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  • $7 trillion in global finance annually is worsening climate change on crises

    Close to $7 trillion is invested globally each year in activities that have a direct negative impact on nature from both public and private sector sources, equivalent to roughly 7 percent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the latest State of Finance for Nature report released today at COP28 by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and partners.

    The report finds that in 2022, investments in nature-based solutions totaled approximately $200 billion, but finance flows to activities directly harming nature were more than 30 times larger. It exposes a concerning disparity between the finance volumes for nature-based solutions and nature-negative finance flows and underscores the urgency to address the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.

    “Nature-based solutions are dramatically underfunded. Annual nature-negative investments are over 30 times larger than financing for nature-based solutions that promote a stable climate and healthy land and nature. To have any chance of meeting the sustainable development goals, these numbers must be flipped, with true custodians of the land, such as Indigenous Peoples, among the chief beneficiaries,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

    The findings are based on an analysis of global financial flows, revealing that private nature-negative finance flows amount to US$5 trillion annually, 140 times larger than the US$35 billion of private investments in nature-based solutions. The five industries channeling most of the negative financial flows—construction, electric utilities, real estate, oil and gas, and food and tobacco—represent 16 percent of overall investment flows in the economy but 43 percent of nature-negative flows associated with the destruction of forests, wetlands, and other natural habitats.

    Niki Mardas, Executive Director of Global Canopy, said, “This year’s report is a stark reminder that continuing with “business as usual” poses a severe threat to our planet, reinforcing the urgent need for a transition to sustainable business practices and to stop the financing of nature destruction. The net is tightening, and with increased regulatory pressure in key areas like tackling deforestation, it means that those companies and financial institutions still driving the problem now need to make the best use of the excellent data, guidance, and frameworks already available to commit to a nature-positive future urgently.”

    Government spending on environmentally harmful subsidies in four sectors—agriculture, fossil fuels, fisheries, and forestry—is estimated at US$1.7 trillion in 2022. As leaders gather in Dubai this week, reforming and repurposing environmentally harmful subsidies, particularly for fossil fuels and agriculture, will be critical. Fossil fuel subsidies to consumers alone doubled from US$563 billion in 2021 to US$1.163 billion in 2022.

    The finance gap persists

    The report identifies a significant financing gap for nature-based solutions, with only US$200 billion allocated in 2022, led by governments, which contributed 82 percent (US$165 billion), while private finance remains modest at US$35 billion (18 percent of total nature-based solutions finance flows). To meet the Rio Convention targets on limiting climate change to 1.5C, as well as the Global Biodiversity Framework target to set aside 30 percent of land and sea by 2030 and achieve land degradation neutrality, finance flows to nature-based solutions must almost triple from current levels (US$200 billion) to reach US$542 billion per year by 2030 and quadruple to US$737 billion by 2050.

    Both public funding and private investment need to increase dramatically, in conjunction with the re-alignment of financial flows that have a detrimental impact on nature. While public funding will continue to play a critical role, private finance can potentially increase its share of nature-based finance from 18 percent currently to 33 percent by 2050.

    “The widespread degradation of nature is not only exacerbating the climate crisis but also pushing us towards exceeding planetary boundaries. Investing in nature-based solutions provides a strategic and cost-effective avenue to address the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation while at the same time making tangible headway towards the sustainable development goals,” said Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, which funded the report.

    Nature-based solutions provide critical investment opportunities, as they are cost-effective and provide multiple benefits. Investment opportunities in sustainable land management can increase fourfold by 2050 based on the long-term profitability of sustainable food and commodity production, which is critical to catalyzing private investment.

    Protection of diverse ecosystems is highly cost-effective, representing 80 percent of the additional land needed for nature-based solutions while absorbing just 20 percent of additional nature-based solutions financing by 2030. Given the scale of degradation globally, restoration provides massive opportunities to strengthen ecosystem function and resilience to deliver the ecosystem services that people rely so heavily upon.

    Urgent action on two fronts: repurposing negative finance in nature and scaling investment in nature.

