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Category: HEALTH

  • MPs Call for Collaboration urging Kenyatta University to Halt Hospital Takeover and Prioritize Student Benefits

    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.
    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.

  • LSTM and partners in four African countries launch the African Snakebite Alliance

    During the Launch and Press address at KEPRI offices Nairobi.

    Leading snakebite experts from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), Ghana, Rwanda, Kenya, and Eswatini are launching the African Snakebite Alliance (ASA) to tackle deadly snakebite envenoming.

    The launch of the ASA will strengthen the international scientific community by linking up with policymakers and community groups in Africa, aiming to improve health outcomes for people affected by snakebite envenoming and address evidence gaps in policy and practice.

    Coordination between these groups aims to ensure new research leads to changes on the ground. This will be crucial for meeting the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) goal of halving snakebite deaths and disability worldwide by 2030.

    Snakebite envenoming kills between 81,000 and 138,000 people annually and a further 400,000 surviving victims are left with permanent physical disabilities and disfigurements. Up to one-third of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa, and individuals affected by snakebite often reside in some of the most disadvantaged rural communities across Africa..

    Members of the ASA come from LSTM, KIPRE, University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), Eswatini Antivenom Foundation (EAF) and Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC) with funding provided by the Wellcome Trust.

    ASA Deputy Director Dr George Omondi from the Kenyan Institute of Primate Research (KIPRE) said: “We are incredibly excited to launch this new alliance dedicated to fostering a robust portfolio of impactful research and policy towards improving health outcomes for snakebite victims.”

    Despite the myriad problems caused by snakebite, the WHO classifies snakebite envenoming as a neglected tropical disease due to the lack of global resources dedicated to tackling it, including the need for high quality research.

    The ASA has set three objectives to fill the research and evidence gap in snakebite envenoming: to undertake high-quality research relevant to improving health outcomes for people affected by snakebite in Africa, to develop systems to support national and regional bodies in Africa to incorporate research evidence into decision-making in policy and practice, and to develop and support a sustainable and cross-disciplinary capacity for snakebite research in Africa.

    ASA Director Professor Ymkje Stienstra, from LSTM, said: “The ASA will pick up clinical and public health research questions based on the input from communities and policymakers. The findings will translate into prevention of snakebites and ways to reduce the damage caused by them.”

    Initial research by members of the Alliance’s member organisations identified some of the barriers to tackling the burden of snakebite in sub-Saharan Africa, including limited funds, lack of relevant data, and from the need to increase engagement with policymakers, all of which will be addressed by the development of the ASA as a research and policy hub.

    As well as conducting research, the ASA wants to promote research on snakebite envenoming via open grants, including creating opportunities for postdoctoral researchers in Africa.

    Information on how to apply for these grants will appear on the ASA website, and further updates will be published on its X (Twitter) account.

    About the African Snakebite Alliance
    Members of the ASA include:

    Professor David Lalloo and Professor Ymkje Stienstra from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Dr George Omondi from Kenyan Institute of Primate Research,
    Dr Janna Schurer from University of Global Health Equity.

    Dr John Amuasi from Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine
    Dr Sara Padidar from Eswatini Antivenom Foundation,
    Jean Bosco Mbonigaba from Rwanda Biomedical Center.

  • Harm Reduction Specialists Urge Policymakers to Implement Life-Saving Measures for Smokers

    Harm Reduction society of Kenya, Founder and Secretary General Dr. Micheal Kariuki, delivered his keynote address at the Harm Reduction society of Kenya and Campaign for safer Alternative press briefing conference at Sarova Stanley Hotel.

    LawMakers risk missing a golden opportunity to save lives and reduce the public health burden caused by cigarette smoking if they launch an indiscriminate and ill-informed offensive against safer alternatives, harm reduction specialists warned today.

    The experts were responding to an announcement by Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni that she intends to “wipe out” nicotine products.
    Dr Michael Kariuki, secretary-general of the Harm Reduction Society, said: “Alternative
    nicotine products like regulated vapes and oral pouches are scientifically proven to be far less harmful than cigarettes and are the most successful method for helping smokers to quit.

