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  • Woman Legislators mark 16 Days of activism against Gender based violence

    National Assembly Deputy Speaker Hon. Gladys Boss, CBS, MP and her Senate counterpart Hon. Sen. Kathuri Murungi, Deputy Speaker led Parliamentarians, development partners and other stakeholders in celebrations marking the 16 days of activitism against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

    The colourful event that was held at the Parliament Buildings to stand in solidarity with anti GBV crusaders to free the society from violence against women and girls.

    The climax of the event was the signing of a Personal Commitment by both female and male Members alongside others stakeholders to relentlessly combat the GBV in the country and beyond.

    The event whose theme was, ‘UNiTE Activism to end violence against women and girls was organized by Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) together with partners.

    While making her remarks Hon. Gladys Boss called for reforms in the Police Service as the first point of contact while handling GBV cases to be more responsive and supportive to the fight against the vice in the society.

    “The Police Service laxity in firmly dealing with perpetrators of GBV has frustrated efforts by campaigners against the vice to end it,” lamented the Uasin Gishu County MP.

    The Deputy Speaker highlighted the need to involve Police at all levels, in capacity building programmes.

    Her sentiments were echoed by fellow female colleagues led by Hon Rosah Buyu (Kisumu West), Hon MaryAnne Kitany (Aldai MP) and Hon Jane Kihara (Naivasha) among others who narrated how the police officers had frustrated their efforts to bring to book perpetrators of GBV in their constituencies and called for action.

    Legislators underscored that the war against GBV will only be won if the Police Service commits to support victims and investigate perpetrators of such crimes conclusively.

    Hon. Murungi said that there was need for the anti GBV crusaders to include men and boys in the efforts to protect them from the vice noting that most of them were suffering in silence.

    “It is now an open secret that most men and boys are being subjected to untold suffering, but they suffer in silence because they fear reporting such cases. Consider involving them in your activities,” he noted.

    He assured those present of the Senate’s support in making the country achieve zero tolerance to the vice through enacting legislation that would support the course.

    He added that empowering women to hold key leadership positions would be one of the steps towards winning the war against GBV.

    Hon. Rozaah Buyu, MP Kisumu West who spoke as a Member of Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) and on behalf of its Chairperson, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, MP Githunguri said they had made notable success in safeguarding rights of women through spearheading the realization of Family Bills which includes; Marriage Act 2014, Matrimonial Property Act 2013 and Protection Against Domestic Violence Act.

    “Other key legislations that KEWOPA has played a role in enacting includes; The Sexual offences Act 2006, The Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act and The Victims Protection Act among others,” she added.

    H.E Henriette Geigner, Ambassador of the European Union in Kenya assured all stakeholders present of his support in the efforts to alleviate Gender based violence. “GBV remains the most pervasive human rights violation around the world. We will continue to work with all stakeholders especially the State Department of Gender in dealing with the vice,” he noted.

  • Reprieve for borrowers as Zenka announces new policy to alleviate the plight of loan defaulters

    Leading digital lender Zenka Digital has announced the partial write-off of past due interests across its entire loan portfolio. The move will see a total of Ksh. 166 million in outstanding debt cleared off its books, with the beneficiaries of this new company policy being borrowers whose loans are non-performing and whose lives were severely impacted by the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “As a socially responsible lender, we routinely and thoroughly analyze prevailing market situations and act proactively and pre-emptively to contribute to the country’s economic recovery by helping our customers regain their financial balance and grow,” said Zenka country manager Duncun Motanya.

    The new Zenka approach is expected to significantly reduce the defaulters’ financial burden, thus facilitating them taking steps toward regaining their financial balance. The partial write-off is the first of the company’s significant strategic initiatives aiming to support its customers, majority of whom are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES).

    It will be accompanied by another initiative to facilitate debt repayment for Zenka’s customers, with a 3-day grace period to borrowers struggling to repay on time. No interest will be charged during the first three days past the due date and the grace period will be provided to all Zenka’s customers with no exemptions or additional costs.

    “We’ve been promoting responsible lending since the very first day in the Kenyan market. Meticulous creditworthiness assessment combined with smart financial products and flexible repayment options enabled us to open up new possibilities to millions of Kenyans and motivate them to work harder and think smarter,” Motanya added.

