Category: NEW

  • Big Plans for International Missing Children’s Day

    The Ministry of Labour, Social Protection, and Senior Citizen Affairs through Directorate of Children’s Services have led preparations towards International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD).

    Speaking during the International Missing Children’s Day Dr. Waruinge Muhindi from Directorate Services for Chidren added that the international Missing Children Day celebrated on May 25th advocates for child issues and Measures taken to address the problems they face.
    The Day also has a measure that ensures “Empowering Communities to SafeGuard Children and Young People From Going Missing.”

    Present during the occasion were various institutions like; Office of Director Public Prosecution, Medical Social work Students, Kenya Medical Training College and JKUAT who were the Host.

    Directorate of Children’s Services observed that,Trafficking of Children is an isssue that should be dealt with.

    “A child is a person who has not attained an age of 18 years. Children tend to go Missing due to various reasons including; family issues, Seperation of the parents, Kidnapped, poverty and a Child ends up being a victim of Child Labor, accidents and Natural Disasters like flood that displce people from homes, Some cultural Practices like female genital mutilation, mental illness, Peer pressure.” Said Athena Morgan from International Centre for missing and exploited children.

    Childrens who are missing undergo deterorieted health, and many other things. It is crucial to report any Child who is missing immediately a parent or guardian does not know where their child is.

     

    “This is how it works when we receive reports after Receiving the information on Missing Child, we record the report, start the investigation, go to people Nearby, search and use the information given by the community to search for the Child.
    For missing children and young adult One can Call/dial the DCI number 0800722203.” Said Lawrence Okoth Detective from DCI Unit for Anti-Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit.

    When the Missing child is found experts on Children matters recommend therapy for the victims to heal properly from either mental or physical harm.

    In 1983, U.S. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th “National Missing Children’s Day.”

    The proclamation followed the 1979 disappearance of a six-year-old boy, Etan Patz, on his way to school in New York City. The case generated widespread indignation, and concern for missing children rose across the nation. Since the United States began remembering missing children in this way, other countries around the world have adopted similar commemorations.

    25 May is now widely known as Missing Children’s Day, with the forget-me-not flower as its emblem. In 2001, 25 May was first formally recognized as International Missing Children’s Day (IMCD), thanks to a joint effort on the part of the GMCN, Missing Children Europe and the European Commission.

    Since 2009, IMCD has received support by disseminating a unified global message. The movement continues to grow. Every year, more countries commemorate IMCD, acknowledging the need for a harmonized response to protect vulnerable children.

     

  • Sironga Girls National School on the Spot over alleged mistreatment

    Sironga Girls National School on the Spot over alleged mistreatment

    New-Kenyatta-Science-Complex of Sironga High School Close Up View

    It’s alleged with the information held by Kenyaleo.co.ke that female teachers in sironga, A madam of history and a madam of English , are insulting students by use of mean and unpalatable statements as they are using students’ weaknesses to demoralize and ashame, which has lead to mental torture.

    The insider has however hinted to Ienyaleo.co.ke that they’ve normalized it without shame to the extent that some male teachers are wondering why female adults would turn insulting and mentally torturing female students.

    The insider quotes “Infact the male teachers have taken the responsibility of boasting the students self esteem by encouraging them over their lessons time I’m assuring you that even the School administration is all aware about this and even the school chaplains knows this but it’s like this two mentioned are untouchable., maybe we train our kids to stand strong and fight for there rights , something they couldn’t do for we gave them a responsibility to respect the seniors.” Insider said.

    The insider added that “Our daughters in Sironga all fear victimization. Like in an example where one of my daughters was insulted and slapped over her severe eye medical problem, She only came to tell me a while after a while of holding the pain.”

    The insider writes “I almost travelled to Sironga but my husband decided to play it down for fear of her welfare at school.
    I got a clearer picture of the allegation over this holiday when my daughter and her colleagues had a sleep over ,When we were doing laundry, we had a chat, A motherly chat, since this girls in my compound belongs to me,that was all healthy convo and they opened up.” Insider reveals.

    The notes however states that “Lastly, Sironga recently added construction fee to that we currently pay, but I’ll love to say all is good till you hear girl state that they’re only allowed to take a shower once a day, there is also need to work on their sewage system.Their toilets haven’t been worked on for so long. A good number of students are suffering infections that aren’t probably treated and in some cases go untreated .”

