The Government will construct 16,000 classrooms across the country in readiness for the transition of learners to grade nine next year, the Principal Secretary for Basic Education, Dr. Belio Kipsang has said.
Dr. Kipsang spoke this in a speech read on his behalf by the Director Projects Coordination and Delivery for Projects, Mr. Elijah Mungai at Olympics Primary School in Kibra Subcounty in Nairobi yesterday.
The Vice President for Human Development at the World Bank, Ms Mamta Murthi had visited the school. In attendance included Manager, Practice, Education at World Bank Group, Meskerem Mulatu, Senior Educational Specialist at the World Bank office in Nairobi, Ms Ruth Charo, Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno, and the Regional Director for Education in Nairobi, Ms Margaret Lesuuda among other senior officials in education.
Dr. Kipsang said the government plans to construct 10 additional classrooms to cater for the learners who will transit to grade nine next year.
“We welcome the World Bank to support and partner with the government to build even more classrooms in this school,” Dr. Kipsang said.
Ms Murthi praised Kenya for the strong education outcomes of the children schooling stimulates.
Murthi said Kenya the schooling system in Kenya was ably imparting in learners the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values that students ought to acquire.
She said Kenya was also doing well in the enrolment rate of children in schools, noting that education was a critical factor in determining the future of a country.
The Deputy County Commissioner, Mr. Odidi Otieno said the government worked through its structures to ensure 100 per cent transition of learners from Primary to secondary education.
The Headteacher of Olympics Primary School, Mr. Cyrus Okumu said that the school had developed a friendly learning environment and an excellent instructional for learners in the school.
He attributed the huge learner population of 5108 to a supportive teaching and non-teaching staff that made learning enjoyable.
“Children keep coming back to school because of the good learning experiences good pedagogy creates,” Mr. Okumu said.
The nine private security companies that their licenses were terminated by the private security Regulatory Authority ( PSR) Director General Fazul Mohamed can now freely carry on with their services.
Addressing the media on behalf of the Umbrella association of private security Secretary General PROSAK Delano Kiilu noted they had promised an update on the taking rogue by the horns using the PSRA Act of 2016.
“The drafters of the Act envisaged a dispute between the Regulator and it’s subjects . section 43,5 of the Act wher the practioner is aggrieved by a discussion of the Regulator can appeal to the Cabinet Secretary,” said Kiilu
Secretary General PROSAK Delano Kiilu further mentioned the Act provides the moment the appeal is lodged with the Cabinet Secretary .
“The Authority including it’s secretariat will stand stopped, prohibited and barred from dealing with that matter until the CS determines the dispute ” he added
He further highlighted the Act further requires the CS to appoint a three man Ad-hoc team to advise him on the dispute and determine it within 30 days.
“We have since formally filed an appeal with the CS and advised the PSRA it now stopped, prohibited and barred from the matter till the CS determines hi discretion within 30 days,” said Kiilu.
Rose Muturi Managing Director Branch MFB Dan Karuga CEO Sole Kenya
By Benard Mulwa
Branch MFB Kenya’s 1st Neo-bank and Solv Kenya, a full-stack B2B marketplace for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), have entered into a strategic partnership to extend loans, business development support and market linkages to Kenyan MSMEs.
The partnership aims to unlock new growth potential for MSMEs by bridging the credit gap, providing financial guidance and accelerating business linkages for entrepreneurs across the country.
Under the arrangement, Branch MFB will provide loans and working capital of up to Kshs. 1 million for MSMEs on Solv Kenya’s platform, facilitating their cash flow and stock financing from suppliers and distributors.
Speaking during the partnership announcement, Branch East Africa Managing Director Rose Muturi said seamless access to digital financial services will help address liquidity challenges for MSMEs.
This partnership, she said, goes beyond simply providing instant digital loans to enterprises. It is about empowering MSMEs with market linkages and support to build sustainable businesses and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth.
