance to win a top cash prize of Ksh. 150,000, Ksh. 70,000 for second place and Ksh. 30,000 for third place. The prizes will be awarded across all 8 categories.

  • Governor Arati Defends Healthcare and Infrastructure Reforms Amid Criticism in Kisii County

    Governor Arati Defends Healthcare and Infrastructure Reforms Amid Criticism in Kisii County

    Amid widespread irked concerns among locals about the state of health facilities in Kisii County, Governor Simba Arati remains resolute and steadfast in dismissing these claims.

    Last week, after the ratted of the events, Governor Arati moved swiftly and implemented significant changes in the sector by leading a promotion exercise and upgrading the status of the county medics

    During the burial of former Bonchari MP Zebedeo Opore, Arati strongly defended his actions to reform the leadership of Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital against his critics.

    During the burial of former Bonchari MP, Zebedeo Opore Arati fiercely told off the critics on the steps he took to change the leadership of the Kisii Teaching and referral hospital.

    Simba told off the past reign that he will never allow any theft cases to rule over in the county.

    ‘’As long as I am the governor I will not forgive or tolerate stealing in the county, none will continue the act, I accepted criticism but I will not bow down to distraction concerning the criticism of KTRH, whoever thought he will continue stealing from the hospital, I will not allow negative painting of the hospital and I will not allow losses in the hospital and none is going to supply hot air and to get money, enough is enough.’’ Simba affirmed.

    He stated that the hospital currently has a sufficient supply of medicines, with revenue generation increasing to KES 231 million from KES 47 million per quarter since he took over the reins of power.

    Kisii County nurses initiated a strike on November 7, which had the potential to disrupt healthcare services significantly. However, the strike lasted less than 48 hours, as the union called it off after the parties reached an amicable solution.

    In the return to work formula, the county, through the Service Board shall initiate promotions and there was an agreement of Implementation of the recommendations of conciliation report dated 22nd April, 2021 as per the Union heads.

    Moses Okenge, the Kisii County Nurses Chairperson affirmed they reached the agreement.

    ‘‘As the union we agreed on re-designation of qualified Nurses in rightful job categories, there will be 75 percent of promotion of qualified Nurses, more trainings, 50-100 percentage employment of Nurses to cover for shortage of man power, also will be 80 percent adverts of Competitive jobs.’’

    Okenge said that Governor Simba he applauded the action of County nurses to call off the highly anticipated strike

    Recently in one week ago, the Kenya National Union of Nurses (KNUN) called off the industrial strike in Nyamira county after the union successfully engaged Governor Amos Nyaribo.

    On the same note, Arati addressed the long-standing issue of the stalled Suneka airstrip project, which has faced delays for decades affirming that he is determined and will not be cowed until he builds a sports arena in area after the government’s recent announcement to decommission the Airstrip in Kisii County.

    Bonchari MP has been calling on the government to repair the airstrip as opposed to decommissioning it, a move he says will amount to a slap on Bonchari’s face.

    The Constituency Development Fund office has been planning to put up a Technical Vocational Training Centre in the Constituency, but the plans have been thwarted by inadequate land.

  • The National Assembly Flags Fake news in circulation

    The National Assembly leadership has flagged concerns over a fake and falsified list of purported cabinet nominees circulating on social media and online platforms,

    The list, which claims to contain names of individuals allegedly appointed to key cabinet positions and which are awaiting Vetting has fueled public speculation and widespread debate.

    However, in a formal statement, the House advised the public and media to treat the list with contempt and disdain, noting that it’s Fake since no official communication regarding any new cabinet nomination has reached the National Assembly.

    “This list has not come through any official channels within the National Assembly, and we urge the public to disregard it, as no formal communication or announcement has been issued by the Office of the President,” stated.

    The Speakers’ Office, responsible for managing communications between Parliament and the Executive, reiterated the need to rely on official sources for government appointments.

