Author: staff reporter

Benter Opande, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers Association, has expressed her concerns regarding the mid-year supplementary KCSE exams, a move introduced by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) to offer a second chance to candidates who missed or wish to improve their scores in previous years.

The supplementary exams, set to take place in July, target repeaters—those who either missed the exam due to unforeseen circumstances or those wishing to improve their results by retaking seven or more subjects. However, this initiative has sparked intense debate among education stakeholders, with many questioning the feasibility, fairness, and preparedness for the process.

Benter argues that KNEC should have engaged more stakeholders before introducing the supplementary exam. She points out that the six-month preparation window is insufficient, particularly for repeaters who may not have had adequate time to review the subjects they are retaking. “The preparation window is too short,” Benter remarked, adding that this could hinder repeaters’ chances of success.

Moreover, Benter highlighted the cost implications of the program. With a mandatory registration fee of Sh7,200, she expressed concern that many students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds would be unable to afford the exam fees, let alone the additional costs of accommodation for the three-week exam period. She termed the registration fee “exorbitant” and warned that it could exclude thousands of students who are already struggling financially.

Another concern raised by Benter is the requirement for students to register at regional offices. She suggests that this requirement may create logistical challenges and further complicate the process for those who live in remote areas. There have been calls for the government to allow students to sit for the exams alongside their peers in regular centers, reducing the barriers faced by many potential candidates.

As criticisms continue to mount from various quarters, including education advocates, it seems likely that the supplementary KCSE exams may face legal challenges. Many are urging KNEC to reconsider the implementation of this exam, urging a more inclusive, fair, and well-prepared process.

The final verdict on the supplementary KCSE exams remains to be seen as stakeholders continue to voice their concerns, hoping for a solution that better serves the needs of all students.

By John Kariuki

This morning, Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives and MSMEs, Dr. Oparanya, alongside Principal Secretary Hon. Susan Mangen, hosted key private sector stakeholders for a crucial meeting to discuss the highly anticipated Kenya Public-Private Sector MSME Dialogue – MSME CONNECT KENYA. The dialogue, set to be launched in early March 2025, aims to strengthen the relationship between the private sector and government to provide better support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Kenya.

During the meeting, CS Dr. Oparanya emphasized the significance of the MSME CONNECT KENYA initiative, stressing its potential to drive growth and sustainability for MSMEs. The dialogue platform is designed to foster collaboration between government agencies and private sector stakeholders, ensuring that MSMEs receive the support needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. The CS also underscored the government’s commitment to creating policies and programs that are tailored to the unique needs of small businesses, which are vital to Kenya’s economy.

The Principal Secretary, Hon. Susan Mangeni, provided updates on the ongoing comprehensive MSME survey, marking the first such survey since 2016. She urged the private sector to actively participate in the survey, which is being conducted in collaboration with the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the Ministry of MSMEs. This survey, with the largest sample size ever recorded for an MSME study in Kenya, will provide critical data-driven insights to shape future policies and government programs aimed at bolstering the MSME sector.

In her remarks, the PS highlighted how the findings of this extensive study would be instrumental in identifying the challenges and opportunities within the MSME sector, helping to tailor interventions that truly address the needs of entrepreneurs. The survey is expected to offer a comprehensive understanding of MSMEs’ contribution to the economy, and most importantly, it will help inform policy decisions that directly impact business growth.

The MSME CONNECT KENYA roundtable aims to further improve the coordination between the Ministry and private sector stakeholders, addressing key challenges and fostering sustainable growth for MSMEs. The MSEA CEO, Mr. Rithaa, will chair the roundtable secretariat. Both the CS and PS emphasized that the forum would be focused on tangible outcomes, particularly measuring the direct impact of government interventions, such as the number of jobs created and the overall economic transformation resulting from MSME support initiatives.