“Access to credit facilities and business support is key to unlocking the full potential of our MSMEs. The partnership is a significant step forward in achieving this goal. By combining our expertise, we will provide Kenyan entrepreneurs with the comprehensive support they need to scale their businesses and contribute to a more vibrant Kenyan economy,” Ms. Muturi said.
Solv Kenya has a diversified portfolio on its platform, cutting across various supply chains ranging from food, consumer goods, construction, alcoholic beverages, animal feeds, electronics, airline and travel. MSMEs participating in the enrolled value chains are able to obtain stock financing from Branch MFB through the Solv digital platform.
African Lead SC Ventures and Chief Executive Officer Solv Kenya Dan Karuga said the partnership enables them to de-risk lending to MSMEs while opening them up to a diversified portfolio across various supply chains.
“This partnership is a perfect alignment of our technological expertise and a testament to the power of collaboration in driving innovation and growth in Africa’s digital economy. We are confident we will unlock new capital streams for SMEs, enabling them to scale efficiently. Together, we aim to reach out to more MSMEs and offer them convenient and affordable credit solutions that suit their needs,” Mr. Karuga said.
MSMEs are important contributors to economic growth in Kenya, constituting 98% of all business entities in the country. The sector remains highly informal, as only 20% of the over 7.4 million MSMEs operate as licensed entities. The partnership will provide significant embedded financing solutions for these MSMEs that are often excluded from the formal economy.
“At Branch, we remain committed to cooperating with other industry players to offer financial solutions. Our partnership with Solv Kenya creates a significant embedded financing solution for MSMEs,” Branch International CEO Matt Flannery Said.
The sector provides enormous opportunities for socio-economic transformation, absorbing low-skill and economically excluded individuals, such as women, persons with disabilities, and those with low levels of education.
Ismael Abdi Chairman of the Patriotic Youth of Kenya addresses journalists in Nairobi flanked by other youth leaders.
By Ronald Njoroge
Kenyan youth have given Dadaab MP Farah Maalim 24 hours to retract statements he made that he intends to mobilize youth from Garissa to go to Somalia and fight Ethiopia after Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland made an agreement to lease to Ethiopia part of its coastal land around the Port of Berbera to enable it access the Red Sea.
Ethiopia and Somaliland made an agreement on January this year to lease port access to landlocked Ethiopia despite Somaliland still being part of Somalia and therefore not an independent country. Ismael Abdi Chairman of the Patriotic Youth of Kenya told journalists in Nairobi that Kenyan youth value the good relationships with neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. “We are giving Farah Maalim 24 hours to apologize to the youth of Kenya and especially those from Garissa for making such inciteful and undiplomatic statements,” Abdi said. Maalim made the remarks during the inauguration of the Puntland’s president on 25th January.
Zachary Mbeke, the secretary general of the Patriotic Youth of Kenya addresses journalists in Nairobi flanked by other youth leaders.
Zachary Mbeke, the secretary general said that Kenyan youth are embarrassed and angered by the MPs remarks. Mbeke noted that Kenyan youth believe in peaceful conflict resolution in case of disagreements. Anjela Maore, a student leader said that Maalim’ s remarks portray him as an agent provocateur who is welding incitement as a tool and appearing as a recruitment agent for militia groups. “We expect all our leaders to protect and provide meaningful solutions to ensure youth are more socio-economically empowered,” she added.
Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka addressing Congregants at a Service Sunday in Kajiado
By Maximilla Wafula
Wiper Party Leader, Kalonzo Musyoka, made a significant public appearance on a busy Sunday in Kajiado, by attending two services in Kajiado at the Full Gospel Church and Kenya Assemblies of God respectively , demonstrting a commitment to both political and religious engagement. This move aimed to connect with the local community on a personal level and establish a rapport beyond the political spectrum.
Wiper leader was accompanied by a host of other leaders including DAP.K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa , His Excellency Governor for Machakos Wavinya Ndeti , Deputy Governor for Kajiado Martin Moshisho , Senators , Member of Parliament , Member of County and Wiper Knec members .