    “Regulation of these products is, of course, necessary, to protect children and the youth. However, that regulation should be evidence-based and proportionate to the risks posed, after taking into
    consideration the smokers who need these therapeutic products.”

    Harm Reduction Society of Kenya Vice Secretary, Dr. Nick Kioko (Far Left), Harm Reduction
    Society of Kenya Secretary General Dr. Michael Kariuki, (center) sharing a brief moment together
    with Joel Sawa (far Right) during Harm Reduction Society of Kenya and Campaign for safer
    Alternative press briefing conference at Sarova Stanley Hotel.

    Joel Sawa, spokesperson for Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), said: “If smokers can’t or won’t quit, we need to help them switch to safer alternatives. The best way to save lives is to ensure that tobacco-free products like regulated nicotine pouches and vapes are affordable and accessible.

    “Wiping them from the market leaves smokers with no option but to keep smoking. It’s unthinkable that policymakers are even considering indiscriminate, ill-informed and nonevidence-based actions against them without any heed to this potential mishap.”

    The experts, speaking at a joint press conference in Nairobi, pointed to the growing weight of international evidence  the beneficial impact of alternative nicotine products:
    ● Researchers at the University of Nairobi have found that there was little or no quality
    control in terms of levels of toxicants or psychoactive ingredients of oral stimulants such as khat and smokeless tobacco products such as pan, tambu, gutkha, Kuber, toombak, sniffed and chewed tobacco in Kenya, which put their users at considerable health risks and that regulated oral nicotine products carry similar levels of toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies which feature on the WHO’s list of essential medicines.

    ● The US Food and Drug Administration says Modified Risk Tobacco Products (MRTPs)
    “will significantly reduce harm and the risk of tobacco-related disease to individual
    tobacco users and benefit the health of the population as a whole”1 Such MRTPs are
    regulated nicotine pouches and vapes which are largely used in countries such as Swedenand the UK to assist cigarette smokers to quit.

    ● In countries worldwide, from the UK and France to the USA, Pakistan and New Zealand, innovative alternative products are already helping smokers who had despaired of ever being able to give up their deadly tobacco habit.
    ● Non-Tobacco Nicotine products do not contain tobacco and extensive international
    research has found them 95% less harmful than traditional combustible cigarettes.
    ● Studies show that regulated modern oral nicotine products carry similar levels of
    toxicants and risks as nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs), which are on the World
    Health Organization’s (WHO) list of essential medicines.
    ● Sweden is about to achieve the status of being the first country in the world to become officially smoke-free after making safer alternatives acceptable, available and affordable to adults. It now has the lowest smoking and tobacco-related disease rates in Europe.

    Harm Reduction Society aims to provide a community for harm reduction practitioners, community workers, organizations, researchers and policymakers. It strives to create awareness
    among all sectors of the society about harm reduction practices and to engage in and support evidence-based research on harm reduction approaches to health.
    Campaign for Safer Alternatives is an international Pan-African non-governmental organisation dedicated to achieving 100% smoke-free environments Africa. It is the unifying voice for consumer organisations advocating for tobacco harm reduction in Africa, promoting discussion and the exchange of information and potential actions to reduce exposure to tobaccorelated harm.

  • Transformative Achievements Unveiled by KEMSA Chairman, Nyakera reveals

    Party Leader & National Chairman- Farmers Party; Patron - Irungu Nyakera Foundation Addressing a past event in KEMSA function
    Party Leader & National Chairman, Farmers Party; Patron: Irungu Nyakera Foundation, Addressing a past event in the KEMSA function

    In a recent address, Hon. Irungu Nyakera, Chairman of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), candidly acknowledged the daunting challenges faced by the organization.

    However, through unwavering dedication and strategic initiatives, the hurdles have been overcome, leading to remarkable progress.

    Hon. Irungu Nyakera elucidated the initial obstacles, including logistical convolutions, financial constraints, and the imperative need for meticulous planning and collaboration with stakeholders. Despite these challenges, he underscored the organization’s commitment to triumph by implementing tailor-made solutions and persistent follow-up.

