Investors in Kenya’s tourism sector have been encouraged to seize the opportunities presented by the Magical Kenya Travel Expo (MKTE) to network and explore partnerships with global buyers, in a quest to improve tourism business in the country.
Tourism PS John Ololtuaa says that MKTE has been instrumental in facilitating local small and medium travel enterprises and start-ups to access international markets given that over 60% of the travel companies that exhibit at the expo can’t afford to participate in expos abroad.
This, he affirms, can be the catalyst to the exponential growth of Kenya’s tourism sector coupled with the diversification of our products.
“MKTE has over the years created linkages and partnerships between local tourism enterprises and regional and international source markets. This has opened up new opportunities that have seen tremendous growth for local businesses in the tourism value chain. As a ministry, we recognize the immense potential that MKTE offers, especially to MSMEs in the tourism sector looking to establish themselves globally,” said PS Ololtuaa.
The PS was speaking during an MKTE partners’ event whose 14th edition is set to be held from October 2nd-4th, 2024 at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
The partners had come together to explore collaboration opportunities and ways of enhancing the premier travel show in the East Africa Region.
In 2023, MKTE hosted over 3,000 delegates from 25 countries showcasing Kenya’s diverse tourism offerings to the world. The 2024 edition will be targeting to attract 5,000 delegates and 160 hosted buyers including over 100 buyers’ clubs. MKTE also returns as a standalone expo after a successful joint expo last year with the East African Regional Tourism Expo (EARTE), which offered the EAC member states an opportunity to network and explore new tourism business opportunities.
PS Ololtuaa’s commitment to continued public-private sector engagement is geared towards creating an enabling environment for tourism businesses to thrive.
“As a ministry, we are keen on continuously reviewing and reforming our policies to ensure that we create a conducive environment that allows tourism businesses, especially those at the grassroots, to realize their full potential,” added the PS.
The PS also rallied stakeholders to focus efforts on promoting domestic tourism as well, which remains an untapped opportunity.
“As we seek to attract international visitors, we must not lose sight of the immense potential that lies in promoting domestic tourism as well. We need to further encourage Kenyans to explore their own country and take advantage of the high-quality experiences and facilities available right here at home,” said Ololtuaa.
On her part, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) CEO June Chepkemei expressed optimism that MKTE 2024 will build on the successes of previous editions.
“MKTE has built its reputation over the years as a consistent and affordable platform for Kenyan travel trade, County Governments, and affiliated brands in providing access to international suppliers and markets,” Chepkemei stated.
“This year, we are looking to increase hosted buyers from new source markets such as Americas – Brazil and Mexico; Asia – Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, and Australia besides the key source markets in Europe and Africa, in line with our destination diversification strategy,” said Chepkemei.
She added that KTB is working towards the targeted 3 million visitors by the end of 2024.
During the Press briefing at KNCCI headquarters Nairobi.
The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) extends
its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives during the recent protests and also wish a swift and full recovery to all those who have been injured.
KNCCI firmly believes in the right to protest, as enshrined in our constitution, and supports its exercise under all circumstances. However are deeply concerned about the instances of violence that have occurred during these protests, leading to looting of businesses and destruction of property which have severely disrupted business continuity across various parts of our country. These disruptions have led to significant interruptions in the supply chain, increased operational costs, decreased consumer and investor confidence, and loss of livelihoods. The cumulative effect of these issues is a substantial strain on our already fragile economy.
As the organization responsible for issuing the ordinary certificate of origin, certifying that a product is from Kenya, KNCCI has observed a worrying 17% decline in export activity since the protests began. Furthermore, the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has lost KES 63 billion in investor wealth over the past two weeks, reflecting declining investor confidence in Kenya’s economy due to the violent elements within the protests.
The government has an obligation to protect the lives and property of all Kenyans as enshrined in the Bill or Human rights and Article 40 of the constitution respectively. While citizens have the right to protest, it has become evident that some individuals are engaging in violence, looting, and the destruction of property. Such actions are unacceptable and must be addressed promptly to ensure the safety and security of all.
KNCCI calls on the government to expedite engagements to address the concerns raised by the protestors, enabling the economy to return to normalcy. We are currently in the peak season for tourism, which was the fastest-growing sector in 2023 at 33.6%. However, the violent elements within the protests threaten to massively impact this sector and the millions of livelihoods that depend on it.