    On the same information shared by the sought anonymity said “Bathrooms also don’t flow well, they’re clogged , a lot of stagnant water around it, our girls do step on them when taking a bath, kindly re – look that, we know you have a population but something must be done for safety of that population. Amongst the leaders of this post, there could be parents, who have ever visited the dormitories, toilets, bathrooms or any other sanitation facilities,? If any please! Only class representatives that have been pocketed by the school hierarchy have visited yes but they only report positives to parents and the wrongs are smoothed. I’m hereby requesting Nyamira Healthy and sanitation department to do an impromptu visit and give it a clear finding.I’ll also request the Education ministry to send someone down there and get facts before we send our daughters to another agonizing environment.”

    The quote ends, “Lastly, Sironga security, you doing good work, You do a clean search that’s okay, however not all you find in ladies is edible, Be careful on that, I was once told to eat tampon I feel sensitisation is required.”

     

  • Delmonte Must up there game, KEMSA chairman Nyakera urges

    Delmonte Must up there game, KEMSA chairman Nyakera urges

    Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), chairman Irungu Nyakera, embarked on a mission of improving lives and giving back to the community where he toured Delmonte Fresh for a public participation in Murang’a.

    Nyakera was on a mission to ascertain the progress of the locals in the presence of the multimillionaire company, Delmonte Fresh if it’s improving the lives of the locals.

    Nyakera asked “My question to them was on whether Delmonte is doing enough for the local community to be identified with farmers and the people of Murang’a. The answer was NO.”

    Nyakera has however urged the company to improve its relationships with the locals by offering their youth jobs, and offer more CSR activities to fully integrate with the community.

    He added “Worth noting is that 40% of the cases at the Kenol law courts relate to youth caught stealing from Delmonte farm – there has to be a better way to handle this issue outside courts.”

    Nyakera notes there is a need to explore possibilities of setting more industries to better the lives of the society.

    “Further, there is a need to explore the possibility of creating a pineapple outgrowers program that will then make pineapples a cash crop for Murang’a farmers. These programs will enlist farmers who will grow pineapples and sell to Delmonte under proper extension services.” Nyakera noted.

    Nyakera reported on an impressive movement set by the company.

    “In all, I am happy at Delmonte opening up to possibilities of engagement and partnership with the local community.”

  • Lamu Residents petition Parliament over Boni forest land

    A delagation from Lamu led by Lamu East Mp to petition Parliament over Boni Forest
    A delegation from Lamu, led by Lamu East Mp petitioned Parliament over Boni Forest

    Hon. Ruweida Obo, representing Lamu East, spearheaded a delegation of 15 individuals from Boni Forest who lodged a petition regarding the degazettement of the forest.

    In 2016, the Basuba Ward land within the Boni-Lungi area was designated as a state forest by the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Natural Resources, and Regional Development Authorities.

    Captain Ruweida said, “These communities lack basic amenities such as schools and land. There was a glaring absence of public participation in the decision-making process, and it’s imperative for the government to completely revoke the gazettement of this area.”

    She added, “The government must heed the pleas of the Basuba people.”

    The petitioners commended the efforts of Captain Ruweida Obo, noting the impassable roads and citing insecurities, urging the government to address the matter.

    Mohammed Kitete, a leader among the petitioners from Basuba Ward said, “We demand the degazettement of Boni Forest and the return of the land to the community, enabling us to engage in our daily activities such as farming and livestock rearing.”

    However, there is optimism among the petitioners, as they see a glimmer of hope following their petition to the National Assembly.

    The lawmaker highlighted that the Dodori community, particularly the Aweer, a marginalized indigenous group, has suffered significant livelihood losses and is now calling upon the Lands Ministry, in collaboration with the Lamu County Government, to expedite the registration of Boni-Lungi as community land, as stipulated in Article 63(5) of the Constitution.

    Obo said that the land in question is vital for the community’s sustenance, as it has been utilized for farming, gathering natural resources such as fruits and honey, and sourcing materials for traditional medicine and construction.

  • Urgent Calls for Government Intervention as Tana River Faces Devastating Floods and Road Hazards

    Urgent Calls for Government Intervention as Tana River Faces Devastating Floods and Road Hazards

    From Left, Tana River Senator, Dan Mungatana, Bura Mp Yakub Adow Kuno and TTana River County MP, Amina Dika addressing the media in Parliament buildings
    From Left, Tana River Senator, Dan Mungatana, Bura Mp Yakub Adow Kuno and TTana River County MP, Amina Dika addressing the media in Parliament buildings

    In an affecting display of unity and concern for their constituents, Tana River legislators, led by Senator Dan Mungatana, County MP Amina Dika, and Bura MP Yakub Adow Kuno, earlier today convened at Parliament Buildings to address the pressing issues of flooding in the region.