    “The Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre stands as a testament to the promises fulfilled by the Board and management to revolutionize KEMSA into a more impactful contributor to the healthcare delivery system,” affirmed Hon. Irungu Nyakera.

    The facility is designated to receive, process, and distribute medical supplies across the Great Lakes Region, initially catering to 10 counties in the Nyanza, Western, and North Rift Regions, with a gradual expansion to serve 19 counties by the end of the year.

    KEMSA Health products are ready for supply
    KEMSA Health products are ready for supply

    Expressing delight, Hon. Irungu highlighted the ample space of the facility, designed to facilitate efficient supply and cold chain solutions for essential medical supplies.

    “This decentralization initiative is aligned with the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, aiming to streamline order processing at the National Supply Chain Center and reduce the order turnaround time by approximately 40 percent,” emphasized Hon. Irungu.

    The chairman reported that the Kisumu Regional Distribution Centre has successfully processed essential medicine orders from four counties, with a cumulative value exceeding Kshs. 120 million. Moreover, he revealed KEMSA’s substantial strides in enhancing procurement processes, asserting,

    “In the past half-year, we have made significant progress in strengthening procurement to realize value for money. The board remains optimistic that these efforts will significantly impact the cost of medical commodities by the end of this financial year.”

    Over the last 10 months, KEMSA has dispatched over Kshs. 22,523,862,340 worth of Essential Medicines and Medical Supplies (EMMS) and National Health Strategic Programs (NHSP) supplies nationwide. Hon. Irungu Nyakera emphasized the organization’s resurgence, stating, “KEMSA is regaining its sparkle as the last-mile delivery of more than 86,040 EMMS and NSPHP supplies dispatched to over 8,954 health facilities countrywide is no mean feat.”

    Hon. Irungu Nyakera assured the public, “We are up to the task bestowed upon us because we are your healthcare partners. We commit to tirelessly working to ensure that health commodities are delivered and available for patients’ use as required.”

    The newly inaugurated Regional Distribution Centre is envisioned as an all-encompassing solution hub, providing quality assurance, storage, cold chain facilities, and administrative functions to fortify an effective KEMSA.

  • A medical doctor who rose from Squalor to professional excellence

    A medical doctor who rose from Squalor to professional excellence

    While thousands of graduate doctors continue to lament the lack of employment opportunities in government, one youthful doctor chose not to focus on that, instead consolidating his wits, profession, and positive networking to drive the dream of a healthy society.

    The academic and professional journey of Boniface Onsongo, a medical doctor by training, is as challenging as it is inspiring.

    Born into a humble family in Kisii, Onsongo would later move to Kitale with his mother in 2002, leaving his father behind. He went through part of his basic education at Tuwani Primary School in Kisumu Ndogo slum, going through Classes 4, 5, and 6. His early life was not an easy experience, as the last born in a family of five would tell this writer.

    Dr. Boniface Onsongo in his office at Kitengala, Equty Afia
    Dr. Boniface Onsongo is in his office in Kitengala, Equty Afia.

    “My mother struggled to provide for us from the small business of selling simsim and other candies on the roadside,” he says.

    “I suffered low self-esteem as a young boy in primary school, especially when I got to Class 7, and this affected my performance.”

    Then a trying moment that would remain stamped in his mind came into the life of Onsongo: the sudden and brief stint of illness and the subsequent death of his mother.

    He narrates that she collapsed at her place of business, profusely vomiting blood, and was later rushed to Kitale Referral Hospital, where she was diagnosed with leukemia and meningitis. She later passed on.

    After the painful experience of the death of his mother, Onsongo was taken in by his elder sister, who lived in Nairobi’s Mukuru kwa Njenga slum, before going back to Kisii, where he enrolled at Nyambusi Academy, where he confesses to having been a slow learner. He says this did not deter him; instead, it made him refresh his passion for books.

    Years moved, and the young boy did impressively well in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination, attaining 365 marks and getting admission to Kisii High School. Here, he became more determined with his studies than ever.

