Author: staff reporter

The Government is committed to job creation and enhancing household incomes through a four-pronged strategy of international labour mobility, digital jobs, jobs in the local market and the climate works programme.
Finalisation of a new legislative and policy framework, increasing access to decent opportunities locally and abroad, expediting the conclusion of bilateral labour agreements, establishment of a national skills inventory and stricter regulation of private employment agencies are some of the measures being taken to progress these issues.
To align skills with local and overseas labour market demands, review of relevant curricula ,tailor-made short courses and certification based on recognition of prior learning are some of the interventions that have been put in place.
At the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi held an appraisal and stocktaking briefing to track progress made and ways for accelerating programmes for creation of local and diaspora jobs.
In attendance; Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Alfred Mutua (Labour and Social Protection) and Dr. Margaret Ndung’u (Information, Communication and the Digital Economy), Principal Secretaries; Shadrack Mwadime (Labour and Skills Development), Roseline Njogu (Diaspora Affairs), John Tanui (Information, Communications and the Digital Economy), Dr. Esther Muoria (Technical, Vocational Edication and Training), Dr. Juma Mukhwana (Industry) and Geoffrey Kaituko (Shipping and Maritime Affairs), Amb. Isaiya Kabira (Secretary, Diaspora Affairs), Edith Okoki (Director General, National Employment Authority), Theresa Wasike ( Acting Director General, National Industrial Training Authority), Dr. Kipkirui Langat (CEO, TVET Authority), Prof. Kisilu Katainge (CEO, TVET CDACC), Dr. Alice Kandie (Director General, Kenya National Qualifications Authority), Henry Rithaa (CEO, Micro and Small Enterprise Authority) and Josiah Moriasi (CEO, Youth Enterprise Development Fund).

By John Kariuki

Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto on Wednesday hosted an assembly of church leaders at State House, Nairobi, underscoring the critical role of collaboration between religious institutions and the State in fostering unity and service to the people.

During the meeting, President Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a strong partnership with religious faiths, recognizing their shared mission of uplifting communities and addressing societal challenges.

“Religious faiths and the State work and serve the same people,” the President remarked. “Together, we are bound by a common goal of advancing the well-being of our citizens. This partnership is essential in creating a harmonious, prosperous, and God-fearing society.”

The gathering highlighted the government’s appreciation for the pivotal role played by faith-based organizations in areas such as education, health, moral guidance, and community development.

President Ruto’s engagement with church leaders is part of his broader strategy to integrate diverse stakeholders in the country’s development agenda, fostering mutual respect and cooperation across all sectors.

The leaders commended the President for his open-door approach and reassured him of their continued prayers and support for the country’s leadership. They also called for increased collaboration in addressing pressing issues such as poverty, youth unemployment, and moral decadence in society.

As the curtains fell on the meeting, a renewed spirit of unity and purpose was evident, setting the stage for a strengthened alliance between the State and religious communities in Kenya.

Bishop David Munyiri the national General Secretary of the Federation of Evangelical and Indigenous Christian Churches of Kenya who is also the founding Bishop of Glory Outreach Assembly was in attendance.

By John Kariuki

Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano EGH has called for the integration of meaningful training programs into Kenya’s socioeconomic development framework, emphasizing their role in the Kenya Kwanza Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Speaking during a graduation ceremony at the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Miano lauded the institution’s technical training programs, which align with the government’s efforts to empower youth and promote sustainable economic growth.

“It’s gratifying that the technical training programs taught at this institution seek to promote the Government’s BETA principle,” said Miano. “The graduates we’ve released today are a treasured resource in the tourism and wildlife sectors. Moreover, training programs in fisheries and aquatic sciences undertaken here directly advance agriculture and MSMEs economies, which are key pillars of BETA.”

Recognizing the financial challenges that often hinder access to education, the CS highlighted the Ministry’s recent launch of the Tourism Training Revolving Fund, managed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). This initiative, funded through the Tourism Fund, aims to provide more opportunities for aspiring and continuing students to access quality training at WRTI.