    The House Leadership has emphasized that if such communication occurs, it will follow the normal channels to reach the public and media.

  • MPs imposes fine on KAA Managing Director over failure to honour summons

    MPs imposes fine on KAA Managing Director over failure to honour summons

    MPs have fined the Kenya Airports Authority Managing Director Mr Henry Ogoye Shs. 500,000 for skipping accountability meeting.

    The Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities chairperson Hon Adan Haji said they imposed the fine on the MD after he skipped four meetings.

    He had been invited to shed light on employment diversity among other issues.

    Mr Ogoye was to appear before the Committee to explain measures put in place to ensure all Kenyans have equal opportunities in employment of the organisation.

    “The Committee has acted in accordance with Article 191 A (1) which compels the Committee to impose a fine on such an absentee witness,” said the Mandera West MP.

    During the meeting chaired by Haji at Parliament Buildings today, members of the Committee expressed their anger at the non-appearance.

    “This is the fourth time the MD is skipping Committee meetings. We have taken stern action against him to serve as an example to other senior government officers who ignore invites by the Committee for accountability,” said Hon Haji.

    Hon Ong’ondo Were expressed anger that the MD had appeared before another Committee in Parliament after skipping the Cohesion team.

    “The fact that the MD has chosen to honour invites of another Committee and not the Cohesion one shows he has low regards about this Committee,” stated the Kaspul MP.

    Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo said the Committee will not tolerate senior government officers who show disrespect to the Cohesion Committee by skipping meetings.

    “Witnesses need to take serious invites by parliamentary committees. A fine on the MD should sound as a warning to others with similar characters,” said Ngogoyo.

    The Committee has established ethnic imbalance in employment where one community got a giant share of jobs.

  • Empowering Society through Civic Education and Compassionate giving

    Empowering Society through Civic Education and Compassionate giving

    With a vision of building a self-reliant, united society, Isaac Okeno led an initiative to provide essential food supplies and educate residents on the importance of service to humanity. His commitment to giving back to the community is more than just a responsibility it’s a privilege.

    On Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, Okeno’s outreach extended to seven locations: Rachilo, Oriang, Kindu, Milugo, Okode, Nyamgun, and Akonya. At each stop, the warm hospitality shown by the community left Isaac Okeno deeply appreciative and grateful.

    ‘’Together, we can create a better world by uplifting each other. Let’s work toward a brighter future, where our shared support makes life more bearable for all.’’ Said Okeno.

    Additionally, Isaac announced an upcoming free medical camp, dedicated to improving healthcare access, especially for those affected by Sickle Cell and other conditions needing consistent care. His dedication to Sickle Cell awareness demonstrates his commitment to his community’s well-being and vision of accessible healthcare.

    The meeting was met with enthusiasm, as residents expressed gratitude and optimism for Isaac’s vision of a supportive, empowered community

  • Government to map out medical facilities targeting quality under SHA

    Government to map out medical facilities targeting quality under SHA

    Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa

    The government is working with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council (KMPDC) and the Kenya Health Professions Oversight Authority (KHPOA) to map out health facilities to ensure that they are manned by professionals and offer quality health services to Kenyans.

    Health Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa said that they have employed a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach in assessing all health facilities across the country to look at their capacity and ability to offer quality services in efforts to ensure that Kenyans access quality healthcare under the new Social Health Authority (SHA).

    “This is an initiative to ensure that we map out all our health facilities across the country and identify where specific interventions are needed and offer the necessary support,” said the CS.

    Speaking in Nairobi on Tuesday during a media roundtable meeting, Barasa said that the last mile areas mostly in the far-flung and marginalized regions are often neglected and the mapping is aimed at ensuring that they fulfill the government mandate of leaving no one behind.

    “We have come up with interventions to ensure that drugs are supplied to the last mile that is the primary health care facilities and by December we will have medication at these centers and patients will be able to access affordable and quality medicines,” said Dr Barasa.