Following the religious service, Kalonza Musyoka proceeded to Kitengela for a rally, where he addressed a diverse crowd on various pertinent issues. The primary concerns highlighted during the rally included the soaring costs of living, a challenge that resonates with many citizens across the country. Kalonza Musyoka used this platform to empathize with the struggles of ordinary Kenyans, emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures to alleviate the economic burden faced by the people.
Another critical matter addressed at the rally was the issue of heavy housing funds. Kalonza Musyoka voiced the party’s stance on the need for more accessible and affordable housing solutions. He discussed policy proposals and initiatives that Wiper Party plans to implement to ease the housing crisis, underscoring the importance of secure and affordable shelter for every citizen.
The highlight of the day was the official opening of the Wiper Party office in Kitengela. This move demonstrated the party’s commitment to expanding its presence and engaging with the local community at a grassroots level. The opening ceremony was attended by party members, local leaders, and supporters, marking a significant step in consolidating political influence in the region.
During his speech at the office opening, Kalonza Musyoka reiterated the party’s dedication to addressing the concerns of the people. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the government and citizens to create sustainable solutions for the challenges faced by Kenyan communities.
One of the key issues that Kalonza Musyoka passionately spoke about was the high-handed approach of the Minister of Education regarding school fees payment through the e-Citizen platform. He condemned the alleged forceful imposition of this payment method on parents, arguing that it added an unnecessary burden to already strained household budgets. Kalonza Musyoka called for a reconsideration of this policy, advocating for a more consultative and inclusive approach in decision-making processes related to education.
In addressing the concerns about school fees payment on the e-Citizen platform, Kalonza Musyoka pointed out the potential negative impact on parents, especially those facing economic hardships. He urged the government to prioritize affordability and accessibility in education, emphasizing the need for policies that empower families rather than burden them further.
In conclusion, Kalonza Musyoka’s busy day in Kajiado and Kitengela showcased the Wiper Party’s commitment to engaging with the community on a broad spectrum of issues. From religious gatherings to political rallies and the opening of a party office, this strategic approach demonstrated an understanding of the multifaceted nature of public concerns. By addressing topics like the high costs of living, heavy housing funds, and education policies, Kalonza Musyoka positioned the Wiper Party as an advocate for the people, ready to address the challenges faced by Kenyan citizens in their daily lives. Ends …
Konza Technopolis Development Authority’s acting CEO John Paul Okwiri
By Maximilla Wafula
The meeting will discuss impacts of changing demographics on entrepreneurship, technology.
It will be the first time Kenya is hosting the event in its 41-year history.
The meeting to be held from September 24 to 27, 2024
Kenya is set to host the 41st IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP 2024 at Konza Technopolis. It will be the first time Kenya is hosting the event in its 41-year history.
The meeting to be held from September 24 to 27, 2024, will discuss the impact of changing demographics on entrepreneurship and technology and explore ways to combat global challenges the world is facing. The conference is expected to bring together experts from science and technology parks and other areas of innovation, technology-based incubators, academia, the public sector, and business to discuss and debate in depth on the latest trends in the industry’s increasingly complex structures for professional innovation support.
Stakeholders of the the 41st IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP 2024 to be held at Konza Technopolis in September.
International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) is a leading association of innovation ecosystems worldwide.
IASP Global President Ebba Lund Lund called on partners to among others engage and support the conference’s planning and positioning as a key event to look out for in Africa in 2024.
“We invite you to support the conference by way of sponsorship under different categories in kind and financially. Submit papers for presentation at the conference and publishing, nominate their spaces for consideration for IASP technical and cultural visits and mobilise delegates to attend the conference,” she said.
Lund made the remarks during a meeting by the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy and Konza Technopolis.
Present during the meeting included the CEO of Kenya Space Agency, Hillary Kipkosgey, National Commission for Science and Technology director general Walter Oyawa, CEO of the ICT Authority of Kenya Stanley Kamanguya, PSs Juma Mukhwana (Industrialisation), Hassan Abubakar (Investment Promotion) and Beatrice Inyangala (Higher Education), vice chancellors of public universities, Heads of Missions in Kenya and private sector and development Partners.
