Category: LOCAL
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World Vision Launches “ENOUGH” Campaign to End Child Hunger and Malnutrition in Kenya
During the Launch of ‘ENOUGH’ Compaign -
Naivas makes a return to Lang’ata Road with a new booming branch
A leading retailer supermarket Naivas has opened its newest branch, located in a populous residential area of the very busy Lang’ata Road.
Located at Lang’ata Medlink, a mixed-use development, the branch covers 28,000 square feet of trading space bringing the count of outlets along the road to three, Lang’ata at Freedom Heights and One Stop Foodmarket in One Stop Arcade.
It has a spacious retail floor showcasing a wide array of products and services, and as is our standard, customers will find everything they need in one convenient location.
The branch features dedicated sections for electronics, home goods, clothing in addition to fresh, commodities and fast moving consumer goods not forgetting knowledgeable dedicated staff ready to serve, convenient parking and easy access for shoppers.
“We are excited to expand our presence in Lang’ata since this is an ever-growing area of Nairobi and once we identify a gap and need in a community, we move in a strategic and calculated manner to fill it. This new store is one such undertaking.”
He added, “We have gone on to provide a wholesome shopping experience meeting everyday needs as well as aspirational wants. This was always in the plan and from the word go, we were determined to deliver a store for the Lang’ata resident that truly brings the world class shopping experience to them.” Andrea says.
He adds that, “As a homegrown brand, we have our customer’s interests at heart hence the commitment to not only meet but exceed their needs in every way possible,” said Andrea Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy Naivas.
The Operations boss noted, “This opening comes at a very exciting period and at just the right time to join the Kikapu Kibonge Supaa Safari Campaign. The campaign has seen to it that we have provided reprieve for Kenyans during these very hard economic times through amazing sales promotions, continued to provide a wide selection of choices as well as reward points across all Naivas outlets.” Peter Mukuha said.
He added that, “As we open the doors of Naivas Lang’ata Medlink it becomes our latest stage in our safari, and they get to join in the fun.”
He adds, “Our customers are guaranteed that each time they walk through our doors they can trust us to deliver on our promise; saves you money. Every store opening is also always an opportunity to appreciate the unwavering support from our costumers. This support has ensured that the business has continued to grow from strength and we want reiterate our commitment to exceptional delivery as we continue on our journey beyond100,” remarked Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations.
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Naivas announced round the Clock Operations for Airport View Shoppers
The leading retailer, Naivas Supermarket has announced its latest initiative to enhance customer convenience along the ever busy Mombasa Road.
The launch of 24-hour operations in one of its branches along the road as of 22nd April, Naivas Airport View will be open around the clock, 7 days a week catering to the diverse schedules and needs of our valued patrons.
Airport view becomes the 6th 24hour outlet for the retailer with the rest being Naivas Westlands, Development house and Moi Avenue in Nairobi CBD, Mwembe Tayari and Naivas Bamburi in Mombasa.
Naivas leadership has said that it’s committed to providing unparalleled accessibility and service as it recognizes the evolving lifestyles and schedules of the communities they operate in Whether it’s an early morning coffee run, a late- night snack craving, an impromptu shopping need at odd hours or simply prefer night time shopping our doors will always be open to welcome you.
“This new development guarantees uninterrupted shopping as you get to shop at your own convenience be it day or night with our full range of products available at all hours. Freshness of products is guaranteed, and you get to enjoy the freshest produce, bakery items and snacks
whenever you visit, as we continuously restock throughout the day and night. Over and above our product offerings we have a dedicated team who are ready to assist you, answer your questions and ensure your shopping experience is smooth, no matter the hour,” said Peter Mukuha, Chief of Operations.“At Naivas we understand that life does not always adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule. With our new 24-hour operations we aim to be there for our customers whenever they need us,” said Andreas Von Paleske, Chief of Strategy Naivas.
“Whether it’s grabbing essentials before dawn, satisfying a curiosity through late-night window shopping, or just enjoying the convenience of shopping on your own time, we are here to serve.”
He added, “We invite everyone to experience the ease and flexibility of shopping at our 24-hour branches as we continue to strive towards providing a world class shopping experience to all.”
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North Rift MPs demands for banditry attacks victims funds set up
A section MPs from the bandit-hit North Rift region want a Fund to be set up by the government for compensation of victims who loose lives and property to banditry attacks.
Led by Tiaty MP William Kamket, the leaders complained that despite President William Ruto promising compensation, nothing has been effected.
“The government should establish a Fund where money for compensating people who lose lives and property and incur injuries following attacks by bandits would be drawn from,” said Kamket.
