Kenya’s leading retailer, Naivas Supermarket, has opened its 105th store at the Nyali Bazaar Mall in Mombasa today.
This is the 12th in the coastal region strategically located along Links Road.
The new store covers 5,000 square feet of trading space. In line with Naivas’ tradition, the new store offers exclusive sales and promotions to the residents of Nyali and surrounding areas, aligning with the brand’s promise of delivering savings and value.
“This expansion is more than just a strategic move; it’s about meeting our customers right where they are.” Chief of Strategy at Naivas Andreas Von Paleske said.
“Our goal is to provide convenient access to essential goods, making shopping quick and easy for the local community. This new store is designed to offer a seamless shopping experience while reflecting our commitment to Kenyan values and customer needs.” He added.
The Nyali outlet will be featuring a food market store format, with a thoughtfully curated range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, dairy, meats, and general merchandise.
Shoppers can expect the same renowned Kenyan hospitality that Naivas is known for looking ahead, Naivas is also planning to open new branches in Mtwapa, Tilisi, and Mavoko.
The new store comes four months after the 104th store was opened in Buruburu Nairobi.
Football Kenya Federation Premier League side, Shabana FC, is intent on changing its fortunes in this year’s local football season after receiving a boost of Kshs 75 million from Kenya’s leading gaming firm, SportPesa.
The sponsorship will cover three years with Shabana FC receiving Kes 25 million annually. The club which narrowly survived relegation last season after finishing 14th in the league now faces an uphill task in the new season that begins on August 24, 2024.
“This is a partnership and we are more than dedicated to making it a win-win collaboration. It is more about the commitment and impact and this promises a good fan experience which will attract much more talent,” said SportPesa Partnerships Manager Willis Ojwang.
He was backed up by SportPesa Head of Operations, Benard Chauro, who reiterated SportPesa’s purpose in developing sports in the country.
“Today marks another big milestone for us in the sponsorships and partnerships realm. We have been in this game for a while and going forward, the players should know that they have a reliable partner who can guarantee their success,” he commented.
With the partnership secured, Shabana FC was further challenged to nurture talents that eventually feed into the club’s talent pipeline.
“This partnership presents an opportunity to ensure a collaborative network for all stakeholders involved. Going forward, this should open a fruitful engagement to improve the outcomes. The youth are being given a chance to put themselves forward and make good from the efforts at hand.” said Innocent Muganda on behalf of the BCLB Chair, Jane Makau, as he lauded SportPesa for impacting the community positively.
Kisii Governor and Shabana FC patron, Simba Arati, acknowledged Shabana’s readiness to host its matches this season in the home ground which was closed for the better part of last season for renovations.
“Shabana used to host its matches at the Raila Odinga Stadium in the neighboring Homa Bay County with Gusii Stadium facing challenges but I’m happy to inform you that the pitch is ready for use.”
The partnership unveiling was also graced by the club’s fan association from different regions of the country who were grateful for the support. “Three years ago, we were at the National Super League (NSL) which was challenging competitively but we were able to draw out a clear vision. In those 3 years, we have achieved beyond our set goals. It is my promise to our partners that we will achieve our set goals even as we target the continental championships.” Said the Shabana Fan Association Representative, Onyonka.
Shabana FC is poised to begin their highly anticipated season on a high note, facing off Bidco United in a thrilling opening match this Saturday. The clash, set to take place at Thika Sub-County Stadium, marks the beginning of a new chapter for Shabana FC as they aim to solidify their status as contenders in the league.
During a session of the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transport, and Housing today, Senator Richard Onyonka’s review of his statement regarding the JKIA and Adani Airport Holdings limited raised significant concerns about the leasing of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) under a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model to Adani Airport Holdings Limited.
Senator Onyonka requested a detailed report on the transaction, highlighting several critical issues that require urgent attention. He questioned whether JKIA had incurred any financial losses due to this deal and sought clarification on whether other options were considered.
He pointed out that a Chinese company, Greenfield, was initially involved in a similar project with the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA). However, their contract was abruptly terminated, leading to the state paying Ksh. 4.7 Billion in compensation. He questioned where the funds for this compensation originated and whether it was accounted for in the national budget.