The dialogue underscores the importance of public-private collaboration in creating an environment where MSMEs can not only survive but thrive, ultimately contributing to Kenya’s broader economic growth and prosperity. The government’s commitment to empowering MSMEs through data-driven insights and targeted support remains central to the initiative, setting the stage for meaningful change in the sector.

To enhance transparency and enhance efficiency, we’ve activated our County Compensation Committees with membership drawn from the local community and in partnership with the Government officers to ensure this process is seamless.

It was gratifying to meet firsthand beneficiaries of compensation who received their consolation this month.
Spent the day with Nyeri County residents discussing matters conservation and human-wildlife coexistence. I also had an opportunity to witness the commencement of the construction of a 60 km long fence to protect our ecosystem from Naromoru to Nanyuki through partnership with Ark Kenya.
Wound up the day with the Hombe Forest community whose efforts to protect our ecosystem is commendable.Their close collaboration with government agencies is instrumental in promoting human-wildlife coexistence; quite impressive!
As for the i ndividuals and families affected by human~wildlife conflict, I gave my assurance of our commitment to ensure that the backlog of the compensation claims will get the necessary attention.

To enhance transparency and enhance efficiency, we’ve activated our County Compensation Committees with membership drawn from the local community and in partnership with the Government officers to ensure this process is seamless.

It was gratifying to meet firsthand beneficiaries of compensation who received their consolation this month.

Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Madam Rebecca Miano has held important discussions with government officials, including the Central Acting Regional Commissioner, Ronald Mwiwawi, in preparation for her upcoming working tour of Nyeri County.

In this visit, the CS and her team will engage with local residents, particularly in areas most affected by human-wildlife conflicts. This outreach is part of ongoing efforts to foster better coexistence between communities and wildlife in the region, which has long faced challenges such as crop destruction, livestock loss, and injury from wildlife encounters.

Cs Miano emphasized on Ministry’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflicts, aiming to ensure that both communities and wildlife can thrive peacefully.

“Our engagement with residents in Nyeri County, especially those in conflict-prone areas, we will focus on improving coexistence and addressing the concerns of the people who live alongside wildlife,” She said.

This tour is part of the Ministry of Tourism
and Wildlife’s wider mission to enhance public awareness and support for wildlife conservation, while also prioritizing the welfare of those directly impacted by wildlife-related incidents.

The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife will be visiting Nyeri County Tuesday 28th January, 2025 to launch Tourism and wildlife related projects. This scheduled visit by the CS is a routine itinerary that she periodically makes to inspect wildlife and Tourism related projects in the country. In her visit to Nyeri county, she will launch a 60km Mt Kenya Electric fence-Phase VI: Naromoru- Nanyuki fencing projects by the Rhino Ark and also acknowledge the beneficiaries of compensation which the ministry paid last week. She will also plant trees as part of the Presidential Directives on addressing climate change. This is informed by the fact that the core mandate of the ministry is to mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflicts and to foster Human Wildlife Co-existence, in partnerships with other stakeholders and development partners.

Over the years, the biggest challenge facing Human Wildlife Co-existence is the perception of the communities around wildlife conservation and protected areas that the government majorly focus on protection of wildlife but does not care about the people who suffer from injuries and loss of human lives and livestock, property damage and destruction of crops occasioned by wildlife.

As stipulated in the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act, 2013, payment of claims and education, extension services and public awareness will be undertaken to foster human-wildlife co-existence. For the last two financial years, the ministry has already paid Ksh. 1.8 Billion to victims of HWCs. Lask week the ministry paid out Ksh. 344M has been paid to 1122 claimants of which 61 beneficiaries are from Nyeri County. The fencing project is aimed at reducing HWCs and hence cutting down on the cost of compensation. The ministry is desirous of undertaking human-wildlife conflict mitigation projects and is fulling committed to clearing all the compensation back log since it began under the WCMA in 2014.

The visit by the Cabinet Secretary is therefore critical is addressing HWCs, improving public education and awareness and getting feedback from wananchi and leaders to improve Human-Wildlife co-existence.