    The journey through high school would not be smooth either, considering his underprivileged family background. His peasant father was not able to educate him, as he sold everything he had to see him through secondary school, he narrates.

    “I remember for three years, I would be sent home from school several times for lack of school fees,” he says, adding that his back-and-forth from school could not hinder his resolve to study.

    The rough road through high school notwithstanding, Onsongo left Kisii High School in 2011 having scored an impressive A of 83 points, leaving behind a huge debt of Ksh365,000 in unpaid fees, thanks to tutors who saw potential in him and agreed to let him learn without disruption. The money would be paid gradually in a mutual agreement with school management, he says.

    By now, Onsongo was looking forward to a bright future. Before he was called to Kenyatta University to pursue medicine and surgery during the double intake of 2012, he was offered an internship by the Equity Bank Kisii branch, where he got a rare opportunity to be taken through the Equity Leadership Program (ELP).

    Dr. Boniface Onsongo issuing instructions to his doctor in his office at Kitengala, Equty Afia
    Dr. Boniface Onsongo issued instructions to his doctor in his office at Kitengala, Equty Afia.

    The Equity Leadership Program helped him get the right concept of life, career choice, and other important life skills.

    “This program helped me a lot to broaden my perspective of life, and I thank Equity Foundation for it,” he says.

    The program gave Onsongo an edge to be elected as Secretary-General of the Association of Kenyatta University Medical Students (AKUMS), a position he served in with passion.

    While at Kenyatta University, Onsongo remained focused on his dream of attaining academic excellence and career accomplishment.

    As the years progressed, the young man eventually graduated from Kenyatta University in Medicine and Surgery (MBCHB) in 2018.

    Soon after he was out of university, the fresh graduate doctor went into a one-year mandatory internship at the Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital (KTRH), where he was graciously introduced to Equity Afia, a model by the Equity Bank Foundation designed to offer induction and career guidance for the youth. The model, he confesses, helped open up his mind to managerial and leadership skills vital to running any enterprise. 

    After the lapse of the internship period, the self-driven graduate would venture back to Nairobi to share the knowledge and skills he acquired from the noble Equity Afia model with others at a medical facility in Buruburu. By now, the young doctor was burning with passion to reach more people with his fresh knowledge and skills towards attaining better health for all. It is at this critical point that Dr. Onsongo started the Stable Health Foundation, under which he mobilized resources and expertise to open the Kitengela Equity Afia Medical Center in Kitengela Town in 2021.

    As the founder and CEO of the Stable Health Foundation, Onsongo aims to meet the health needs of the community around him by conducting medical outreaches to educate people on curative and preventive approaches to better health.

    The Kitengela facility has 14 staff, all permanently serving in various general departments. There are two nurses, two doctors, and two laboratory technicians. There are also dermatologists, oncologists, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) experts. 

    Onsongo explains that his Medical Centre is not a business per se, but a point to offer solutions to different health conditions. It operates 24 hours a day.

    “We are not selling products and services, we give solutions,” he says. “We first understand the problem and then offer accurate solutions to lifestyle diseases affecting people.”

    Stable Health Foundation also organizes a series of medical camps around schools in Kajiado County to give much-needed guidance to learning institutions and health facilities on preventable lifestyle conditions like diabetes, cancer, and hypertension.

    Asked about his plans, Onsongo says he plans to expand to offering ambulance services to be able to respond quickly to the emergency needs of the community, on top of introducing affordable medical insurance for his clientele.

    On the healthcare area, he wishes the government to address, he singles out E-medicine, saying it is capable of providing quick, first-hand solutions to different health conditions at the touch of a button, observing that if given the attention and support it deserves from health stakeholders, it can accommodate millions of patients at one go, hence reducing congestion in public hospitals.

  • 49 gas plants closed as Embakasi explosion victims now set to experience further compensation delays

    49 gas plants closed as Embakasi explosion victims now set to experience further compensation delays

    CS Energy and Petroleum David Chirchir appearing before Joint Energy Parliamentary Committees on 29th, Feb 2024.
    CS Energy and Petroleum David Chirchir appearing before Joint Energy Parliamentary Committees on 29th, Feb 2024.