In light of these challenges, KNCCI calls for calm and encourages open, constructive dialogue and collaboration among all citizens of this great nation. It is imperative that we address the concerns raised and work towards solutions that benefit all Kenyans. Ultimately, preserving the integrity of the cause and protecting the well-being of our country, its people, and its businesses should be our collective priority.
As always, KNCCI is willing to support collaborative actions by sharing concerns of the private sector through an economic recovery strategy. We have various channels at our disposal such as the Youth in Business platform in our 47 County Chapters. KNCCI remains committed to supporting allengagements aimed at swiftly and amicably resolving the issues arising from the protests. We believe that through cooperation and mutual understanding, we can foster a peaceful and prosperous
environment for all Kenyans.
Astrid Schomaker of Germany has officially taken up her appointment as Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Assuming the role ahead of the sixteenth meeting of the CBD’s 196 Parties (COP 16), Ms. Schomaker brings extensive experience in international relations, negotiations and global environmental policy-making, and deep knowledge of the global sustainable development agenda and multilateral environment agreements.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the appointment in April, extending his appreciation and gratitude to Acting Executive Secretary David Cooper of the United Kingdom, who now resumes his role as Deputy Executive Secretary.
Ms. Schomaker has led work on a variety of issues ranging from bilateral and multilateral relations to chemicals, oceans, and the water industry. Most recently, as Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism with the European Commission in Brussels, she promoted a global transition to resource-efficient, low emission, nature-positive circular economies.
She also focused on increasing the EU’s effectiveness in addressing international environmental challenges, strengthening multilateralism and international environmental governance, and working towards the full implementation of multilateral environment agreements, among other priorities.
Says Ms. Schomaker: “Securing the future of biodiversity means securing the future of humankind. I am humbled to be joining the efforts of the United Nations, and all Parties to the Convention to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Our world is in desperate need of a global green transition and, while our individual paths may vary, our ambitions – the ambitions of the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework must be the same.”
“I want to thank Mr. David Cooper for stepping in as Acting Executive Secretary and leading the CBD through a critical time following the adoption of the Framework in December 2022, a landmark agreement to which he contributed and continues to contribute so much.”
“Let me also express my enthusiasm to work with the government of Colombia, and in particular H. E. Susana Muhamad, our incoming president, to ensure that the outcomes of COP 16 accelerate action at all levels to implement the Convention on Biological Diversity.”
At the helm of the Secretariat of the world’s foremost Multilateral Environmental Agreement on biodiversity, Ms. Schomaker will work with Parties to translate their commitments into action at all levels. The four goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework—protect and restore, prosper with nature, share benefits fairly, and invest and collaborate for nature, shape the new UN Biodiversity Chief’s priorities.
COP 16 will take place from 21 October to 1 November 2024 in Cali, Colombia. By the time they meet in Cali, Parties to the Convention are expected to submit revised National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and national targets that are aligned with The Biodiversity Plan.
At COP 16, Parties are expected to agree on a multilateral mechanism for the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on genetic resources, including a potentially multi-billion-dollar global fund by which users of the information compensate sources of the genetic material. Preparatory negotiations on this decision will be held in Montreal in August of this year.
As part of her high-level advocacy role, Ms. Schomaker will also foster agreement among the Parties on a robust monitoring and reporting framework, and on securing the means of implementation for the Global Biodiversity Framework, including appropriate finance and coordinated action.
David Mugambi of Kenya Power Receives Two Mahindra XUV400 EVs from Naresh Leekha of Simba Corporation
Simba Corporation, a trusted name in Kenya’s automotive manufacturing and sales industry has delivered the first of the all-electric Mahindra XUV400 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) to Kenya Power.
According to David Mugambi, Head of Transport at Kenya Power the delivery marks a significant step forward in Kenya’s journey towards sustainable mobility and environmental responsibility. The two electric vehicles (EV), are part of six that have been acquired by the electricity utility firm this year.
”At over 92 percent green generation, Kenya Power has one of the cleanest energy distributions on the planet. In light of environmental concerns and our need to be carbon neutral, reducing emissions within the transport space is crucial. This therefore marks an important milestone in our EV journey, which started close to eight years ago with the transition to electric material handling equipment at our yards and
warehouses,” said Mugambi.