    The report suggests that simply doubling or tripling investment in nature-based solutions will not be sufficient to reach the three Rio targets unless the almost $7 trillion in financial flows to nature-negative practices are dramatically reduced and ideally repurposed in favour of nature.

    A major turnaround for nature is needed. The financial sector and businesses must not only increase investments in nature-based solutions but also implement incentives to redirect finance away from harmful activities, fostering positive outcomes for nature. Government policies play a crucial role in creating an enabling environment for nurturing investment opportunities.

    Notably, investment prospects in nature-based solutions are flourishing, driven by the overhaul of global sectors such as food, extractives, real estate, and infrastructure—major contributors to nature’s decline. These opportunities rival those arising from the climate crisis, presenting a pivotal moment for impactful change.

  • Former KBC boss in hot soup over frequency allocation to GOTv

    The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), the State Broadcaster, has faced a financial setback, receiving no dividends since 2017 despite holding a 40% stake in a joint venture established in 1994 with Multichoice Africa. According to former KBC Managing Director Mr. Waithaka Waihenya’s testimony before the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration, and Agriculture, the joint venture was initiated in 1995.
    “There was a co-location between KBC and Multichoice, so the relationship was completely symbiotic but premised on the envisaged partnership. And what I found was that in the JV, which I never saw KBC have before 40%,” Mr. Waithaka Waihenya said.
    During this partnership, KBC, with its access and licensing to TV broadcast frequencies, allowed Multichoice Africa to utilize its resources, including the Signet platform and broadcast infrastructure located in ten regions across the country. However, a thorough examination of KBC’s accounts and the Auditor-General’s reports by the Committee revealed no revenue generated from this collaboration.
    Initially, KBC was granted a 40% share in Multichoice Kenya, a local subsidiary of Multichoice Africa, while Multichoice Africa retained a 60% share. The deal required KBC to contribute 30% in direct funds and an additional 10% through co-location, incorporating extensive infrastructure such as land and telecommunication masts.
    The Hon. Wangwe committee chair demanded to know the state of the agreement between KBC and Multichoice Company before the committee.

    “In marketers, do you want to confirm that it is very serious and very informative that you never saw the JV? I was there for seven years, and for those seven years, you never saw the JV.” Hon. Wangwe questioned.

    “I suppose that the partnership was so lucky that I never saw any of the proceeds. So I may not be able to tell you much about that; I have no details on that.” Mr. Waithaka Waihenya affirms.

    The situation took a turn for the worse for KBC when the Supreme Court of Kenya, in Petition No. 14 of 2014, introduced a new licensing category, the Self Provisioning Signal Distribution Licence (SPSD). This allowed other players, including GOTV, to access broadcast frequencies.
    In a letter dated February 28, 2017, the Communications Authority acknowledged KBC’s request to transfer frequencies from SIGNET, owned by KBC, to GOtv Kenya Limited, effectively relinquishing ownership of the frequencies.
    This move stripped KBC of its longstanding broadcasting influence, leading to its current struggle to compete with private players in the media industry despite receiving state funding. Mr. Waithaka Waihenya informed the Committee that a former regional director for Multichoice Africa now holds a 30% share in GOtv.
    Expressing concern, the Committee noted that KBC has become a mere shadow of its former self, grappling with financial challenges and an inability to generate revenue. Mr. Waihenya is set to submit supporting documents to the Committee in three days, reinforcing his revelations. The Committee has already questioned the Ag. Director of KBC, Mr. Samuel Maina, regarding this matter.
  • Naivas Supermarket’s Century of Success, unveils the Kakamega Milestone as the 101st Branch Redefines Retail Excellence

    Naivas Supermarket’s Century of Success, unveils the Kakamega Milestone as the 101st Branch Redefines Retail Excellence

     

     

    In a landmark move, leading retailer Naivas Supermarket is breaking new ground by establishing its presence in Kakamega, marking a significant milestone in its journey of expansion beyond a century.

    The inauguration of the Kakamega branch is not merely the introduction of a new outlet; it symbolizes a momentous step as Naivas surpasses the 100-branch milestone. With the unveiling of its 101st branch, Naivas continues to redefine the retail landscape, demonstrating resilience and innovation in its pursuit of growth.