    The company strives to set and promote proper lending standards, thus reshaping the industry into one built on best practices in lending and consumer protection. To help customers with their loan settlement, Zenka offers them a flexible repayment program, bearing in mind that even the most deliberate customer may face unpredicted difficulties. Customers who can’t repay on the due date are encouraged to contact the lender and work out a solution that will satisfy both parties without the need for escalation.

    ‘’The highly challenging post-COVID period, resulting in massive loss of employment and closure of micro-enterprises, requires even more flexibility on the lending industry’s side,” Motanya said.

  • Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed cries foul for being denied access to his Kileleshwa residency

    Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed cries foul for being denied access to his Kileleshwa residency

    Former member of Parliament Fafi Constituency Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed is crying foul after he alleges that for the past four years while serving as a member of parliament he entered into a lease agreement with Kenya Railways for a house in Kileleshwa asset number BRN 121.

    The former legislator is crying citing claims that he has been denied access to his residence saying that the lease agreement has not expired. “The lease agreement has not expired and I fail to understand why Kenya railways have denied me access to my residence.” Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed says.

    Hon Osman asseverates that the saga is involving some senior political figures in a scheme to kick him out of the residency. The former legislator however fails to table the claims openly stating that it’s a sensitive matter. “For some unknown reasons some political figures are involved in scheming to kick me out of my Kileleshwa home.” Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed observes.

    Hon Osman is pleading with the head of the state to intervene and save the situation the legislator claims that it’s victimization due to political affiliations and the interest he has shown in vying for the Garissa Township post. “Your Excellency, I feel that am being victimized for my political interest in vying for Garissa township member of parliament and am only exercising my constitutional rights.” Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed says.

    The honorable is now claiming that the issue politically accelerated to throw him out of the hotly contested race citing the discussion of Kileleshwa as a private agreement between two people and should not involve political leaders.

    Finally, Hon Osman is urging president, Dr. William Ruto, to intervene in the matter with the respective authority to get full access to his property citing that the president is dedicated to fighting corruption in the country. “Kindly your Excellency, I beg that you take into consideration this matter and help me get full access to my home. Your Excellency, you promised that in your government you won’t tolerate corruption. I beg that you help me retain my home from these corrupt people.” Hon. Abdikhaim Osman Mohamed observed.

  • KTB APPOINTS JOHN CHIRCHIR AS ITS ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    KTB APPOINTS JOHN CHIRCHIR AS ITS ACTING CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

    KTB Chairperson Joanne Mwangi (left) and outgoing CEO Dr Betty Radier (right) during the a handover to John Chirchir (middle) who will be the acting CEO of the Board.

    Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage has appointed John Chirchir, HSC as its acting Chief Executive Officer. Chirchir replaces the outgoing CEO Dr. Betty Radier who has completed serving her full term of six years at the helm of the marketing agency.

    While announcing the changes, KTB chairperson Ms Joanne Mwangi-Yelbert termed Radier’s tenure a successful one having seen through a strong destination brand with global recognition.“Her six years in office has helped positively profile the destination globally and I strongly believe that the incoming acting CEO will build on this to take the destination to the next level,” said the chairperson.

    Dr Radier who has served for a two-year term of six years since the year 2016 lauded the industry for resilience, innovative and proactive measures to minimise the impact of the covid-19 pandemic that had threatened to erode gains in the tourism business. She has in the period overseen key programs including the evaluation and listing of the Magical Kenya Signature Experience (MKSE), leveraging partnerships as well upscaling the use of digital marketing. “I am happy that the strategies we have put in place together with the ministry of tourism and the private sector to grow tourism numbers are yielding fruits with increase in number of domestic bed nights occupancy and international arrivals, we particularly applaud the domestic market for their support” said Radier.

    John, who has been serving as the Digital Marketing Manager, has extensive knowledge on destination marketing spanning for over 20 years and has championed marketing programes in Kenya’s tourist key source markets of Europe, Emerging, Africa and the US.

    He holds a Masters Degree in Hotel and Tourism Management, Bachelor of Commerce in marketing and postgraduate Diploma in digital marketing. He has been key in KTB’s navigation of the board’s digital programs accelerated by the pandemic.

    He has been recognised for his service in the public sector and awarded The Head of State Commendation (HSC), usually given to outstanding Kenyans who selflessly render their services to the country.