    The ongoing floods, worsening by poor infrastructure and inadequate government response according to the legislators, have pressed the area into a state of emergency, prompting urgent appeals for immediate action.

    Mungatana has lamented the tragic loss of lives due to the capsized boat incident, which claimed over 20 lives with many still missing.

    Blaming both the floods and the neglect of crucial infrastructure, he has demanded swift government intervention to prevent further calamities.

    “The Government should speed the movement and arrive in Tana River and to help us like any other Kenyans. The overflow of dams has brought disasters in our Tana River area.” Sen Mungatana said.

    His emotional plea has underscored the dire need for improved road conditions and better disaster preparedness measures.

    He added, “Focus on Tana River, we are not given priority and we have been left behind and the notice to move to higher areas is a short of short notice as there are no clear programs to move to that higher areas as suggested”

    Mungatana has stressed the importance of providing sufficient warning to residents facing imminent threats.

    He said, “We call for substantial investment in dam construction to mitigate the impact of future disasters, the government should prioritize the safety and well-being of Tana River residents and all Kenyan citizens.”

    Echoing Mungatana’s sentiments, Women Representative Amina Dika emphasized the urgent need for long-term solutions to the recurrent flooding and water scarcity issues plaguing the region.

    “It’s a sad day for us, our people were swept away, as leaders of the area we’ve noticed that all the time floods happen we’ve been always the victims, we say the government to have a system of water harvesting to curb this menace at all times.” Amina Dika says.

    She added, “We need the government to respond by sending the rescue team to salvage the situation and CS Water and sanitation should employ serious curbing measures to stop these situation as life and animals have been lost”

    With the looming threat of a cholera outbreak exacerbating an already dire situation, she urged decisive action from relevant authorities to safeguard public health and mitigate the risk of further tragedies.

    Meanwhile, MP Yakub Adow Kuno directed scathing criticism at the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) for its failure to maintain crucial roads, which he attributed to the loss of lives in the recent incidents. Calling for accountability and swift action, he urged caution from citizens during the rainy season and demanded immediate measures to address the root causes of the ongoing crisis.

    “The KENHA authority especially in Mororo area should be blamed for the poor emergency response, we’ve tried to reach to you but no response, you’re to be blamed in the past two weeks we’ve faced the same situation” Yakub Adow said.

    He adds, “KENHA has shown inefficiency attributed as this is a situation you could have built these roads we should have curbed the situation, KENGEN has to blamed further because as also you’ve not proper sensitization to our people as electricity has killed people, animals and properties lost, you should compensate us too for the damage caused.”

    The legislators issued a resounding call to the government to prioritize the welfare of Tana River residents by allocating resources for dam construction and implementing robust disaster management strategies.

    As the nation watches with bated breath, the fate of Tana River hangs in the balance, awaiting the swift and concerted efforts of authorities to stem the tide of devastation.

  • Haji-led committee roots for Syllabus tailored for learners with special needs

    The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities, led by Hon Yussuf Haji, during a fact-finding Mission

    The National Assembly Committee on Cohesion and Equal Opportunities is rooting for syllabuses and textbooks tailored for learners with special needs.

    Led by chairman Yussuf Haji, members of the committee said academic programmes in special schools across the country are disjointed due to a lack of a syllabus and textbooks to guide teachers and learners.

    “The committee’s fact-finding visits to special schools have established that the Education Ministry did not factor in the preparation of the syllabus and the supply of textbooks suited for children with special needs,” said Haji.

    Haji said the Committee will recommend that when developing a curriculum for students with disabilities, key considerations should be individualizing learning plans tailored to each learner’s needs.

    This, he said, will foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment, and provide accessible instructional materials and technologies, among others.

    One team of the Committee toured Wire, Nyairicha, St Catherine, Malaba, and Mukhonje Special schools in Nyanza and Western regions, while another group conducted a similar tour in Nyeri and Nakuru counties.

    Members of the Committee came face-to-face with a myriad of challenges facing the institutions, frustrating efforts to ensure learners access quality education.

    “The challenges we encountered range from the deplorable state of infrastructure, lack of learning equipment and teaching guides, an acute shortage of teachers, and a lack of food,” said Haji.

    He added: “Some school administrators told the committee that learners were starving and they had to borrow food from well-wishers to feed them.”

    Kamkunji MP Yussuf Hassan said they will push the government to be sensitive to children with special needs seeking education.