Onyonka demanded transparency regarding the selection criteria, asking why Adani was favored over other bidders and what specific terms they proposed. He raised concerns about Adani’s request to employ non-Kenyans and to set their employment terms and conditions.
Senator Onyonka urged the committee to obtain detailed information from relevant entities, including the KAA and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee, to evaluate the viability of the PPP arrangement. Senators of the committee compared the Adani deal to the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project, where transferring control to the Kenyan government proved challenging.
The senator also highlighted conflicting statements from the KAA and the government regarding the deal, calling for clarity. An essential aspect of the senator’s inquiry is the current valuation of JKIA.
Onyonka stressed the need to determine the airport’s worth and the fees it collects to assess the fairness of any PPP deal. He also questioned whether the Adani proposal targets only JKIA or includes other airports in the country, emphasizing the lack of clear details. He insisted on confirming whether stakeholders at JKIA were consulted before finalizing the deal.
The senator proposed examining the 2019 Parliamentary report by the Committee of Transport, led by Hon. Pkosing, to ensure its recommendations were considered in the Adani agreement.
The committee chaired by Sen. Paul Thangwa, with Sen. Peris Tobiko as the Vice Chairperson, members Senators Chute Mohamed, John Kinyua, Enoch Wambua, and Edwin Sifuna seeks answers and clarity on this high-stakes transaction and recommended inviting Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the KAA Managing Director, and the PPP Committee to provide comprehensive details about the Adani proposal in the next 14 days.
Senator Edwin Sifuna echoed Senator Onyonka’s concerns, criticizing the current PPP law for treating Parliamentary approvals as optional. He promised to push for amendments to make such approvals mandatory for all PPP projects, beyond just minerals and natural resources.
Senator Onyonka cited Article 125 of the Constitution, empowering the committee to summon any person to give evidence or provide information and enforce witness attendance and document production. Section 40(3) of Cap 430 which specifies the detailed information required in a privately-initiated proposal, which must be scrutinized thoroughly.
The Senate Minority team on Monday, March 4th, 2024, stormed out of the Senate retreat held at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Nairobi.
The lawmakers retreated to assess their performance in the first two sessions of the 13th Parliament and draw a roadmap for the remainder of the term.
Addressing the press post-walkout, Kilifi Senator Hon. Stewart Madzayo, the Minority leader, criticized the retreat for its perceived hypocrisy within the Senate leadership.
Senate Opposition Leaders led by Minority Whip, Sen.Ledama Olekina, Minority Leader, Stewart Madzayo and Deputy Minority Whip and Nairobi Sen. Edwin Sifuna addressing the media in Parliament buildings.
“We, the membership of the minority side have left the said retreat in protest at the hypocrisy of the leadership of the Senate and especially the open disregard of the rules of the house and contempt directed at the minority side and its leadership.’’ Hon. Madzayo recounts.
Senator Madzayo expressed concerns about the first two sessions, stating that the Speaker’s office was the primary hindrance to the proper functioning of the Senate.
“The legislative process in the Senate has completely been captured. In the first two sessions, we have seen a barrage of unconstitutional bills, all sponsored by the Kenya Kwanza regime. The Constitution under Article 96(2), requires that the House consider and debate all legislation relating to devolution, ‘’ Sen. Madzayo said.
The Minority team asserted they were denied consideration during the sessions and highlighted the lack of debate on crucial devolution bills, such as the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) and the Health Promoters Bill.
“In the first two sessions, we have seen neither consideration nor debate on key bills that claw back on devolution. These include the SHIF and the Health Promoters Bill. We have seen the emergence of a phenomenon where shortcuts are taken to Fastrack government bills, limit debate on the floor, and elected leaders ask the speaker to “put the question” without any debate.’’
Furthermore, the Minority team accused various ministries of hijacking bills sponsored by their side for implementation. Hon. Madzayo specifically mentioned the frustrations faced by private members’ Bills sponsored by minority members.
“In the same breath, private member’s Bills sponsored by members of the minority have faced a myriad of frustrations, including undue delays at the pre-publication stage, publication, and processing at the committee stage, not to mention scheduling for debate.’’ Hon. Madzayo hints.
