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Category: LOCAL

  • Dedan Kimathi foundation greening Othaya central division in Othaya~Nyeri county

    Dedan Kimathi foundation greening Othaya central division in Othaya~Nyeri county

    Nyeri County boasts of having the highest tree cover above 40% percent in a country that targets a 30% national tree cover by the year 2032. To maintain this high percentage, the Kenya Forest Service continues to encourage sustainable tree growth in the county.

    In partnership with the Service, Dedan Kimathi Foundation has continued to call upon Nyeri County residents to plant and adopt trees for sustainable growth.

    Yesterday, 12th April 2023, Dedan Kimathi Foundation collaborated with the Othaya Sub County education office and Othaya Central Division National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) to plant 5250 trees in 7 public spaces namely;

    1. Ihuririo Primary School ………..1000
    2.Kabebero Polytechnic ……2000
    3. Kigumo Primary…… 500
    4. Ihuririo Assistant Chief’s office………. 500
    5. Gathumbi Secondary…. 250
    6. Gathumbi Primary….. 500
    7. Kairuthi Primary…..500

    In all 7 spaces, assorted exotic tree seedlings including cypress, casuarinas, and blue gum were planted. The seedlings were donated by KFS Kabage forest station.

    At the brief opening ceremony held at Ihuririo Primary, Mr. Maina; Othaya Sub-County Director of Education assured the team that the trees would be well taken care of to survive while Othaya Central Division Acting Assistant County Commissioner Madam Joyce Thangari committed to keeping following up with the chiefs to make sure all the trees are protected and watered when the rains subside.

    Dedan Kimathi Foundation promised to keep supporting the tree-growing institutions as long as they take care of the trees planted.

  • Central plea of Saving the Boy Child from alcohol

    Mount Kenya Region has always hit the headlines for the proliferation of illicit alcohol that has rendered mostly the youths desperate.

    Concerted Efforts by various stakeholders are yet to eradicate in total the menace of alcohol addiction which has robbed the region of its most critical resource the youths.

    It’s in this respect that an organization under the auspices of Thamana ya Mwanaume in Kiambu County has come up with an initiative that seeks to address the situation in a more pragmatic approach.
    According to the director of the organization, Rev. Jane Gichuki they have come to the following grassroots in a bid to have a conversation with the affected alcohol addicts and also chart the way forward on how these people can be rehabilitated in order to become useful people in the society.

    “We have had a very candid discussion with them and most of them are willing to transform. It’s sad to note that even very qualified individuals have not escaped the addiction dragnet. We have people who have studied even to a degree level but illicit alcohol has rendered them totally destitute,” said the professional Counsellor.

    The sad state of affairs is that alcohol is easily available for as low as just Kenya Shillings fifteen, a phenomenon that has made it be abused by very many youths most of them who confessed to using it alongside other intoxicating drugs such as bhang.

    Take the case of Mr. Christopher Kinyua. He is a medic by profession. Though at first, he was hesitant to open up to us, h readily and candidly shares his fate with us:

    “I studied medical biotechnology at JKUAT. Due to my lack of a job, I had to survive from hand to mouth through casual jobs, and the stipends I get mostly ended up with the drinking spree. I shelved my papers in the house due to loss of hope after tarmacking for so long looking for a job but to no avail,” the medic opens up.

    But the good news is that Mr. Christopher has decided to change for the better. “I welcome this initiative and I’m ready to comply so as to better my life. I’m bursting with potential which I wouldn’t like to watch going down the drain. In this respect, if I get a job even today, I’m ready to work whilst upholding the highest ethical values,” the medic notes.

    He also painted for us the sad state of affairs in that the same alcohol has Indeed snatched several people.
    “Just a week ago we buried one of my buddies who committed suicide out of desperation. A day before he overdosed himself, he shared with me his story. He brandished his academic papers and he was conspicuously fed up with joblessness and hopelessness all over his face. We lost him just like that and several others had preceded him.”