  • Government Unveils National Cancer Summit 2023

    Government Unveils National Cancer Summit 2023

    The Government has unveiled the publicity for the first ever National Cancer Summit 2023, scheduled for 2nd to 4th February next year, under the theme, uniting our voices and taking action.

    Speaking while he launched the Summit, Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Wafula said cancer remains a major public health concern in the country, being the third leading cause of death in Kenya.

    In a speech read on her behalf by the Acting Director, Preventive and Promotive Services Dr. Andrew Mulwa, the CS noted that the inaugural convention on cancer control will be held alongside the global commemoration of the World Cancer Day, that is held in February each year, thus enhancing our joint advocacy efforts towards improving cancer control.

    In 2020, she said, the country reported 42,000 new cancer cases and 27,000 cancer-related deaths, adding that the top five cancers are those of the breast, cervix, prostate, esophageal and non – Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

    She elaborated that the five cancers account for nearly half (48 per cent) of the cancer burden in the country regretting that nine women die every day due to cervical cancer, while nine in every 10 persons with oesophageal cancer will succumb to the disease.

    “Currently, the majority of persons diagnosed with cancer will succumb to the disease since approximately 70 per cent of cases are diagnosed in advanced stages when cure is almost impossible. Through collaborations with County Governments, we have enhanced access to cancer screening through training of primary health workers and distribution of screening equipment to health facilities across the country,” said the CS.

    Further, Wafula stated that public funded treatment services have been enhanced through the establishment of more than ten county chemotherapy centers, three regional comprehensive cancer treatment centres in Mombasa, Nakuru & Garissa and the center of excellence in oncology at the Kenyatta University Teaching Referral and Research Hospital, where latest technologies such as molecular imaging and cyber knife treatment have been made available for all Kenyans.

    Also, she noted that through the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, her administration has envisioned a chronic disease fund that will further bolster the financing for cancer interventions and stop the capital flight due to medical tourism for cancer services.

    She expressed that The National Cancer Summit 2023 will provide an appropriate platform for stakeholders from across all sectors to, among other discussions, deliberate on the recommendations arising from the Cancer Taskforce Report, review the progress made over the last 10 years in addressing the cancer burden, identify areas of learning from successful strategies and together, formulate solutions for collective action.

    “I call upon our noble partners and well-wishers to join hands with us in making the summit a resounding success. I particularly wish to recognize Roche East Africa and the City Cancer Challenge who have already committed to partner with us through sponsoring the execution of the summit and call upon other partners to come on board,” Wafula said.

    In his remarks the Inaugural National Cancer Summit 2023 Chairperson Dr. Githinji Gitahi said it is quite unfortunate that 76 people die of cancer every day.

    He said cancer bears an immense cost to the nation as it robs us of precious lives at an unprecedented rate, majority being in their most productive age.

    In addition, Githinji noted, families suffer financial catastrophe as a result of the high costs associated with accessing comprehensive cancer care services.

    “What concerns us so much is that two out of every patient who are diagnosed die in the year of diagnosis. This is because majority of them are diagnosed at a late stage,” said Githinji adding that screening is a key role of the County Governments and it should be done early enough.

    Githinji highlighted that the National Cancer Institute (NCI) is working with the ministry of Health to establish an advisory service for cancer patients so that when someone is diagnosed with cancer and does not know where to get help locally or abroad can be advised accordingly.

    He urged cancer patients to attend the summit scheduled for 2nd-4th February2023 and be heard so as to help them get back to active economic and social participation.

  • Kenyans Urged To Screen For Diabetes

    Kenyans Urged To Screen For Diabetes

    As Kenya joined the world to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2022, Kenyans have been urged to take responsibility in the prevention of diabetes and avail themselves for screening for diabetes in all public health facilities.

    Speaking during the celebration, Acting Director, Preventive and Promotive Services Dr. Andrew Mulwa said diabetes is a serious threat to the attainment of our country’s health and economic aspirations, with more than 87 percent of Kenyans not knowing the status of their blood sugar.

    He noted that it is estimated that nearly 5 percent of Kenyans have elevated blood glucose, but only 40 percent of them are currently on treatment and follow-up.

    This year’s theme, “Access to Diabetes Care; If Not Now, When?” is informed by the fact that more than 537 million people living with diabetes globally require ongoing care and support to manage their condition and avoid complications.