    In the aftermath of the tragic Embakasi explosion incident on February 1, where non-compliance issues were starkly highlighted, the government has taken decisive action by suspending the operating licenses of 49 Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) companies.

    The progress unfolds alongside the revelation that individuals affected by the explosion, resulting in a minimum of 10 fatalities and over 300 injuries, will experience a delay in receiving State compensation.

    Appearing before the Senate Energy Committee on Thursday 29, Energy and Petroleum CS Davies Chirchir said the National Disaster Committee has made regular visits to the Deputy President’s office but is yet to release updates on the compensating progress.

    CS Chirchir faced hard times in responding to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who had demanded to know why the victims had not been compensated a month after the incident, despite being promised by the DP.

    “Why have the residents of Mradi, Embakasi East, not been compensated? A month is now over.” Sifuna Questioned.

    “It is tough, like under the budget policy statement that is going through the due process now for every Ministry to put a budget for this kind of incidence, and therefore, there is a National Disaster Committee in place under the Office of the Deputy President as we’ve nominated officials from every ministry to sit in that committee to respond to such cases,” Chirchir responded.

    The Cabinet Secretary elucidated that there are gaps in surveillance and crackdown on non-compliant facilities, attributing it to the understaffing of the enforcement department.

    EPRA’s recent initiatives were prompted by legislative pressure, highlighting concerns about the regulator’s perceived laxity in enforcing safeguards to prevent a recurrence of the Embakasi explosion incident.

    “We learned of the operation of an illegal plant at midnight when the incident happened. We had demolished the LPG plant before, and if we had arrested them before the incident happened, we would have averted this,” Chirchir said.

    “The third attempt for a construction permit was made on July 31, 2023, but the application was referred on August 23, 2023, with the request for more information since a detailed qualitative risk assessment had not been attached. EPRA noted the presence of a church and residential neighborhood,” the CS said.

    He added that

    The CS revealed that Derrick Kimathi, the proprietor of the illegal plant where the incident happened, was a rogue operator who operated the premises as a garage during the day and as an LPG filling station at night.

    Mr. Derrrick Kimathi, the possessor of the deadly LPG site, according to records submitted by CS Chirchir, was denied a license in three attempts on March 19, 2023, June 20, 2023, and July 31, 2023, all of which were rejected.

    CS added, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the explosion was caused by the uncontrolled release of LPG from road tanker registration number KBJ 185X ZD2234 registered to Mr. Abraham Mwangi Nguyo. At the time of the incident, Mr. Mwangi, operating under the business name Klear Mwiki Gas Suppliers, was licensed by EPRA to transport LPG in bulk by road under License No.EPRA/LPG/10342,” CS Chirchir informed the members.

    Mr. Chirchir informed the committees that Maxxis Nanyuki has already served EPRA with a stay order notice.

    “However, it is worth noting that Maxxis Nanyuki Energy has already served EPRA with a stay order dated February 16, 2024, from the High Court at Milimani, terming the revocation of the license as illegal and unlawful,” he said.

    The chair of the National Assembly Energy Committee, Hon. Vincent Kawaya, urged the ministry and EPRA to consider putting the new regulations into work.

    “Do you think you have enough systems or networks in place to assure Kenyans that this is not going to stop because, when you look at the document by the CS, it’s fantastic? It is really what must be done.’’ Hon. Vincent Kawaya affirmed.

    Nyeri Senator, Hon. Wamatinga, led the committee; however, his side pleaded with lawmakers to sensitize Kenyans to resist cheap and undefined products for use.

    “I think we as members must also take it upon ourselves to go and talk to our people so that they know that cheap can be very expensive. These are some of the things that we as a country must change, and it must start with us. Sen. Wamatinga Wahome.

  • The media urged to take lead in Creating a clean air space in Nairobi

    The media has been urged to take center stage in disseminating positive information on clean air.

    At this time, Nairobi is facing the challenges of pollution.

    Maurice Kavai, who is the Deputy Director Air quality and climate change in Nairobi city county government speaking to journalists during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
    Maurice Kavai, the Deputy Director Air quality and climate change in Nairobi city county government speaking to journalists during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.

