Author: David Bogonko Nyokang’i

  • The rotary club of Hurlingham and the county government of Nakuru Holds a free medical camp in Kikopey, GilGil

    The rotary club of Hurlingham and the county government of Nakuru Holds a free medical camp in Kikopey, GilGil

    The Rotary Club of Hurlingham will on Saturday, 25 March 2023, hold a free medical camp in Nakuru county, in conjunction with the County Government of Nakuru, at Kikopey Medical Centre.

    Rotary Club of Hurlingham president, Hilda Gikera says, “We are happy to be back in Kikopey. This is not the first time for the Rotary Club of Hurlingham. This time around, we are focusing on eye health and we will be distributing frames. Eye diseases are rampant in this part of Nakuru county so we will have specialists for that. We will also have general practitioners and a host of other specialists. We are expecting over 600 people and we have worked very well with the Nakuru County Government and the Rotary Club of Gilgil, to arrange this medical outreach. We would like to urge residents of Nakuru County to turn up in large numbers for this free medical camp. It will start at 8 a.m.”

    Rotary Club of Hurlingham has been in existence for 33 years and is proud to continue being of service to Kenyans. The last medical outreach was in December 2021 and was attended by 600 residents of Kikopey and neighboring areas.

  • We are following the law try and arrest me, Hon. Karua to Police Boss Koome

    We are following the law try and arrest me, Hon. Karua to Police Boss Koome

    A file image of Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
    A file image of Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua.
    Narc-Kenya party leader Martha Karua has told off police Inspector General Japhet Koome over his decree that the planned protests by Azimio la Umoja are illegal.

    In a church service at the Jesus Teaching Ministry on Sunday, Karua rallied Kenyans to turn out in large numbers for the Monday protests since they are protected by the law.

    “No harm shall befall any of us or demonstrators. We are going to march peacefully as our constitution say and we shall not entertain any message meant to set us back,” she said.

    While addressing IG Koome, Karua said that it is not the mandate of police to grant permission for demonstrations.

    “You will follow the constitution like we do. The constitution does not say we ask for permission to demonstrate, it says we give a notice,” Karua said.

     “We have not asked you for permission, the permission is protected by the constitution. Stop disturbing our peaceful protests. If you cause unrest, you will be cursed,” she added.

    The Narc-Kenya party leader went ahead to dare the IG to arrest her during Monday protests, if at all the demonstrations are illegal.

    “You have said that you can handcuff us tomorrow, come handcuff me. Tomorrow will be your day to handcuff me without any mistake. But your day will come, where you will be handcuffed for your mistakes. You will be punished according to the constitution,” Karua said, adding that she overcame threats from Moi regime, and will not be cowed today.

    She warned President William Ruto against overseeing violations of human rights in Kenya.

    “If you were duly elected, why do you fear the people? If you were duly elected, open the servers.”

  • Police Boss Japhet Koome confirms withdraw of Azimio leaders security

    Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. PHOTO/Courtesy
    Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome. PHOTO/Courtesy

    Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome has confirmed the withdrawal of the security detail of a section of leaders allied to the opposition amid calls for demonstrations to protest against the high cost of living in the country on Monday and Thursday.

    Addressing the press in Nairobi, Koome explained that the National Police Service (NPS) withdrew the leaders’ security over their involvement in the anti-government protests on Monday, March 20.

    The police boss faulted the leaders, who include members of parliament, for confronting anti-riot officers deployed to quell the protests, saying some of the lawmakers hurled stones at the police.

    “The IG will give all VIPS security. But there is no way I can give you security if you use the same privilege to throw stones at me. So It’s true, all those who have been involved in throwing stones at the police I have withdrawn their security,” Koome said.

    Several MPs allied to the opposition’s Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition have protested the withdrawal of their security after taking part in the Monday protests.

    Some of the lawmakers include National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino.

    Wandayi was among four members of parliament arrested on Monday for leading protests in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

    “The police have withdrawn my security. I am not worried. I am protected by God,” Wandayi said.