    Mr. Christopher believes that with political goodwill, and a multisectoral approach, the menace of alcoholism in central Kenya can be eradicated once and for all.

  • Akiba Empowerment Program Encompasses Men as well

    Akiba Empowerment Program Encompasses Men as well

    SASANEWS  is now reporting without any single aorta of doubt in saying that Bahati Member of Parliament The Honorable Irene Njoki is the BEST LEGISLATOR we have.

    The reason is simple; she includes everyone in all her projects and all her initiatives are owned by the people.

    “Men groups are always excluded in many Government opportunities across the country. Under AKIBA NA MREMBO EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM. No one will be left behind.

    Yesterday AKIBA NA MREMBO EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM conducted training for several men groups officials mainly from Lanet, Dundori, and Kabatini wards.

    The training is on savings, investment, innovation networking, legal aid, and Mental health. We call upon more groups to enroll in the program so that we can move together.

    To enroll, you need to visit the nearest Hon Irene Njoki’s office and register. The training and registration are free.”

  • Lobby Raises Red Flag Over Donkeys Threat of Extermination

    Lobby Raises Red Flag Over Donkeys Threat of Extermination

    Details are emerging that the beast of burden the donkey is still very much under threat in the country. The numbers of this critical resource have plummeted to just slightly over a million countrywide.

    According to Brooke East Africa, the beast greatest threat is the unscrupulous people who eye it’s meat albeit in the cover of darkness.

    Since 2020, it’s illegal to slaughter and deal with donkey meat trade in the country.

    Brooke East Africa country director Raphael Kinoti noted that communities are very critical in matters donkey conservation.

    “We reiterate that the communities should own up the initiative and we as Brooke East Africa intervene to assist them in restocking. But the key thing is that the communities should work with the authorities to report cases of donkey theft and also weed out the crooks.”

    Mr Kinoti also cautioned against abuse of the beast of burden after media reports emerged that some communities are intoxicating the animals with drugs to enhance performance.

    “this is cruelty of the highest order to hear that some people feed the donkeys marijuana to stimulate productivity. This has no any scientific basis and it works to the detriment and danger of the humble beast of burden,” Mr Kinoti concluded.

  • Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

    Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) kicks off in Nairobi, Kenya

    The 10th Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF23) kicked off in Nairobi today, setting the ball rolling for the three-day conference bringing together 600 delegates from across the world.

    The event started with a high-level panel discussion comprising Ms. Emma Inamutila Theofelus, Namibia Deputy Minister for Information Communication & Technology (ICT); Ms. Grace Githaiga Chief Executive Officer (CEO) & Convenor, KICTANet; Mr. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative and Mr. Vladimir Garay, Advocacy Director, Derechos Digitales.

    The panel was unanimous on the need for sustainable internet and balanced regulation across the continent.

    Ms. Theofelus, who spoke about the level of Internet penetration in Namibia, pointed out the huge cost involved in developing infrastructure and the need for government and political will.

    “Rolling out infrastructure is difficult and very expensive. We have put in place the conditions for licensing and investment from the government. There has been some political will. This includes the Universal Service Fund. We also have one of the most liberated media on the continent,” she said.

    Ms. Githaiga emphasised the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration and joint convenings in delivering Internet access. “As KICTANet, we have held joint convenings focusing on cybersecurity, data protection and the broadband report. The Kenya Internet Governance Forum is our flagship program. Through the forum we discuss and see how to fit issues into our local context.”

    On his part, Vladimir stressed the importance of Internet access saying connectivity supports human rights. “People want high quality, affordable and secure internet connectivity. The Internet is expensive and limited. We need to acknowledge and address internet connectivity gaps.”

    ‘Gbenga also urged stakeholders to contribute towards efforts aimed at ensuring Internet accessibility. “If all stakeholders don’t get their hands dirty, we will come back here 10 years later to discuss the same issues,” he added.