With Kenya rapidly emerging as a leader in EV adoption in Africa, the country has seen a significant increase in the number of EVs on the road currently estimated at about 2,100 ranging from two-wheelers, three- wheelers, and four-wheelers.
Naresh Leekha, Group Managing Director of Simba Corporation Motors Division, expressed the firm’s commitment to Kenya’s EV Journey with the introduction of Mahindra electric vehicles in Kenya with a positive outlook into the future.
“Simba Corporation has always been at the forefront of bringing innovative products to the Kenyan auto- mobile market. The whole world today is talking about bringing in environment-friendly vehicles and today we have delivered the first two Mahindra XUV400 SUVs to Kenya Power, one of the first customers to embrace the Mahindra Electric SUVs in Kenya,” said Leekha.
Speaking of Kenya’s readiness to transition to EV, Mugambi explained that the country has enough energy to support significant EV growth over the next five years with the current installed capacity of 3, 246 Megawatts (MW) way above peak demand at 2300MW, and an off-peak load of 1,100 MW as of December 2023.
”Kenyans readiness for EV mobility is underscored by a substantial clean energy capacity. We have adequate energy to power the the electric mobility space for the next five years when we expect at the current rate to outstrip our current demand. This transition could also help reduce energy costs and improve the quality of life in Kenya by utilizing local energy sources,” he noted.
This initiative not only aligns with global environmental goals but also promises economic benefits by
reducing reliance on imported fuel and enhancing energy security.
During the MOU signing to promote Film Industry between Kenya and China.
Kenya and China have signed significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to promote film and theatre in the Country.
The event featured the participation of key representatives from both countries, including Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, Timothy Owase ,CEO Kenya film commission and CPA Pascal Opiyo,CEO of Kenya film and classification board among others .
The ceremony, themed ‘Kenya ,China Tv theatre ” showcased a variety of Chinese TV programmes, highlighting the rich cultural exchange between the two nations.
Jimmy Carter Luo, Chief Executive Officer of StarTimes Media (Ke) Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm about the newly forged partnership and its potential impact on both countries in the field of film and exchange of culture.
Carter emphasized that the Kenya ,China TV Theatre & will pave the way for joint productions, content sharing, and professional exchanges between Kenyan and Chinese media entities.
“This collaboration is essential for the advancement of our creative industries. It offers a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, technological innovation, and cultural enrichment,” said Carter.
Dong Xin, Deputy Minister of the National Radio and Television Administration (NRTA) of China, expressed his optimism about the future of Chinese-Kenyan cooperation in the audiovisual sector and film.
“This event marks a new chapter in our bilateral relations, particularly in the realm of media and entertainment. We look forward to deepening our collaboration with Kenya to foster cultural exchange and mutual development,” said Deputy Minister Dong Xin.
He said that the MOUs signify the unwavering commitment to nurturing and expanding the film and television industries in both Kenya and China adding that it will enhance and pave the way for more joint productions and professional exchanges, enhancing the quality and diversity of content available in both countries.
Prof Edward Kisiang’ani in a statement read by Judith Munyinyi, secretary of information ministry of ICT and said that the collaboration launched will highly impact the media industry .
He said that the exchange of content between Kenya and China is crucial .
“We look forward to the continued collaboration between Kenya and china “he said
Kenya film commission CEO Timothy Owase said that the collaboration between Kenya and China will greatly impact the film industry in Kenya .
He noted that the government will continue supporting the youths in realization of their talents .
“We are greatly humbled by this partnership between Kenya and China in the field of film and theatre and we will continue pushing further for our youths to get job opportunities in the film and art industry “he said.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection on Friday, 28th June 2024, released Kshs. Three Billion, Two Hundred and Fifteen Million, Nine hundred and Ninety Two Thousand shillings, (Kshs. 3,215,992,000) for June 2024 payment to beneficiaries enrolled in the Inua Jamii programm.
The Ministry has on boarded 570,263 new beneficiaries. The total of beneficiaries in the June payroll is 1,037,733 in may 2024.
This follows His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto’s directive last year to upscale the programme to 2.5M beneficiaries, which will be done in phases July Payment will commence on Wednesday, 3 July 2024. All those new beneficiaries who have opened bank accounts will be paid from
Wednesday.
“Inua Jamii programme is a government cash transfer initiative that supports the most vulnerable members of the community by providing them with a stipend to cushion them from poverty, hunger, and improve
their lives.” Said Principal Secretary
State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Joseph M. Motari.
