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Category: TRENDING

  • Quitting Cigarettes is Primary Motive of Vape and Pouch Users, Survey Show

    Most Kenyans who use vapes or nicotine pouches do so for health-related reasons, primarily to quit smoking deadly cigarettes, according to a major new survey unveiled on World No Tobacco Day.

    If these safer alternatives were banned, almost half of users say they would go back to cigarettes and some would even end up smoking more often, the poll reveals.

    Almost nine out of 10 believe that the Ministry of Health’s proposed graphic health warnings for vapes and pouches are misleading and will deter smokers from switching to safer alternatives, it concludes.

    “These results show that vapes and nicotine pouches offer smokers their most effective escape route away from the cigarettes that will otherwise kill them,” said Joseph Magero, chairman of the Campaign for Safer Alternatives (CASA), which conducted the survey.

    “To restrict access to these products would deny smokers their best chance of quitting and would unnecessarily condemn them to premature death or disease. Instead of trying to scare smokers from switching to these safer alternatives, authorities should be trying to reduce the deadly toll of tobacco through evidence-based policymaking and risk-proportionate regulation.”

    More than 300 Kenyan adults were questioned for the survey. Key findings include:

    •  64% of respondents have quit cigarettes or reduced the amount they smoke as a result of using vapes or nicotine pouches.
    • Five out of six users of nicotine pouches or vapes believe that proposed graphic health warnings (GHWs) for these products are misleading and would deter smokers from switching away from deadly cigarettes.
    • 58% or respondents believe that pouches are the best tool for quitting cigarettes, ahead of vapes (28%), health warnings (5%) and sin taxes (3%).
    •  If vape or pouches were banned, less than one in four users intends to give them up.
    • Most believe they will be able to find the products on the black market, while almost half are likely to go back to smoking cigarettes if a ban was implemented.

    “The survey shows that users of vapes and pouches were SIX TIMES more successful at giving up cigarettes than those who tried to quit ‘cold turkey’,” Magero said. “There could not be a more powerful message on World No Tobacco Day: if we want to save people from cigarettes, we need to ensure that safer alternatives are accessible, acceptable and affordable to adult smokers.

    “The Ministry of Health must listen to the voice of smokers who are desperate to quit: for the millions of Kenyans who smoke, vapes and nicotine pouches offer a lifeline they never had before.”

    Campaign for Safer Alternatives is an international Pan-African non-governmental organisation dedicated to achieving 100% smoke-free environments in Africa. It is the unifying voice for consumer organisations advocating for tobacco harm reduction in Africa, promoting discussion and the exchange of information and potential actions to reduce exposure to tobacco-related harm.
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  • “Nyakera Advocates for Agricultural Reform and Economic Focus in High-Level Meetings”

    “Nyakera Advocates for Agricultural Reform and Economic Focus in High-Level Meetings”

    As the government embarks on a series of initiatives to improve the lives of Kenyans, the Chairman of KEMSA, Irungu Nyakera, met with KRA Commissioner General Humphrey Wattanga to discuss the tax implications on health products, technologies, and agriculture.

    Nyakera stated, “We agreed to follow up with specific proposals for consideration and action.” He emphasized the importance of agriculture, describing it as the backbone of Kenya’s economy: “The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, contributing approximately 33 percent of Kenya’s GDP and employing more than 40% of the total population and 70% of the rural population. Let’s protect our farmers and help them build sustainable livelihoods.”

    Nyakera also extended his discussions to Eliud N. Kinuthia, Chairperson of the National Police Service Commission, to address regional and national issues concerning farmers.

    Furthermore, Nyakera expressed gratitude towards the President for his recent announcement to write off KES 6 billion in coffee farmer debts and increase the coffee cherry fund by KES 2 billion. “This move will greatly support the ongoing coffee reforms, aimed at expanding cultivation acreage and enhancing farmer revenues. It will also help revitalize the coffee farming sector, which has been in decline for years.”

    Nyakera urged politicians from Mt. Kenya to focus on development agendas rather than political disputes. “I beseech politicians from Mt. Kenya to concentrate on agendas that directly impact the livelihoods of their constituents, rather than engaging in daily bickering and politicking. For now, let’s review the Finance Bill and its implications for the common man and bring relevant debates to the house.”

