Day: March 10, 2024

KIAMBUI COUNTY – In a significant move toward achieving gender parity and inclusivity, the Kiambu County Government, under the leadership of Governor Kimani Wamatangi, is making strides in incorporating women into key leadership positions across all levels of governance. This effort was highlighted during the commemoration of International Women’s Day, where the Governor emphasized the critical role women play in bringing about positive change within the workforce, families, and society at large, especially during challenging times.

According to Kenya News Agency, the theme for this year’s celebration, ‘Invest in Her: Accelerate Progress,’ underscores the belief that everyone has the potential to be a catalyst for change by promoting gender equality and inclusivity. The Governor pointed out that women are not just filling positions as tokens but are serving as deserving leaders within his administration, from the Deputy Governor to county executive committee members and department heads.

During the event, Rachel Kagoiya, the Executive Director of Groots Kenya, appealed to the Governor to support women in the community by funding and investing in the Groots Kenya Champions Model. This model emphasizes the importance of recognizing the urgency and voices of women, who often understand the challenges they face and hold the solutions. Kagoiya highlighted the model’s proven track record over the past 29 years, advocating for its implementation in Kiambu County to further empower women.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day aligns with Kenya’s national development agenda and Vision 2030’s social pillar, which aims to create a just and cohesive society with equitable social development by investing in people. It also complements the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), recognizing the importance of women’s economic empowerment in achieving equitable development. BETA supports women through access to finance, markets, skills development, and entrepreneurship opportunities.

The event saw participation from key figures, including the Department of Education, Gender, Culture and Social Services County Executive Committee Member Ms. Nancy Gichung’wa, Chief Officer of Vocational Training and Social Services Ms. Emily Nkoroi, County Commissioner Dancun Darusi, and other officials, partners, and Members of the County Assembly, highlighting the collective effort toward gender inclusivity and empowerment in Kiambu County.

OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – The community of Abdoul Services Saaba 2 city expressed their gratitude to the Burkinabe authorities, particularly Minister Bassolma Bazié, for initiating the electrification of their living environment. This announcement was made during a celebration by the Association of Solidarity Residents of the Abdoul Service Saaba 2 city, which also highlighted the themes of unity, cohesion, and sharing. The event marked the commencement of a long-awaited project to bring electricity to the area, a significant step forward for the residents.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Abou Ouattara, the project has been contracted to a private company, PPI, and is expected to be completed within eight months. Ouattara assured residents that the electrification would be extensive enough for every household to have its own power meter. The secretary general of Residents in Solidarity, Mady Sawadogo, celebrated the transition from an improved non-loti to a full housing estate, reflecting on the past challenges where residents feared returning home after 6 p.m. due to safety concerns.

Yssouf Ouédraogo, the president of the Association, extended special thanks to Minister Bassolma Bazié for his pivotal role in revitalizing the project at a crucial time. The minister’s representative, Pama Séni, committed to regular site visits and reporting back to the authorities, while urging community members to stay united. The initiative has also received blessings from local traditional chiefs and notables, who wished for ongoing improvements in the residents’ living conditions.

Additionally, the Association of Solidarity Residents submitted a memorandum to the authorities, outlining further needs for the community, including road, educational, health, and sanitation infrastructure, as well as the construction of a police station and the provision of social amenities like a library, sports field, and recreational areas. Kassoum Kaboré, the prefect-president of the special Saaba delegation, acknowledged these requests and announced plans to inaugurate a CSPS (Health and Social Promotion Center) to enhance the area’s health services shortly.

To conclude the event, the Association of Solidarity Residents of the Abdoul Service Saaba 2 city awarded certificates of recognition to those who contribute daily to improving the community’s living conditions and fostering social cohesion.

Kwale County – Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde has announced a comprehensive strategy to combat the poaching of Sable antelopes and halt the illegal wildlife trade in Shimba Hills National Reserve. Home to the critically endangered Sable antelope, the reserve is a unique ecosystem within Kwale County, encompassing parts of Shimba Hills and Matuga sub-counties and standing as one of the largest coastal forests in East Africa.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Sable antelope population is under severe threat from poaching, habitat loss, predation, and inbreeding, which have led to a drastic decline in their numbers. The Sable antelope, known for its impressive ringed horns and striking appearance, is a vital part of the reserve’s biodiversity but has seen its numbers fall from 265 in 1960 to just 56 in the 2023 wildlife census.

