Author: staff reporter

By John Kariuki

Mwea, Kirinyaga County: Residents of Kanduma in Nyangati Ward are celebrating a new chapter in their lives after their village was officially connected to electricity. The transformative project was launched by the Member of Parliament for Mwea Constituency, Hon. Mary Maingi, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

Speaking at the event, Hon. Maingi emphasized the importance of electricity in driving development and improving the lives of her constituents.

“Today, the residents of Kanduma will no longer live in the dark. This electrification initiative will connect 70 households and is part of 27 similar projects across Mwea aimed at achieving 100% power connectivity. My vision is to ensure every household in Mwea has access to reliable electricity, unlocking opportunities for sustainable development and economic growth,” she said.

The electrification project is expected to have a profound impact on the community by enabling small businesses to expand, improving access to modern education and healthcare, and creating a foundation for future investments.

Residents could not hide their joy, expressing gratitude to Hon. Maingi for her efforts to prioritize infrastructure development. For many, the arrival of electricity symbolizes progress and hope for a brighter future.

“We have waited for this moment for so long. Now, our children can study better, our businesses can grow, and our lives will improve. We thank our MP for delivering on her promises,” said a jubilant resident.

This project is part of Hon. Maingi’s broader development agenda under the #MweaKwanza initiative, which focuses on empowering the people of Mwea through strategic investments in energy, infrastructure, and social services.

With 27 electrification projects currently underway, Hon. Maingi is confident that Mwea Constituency will soon achieve universal electricity access, ensuring no household is left behind in the journey toward sustainable growth.

This landmark event has set the stage for Kanduma and the entire Mwea region to unlock new opportunities and realize its full potential.

By John Kariuki

Principal Secretary for the State Department of Micro Small Enterprises (MSME) Development, Hon. Susan Mang’eni, on Friday underscored the critical role of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya’s economic transformation.

Speaking during a meeting with MSEA County Heads, PS Mang’eni emphasized the importance of fostering sustainable enterprise growth to drive inclusive economic development. She highlighted the government’s commitment to empowering the MSE sector as a key pillar of Kenya’s economic strategy.

“Micro and small enterprises are the backbone of our economy. By supporting this sector, we create jobs, enhance livelihoods, and stimulate economic growth. It is crucial that we align our efforts with value chain priorities to ensure maximum impact,” said the PS.

MSEA CEO and Director General, Mr. Henry Rithaa, reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to advancing President William Ruto’s vision for the MSE sector. He emphasized MSEA’s strategic alignment with national development goals to unlock the potential of small enterprises across the country.

“MSEA is committed to designing programs that not only support MSEs but also contribute to sustainable growth by addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities within key value chains,” he stated.

The Authority has been at the forefront of initiatives to equip entrepreneurs with the skills, resources, and market access needed to thrive in a competitive environment. Through targeted interventions, MSEA aims to create an ecosystem where small businesses can flourish and contribute to Kenya’s long-term development goals.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and driving impactful programs that empower MSEs nationwide

By John Waithaka

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has taken a significant step towards modernizing urban transportation by signing a contract for consultancy services for Phase II of the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) project. The consultancy will be carried out by a consortium led by Dohwa Engineering.

The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Silas Kinoti, Director General of KURA, and Eng. Oginga, Director of Urban Roads Planning and Design (URPD). Speaking during the event, Eng. Kinoti emphasized the importance of integrating technology into Kenya’s urban transport systems to improve mobility and road safety.

“This project is a key milestone in our efforts to leverage technology for smarter and safer transportation in urban areas. It will enhance road safety, ease traffic flow, and provide data-driven solutions for effective traffic management,” he said.

The ITS project aims to introduce advanced traffic management systems, including traffic signal synchronization, real-time traffic monitoring, and smart road infrastructure to address the challenges of urban congestion. Phase II builds on the successes of the initial phase and will further expand the deployment of these innovative systems in key urban areas.

The consortium led by Dohwa Engineering brings extensive expertise in implementing cutting-edge transport solutions. Their involvement underscores the project’s commitment to adopting global best practices tailored to Kenya’s unique urban transport needs.

This initiative aligns with KURA’s mission to develop efficient, sustainable, and technology-driven urban road networks that meet the demands of growing cities and ensure the safety of all road users.

By John Waithaka

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, and SasaPay is here to redefine how Kenyans transact. Imagine a world where payments are instant, affordable, and hassle-free. That’s the promise of SasaPay, the mobile money e-wallet transforming lives and businesses across the country.

Gone are the days of long queues, complicated banking processes, and high transaction fees. With SasaPay, paying for goods, services, or settling bills is as easy as a few taps on your phone. Whether you’re a shopper at your favorite retail store, a business owner collecting payments, or a parent paying school fees, SasaPay has you covered.

SasaPay is more than just an app; it’s a bridge connecting people and organizations. By facilitating payments across financial institutions, government agencies, and businesses, SasaPay eliminates the barriers that have traditionally made transactions slow and cumbersome. It empowers merchants to grow their businesses and enables individuals to access services without breaking a sweat.

