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  • CS Nakhumicha referred to the decision as the right one, aimed at creating an environment conducive to investigations to take place

    CS Nakhumicha referred to the decision as the right one, aimed at creating an environment conducive to investigations to take place

    20th June 2023 was a hot conversation as CS Health appeared before the Departmental Committee on Health and engaged with the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) to address the alleged irregularities in the procurement process and the cancellation of the long-lasting insecticidal Mosquito nets at KEMSA.

    Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha suspended National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) branch managers in specific areas.

    This action was in response to the exposé by Daily Nation, NTV, and Citizen TV, which highlighted how rogue hospitals obtained substantial sums of money through suspicious medical camps targeting elderly patients.

    Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha Wafula has defended her decision to suspend branch managers of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) in certain areas where rogue hospitals stole millions of shillings through suspect medical camps targeting elderly patients.

    “Why branch managers? I say that because branch managers are the people who are tasked with the responsibility of supervising, monitoring, and evaluating facilities within their purview, and reporting any issues to headquarters,” CS Nakhumicha told the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Health on Tuesday.

    “Similarly, when claims are met, branch managers review the claims before they reach HQ,” she explained.

    “I will stand by my decision; I will lead from the front. We may make some mistakes, but we will learn from them and move on. However, these are not decisions that need to be delayed. They have to be taken, and I want to believe that you are with me,” she added.

    However, the committee disagreed with the decision to suspend the NHIF branch managers, stating that it was too little, too late.

    The CS urged the committee to support her actions, insisting that in order to address the corruption at NHIF, they had to start somewhere, while also calling on investigation agencies to conduct thorough investigations.

    “By the time we make final decisions, they will be based on the facts brought out by the investigations,” she emphasized.

    Regarding concerns that her ministry is plagued by scandals, especially with KEMSA and NHIF, the CS acknowledged that the issues within the Ministry of Health are people-related.

    “As much as we have systems in place, it is the same people who go around those systems to defraud public resources, so we must deal with the culprits. And remember, there is no other way,” she asserted.

    She accused the media of jumping the gun, stating that her ministry had already commenced investigations into the NHIF heist. She mentioned that the media highlighted the issue before the final audit report was released, as they found the story sensational.

    The CS alleged that the rot in NHIF payment claims is not limited to the six facilities that were highlighted.

    “We have a big problem. It is shocking that over 60% of payments from NHIF go to private facilities. I am yet to be convinced that smaller private facilities perform more surgeries than KNH and all the public facilities combined,” the CS insisted.

    Regarding the appointment of the NHIF CEO, the CS explained that it was a difficult decision, and settling on Dr. Samson Kuhora as the Acting CEO was based on his qualifications at that time.

    “Bringing in a different person or recruiting someone from outside would have taken a long time due to the recruitment process,” she justified.

    “You are aware of what happened during the recruitment exercise. We are facing a big problem, to the extent that someone wanted to manage our recruitment exercise and recruit themselves into office, planning who comes in as directors with them. We have a problem. But we have no option but to work together,” she added.

    Endebess MP Hon (Dr) Robert Pukose disagreed with the CS, stating that there were senior officers at NHIF and within the ministry who could have acted as the CEO to ensure smooth operation.

    “We disagree with the justification for the CEO. As a committee, we believe that there are senior officers, not just at KEMSA but within the ministry, who could have taken the position and ensured things ran smoothly,” Hon Pukose argued.

    “You don’t choose someone who has in charge of claims at NHIF to go out and do a cover-up for himself.  We can see that we are still facing challenges,” he concluded.

    However, the CS defended her decision, stating that she acted on the best technical advice received and conducted her own due diligence in appointing the acting NHIF CEO.

    “But from the beginning, I want to let you know that when we chose the gentleman for the acting position, we were reorganizing ourselves in terms of top leadership and directors within the Ministry,” she clarified.

    “That was the point where we were still looking at the officers within the Ministry to align ourselves and establish the directorates before appointing someone for NHIF,” she explained.

  • Departmental committees submit the Budget supplementary estimates as the Education committee reaps big

    Departmental committees submit the Budget supplementary estimates as the Education committee reaps big

    Budget and Appropriation Committee through the committee chairperson Hon. Ndindi Nyoro has considered the supplementary estimates for the financial year 2020/2023 to entirely align the government expenditure and revenue so that as we close the financial year with realistic figures in terms of revenues by the 30th of June.