    Paradigm Initiative is hosting the Pan-African bilingual event in collaboration with Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) and Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Technology Law (CIPIT) established under Strathmore University. KICTANet is a multi-stakeholder think tank in Kenya for ICT policy and regulation. CIPIT is an evidence-based research and training Centre based at Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya.

    At the forum, Paradigm Initiative is hosting key partners from Internews, the Global Digital Inclusion Partnership, Derechos Digitales, the Open Observatory of Network Interference (OONI), Inclusive Tech Group, Access Now, Data Privacy Brazil, Defend Defenders, Youth and Society, Tech Societal, the Global Network Initiative, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, MTN and the European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, to mention a few.

    The event sponsors are the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ford Foundation, Wikimedia Foundation, Google, Open Technology Fund and the Global Network Initiative (GNI).

    PIN, which is a leading Pan-African Digital Rights and Inclusion organization, has convened DRIF since 2013. The forum, whose theme is Building A Sustainable Internet For All, will bring together representatives from government, non-governmental organizations, academia, media, funding partners, the United Nations, the technical community, and the private sector within the digital ecosystem.

    The forum is hosting 70 sessions with partners from 48 countries across the world. Sessions are focusing on among other themes, Internet shutdowns, Universal Service Fund utilization, data protection, content moderation, and censorship. Also lined up at the event are key launches of research, platforms, and networks.

    Last year’s DRIF under the theme, Towards a Digitally Inclusive Africa was a hybrid event that was able to reach over 1,300 individuals. Physical sessions were hosted in 17 African countries.

  • Demand an occupation certificate before you rent a building, EBK says

    Demand an occupation certificate before you rent a building, EBK says


    EBK Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera (centre) address a press conference at the body headquarters in Nairobi. On the right is the body CEO Eng. Margaret Ogai and on the left is body member Eng. Johnson Matu.

    By Vincent Munga

    The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) now want members of the public to demand an occupation certificate before committing to rent or occupy any building in the country.

     

    This comes after at least 200 tenants were evacuated from a building that developed cracks in Thindigua, Kiambu County.

    Speaking during a press conference, EBK Chairman, Eng. Erastus Mwongera said the body has established an independent team of three engineers to carry out geotechnical and structural investigations on the cause of the settlement and advise relevant stakeholders on remedial actions.

    Mwongera has also urged developers in counties to engage professional registered engineers in the professional or consulting category.

    “In a March 2022 report on Structural Assessment of building under construction, investigations revealed most developers do not involve engineers in the Professional (P.E) and Consulting Engineers (C.E) categories for supervision,” EBK Chairman Eng. Erastus Mwongera said.

    He added that the Board is working to complete an EBK engineers portal to ensure engineers report on their projects for follow-up.

    Currently, the Board is undertaking 20 disciplinary hearings on complaints received against registered engineers.

    “The process is aimed at ensuring that registered engineers adhere to the engineers code of conduct in the exercise of their duties. The relevant sanctions will be effected against the engineers found to be non-compliant as provided under the Engineers Act 2011 and the Engineers Rules 2019,” he said.

    The body names weak structural foundations, choice of wrong sites, lack of technical capacity and compromise of materials as main reasons for rampant collapsing of buildings.

  • How to file for claims after a car accident in Kenya

    How to file for claims after a car accident in Kenya

    Kenya has one of the highest rates of road accidents in the world, with an average of 3,000 deaths per year. Accidents not only cause physical harm but also a financial strain on those involved. Therefore, having an insurance policy that covers accidents is vital.

    In this article, we will look at how to file for claims in case of an accident in Kenya, using Xplico Insurance Company Limited as an example. Xplico Insurance is one of the leading insurance companies in Kenya, providing various types of insurance policies, including motor insurance. The company offers comprehensive motor insurance, which covers both third-party liability and damage to the insured vehicle.

    Let us now dive into the nitty-gritty of the motor vehicle insurance claim. If you are involved in an accident and you have valid motor vehicle insurance such as an Xplico Insurance policy here are the steps you need to take to file for a claim:

    1. Report the accident to the police.

    The first step after an accident is to report it to the police. This is a legal requirement in Kenya, and failure to do so can result in penalties. When reporting the accident, provide accurate details such as the location, time, and any injuries or damages.