In a world where digital security is paramount, SasaPay stands tall. Licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya, it guarantees the safety and confidentiality of your transactions. Every payment is secured, ensuring you can trust SasaPay with your finances.

Affordability is at the heart of SasaPay’s mission. Unlike traditional platforms that charge exorbitant fees, SasaPay offers one of the most cost-effective ways to make payments. This makes it accessible to everyone, from small-scale traders to large organizations.

SasaPay isn’t just about payments—it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving people control over their finances and helping businesses thrive in a competitive market. It’s about connecting Kenyans to opportunities, whether in commerce, education, or government services.

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By John Kariuki

In a landmark move to unlock the vast potential of Kenya’s leather industry, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja has officially launched the Kenya Leather Development Council (KLDC) Strategic Plan for 2022/23–2026/27. The event highlights the government’s commitment to transforming the sector into a major contributor to the country’s socio-economic growth.

Currently valued at Kshs. 15 billion, the leather industry in Kenya has immense untapped potential, with projections indicating it could soar to Kshs. 120 billion over the next five years. This growth trajectory could also see the sector create up to 100,000 jobs, a significant leap from the current 17,000 positions—7,000 formal and 10,000 informal—currently available in the industry.

The new strategic plan offers a comprehensive roadmap for the future of the industry, setting clear goals and actionable measures to propel KLDC towards realizing its mission and vision. By providing a robust framework for growth, the plan seeks to position Kenya’s leather industry as a key pillar of the nation’s economic transformation.

In attendance at the unveiling were Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke and other influential figures from the leather sector, who all expressed their strong support for the strategic initiatives. The plan is expected to drive innovation, improve quality standards, and elevate Kenya’s leather products on the global market, reinforcing the industry’s role as one of the most lucrative commodities in global trade.

This visionary strategic plan is not only a catalyst for job creation but also a step towards making the leather industry a cornerstone of Kenya’s economic development.

In a move aimed at promoting austerity and solidarity with ordinary Kenyans, Members of Parliament from the Republic of Kenya on Friday traveled to Mombasa via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to participate in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Parliamentary Games.

Speaking at the Nairobi SGR terminus, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula emphasized the Parliament’s conscious decision to reduce costs by forgoing air travel. The move aligns with the austerity measures championed by President William Ruto’s administration.

“We did consciously decide as Parliament to join the rest of Kenyans in observing the austerity measures set in place by His Excellency the President. We will cut down on our costs of air freight by going on to the SGR train,” said Speaker Wetang’ula.

The annual EALA Parliamentary Games bring together legislators from East African Community (EAC) member states, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Somalia.

As the President of the Bureau of the Speakers of the EAC, Speaker Wetang’ula is the principal host of the games. He confirmed that most of the visiting delegations had already arrived in Mombasa and expressed excitement about Kenya’s role in fostering regional unity.

“These games are not just about competition. They are a platform for widening, deepening, and tightening the East African Community engagement by the people of East Africa,” he said.

The games are expected to promote goodwill among legislators while advancing the EAC agenda, including economic growth, free movement of people and goods, and eventual political federation.

The Speaker also extended invitations to governors of coastal counties, including Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu, Taita Taveta, and Tana River, to attend the event. President Ruto is scheduled to officially open the games on Saturday.

However, the trip was marred by news of a bus accident involving members of the Tanzanian delegation. Speaker Wetang’ula confirmed that there were no fatalities but noted that some delegates sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention.

Earlier this year, President William Ruto announced that the government would reduce travel expenditures to minimize the use of public resources.

By John Waithaka

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), led by President Dr. Erick Rutto, recently hosted a high-profile meeting with a Sri Lankan delegation headed by Ambassador Veluppilai Kananathan and Ms. Tania Abeysundaria, Chair of Senvin Collection and President of the Cylon United Business Alliance. The discussions centered on strategic collaborations in the textile and tea industries, with both nations exploring avenues to enhance mutual trade benefits.

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the proposal to establish a textile manufacturing plant in Kenya. This plant would leverage bamboo as a sustainable raw material to produce high-end textiles. Ms. Abeysundaria lauded Kenya’s potential as a strategic hub for textile production, citing its geographical advantage and workforce capabilities. She emphasized Sri Lanka’s commitment to supporting this initiative through technology transfer and capacity-building programs.

Dr. Rutto expressed Kenya’s readiness to facilitate the project by offering favorable investment incentives and creating an enabling business environment. “Kenya is open for business and partnerships that foster economic growth and sustainability,” he affirmed.

The meeting also delved into disparities in the international market value of Kenyan and Sri Lankan tea. Despite producing nearly half the volume of Kenyan tea, Sri Lanka enjoys higher income due to targeted strategies. These include maintaining consistent quality control, branding tea as a luxury product, and leveraging geographical indicators to market it as uniquely Sri Lankan.

The Sri Lankan delegation further highlighted their country’s emphasis on aggressive marketing in premium markets, investment in visually appealing packaging, and production of value-added products like flavored and specialty teas. Robust government support and coordinated efforts among industry players have also played a pivotal role in cementing Sri Lanka’s tea as a premium global brand.