The Opposition added “Our members have also complained of outright plagiarism and hijacking of their legislative ideas by various ministries. The best example is the digital health bill initially sponsored by Senator Hamida Kibwana.”
Nairobi and deputy minority whip, Senator Hon. Edwin Sifuna emphasized the unconstitutional limitations imposed by the speakers, making oversight nearly impossible.
“Unconstitutional limitation of the representative power of members, The Speaker has made it impossible for members to present matters affecting the electorate for debate on the floor. This is done in various ways.’’ Sen. Sifuna remarked.
Sen. Sifuna added, “The speaker has repeatedly and without legal justification refused to approve questions and motions sponsored by members of the Minority.’’
However, Sen. Sifuna acknowledged the speaker’s determination to preserve the image of the regime, citing rejected motions in the last session as examples.
“In the last session, motions to censure CS Moses Kuria for his attacks on the media, the IG of police for his conduct during the opposition protests, and many others were rejected to “protect the image of the regime,” said Sen. Madzayo.
Minority Whip in the Senate, Sen. Ledama Olekina, expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the Senate of attempting to undermine debates in the house activities.
“We have also seen well-choreographed attempts to stifle debate on the floor through unequal application of the standing orders. Some Members of the speaker’s panel appear to be under instruction to allow numerous and repeated frivolous points of order whenever a member of the minority is on the floor.’’ Sen. Olekina.
The Minority leader demanded a response to all communications directed to the speaker and called for the recusal of panel members known for stifling debate. Additionally, they demanded a response to the complaint about Nominated Senator Veronica Maina’s conduct and the reconstitution of committees.
“We demand immediate recusal of members of the panel notorious for stifling debate and not applying house rules equally, response to all communication addressed to the speaker from the minority leadership, including the complaint on the conduct of Nominated Senator Veronica Maina, and reconstitution of committees.
Kilifi County oversight officer insisted on strict applications on the Senate standing orders
“We demand Strict application of the standing orders during debates without bias, as well as the speaker ruling on each point of order.’’ Sen. Madzayo demands.
Nyamira and Kisii residents have engaged in battlefield stone-blowing as the situation is deteriorating over the Kisii and Nyamira Keroka town boundaries.
The anti-riot police in Keroka, Kisii-Nyamira Border, were forced to use teargas to disperse residents who had been engaging each other over the Keroka town boundary row.
Gusii Keroka Town aerial View
Chaos ensued on the morning of Sunday, the 3rd, as unknown assailants vandalized stalls, intensifying the already tense situation. Both county governments’ enforcement officers engaged in broad daylight stone-throwing clashes, prompting a swift response from law enforcement agencies.
Both county governments, Askaris, engaged in broad daylight fierce stone blowing. Businesses were closed down within the shortest possible time. Police officers were ferried to the location to contain the fierce situation as both Nyamirans and Kisii marked their territories.
Kisii County Police Commander, Charles Kasses, had not yet arrived at the scene by the time of this publication, leaving the situation unchecked. The conflict originated during revenue collection efforts by county officials from both regions.
The row erupted as county officials from both counties were collecting revenues, but the plans were thwarted.
Heavy Presence of Police Officers in Keroka
Charles Okiambe, a businessman in Keroka, has recounted that the situation is troublesome and not conducive.
“It is not conducive for anybody here at the Keroka. There is a lot of wrangling and chaos; tear gas is all over; people are tear gassed; shops closed; stalls demolished.’’ Said Charles Okiambe.
He, however, encouraged both countries to unite, adding, “We request that both governments stop these shenanigans. We are people from one community; we wish to engage in chaos but development agendas, why the chaos in this area, Please let us bring peace.’’ Okiambe urged.
Hillary Kennedy, a resident of Keroka, highlighted the economic losses suffered by the town due to the unrest.
“This town has great growth potential, but today we have lost a significant amount of money. It’s a market day, and parents were busy shopping for pupils and students for back-to-school,” lamented Kennedy.