Konza, being at the forefront of technological innovation in Africa, has been presented with an opportunity to showcase its cutting-edge technology and innovation ecosystem and demonstrate its crucial role in driving Africa’s digital transformation.
The conference is themed, “Demographics, Entrepreneurship and Technology: Defining the Frontiers of Future Economies.”
The theme was inspired by the rapidly shifting demographics occasioned by technological advancements, climate action and a focus towards Social Development Goals.
“Africa is broadly set to experience significant demographic changes in the coming years, and science parks and innovation districts such as the Konza Technopolis will play a key role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth,” added Lund.
Key areas of interest for Kenya include the County Technology and Innovations Delivery Services Programme, Coordination of Technology, Innovation and Commercialization Programme, Science, Technology and Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Programme. Ends.
Roundtable dialogue at Desmond Tutu Conference center Nairobi today.
By Benard Mulwa
Artificial Intelligence – AI took the centre stage in a discussion by a section of interfaith today seeking a new legislative to be put in place to protect women and girls against Online Gender Based Violence, it has emerged.
This comes in the wake of alarming rise in femicide cases in Kenya which in many cases are instigated through social media, questioning the safety of internet.
On January 4, 2024, the stabbing to death of 26-year-old Starlet Wahu a popular Instagram figure in a short-term rental apartment made headlines. On the 14th January days after the brutal murder and dismemberment of a 20-year-old Rita Waeni in Nairobi with her remains scattered by the killer and some stuffed in a plastic bag sent shockwaves throughout our communities. Femicide Count Kenya which monitors killings reported in local news, recorded 58 deaths labelled as femicides between January and October 2022. In 2023, the organisation recorded at least 152 killings[1] – the highest in the past five years and 14 cases have already been reported in January 2024.
The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) indicate that over 40 percent of women have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In all these cases, the blame has shifted from perpetrators to the victims. Evelyn Apondi, a feminist expert said “This staggering number only represents cases reported in the media and doesn’t represent the true count as on average a woman or girl is killed every day, often by a close family member”, adding that, Violence against women and girls is violence against the entire humankind, and should have no place in Kenya or anywhere in the world. It is disheartening to witness the loss of innocent lives, and we extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by these tragic events.
Christian Aid Kenya Country Director, Mrs Janet Ngombalu, said in a statement, “Society’s response to gender-based violence can be enhanced if we invest in seeking to understand some of the key drivers of the epidemic adding that, the sacred texts are clear that we must seek knowledge having a fuller understanding of the complexity of gender-based violence will enable us to develop and implement more effective responses. “We can no longer remain silent, nor assume that gender-based violence is a ‘private issue.’ The statement reads in part, it is in many instances a matter of life and death; a matter of human security, dignity, faith, human rights and is key to the prosperity of the entire nation.
Sheik Abuhamza of Jamia mosque Nairobi said “we commend the media for amplifying the heinous acts of femicide and other forms of GBV and urge them to continue relentlessly, and we further commend all other organizations that have condemned the vice, including marching on the streets”.
We call on the government of Kenya to hasten to make efforts to bring all perpetrators to justice,” We call on the Government of Kenya to ensure progress towards implementation of the Sexual Offences Act (2006), the National Policy on Prevention and Response to Gender based Violence 2014 outcomes, and the enforcement of all laws and policies that respond to Gender Based Violence. All relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the government must task to work in concert with other institutions including law enforcement authorities in mitigating the heinous acts of femicide and other gender-based violence.
We also call on government to enforce treaties it has ratified on this issue such as The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, (Maputo Protocol) and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) among others.