The discussions underscored the potential for Kenya to adopt similar strategies to elevate the value of its tea and tap into high-value markets. Both parties expressed optimism about the outcomes of the meeting and pledged to work towards sustainable partnerships that would benefit both economies.

This collaboration signifies a step forward in strengthening Kenya-Sri Lanka trade relations, with promising opportunities in textiles and tea positioning both nations for greater economic growth.

By John Kariuki

Mandera South Member of Parliament Abdul Haro Kore has reassured residents of Elwak and Mandera Town that significant progress is being made to address the region’s power challenges. Speaking after a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, Kore expressed optimism that a lasting solution is on the horizon.

The MP, accompanied by Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif, held a productive meeting with the Principal Secretary for the State Department of Energy, Alex Wachira. The discussions were part of a series of engagements to resolve the power crisis that has plagued the region. The meeting followed recent presidential directives aimed at prioritizing the issue.

“We had a lengthy but very productive meeting with the Principal Secretary, and we explored various viable options to restore reliable power to Elwak and Mandera Town,” Kore stated.

He further disclosed that technical teams from Kenya Power & Lighting Company (KPLC) are already on the ground in Elwak. The teams have been tasked with restoring power within two to three days from the start of the intervention.

“I can assure my people in Elwak that there is hope in the air,” Kore said, emphasizing the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.

This development comes as a relief to residents who have endured prolonged power outages that have disrupted businesses and daily life. The MP and Governor pledged to continue working with relevant authorities to ensure the restoration efforts are sustainable in the long term.

As the technical teams work to restore power, residents are hopeful for a brighter and more stable future.

Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife reaffirms plans to honour its promise of compensation for human-wildlife conflict victims after verifying all claimants.

This comes after President William Ruto presented a Ksh 51 million cheque to Taita Taveta County during the pass-out ceremony of KWS rangers at the Law Enforcement Academy in Manyani.

Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano Miano stated that the Ministry is partnering with communities to compensate those who are affected by the conflict.

“The President has made it clear to us as a Ministry that communities and the people of Kenya are at the centre of the government’s mandate that we have been given to compensate the victims,” she added.

The CS announced that the President has initiated the process of compensation so that it is done in an organised and timely manner and underscored the integral part that the creation of the county committees is for the victims.

Miano said that the Community Wildlife Conservation Committees (CWCCs) have been capacitated and given adequate information on the compensation scheme.

“It is exciting that we are now having a digital system that they have been taken through. The system will minimise cases that are not genuine,” she stated.

Miano noted that the system spearheaded by the Ministry is already active and noted that it increases efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness.

The CS further said that they have launched new committees in Western Kenya and three more in Nairobi, Kajiado, and Kiambu so that they could verify the cases of the human-wildlife conflict before actual compensation.

“We are working with the National Treasury so that the funds could be made available to do the actual compensation. As a Ministry, we are also coming up with many proposals on how to raise funds so that the compensation becomes consistent and sustainable,” Miano said.

She said the compensation rate, especially for elephant attacks, has been increased from the previous Sh30,000 to about Sh5 million.

By John Kariuki

In an urgent move to address growing land disputes in Laikipia County, Senator John Kinyua is seeking a statement from the Standing Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources. The escalating tensions between ranchers and local residents, particularly in Laikipia North and East, are threatening to result in evictions and displacement of communities who have lived on the land for generations.

Speaking during a session in Parliament, Senator Kinyua highlighted the dire situation in areas such as Kinamba, Sossian Ward, Laikipia North. He explained that the owners of Ol Maisor and Sossian Ranches have fenced off stock routes and land traditionally belonging to the local community. This has not only affected access to grazing land but has also encroached on a sacred burial site used by the Kinamba residents since colonial times, exacerbating tensions.

“Mr. Speaker, the residents of Kinamba are in distress as these fences not only block access to vital resources but are also infringing on their cultural and ancestral rights. Similarly, in Muramati area of Umande Ward, Laikipia East, ranchers such as Lolldaiga and other investors have blocked access to water sources, making it difficult for locals to obtain essential services,” Senator Kinyua stated.

In his statement to the Committee, the Senator has called for a thorough examination of the lease agreements for the ranches operating in these areas. He is particularly concerned with the terms under which these ranches are functioning and whether the rights of local residents have been duly protected. He also requested clarification on the legal authority of the ranches and conservancies, questioning whether their actions align with the country’s legal and procedural standards.

Senator Kinyua further emphasized the need for transparency and inclusion, urging the committee to provide a report on the civic education efforts carried out to inform residents about the potential impacts of these developments. He also inquired about the progress made in issuing title deeds to the Kinamba residents to secure their land ownership rights.

“The community’s right to their land must be protected, and the government must ensure that all actions taken are legal and fair. The displacement of local people cannot be justified without proper consultation and protection of their rights,” Senator Kinyua added.

As the situation in Laikipia continues to escalate, Senator Kinyua’s inquiry aims to hold accountable all parties involved and ensure that residents are not disenfranchised in the name of land development or conservation.

With tensions running high, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the concerns raised and whether meaningful steps will be taken to prevent further displacement and ensure the rights of the local residents. .