    The CS said that the flagging off for the medicines distribution will happen very soon as she assured that they are working to ensure that the primary health care at the Level 2 and 3 hospitals are fully functional since these are the first contact with the health system.

    “We are working at capacity building the Primary Health Care (PHC) centers to ensure that they have the right medication and capacity to support the primary health care provision,” said the CS.

    The CS said that the media plays a critical role in ensuring the success of SHA by creating awareness and informing people of the need to register.

    “So far we have had over 13 million people register for SHA and we are urging the media to continue enlightening Kenyans on its benefit and showing success stories of people who have benefitted from SHA so that more can register and start benefiting,” said Dr. Barasa.

    Barasa added that they have been meeting with support groups representing kidney patients undergoing dialysis and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy to understand their experience and look for ways to work together and ensure the success of SHA.

    SHA Head of Benefits Design Dr Samson Kuhora said that they are employing Proxy Means Testing (PMT) a model that uses the economic factors within a household to estimate how much they are earning and then calculate the SHA premium of 2.75 percent of the household income for the informal or unemployed people.

    Dr Kuhora said that the PMT is used to establish income levels for households and it is meant to bring about equity adding that there is a platform that allows a household to appeal if they feel there are issues with the calculations on their required payments.

    “This means testing tool drives the key concept of SHA which is the ability to pay where a household which can generate more income contributes more into the pool,” explained Dr Kuhora.

    He highlighted that they have been doing daily monitoring of the data that is available and so far, the estimated average household premium per month is Sh543 which translates to Sh6,516 per year,” he said.

    Dr Kuhora said that they are aware that there are Kenyans who might not be able to afford this as a lump sum and that is why there are stop-gap initiatives that include monthly contributions for households which are meant to assist families that cannot pay yearly.

    “We are aware that some Kenyans have seasonal incomes like farmers and we have been engaging the co-operatives as aggregators so that they can pay for their members and then they recover the money over time from sales of produce,” said Dr Kuhora.

  • Mwendwa free to vie in FKF Elections, House told

    Mwendwa free to vie in FKF Elections, House told

    Football Kenya Federation (FKF) outgoing president Nick Mwendwa is eligible to contest as a running mate in the forthcoming elections, MPs have been told.

    FKF Electoral Board chairman Hesbon Owila made the revelation when he met the National Assembly Sports Committee.

    Mwendwa, whose mandatory two-term limit is coming to an end, has been cleared to run as the running mate of his current deputy Doris Petra in the December 7th elections.

    Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen had differed with Owila during a separate appearance before the Committee.

    The CS was before the House team to shed light on the eligibility of Mwendwa to be fielded as number two to Petra.

    Murkomen and Owila gave different opinion to the Committee during the session chaired by Kamau Wamacukuru.

    The CS, who was the first to appear before the Committee, told MPs that the law barred Mwendwa from deputizing Petra in the polls.

    “The law is clear that anybody picked as a running mate should have the same qualifications of the presidential candidate so that incase anything happens to the president, he can take over office,” he added.

    Said Murkomen: “It is not morally good to serve as the Federation’s president then during elections you present yourself as a deputy.”

    The CS pointed out that Mwendwa had completed his term as required by the federation constitution, noting that it will be illegal for him to be on the Petra ticket for presidency.

    He added: “I have had a conversation with Mwendwa on this matter and we agreed he should not run.”

    His sentiments were supported by Suba South MP Caroli Omondi who questioned why the Electoral Board cleared him to run.

    “Why did the Electoral Board clear Mwendwa in the first place when its clear that he had cleared his term,” he added.

    But Owila, when he appeared before the Committee, said the law allowed Mwendwa to contest as a running mate in the elections.

    “Article 37 of the Federation’s constitution is clear that the president upon clearing his term is free to run for any other seat,” he explained.

    He noted that the Board had not committed any mistake when it cleared Mwendwa to deputise Petra in the elections.

    The matter was put to rest after the Committee’s legal officer Christine Odhiambo clarified to MPs that the law allowed Mwendwa to run as a deputy.