    Unfortunately, Mulwa noted that this care is not always accessible and affordable calling upon the government, civil society and other stakeholders to act now to make diabetes care accessible and affordable.

    He reiterated that Diabetes is a manageable condition, and with the right treatment, persons living with diabetes can live long and productive lives free of complications.

    However, he stated that it is unacceptable that only 40 percent of those who have ever been diagnosed with diabetes are currently on medication, adding that the main danger with this scenario is that those not taking medication are predisposed to eye, kidney, heart, foot and brain complications.

    Mulwa pointed out that children, adolescents and young adults living with diabetes bear the greatest brunt of the condition, thus there was need to put more focus on this population.

    He emphasized that his Ministry and County Governments, with the support of Novo Nordisk, Roche Diabetes, Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Center and other partners, are implementing a program dubbed, “Changing Diabetes in Children” (CDiC).

    The program, Mulwa explained, aims to ensure that all Kenyans below 25 years living with diabetes access insulin, blood glucose monitoring equipment, syringes and other supplies at no cost.

    So far, Dr. Mulwa disclosed, the program has reached over 3800 children across 37 counties with an overall aim of reaching all the children living with diabetes in the country and ensuring that they live quality lives free of diabetes complications.

    He said his Ministry has also ensured that people living with diabetes are accorded priority in the COVID-19 vaccine administration.

    “COVID-19 vaccine will go a long way in the prevention of covid-19 infection and exacerbation of severe symptoms if infected. I call upon all the people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions to take up this opportunity provided for free by the Ministry and ensure that they and their family members are vaccinated,” said Mulwa.

    In order to access quality diabetes prevention, screening, diagnosis and care, the Ministry of Health has established diabetes clinics in all the county hospitals in Kenya, with 6 centres of excellence in the following sites, Kenyatta National Hospital, Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Nakuru PGH, Machakos County Referral Hospital, Coast Provincial General Hospital and Kakamega County Referral Hospital.

    The Ministry of Health has also developed guidelines and manuals such as the National Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus – 2nd edition of 2018, Competency-Based Training Curriculum on Diabetes Mellitus for health care providers and Peer Educator’s Manual.

    Further, the Ministry of Health in a partnership with Kenya Diabetes Management and Information Centre, Novo Nordisk and Roche Diabetes in a program dubbed, Changing Diabetes in Children (CDiC) has put in place provision of insulin and other supplies at no cost to all children and adolescents living with diabetes in Kenya.

    “We have formed more than 400 diabetes support groups in 25 counties across the country and plans are in place to reach all the 47 counties. I call upon all the people living with diabetes to join this movement as a way of ensuring that they provide psychosocial support to each other,” said Mulwa.

  • Idea Hive Ventures Into The East African Market

    Idea Hive Ventures Into The East African Market

    An innovative performance marketing solution agency dubbed Idea Hive East Africa, originally from Ghana, has officially been introduced into the East African market and is set to offer services like digital marketing, content development, marketing analytics, consumer and brand strategy, client services and marketing technology.

    Speaking on Tuesday during the inauguration, Idea Hive Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Yaw Dwomoh stated that the company is taking pre-eminence of the huge opportunity offered by the African market.

    “Today we mark a major milestone in our regional expansion strategy aiming to grow our footprint across the continent while offering more informed strategies to better serve our customers in these markets and we expect that marketing solutions with engagement trackers will optimize return on investment for our clients,” said Dwomoh.

    He added that Idea Hive is a performance marketing solution that leverages data, insights and technology that crafts unique and insightful brand and marketing strategies for clients.

    Idea Hive East Africa Managing Director Muriuki Murunge said he was excited to lead Idea Hive in the market mainly because he understands the dynamics marketers are facing in an evolving and competitive industry that requires unique solutions to satisfy customers’ needs.

    “Over the last seven years, the marketing firm has carved out a niche for itself in the competitive advertising industry and the new business reconfiguration will put the company on a more competitive and sustainable growth path, led by a strong team,” said Murunge.

    Idea Hive also had a panel discussion together with technology leaders (Safaricom and Opera Mini) that was centered on giving clients a world class and industry-leading performance marketing solutions.