    Wandayi was arrested alongside Kilifi Senator and minority leader Stewart Madzayo, Kilifi South MP Ken Chonga, and Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi.

    The leaders were arraigned in court on Thursday and charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly.

    Kahawa Principal Magistrate Gideon Owenga released them on Ksh300,000 bond or Ksh50,000 cash bail each.

    As the opposition readies for the second round of protests on Monday, Koome warned that the demos are illegal.

    He threatened to arrest any leader found leading protests in any part of the country irrespective of their social status.

    “We have visitors from many foreign nations and we will not allow anything to happen in our capital city. Everyone has the right to go into the city center,” Koome said.

    “I have the mandate to ensure that I protect lives and property and I am very good at that. I will not sleep on the job. Whichever level or status you have in society. I have enough land cruisers to take you away to jail and be there for a lifetime.”

    Koome urged Kenyans to go on freely with their lawful businesses tomorrow and called upon the police to carry on with their work, without fear or intimidation.

  • How Emerging Markets are Reaping From Crypto

    How Emerging Markets are Reaping From Crypto

    When you think about developed markets, there are established traditional finance operators whose services are accessible to millions.

     However, Web3 technology can still play a critical role in these markets by helping smaller investors hedge against inflation or invest in art in a way that was never possible before.

    It also enables law enforcement in numerous ways by helping to track down illicit funds and activities online because of the transparent and open nature of blockchain technology.

    Smaller entrepreneurs in developed markets who are often overlooked can now raise funds in ways that were impossible just ten years ago. The developed world has certainly reaped the benefits of crypto.

    Unleashing Opportunities in Developing Markets

    While the value of crypto is very clear for developed markets, people often overlook the fact that its main benefits are reaped in developing countries.

    Financial infrastructure, remittances, funding, charity, and education – how we view these topics in the developing world is shifting thanks to the introduction of blockchain and digital assets.

    Access to platforms and education in most developed markets is quite common. But enabling this in developing countries like Kenya can help people previously devoid of access to such opportunities build wealth and create the next wave of business leaders and entrepreneurs.

    The lack of access to traditional financial services and features can often leave behind underserved communities.

    This is where crypto technology can play a key role. Think about the older generation who rely on remittances from their children abroad.

    In some cases, almost 10% of the money sent is lost to fees, and transfers take a long time.

    Contrast that to crypto, where the fees are minute and transfers are nearly instantaneous. Take a look at the Binance ecosystem.

    With products like Binance Pay, cross-border transfers are now instant and very cheap. With stablecoins, users can manage the often inordinate inflation in their nations’ fiat currencies.

    With Binance Earn, users can make their idle crypto assets work for them. And with Binance Academy, there’s access to education to increase financial literacy, which is a necessary prerequisite for making the most from our industry-leading trading products in the safest way possible.

    When it comes to charity and donations, crypto can be more efficient than traditional banking. During the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, Binance was able to act swiftly to help out. In the aftermath of natural disasters, people often lose access to traditional banking at the exact moment when extra funds are needed to help cover medical supplies, food, and other essential needs.

    Crypto assets are now increasingly being used to deliver financial aid to disaster victims as they provide fast, low-cost, borderless, and transparent transactions.

    The Future With Crypto

    The surprising adoption curve in this industry is unlike any other. There has been mass adoption in several countries and crypto is already changing how users think of financial services, education, and wealth.

    Due to this, the blockchain industry’s demand for talent is expanding, creating more opportunities across the globe.

    Just like the concept of the internet was novel and outlandish at its inception, so is the notion of crypto and Web3 technology.

    But by stripping away the fear and doubts, we can start to see how real humans are impacted and benefit at the end of the day. The more of these examples we can show, the brighter our future will be.

  • House team conducts inspection tour of State House in Mombasa with pledge of support

    The Departmental Committee on Administration and Internal Security Friday evening conducted an inspection tour of State House Mombasa to ascertain the status of the building which was built in 1897.