    Situated within the newly constructed Cathedral Mall, the Kakamega branch stands as a testament to Naivas’ strategic vision, with the supermarket chain serving as the anchor tenant in this exciting venture.

    Spanning an expansive 32,000 square feet of trading space across two floors, the new outlet is a manifestation of thoughtful planning and customer-centric design. Naivas has meticulously crafted a customer journey that enhances the shopping experience, coupled with a carefully curated product catalog. The interior aesthetics of the store contribute to a modern and inviting ambiance, aligning seamlessly with Naivas’ overarching mission of providing an affordable, world-class shopping experience.

    “We are super delighted that we are finally making an entry into Kakamega which has certainly been the most requested branch in the recent past. I am proud that we are finally able to fulfill this long-standing request by the great people of Kakamega. They say good things take time, we have taken time and listened to our customers, understood their needs and come up with a store that not only meets but exceeds the needs of our Kakamega shoppers. This is a move that underscores our commitment to making shopping experiences easier, affordable and more enjoyable,” remarked Peter Mukuha.

    “This opening is particularly exciting as it is right in the middle of our festive Annual National Consumer Promotion referred to as Kikwetu. This year, the campaign is dubbed #NaivasKikwetuFiesta and we are happy that Kakamega gets to join in, adding the isikuti flavour to the fiesta. We all know, no fiesta is complete without goodies, as has been the tradition the past 12 Kikwetus , we have a lot of offerings having in mind that times are very hard economically with ever rising cost of living. This campaign ensures that customers get to enjoy crazy discounts throughout the festive season over and above the crazy discounts, the Reward Cardholders get a chance to win gift vouchers valued at 2k each and over 1000 of our iconic mbuzi across all our branches including the
    newly opened Naivas Kakamega,” concluded Peter Mukuha.

    The Kakamega branch represents more than just a retail space; it encapsulates Naivas’ commitment to quality, innovation, and meeting the evolving needs of its diverse customer base. As Naivas continues to expand its footprint, the Kakamega branch stands as a beacon of the brand’s dedication to excellence and its journey beyond the remarkable milestone of 100 branches.

  • Mental health challenges increase HIV mortality rates in the country

    Mental health challenges increase HIV mortality rates in the country

    KNBS Snr Manager,NAS Benjamin Muchiri (right) and KNBS HR Manager and Dir Rose Awino(left) present Statistics learning books to TUK after giving a keynote speeches on career talk ,health and HIV/AIDS Awareness in Nairobi on 1st Dec 2023
    KNBS Snr Manager,NAS Benjamin Muchiri (right) and KNBS HR Manager and Dir Rose Awino(left) present Statistics learning books to TUK after giving a keynote speeches on career talk ,health and HIV/AIDS Awareness in Nairobi on 1st Dec 2023

    By Melisa Mong’ina

    The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, in collaboration with the Technical University of Kenya, has celebrated World AIDS Day with the theme Let Communities Lead. Mental health has been mentioned as one of the major reasons leading to more HIV deaths in the country.

    Speaking to the students in Nairobi during the World AIDS Day celebration, Dr. Josephine Kinya, a clinical neurophysiologist at Equity Afia, noted that in most cases, a lot of people succumb to HIV due to mental health, thus making it very crucial. She urged them to care for themselves by getting tested and to also show love and compassion to their loved ones or friends who are trying to cope with HIV.

    “We should look after ourselves, grasp the situation, and get tested. It’s important to show love and compassion to our loved ones and friends dealing with this condition. We have connected this condition with mental health because often, people facing it also deal with mental health challenges. So, taking care of our mental well-being is just as vital as managing the condition,” said Dr. Josephine.

    According to Dr. Josephine, the most common mental health condition that a lot of people living with HIV experience in their spaces is depression, which is caused by the negative thoughts that they get. Such thoughts kill their hope of living, leading to severe depression.

    “Now we are dealing with severe depression. The most widespread mental health issue among people with HIV in our community is depression. How we think about depression is that we get a negative thought, like I think I’m going to die, and we build it, and we are working on it, and by then or later we are not even living that,” explained Dr. Josephine.