  • Government Endorses Elimination Of Problematic Plastics

    Government Endorses Elimination Of Problematic Plastics

    The Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP) has published a list of problematic and unnecessary plastic items to be eliminated in Kenya.

    This adds to the already existing government’s plastic bag ban that came into force in 2017 and the ban on selected single-use plastic items in protected areas from June 2020.

    The priority list supports a collective plan to meet the target of phasing out problematic and unnecessary plastic items by 2030 and has been endorsed by the Government through the Ministry of Environment and Forestry and 39 Kenya Plastics Pact business members and supporters.

    The priority list is disaggregated into plastic packaging items, non-packaging plastic items and additives.

    The plastic packaging items listed include all polystyrene (PS) packaging, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) rigid packaging (including bottles), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), plastic packaging for fast foods, Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG) in rigid packaging, secondary plastic cling film on takeaway packaging.

    Others include consumer plastic multi-wrap around cans, tins, bottles, and cartons for multi-sales, PETG and PVC shrink sleeves on PET bottles, while items under non-packaging plastic are disposable plastic cutlery, disposable plastic plates and bowls, plastic straws, plastic stirrers, and plastic cotton bud sticks. Those under the plastic additives category are Oxo-degradable plastics products.

    The plastic items under the current ban in protected areas have been included, since they are problematic (have no value for collection as they are limited, cannot be recycled or are contaminated for recycling, thus end up in the environment) and unnecessary and there are alternatives already available, an indication that there could be a total ban in the near future.

    “During the 2nd Oceans Conference in Lisbon in June 2022, Kenya announced its intention to join the Global Commitment on Plastics that is spearheaded by UNEP and the Ellen McArthur Foundation.

    As an initial step, the country is expected to declare its plastics reduction targets and the government will work closely with the Kenya Plastics Pact to propose realistic targets,” said the Environment and Forestry PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo

    In a speech read on his behalf by the Director of Environmental Education and Awareness at the Ministry Dr. Ayub Macharia, the PS appealed to the producers trading with plastic items to take necessary action.

    “This is indeed an important step towards sound management and use of plastics in Kenya. I commend all members and supporters for being proactive and grabbing this opportunity for the betterment of Kenya,” he added.

    Plastic pollution is now a global crisis that demands a systems approach to combat it. Materials production and disposal, including plastics, remain a complex challenge that our generation is confronted with. It is just one part of the triple challenge of – climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution – which are existential threats to our survival as humans on our shared planet.

    The world currently produces 400 million tonnes of plastics per year, while only less than 10% is recycled. It is estimated that if the status quo is maintained, by 2050 we will have more plastic in oceans than fish. Marine organisms such as turtles, fish and seabirds, are ingesting plastic with tragic results.

    Microplastics are also building up along the food chain and this is likely to have adverse effects on humanity and biodiversity.

    According to the Kenya Plastics Pact Program Manager Ebenezer Amadi, “Phasing out problematic and unnecessary single-use plastic packaging is essential to shift our economy and community to more durable, reusable, and recyclable packaging. By tackling these problematic items, we will also reduce packaging consumption and waste, improve the economics of recycling, increase employment, lift recycling rates and help boost recycled content in packaging.”

    Furthermore, the Kenya Plastics Pact (KPP) supports the operationalization of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes under which plastics are subject. Once enacted, EPR will eliminate laggards towards the transition to a circular economy that has proven potential to activate new business models and generate job opportunities in waste management.

    On his part Macharia said, “We are excited that this initiative integrated the new developments in waste management to arrive at the four targets to be achieved by 2030, whose targets is to eliminate unnecessary or problematic single-use plastic packaging items through redesign, innovation, and reuse delivery models.”

    He added that the initiative also aims to ensure that 100% of plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable and 40 % of plastic packaging is effectively recycled.

    “The Ministry will continue to work closely with KPP to ensure progress towards a Kenya free of plastics pollution. To achieve this, we need more private sector stakeholders to join the initiative as they would benefit from scientific benchmarking to progress towards sustainable development,” emphasized Macharia.

    His sentiments were echoed by WWF-Kenya CEO Mohamed Awer who noted that the Keya Plastics Pact is an important strategy that must be pursued in parallel with other strategies such as the EPR and other legally binding and voluntary schemes to achieve a truly circular economy for plastics.