In this regard, The Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife will visit Kabaru to plant trees and launch the 60km fence, address the public on HWCs and later visit Hombe Forest, in Mathira West, to address the public on HWCs and acknowledge some of the beneficiaries of HWC compensation from Nyeri County as part of her meet the people tour.

Silvia Museiya, CBS
PRINCIPAL SECRETARY.

By John Kariuki

Principal Secretary for Mining, Elijah Mwangi held productive discussions with the Executive Council of the Association of County Students Associations Presidents-Kenya (ACSAPK). Led by their president, David Msongori, the meeting focused on fostering strategic partnerships to enhance the dissemination of accurate and reliable information about Kenya’s mining sector.

The conversations delved into the utilization of digital platforms as effective channels for disseminating factual and correct information to the public. This included a focus on state programs, plans, initiatives, opportunities, and projections for development within the sector. By leveraging digital tools, the goal is to increase transparency, build public trust, and encourage greater participation in state-led initiatives.

During the talks, PS Mwangi highlighted key projects transforming the mining landscape, such as the Clinker Plant in West Pokot, the Iron Ore Palletization Facility in Voi, the Gold Refinery in Kakamega, and the planned revival of the Fluorspar Factory in Elgeyo Marakwet. These projects underscore the government’s commitment to harnessing mineral resources to drive economic growth and create employment opportunities.

The students proposed collaborating on information-dissemination forums aimed at raising awareness of the mining sector’s dynamics, current status, and untapped opportunities. PS Mwangi welcomed the idea, emphasizing the critical role of young people in spreading accurate information and driving community engagement.

Also present was East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, Hon. Maina Karobia, who lauded the initiative, noting that informed youth are essential in shaping policies and advocating for sustainable development within the mining sector.

This partnership marks a step toward greater transparency and inclusion, ensuring that communities, especially the youth, are well-informed about the mining sector’s potential to transform lives and contribute to Kenya’s economic progress.

By Grace Waithaka

Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), a statutory body established under Section 3(1) of the Engineers Act, 2011, has reassured stakeholders of its unwavering commitment to its mandate, even as the government embarks on wide-reaching reforms.

In a cabinet decision announced on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, several state corporations were earmarked for restructuring, mergers, declassification, or defunding. Among those affected is the Engineers Board of Kenya, a key regulator in the engineering sector.

EBK has affirmed its commitment to maintaining operations as usual. The Board emphasized that its core responsibilities — including the registration of engineers and engineering firms, regulation of professional services, and setting and enforcing industry standards — remain intact.

Speaking on behalf of the EBK, Chairman Eng. Erastus K. Mwongera assured stakeholders that all ongoing and scheduled programs will proceed without interruption. Engineers are encouraged to remain compliant with the Act, including renewing their 2025 licenses, as the implementation framework for the reforms is finalized.

“Our engagements with stakeholders will continue uninterrupted. The Board remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of engineering practice while fostering excellence and the sustainable growth of the profession,” said Eng. Mwongera.

Commitment to Excellence
The EBK reiterated its pivotal role in driving the development of Kenya’s engineering sector, which is critical for infrastructure, innovation, and economic growth. As discussions surrounding the reforms unfold, the Board remains committed to its mandate of fostering professionalism and advancing the interests of engineers across the country.

In assurances, the Engineers Board of Kenya aims to bolster confidence among professionals and stakeholders as it navigates this period of change.

By John Kariuki

Craftwork and handiwork have played a pivotal role in human progress since time immemorial. These essential skills not only improve livelihoods but also provide individuals with opportunities to transform their creativity into tangible results. Recognizing the immense potential of these skills, Kimani wa Makaratasi, a trailblazer in the khaki paper manufacturing industry, has taken a bold step to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities.

Kimani wa Makaratasi has emphasized that exposure to practical skills is the game-changer in solving youth unemployment. A humble and approachable entrepreneur, he believes that each individual possesses unique talents bestowed by God. With the right effort and guidance, these talents can be nurtured to create success stories.