“The Tourism Training Revolving Fund is designed to address the competing needs that deny many young Kenyans the chance to pursue education,” Miano explained. “We want to ensure that aspiring and continuing students who wish to serve in the tourism and wildlife sectors have access to the financial support they need to achieve their dreams.”

The CS underscored the critical role that skilled professionals play in driving the tourism and wildlife sectors, which are key contributors to Kenya’s economy. By investing in institutions like WRTI and empowering young Kenyans with the skills they need, the government seeks to solidify its commitment to socioeconomic inclusion and sustainable development.

Miano’s remarks resonated with the graduates and attendees, inspiring hope for a brighter future in Kenya’s tourism, wildlife, and related sectors. As the country continues to champion transformative policies and programs, institutions like WRTI are poised to remain at the forefront of training the next generation of industry leaders.

By John Kariuki

The Kenyan government is taking bold steps to address the high cost of animal feed and improve access to quality and affordable raw materials for livestock farmers. In a strategic meeting led by Dr. Andrew Karanja, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture, a team from the Association of Kenya Feed Manufacturers discussed sustainable solutions to revitalize the livestock sector.

Key topics of the discussion included making animal feed more affordable for farmers, promoting the local production of essential raw materials such as sunflower, soya, and canola, and ensuring fair practices, compliance, and quality assurance in feed production.

To achieve these goals, the government has launched the Land Commercialization Initiative, a program aimed at large-scale cultivation of critical raw materials for animal feeds. This initiative seeks to reduce Kenya’s reliance on imports, lower production costs, and enhance food security.

Dr. Karanja emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector players, companies, and farmers. “Our commitment is to boost local production, revitalize the livestock sector, and ensure all farmers have access to affordable, quality feeds,” he said during the meeting.

Mr. Gathogo, a representative of the Association of Feed Manufacturers, hailed the deliberations as progressive and timely. “These steps will significantly transform the livestock feed industry and empower farmers across the country,” he remarked.

As Kenya intensifies efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector, such partnerships and initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, supporting farmers, and driving the country towards food security and economic growth.

A Historic Global Effort: The convention, taking place across two locations – Nairobi and Buenos Aires – is the culmination of over two years of development, 65 workshops in 50+ countries, and contributions from more than 2,000 community members.

● A Decentralized Future: Over 120 elected delegates and alternates will seek to finalize and approve the Cardano Constitution, which will subsequently be ratified through on-chain voting by ADA holders.

● Empowering Local Talent: Cardano’s focus on Africa highlights the continent’s role as a leader in decentralized innovation and financial inclusion. A third of the delegates elected to participate in the constitutional process will be in attendance in Nairobi.

● Unlocking Resources: The governance framework will unlock a treasury worth billions to fund future development and technical enhancements that will benefit and advance Cardano’s mission and growth around the world.

Nairobi, Kenya, December 4-6, 2024 – Intersect, a member-based organization for the Cardano ecosystem, and in close collaboration with Input Output, a leading blockchain infrastructure research and engineering firm, announced the start of the Cardano Constitutional Convention.

This landmark three day event takes place across two locations—Nairobi and Buenos Aires—with elected delegates from around the world gathering to shape the future of Cardano, a blockchain renowned for its scalability, sustainability, and interoperability.

The convention marks a pivotal moment for the Cardano ecosystem, which aims to establish the foundational governance principles for the blockchain. By approving a constitution through a decentralized, community-driven process, the convention underscores Cardano’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and decentralized science (DeSci) initiatives empowering its users with the decision-making authority to drive it forward. The event also highlights Cardano’s leadership in blockchain innovation and its dedication to empowering local talent and communities to have a say in their future.

Africa’s Major Role in Cardano’s Future

Selecting Nairobi as a host city underlines the immense importance of Africa’s role in Cardano’s mission, with one fifth of the convention’s 120 delegates hailing from the continent. These representatives were selected from over 1,200 participants across more than 60 workshops held in 50 countries. This inclusive approach ensures that voices from regions most poised to benefit from blockchain technology play a key role in shaping Cardano’s future.