They pointed out that business people have also lost money and their stock to security officers who loot during operations.
The leaders questioned why the government was compensating people who lose lives through calamities such as floods and fire among others, leaving out those who suffer in the hands of bandits.
The MPs were speaking when they appeared before the Hassan Adan Yussuf- led National Assembly Cohesion and Equal Opportunities Committee where they made proposals aimed at amicably resolving the unending skirmishes in the bandit prone North Rift region.
They said that senior security officers were using banditry as a cash cow as they were minting millions of shillings in allowances from money meant for operations to counter attacks by criminals.
Kamket said the government should forcefully drive residents from the troubled area to seek education as one way of eradicating illiteracy and banditry.
Turkana Women Representative Cecilia Ngitit and Samburu MP Naisula Lesuuda supported the need for locals to go to school, noting that illiteracy has hindered efforts to end banditry in the region.
“If I had not gone to school, I would probably be the wife of a bandit. If we manage to educate our people we would make positive strides in the fight against banditry that has contributed to the region lagging behind in development,” she added.
Lesuuda noted that burning of schools by bandits has affected academic progress of many young people.
She asked security personnel to protect learning institutions from attacks.
Marakwet East MP Bowen Kagogo said the government was not committed to the fight against banditry.
“Security officers deployed in the area to deal with bandits were selling bullets to criminals,” he claimed.
Baringo Women Representative Sergon Jemitia said that deployment of inexperienced security officers to the area to tackle hardcore bandits showed lack of seriousness by the government to end the vice.
We have experienced situations where members of the community had to rescue such officers from the hands of the bandits,” she added.
Charles Kimuren (Baringo South) claimed that senior security officers were pocketing allowances meant for their juniors who are deployed to deal with bandits.
“Such demoralized officers result in selling bullets to bandits to get money for their survival in the hardship area,” he alleged.
The MPs also want a legislation that will safeguard the National Police Reservists Unit, remodel the unit, define their roles and enhance their training.
In an effort to deal with magnalisation of the region, Members resolved that a ministry dedicated to issues of North Rift region equivalent to the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs of Uganda should be established.
The meeting also proposed that fire arms should be regulated through issuing of G3 guns to government security officers and NPRs to distinguish them from illegal gun owners.
They wanted borders of constituencies and counties clearly defined to avoid conflicts due to uncontrolled grazing.
Yussuf said the Committee was seeking partnership with donors and State Agencies to fund strategies aimed at getting a lasting solution to banditry in the region.
He commended the MPs for their input during the meeting that was useful to efforts to deal with conflicts that hampered peaceful coexistence and cohesion.
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Kirinyaga Stars FC Clinch Victory in Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Football Tournament, Central Region
Members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly join Kirinyaga Stars players in celebration after they emerged winners of the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. L-R Tujiamini In the white hat is Kepha Kariuki Chief officer sport’s, in the red Jacket is Mutithi ward Representative Jinaro Jamumo also the Deputy Speaker, County Assembly of Kirinyaga, on the right is Hon. James wambu, MCA Kangai Ward. Kirinyaga Stars FC outclassed their regional opponents to emerge victorious in the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which marked the culmination of Tujiamini activities in the Central region.
The tournament that took place at the ACK Good Samaritan School in Mutithi Ward, Kirinyaga County, brought together six teams in a hard-fought battle for the top spot, with one winner expected to represent the region in the nationwide tournament at the end of the year.
Based in Kirinyaga County, the club won 1-0 against Galacticos in the finals to walk away with the prize of a three-year sponsorship deal by Sport Pesa worth Kes 250,000 annually. The team will also receive both home and away kits, as well as other benefits such as professional mentorship for the players.
In the group stages, Kirinyaga Stars FC beat Karia FC and Galacticos FC to top Pool B, before proceeding to the semi-finals, where they thrashed Pool A finalist Midway FC 5-0. As fate would have it, they went ahead to set up a tantalizing conclusive fixture against Galacticos FC, who redeemed themselves in their two consecutive matches after suffering a loss during the group stages.
In the semifinal against Murang’a County’s Midway FC, the Kirinyaga Stars showed great resilience and stamina to dominate the entirety of the game.
Buoyed by an excited and charged home crowd, the Stars rallied to score five goals, including one penalty in the second half.
Galaticos FC, Kevin Kimani alias Di Maria, takes off from Kirinyaga Stars’ Aren Kimani during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. The NIBS College lost 1-0 to the home side. According to Kirinyaga Stars Team Manager, Julius Mutiso, the Kes 250,000 award will go towards player welfare in particular; supporting logistics in meeting their league fixtures. Mutiso added that, as one of the leading teams in the FKF county league, they are encouraged and ever more focused on exposing the young and budding talent to such tournaments.