    Addressing the media workshop on air pollution in Nairobi, Maurice Kavai, who is the Deputy Director of Air Quality and Climate Change in the Nairobi City County Government, observed that the media should think about unpacking knowledge to bring solutions to the challenges of air pollution.

    “Let’s think of a solution to reduce the issue of air pollution in the city, The county is ready to take recommendations and suggestions to change the menace and bring about a clean environment, Mr. Kavai said when he addressed a media workshop in Nairobi.

    He assured the participants that the county government is ready to share information with the media and end the bureaucracy that has characterized the issue, urging journalists to develop a positive perception that will improve the lives of Nairobi residents.

    Air quality is a devolved function

    More than 3 million people in Nairobi stand to benefit from clean resolutions as the Action Plan 2020–2050 has already been rolled out targeting clean air.

    Studies have shown that the air quality is consistently poor in Nairobi, with average annual PM2.5 levels (fine particulate matter) more than double the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines (WRI, 2021).

    Statistical reports from the city county indicate that over 3,000 people live and work in the Dandora dumpsite, where 3,000 tonnes of waste materials are channeled to the area daily.

    Mr. Sammy Simiyu, the Vital Strategist and Co-chair of the Health Committee, noted that air pollution has resulted in many deaths and has a great impact, especially for pregnant women.

    “Air pollution affects adults and children as opposed to other diseases that might target specific groups of people such as coronavirus that mainly affects the elderly,” he said.

    Studies have shown that 46 percent of deaths in Nairobi are the result of challenges related to air pollution.

    “If a pregnant woman is exposed to air pollution, the unborn baby’s development will be affected, and you are likely to see the impact after the baby is born,” said Mr. Simiyu.

    Media houses have faced constraints in reporting on the subject of air quality, mainly because of budgetary constraints, time constraints, and personnel dedicated to producing the stories.

    There is also intimidation or fear of researching the air pollution stores because some of the hot spots, like Dandora, are heavily protected by locals since they are a source of livelihood for the residents.

    Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data committee chair during presentations the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
    Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data committee chair during presentations the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.

    Dr. Paul Njogu, Research and Data Committee chair, urged journalists to be conversant in reporting and emerging issues.

    “Please be all round in reporting these shortcomings from climate change, human interest focuses on political scenes to reach a large mass but consider accuracy and put more interest and committed to learn more.’’ Dr. Paul Njogu.

    Purity Munyambu, Gender Specialist at the World Resources Institute Africa (WRI), emphasized to the media to be careful and sensitive when reporting gender-sensitive stories.

    “Let’s think through gender stereotyping when reporting sensitive stories to cause no harm and create an accommodative environment for both victims and the media,” Purity Munyambu urged.

    Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the clean air Catalyst Pilot project in Nairobi during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.
    Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the clean air Catalyst Pilot project in Nairobi during the Clean Air Catalyst Media workshop in Nairobi, 28th, Feb 2023.

    Dr. Jackie Lidubwii, Internews Coordinator for the Clean Air Catalyst Pilot Project in Nairobi, expressed positive emotions about the exercise, saying it’s a milestone for the media to break the silence in reporting the air pollution menace.

    “I’m excited to equip journalists with the tools to raise awareness & drive change on air pollution at this noble media workshop in full support of the Earth Journalism program. Despite being a disability champion, I will not get tired of speaking and sharing with the media, which is critical in informing the public, shaping perceptions, and driving policy relating to air pollution,” Dr. Lidubwii emphasized.

  • AU Celebrates year of Education 2024

    During the AU Year 2024 Celebration

    “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Collective Action for Quality, Inclusive, and Lifelong Learning.” This is the African Union’s call for all governments and other players on the continent.

    Media is a critical partner in the journey of transforming education in Kenya and the larger continent of Africa.
    East African governments, particularly Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, are in a race to embrace competency-based education systems, known as CBC here in Kenya.

    As we help the learner achieve their various competencies, we can not forget the competencies that help mold a whole learner. In the Kenyan context, we refer to these competencies as life skills and values.