    “We’re just aligning government expenditure with the revenues that we anticipate that we’ll be collecting by the close of the financial year, which is closing in the next few days by the 30th of June. So, what we are doing number one is to make sure that we have facilitated the government departments that need facilitation.’’ Hon Ndindi echoed.

    Hon Nyoro stated that the committee has pumped more funds into the education sector to eliminate the hitches concerning funds.

    “We are putting some more money in education because you are our treasury to spend that money and come for ratification later because we didn’t want any hitch in regards to the payments of salaries for our JSs teachers.

    Further, Hon Nyoro stated that water ongoing projects are of a big concern and the committee has taken a keen interest

    “We are also taking on other areas, for example, the ongoing water project, the ongoing other projects of this government so that we make sure as we close the year, there is no hitch and of course, we try to minimize as much as possible the accrual of pending bills as we close this year, and we go to the next financial year.”

    Nyoro has stated that last week’s budget was crucial and consequential to the current economy.

    “That is why I want to say that the budget that we actually did the budget that we passed in the House last week is a very, very consequential budget for our economy very, very far-reaching in our education sector, very strong in infrastructure, and it is a budget that will definitely help our country to move forward in terms of the economy.” Hon Nyoro added.

    The Kiharu legislator disclosed that the committee allocated a heavy budget for the education sector by doubling the allocation from last year’s budget.

    “We have allocated 27.4% of our budget to education, which is about 630 billion Kenya shillings and out of that money. We made sure that we have capacitated the higher education Rosebud by doubling the allocation from last year’s allocation of 15 billion and we allocated 30 billion Kenya shillings.”

    In addition, Nyoro said the government is considering recruiting more teachers and on the same note adding more finance to the public service commission to hire teachers and implementing internship stipends for fresh graduates in government offices.

    “We have also added money for JSs and we’ll be hiring more teachers. There is also another very important item which is the house and the executive. We saw it fit to add. We have given more money to Public Service Commission for the hiring of 8,000 government interns who will be sent to various ministries to various departments and to various agencies. And these are fresh graduates of our universities.”

    The government will be giving them an internship for one year and every month the government will set the budget for those interns to be paid 25,000 shillings every month.

    The Chairperson Departmental Committee on Education, Hon. Julius Melly welcomed the move by the chairperson saying it’s an important plan where the government will be recruiting over 20,000 teachers and the universities are set to receive double funding through the new model.

    “We will be recruiting over 20,000 teachers, we want to construct a number of TTs across the country, also to make sure that the universities have gotten out of their financial doldrums by actually double funding of the university through the new funding model.” Hon. Julius Melly echoed.

    The Departmental Committee on Education recommended for the Teachers Service Commission the Kes. 6.8B for the recurrent expenditure to be reinstated as it has affected personal; emoluments that are already committed.

    On the other hand the state department for vocational and technical education the Kes. 261M development budget should be reinstated as the reinstates as commitments have been made by the state department for Early Learning and Basic Education the Kes. 149.84M development budget in the directorate of basic education should be reinstated as commitments have also been made.

     

  • Faulu Bank Eyes Market Share Growth Among Large Enterprises and Corporates, Invests in New Digital Solutions

    Faulu Bank Eyes Market Share Growth Among Large Enterprises and Corporates, Invests in New Digital Solutions

    • The bank has so far invested north of Kes 200 million in digitizing its service offering with the introduction of the Host-to-Host solution offering a fresh window of opportunity for a happier and more successful future for Large Enterprises and Corporates.
    • New Solution offers customers enhanced financial control over their financial operations with its advanced tools for cash flow management, financial forecasting, and real-time monitoring of transactions, empowering businesses to make informed financial decisions.

    Nairobi, Kenya, June 20th, 2023, …Large Enterprises and Corporates can now make seamless, real-time, and cost-effective transfers between banks and their corporate clients using the Faulu Microfinance Bank Host-to-Host (H2H) banking solution unveiled today.

    The solution is one in a series of digital offerings that the bank is set to roll out this year as part of its strategic move to become a digital-first trader’s bank.  It complements its recent innovations such as the Faulu DigiCash App, and the tap-and-pay digital cards that allow users to transact on the go.