Willis Ojwang, the Communication and Advertising Manager, SportPesa, noted the high number of submissions received from the Central region of over 100 teams, leading to the lineup of the top 6 entrants.
The Cheza Dimba Central region football tournament featured four teams from the larger Kiambu County, with the rest coming from Murang’a and Kirinyaga County. “Even if there is only one winner at the end of the regional activities, no one is walking away empty-handed.
Players from participating teams have received supportive resources such as playing kits and are free to reapply for a chance to feature in the other ongoing Tujiamini activities until December 2024.”
The Tujiamini Cheza Dimba tournament, which aims to provide a showcase platform for both individual and community grassroots sports and related talents, continues to play a huge role in boosting players’ morale in their search for recognition and support in taking their talents to the next level.
“For an amateur team, we did not know that we would be facing highly skilled players. Our Cheza Dimba outing today was quite competitive but well worth it because of the exposure, which will help in improving our game even as we set our targets for the higher FKF leagues,” said Joel Mallow, team captain of Kiambu-based Lions FC.
Kirinyaga Stars’ Goalkeeper Jeremy Karanja in action during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament held at the ACK Good Samaritan School grounds in Mutithi Kirinyaga on Saturday April 13, 2024. As part of the central region culmination activities, the event in Kirinyaga saw the announcement of four winners in the silver categories: Leon Oduor with his entry on rugby coaching and music producer Franklin Ireri, as well as Patrick Mugu, a Kenyan cyclist who ranked 9th overall in the National 2023 Cycling Series, and Kennedy Stephen, a weightlifter ranked Kenya’s 7th strongest man, all walk away with a Ksh. 100,000 cash prize.
Another 80 bronze winners in the county will get various support in the form of sports kits, fees, gym memberships, access to physiotherapy, and nutritionists, among others.
The tournament now moves to the Eastern region, covering 11 counties, where another community club will have the chance to gain a three-year sponsorship that is designed to help clubs realize their goals while addressing key resource gaps such as player welfare, kitting, travel, and accommodation among other needs that tend to hinder the progress of both players and clubs.
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Gor Mahia Outwit Murang’a Seals to win Derby 3-1 at the SportPesa Arena
Gor Mahia & Murang’a Seals Derby The air was electric with anticipation as two of Kenya’s beloved football clubs, Gor Mahia FC and Muranga Seals FC, clashed in the much-awaited SportPesa Derby
held on Saturday, May 4. 2024.Fans who turned up for the thrilling encounter at the SportPesa Arena in Muranga County were not disappointed, as both teams, in exceptional form this season, gave a good account of themselves in the fast-paced and high-stakes game that kicked off at 3.00 pm.
Gor Mahia took the lead early on with a goal by Austin Odhiambo. This was soon followed by Benson
Omalla’s spectacular header halfway through the first half missed the bar by a whisker, sending Gor fans wild in the stands.Not to be outdone Muranga Seals soon sent a rejoinder across Gor Mahia’s net when defender Brian Marvin, laid up a long ball at Gor Mahia’s doorstep. A spill by a Gor Mahia defender gave John Kiplangat a perfect right shot that found the net, leaving the stablemates with one goal each at
halftime.In a well-coordinated chase for goals, the Muranga Seals came back blazing in the second half. Pushing an aggressive agenda against the Gor Mahia front, John Kiplangat at one point left with Gor Mahia, and the keeper was unlucky, sending the ball over the bar.
With several missed chances Muranga Seals’ dominance was short-lived when they conceded a second goal to Benson Omalla from a penalty after Dennis Munyovi brought down Austin Odhiambo, in what Muranga Seals fans felt was not a deserved call.
Ultimately, it was Gor Mahia’s game when Benson Omalla found the net yet again, to give Gor Mahia a 3-1 with minutes to the final whistle.“We started the game very well and were in control for the first 20 minutes. The first goal was fully deserved, but after that, Murang and Seal came back quite threateningly and eventually equalized. Even so, we dominated 70 percent of the game and are pleased with the win and what it means for the
table,” said Gor Mahia head coach, Johnathan McKinstry.Gor Mahia FC, with a legacy that spans decades, is known for its passionate play and dedicated fanbase.
Muranga Seals FC, although a newer addition to the Kenya top-tier league, has proven to be a formidable opponent, quickly earning respect in the football community.