Through his initiative, Kimani has opened his doors to all who are eager to learn, irrespective of their educational background or age. The training program spans seven to ten days and equips participants with the technical know-how needed to thrive in the craft and manufacturing industry. The program is affordable, with a special offer reducing the fee from Ksh 15,000 to Ksh 5,000, making it accessible to many.

The training covers the manufacturing and branding of a variety of products, including packaging bags, envelopes, book covers, gift bags, cake boxes, and popcorn bags. Additionally, branding services are offered upon demand, providing participants with insights into a highly marketable skill.

Located opposite Mang’u High School along Thika Road in Witeithie Town, Kimani wa Makaratasi’s facility has become a hub for innovation and opportunity. Payment for the course can be made conveniently via Till Number 703310 under the Buy Goods option.

Kimani’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth has transformed lives and created a ripple effect of hope and opportunity. His initiative serves as a beacon of light, proving that with practical skills and determination, anyone can forge a path to financial independence.

This is not just a call to action but an invitation to a brighter future. For those seeking to turn their talents into tangible success, the doors are wide open. Karibu Sana!

By John Kariuki

Githunguri Member of Parliament, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, has launched a scathing attack on the current government, accusing it of fostering an environment of political intolerance and curbing freedom of expression.

Speaking during the unveiling of new DAP Kenya office in Karen , Wamuchomba decried the rising suppression of dissenting voices, particularly targeting individuals who use satire, caricatures, and other forms of creative expression to critique the government. She argued that such actions should not be silenced in a democratic society.

“The levels of political intolerance have reached alarming heights, especially here in the mountain region,” she said. “We are witnessing goons being sent to thwart meetings and intimidate those with differing opinions. It is evident that there are people hell-bent on governing this country without respecting the rule of law.”

The outspoken legislator did not mince her words as she pointed fingers at President William Ruto, accusing him of leaning toward totalitarianism and seeking to suppress dissenting voices.

“Our democracy is under threat. What we are seeing is a deliberate attempt to subdue those who dare to speak out against the regime. This is not what Kenyans voted for,” Wamuchomba remarked.

Her comments come amidst growing concerns about political intolerance and the stifling of public discourse across the country. Wamuchomba’s bold stance underscores her commitment to upholding democratic principles and advocating for the rights of all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliations.

The MP called for immediate action to address these issues, urging the government to respect freedom of expression and the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution. “Kenya belongs to all of us, and no one should be above the law,” she concluded.

By John Kariuki

In a significant step toward improving maternal and newborn health, Dandelion Africa has donated essential training equipment to the Baringo County Health Department. The donation, which includes complete “Mama Natalie” training simulators, information charts, commodities, and indicator tracking tools, was officially received by Governor Benjamin Cheboi, EBS, EGH.

Governor Cheboi commended Dandelion Africa for its unwavering commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives in the region. “This generous donation will greatly enhance the skills of our healthcare providers and contribute to better health outcomes for mothers and newborns in Baringo County,” he said.

This contribution builds on the momentum of last year’s Emergency Maternal, Obstetric, and Newborn Care (EMONC) training conducted by Dandelion Africa. The program empowered healthcare professionals in Baringo County with critical skills and mentorship capabilities, enabling them to train colleagues and strengthen care at their facilities.

The addition of “Mama Natalie” simulators marks a significant advancement in hands-on learning. These state-of-the-art tools are designed to provide healthcare providers with realistic, practical training, enhancing their ability to manage maternal and newborn emergencies effectively.

Dandelion Africa’s initiatives continue to align with the broader goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Kenya. By equipping healthcare professionals with modern tools and training, the organization is paving the way for sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery.

This milestone underscores the power of partnerships and innovation in transforming healthcare systems. As Dandelion Africa continues to champion maternal health, its impact in Baringo County stands as a testament to the organization’s dedication to saving lives and fostering healthier communities.