    Speaking during the official launch of the solution, Faulu Microfinance Bank Acting CEO Julius Ouma said the Host-to-Host solution is built upon open banking principles and creates a secure and interconnected ecosystem representing a significant milestone in the bank’s transformative journey.

    “We are committed to empowering our customers and equipping them with the essential tools to flourish in today’s fiercely competitive business landscape. Therefore, Faulu Bank’s Host-to-Host solution addresses the increasing demand for convenient and secure banking services, granting our target customers seamless access to a comprehensive range of services through various digital channels. This exemplifies our steadfast commitment to innovation and unwavering dedication to the success of our valued customers.” said Mr. Ouma.

    Key features that come embedded with the solution include a secure and Interconnected Ecosystem that enables seamless transactions between banks and their corporate clients, and the privacy and confidentiality of sensitive financial information, Real-time and Cost-effective Transfers that facilitate quicker and more efficient financial transactions. This feature eliminates the need for manual processing, reducing operational costs and streamlining business operations.

    Others are access to convenient digital channels such as mobile banking applications, internet banking platforms, and other digital interfaces, allowing customers to perform banking activities anytime and anywhere. Large enterprises and corporates will also have access to a comprehensive service portfolio tailored to meet their diverse needs such as account management, funds transfers, payment processing, liquidity management, and balance reporting, among others.

    Speaking at the Launch, Old Mutual Group Chief Operations Officer, EA Dr. Isaac Nzyoka said the group will continue to support the evolution of Faulu to become a leading bank for the segment that it serves. The bank is one of the subsidiaries of the Old Mutual Group -EA.

    “Over and above offering convenience to the customers, the roll-out of e-banking and host-to-host solutions perfectly integrates Faulu into the group thereby bringing the vision of Integrated Financial Service offering to our customers across our different service lines” said Dr. Nzyoka.

    Farther, through leveraging the H2H innovation, enterprises which subscribe to this solution will have enhanced financial control over their financial operations through the solution’s advanced features. H2H provides tools for cash flow management, financial forecasting, and real-time monitoring of transactions empowering businesses to make informed financial decisions. This is in addition to seamless integration capabilities with existing business systems and accounting software used by the target companies. This integration enables the automation of financial processes, simplifying reconciliation and minimizing errors.

    The solution is further designed to accommodate scalability and flexibility in order to address the evolving needs of businesses. This allows them to expand their operations without any limitations imposed by the banking solution.

    Faulu Microfinance Bank remains committed to its customers’ success and continues to explore new opportunities to enhance its banking experience. This commitment to excellence was recently recognized at the prestigious 2023 Think Business Awards, where Faulu was honoured as the Best Microfinance in Digital Banking and Product Innovation.

  • TransCentury Stops Equity Takeover

    TransCentury Stops Equity Takeover

    • Court Injunction issued on the appointment of a receiver to TransCentury PLC
    • The injunction takes effect immediately ensuring business operations continue as usual

    NAIROBI 19th June 2023 TransCentury PLC (“TC”) would like to inform shareholders and the public that the company has obtained a court injunction in regards to the notice dated 16th June 2023 issued by Equity Bank to appoint a receiver to TC. The injunction takes effect immediately.

    The injunction is on the basis that the bank illegally appointed a receiver while parties were engaged in negotiations in addition to the brazen breach of procedures set out in the law.

    “We are delighted to see that the court has seen the irregularity that marred this very unfortunate and ill-intended process. We viewed the bank as a partner and have been in what we saw as positive discussions to arrive at an amicable agreement just a day before the receiver was appointed by the bank” Said Shaka Kariuki TC Group Chairman on releasing the Injunction announcement.

     

    “TransCentury is a significant business in Kenya’s economic landscape, we are committed to meeting our obligation, and hence the reason why we embarked on a Rights Issue transaction at the beginning of the year. Despite the challenging economic environment that Kenya and the world at large faces, we raised money from our shareholders and were preparing to settle on an agreement favorable to the business and the bank”. Added Mr. Kariuki.

     

    The injunction puts a stop to the appointment of the receivers and restrains them or their agents from performing any actions in the capacity of receivers of the company. This will allow TC to return to focusing on the business operation and achieving the strategy.