Stakeholders celebrating the Day of the African Child
By Melisa Mongina
The Early Childhood Network for Kenya (ECDNeK) in partnership with the African Early Childhood Network has intensified Child Care advocacy initiatives by creating a nationwide awareness campaign on the importance of quality and affordable Child Care.
Speaking during the launch of the Child Care campaign dialogue, Philip Nzege, Directorate of Children Services, noted the importance of having a safe and secure environment for children adding that children should have trained personnel to ensure that they are well cared for.
” We will have to look at how children are taken care of in the environment. It must be safe and secure as it is stated very clearly in the Children’s Act 2022. We will also come up with a program to ensure that for one to be involved in childcare he/she must attain some training for proper care of the child,” noted Philip.
Further, Philip notes that child care is a collective responsibility that needs collaboration between stakeholders, the county, and the national government.
” One of the special directories involved closely with families is social development and parenting program. It is high time we need to bring this component of Child Care into the special directorate so that when we are talking about families and the challenges they face, that social development and parenting program can pick that issue and come up with the solutions,” added Philip.
He also emphasized the need for crafting units or courses that will teach students after completing university how to do parenting.
” The university provides solutions and fills the gap of communities. I think it is high time our higher education institutions craft a unit or a course so that when our sons and daughters complete university education, they can be taught how to do parenting,” urged Philip.
According to Dr. Teresa Mwoma, The National Coordinator at ECD Network Kenya, there is a need to empower caregivers for better quality Child Care services especially for children between the age of 0-10 years as it is the time when rapid development in children takes place.
“The first 1000 days is the first 3 years by extension to the 5th year which is very critical because there’s rapid brain development, providing the child with an environment that is stimulating all the senses with what the child is seeing, what the child can touch, taste, and hear. Exposing children to stimulating environments helps in developing their brains,” said Dr. Teresa.
The nationwide campaign’s implementation strategy will include coordination, advocacy at the national and county government levels, and learning and knowledge management. The campaign’s impact will be enhanced by leveraging national calendar days, such as the Day of the African Child.
KCDF awards a cheque of KES 23, 950,000 to the finalists of the Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge
The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) awarded a cumulative amount of Ksh 23,950,000 to five community youth organizations to support their innovative ideas towards environmental sustainability and conservation.
Under its Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC), KCDF aims at developing action-oriented young
individuals and youth-led organizations committed to the conservation of the environment.
The finalists of the inaugural challenge, launched in 2023, were awarded in this event that also saw the launch of the second edition. The winners included Inua DamSite from Nyandarua County, EcoRich Solutions and Placom Manufacturers from Nairobi County, and Farmer Lifeline Technologies
and Fruity Schools Africa from Kiambu County.
This year’s edition seeks to award three young individual environment champions with grants of up to KES 1.5 Million and six organizations with grants of up to KES 5 Million each, for implementing their unique environment conservation-based ideas.
Grace Maingi (R) KCDF Executive Director and Kihara Maina (L), Regional Chief Executive Officer, I&M Group PLC during the launch of the 2nd Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge.
YEIC is an environmental innovation fund established by KCDF with support from Mackenzie Scott to bolster innovative ideas and solutions that promote environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and community resilience. KCDF has partnered with the National Environment Trust Fund (NetFund), Green Generation Initiative (GGI), and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) to identify top unique ideas through this initiative.
In a ceremony that brought together, youth representatives, the private sector, environment champions, advocates, and enthusiasts, the event underscored the significance of environmental conservation in addressing pressing global issues such as drought and climate change. It emphasizedthe role of digital technology in enhancing efforts to protect the environment.
Speaking during the event, the Chief Guest Mr. Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Group PLC, commended KCDF for its commitment to supporting youth innovations. He emphasized the government’s role as an enabler, suggesting that some investments are challenging for individuals to undertake alone. Mr. Maina proposed using taxes to support youth-driven innovations, emphasizing that sustainability hinges on profitability, which can then fund transformative innovations.
“Our commitment is to lead change through shared value, with a significant allocation towards environmental conservation, education, and skills training, as well as economic empowerment. I applaud the YEIC competition for its eye-opening impact, and I hope the second iteration will scale
up in both quality and reach, to engage diverse partners in addressing environmental challenges,” he said
On her part, the KCDF Executive Director Ms. Grace Maingi emphasized the importance of fostering and advancing innovation within the development sector, alongside efforts to control carbon emissions.