    “To ultimately achieve the reality of No Plastic in Nature, we will need all hands on deck starting with companies, policymakers, cities’ officials and the public to do their part to grow sustainable, accessible, and inclusive circular economy systems. We need to appreciate the unique challenges within the Kenya context and apply locally-led solutions to accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Kenya,” he stressed.

  • School Feeding Program To Retain Learners In Class

    School Feeding Program To Retain Learners In Class

    A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Faith Kenya Mission has embarked on a school feeding program in informal settlements and areas worst hit by drought to cushion pupils from hunger.

    The organization is distributing food to vulnerable pupils in Nairobi, Makueni and Kajiado counties in an effort to retain them in class.

    The organization’s Project Manager Monica Wakahiu said many parents are unable to provide food to their children and they subsequently go to school hungry making it hard for them to concentrate in class. This, Wakahiu added results to the learners’ dismal performance in national examinations.

    Wakahiu revealed that a properly fed pupil is able to concentrate and perform well and the school feeding program will ensure an increase in enrollment, retention and completion rate in primary schools.

    “Many parents lost their jobs during the Covid-19 period, the on-going drought in many counties has also worsened the situation as they are unable to provide food for their children. Pupils go to school hungry thus unable to concentrate in class,” said Wakahiu.

    Wakahiu added that the situation was dire especially in arid and semi-arid areas and provision of food in affected schools will improve the nutritional status of the pupils thus boosting their health.

    Gertrude Musau, Marketing Manager Faith Kenya Mission reiterated Wakahiu’s sentiments adding that the organization will continue providing food to pupils during the November to December examination period.

    Musau added that one way of ensuring that pupils stay in school was by ensuring that they are provided with food and water.

    “We are focused on improving literacy in schools through provision of books and food to pupils in vulnerable communities and providing water to communities in arid and semi-arid areas like Makueni and Kajiado,” she said.

    According to Nancy Kago, Headteacher Kibera Primary School, many pupils from informal settlements can go a day or two without a proper meal thus cannot concentrate in class and this affects their overall performance.

    Kago called on the government to re-introduce the school feeding programme to schools in vulnerable areas to ensure the pupils enroll and stay in school.

  • Medics Hold Walk To Mark World Diabetes Day

    Medics Hold Walk To Mark World Diabetes Day

    Medical staff from Chogoria Mission Hospital in collaboration with the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) held a walk at Chuka town to commemorate World Diabetes Day.

    Speaking at Chuka PCEA Church after the walk, Chogoria PCEA Mission Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elijah Mwaura said that some people in rural areas don’t undergo screening for diabetes as they believe it is a disease for the rich living in urban towns.

    “In past years, diabetes was known as a silent killer because there was no testing equipment and doctors had to test the patients’ urine to find out if the patient had diabetes, which is no longer the case as there are better test methods in many facilities for early detection of the disease,” Mwaura divulged.

    He noted that diabetes cases are on the rise  due to modern lifestyles, adding that many people refrain from early tests due to fear of a positive diagnosis. “Many people are not getting tested early enough basing their argument on the myth that what you do not know can’t kill you,” he said.

    He urged residents to get tested regularly adding that even if positive one can live along and healthy if they adhere to appropriate lifestyles.

    On his part, Dr. Cyprian Kamau from the Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK) pointed out that a third of the population with diabetes experience late diagnosis and hence lack a good healthy diet as well as exercise posing a greater risk.

    Kamau noted that diabetes is a painless disease that slowly destroys body organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes which may lead to death. He advised the public to eat right, and exercise regularly to prevent diabetes.

    Additionally, Jack Murithi, a health officer working with Tharaka Nithi County Government said that in Kenya around 460 people out of 10,000 suffer from diabetes.

    “As a county, we encourage our members to get tested so as to prevent deaths and also contain the disease. We have community health volunteers among us and they help in creating awareness on the benefits of screening for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases,” Murithi disclosed.

    Karingani ward MCA Godfrey Murithi thanked the medics for creating awareness and educating the public on the benefit of getting tested for diabetes.

    “As a County, we will collaborate with all hospitals to make sure our people get medicine. We will also come up with a bill to ensure that diabetes and other non-communicable diseases are treated at a cheaper cost,” he said.

    Murithi also urged the residents to enroll in the National Hospital Insurance fund (NHIF) so as to reduce the cost of health services.