    TC Group is steered by a very resilient team and I am confident that we shall recover the time lost as we continue focusing on our mandate of impacting Africa with transformative infrastructure. Said Nganga Njiinu CEO TransCentury Group CEO

     

    TransCentury Group is an iconic indigenous Kenyan company that has built an unmatched platform and has played a lead role in key sectors of our economy including manufacturing, and construction of infrastructure across the region among others.

    At the beginning of this year, 2023, TC embarked on a Rights Issue transaction that aimed at raising funds with the objective of reducing debt and unlocking working capital. The Group has been aggressively working on a turnaround strategy and significant progress has been made in this front.

    The Boards of TC take this opportunity to thank all our shareholders, staff, and partners for their unwavering support as we steer the business to growth.

  • realme 10 launched to sweep through segment competition with MediaTek G99 and 90Hz AMOLED combo

    realme 10 launched to sweep through segment competition with MediaTek G99 and 90Hz AMOLED combo

    realme, the fastest-growing smartphone brand, launched realme 10 – the first product in its realme 10 series. The all-new segment power king features a MediaTek G99 and a 90Hz AMOLED display combo, providing an un-compromised power performance for its price range that would sweep through segment competition.

    “This one of a kind smartphone, realme 10 is available in Kenya with price ranging from Ksh. 32,199 exclusive of VAT.” Said, Mildred Agoya PR and Marketing Manager realme Kenya.

     

    Segment-only MediaTek G99 and 90Hz AMOLED display combo

    While major counterparts of realme 10 at this price range are using either LCD or a Snapdragon 680 chipset from last year, realme 10 is the only product in this price range to offer un-compromised value with both 90Hz AMOLED display and MediaTek G99.

    90Hz AMOLED display provides an elevated visual experience with vivid color and reduced smears when users scroll through their screen. The phone also reaches 1000nits peak brightness for clear visibility during bright daylight. The display is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

    Thanks to a strong and competent SoC, realme 10 offers 40% enhanced overall power performance from realme 9, ensuring smooth system performance with less lag. The CPU performance improved by 25%, GPU performance improved by 78%, and overall power consumption was reduced by 20% thanks to 6nm technologies. AnTuTu score tested under 8+256GB variant reaches 400,084 – the highest among all G99-powered smartphones in the market.

    For users who struggle between budget and gaming experience, realme 10 supports PUBG gaming at 40fps in balanced mode. It also offers an incredible standby time for PUBG gaming with up to 9.41 hours, ensuring smooth and lag-free long gaming sessions.

    Up to 16GB large dynamic RAM

    To take smooth system experience to the next level, realme 10 offers up to 8+256GB large RAM and ROM that can provide huge storage space for up to 64,000+ photos taken. Users can also expand that with up to 1TB of external storage. LPDDR4X and UFS 2.2 also outperform eMMC-featured counterparts with the snappier app launch, faster file read and write speed and a more stable framerate per second in gaming.

     

     

    realme 10 also offers up to 8GB of virtual RAM, extending the RAM storage to a maximum of 16GB, allowing up to 18 apps on standby for users to smoothly navigate between their favorite apps.

    Thanks to powerful chipset and storage support, realme 10 is the segment-only product to be certified with TÜV SÜD 36-Month fluency rating A – the highest fluency rating in this standard. realme 10 has undergone a rigorous ageing process and repeated app launch and file loading tests to ensure smooth running.

     

    5000mAh battery packed in realme’s slimmest 7.95mm body

    realme 10 offers a massive 5,000mAh battery for sufficient whole-day usage and a 33W fast charging for quick re-boost from 0 to 50% of battery in 28 minutes.

    More importantly, realme 10 packed such an extensive battery offering into a 7.95mm slim body – the slimmest realme ever offered for the global market. Moreover, the phone comes in at merely 178g weight, ensuring a comfortable holding experience even for long gaming sessions.

     

     

    Power Meets Style: Light Particle Design

    Style is always an essential element of realme phones. realme 10 features a light particle design, which took inspiration from powerful and smashing particles that travel at light speed. In addition, the product leverages 6-layers of exquisite coating to achieve a stunning glossy finish and 3D texture with fewer fingerprints. The product also offers two dynamic colour options – Clash White and Rush Black for users to match their style.