    You may be aware that in its first phase, we assessed over 45,000 in-school and out-of-school adolescent boys (48.6%) and girls (51.2%) from 13 to 17 years of age. The assessment covered 35,720 households, across Kenya, Uganda, the Tanzanian mainland, and Zanzibar. The assessment
    focused on three skills (self-awareness, collaboration, and problem-solving) and one value, (respect). The findings indicate that less than 10% have proficiencies in the skills.

    The competency-based curriculum aims to nurture every learner’s potential and mainstream values and life skills; however, the framework of integration and measurement of life skills and values has been lacking, especially across the East African region.

    Action for Life Skills and Values in East Africa (ALiVE) envisions a world where the schooling generation acquires the needed competencies to navigate the complexities of the 21st century and live meaningful lives. ALiVE is an initiative of the Regional Learning Initiative (RELIAfrica). The goal of the initiative is to support the four national education systems.

    Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar) in their focus on competencies, inform regional policy throughout the East African Community, and contribute to global knowledge on the measurement of life skills and values in context.

    Currently, ALiVE has developed a contextualized tool via a learning-through-doing approach. So far, we have produced 47 local experts in assessment. We have developed an assessment tool targeting learners aged 6–17 in the areas of life skills and values. We are also influencing approaches in teacher training colleges to ensure that life skills and values are integrated throughout the entire education journey of the African learner.

    We rolled into action fully aware that this is not a time to complain about what is not working at CBC; it is a time to unite and make it work for the better of our learners. We have therefore committed to developing resources that will help produce a whole learner who is not only equipped with technical skills but also armed with values and life skills that can help them lead meaningful lives and fit well in society.

    In November and December of 2023, the Zizi Afrique Foundation convened a group of teachers from 6 countries to learn from Prof. Esther Care, a renowned expert in the measurement of core
    competencies and values.

    In two months, the teachers went through a 7-module practical learning session on the development of tools to assess core competencies and values among 6–12-year-old learners.

    Through this process, the teachers developed tools to assess problem-solving, collaboration, and respect. These tools have been integrated into Environmental Activities in Grade 3, Science and Social Studies in Grade 5, and Integrated Science, Social Studies, and Creative Arts and Sports in Grade 7.  The tools have gone through various stages of revision after think-aloud/cognitive laboratories and are now ready to be tested with the learners.

    On February 27th, 2024, ALiVE conducted the first pilot of the tools in three schools:

    Kamihindu and Ngurubani Westlands primary schools are located in Kiambu, Kirinyaga, and Nairobi counties, respectively. The lessons drawn from the pilot will inform how we shape the national assessment that we shall conduct later in the year.

    This evening between 3:30 pm and 4:30 pm EAT, we shall be convening a virtual learning session to appreciate the extent to which East African education systems have embedded life skills and values. Kindly register via the link provided and join us online:

    Register here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMsdOirpj0vHdR4CD1P4ThubO-RZ2qGxVVI

  • St. Peter’s Orthopedic and Surgical Hospital

     

    Located in Muthiga Nairobi, St. Peter’s Orthopedic & Surgical Specialty has been in existence for Five years. The Center offers quality and reliable Orthopedic Services, Eye Care services as a core part of its service delivery to its clients with their healing journey.

    St Peter’s orthopaedics and surgical speciality hospital has been on the forefront in providing advanced orthopedic surgeries in kenya since its inception. With the vision to avail the latest technologies and practices in orthopedics, St Peters has been able to assist many patients with very bad fractures to regain their mobility. In the past, many patients would go to India to get hip and knee replacement. This was because the service was either not available or was too expensive having it being done locally compared to going to India.. St Peter’s has however made these surgeries be available for every kenyan

    And now, for the first time in kenya, St Peters has been able to successfully conduct machine assisted total knee revision surgery. Revision surgery is done to a patient if the first knee replacement fails, the doctors may recommend for a second surgery  revision total knee replacement. In this procedure, the doctor removes some or all of the parts of the original prosthesis and replaces them with new ones. It’s a rather complicated surgery and most of the time the patients have to travel or they just remain in pain.