  • 22 Year-Old Fridah Ndinda wins Gold Award in the concluded Tujiamini Initiative Eastern Region.

    22 Year-Old Fridah Ndinda wins Gold Award in the concluded Tujiamini Initiative Eastern Region.

    Fridah Ndinda, a young female athlete currently scaling new heights in her budding running career is the Gold Winner in the ongoing Tujiamini Initiative, powered by SportPesa.

    Ndinda, the first female to win the Tujiamini Gold Award was unveiled in Machakos County and walks away with a Ksh 500,000 cash prize alongside other benefits such as training kits and mentorship in recognition and support of her talent towards becoming a top-flight athlete.

    Ndinda made headlines in international sports as the first Kenyan female to come second in the 10km Gqeberha marathon in South Africa in 2023. With ambitions to take the podium again in key races later in the year including the 10KM Nairobi City (Xpressway) Marathon, slated for July 7 th 2024, Ndinda already has her eyes set on participation in the Diamond League next year, intent on sealing a slot in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.

    Coming from a humble background, Ndinda was educated through well-wishers, a situation that she says is her biggest motivation. Her aim is to use sports as a stepping stone to uplift her family’s fortunes given the many challenges she has had to overcome in her life and athletics journey.

    However since being introduced to her current coach and mentor, William Korir, Ndinda has excelled against odds. Despite struggling with insufficient funding, lack of quality training gear, access to a gym or rubber tracks for speed work, she has triumphed in the races she has participated in, an indication of her determination to grow and rake in the medals.

    “Within the first four months of my training in the year 2022, I qualified for the National 5,000M Olympic trials where I finished eighth. A week later, I ran in the 10KM category in the Nairobi City Marathon in 2022 coming in third place. In July, I also took third place in the Durban 10KM road race and emerged ninth in the Single loop half marathon in October”, said Ndinda.

    Speaking at the event, SportPesa Representative Deborah Chepkirui, said the Tujiamini Initiative was particularly designed for young sportswomen and men in the grassroots with the intention to support and shine a light on promising but yet unknown careers such as Ndinda’s.

    “A lot of people at the grassroots are struggling because they lack the facilities to get to the top tier levels in their speciality areas. Tujiamini aims to change that by according them the necessary support to advance their sporting dreams,”she said.

    Ndinda’s coach, William Korir, expressed gratitude for the Tujiamini Initiative’s support saying it will go a long way in preparing Ndinda in her competitive races for the rest of the year where she aims to improve her best time and global ranking.

    Storm Trentham, the Director, DBA Africa, a sports management agency that has partnered with SportPesa in the Tujiamini Initiative noted that the programme aims to reach every young talent in the grassroots across the country intent on identifying and empowering the next crop of Kenya’s sporting stars.

    “In order to build talents to elite levels, we need to have academies and sporting programmes at the grassroots and that is where Tujiamini comes in. The initiative aims to achieve a big impact whether on an individual basis or within the local community by keeping individuals engaged in self development through their talents.” said

    Trentham who encouraged women to apply and nominate each other for the Tujiamini Initiative that now moves to the North Rift region.

  • ABSA bank Kenya in partnership to train 30,000 women entrepreneurs in the western region

    ABSA bank Kenya in partnership to train 30,000 women entrepreneurs in the western region

    Kakamega County First Lady Janet Barasa, President's Women Rights Advisor, Harriette Chiggai, Absa Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna and Africa Guarantee Fund Head of Risk Joshua Obengele, during launch of a Women's Economic Empowerment and Investment Curriculum.
    Kakamega County First Lady Janet Barasa, President’s Women Rights Advisor Harriette Chiggai, Absa Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna, and Africa Guarantee Fund Head of Risk Joshua Obengele, during the the launch of a Women’s Economic Empowerment and Investment Curriculum.

    Absa Bank Kenya, in partnership with the Executive Office of the President, through the offices of the Women’s Rights Advisor and Africa Guarantee Fund (AGF), has today launched a Women’s Economic Empowerment and Investment Curriculum dubbed the Empower Her County Program to empower at least 30,000 women-led micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across Kakamega, Bungoma, and Vihiga counties.