    She also noted that depression is not the only common mental health condition that affects people living with HIV; therefore, they should be able to understand the relationship between mental health and HIV and AIDS so that they may be able to manage it.

    “After the depression, there are other common mental health conditions that we find in people living with HIV. So understanding mental health and the relationship between mental health and how we manage HIV and AIDS is vital,” she added.

    Dr. Josephine emphasized the importance of getting tested, noting that HIV is not only transmitted through sex but also from salons, barbershops, or even through birth; thus, self-care is vital.

    She further urged people to be kind and loving towards people with HIV by not discriminating against them, which will help extend their lives.

    “Let’s stop treating these patients differently. Instead, let’s care for them and show them love. When we do that, we can help them live longer. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health. We can lead a good life by doing these things,” stated Dr. Josephine.

    According to Benjamin Muchiri, Senior Manager, National Accounts Statistics (KNBS), the 2022 DHS statistics show that 1,294,339 people are living with HIV, of whom 89% have managed to use proper medication. There are 62% of new HIV cases among adolescents. The statistics also show that Kenya is ranked 6th worldwide for recording the highest number of HIV deaths.

    “In Kenya, as of 2022, about 1,294,339 people are living with HIV. Among them, 89% have successfully controlled the virus with ARVs. Something important to note is that there are 62 new infections each week among adolescents,” shared Mr. Benjamin.

    Mr. Benjamin highlighted that the government should provide new friendly sexual and reproductive health programmes, including health reduction programmes for those injecting drugs, and it is supposed to play a big role in the implementation and monitoring of the evolution of HIV prevention.

    “The government should address legal barriers in existing sexual and reproductive health policies. It needs to promote responsible sexual behavior through comprehensive sex education and actively participate in implementing and monitoring HIV prevention strategies. Additionally, the government should introduce new, accessible sexual and reproductive health programmes, including harm reduction initiatives for those using injected drugs,” explained Mr. Benjamin.

    Prof. Dorcas Yole, Dean of the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at TUK, encouraged students by stating that individuals with HIV can still achieve their goals and make meaningful contributions to the family or community.

    “HIV is with us; HIV is real; HIV is a killer, but you can contribute to the community, you can contribute to your family, and you can also reach your highest goals even if you have HIV,” said Prof. Dorcas.

  • SRC releases first Quarter wage Bill Bulletin

    SRC releases first Quarter wage Bill Bulletin

    The Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has released the First Quarter Wage Bill Bulletin for the period July to September 2023 for the financial year (FY) 2023-2024. An extract is presented below:

    Requests from public institutions

    During the quarter, SRC approved requests worth Ksh 24,052.58 million, representing 60.4 percent of the total requests from public service institutions, which amounted to Ksh 39,801.57 million.

    This amount represents 36 requests received from public institutions. These included 24 requests accounting for 67 percent of allowances and benefits; 8 requests accounting for 22 percent of collective bargaining agreements; and 4 requests accounting for 11 percent of bonuses.

    Personnel Emolument for the County Government

    The total expenditure of personnel emoluments (PE) in county governments in the first quarter of FY 2023–2024 is projected to increase to Ksh 107.23 billion, representing a 95.6% rise compared to the same period in FY 2022–2023. The expenditure on PE is projected to increase from Ksh 43.15 billion to Ksh 48.77 billion, representing a 13 percent growth.

    This increase is attributed to the partial effect of the third cycle of salary reviews, which awarded county governments a pay review of 18.8 percent spread across two fiscal years. This could also be attributed to the growth of the county government’s expenditure in absolute terms.

    Although the county quarterly PE component, as a share of the total expenditure, is projected to reduce from 78.7 percent in the first quarter of FY 2022/2023 to 45.5 percent in FY 2023/2024, this is still above but not more than 35 percent threshold set by the Public Finance Management (County Government) Regulations, 2015.

    Personnel emoluments for the national government

    The expenditure on PE in the national government is projected at Ksh 126.83 billion, compared to Ksh 130.89 billion in a similar period in FY 2022/2023.