    While quoting Article 37 Odhiambo said: “The law allows Mwendwa to run for any position including deputy.”

    Mwingi West MP Charles Nguna said the Committee should not dwell too much on the matter after it was clarified by both the legal officer and the chairman on the Electoral Board.

    MP Catherine Omanyo and Robert Basil asked the Board to ensure that the eagerly awaited elections were free and fair.

    Owila told the Committee measures have been put in place to ensure that the elections were credible, free and fair.

    “The Board has already finished training returning officers ahead of the county elections that commence on 9th of this month and the presidential polls,” he explained.

    He added: “I want to assure the Committee that fake delegates will no longer participate in the elections as it has been before.”

    The Committee asked the Board to present to MPs a list of all delegates who will vote in the elections.

    Owila assured the Committee that he will avail the list in two days.

  • Kisii Coutny CECM, Ndemo throws a jab on Simba Arati

    Dr. Alfred Ndemo, who has been serving as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Public Service, County Administration, Public Participation, and the Office of the Governor, has o resigned.

    In a resignation letter addressed to Governor Simba Arati, Ndemo highlighted a series of grievances and frustrations that led to his decision.

    Dr. Ndemo accused Governor Arati of creating an “intense and exorbitant” working environment.

    He expressed rude awakening over the governor’s refusal to address his concerns despite multiple attempts to engage him.

    “You have deliberately refused to address my grievances despite my efforts to reach out,” Dr. Ndemo said.

    Ndemo says that working under Governor Arati is “frustrating, demeaning, humiliating, untenable, and impossible.”

    Dr. Ndemo’s resignation took immediate effect on November 4, 2024, citing a desire to distance himself from what he described as the governor’s maladministration.

    “To exonerate myself from your maladministration, I have, on this 4th day of November 2024, resigned as a County Executive Committee Member, Kisii County Government, effective immediately,” the letter reads.

    In a censure, Dr. Ndemo labeled the Kisii County government under Governor Arati as a “sinking ship.” claiming that the county has been plagued by mismanagement, with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and county ministers under constant pressure, unable to implement changes or execute their mandates effectively.

    “Simba is surrounded by impossibilities. MCAs are under intense pressure, and county ministers cannot implement or change anything.’’ Ndemo declared.

    Dr. Ndemo hinted at releasing more information regarding his resignation, claiming he has evidence to support his allegations.

    “I’m going to release every detail as to why I have resigned. I have been under perseverance for a long, troubled, and abused left, right, and center. I’m tired, and I regret joining the Simba Arati administration.”

    His resignation, which comes with the allegations of mismanagement, from a political could have significant political upshots for Governor Arati.

  • Conversations on Climate Adaptation and Resilience Ahead of Landmark Conference

    Conversations on Climate Adaptation and Resilience Ahead of Landmark Conference

    L-R: Kennedy Ouma, Faith Ngige, Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO Jacob’s Ladder Africa Dr. Jeremiah Rogito, Specialist Food and Land Use, Anne Kamonjo, Dr. Jackson Koimbori

    Jacob’s Ladder Africa with Civil society key partners in collaboration with the Government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry hosted its first series of thematic pre-convening events in the build-up to Africa Climate Summit focusing on Climate Adaptation and Resilience and Youth and Children Inclusion.

    These convenings underscore Africa’s resolve to fulfill and measure the commitments made during the 2023 Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, marking a pivotal moment in climate accountability.

    The event brought together leaders, experts, and organizations dedicated to building a sustainable, resilient Africa for the future.

    Sellah Bogonko, Co-Founder and CEO of Jacob’s Ladder Africa stated that the ground-breaking Africa Climate Summit (ACS) represented a new chapter in Africa’s journey of owning and steering the conversation on the unique climate change solutions that Africa can offer to the world.

    It was also an opportunity to set in motion partnerships and solutions that would greatly impact the lives of African youth.