Senator Okongo Omogeni, Nyamira County, arrived in troubled Keroka to appeal for peace and unity. Omogeni urged the communities to unite, emphasizing their shared identity as Omogusii people. He called upon the county leaders to intervene and resolve the ongoing dispute.
Omogeni, however, has urged the county bosses to come in and solve the unending row sparking out in Keroka.
“Our governors, we should be able to come together, bring our people together, and have a conversation that can allow a peaceful coexistence between the two counties. It will be a shame for our forefathers, and for the leaders who have led the community before. If they see this kind of tension between the two communities,’’ Omogeni says.
However, the senior counsel While acknowledging the economic and personal losses incurred, he stressed the importance of respecting the rule of law.
“There are many people from the community that have lost an opportunity to do business. The county has also lost income. We should be people who respect the rule of law, even if we are unable to agree between me and my neighbor on my boundary. If I go to court and the court decides, we should be able to respect that decision. That’s the only way.’’ Sen. Omogeni says.
While thousands of graduate doctors continue to lament the lack of employment opportunities in government, one youthful doctor chose not to focus on that, instead consolidating his wits, profession, and positive networking to drive the dream of a healthy society.
The academic and professional journey of Boniface Onsongo, a medical doctor by training, is as challenging as it is inspiring.
Born into a humble family in Kisii, Onsongo would later move to Kitale with his mother in 2002, leaving his father behind. He went through part of his basic education at Tuwani Primary School in Kisumu Ndogo slum, going through Classes 4, 5, and 6. His early life was not an easy experience, as the last born in a family of five would tell this writer.
Dr. Boniface Onsongo is in his office in Kitengala, Equty Afia.
“My mother struggled to provide for us from the small business of selling simsim and other candies on the roadside,” he says.
“I suffered low self-esteem as a young boy in primary school, especially when I got to Class 7, and this affected my performance.”
Then a trying moment that would remain stamped in his mind came into the life of Onsongo: the sudden and brief stint of illness and the subsequent death of his mother.
He narrates that she collapsed at her place of business, profusely vomiting blood, and was later rushed to Kitale Referral Hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia and meningitis. She later passed on.
After the painful experience of the death of his mother, Onsongo was taken in by his elder sister, who lived in Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga slum, before going back to Kisii, where he enrolled at Nyambusi Academy, where he confesses to having been a slow learner. He says this did not deter him; instead, it made him refresh his passion for books.
Years moved, and the young boy did impressively well in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination, attaining 365 marks and getting admission to Kisii High School. Here, he became more determined with his studies than ever.
The journey through high school would not be smooth either, considering his underprivileged family background. His peasant father was not able to educate him, as he sold everything he had to see him through secondary school, he narrates.
“I remember for three years, I would be sent home from school several times for lack of school fees,” he says, adding that his back-and-forth from school could not hinder his resolve to study.
The rough road through high school notwithstanding, Onsongo left Kisii High School in 2011 having scored an impressive A of 83 points, leaving behind a huge debt of Ksh365,000 in unpaid fees, thanks to tutors who saw potential in him and agreed to let him learn without disruption. The money would be paid gradually in a mutual agreement with school management, he says.
By now, Onsongo was looking forward to a bright future. Before he was called to Kenyatta University to pursue medicine and surgery during the double intake of 2012, he was offered an internship by the Equity Bank Kisii branch, where he got a rare opportunity to be taken through the Equity Leadership Program (ELP).
Dr. Boniface Onsongo issued instructions to his doctor in his office at Kitengala, Equty Afia.
The Equity Leadership Program helped him get the right concept of life, career choice, and other important life skills.
“This program helped me a lot to broaden my perspective of life, and I thank Equity Foundation for it,” he says.
The program gave Onsongo an edge to be elected as Secretary-General of the Association of Kenyatta University Medical Students (AKUMS), a position he served in with passion.
While at Kenyatta University, Onsongo remained focused on his dream of attaining academic excellence and career accomplishment.
As the years progressed, the young man eventually graduated from Kenyatta University in Medicine and Surgery (MBCHB) in 2018.