“We aim to empower young people by recognizing their potential through the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge. As we launch the second call for applicants, we have extended support eligibility to individuals aged 15 to 35, offering grants of up to five million shillings.
Central to our mission is fostering sustainable change for sustainable development. To achieve this, we are committed to placing technology at the forefront. Our theme, “Green and Coded,” underscores our focus on innovative waste management solutions and digital transformations poised
to drive future progress.” Said Ms. Maingi.
Elizabeth Wathuti the Founder of Green Generation Initiative (GGI) observed that, the YEIC challenge arrived at a pivotal moment, serving as an empowering platform for Kenya’s youth amidst formidable competition for resources dominated by larger organizations.
“We stand at a crucial crossroads where every decision made will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. This challenge presents us with a unique opportunity to tap into the local ingenuity and passion of young people, enabling them to lead in safeguarding their environment.” She concluded.
Applications for the 2024 edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge are open on the KCDF website: www.kcdf.or.ke
Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) is a public charitable foundation that supports sustainable community-driven development in Kenya. Founded in 1997, KCDF is the first homegrown Community Foundation in East Africa. We believe that complete and lasting change is possible when communities initiate and drive their development agenda with little external support.
Therefore, KCDF works to enhance the growth and sustainability of communities through capacity development, community philanthropy, and local giving. KCDF invests significant resources to build, strengthen and sustain the core capacities of our communities by developing thoughtful, long-term collaborations with other actors such as governments, non-profit organizations, the private sector and individuals to achieve social justice. For more information visit www.kcdf.or.ke
Fr. Charles Chilufya, Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), Sister Regina Nthenya of Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK), Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso
By Melisa Mongina
Cervical cancer is unique as we know the causes of the disease and the tools to prevent cure, and support survivors. Worldwide governments have committed to the ambition to eliminate cervical cancer with the first step of reaching the WHO 90:70:90 targets by the year 2030.
Stakeholders gathered in Nairobi have urged the church and the media to ensure they play their pivotal role in offering support to cervical cancer and HPV patients, adding that the patients should get spiritual support from the church and that the media should help create cancer and HPV awareness occasionally.
Speaking on Thursday in Nairobi during the three-day convening, Karen Nakawala a Cervical Cancer survivor and founder of Teal Sisters Foundation from Zambia, encourages patients diagnosed with cervical cancer to go to church for psychosocial support because it will be helpful to them since the hospitals cannot offer such. She further adds that the church should be part of this journey and help navigate the patients and also offer counselling not only to the women but also to their family members and caregivers since it affects anybody related to the patients.
“I talked about running away from the church during my treatment, but I shouldn’t have, I should have run to the church to get the love and the psychosocial support because you can not get it from the hospital. So I think that it is time for the church to step in and fight from the beginning to the end by helping to navigate the patient, by counseling, and by psychosocial because when a woman is going through the cancer journey she doesn’t suffer alone; her family suffers too and also even their caregivers. Support is not only about finance, it is about lifting somebody spiritually,” highlighted Nakawala.
Additionally, Nakawala notes the important role the media carries and urges the media to create awareness by telling stories about cervical cancer occasionally and not to make it a topical issue by reporting matters of cancer only when it is cancer awareness month. She further encourages the media to help in highlighting the challenges that cancer patients go through, the inequities that are in the distributions and life-saving interventions
“ And to our friends in the media, you have neglected this part so much yet you have a critical role to play. The media only writes about any cancer when it is a topical issue. Cancer is not a topical issue, the way you write about football even without being told to write about it, is the same way you should write about cancer because it doesn’t choose who to attack. As the media you can help to highlight the challenges that I have spoken about as a cancer survivor, the challenges that the patients are going through, the iniquities that are in the distribution and life-saving interventions,” said Nakawala.
Nakawala also notes that the media can highlight the positive stories that can help and give hope to a woman who is suffering from cervical cancer and is on the verge of giving up. She further encourages the media to create awareness of the importance of screening occasionally to save lives and prevent the spread of cancer at its early stage.
“The media can help us highlight the positive stories. I think I’m a positive story and my story offers hope to a woman being diagnosed right now and she thinks that she is going to die. If you highlight my story, that woman will have hope,” emphasized Nakawala.