“We were ready and prepared to give a performance that our fans could be proud of. We respect Gor
Mahia FC and we are not afraid to face them. Except for the penalty that rattled the boys
slightly, I am happy with how we handled today. We trained hard, and my players were
hungry for victory, said Juma Abdallah, Murang’s head coach. -
Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania to combat cross-border counterfeit goods
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) and the Fair Competition Commission (FCC) of Tanzania have announced a renewed partnership aimed at intensifying its efforts to disrupt and combat the trade in counterfeit goods across the region.
The collaboration was formalized during a benchmarking and collaboration session, where a delegation from the Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania visited Kenya.
Both institutions, mandated to combat counterfeiting and illicit trade while promoting fair trade practices, underscored the importance of concerted regional action in addressing this growing challenge.
Against the backdrop of enhanced bilateral talks between Kenya and Tanzania, the two East African economic powerhouses are focusing on strengthening trade relations and overcoming barriers that impede their commercial ties.
Counterfeit and illicit products pose significant threats to economic stability, public health, and safety, not only within the region but also globally. The current trade between Kenya and Tanzania stands at Ksh. 90 billion annually.
According to the 2018 report, counterfeiting represents one of the largest criminal enterprises globally, with estimated domestic and international sales ranging from $1.7 trillion to $4.5 trillion annually, surpassing even drug trafficking and human trafficking in scale.
Regional assessments by the International Peace Institute indicate an annual market share of Ksh. 180 billion for counterfeit trading within the East African Community as of 2017.
In Kenya alone, counterfeit trading was valued at Ksh 70 billion in 2017, reaching Ksh 90 billion in 2029, rivaling key sectors like tourism, tea, and coffee traditionally top earners for the country.
During the event, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, Executive Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Authority, stressed the urgent need to address the counterfeit menace, highlighting the detrimental impacts on the economy, investor confidence, and innovation.
Echoing the sentiment, Mr. William Eroi, Director General of the Fair Competition Commission, emphasized the patriotic duty shared by both agencies to stand for fair and open trade, ensuring economic growth and prosperity across their nations.
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KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a
Irungu Nyakera paid a courtesy call to the CEO of Kakuzi PLC in Murang’a. The Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Irungu Nyakera, recently paid a courtesy call to the Kakuzi PLC leadership in Murang’a. During the visit, Nyakera praised the company for its positive impact on the community.
“I was impressed by the role Kakuzi is playing in value addition, aggregation, and community engagement. They have fully integrated smallholder farmers into their ecosystem,” noted Nyakera.
Nyakera was particularly impressed with Kakuzi’s commitment to human rights. “What impressed me most is that Kakuzi has a Human Rights Awareness Manager dedicated to engaging all employees and stakeholders to ensure their rights are guaranteed and protected.”
Nyakera also highlighted the need for Kakuzi to expand its operations beyond Murang’a County. “I discussed the importance of Kakuzi focusing on becoming a national company rather than just a company based in Murang’a. Let’s grow together.”
Chairman KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera, was worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers In addition to his visit to Kakuzi, Nyakera also engaged with tea farmers in Kariara Ward, Murang’a, where he discussed the impact of recent tea reforms. He noted significant improvements in the payments to tea farmers.
“I championed reforms that have borne fruit: monthly payments increased from 16 to 25, the mini bonus from 3 to 12, and the yearly bonus more than doubled in 2021. We implemented a ‘one man, one vote’ system in factory elections, and cartels have been removed. Since farmers are the foundation of our economy, let us now take care of them,” Nyakera continued.
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MPs Call for Collaboration urging Kenyatta University to Halt Hospital Takeover and Prioritize Student Benefits
Dr. Robert Pukose, Endebess MP and Chair of the National Assembly Committee on Health, Prof. Olive Mugenda, Board Chairman of the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, & Research Hospital, and Ahmed Dagane, the Chief Executive Officer, are pictured during the committee’s visit to the institution. The National Assembly’s Health Committee Instructs Kenyatta University Management to Cease Consideration of Reverting Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) Ownership.
MPs instructed the University Vice Chancellor, Paul Wainana, to cooperate with the hospital management to benefit students in the schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and dentistry.
The university’s vice chancellor, Prof. Paul Wainana, and the hospital’s board chairperson, Prof. Olive Mugenda, engage in public dispute over hospital management rights.
“To revert KUTRRH to Kenyatta University, it would therefore be mandatory to revoke the legal notice No. 4 of 2019 governing its establishment. Which will not be possible, university management must leave with the fact that KUTRRH is a state department under the Ministry of Health, therefore, oversight by this committee,” said Endebess MP Dr. Robert Pukose, Chairperson of the Health Committee.
“It is the health committee that appropriates money to KUTRRH while our sister committee on education oversees and appropriates funds to Kenyatta University, so the feuding must end and everyone must respect his space,” Dr. Pukose added.