Orinde emphasized the critical importance of preserving wildlife for the sake of tourism revenue and the moral obligation to prevent species extinction. He called for enhanced patrols by Kenya Wildlife Service wardens in known poaching hotspots and highlighted the launch of the second edition of the recovery and action plan for the Sable Antelope (2022-2031), a collaborative effort between KWS, conservation partners, and stakeholders. The plan aims to preserve and restore habitats, strengthen anti-poaching efforts, promote sustainable land use, and actively involve local communities in conservation.

Addressing the challenge of human-wildlife conflict, which poses a significant threat to both conservation efforts and community safety, Orinde urged all community members to join in the protection of the Sable antelope. Chiefs and their assistants in the affected sub-counties have been directed to engage with local communities to halt illegal wildlife activities, raise awareness about conservation, and promote sustainable practices.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani underscored the need for the benefits of wildlife conservation to be felt by local communities, advocating for enhanced collaboration between conservation organizations, national authorities, and local residents to reverse the trend of poaching. She stressed the importance of maintaining good relations between KWS personnel and communities living near parks and reserves, and outlined county plans to implement mitigation measures like constructing dams, pans, and boreholes to address human-wildlife conflict exacerbated by climate change and population growth.

KITUI – A consortium of leaders in Kitui County has voiced serious concerns over the rising instances of gender-based violence (GBV) targeting women and underage girls, marking a distressing trend in the region.

According to Kenya News Agency, statements made at the International Women’s Day ceremony at Nguutani trading center in Mwingi West constituency, presided over by Governor Dr. Julius Malombe, Members of Parliament Charles Nguna (Mwingi West) and Gideon Mulyungi (Mwingi Central), county woman representative Irene Kasalu, and nominated Senator Beth Syengo collectively urged for concerted efforts among leaders, GBV activists, and security agencies to devise effective strategies to combat this menace.

The call to action was underscored by the recent brutal murders of two women in separate incidents, further highlighting the urgent need for protective measures for the vulnerable. Kasalu detailed the harrowing crimes, including a form three student from Mutha ward in Kitui South constituency who was sexually abused and killed, and another woman from Kiomo-Kyaithani Ward in Mwingi West constituency whose murder is suspected to arise from a family dispute.

Furthermore, the woman representative condemned the sexual abuse of two primary school sisters in Ikanga ward in Kitui South constituency, stressing that gender-based violence affects not only girls but boys as well, with reports of male children being sodomized. The county’s top security official, Commissioner Jipchumba Rutto, assured the public of the government’s commitment to tackling GBV, promising stern action against perpetrators and enhanced security measures to protect the community.

Governor Malombe highlighted the county government’s ongoing efforts to empower women and reduce their vulnerability to GBV. Among the initiatives mentioned were the attainment of the two-thirds gender rule in county employment, the development of water and health infrastructure to lessen the burdens on women and girls, and the promotion of women’s roles in agriculture through the provision of irrigation infrastructure and agricultural machinery to local groups.

The county’s leadership is taking a multi-faceted approach to address the scourge of gender-based violence, emphasizing the empowerment of women and girls as a cornerstone of their strategy. These efforts are aimed at not only providing immediate protection and support to GBV victims but also at fostering an environment where women can thrive economically and socially, free from the threat of violence.

ITEN – In a remarkable display of stamina and speed, Kevin Kibet emerged victorious in the men’s category of the first-ever Iten Trail Run, covering 25 kilometers in 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 19 seconds. On the women’s side, Gladys Kemboi secured the top spot, completing the race in 2 hours, 10 minutes, and 40 seconds. The event took place in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County, renowned for its production of world-class long-distance runners.

According to Kenya News Agency, the competition was fierce, with Kipsang Cheboi and Sammy Rotich finishing closely behind Kibet, clocking in at 1:47:27 and 1:47:41, respectively. In the women’s race, Caroline Cheptanui and Joan Kigen claimed the second and third spots with times of 2:13:54 and 2:14:04, respectively.