    This program seeks to address gender-based disparities and overcome economic challenges women entrepreneurs face to advance entrepreneurship by providing them with the tools and resources needed to upskill their businesses, promote resilience, and thrive in today’s competitive business environment. In addition, the curriculum will offer the ‘Start and Improve Our Business (SIYB) module, one of the largest global business management training programs developed by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

    Addressing the business community at the launch event held at Masinde Muliro University, the President’s Women Rights Advisor, Hon. Harriette Chiggai, said, “The launch of the Empower Her County Programme is a demonstration of the need to support women-led MSMEs. This is why my office is partnering with private-sector entities to curate programs that can reach women at the grassroots, and the main reason why His Excellency the President created the office of the Women’s Rights Advisor is to show his commitment to every Kenyan woman and girl.

    The program includes training on business registration, taxation, marketing, savings and investment, budgeting and financial planning, bookkeeping, digitization of businesses,  market linkages beyond counties, and cross-border training.

    On her part, Absa Bank Business Banking Director Elizabeth Wasunna-Ochwa said

    “Closing the gender gap through economic empowerment is key to achieving our Sustainable Development Goals as a nation. When more women are empowered to create wealth, economies grow. This program resonates with our corporate purpose to empower Africa’s tomorrow together, one story at a time, and is in line with our commitment to empowering over one million women entrepreneurs by 2025 by providing them with access to market information, markets for their products and services, coaching and mentorship, and business networks, as well as providing the capital required to scale their businesses to the next level.”

    According to a 2018 report by the International Labour Organization, nearly 60 percent of women’s employment globally is in the informal economy. In low-income countries, it is more than 90 percent. Women constitute over 60 percent of the 74 percent of Kenyans living in rural areas, where poverty levels remain high. The Women’s Empowerment Index 2020 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics implies that the empowerment rate of women in urban areas is 40 percent, nearly double the rate of empowered women in rural areas, at 22 percent over the same year, signifying the need for empowerment of women, especially at the county level.

    This financial literacy program, which is set to be rolled out in all 47 counties, aims to increase economic participation and entrepreneurship among 70% of women and improve financial literacy and management skills for 90% of women, including increasing their knowledge and uptake of the available government and private sector funding.

  • Sports Committee Urged to Increase Allowances for Team Kenya at Paris Olympics

    Sports Committee Urged to Increase Allowances for Team Kenya at Paris Olympics

    Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and Committee Chairperson National Assembly Sports and Culture
    Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West) and Committee Chairperson, National Assembly Sports and Culture

    The National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK) has petitioned a House Committee to push for increased allowances for Team Kenya ahead of the Olympics to be held in Paris, France.

    Team Kenya is scheduled to take part in the Olympics that are slated for July 26th to August 11th this year.

    NOCK officials, led by their president, Dr. Paul Tergat, told the Sports and Culture Committee that the current allowances are too little and should be reviewed.

    Speaking when they appeared before the committee meeting chaired by Hon. Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), NOCK Secretary General Mr. Francis Mutuku said players were paid Kshs. 26,000 while officials received Kshs. 39,000.

    “We urge the Committee to consider pushing for the increment of training allowances for players who are currently paid Kshs. 1,000 per day,” said Mr. Mutuku.

    In his response, Hon. Wanyama, who concurred with NOCK, asked the organisation to prepare a proposal of the new allowance rates and submit it to the Committee for action.

    Regarding the status of preparedness ahead of the competition, Mr. Tergat said: “Proper systems have been put in place to ensure the successful preparation of Team Kenya that will fly our flag in Paris. This season, the team will prepare better than before,” he added.

    Mr. Mutuku said that NOCK had secured a training camp in Miramas, France, where the team will be expected to train before traveling to Paris.

    “We have partnered with Miramas City to host the team for free. We will benefit from technical support from French coaches. The camp will provide a good final kick-off for Team Kenya before departing for Paris,” he added.

    He noted that the team will arrive at the camp on July 1st and depart five days before the Olympic Games kick-off.