    The total expenditure is projected to increase from Ksh 336.65 billion in the first quarter of FY 2022/2023 to Ksh 363.38 billion in the same period in FY 2023/2024. Although the total PE is projected to grow in absolute terms, the PE vote as a share of the total revenue is projected to reduce from 19.2 percent in the first quarter of FY 2022/2023 to 17.3 percent in the same period in FY 2023/2024.

    Public wage bill trends

    The wage bill to nominal GDP ratio is projected to reduce marginally to 7.19 percent in FY 2023–2024. This ratio is projected to decline towards 7.5 percent, which is the average for developing countries, and 7 percent, which is the internationally desirable level.

    The wage bill-to-ordinary revenue ratio is projected to be 43.54 percent in FY 2022-2023 and 40.45 percent in FY 2023-2024. Further, over the last eight years, the public wage bill to total revenue ratio was highest in FY 2020/2021 at 45.9 percent. It is projected to reduce to 32.15 percent in FY 2023–2024. The total wage bill is projected to grow at a slightly slower rate of 6.37 percent in FY 2023–2024.

  • Kenya Employs Treaty Database to Fulfill International Obligations

    Kenya Employs Treaty Database to Fulfill International Obligations

    By Melisa Mong’ina

    Dr. Abraham Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs
    Dr. Abraham Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary, State Department for Foreign Affairs

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs has collaborated with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU), and the Government of Sweden on the project dubbed Accelerating the Ratification and Domestication of African Union Treaties.

    Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of the Treaty Database, Dr. Abraham Korir Singoei, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Foreign Affairs, stated that the treaty database will enable the state to reinforce its obligations in fulfilling international commitments.

    “It is important for the state to assess the totality of its obligations, because sometimes even the state itself is not aware of just the extent to which it is obligated to act. With this database, we reinforce our dedication to fulfilling our international obligations with the utmost integrity,” stated Dr. Korir.

    He adds that the database’s user-friendly design and robust functionality will empower diplomats, legal experts, stakeholders, and diaspora to access, analyze, and contribute to the wealth of information housed within its digital walls.

    “This project has provided us with an opportunity to implement technical obligations for the state department to put in place an accessible digital depository of all activities,” he added.

    The database will enhance efficiency and inclusivity in service delivery and will be an effort to facilitate faster and more efficient access to treaty services by citizens.

    Further, Dr. Korir highlighted that the database will also be a beacon of transparency for global counterparts, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to openness and collaboration.

    “The database is not only a valuable source of treaty information that will serve as a reference point for our internal stakeholders, citizenry, educational institutions, and all public and private sectors, but also a beacon of transparency for our global counterparts, reinforcing our nation’s commitment to openness and collaboration,” said Dr. Korir.

    Dr. Korir also notes that the database is a testament to their commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the modernization of diplomatic processes.

    “The work of documenting our obligations annually has proven to be extremely challenging. This treaty database now offers some relief, making it slightly easier as you can track development digitally,” noted Dr. Korir.

    The participants at the Treaty Database launch included government officials from ministries, departments, and agencies, along with development partners and other stakeholders.

  • TVET CDACC USHERS IN  NEW CEO

    BY STEVE EL SABAI

    Today as we welcome the incoming CEO of TVET CDACC, it marks the beginning of a bright future in the TVET sector in Kenya. This moment symbolizes growth, progress and continuous pursuit of excellence .The Kenya Kwanza Government is angling towards industrialization and its banking on the TVET sector to spur industrialization in Kenya.

    The occassion witnessed the outgoing CEO Mr. Joseph Njau hand over the mantle to Prof. Kisilu Kitainge Who will be the New CEO TVET CDACC. As the incoming CEO Prof. Kisilu Kitainge comes takes the mantle, I want to inform you that you have a big responsibility ahead of you.

    In the realm of technical and vocational education and training, one name stands out as a beacon of progress and excellence: the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Curriculum Development, Assessment and Certification Council (TVET CDACC). This government organization in Kenya is unwavering in its dedication to enhancing the quality and relevance of technical and vocational education and training. With a laser focus on Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET), TVET CDACC has made remarkable strides in driving CBET implementation throughout the country.