     

    50MP Color AI Camera and 16MP Selfie Camera

    realme 10 offers a solid camera offering a 50MP primary camera setting and a 16MP selfie camera – one of the highest resolutions in its segment and packing 50 million pixels into a Samsung JN1 sensor, the primary camera offering stunning imaging quality. It also provides an enhanced Night Mode with ProLight technology, largely reducing the noise, and the shutter speed is improved by 121% as well, thanks to the processor performance.

     

    50MP camera

     

    Aside from a high-resolution selfie cam and enhanced night shots, realme 10 also provides Street Photography Mode 2.0 – which features a 90s-styled pop filter and peak and zoom feature to have users manually control the zones of focus and zoom in and out freely.

     

    Night Mode

     

     

     

    User-driven Features

    realme 10 come equipped with a fan-favorite 3.5mm headphone jack and a 200% UltraBoom speaker. The UltraBoom speaker allows users to enjoy Hi-Res audio at 200% volume, perfect for immersive entertainment.

     

    On the software front, realme 10 comes in realme UI 3.0 based on Android 12. To ensure a more user-centered software experience, realme launched UI widget co-creation plan to collect users’ ideas for stylish and convenient widget designs. All users are welcome to participate via the link below and have a chance to have their idea featured in realme’s next software update:

    https://www.realme.com/global/2022realmecocreatewidget

     

    realme 10 is offered in different storage variants, 4+128GB, 6+128GB, 8+128GB, and 8+256GB. To make realme Number Series more accessible for young generations, realme also, for the first time, launched a student discount policy for realme 10. Please refer to your regional sales information for more detail.

  • Parrots Seized from Congolese Traffickers in April 2022 released to the wild

    Parrots Seized from Congolese Traffickers in April 2022 released to the wild

    World Animal Protection applauds Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre for rewilding parrots caught up in the cruel wildlife trade.

    Edith Kabesiime, the Wildlife Campaign Manager at World Animal Protection said, “We applaud Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre for doing the only right thing – of rehabilitating and releasing the birds back into the wild where they rightly belong. African grey Parrots are the most traded wildlife species to feed the inhumane pet trade industry. Their capture from the wild is torturous, painful, and disgusting to say the least.”

     

    In April 2022, 122 parrots were seized from traffickers operating near Bunagana, located at the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Acting on intelligence information received about a suspected trafficker from Kinshasha, the enforcement agencies swiftly intervened to protect the birds from the clutches of illegal wildlife trade. Three (3) were dead, and the remaining 119 were taken to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre for close monitoring and rehabilitation before being released to the wild.

    Last week, fifty-five (55) of the119 parrots were flagged off from Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre to be released to the wild at Kibale National Park in Western Uganda. This momentous rescue and release of the parrots highlights the urgent need to end wildlife trafficking and strengthen enforcement measures.

    In 2016, the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) outlawed the international trade in African Grey Parrots. However, trade is still allowed for the parrots raised in CITES registered captive facilities. Because of the complexity of wildlife crime, experts have cautioned that allowing captive breeding of CITES Appendix 1 species, offers no conservation benefits, and only fuels the poaching of wild species for breeding farms.

    “It is crucial that UWEC releases back into the wild the remaining sixty-four birds they are still holding in captivity and should never consider or encourage commercial captive breeding for the local and international pet market. Commercial wildlife breeding, legal or illegal is inherently cruel, serves no known conservation benefits and is a serious public health risk as birds and wildlife in general can be a source of dangerous zoonotic diseases.”  Said Edith Kabesiime.

     

    As World Animal Protection, we believe that African Grey parrots and all wild animals belong to the wild and nature offers the optimum conditions for them to thrive and repopulate. All we need is concerted efforts to preserve and protect their natural habitats. We call upon governments, organizations, and individuals to take immediate action and unite against wildlife crime and commercial captive wildlife breeding. It is our shared responsibility to protect our wildlife and allow them to thrive in their natural environments.

  • Baraza Media Lab to host a two day live production storytelling event

    Baraza Media Lab to host a two day live production storytelling event

    Baraza Media Lab, a leading hub for Kenya’s media practitioners, is set to revolutionize the art of storytelling with its highly anticipated two-day live production, Story Sosa.