    During the visit which was conducted on the sidelines of the Committee’s retreat with agencies under the purview of the Executive Office of the President, the Committee pledged to support the ongoing restoration efforts so as to safeguard the all-important historical building.

    The Committee which was received by the Director of Hospitality at State House Mombasa Mr. Julius Chumo was taken through the history of the building and the challenges the staff managing the estate have experienced while trying to renovate the House whose building technology is not compatible with the current trends in building and construction.

    The Members were also told of the high cost of maintaining the building which is built right at the ocean front, due to corrosion. Mr. Chumo explained that there are plans to build a sea wall such as the case with Fort Jesus which is just a short distance from State House. He noted that this would help save the building which has hosted over 20 heads of states in the last 10 years, and which according to records is the most favourite Presidential residence in the country.

    “Mr. Chairman, this building was build in 1897 and then a new wing was established almost 30 years later. We have had a few challenges trying to renovate it because the technology used then, is not in tandem with the current building trends, making the process delicate and ultimately, expensive. We need to do a sea-wall to help prevent the building from adverse effects of corrosion and strong wind”, Mr. Chumo stated.

    On his part, the State House Comptroller Hon. Katoo Ole Metito informed the Committee that the State was in the process of acquiring the architectural designs of the building which was built by the colonial government, and which have been traced in a British Museum. He noted that the designs would be crucial for the comprehensive renovation of the House.

    Cognizant that the State facility is not only the official residence of the President but also a historical relic, the legislators led by the Chairperson Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo pledged to support the allocation of funds towards this cause as a matter of priority. The lawmakers told the team from the Office of the President that they were keen to have all State Houses and Losges acquire the state of the art stature.

    “Thank you Comptroller for inviting us to see firsthand the state of this building. As a Committee, we would recommend a comprehensive restoration rather than renovation. This is the practice elsewhere especially for such historical icons”, observed Vice Chair, Hon. Dido Rasso.

    The lawmakers who also visited the official residence of the Deputy President which is also under renovation noted the need to improve the amenities for staff living within the quarters.

    The Committee undertook to support the plans to establish a permanent water supply solution at the estate,whose three boreholes produce salty water and whose treatment through reverse osmosis had proven to be very expensive.

    “We are happy that on the sidelines of our engagements, we found time to carry out this inspection visit. We have seen first the status of the residences, so when you present your budgetary estimates for the proposed restoration works, we shall consider them from an informative point of view”, said Hon. Tongoyo.

    The Committee which oversights the Executive Office of the President, is also set to conduct such inspection visits in the other Presidential residences across the country.

    Besides State House Mombasa, the other State Houses are in Nairobi and Nakuru. There are also State Lodges in Eldoret, Sagana, Kisumu, Kakamega,Kitale, Rumuruti, Cheran’gany and Kisii.

    Members present include:Vice Chair, Hon. Dido Rasso (Saku), Hon. Fred Kapondi (Mt.Elgon), Hon. Mburu Kahangara (Lari) Hon. Sarah Korere (Laikipia North), Hon. Peter Kaluma (Homabay), Hon. Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Francis Sigei (Sotik) and Hon. Protus Akujah (Loima).

  • Ichoho Transformative Turnaround on Tea Agencies

    Ichoho Transformative Turnaround on Tea Agencies

    As Kenya Tea Development Authority has been on ups and downs with unending wrangles, the Authority is in the process to recuperate and reinstate its state of serving Tea farmers in Kenya.

    The Authority Chairman Mr. David Muni Ichoho has set new reforms in the sector set to restore the lost faith as seen by sasanews.

    An insider confirms that he is a man armed with charisma, wisdom, integrity, and forthrightness to transform the sector.

    It’s for those attributes that tea farmers from over 71 tea factories entrusted him with the singular mandate of being the captain of the ship.

     

    Yesterday Mr. Ichoho engaged with tea farmers at Theta Tea Factory in Gatundu South.