    The Hospital is led by passion and transparency with intent for a society wellbeing through access of affordable and quality medical healthcare. As an institution
    It has continually innovated and advanced in technology to better track, manage and issue real time customer satisfaction to all patients and clients.

    The Hospital has a devoted healthcare staff to the state of the art facilities in the hospital. St. Peters is dedicated to the well being of everyone who comes seeking.
    It is led by a team of three directors
    with vast experience and professionalism
    in the medical business. The directors are
    commited to a timely delivery and agility
    in workforce operations.

    The Hospitals Core Value is to offer state of the art medical services in the specialty
    of Orthopedic, Opthamology and Plastic Surgeries as a core function. It also strives to offer, accessible, quality and affordable medical care to patients across the country.

    In addition, the Hospital has set up a remote team to educate, offer medical camps
    and sensitize communities on importance of societal wellbeing. It prioritizes the community health and the quality of creating a sustained health system for the society.

    Orthopedic Services
    St Peters Orthopedics and Surgical Specialty Center we have a mission to provide the highest quality care and service for all people in the prevention, diagnosis and
    treatment of orthopaedic related
    illnesses. They have an integrated health
    system, and also offers an organized emergency department, surgery center, out patient consultation and community outreach services, all dedicated to the people.

    Maternity Services
    The Hospital helps mothers safely deliver,
    and hold antenatal and post natal maternity care. Our Obstetrician are trained and qualified to give guidance to young families. We thrive in quality maternity care that is affordable to mothers.

    ENT Services
    St. Peter’s offers progressive Ear, Nose and Throat clinic with top consultation from
    trained otolaryngologists. Customer get access to modern examination facilities that deliver accurate diagnosis and treatment for related conditions.

     

  • KEMRI Begins Transformative Journey for Country’s Health System

    CS Health Susan Nakhumicha address stakeholders at KEMRI 14th Pre Conference.

     

     

     

    The 14th Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Annual Scientific and Health Conference, known as KASH 14 will this year embark on a transformative journey under the theme “Harnessing Biomedical Research Innovations and Big Data for Health System Resilience, Local Manufacturing and Commercialization.”

    The pre conference was graced by CS Health Susan Nakhumicha, Dr Abdullahi Ali
    Chairman Board of Directors KEMRI,Elijah Martim Songok CEO KEMRI and other stakeholders.

    The Conference, kicks off with an exceptional pre-conference session that takes an innovative dive into medical manufacturing, setting the stage for our main discussions. This groundbreaking approach underscores the vital link between research outputs and the transformation of healthcare innovations into commercially viable products and technologies, reflecting our commitment to a comprehensive exploration of healthcare advancement in its entirety

    ” The theme “Harnessing Biomedical Research Innovations and Big Data for Health System Resilience, Local Manufacturing, and Commercialisation.” is timely as it comes at a time when healthcare solutions need scientific innovative tactics to tackle them. Our main presentation today will delve into a critical theme – “Translating Research Outputs into Health Security through Commercialization of Health Products and Technologies.” This topic underscores the urgency and importance of not only conducting groundbreaking research but also ensuring that the fruits of that research reach the masses, safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities.” Said Susan Nakhumicha CS for Health.

    The Cabinet secretary further observed that, In the world of medical manufacturing, we are witnessing unprecedented advancements and opportunities. The pre-conference has set the stage for engaging discussions, and commended the organizers for focusing on key areas such as “Building a Regional Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Production Ecosystem” and “Building a Regional Medtech Innovation & Production Ecosystem.” These sessions are pivotal in shaping the landscape of medical manufacturing in our region, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation that will undoubtedly contribute to the health security of our nation.

    KEMRI has recently achieved the prestigious status of being the leading health research institution in Kenya, surpassing other renowned institutions in the 2023 rankings by Scimago Lab. This global recognition extends to the African continent, where KEMRI is positioned as the 3rd-ranked institution out of 352. The institute’s outstanding performance underscores its dedication to excellence and its significant contribution to health research at both national and continental levels.