    “I am living with disability and so I have a better understanding of the needs of such people. Learners with special needs have a right to access quality education just like any other child,” he added.

    Kasipul MP Charles Were said the Education Ministry should include promotion structures for teachers in special schools in the schemes of services to enable them to climb the professional ladder.

    “Teachers shy away from special schools because there is no structured way of promoting them,” he noted.

    The chairman noted that the committee has developed legislation that, if passed, will compel the government to pay caregivers of learners in special schools.

    This is after the Committee established that in some schools, such caretakers had to quit due to non-payment of their dues.

    Shinyalu MP Fredrick Ikana said there is a need for the government to double the capitation paid for each learner with special needs.

    “The requirements for learners with special needs are many, and therefore it is illogical for them to be allocated the same amount of capital as normal students,” said Ikana.

    The Committee called on the government to put all learners in special schools on medical cover.

  • Kirinyaga Stars FC Clinch Victory in Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Football Tournament, Central Region

    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 emerging 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.
    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.
    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.
    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.

  • National Assembly defense team vets ambassadorial nominees

    The National Assembly Committee on Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations today commenced approval hearings for persons nominated for appointment as Ambassadors, High Commissioners, Permanent Representatives, and Consuls-General.

    The Committee, chaired by Nelson Koech (Belgut), vetted nominees for High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Uganda, Canada, Islamic Republic of Iran, and Zambia.

    The Committee scrutinized Ms. Catherine Kirumba Karemu, nominee for High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Members highlighted the trade imbalance between Kenya and the UK. “Kenya’s relationship with the UK is long-standing and special but unequal,” stated Abdikadir Mohamed (Lagdera).

    “Getting a visa is challenging. The movement of Kenyans to and fro the UK is now a challenge”, added Moses Kirima (Central Imenti)

    On trade, members noted the ban on miraa (khat) exports to the United Kingdom, which has negatively impacted farmers. Elijah Memusi (Kajiado Central) asked, ” Kenya used to export meat and meat products to the UK. What can you do to bring this back?

    In response, nominee Ms. Karemu pledged to leverage existing trade agreements and marketing efforts to boost Kenyan exports, particularly the currently banned miraa.

    The nominee for High Commissioner to Uganda, Joash Arthur Maangi, faced questions regarding the ongoing Migingo Island dispute and the harassment of Kenyan fishermen by Ugandan security forces and pastoralists near Mt. Elgon.

    Mr. Joash Maangi informed the meeting of the Ministerial Commission on International Boundaries, which was formed to tackle cross-border disputes. He also

    Members, however, expressed concern regarding Kenya losing trade opportunities with Uganda, its largest trading partner.

    On his part, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jonah Mwangi, the nominee for Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran, acknowledged the potential for increased trade between Kenya and Iran.

    Kwenya Thuku (Kinangop) questioned the availability of trade opportunities, noting the international sanctions affecting Iran and limiting its financial transactions.

    While responding, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Jonah Mwangi pointed to Iran’s large population and central location as ideal for Kenyan exports, particularly agricultural products not subject to international sanctions.

    The fourth nominee, Ms. Caroline Kamende Daudi, nominated as High Commissioner to Canada, was put to task on the significant trade imbalance between Kenya and Canada.

    Yusuf Hassan (Kamkunji) asked, “We do not do a lot of trade with Canada, yet Canada exports many products to Kenya?”

    Legislators also raised alarm over the challenges faced by Kenyans applying for visas to Canada. Moses Kirima (Central Imenti) pointed to the lengthy wait times for students and skilled laborers for visas.

    Ms. Daudi stressed the need for bilateral talks between Kenya and Canada to find a resolution. She also pledged to work towards actualizing existing bilateral trade agreements and exploring opportunities in the export of textiles, wheat, and mechanical equipment.

    Members of the Committee on Defense, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations also vetted Lilian Tomitom, who was nominated for the position of High Commissioner, Lusaka, Zambia.

    The Committee acknowledged that she had previously served as the West Pokot County MP.

    The Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations will continue to conduct approval hearings for the remaining nominees following Article 124 (1).

  • Anti-Counterfeit Authority Hosts Fair Competition Commission of Tanzania to combat cross-border counterfeit goods

    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.

  • KEMSA Chairman Irungu Nyakera Lauds Kakuzi PLC’s Community Engagement and Tea Reforms in Murang’a

    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.
    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 worshipping in Kariara Ward in Murang’a as he later addressed the tea farmers
    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.