Soon after he was out of university, the fresh graduate doctor went into a one-year mandatory internship at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where he was graciously introduced to Equity Afia, a model by the Equity Bank Foundation designed to offer induction and career guidance for the youth. The model, he confesses, helped open up his mind to managerial and leadership skills vital to running any enterprise.
After the lapse of the internship period, the self-driven graduate would venture back to Nairobi to share the knowledge and skills he acquired from the noble Equity Afia model with others at a medical facility in Buruburu. By now, the young doctor was burning with passion to reach more people with his fresh knowledge and skills towards attaining better health for all. It is at this critical point that Dr. Onsongo started the Stable Health Foundation, under which he mobilized resources and expertise to open the Kitengela Equity Afia Medical Center in Kitengela Town in 2021.
As the founder and CEO of the Stable Health Foundation, Onsongo aims to meet the health needs of the community around him by conducting medical outreaches to educate people on curative and preventive approaches to better health.
The Kitengela facility has 14 staff, all permanently serving in various general departments. There are two nurses, two doctors, and two laboratory technicians. There are also dermatologists, oncologists, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) experts.
Onsongo explains that his Medical Centre is not a business per se, but a point to offer solutions to different health conditions. It operates 24 hours a day.
“We are not selling products and services, we give solutions,” he says. “We first understand the problem and then offer accurate solutions to lifestyle diseases affecting people.”
Stable Health Foundation also organizes a series of medical camps around schools in Kajiado County to give much-needed guidance to learning institutions and health facilities on preventable lifestyle conditions like diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.
Asked about his plans, Onsongo says he plans to expand to offering ambulance services to be able to respond quickly to the emergency needs of the community, on top of introducing affordable medical insurance for his clientele.
On the healthcare area, he wishes the government to address, he singles out E-medicine, saying it is capable of providing quick, first-hand solutions to different health conditions at the touch of a button, observing that if given the attention and support it deserves from health stakeholders, it can accommodate millions of patients at one go, hence reducing congestion in public hospitals.
CS Energy and Petroleum David Chirchir appearing before Joint Energy Parliamentary Committees on 29th, Feb 2024.
In the aftermath of the tragic Embakasi explosion incident on February 1, where non-compliance issues were starkly highlighted, the government has taken decisive action by suspending the operating licenses of 49 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) companies.
The progress unfolds alongside the revelation that individuals affected by the explosion, resulting in a minimum of 10 fatalities and over 300 injuries, will experience a delay in receiving State compensation.
Appearing before the Senate Energy Committee on Thursday 29, Energy and Petroleum CS Davies Chirchir said the National Disaster Committee has made regular visits to the Deputy President’s office but is yet to release updates on the compensating progress.
CS Chirchir faced hard times in responding to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had demanded to know why the victims had not been compensated a month after the incident, despite being promised by the DP.
“Why have the residents of Mradi, Embakasi East, not been compensated? A month is now over.” Sifuna Questioned.
“It is tough, like under the budget policy statement that is going through the due process now for every Ministry to put a budget for this kind of incidence, and therefore, there is a National Disaster Committee in place under the Office of the Deputy President as we’ve nominated officials from every ministry to sit in that committee to respond to such cases,” Chirchir responded.
The Cabinet Secretary elucidated that there are gaps in surveillance and crackdown on non-compliant facilities, attributing it to the understaffing of the enforcement department.
EPRA’s recent initiatives were prompted by legislative pressure, highlighting concerns about the regulator’s perceived laxity in enforcing safeguards to prevent a recurrence of the Embakasi explosion incident.
“We learned of the operation of an illegal plant at midnight when the incident happened. We had demolished the LPG plant before, and if we had arrested them before the incident happened, we would have averted this,” Chirchir said.
“The third attempt for a construction permit was made on July 31, 2023, but the application was referred on August 23, 2023, with the request for more information since a detailed qualitative risk assessment had not been attached. EPRA noted the presence of a church and residential neighborhood,” the CS said.
He added that
The CS revealed that Derrick Kimathi, the proprietor of the illegal plant where the incident happened, was a rogue operator who operated the premises as a garage during the day and as an LPG filling station at night.
