Kenya Adopts Accrual Accounting to Tackle Mounting Government BillsMigori County Intensifies Crackdown on Illicit Alcohol and Drug TradeKenya Establishes New Police Unit to Combat Illegal MiningMombasa Journalists Encouraged to Leverage Technology for Sustainable CareersMagonya CBO Supports Education with Donation to Kisumu Girls’ School

NAIROBI, Kenya – In response to the escalating issue of unpaid bills, the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) has announced a strategic shift to the accrual accounting system for both national and county governments. This move, endorsed by the Cabinet, is expected to address the longstanding challenge of pending payments that have significantly impacted various government sectors and small businesses.

According to Kenya News Agency, the transition to accrual accounting marks a crucial step toward rectifying the current financial reporting system’s deficiencies, which have contributed to the accumulation of pending bills. Unlike the traditional cash-based approach, the accrual system recognizes transactions at the time they occur, providing a more accurate financial picture and facilitating better management of public resources.

The shift aims to improve transparency and accountability within government financial practices by including all liabilities, such as outstanding bills, on balance sheets. This method is anticipated to enhance the process of recording, verifying, and settling financial obligations, thereby benefiting various stakeholders, including contractors and small business owners affected by payment delays.

During a recent sensitization event for accounting officers, Nduatih highlighted the significance of this reform in addressing the persistent issue of pending bills, which undermines the country’s economic stability and the viability of small enterprises. He also emphasized that the new system would facilitate more effective oversight by allowing timely audits and reviews by the Auditor General and parliamentary committees.

The implementation of accrual accounting is also set to standardize financial reporting across government entities, encouraging investment by providing a clearer fiscal picture to domestic and international investors. PSASB CEO Georgina Muchina noted that prioritizing pending bills under this system is expected to restore confidence in government financial reporting.

As part of the initiative to ensure a smooth transition, several measures are being undertaken, including updates to financial management information systems and asset valuations. Tana River County’s Executive Member for Finance, Brenda Mokaya, endorsed the new system, acknowledging its potential to alleviate the burden of accumulated bills at the county level and enhance fiscal responsibility.

The adoption of accrual accounting in Kenya represents a significant reform intended to address the critical issue of pending bills, aiming to foster a more accountable and efficient public sector financial environment.

MIGORI, Kenya – Authorities in Migori County have escalated efforts to combat the distribution and consumption of illicit alcohol and bhang, unveiling a significant operation targeting those involved in these illegal activities. The government’s resolve to intensify the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to curtail the rampant abuse of controlled substances, which has adversely affected the local population, particularly the youth.

According to Kenya News Agency, a multi-agency task force has been deployed to conduct thorough inspections across the region. The task force, comprising members from the National Authority for Campaigns Against Drug Abuse (NACADA), Anti-counterfeit Agency, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), and the Department of Public Health, has already achieved significant breakthroughs. These include the seizure of large quantities of counterfeit alcohol and bhang, alongside the apprehension of several individuals found in violation of the law.

The campaign reflects a stern warning issued by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, emphasizing the government’s commitment to eradicating the menace of illicit brews and drugs. Failure to comply with these directives, he cautioned, would result in severe consequences for local officials, including dismissals rather than transfers.

Migori’s operation has underscored the urgent need to enhance border security, particularly along the Kenya-Tanzania boundary, to prevent the smuggling of illicit substances. Porous border points at Isebania, Kopanga, and Nyamtiro have been identified as critical routes for contraband entering Kenya, necessitating reinforced surveillance and enforcement.

While the crackdown on illicit alcohol has shown promise, the fight against bhang trafficking presents more formidable challenges, given the deep-rooted networks and the substantial demand from within Kenya. Efforts to engage Tanzanian authorities in a collaborative clampdown have faced hurdles, despite shared international obligations to curb drug trafficking.

Local officials remain determined to sustain the momentum of the crackdown, aiming to dismantle the supply chains and diminish the availability of harmful substances in Migori County. As the campaign progresses, authorities pledge to maintain vigilance and adapt their strategies to counter the evolving tactics of those engaged in the illicit trade.

NAIROBI, Kenya – In a decisive move to tackle illegal mining activities, the Kenyan government has announced the formation of a specialized police unit. Cabinet Secretary for Mining and Blue Economy, Salim Mvurya, issued a stern warning to those engaged in unauthorized mining operations, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ending these practices that deprive the state of crucial revenue.