    At the auspicious event, KTDA Foundation awarded grants worth Ksh 855,000 to farmer groups at Theta Tea Factory to support their small businesses.

    A total of nine farmer groups comprising 212 farmers will be empowered to upscale their businesses as well as embark on economically viable projects. The chairman has been termed as a humble and down-to-earth person.

    “This is part of an income diversification project that the Foundation is implementing to encourage farmers to reduce overreliance on the income from tea.”

    Mr. Ichoho also alluded that he has been championing efforts to have factories equipped with orthodox tea production lines.

    “Orthodox tea is different in processing from conventional tea. That’s why we have been working in tandem with line government agencies to see to it that at least sixteen factories benefit from the orthodox tea production lines. This tea is highly valuable especially in the international market thereby earning our country foreign exchange.

    Chairman Ichoho noted with gratitude that God has heard the prayers of his people and heaven has opened with blessings of rain in the whole country. He stated that the rain will heal the land and provide growth for farmers’ tea and food crops. He asked farmers to plant high-producing seed which matures in a short period to benefit from the rain.

    The Chairman reported that their visit to Pakistan led by Cabinet Secretary for agriculture Hon. Mithika Linturi has born fruits immediately as the Government of Pakistan classified tea as an ESSENTIAL food item.

    This will enable the provision of USD currency required for import. Pakistan imports 82% of its tea consumption from Kenya. In the year 2022, it imported 191M kg out of 234M kg from Kenya.

    Mr. Ichoho stated “we in the Tea sector will take necessary strategy and policy directions aimed at overcoming the current tea challenges and place institution to the sustainable profitable sector in the global arena”

  • Bahati legislator Leads government Fertilizer Distribution

    Bahati legislator Leads government Fertilizer Distribution

    Bahati Member of Parliament The Honorable Irene Njoki has taken a very good step in giving farmers a leverage in terms of provision of farm inputs.

    This is well timed now that it coincides perfectly with the onset of the rainy season. In her message she noted,

    “With the rain season finally here with us. Bahati Mp Hon Irene Njoki has chipped in to ease the burden on the elderly farmers in Bahati Constituency . This is through fertilizer donation that was distributed across all the sub locations within Bahati Constituency. Her promise under Mrembo Care to look at the welfare of the elderly is on good course.”

    SasaNews wishes Bahati MP all the best in all her endeavours especially in this noble course geared towards farmers Empowerment.

  • God fearing Kiambu Member of parliament message

    God fearing Kiambu Member of parliament message

    Sasa News has noted that Kiambu Woman Representative The Honorable Ann Muratha is a God-fearing leader. On her social media, she noted:

    “Earlier today I joined the members of the 19th Ordinary session of the Diocesan Synod of the Anglican Church of Kenya Diocese of Mt. Kenya South at Ack St. Paul’s Kiambu.

    Well researched and finely delivered sermon on ownership and servanthood was given by Rt Revd Dr. Joseph Wandera.

    Thanks to the Rt. Rev. Canon Charles M. Muturi the sixth Mt. Kenya South for the well-coordinated session.

    Am working closely with church leadership in helping youths to recover from drugs and substance abuse. We are going to provide counseling, support various groups on the ground as well as offer education and awareness, spiritual guidance, and organize outreach programs that will help our young people who are struggling with drug abuse in Kiambu.”

  • SACCOs See Surge in Popularity of Citizens opt to Save Money with Cooperatives

    SACCOs See Surge in Popularity of Citizens opt to Save Money with Cooperatives

    Stima Sacco, Kenya’s fastest-growing sacco in asset base, for instance, approved the payment of a first and final dividend of 15 percent on share capital to its members for the financial year ending December 31, 2022.
    Stima Sacco, Kenya’s fastest-growing Sacco in asset base, for instance, approved the payment of a first and final dividend of 15 percent on share capital to its members for the financial year ending December 31, 2022.

    SACCOs have been successful in promoting financial inclusion in Kenya by providing financial services to individuals and small businesses who would otherwise have limited access to financial products from traditional banks.