    “If implemented, the outcomes of ACS will significantly change the trajectory of Africa. For this reason, Jacob’s Ladder Africa, in conjunction with partners in the private sector, civil society organizations, and the Government of Kenya, has led the charge to take stock of the progress made since ACS, in February 2025, along with key thematic convening taking place prior,” she further reiterated.

    The Climate Adaptation and Resilience convening addressed urgent needs such as sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient urban infrastructure, and drought preparedness. These topics reflect the challenges identified by African leaders, where rapid urbanization and climate instability exacerbate vulnerabilities.

    The Youth and Children Inclusion in Climate Action convening on November 5 will gather youth leaders and children from across the country.

    The event offers a platform for the younger generation to hold leaders accountable and push for their active involvement in climate policy and action, a commitment emphasized in the Nairobi Declaration.

    As Africa prepares for ACS@ONE in February 2025, these events are a call to action for stakeholders across sectors to sustain the momentum generated at the Africa Climate Summit.

    ACS@ONE will be a landmark moment to reflect on Africa’s strides in climate action and to inspire continuous, tangible progress.

  • Residents reactions on exposed Dilapitated Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital

    Following a recent article spotlighting concerns surrounding Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), it has sparked a wave of varied reactions among residents.

    Community members have taken to social media and local forums to voice their thoughts, with opinions spanning from support and calls for reform to criticism of healthcare services.

    The coverage has ignited an important conversation around the quality of care, patient experience, and broader issues within the hospital system, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in Kenya’s healthcare sector.

    Earlier, there were claims meted on Dr. Oimeke Mariita, the CEO moving county staff out of KTRH, and transfers of Specialist Clinicians and Community Health nurses.

    James Kembero, a frustrated resident, says, “I spoke with several former colleagues at KTRH, and they expressed deep frustration and demoralization under the current management. There is uncertainty about their future work placements, and they question the leadership style that reassigns people almost daily.”

    He has rejected claims, saying it’s only the mandate of the Health Department under the supervision of the Chief Officer, who is the Chairperson of the Departmental Human Resource Advisory Committee (DHRAC). He says he is only mandated to do internal rotations.

    In a televised clip from the management, ‘’I have seen a lot of negativity about our CT scan, but as of 23rd October 31, 2024, or CT scan was up and running, we have attended to patients and all other imaging is functional, we want to dispel rumors that this machine is not working.’’ Mariita said.

    The hospital with 5 theatre rooms as depicted by the CEO in a live radio interview.

    “We have a 700-bed capacity and most of the time 90-95 percent of beds are occupied for an approximation of 630 people and in ICU and HDU oxygen is needed,” said Mariita.

    In general wards, “At any given time, out of 630 patients 63 are on oxygen. The demand for oxygen in KTRH is high surpassing the plants we have. “Plans of adding Oxygen Plants?

    The hospital boss reports that “In theatre, already quarter one (July, August, and September) we have managed to do 1,650 operations and if we continue with the same rate, by the end of this financial year we shall clock over 7,000 as compared to financial year, 4,202.”

    The hospital has been accused of poor customer care services and poor hospitality disadvantaging the underprivileged.

    Residents have affirmed that several activities are running despite the private wing services which are in limbo.

    ‘’There are challenges in the hospital but there is a smooth running of events efficiency remains the puzzle. Private wing is unclear to the public but the management should adequately spend more time and educate the public on the services it’s offering to set the clear picture for the public.’’ Obed Ongori a resident in Kisii who received services recently at the hospital.

    KTRH is projecting to have a cardiologist take the task of open-heart surgeries.

    Without giving the timelines, Spine surgeon services have been introduced and the services are operating. Mariita, reports that neurosurgeon services and machines performing the tasks are set to kick off.

    By the time of publication, Mr. Ronald Gideon Nyakweba, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Medical Services, Public Health, and Sanitation, had not responded to repeated requests for comment regarding the current conditions at the county health facility.