Kilgoris Constituency Youth Center Receives Major Technological BoostNarok East Sees 23 Bars Closed in Crackdown on Illicit Brews

KILGORIS – The Kilgoris Constituency Youth Empowerment Center has been equipped with ten new computers and a Wi-Fi connection, in a significant boost provided by Julius Ole Sunkuli, the area’s Member of Parliament. The initiative aims to enhance digital and computer literacy among the local youth, enabling them to compete on a global scale.

According to Kenya News Agency, the details shared during the Constituency’s bursary launch event held at the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Grounds in Kilgoris, Sunkuli also announced the disbursement of Sh20 million as a bursary fund. “We have boosted our youth learning efforts by revamping the facility by installing ten more computers and internet connection,” Sunkuli stated, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy in today’s world.

During the same event, Sunkuli highlighted the youth’s request for the renovation of the facility and the addition of a music production studio to support those with talents in the music sector. “We have some of our youths who are talented in the music industry and they have requested for a recording studio. I have put that into consideration and we will construct a recording studio in support of their talents so that they can succeed in that space,” he remarked.

The legislator further urged parents with children who are out of school to utilize the youth center’s resources to improve their computer and digital skills. He reiterated the significance of these skills in accessing various services, including government services, in line with President William Ruto’s focus on digital literacy.

Maureen Natumoi, an ICT facilitator at the center, described the upgrade as a significant milestone for the youth, who are the primary beneficiaries of the resource center. Before the addition of the new computers, the facility operated with only six computers, making the learning process challenging. “We appreciate Sunkuli for boosting us by providing computers and internet connection in this facility. With the addition of the ten new ones, work will at least be easy,” Natumoi said.

Kevin Kosgei, a participant in the center’s computer literacy program, expressed gratitude towards the MP for his support and expressed hope for further youth-oriented developments, specifically the construction of a music production studio. “We have youths who are talented in music but they have nowhere to record their music because private studios are expensive, especially during these tough economic times,” Kosgei explained.

The enhancement of the Kilgoris Youth Empowerment Center with technology and educational resources marks a significant step towards empowering the local youth with essential skills for the digital age.

NAROK – In a significant move to combat the sale of illicit alcohol, Narok County Commissioner Reuben Lotiatia has shuttered 23 bars across Kojongá, Enoseian, and Ntulele trading centers in Narok East Sub County for operating without valid licenses. The closures were part of a comprehensive day-long operation spearheaded by the county’s top security team, resulting in the arrest of eight individuals and the seizure of over 5,000 liters of illicit brew.

According to Kenya News Agency, the operation specifically targeted ‘Litmus Bar,’ a business operating in all mentioned trading centers without the necessary licensing. The commissioner declared that these establishments would remain closed until they obtained valid licenses. He emphasized the importance of all premises selling alcoholic beverages to undergo thorough inspections, ensuring compliance with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) certification. Additionally, Lotiatia noted that alcohol-selling premises must not be located near worship centers, schools, or residential estates.

The commissioner reiterated his commitment to continuing impromptu crackdowns across the county to eradicate the sale of illicit brews to unsuspecting consumers. He stressed that no unlicensed premises would be allowed to operate beyond the crackdown, with the initiative extending to all sub-counties, wards, and villages to safeguard the community from the dangers of illicit brewing.

Village elders, participating in the exercise, expressed their gratitude towards the government’s efforts to close down notorious bars dealing in counterfeit drinks. Patrick Turuko, a village elder from Kojongá, highlighted the negative impact of these establishments on local youth, who neglect farming for time spent in drinking dens, thereby affecting the area’s economy. Another elder, Peter Kaingil, called for severe punishment for those arrested to serve as a deterrent to others engaged in illegal alcohol trade. Ms. Mary Nasieku urged residents to support local authorities in identifying and reporting illegal drinking dens, advocating for those involved in brewing to seek legitimate employment avenues instead.