    Mr. Mutuku further told the committee that 10,600 athletes will represent the country during the Olympics.

    “Athletics is the country’s main menu at the Olympics, but we will have other teams like rugby’s Shujaa and women’s volleyball team Malaika Strikers, boxing, and tennis, among others,” he added.

    He added that NOCK has also partnered with Deloitte to provide risk advisory services.

    “Kenya’s reputation was dented following the Tokyo Olympics fiasco. We have brought in Deloitte to deal with the reputation risk,” he added.

    He added that Team Kenya’s kits were designed by a Kenyan, noting that the kits will be ready in three weeks.

    He added, “NOCK has made plans to assist players in securing visas and air tickets on time.”

    Tergat said NOCK’s focus was on the preparations of Team Kenya, and they have directed all available resources at their disposal to achieve this goal.

    “Performance is a reflection of preparation, and that is why we are doing everything to ensure Team Kenya is in good form and in shape to win more medals,” he added.

    The Committee expressed its satisfaction with the level of preparedness by NOCK for Team Kenya.

    “We are satisfied with the plans put in place to ensure the team prepares adequately. The Committee will provide the necessary support you need,” said Hon. Wanyama.

    The Committee also met sports, arts, and social development officials led by their CEO, Mr. Ibrahim Nuh, to assess their success stories and challenges.

  • Six entrepreneurs from West, East and Central Africa to receive seed funding to advance food security across the continent

    The Pamoja Founders Project, a collaborative regional leadership development program by IREX, the PepsiCo Foundation, PepsiCo and D-Prize, has revealed 12 exceptional young entrepreneurs leading ventures that strengthen sustainable food systems across six African nations: Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

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  • Reproductive Health Stakeholders Call for Measures to Combat the Triple Threat in Nairobi City County

    During the Reproductive Health Stakeholders Meeting at Radisson Blu Hotel

    Reproductive Health Stakeholders convened in Nairobi on Friday 24th May 2024 to discuss the triple threat in the County.

    The event brought together the Ministry of Health representatives, health sector leadership from Nairobi County, criminal justice actors, county leadership, Ministry of Interior and Coordination, Ministry of Education, health care providers, and civil society

    The overlapping challenge of new HIV infections, adolescent pregnancies, and sexual and gender-based violence among young people impede Kenya’s progress toward achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals.

    Sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) are fundamental components of the response to address the triple threat. They encompass a range of issues, including family planning, maternal
    health, access to safe abortion, and prevention of sexually transmitted infections.

    In Kenya, like many other countries, the legal, policy, and administrative landscape
    concerning SRHR is complex and rapidly evolving.

    The efforts are to promote a better understanding of the current situation in Kenya, foster collaboration, and stronger engagement, key stakeholders are invited including the Nairobi City County health department, the national Ministry of Health as coordinated by the Center for Reproductive Rights (CRR) and the Reproductive Health Network Kenya (RHNK).
    organizations, all of whom play pivotal roles in SRHR. Each organization represented
    will spoke its experience and lessons learned in combatting the triple threat.

    The Ministry of Health addressed health needs in the country and offered guidance to the counties, which will speak to the policy direction and support accorded to the counties to combat the triple threat.

  • Coca-Cola Unveils Nationwide Promotion Offering Over 2 million Kenyans a Chance to Win Cash

    During the launch

    CocaCola Company will be rewarding over two million winners with a total of Ksh.163 million up for grabs, the campaign promises to make a real difference for Kenyans across the country.

    Coca-Cola has launched a new national promotion dubbed “Kachingching na Coke”, which offers consumers the chance to win millions in cash prizes. With over two million winners and a whopping KSH 163 million up for grabs, this campaign promises to make a real difference for Kenyans across the country.

    “Kachingching na Coke” is part of Coca-Cola’s continued promise to bring exciting campaigns and promotions to Kenyan consumers. The 13-week campaign, kicking off May 20th, 2024, underscores this ambition by offering every Kenyan a chance to be a winner.