In addition, Sister Regina Nthenya of the Health Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (HASK) urges the crowd to be committed to telling others about the reality of HPV and how it is claiming a lot of lives. She adds that they should also share the benefits of the solutions.
“As we commit this day, can we also be committed to telling the people that this disease is real, it is claiming young lives, and there is hope for solutions? Let us also share the benefits of the solution, the side effects of the solutions, and let us give them the right to mind, faith, and reason so that they can understand and decide for themselves out of the informed choices,” said Sr. Regina.
Further, Sr. Regina noted behavior change and encouraged the girl child and parents should be helped to understand how to instill values and enhance moral behaviors since HPV is a sexually transmitted disease.
“We all know HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, if we do not talk and help people; the girl and the parents to understand values, to enhance moral behaviors, to make changes or to modify, they will test after five years and by the time they are reaching forty-five, half of those who tested negative will be positive,” added Sr. Regina.
Sr. Regina nudged the people of faith to offer support and help educate the communities by encouraging them to take care of themselves.
“As people in the faith community, we can help in educating people in the communities by speaking about HPV, let us not shy off, let us share all the information needed to be given and encourage them to take good care of themselves,” stated Sr. Regina.
In an interview, Imam Alidou Ilboudo a Muslim Religious Leader of Burkina Faso said that they are trying to give people the right information to prevent and overcome the cultural perspectives and barriers that affect the uptake of HPV vaccine among the Muslim communities. He adds that in the Muslim community they encourage polygamous marriage, thus urging the men to take care of their wives and if one of the wives is sick the men should ensure proper treatment for her.
“Those barriers cultural and religious exist and as religious leaders, we are trying to give the correct message to the people. Message that would promote human dignity in fighting those barriers. Health is important to human life and the Quran says that people should treat whatever is affecting the human person. Islam recognizes and accepts polygamy and it also encourages the man to be able to take care of his women, if one is affected she should be treated immediately,” noted Imam.
According to Fr. Charles Chilufya, Chair Convening Preparation Committee of Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), the church does not manufacture nor make money, thus it mobilizes resources from outside and from within to meet the poor. He adds that the church has infrastructures in the rural areas for people who are unable to come to Nairobi for treatment.
“When we see somebody hungry there are means that the church uses to support such people. The church does not manufacture money nor make money but it mobilizes resources from outside and from within to meet the poor. There is this arm which is called charity that reaches out to those who cannot access medical help. We have infrastructures in the rural area because we care and understand that there are people who cannot come to Nairobi for their treatments,” stated Fr. Charles.
Faith leaders, Health professionals and experts, health community advocates, and policymakers convened in Nairobi from the 11th to the 13th of June, 2024 under the theme of uniting faith and science against Cervical Cancer. The three-day convening on Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination was organized by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI) and Justice and Ecology Network Africa (Jesuits Africa) in collaboration with key stakeholders, including KILELE Health Association.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has encouraged residents of the Central region to remain steadfast in supporting President Ruto’s leadership.
Speaking in Mwea constituency, he acknowledged the significant role the community played in the formation of the Kenya Kwanza government and urged them not to be swayed by divisive politics.
Addressing the congregation at St. Peter’s Claver, Mwea Parish, Wetang’ula highlighted the need to resist leaders attempting to create divisions along tribal lines.
“The unity you showed during the campaigns should persist for the sake of our country’s development and prosperity,” he stated.
Wetang’ula also advised the community to question leaders who promote unity under narrow interests, leaving out other communities.
He further stressed the role of churches in promoting national unity and encouraged the clergy to continue praying for Kenya.
“Family is the cornerstone of our country’s unity, and Parliament will keep enacting laws to protect family values,” he added.
Wetang’ula was accompanied by Hon Joyce Kamene (Machakos County MP), Hon Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Hon. Hon Paul Abour (Rongo), Hon Jhanda Zaheer (Nyaribari Chache), Martin Pepela ( Webuye East), Hon John Wanjiku (Kiambaa) and the host Hon Mary Maingi among others.
Wanjiku and Maingi defended their decision to support the Finance Bill.
“I supported the Finance Bill because the document is good for the country and people should respect my decision,” said Wanjiku.
The MPs called for leaders to avoid using the Finance Bill to divide the country for their selfish political gains.