    It is through their tireless efforts that Kenya’s workforce is being equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world.The journey towards CBET implementation has not been an easy one, but TVET CDACC has overcome every obstacle with determination and resilience. One of the most notable milestones achieved by this esteemed organization is the development of 446 National Occupational Standards (NOS). These standards serve as benchmarks for assessing the competency levels of individuals in various technical and vocational fields.

    By setting these standards, TVET CDACC ensures that the skills acquired by students are aligned with industry requirements, thus enhancing their employability and enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the economy.But the development of NOS is just one aspect of TVET CDACC’s groundbreaking work in CBET implementation.

    In conclusion, They have also played a pivotal role in curriculum development, crafting programs that are not only comprehensive but also responsive to the needs of both students and employers. By working closely with industry experts, TVET CDACC has been able to create curricula that strike the perfect balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. This holistic approach to education ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the job market, making them highly sought after by employers.

  • Kajiado Governor fined 500,000 for failure to honor summons

    Governor Joseph Ole Lenku in a past event
    Governor Joseph Ole Lenku in a past event

    In a consequential development, the Governor of Kajiado County, Joseph Ole Olenku, finds himself subject to a fine of Ksh. 500,000 for a glaring non-compliance with a summons issued by the Senate Committee on Roads, Infrastructure, and Transportation. Chairing the committee, Senator Karungo Thangwa of Kiambu decreed the penalty, albeit with a suspension until Thursday, 30th November 2023, at 11 am.

    “Kajiado County Governor, Joseph Ole Oleku is hereby fined Ksh. 500,000/- for failure to appear before this Committee after summons had been issued, the fine is suspended until Thursday 30th, November 2023 at 11 am.” ordered the Chairperson of Roads, Infrastructure and Transportation, Kiambu Senator, Karungo Thangwa.

    The summons was originally extended to Governor Olenku in relation to a petition regarding access to title deeds for properties acquired at Jamii Bora Estate, Kisaju, Kajiado County. A pivotal meeting convened on Thursday, 4th July 2023, where the committee was apprised that Jamii Bora Charitable Trust had partially settled arrears of land rates and rent, amounting to Ksh. 17,150,000 for 700 developed plots. However, a considerable outstanding sum of Ksh. 1,050,484,990.00 remained.

    During the meeting, the Committee resolved to request the County Government of Kajiado to submit the following information: The approved subdivision plan for the parcels of land; a mutation plan showing the plot allocation numbers for the 5,871 plots; the County Government of Kajiado to re-calculate the land rates and rent payable by Jamii Bora Charitable Trust and give an accurate figure; and The County Government to provide the legal basis for charging of land rates and rents to the property without reference to an official registration document for the 5,871 plots.

    Moreover, the committee learned of the Trust’s application to the County Council of Ol Kajiado for the subdivision of land parcels LR. NO. KAJIADO/KISAJU/58 and LR. NO. KAJIADO/KISAJU/2995 into 5,871 plots a plan approved in 2008.

    During the meeting, the committee decided to request specific information from the County Government of Kajiado, including the approved subdivision plan, a mutation plan delineating plot allocation numbers, a recalculated figure for land rates and rent owed by Jamii Bora Charitable Trust, and the legal foundation for levying charges without an official registration document for the 5,871 plots.

    “The Kajiado Governor has not given the right explanation for his failure to appear before this honorable committee neither has he provided the committee with his responses as required. Therefore, according to section 19 of the Parliamentary Power and Privileges Act, I find him Ksh. 500,000/-. The fine is suspended until Thursday 30th, November 2023 at 10 am, when he is ordered to appear before this committee, failure to which he shall pay the stipulated fine, and the Inspector General will be required to arrest him and bring him before this committee.” ruled the Kiambu Senator

    However, subsequent developments indicate a lack of earnest cooperation. The Committee received an inadequate submission from the County Government of Kajiado on 19th July 2023. A reminder letter sent on 26th September 2023, urging a comprehensive response from the Governor, went unanswered.