“Nearly a decade ago, we embarked on a journey to build Cardano. What began as a bold experiment has grown into a global movement—reshaping industries and empowering communities worldwide,” said Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder of Cardano and CEO of Input Output. “I’ve always emphasized that we’re not just building a blockchain; we’re creating a resilient and inclusive system that can fundamentally change how the world views governance, finance, and society. This vision is now coming to life at the Cardano Constitutional Convention.

“Africa stands to gain immensely from Cardano’s potential to transform lives, promote financial inclusion, and create a more equitable future,” he continued.

“Hosting part of the Constitutional Convention in Nairobi is a reflection of how important this region is to us, and a testament to the incredible talent and commitment within the African Cardano community, “ said Jack Briggs, Intersect Ecosystem Director.

By John Kariuki

In a bold move to safeguard the quality of medicines in Kenya, the Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB) has introduced a cutting-edge technology dubbed Pillscan, powered by Near Infrared (NIR) technology. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the country’s fight against substandard and falsified medical products, promising to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medicines available to the public.

The Pillscan device, provided by the Mission of Essential Medicines and Supplies, is set to revolutionize the way medical products are monitored. It will be deployed at PPB’s regional offices and key entry points, enabling on-site screening of medicines. This proactive approach is designed to bolster the board’s capacity to identify and eliminate counterfeit drugs before they infiltrate the market.

As part of the implementation phase, PPB staff are undergoing specialized retraining facilitated by software engineers from Global Health Labs USA. The process also includes equipment qualification and the development of a comprehensive library to support the seamless operation of the technology.

“This cutting-edge technology is set to enhance PPB’s quality control systems by detecting substandard and falsified medical products, thereby ensuring the safety, quality, and effectiveness of medicines,” the board said in a statement.

The Pillscan initiative comes at a critical time, with Kenya facing increasing threats from counterfeit and low-quality drugs. Earlier this year, PPB underscored the role of advanced technologies like Pillscan in combating these challenges, ensuring public health is not compromised.

By incorporating such innovative tools into its operations, the PPB is reaffirming its commitment to protecting Kenyans from the dangers of substandard medicines. Pillscan not only signals progress in quality assurance but also strengthens the trust between healthcare providers and the communities they serve.

This landmark development sets the stage for a safer pharmaceutical landscape in Kenya, positioning the PPB as a leader in the region’s fight against counterfeit drugs.

Dr. Karanja emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector players, companies, and farmers. “Our commitment is to boost local production, revitalize the livestock sector, and ensure all farmers have access to affordable, quality feeds,” he said during the meeting.

Mr. Gathogo, a representative of the Association of Feed Manufacturers, hailed the deliberations as progressive and timely. “These steps will significantly transform the livestock feed industry and empower farmers across the country,” he remarked.

As Kenya intensifies efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector, such partnerships and initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, supporting farmers, and driving the country towards food security and economic growth.

By John Kariuki

The Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Marsabit County Office recently visited a local dairy milk business in Saku to promote value addition and formalization of operations. This initiative is part of MSEA’s ongoing efforts to empower small businesses by offering guidance and creating pathways for sustainable growth.

During the visit, MSEA officials encouraged the business to formalize its operations through the MSEA Registrar, a step that opens doors to increased visibility and access to resources. The engagement builds on previous support extended to the enterprise by key partners, including USAID, the World Food Programme (WFP), and the County Government Department of Livestock.

MSEA plans to reinforce these collaborative efforts by providing additional support, such as capacity-building initiatives and linking the business to relevant growth opportunities. This approach is designed to enhance the enterprise’s ability to scale up operations, improve profitability, and contribute to the local economy.

The sensitization visit reflects MSEA’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening the role of micro and small enterprises in Kenya’s economic development. By prioritizing formalization and value addition, MSEA is empowering local businesses to thrive in competitive markets.

𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲
𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟎, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒
Kenyan Members of Parliament stole the spotlight during the East African Community Interparliamentary Games (EAC-IPG) held at the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
Day four of the tournament saw a series of exciting contests in the darts category, with Kenyan lawmakers exhibiting their prowess against their regional counterparts.
Leading the charge was Westlands MP, Timothy Wanyonyi Wetang’ula who captained the men’s team with vigour and determination.
In a tense opening match, Wanyonyi faced off against a skilled Ugandan opponent. The match was tight but the Kenyan legislator emerged victorious, winning two rounds to one. His win was met with roaring applause from fans and fellow parliamentarians.
The women’s category also showcased good performances. MP Rose Museo (Makueni) defeated her Ugandan rival in a closely contested match, clinching victory with a 2-1 score.
Meanwhile, Turbo MP Janet Sitienei excited the audience with her impeccable accuracy outclassing her Tanzanian opponent.
In a fiercely fought battle, Nominated Senator George Mbugua narrowly lost to a Tanzanian Lawmaker demonstrating commendable sportsmanship.
Adding to the tournament’s inclusivity, the darts category for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was officially launched by the Speaker of the East African Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ntakirutimana. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting legislators living with disabilities.
As the games continue, anticipation builds for the next round of inspiring contests. For Kenyan legislators, the stakes remain high and the determination to bring home trophies is unwavering.
The tournament continues this Wednesday at the same venue.

President William Ruto on Monday led the nation in celebrating the second anniversary of the Hustler Fund, a groundbreaking financial inclusion initiative that has redefined access to credit for millions of Kenyans. Launched to uplift informal sector workers—who make up over 80% of the country’s workforce and contribute 33% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—the Hustler Fund has become a beacon of hope for individuals at the bottom of the economic pyramid. President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering financial independence through targeted interventions in his address. “The Hustler Fund is not just a financial tool; it is a statement that every Kenyan deserves an opportunity to thrive, regardless of their economic status,” he remarked.
Immediately after the pronouncement, various financial experts expressed optimism with this powerful financial transformation tool, terming it instrumental and pivotal in socio-economic transformation, and a key factor in the realization of the Bottom up Economic transformation.
The Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenya, East Africa and regional leading Credit-only microfinance, Jijenge Credit Limited Mr. Peter Macharia Kamau observed:
As we mark the milestone, we welcome the series of enhancements to the Fund designed to reward discipline and encourage economic growth. Consistent borrowers will now enjoy higher credit limits as recognition for their repayment discipline. Additionally, borrowers can use their credit scores as collateral to secure larger loans, breaking barriers to traditional collateral requirements. The repayment window for diligent borrowers has also been extended from 14 days to one month, offering more flexibility.

Jijenge Credit Limited, established in 2014, is a licensed digital credit provider approved by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK), committed to addressing the pressing market demand for accessible working capital solutions for Individuals and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

By Steve El Sabai

Today, Booker Omole, a prominent leader of the Communist Party of Kenya (CPMK), joined hands with courageous working-class women from across the country in a bold stand against the rising tide of violence under President William Samoei Ruto’s administration. In an electrifying show of solidarity, the group demanded an end to femicide and other forms of oppression, calling for systemic change to liberate women and all marginalized communities.

Their rallying cry, #EndFemicideKE, resonated across the gathering as they laid bare the grim reality of a government they accused of perpetuating neocolonial fascist policies and failing to address gender-based violence. With unwavering conviction, the demonstrators declared: “Ruto must go!”

Booker Omole emphasized the urgent need to dismantle what he termed a “regime of repression,” vowing to continue mobilizing grassroots movements until justice, safety, and dignity are restored for all women in Kenya. He underscored the importance of unity among Kenyan citizens to confront systemic oppression and create a just and equitable society.

This protest serves as a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issues that have persisted under successive governments and a call to action for every Kenyan to stand in solidarity against femicide and systemic injustice. The message is clear: the time for change is now.