According to Kenya News Agency, this new enforcement body is set to be launched next week. Its primary focus will be to eradicate illegal mining syndicates and ensure that artisanal miners can conduct their business without fear of undue harassment or arrest, aligning with the government’s decision to decriminalize artisanal mining activities.

The training forum, attended by artisanal miners from the Western and Nyanza Regions, marks the commencement of a broader initiative aimed at promoting mineral value addition and processing across the nation. As part of this initiative, specific attention is being given to regions rich in gold, such as Vihiga, Nyamira, Migori, Homa Bay, Kakamega, and Kisii, where the government plans to establish gold refinery factories.

The Cabinet Secretary also revealed plans for significant investments in mineral processing plants across various counties, including a Sh5.8 billion facility in Kakamega and a Sh2.8 billion plant in Vihiga for granite processing. Additionally, Elgeyo Marakwet is slated to receive a new plant focused on fluorspar.

These developments come on the heels of a comprehensive mineral data survey that identified 970 different mineral types across Kenya’s 47 counties. The government’s strategy includes decentralizing laboratory services to provide regional access for mineral testing, thereby eliminating the need for artisans to travel to Nairobi for this purpose.

The forum in Kisumu brought together representatives from 76 artisanal cooperative societies, signaling a new era of modernized and regulated mining practices in Kenya. The initiative also extends to the fisheries sector, where eight new aquaculture sites are planned, reflecting the government’s holistic approach to optimizing natural resource management and supporting local communities.

MOMBASA, Kenya – Journalists in Mombasa have been urged to adapt to the digital age and explore new avenues for content creation and distribution to remain relevant and profitable in the rapidly evolving media landscape. The call was made during the inauguration of the Mombasa Press Club, an initiative designed to provide support and foster professional growth among media practitioners.

According to Kenya News Agency, Director of Media Training and Development at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the media industry is undergoing significant transformations, compelling journalists to innovate and find sustainable models of operation. Bwire highlighted the potential for journalists to expand their reach and income through online platforms, emphasizing the importance of digital skills in today’s media environment.

The Mombasa Press Club aims to serve as a hub for media professionals, offering resources for skill enhancement, networking, and collaboration. The club’s establishment comes in response to the challenges faced by journalists, including job insecurity and the closure of some media houses. Bwire noted the trend of journalists moving towards automotive journalism and other fields due to financial pressures and operational costs in traditional newsrooms.

Bwire also addressed the opportunities presented by the digital era, encouraging journalists to produce content for global audiences and to utilize social media and other digital platforms for broader engagement and monetization. He announced MCK’s plans to create a website where journalists can post and share their work, further supporting their endeavors in the digital space.

During the event, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir lauded the initiative, stressing the importance of journalistic independence and the potential for productive partnerships with local government entities. Nassir expressed his administration’s willingness to collaborate with the Press Club in promoting development and securing economic opportunities for media professionals in the region.

Mombasa Press Club Chairperson Omar Shungu reiterated the organization’s commitment to maintaining high journalistic standards and supporting its members’ career advancement. Shungu invited journalists in the county to join the club and contribute to a vibrant and supportive media community in Mombasa and beyond.

KISUMU, Kenya – The Magonya Community-Based Organization (CBO) in Central Seme Ward, Kisumu County, has made a significant contribution to the Engineer Owiti Abong’ Girls’ School by donating educational materials and sanitary pads. This initiative is part of the CBO’s commitment to improving education and living standards in the community.

According to Kenya News Agency, Francis Oyucho, the organization aims to support local education and community welfare through various initiatives. The recent donation to the school is aligned with their mission to enhance educational opportunities for young girls in the area, ensuring they can continue their studies without interruption.

The Head Teacher of Engineer Owiti Abong’ Girls’ School, Mrs. Esther Milafu, welcomed the donation, emphasizing its potential to positively impact the students’ academic journey. She highlighted the importance of such support in addressing the needs of female students, particularly in providing sanitary products that help maintain their dignity and attendance during menstrual periods.

The beneficiaries of the donation, the students themselves, expressed their appreciation for the CBO’s support. Mary Margaret, a Form Four student, specifically thanked Magonya CBO for the sanitary pads and books, noting how these contributions are instrumental in aiding their academic progress.

This act of generosity by Magonya CBO underscores the critical role community organizations can play in supporting education and empowering students, particularly girls, to achieve their educational aspirations.