Dr. Pukose spoke today during the fact-finding mission at KUTRRH to assess its capacity and services, particularly in the realm of cancer treatment and diagnosis.
The committee visit aimed to evaluate the hospital’s infrastructure, technology, expertise, and patient care practices in managing cancer diseases.
“The committee has observed with great pleasure that the hospital boasts of modern infrastructure and facilities tailored to cancer treatment and diagnosis. This includes advanced imaging equipment, radiation therapy facilities, and specialized oncology units,” said Dr. Pukose.
“We want you to remain in the realm of cancer treatment and diagnosis because you are recognized as a specialized hospital at level six hospital, many Kenyans now depend on you and we don’t want you to veer off from that trajectory,” he added.
Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, & Research Hospital offers a holistic approach to cancer care, encompassing prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.
In his remarks, Patrick Munene, the Chuka/Igambang’ombe MP and vice-chairperson of the committee, commended the hospital management for their holistic approach to cancer care, praising the integration of diverse medical specialties and supportive services aimed at delivering comprehensive care to cancer patients.
“We are happy that the hospital has assembled a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals specializing in oncology, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, pathologists, and supportive care specialists. This expertise ensures that patients receive personalized and evidence-based care tailored to their specific needs,” said Munene.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron advocates for increased investment in research, clinical trials, and advanced technologies to improve cancer treatment outcomes and drive medical innovation.
Nandi Women representative Cynthia Muge-Rotich acknowledged efforts by the hospital to enhance the accessibility and affordability of cancer care services.
“Initiatives such as subsidized treatment programs, partnerships with insurance providers, and community outreach programs aim to mitigate financial barriers and ensure equitable access to quality cancer care,” said Muge.
Prof. Olive Mugenda, Chair of the KUTRRH Board, expressed gratitude to the committee for their unwavering support for the institution. She assured the committee of the hospital management’s steadfast dedication to its mandate.
Despite the hospital’s commendable efforts, the committee identified challenges such as limited resources, workforce shortages, and infrastructure constraints.
Proposals were put forward to tackle these issues, encompassing heightened government funding, initiatives to bolster capacity, and fostering strategic partnerships with academic institutions and international organizations.
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Opposition MPs Denounce the government’s Pledge on School fund Disbursement, saying it is empty promises
From left, sitting Robert Mbui, Kathiani Mp, and Deputy Leader of Minority in the National Assembly. James Opiyo Wandayi, Minority Leader in the National Assembly. Makali Mulu Kitui Central, MP Opposition MPs have dismissed the announcement by the government on Monday that it will disburse the outstanding capitation funds to public schools in the next 10 days.
MPs allied to the Azimio La Umoja Coalition termed the promise a “game of lies” and called on teachers and parents to overcome fear and speak out boldly for Kenyan children whose future is being stolen by the government.
At a press conference in parliament buildings, the company of twelve MPs said they have lost count of the numerous times such promises have been made since the Kenya Kwanza regime took over.
“No plausible reason has been given as to why funds that should have been disbursed at the beginning of the term are only being disbursed towards the end of the term,” said National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.
The MPs faulted the Ministry of Education, accusing it of setting up school heads for ridicule, failure, and blame.
“In this game of lies, our children are collateral,’’ said Wandayi.
The MPs were reacting to a statement attributed to PS Kipsang when he told the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly on Monday that the government will next week release Sh16.25 billion toward free secondary education capitation.
PS Kipsang, who had appeared before the Committee and responded to audit queries for the year ended June 30, 2022, noted that the government allocated Sh65 billion for free secondary education capitation in the current financial year.
However, the Azimio team expressed dissatisfaction with the promise, saying that whenever the fee disbursement queries are raised, the government manages the school heads and the public by issuing statements that monies are set to be released to schools.
“Whenever the Ministry of Education has come under pressure over the disbursement of funds to schools, they do what they did yesterday; they assemble the media, put together some figures, and announce that the money will be released the following week. Most times, it never gets done, and when it is done, it is never sufficient,’’ said Wandayi.
The MPs challenged the government to deliver on the accrued promises in the education sector, noting that it is the cause of the difficulties Kenyan parents are going through.
“We are here to call out the government on the lies that have now crippled schools and exposed otherwise innocent principals and teachers to the wrath of parents and learners who buy into government lies that funds have been released to schools and other learning institutions,” said the statement.
Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu challenged the government to give clarity and a way forward on matters of free education due to the prevailing situation in the education sector.
“We are challenging the Kenya Kwanza regime to come out and tell Kenyans whether it has done away with free primary and free secondary education because, from the look of things, this seems to be the case,” Mulu said.