    This groundbreaking program, created in collaboration with Catapult Agency and Gemini Pictures, promises to captivate audiences with an immersive and innovative blend of live performances, multimedia elements, and immersive experiences.

    Story Sosa represents an audacious response to the challenges facing Kenya’s journalism ecosystem, including political pressures, declining revenues, and the rapid evolution of digital and social landscapes. Baraza Media Lab aims to redefine the creative boundaries of storytelling through this extraordinary project.

    Christine Mungai, Lead Curator at Baraza Media Lab, explains, “Story Sosa is not just a solution to these complex issues but a bold endeavour to experiment with new business models and formats within the media industry.”

    Over the course of each evening, Story Sosa will showcase six meticulously curated stories akin to traditional magazine features. However, these narratives will come to life through a dynamic fusion of live performances, mesmerizing videos, captivating animations, and enchanting music. Director Mugambi Nthiga, renowned for his work in the theatre, film, and television industry, expresses his excitement, stating, “Story Sosa represents a thrilling indulgence in storytelling. Each story covers a vast range of subjects, brought to life through captivating animation and video. Our aim is to create a mesmerizing experience that will thrill and engage the audience, both live and through digital platforms.”

    The inaugural edition of Story Sosa will take place on July 22nd and 23rd, 2023, at the prestigious Louis Leakey Auditorium within the Nairobi National Museum. This iconic venue, known for its celebration of Art and culture, serves as the perfect backdrop for this unprecedented storytelling extravaganza. Tickets for Story Sosa are available for purchase exclusively on mookh.com, offering a variety of options for individuals and groups, including enticing early bird and advance offers.

    Angeline Musira, the producer of Story Sosa and the founder of Gemini Pictures, invites audiences to embark on an unforgettable journey of imagination and discovery, stating, “Story Sosa is tailor-made for those with a deep appreciation for theatre, T.E.D. Talks enthusiasts and fans of captivating YouTube explainers. This unique offering promises to captivate and engage audiences, delivering intriguing narratives that entertain and enlighten them. Prepare to have your perspectives transformed as even the most ordinary things, like monkeys or samosas, take on a whole new significance in this awe-inspiring audio-visual feast.”

    In a groundbreaking move to support storytellers, Story Sosa ensures fair compensation by providing upfront payment for their work. Additionally, the storytellers will grant a two-year license to Shahara, a renowned video-on-demand platform, allowing their stories to be monetized. This experimental approach in media business models enables storytellers to earn royalties from the generated revenue. Barrack Bukusi, Founder of Catapult Agency, emphasizes the project’s commitment to empowering storytellers and content creators within the industry.

    Don’t miss this extraordinary fusion of storytelling, technology, and live performances. We call on the Public to secure tickets to Story Sosa now and be prepared to begin a journey that will transform their understanding of the world we inhabit.

  • Bishop Thagana Celebrated as Not Just a Father But a Role Model

    Bishop Thagana Celebrated as Not Just a Father But a Role Model

    Founder Bishop of Glory Outreach Assembly His Grace Bishop David Munyiri Thagana was celebrated as an icon, leader, role model, destiny connector and even a father and a grandpa during the world Fathers Day.

    The celebrations took place at *Glory Outreach Assembly Headquarters at Kahawa Wendani.

    The humble, forthright, sharp and A Man Full of God’s Grace and Wisdom Bishop Thagana noted:

    “Such a day of Father’s day is fundamental to celebrate the toil and hardwork that our Fathers embody. It’s also a day to celebrate the good fathers who out of different circumstances are not able to celebrate such a chance.

    In Glory Outreach Assembly we empower people in order for them to embrace their duties as Fathers.

    Today we are celebrating more than *790* orphans and vulnerable children who have gone through our eight childrens homes and most of them are here to celebrate with us representing 400 others spread across the eight homes cutting across Kenya.

    We are also co-celebrating today because of the award I recently won ” The DIAR award in recognition of being a peace and cohesion champion, especially when I was preparing people ahead of the elections so that they could embrace peace , love and unity.

    It’s my appeal to all Fathers to take up their responsibility as a head of a family and a good role model to their children and provide unto them all the basic needs through practicing their fatherhood.

    Fathers should cease being forced to take up their responsibilities and this goes to “dead beat” fathers who abscond parental roles.