    1. Contact your insurance provider.

    After reporting the accident to the police, contact Xplico Insurance as soon as possible to report the claim. You can do this through their customer care number or by visiting their offices. Provide the details of the accident and any relevant information, including your policy number.

    1. Submit the required documents.

    Once you have reported the claim, Xplico Insurance will require you to submit some documents to facilitate the processing of the claim. These documents include:

    1. A filled claim form.
    2. A copy of your driving license and logbook.
    • A police abstract.
    1. A repair estimate from a reputable garage. (If you choose to repair the car yourself and claim reimbursement from the insurance.
    2. Pictures of the accident scene and damages.
    3. Any other relevant documents.

    Ensure that you submit all the required documents to avoid delays in processing your claim.

    1. Wait for the assessment.

    After submitting the claim, Xplico Insurance will assess the damages and determine the amount of compensation you are eligible for. This process may take some time; you will be notified of the outcome once it is complete.

    1. Receive compensation.

    If your claim is successful, Xplico Insurance will compensate you for the damages or losses incurred. The compensation may be in the form of repairs, replacement, or cash payment, depending on the nature of the damages.

    In summary, accidents are common in Kenya, especially in the rainy season, and having a reliable insurance policy can help ease the financial burden that comes with them.

    Remember to always drive safely and observe traffic rules to avoid accidents in the first place.

  • Citizens Enjoy Free Rides As Naivasha Hosts Electrical Vehicles Open Day To Boost Uptake Of New Technology

    Citizens Enjoy Free Rides As Naivasha Hosts Electrical Vehicles Open Day To Boost Uptake Of New Technology

    As the automotive industry is off to the races in vehicle electrification and automation, Go Electric Limited, an Electrical and Solar Vehicle Dealer that provides EV solutions to the African market, offered residents free rides as it hosted an Electrical Vehicles (EVs) open day at Naivasha’s Buffalo Mall ground this Easter in a bid to create awareness on electrical vehicles and spur uptake of the EVs. The announcement was met with gratitude from Naivasha residents who lauded the EV dealer for the good gesture. Citizens across the country called on the dealer to extend such offers in their locality so that they can have a feel of riding in solar and electrical vehicles.

    Speaking at Buffalo Mall Naivasha during the EV Open day, Managing Director Go Electric Ltd, Ms. Eve Maina said, “The wind of change to EVs is blowing across the world with many countries that produce the cars that we use here such as UK and Japan having already drafted laws that will prohibit sales for petrol and diesel cars by 2035, we must also create an environment that will make absorption of EVs. We must change with the times, the risk of not doing so will come at a high cost and will be very uncomfortable. It is crucial we get a head start in creating the necessary infrastructure and awareness at the time when the transition isn’t too urgent when we have the luxury of a bit of time to choose rather than being forced into it.”

    According to the organizers, the e-Mobility Open Day focused on; EVs ownership & infrastructure, transitioning to electric, importing, financing, and management of EVs, as well as deliberations on commercial transport going electric. The open day was aimed at promoting electric vehicles, clean transportation, and alternative fuel access. The event also gave a stage for significant industry stakeholders to talk about clean mobility and raise awareness as well as to help in attracting possible investors in alternative fuel technology. The exhibitors said that electric automobiles will reduce the overdependence on petrol and diesel and therefore prevent such a crisis in the future.

    Various EVs enthusiasts have held that if the government and private stakeholders work together to create a conducive environment it will encourage uptake even in rural areas. They maintain that this should also create a public-private partnership framework to enable private companies to take part in the development of this infrastructure and promote competition in the market. If the country can formulate and implement policies that will support the growth of EVs then we are sure to succeed. The policies ought to support the development of EV infrastructure.