    They have also been able to offer competitive interest rates on savings and loans due to their community-based nature and lower overhead costs.

    It’s encouraging to hear that 47 percent of Kenyans are considering putting their money in a SACCO, as this shows that there is a growing awareness and trust in the SACCO business model.

    However, it’s important for individuals to do their research and carefully consider the specific SACCO they want to join, as not all SACCOs are created equal in terms of financial stability, services offered, and regulatory compliance.

    Asked where they would invest their money given the options of; SACCO, Maoney Markets, Chama, and a Savings Bank Account, during an online poll that attracted hundreds of responses, 47 percent were for Saccos, 28 percent for money markets, 17 percent for a savings account, and 8 percent for a Chama.

    Those interested in investing their money in a SACCO mentioned the flexibility of contributions, increase in their savings over time, annual dividends, and access to affordable loans as the main reasons they would take their money and put it in a SACCO.

    In the past few days, virtually everyone in Kenya has been talking about Sacco Dividends. Saccos around the country were releasing their annual financial results and announcing dividends to their members and members could not hide their excitement.

    March has indeed been a good month for most Sacco members. The Saccos injected in excess of 30 billion shillings into the financial ecosystem in march alone, due to dividend payout, and more saccos are lined up to declare dividends and interest rebates up to the end of April.

    Sacco businesses have gained popularity over the years around the country as an alternative form of financial institution. They have become vehicles that not only give people alternatives to invest in but access to affordable credit too.

    Stima Sacco, Kenya’s fastest-growing sacco in asset base, for instance, approved the payment of a first and final dividend of 15 percent on share capital to its members for the financial year ending December 31, 2022.

    Stima Sacco members will also get interest rebate deposits at the rate of 11 percent for the period under review. The distribution brings the total payout to 3.56 billion shillings in 2022 an increase from  2.99 billion shillings in 2021.

  • The Newmark Group joins Global Network, expanding global reach

    The Newmark Group joins Global Network, expanding global reach

    The Public Relations Global Network (PRGN) has granted The Newmark Group, a Pan African Public Relations and Communications agency, full membership in order to improve its capabilities to serve customers globally. The announcement was made in a press release on March 22, 2023, during a ceremony in London.

    The Newmark Group joins the network, boosting the number of member agencies to 54 and strengthening PRGN’s activities in five Sub-Saharan African countries.

    According to Gilbert Manirakiza, Founder and CEO, of The Newmark Group ideas and expertise in strategy design and execution, stakeholder mapping, thought leadership, media training, and content production, make it a formidable client partner.

    “From Newmark’s inception in 2010, our profound objective has been to contribute to creating a world that promotes inclusive prosperity for everyone.” This is a world where people and communities are liberated to realize their full potential and pursue their ambitions. “Joining PRGN increases our capacity to achieve this because it allows us to go even farther in connecting, enabling, and activating businesses to become a force for good, not only in Africa but internationally,” Gilbert Manirakiza said.

    The Newmark Group, founded in 2010, is a Pan-African communications and brand positioning agency that uses the power of brand trust to help companies and organizations flourish. The Newmark team develops communication strategies that enable customers to engage their stakeholder ecosystems while growing as leaders in their fields, with a presence across the African continent. Over the last 10 years, the company has built a local agency group that regularly produces mission-critical insights, strategies, narratives, and execution.

    According to David Fuscus, president of PRGN, “The Group is one of Africa’s fastest-growing independent brand and communications consultants located in Nairobi, Kenya, with a professional presence in over 30 African nations.” He noted that the awarding of full membership “signals the growth of PRGN into critical African markets, with the potential to reach over 1.4 billion people”.

    With roughly 800 experts in more than 70 locations, PRGN is one of the world’s biggest multinational networks of independent public relations and communications companies.

    Members are independent, local, owner-operated public relations and marketing communications organizations that share experience and resources while offering customers globally with broad-based comprehensive communications strategy.