    The Government is keen to emphasise that by 2032, no child should either be in the street or in a home. By then all children should and must have be reintegrated in the family unit.

    So this calls for concerted efforts in empowering the communities in order for them to have the requisite capacity to handle those disadvantaged children.”

    Bishop David Munyiri Thagana is a highly respected cleric, because he is forthright, principled and leads by a good example. He is also the General Secretary of the Federation of Evangelical and indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya.

  • Bang Bet and WRC Safary Rally sign Sponsorship deal

    Bang Bet and WRC Safary Rally sign Sponsorship deal

     

     

    By Kevin Sewe.

    It was pomp and color as Gaming Company, Bang Bet announced it will sponsor two rally drivers, Gerald Maina, and John Ngugi In this year’s edition of the World Rally Championship (WRC) safari Rally that will take place in Nakuru County between the 22nd and 25th June 2023.

    Bang Bet CEO Leonardo Varese said the main aim of coming into the rally field is to ensure they tap and nurture the best local talent.

    ‘’ This is an expensive sport. So we are looking for people who are hungry and eager to drive and maybe don’t have the full resources and need a little boost. So these guys (Gerald and John) were the perfect fit for our program’’ Said Mr. Leonardo.

    Navigator John Ngugi expressed his gratitude to the Online Betting Company saying he’s hoping for a good outing when the WRC safari rally resumes Next week.

    ‘’ This motorsport game is very expensive. So we are so grateful for Bangbet for entrusting us with their brand. Ours is to show them that we are equal to the task’’ Said Ngugi

    Ngugi has since upgraded from Mitsubishi Evo 9 to Subaru Impreza N16 which was formerly owned by Don Smith and he’s aiming to better last year’s 5th place finish.

    Maina, on the other hand, will be driving a Mitsubishi Evo 9 and will be participating in the safari Rally for the First time since it was reinstated into the WRC calendar.

    ‘’Since BangBet came through, we started our preparations because we had no hope of getting a sponsor earlier. So we were excited when they came on board saying they would offer us sponsorship. Honestly, we are so happy’’. Said Maina.

    This will be the 70th edition of the World Rally Championship.

  • “We’re understaffed, give us budget to deliver our mandate” DG NEMA Mamo maintains

    “We’re understaffed, give us budget to deliver our mandate” DG NEMA Mamo maintains

    The national assembly committee on public petitions has been frequently holding public hearing across the Ukambani region has recommended suspension of National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) director general Mamo Boru Mamo over failure to address River Athi pollution.

    The committee led by Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai made the conclusion after visiting the polluted river downstream at Mwala, in public hearing exercise following a petition by residents through area legislator Vincent Musyoka.

    “We have seen the situation upstream from the polluters and now downstream to the consumers and our first recommendation as committee is that director general of NEMA has to be suspended immediately and his duties assigned to someone else with a capability of enforcing cleaning of the river so that our people stop dying of cancer everyday” said Mbai.

    Mbai observed that continuous pollution of the river will make the multi Billion Thwake Dam project meaningless.

    “Thwake Dam will become another dumpsite.” Hon. Mbai observed.

    The petitioner said that a comprehensive data collection to confirm number of cancer related deaths was long overdue. Musyoka reaffirmed that after the research the locals will attach the blame to the pollutant’s ‘demand’ financial compensation for loss of lives.

    The committee revealed that it had conducted chemical analysis of River Athi waters and revealed shocking results of contaminations with dangerous carcinogenic elements.

    “We have seen water that looks like that of a sewage, and this is what people rely on for domestic use. The Government must move swiftly to contain industrial pollution by factories upstream to save our people,” said Edith Nyenze, MP Kitui West.

    Mr. Mamo B. Mamo was appointed by the Board of Management as the Acting Director General in 2019 following the arraignment in court of the former DG where he was later confirmed as the DG.

    Mr Mamo has disputed claims of him being suspended to failure to control the pollution of River Athi.

    The DG has frequently cited the understaffed situation at NEMA the claims he has raised several times before the parliament committee and also the response authority. He has advised the authority to be given a budget to run it’s activities and run it’s mandate as stipulated in the constitution.

    “Ending pollution in river Athi requires a concerted effort involving all stakeholders working together; one entity cannot achieve it alone because of the various factors involved,” he said.