    “The company will invest in various electric and solar automobiles as Kenya prepares to fully go green. We have already set aside Kes. 2 billion to pump into the purchase of necessary units and install more charging stations across the country. At the same time, we have introduced fully solar and electric automobiles dubbed UTU in the country that have been made appropriate for the East and Central Africa region’s roads and terrain. The units are already in Kenya for testing before the official launch of other more advanced and high-end electric vehicles to suit various market segments. The units we are introducing range from saloon cars, buses, motorcycles, Tuk-Tuks and other automobiles on demand. We currently have fully Solar & Electric Tuk-Tuks ready for uptake. When you look at them you can definitely confirm that this is a game changer that will see significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs,” said Ms. Maina.

    “We want to build better cities for people by offering more efficient and environmentally friendly mobility alternatives to reduce the individual dependence on personal cars, and therefore improve the overall quality of life: Reducing traffic; Decreasing emissions and noise pollution, Minimizing accidents, Relieving public space, while making transportation more accessible and affordable, To address this, we believe the solution is to move to smaller, lighter electric vehicles, shared mobility, muti-modality and to encourage more people to use public transport. That’s the only way we can build sustainable cities,” added Ms. Maina.

    The open day brought together manufacturers, suppliers, engineers, thought leaders, and decision-makers as they dialogue and chat about the way forward on the latest developments in the advanced battery and automotive industries.

  • George Tells Us about Ngong as a new investment Hub

    George Tells Us about Ngong as a new investment Hub

     

    Optiven Group Founder and Chief Executive Officer George Wachiuri always shares nuggets of wisdom with us.

    Today, he is sharing with us info about Ngong as the ideal investment Hub.
    Mr. George notes,

    “Achievers Paradise in Kimuka, Ngong is the perfect investment opportunity for those seeking financial stability.

    Located just 1KM from Kimuka Town, this Optiven project boasts beautiful natural surroundings and is ideal for development.

    With value-additions such as road grading and beaconing underway, this paradise is sure to impress.

    Book a plot now for residential or commercial purposes with a deposit of 500K and get a 7K Easter Shopping Voucher.

    Call us today at 0790 300300/0723 400500 or visit www.optiven.co.ke.

  • Nyakera Opposes Maize Imports saying Homegrown is the best

    Nyakera Opposes Maize Imports saying Homegrown is the best

    Farmers Party of Kenya Chairperson Irungu Nyakera has opposed the government plan to support maize imports at the expense and detriment of the local farmer who ekes a living out of maize growing.

    Nyakera observes:

    “Farmers Party, a constituent party within Kenya Kwanza, is shocked that the government has entered into agreements with Zambian farmers to grow maize and other staples for our local market. 65% of Kenyans earn a living from farming and 70% of the rural population depends on farming. Why then would we go to Zambia to farm yet we have farms, farmers, and unemployed youth here in Kenya who can be utilized for that very purpose?

    A country that can’t feed itself is not free – food imports have moved from 10% to 17% over the last decade! We as Farmers Party will be moving to court over the next few days to stop the government from entering into this contract and forcing the government to invest in farmers locally.

    Farmers Party of Kenya Party leader Irungu Nyakera has reiterated the need for the government to capitalize on empowering the local farmer instead of rushing for cheap imports, Mr. Nyakera notes.

    “At the height of the Galana Kulalu project, the first harvest produced 30 bags per acre against a target of 40 bags an acre. Galana Kulalu covers 1.75mn acres meaning that if the same efforts had been replicated across the entire project, it had the capacity of producing between 52.5mn to 70mn bags.

    Kenya has approached Zambia to sell it 12mn bags of maize and Zambia has allocated Kenya 49,000 acres of land to grow white maize and import it to Kenya. This then begs the question to those saying Kenya doesn’t have arable land, if Galana Kulalu has the capacity to grow up to 7 times this demand, why not invest in our farm, our farmers, and our youth/ employees? Is the government being lazy or just mischievous?

    “Say YES to Farmer empowerment and NO to duty-free imports, We will stand with the local farmers we say NO to the Zambia maize deal, let’s BUILD LOCAL.”