    “We should give the Governor of Kajiado the last chance to appear before the committee, I am reliably informed that the Governor was in the Parliament precincts but he was taken ill and rushed to hospital for medical attention.” Said the Committee Vice person, Peris Tobiko.

    At the meeting on 31st October 2023, it was revealed that the Governor had not responded to the reminder. Consequently, the Committee scheduled a meeting for 14th November 2023, to address the issues raised in the letter. Regrettably, Governor Olenku failed to appear, prompting the Committee to issue another summons for Monday, 27th November, 2023.

    Despite being served a summons on 21st November 2023, the Governor did not make an appearance on the scheduled date. Vice Chairperson Peris Tobiko reported that the Governor had fallen ill and was hospitalized. However, Committee Chairperson Sen. Karungo Thangwa expressed disappointment, suggesting that the Governor’s nonchalant attitude warranted reprimand.

    “Kajiado County Governor, Joseph Ole Oleku is hereby fined Ksh. 500,000/- for failure to appear before this Committee after summons had been issued, the fine is suspended until Thursday 30th, November 2023 at 11 am.” ordered the Chairperson of Roads, Infrastructure and Transportation, Kiambu Senator, Karungo Thangwa.

    Senator Edwin Sifuna proposed a fine on two counts: failure to appear and failure to produce requested documents. The fine, amounting to Ksh. 500,000, was suspended until Thursday, 30th November, 2023, at 10 am, when the Governor is directed to appear before the committee. Failure to comply would result in the stipulated fine, with the Inspector General authorized to effect an arrest for appearance before the committee.

    In a related development, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has been summoned to appear before the committee at 11 am the following day to address pertinent matters within the committee’s purview affecting Nairobi residents.

  • The Aga Khan University injects Kes. 2 million worth of equipment to Pumwani Maternity Hospital

    The Aga Khan University injects Kes. 2 million worth of equipment to Pumwani Maternity Hospital

    The Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, East Africa (CoEWCH EA) has handed over health equipment valued at KES 2 million to Pumwani Maternity Hospital to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide comprehensive essential maternity and newborn care.

    The handover of the equipment comes following the recently concluded COVID-19 in pregnancy study, funded by the World Health Organisation (WHO), led by CoEWCH EA in collaboration with Pumwani Maternity Hospital and Aga Khan University Hospital, which sought to determine if Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) infection during pregnancy increases the risk of adverse pregnancy, perinatal, neonatal, and postpartum outcomes by collecting data from women infected with SARS-COV-2.

    “As a government, we are pleased to see that research is improving quality of care in facilities and data is being used to make decisions. This handover ceremony is also contributing to the goal of Universal Health Care for all Kenyans by 2030 which includes the scaling up of maternal and child health,” said Hon. Geofrey Mosiria, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Health Facilities Management.

    “The study will help to develop recommendations on the surveillance, management, and counselling of women during and after pregnancy as well as their babies in the context of a pandemic. The findings from the study will also help to inform public health measures on infectious diseases and prevention measures and future research protocols,” said Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director of the Aga Khan University’s Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, EA and Principal Investigator of the WHO COVID-19 in pregnancy study.

    Pregnant women are among vulnerable groups susceptible to respiratory infections placing them at high risk of contracting COVID-19 which can lead to severe illness creating a need for intensive care unit admission and ventilator requirement.

    “At Pumwani Maternity Hospital, we value quality of care which relies heavily on research. Since our established a relationship with Aga Khan University, we have been passionate about studies that accelerate training and research on maternal and child care. We are therefore grateful to our partners for this equipment that will be especially helpful at the point of care,” said Christine Kiteshu, Pumwani Maternity Hospital CEO.

    The equipment consists of an ultrasound machine, a fridge, and a printer. The ultrasound machine will be used in antenatal care to assess foetal development, gestational age, foetal position, and number of foetuses. It also supports CoEWCH EA’s quest to encourage early ultrasound screening for all pregnant women as part of its commitment to implement the WHO antenatal care guideline of at least one ultrasound exam during pregnancy, best done before 24 weeks. This was also one of the commitments called for during the regional launch of the Lancet Series on Small Vulnerable Newborns (SVN) held in Nairobi on September 19, 2023.