The athletes expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to compete in the Iten Trail Run, viewing it as an excellent preparation for future races. The event rewarded its top finishers generously, with the winners in both the male and female categories receiving Sh100,000 each, while the runners-up received Sh60,000, and those in third place were awarded Sh50,000.

Dubois announced plans to make the Iten Trail Run an annual fixture in the county’s calendar, highlighting Iten’s legacy in distance running. The Deputy Governor of Elgeyo Marakwet County, Prof. Grace Cheserek, extended her congratulations to the winners and urged athletes to maintain clean sportsmanship by avoiding performance-enhancing drugs. This sentiment was reinforced by Purity Koima, the Sports County Executive Committee member, who emphasized the importance of fair play and integrity in sports.

Koima further noted that the Iten Trail Run is not only a celebration of competitive spirit but also acts as a platform for promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a culture of excellence in athletics within the region. With its successful debut, the Iten Trail Run is set to become a key event in Kenya’s running calendar, attracting talent from across the nation and beyond.

MOMBASA – In a tightly contested FKF Kenya Premier League (KPL) match at the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club on Saturday, Bandari FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Gor Mahia, marking a memorable farewell to their home grounds before it undergoes renovations. Fidel Origa was the hero of the day, scoring the only goal of the match in the 38th minute, assisted by Nahimana Shasshiri’s precise pass, to hand Gor Mahia their second defeat of the season.

According to Kenya News Agency, the win was particularly significant as it not only brought the point gap between Gor Mahia, the league leaders, and Bandari down to seven points but also kept the title race wide open. Baraza lauded his team’s effort against a formidable opponent and expressed his gratitude towards the fans for their unwavering support. He highlighted the emotional weight of the occasion, as the match served as a send-off for the KPA Mbaraki Sports Club, which will be closed for a six-month renovation project costing over Sh300 million.

Despite the loss, Gor Mahia’s coach, Johnathan McKinstry, praised his team’s performance, noting their effective execution of the game plan and their ability to maintain pressure on Bandari. McKinstry pointed out the missed scoring opportunities as a crucial difference in the outcome but remained optimistic about his team’s prospects for retaining the title. He emphasized the importance of looking ahead, reminding that the championship is decided in May, not March, and expressed confidence in their continued contention for the league title.

The match was not just a battle for points but also an emotional moment for Bandari FC and its fans, as it marked the last game at their historic home stadium before it temporarily shuts its doors for upgrades. The renovation is set to enhance the facility but will temporarily deprive the team of the direct support of their local fans in Mombasa.

NAIROBI – In a move to support vulnerable Muslim families during the month of Ramadhan, the government has initiated the distribution of foodstuff valued at over Sh124.5 million across 19 counties. This initiative, led by the State Department for Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and Regional Development, is aimed at ensuring that needy members of the Muslim community can partake in the fasting season with less hardship.

According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution was authorized by President William Ruto to guarantee that vulnerable Muslim households have access to nutritious meals throughout the holy month, irrespective of their economic status. The food package includes 240 tons of rice, 600 tons of beans, 190 cartons of vegetable oil, 28 boxes of sardines, 190 bales of pasta, and 95 cartons of corned beef. The counties benefitting from this program include Marsabit, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Mombasa, Lamu, Nakuru, Baringo, Isiolo, Kitui, Nyeri, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, and Nairobi.

Mr. Harsama, who personally oversaw the delivery of the consignment for Marsabit at the Sololo Sub-County headquarters, emphasized that this initiative not only supports religious observance but also alleviates financial burdens on the less fortunate. Marsabit County’s allocation consists of 16 tons of rice, 40 tons of beans, 10 bales of pasta, 10 cartons of corned beef, and 10 cartons of edible oil.

Accompanied by area Deputy County Commissioner Robert Nzuki, Harsama highlighted that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to promoting social inclusion and unity among Kenyans. He remarked that the President’s gesture demonstrates the government’s dedication to fairness and empathy for Kenyans in need.

The distribution of the food commodities to beneficiaries is being coordinated by county commissioners in consultation with Muslim leadership in the targeted counties. The Principal Secretary urged the administrators to ensure that the donations are equitably distributed to deserving cases and in a timely manner.