    “At Coca-Cola, we have consistently strived to create magical experiences for our consumers,” said Monique Katana, Coca-Cola Kenya Frontline Marketing Director. “From the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, Coke Studio™ or Christmas, we have brought joy and happiness closer to Kenyans through our brands. This year, again we are bringing the Coca-Cola magic by rewarding over 2 million Kenyans with a record-breaking KSH 163 million in prizes,” she adds.

    The “Kachingching na Coke” promotion offers instant daily cash prizes ranging from KSH 50 to KSH 10,000 delivered straight to your mobile money wallet. Plus, there is a chance to win the life-changing weekly grand prize of KSH 1 million for 13 weeks.
    To participate, simply purchase any Coca-Cola beverage in a 200ml, 300ml, or 500ml returnable glass bottle. Look under the crown for a unique code, then SMS the code for free to 40111 and stand a chance to win. The participating promotion packs include the various brands, including Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, Krest, Stoney, and Schweppes.
    “For 138 years, Coca-Cola has lived by one purpose, to refresh the world and make a difference. In Kenya, we have shared this purpose with our consumers for over 75 years,” said Isabelle Kariuki-Rostom, Senior Marketing Director, Coca-Cola East, and Central Africa Franchise.

    “This campaign is our way of showing that we are here to support and uplift the Kenyan people. Whether it is taking a refreshing break during a busy day or catching up with friends over a cold Coca-Cola, our beverages are moments of refreshment, connection, and with this campaign the joy of being a winner.” she concludes.

    The nationwide “Kachingching na Coke” campaign is open to all Kenyans above the age of 18.

    The CocaCola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes CocaCola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

  • CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW HOMABAY COUNTY HEADQUARTERS APPROVED BY NLC

    During the Handling over of consent to lease land by Homabay County.

    The National Land Commission (NLC)has approved the land lease request by the County Government of Homabay for the development of the new Homabay County Headquarters.

    This critical step paves the way for the construction of a modern and efficient facility that will serve the people of Homabay for the years to come.The county has leased the land to the CPF Group which will develop the project through a financing model, the tenant purchase scheme that allows for flexible and long-term financial support. This project has been made possible by the Homa Bay County Infrastructure Act that was passed at the County Assembly to provide a framework for partnerships with private and public entities to finance County priority infrastructure.

    “We are delighted to present the lease approval to the County Government of Homabay,” Said the National Land Commission Chair, Mr. Gershom Otachi.

    “Homa Bay has set the way for ensuring compliance with the law on strategic utilization of land to attract long-term investment. NLC stands ready to facilitate similar transactions for other County Governments.”
    “We thank the National Land Commission and Homabay County for facilitating this transaction and making the project attractive for potential investors. We are excited to be pioneers of a transaction engagement of this kind that leverages innovative financing models like the tenant purchase scheme for public infrastructure projects,” said CPF Group Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Hosea Kili.

    “This achievement represents a significant landmark for us as a county, we are grateful to the National Land Commission for expediting this process. We are also proud to partner with CPF Group, which has demonstrated its confidence in our county’s financial standing. The new headquarters will serve as a cornerstone for enhanced innovation, productivity, and service delivery for all residents of Homabay.” said the Homabay County Governor, H. E Gladys Wanga.

    The construction of the Homabay County Headquarters is a significant step towards a brighter future for the county. This project will not only provide a modern and efficient workspace for county government officials, but it will also serve as a symbol of progress and development for the entire region.

    Established under Article 67 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, the National Land Commission (NLC) is pivotal in the transformation of land administration and management in Kenya. As an independent public body, NLC’s overarching mandate includes securing and managing public land and exercising oversight over all land use across the nation for the benefit of all Kenyans.

    The NLC was operationalized through significant legislative frameworks including the National Land Commission Act, 2012; the Land Act, 2012; and the Land Registration Act, 2012. These acts collectively empower the Commission, placing it strategically at the apex of land and environmental management as stipulated in Chapter Five of the Constitution. The Supreme Court’s Advisory No 2 of 2014 further reinforces NLC’s role, emphasizing its consultative, advisory, and safeguard-oriented functions, particularly in addressing land grievances.

     

  • Sironga Girls National School on the Spot over alleged mistreatment

    Sironga Girls National School on the Spot over alleged mistreatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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