  • Caetano Kenya Launches its Dealer Partnership with Ford Motors Kenya

    Caetano Kenya Launches its Dealer Partnership with Ford Motors Kenya

    Caetano Kenya, the new distributor for Ford Motor Company in Kenya, officially opened a Ford Showroom on Mombasa Road, where they will be selling and servicing Ford vehicles. The new partnership between Ford and Caetano offers the brand a vital opportunity to gain market share in Kenya by leveraging on Caetano’s extensive network and experience in marketing & selling major brands in this market. Caetano kicked off sales with the new generation models of the Ranger, Raptor, Everest, as well as the Ford Transit Bus.

     

    Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Pedro Campos, Managing Director of Caetano Kenya said, “We are proud to add Ford to our stable of brands. Ford is one of the best performing vehicles in the SUV and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) segments in this market, and we predict our partnership will continue to grow it in these segments. As Caetano, we are focused on providing high-end services to customers that aim to exceed expectations and ensure the ultimate experience on the road. We welcome existing and new Ford customers to our family.” Ford and Caetano are committed to the Kenyan market, and both teams will work diligently to fully serve customers to the best possible standards.

     

    The New Generation Ford Ranger reflects a magnificent blend of design, advance technology and performance. Its distinctive features include new front and rear bumper fascia and grille, new IP, console, cluster, electronic and control panel. It comes with new features such as wireless charging, zone lighting, auto power fold mirrors, rear load box step among others. The New Generation Ford Everest has better off-road capability & clearance with increased traction capability, hill descent control & stance. The new Ford Everest comes with a stronger & lighter transmission for optimal progression and efficiency. The interior is refined and improved giving the customers more space and infotainment. The New Generation Ford Raptor comes with more engine power & an additional 83Nm of torque, improved visibility with the inclusion of BLIS, new box side-steps added to the load-box for improved access and some new improved features such as a 360 camera, wireless charging, auto power fold mirror, tailgate platform and rear load box step.

     

    Caetano will also sell the New Generation Ford Transit Bus, which offers unrestricted access to the passage compartment with an extra-wide power-operated sliding side door. It comes with an electronic stability programme; an advanced system that constantly monitors the path the vehicle is following and compares it to the driver’s intended route. Additionally, it has trailer sway control, which is designed to reduce engine torque and apply the brakes to the appropriate wheel (s) to help main control. All the vehicles will come with a five-year warranty or 100,000km, whichever one comes first.

     

    Ford is celebrating 120 years; where their purpose has been to make the world a better place through innovation, re-imagination and reinvention which has driven them to create the most desirable products and services that give people the freedom to move and to pursue their dreams. With the new partnership with Caetano, Ford is committed to continue bringing world class Ford products and services to their customers in Kenya and ensure the best customer experience for their clients.

     

    Caetano Kenya has a strong aftersales reputation in the market, with its ever growing network of workshops – Caetano Express – which already have over 30 outlets countrywide. Caetano will provide after-sales services across Kenya for the Ford brand through the Caetano Express network. The centres will be equipped and 100% backed by the Ford Motor Company, ensuring Ford authorized parts are stocked, Ford extended service plans (Ford Protect) are offered, a team of fully trained and certified technicians are at hand to offer full service to new and existing Ford customers. Ford has ensured a seamless transition from the former distributor, which now allows Salvador Caetano to honour all valid warranties at their workshops.

    Caetano Kenya is the sole local distributor of Hyundai, Renault, Kia, Renault Trucks and Ford vehicles in the Kenyan market. Salvador Caetano Group (SCG) has over 75 years of history dedicated to industry and the automotive sector, headquartered in Portugal, and has a presence in more than 100 countries spread across Europe and Africa. The global presence is in 37 countries on 3 continents, selling over a 100 thousand vehicles annually, with over 7,000 employees. The company’s deep understanding of the automotive market gives it the edge and confidence to perform a significant role in the story of the Kenyan automotive market.