Day: April 15, 2024

KIRINYAGA – A significant legislative development occurred in Kirinyaga County as Governor Anne Waiguru signed the Kirinyaga County Transport and Parking Act, 2023 into law, marking a pivotal step towards restructuring the urban transport framework in the region. This new law aims to enhance the efficiency of public transport through the establishment of improved matatu terminals, parking spaces, footways, and road systems.

According to Kenya News Agency, where the bill was signed, the act addresses the increasing needs of the burgeoning urban population and the rising number of motorists within the county’s major towns. The legislation sets forth comprehensive management strategies for county roads, various public transport systems including taxis and motorcycle taxis, non-motorized transport, traffic, and street lighting.

In addition to creating a Directorate for County transport and a County Transport Planning Advisory Committee, the act empowers the County Executive Committee Member for Finance to set up a County Transport Management Fund. This fund is designated for the implementation of the County Transport Plan, Road Development Plan, and Non-Motorized Transport Guidelines.

The law also imposes strict regulations on public transport operators, requiring all matatus to display fare guides visibly within the vehicles to prevent overcharging. Taxicab operators are required to obtain a specific business permit, with a penalty set for non-compliance. Furthermore, motorcycle transport operators must register and operate within legally recognized groups or Saccos, each identified by a unique color code assigned by the county government.

Governor Waiguru highlighted that these measures would curb illegal practices among Public Service Vehicle operators, including the use of force or intimidation by certain Saccos. Offenders could face fines up to Sh50,000 or six months’ imprisonment. Additionally, the law prohibits the unauthorized erection of signs, advertisements, or billboards on road reserves or footways.

The introduction of these regulations replaces the Kirinyaga County Omnibus Stations and Parking Act, 2016, and aims to foster a safer, more regulated environment for both motorists and pedestrians in Kirinyaga’s towns.

Kimilili — The officer-in-charge of Bungoma Women Prisons, Chida Wafula, has urged the local community to actively support the reintegration of former prisoners. During a ceremony in Kimilili, Wafula emphasized the importance of community acceptance to help former inmates transition back into society after their release.

According to Kenya News Agency, the Department of Prisons provides convicts with guidance, counseling, and training in various technical fields to prepare them for life outside prison. These programs aim to equip them with skills for income-generating activities. Wafula highlighted these efforts while speaking at an event marking the release of Rose Nato, a 56-year-old who served a three-year term at Bungoma Women Prison. The ceremony, attended by prison staff and welfare officers, celebrated Nato’s return to her family and community.

The event saw moments of joy and ululation as Nato was welcomed back by her family and neighbors. Her husband, Wangila Nato, and other family members expressed their happiness at her return, underscoring the community’s role in supporting those who have completed their sentences. The reintroduction of former inmates like Rose Nato into society is a crucial step towards their successful reintegration and highlights the ongoing need for community involvement in this process.

KISUMU – During a pre-training workshop on Climate Change Reporting and Curriculum Development held in Kisumu County, Vihiga Governor Dr. Wilber Ottichilo emphasized the critical role of media in environmental conservation. The workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change in collaboration with the German Government through GIZ and the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG).

According to Kenya News Agency, read by Mr. Winston Atamba, the Vihiga County Director for Climate Change, media practitioners play vital roles in informing the public, acting as watchdogs, and advocating for environmental issues. He stressed the importance of using media platforms to raise awareness of climate change impacts like floods and droughts, and to promote actionable solutions rather than merely discouraging harmful practices.

The governor pointed out that deforestation and fossil fuel combustion are among the human activities that exacerbate climate change, which poses irreversible changes and unpredictable accelerations in environmental degradation. As the Chairperson of the Council of Governors on the Environment and Climate Change Committee, Dr. Ottichilo highlighted Kenya’s financial commitment to climate change mitigation, planning to self-finance 13% of the required funds while seeking external support for the remaining 87%.

The workshop aimed to equip journalists in Kisumu with the necessary skills to effectively report on climate change. Rosalia Omungo, CEO of the Kenya Editors Guild, explained that the two-day event was also intended to develop a comprehensive training curriculum to address gaps in climate change understanding among journalists. She noted past reporting errors and emphasized the curriculum’s goal to improve reporting accuracy and consistency.

Additionally, Dr. John Recha, a scientist from the International Livestock Research Institute, underscored the importance of journalists understanding basic science to simplify complex climate data for the public. He called for enhanced collaboration among media stakeholders to foster effective reporting and highlighted the media’s role in driving public education on alternative solutions to mitigate climate change.

The event was attended by news editors, journalists, scientists, academia, and officials from civil society organizations, all converging to strengthen climate change reporting ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 29) in Azerbaijan.

MIGORI – In a significant boost to local education, Migori County Governor Dr. Ochilo Ayacko announced the launch of a Sh120 million bursary fund aimed at supporting 18,624 students across secondary schools, Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions, and tertiary learning centers. The announcement came during a press conference at the governor’s official residence, just as schools are set to resume for the second term.

According to Kenya News Agency, the bursary scheme is intended to assist students from all 40 wards within the county, highlighting the administration’s dedication to education despite it not being a direct responsibility of the county government. Ayacko emphasized that providing bursaries is a moral obligation to help uplift the county’s educational standards and support the youth.

The governor also noted the transformative potential of education in society, committing to continued support for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) to nurture talent from a young age. However, Ayacko expressed concerns over financial challenges, particularly the delays in exchequer releases which have previously postponed bursary disbursements, impacting educational support in the first term.

Despite these obstacles, Ayacko assured that the bursary distribution would focus on equitable distribution, considering factors like gender balance and inclusivity. He called on the beneficiaries to approach this opportunity with diligence and gratitude, underscoring education as a key tool in breaking the cycle of poverty in Migori County.

Additionally, the governor lamented the ongoing financial constraints that hinder the hiring of more ECDE teachers and noted the suspension of the Public Service Board as an aggravating factor in the struggle to provide quality education.