Mr. Derrrick Kimathi, the possessor of the deadly LPG site, according to records submitted by CS Chirchir, was denied a license in three attempts on March 19, 2023, June 20, 2023, and July 31, 2023, all of which were rejected.
CS added, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by the uncontrolled release of LPG from road tanker registration number KBJ 185X ZD2234 registered to Mr. Abraham Mwangi Nguyo. At the time of the incident, Mr. Mwangi, operating under the business name Klear Mwiki Gas Suppliers, was licensed by EPRA to transport LPG in bulk by road under License No.EPRA/LPG/10342,” CS Chirchir informed the members.
Mr. Chirchir informed the committees that Maxxis Nanyuki has already served EPRA with a stay order notice.
“However, it is worth noting that Maxxis Nanyuki Energy has already served EPRA with a stay order dated February 16, 2024, from the High Court at Milimani, terming the revocation of the license as illegal and unlawful,” he said.
The chair of the National Assembly Energy Committee, Hon. Vincent Kawaya, urged the ministry and EPRA to consider putting the new regulations into work.
“Do you think you have enough systems or networks in place to assure Kenyans that this is not going to stop because, when you look at the document by the CS, it’s fantastic? It is really what must be done.’’ Hon. Vincent Kawaya affirmed.
Nyeri Senator, Hon. Wamatinga, led the committee; however, his side pleaded with lawmakers to sensitize Kenyans to resist cheap and undefined products for use.
“I think we as members must also take it upon ourselves to go and talk to our people so that they know that cheap can be very expensive. These are some of the things that we as a country must change, and it must start with us. Sen. Wamatinga Wahome.
Naivas Supermarket top officials cutting cake to mark the unveiling of the newest branch.
Dominating the retail landscape in Greater Eastern Africa, Naivas makes a triumphant return to the iconic Thika Road with its 103rd store, marking the second opening this year.
Just a month ago, the retail giant celebrated the inauguration of its 102nd branch at Mwanzi Market along Mwanzi Road in Westlands.
The newest addition solidifies Naivas’ presence in the Thika Road region, boasting a total of 12 branches that encompass all store formats.
Strategically located in a mixed-use development, the new outlet harmoniously coexists with various complementary businesses, including a renowned multinational fast-food chain and a petrol station. This symbiotic relationship ensures a holistic shopping experience for every customer.
Beyond catering to diverse needs, the establishment offers easy accessibility from the highway, allowing shoppers to seamlessly continue their journey.
Of paramount importance is the well-stocked inventory, featuring a diverse array of quality products ranging from fresh produce to commodities and fast-moving consumer goods.
Andreas von Paleske, Chief of Strategy at Naivas, expressed confidence in the groundbreaking achievement, noting,
“We are charting unexplored territory as the first supermarket in the country to surpass 100 branches. This success story, rooted in the strong foundations laid by the Mukuha family and fortified by strategic partnerships, will undoubtedly be etched in history and research papers for generations to come.”
“Leading a consortium of investors, IBL, with a legacy spanning 190 years of a successful global family business, strengthens Naivas’ corporate governance. “Our mission has always been to provide a world-class shopping experience, standing shoulder to shoulder with global brands. True to our roots, anyone who walks into our outlets experiences authentic Kenyan hospitality. In keeping with our promise to ‘saves you money,’ we remain committed to offering relief to Kenyans during these challenging times,” remarked Peter Mukuha, Chief of Strategy at Naivas.
As the retail giant looks ahead, upcoming outlets in Lang’ata and Buruburu are on the horizon, promising continued growth and a commitment to delivering exceptional value to customers.
The media has been urged to take center stage in disseminating positive information on clean air.
At this time, Nairobi is facing the challenges of pollution.
Maurice Kavai, the Deputy Director Air quality and climate change in Nairobi city county government speaking to journalists during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
Addressing the media workshop on air pollution in Nairobi, Maurice Kavai, who is the Deputy Director of Air Quality and Climate Change in the Nairobi City County Government, observed that the media should think about unpacking knowledge to bring solutions to the challenges of air pollution.
“Let’s think of a solution to reduce the issue of air pollution in the city, The county is ready to take recommendations and suggestions to change the menace and bring about a clean environment, Mr. Kavai said when he addressed a media workshop in Nairobi.
He assured the participants that the county government is ready to share information with the media and end the bureaucracy that has characterized the issue, urging journalists to develop a positive perception that will improve the lives of Nairobi residents.
Air quality is a devolved function
More than 3 million people in Nairobi stand to benefit from clean resolutions as the Action Plan 2020–2050 has already been rolled out targeting clean air.
Studies have shown that the air quality is consistently poor in Nairobi, with average annual PM2.5 levels (fine particulate matter) more than double the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines (WRI, 2021).
Statistical reports from the city county indicate that over 3,000 people live and work in the Dandora dumpsite, where 3,000 tonnes of waste materials are channeled to the area daily.
Mr. Sammy Simiyu, the Vital Strategist and Co-chair of the Health Committee, noted that air pollution has resulted in many deaths and has a great impact, especially for pregnant women.
“Air pollution affects adults and children as opposed to other diseases that might target specific groups of people such as coronavirus that mainly affects the elderly,” he said.
Studies have shown that 46 percent of deaths in Nairobi are the result of challenges related to air pollution.
“If a pregnant woman is exposed to air pollution, the unborn baby’s development will be affected, and you are likely to see the impact after the baby is born,” said Mr. Simiyu.
Media houses have faced constraints in reporting on the subject of air quality, mainly because of budgetary constraints, time constraints, and personnel dedicated to producing the stories.
There is also intimidation or fear of researching the air pollution stores because some of the hot spots, like Dandora, are heavily protected by locals since they are a source of livelihood for the residents.
Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data committee chair during presentations the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data Committee chair, urged journalists to be conversant in reporting and emerging issues.
“Please be all round in reporting these shortcomings from climate change, human interest focuses on political scenes to reach a large mass but consider accuracy and put more interest and committed to learn more.’’ Dr. Paul Njogu.
Purity Munyambu, Gender Specialist at the World Resources Institute Africa (WRI), emphasized to the media to be careful and sensitive when reporting gender-sensitive stories.
“Let’s think through gender stereotyping when reporting sensitive stories to cause no harm and create an accommodative environment for both victims and the media,” Purity Munyambu urged.
Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the clean air Catalyst Pilot project in Nairobi during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
“I’m excited to equip journalists with the tools to raise awareness & drive change on air pollution at this noble media workshop in full support of the Earth Journalism program. Despite being a disability champion, I will not get tired of speaking and sharing with the media, which is critical in informing the public, shaping perceptions, and driving policy relating to air pollution,” Dr. Lidubwii emphasized.
Its was Joy, pomp and Color as 15 students from Treeside secondary school for the deaf have today benefited from hearing aids that have enabled them to hear again. The kit is not only useful for the totally deaf people, but also very effective for people who have partially hearing loss.
The cutting-edge product which was launched today by EXPRESS NOVA LTD is known as HEARNU which uses bone conduction Technology. That means, It bypasses the physical ear and sends the sound signals through the cheek bone to the cochlea directly and the person is able to hear normally. In other words, people who have hearing loss due to natural causes such as aging, ear infection or accident are able to hear once again.
The beauty of HEARNU is that it’s non-surgical and non-intrusive. There is no need for surgeries to fix in one’s skull. Unlike normal hearing aids, this unit does not have to go inside the ear. HEARNU works on a simple principle using two units. The first one looks like a smart watch is worn on wrist of a person. This unit picks up the sound signals and transfers to the second unit, which is headphone that is in contact with the top of the person’s cheek bone.
HEARNU is an extremely modern product that takes care of today’s lifestyle needs. It has a very sporty look and in fact looks more like a classy headphone rather than a hearing device. It has Bluetooth connectivity, so that the person can directly connect to TV, mobile laptop or other devices.
It has a built-in Qualcomm noise cancelation Technology that will eliminate background noise and whistling sounds, which is very common problem with the regular hearing device. The product has built-in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that can fast-charged in only 45 minutes so that it can continuously work for 8 hours. In short, compared to conventional hearing aids currently available in the market, this product is way ahead.