We call all institution of learning to instil value for human life, and respect for the dignity and God’s image in every human being
Our Commitment
The faith community in Kenya stands united, transcending religious boundaries to condemn femicide and all other forms of GBV in the strongest terms possible. Our shared commitment to justice, human dignity, and the sanctity of life compels us to address this issue comprehensively and collaboratively. We therefore commit to the following:
Education and Awareness: We commit to continue educating our congregations and communities on the root causes of femicide and other forms of GBV, dismantling harmful stereotypes, offering mentorship to boychild during cultural forums such as rites of passage to change the perception of young men towards women and promoting healthy relationships founded on mutual respect and equality right from family level.
Interfaith Collaboration: We recognize the strength in unity and commit to engage in continuous interfaith dialogue and collaboration toward addressing toxic societal norms that contribute to femicide for behavioural transformation.
We commit to promote theologies that affirm the dignity and equality of all genders.
Support Services: We commit to create awareness on existing support services (hotlines and safe houses). We further commit to establish and promote accessible support services, including pastoral counselling, psycho-social intervention and safe spaces, to aid survivors and their families in the aftermath of femicide and other forms of GBV.
Advocacy for strengthening legal frameworks: We commit to continuousengagement with policymakers to focus on strengthening the legal framework and ensuring its enforcement.
We therefore urge all citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation, to join hands in the fight against femicide. It is our collective responsibility to create a society where women can live free from fear, violence, and discrimination. Together, let us strive for a Kenya where every life is valued, and every woman can realize her full potential without the threat of harm.
We thank you for your attention and collaboration in addressing this urgent matter. May our shared commitment to justice and compassion guide us in the pursuit of a safer and more equitable society.
Africa has been called upon to speak in the strongest terms possible against fossil fuels and extractive industry because of the evident human rights violations, family displacements, cultural interference, and the impacts on the environment associated with the said industries. Speaking during the launch of the GreenFaith-Africa office in Nairobi, Meryne Warah, the GreenFaith Global Director for Advocacy, drew the attention of the multi-faith gathering at the All African Council of Churches (AACC) premises in Nairobi to the destruction the fossil fuels industry had caused people in Africa. “We have enough renewable natural capital that can be harnessed to provide energy in Africa while at the same time living harmoniously with biodiversity,” said Ms Warah, adding that the faith communities were best placed to speak truth to powers that make decisions allowing foreign companies to destroy Africa’s beauty, environment and biodiversity through the oil and extractive industry. The meeting was attended by representatives of indigenous communities, women and youth from several parts of Africa, including Ghana, Nigeria, Congo, Tanzania, Uganda and the DRC. There were also faith leaders from the Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and other communities. Several teams presented videos showing the effects of fossil fuels in their communities. Tanzania and Uganda shared videos of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) affected persons, many complaining about poor compensation for land taken and disrespect for their kin’s graves during displacement, among other ills. Nigeria had evidence of oil spills and gas flaring in Port Harcourt, in the Niger Delta, which has polluted rivers and the soil, killing the farming and fishing communities’ sources of livelihood, and increasing cases of respiratory and other diseases. Reacting to the videos, Rev. Dr Gibson Lesmore, the Director of Programs at the AACC, said: “We, as human beings, have a moral duty to preserve the embodiment of God in humanity, and that is by protecting our habitats.” He rebuked efforts to sustain fossil fuels proliferation by playing with the language, especially at the global climate talks. “They are now talking of phase-down when we need a phase-out. The oil exploration in Africa is aided by insiders. We know the insiders, but we are not telling them the truth. Let us be united to speak truth to power around issues of climate change because these are matters of life and death. Silence is violence,” he said. He called for more attention to the solutions different African and indigenous communities offered. “Listen to African indigenous knowledge and nature-based solutions, even in the face of development and technological advancement,” he said, adding that the global North’s efforts to dangle the carbon market when they had refused to honor the $100 billion climate fund pledge was pretentious. “Faith communities are our only hope. We must not politicize issues of climate change. Capitalism places its efforts on profits against human well-being. Matters of climate change are matters of life and death. No hypocrisy. No deceit. No lie,” he said. GreenFaith Executive Director Rev. Fletcher Harper said: “Africa is on the frontline of the climate crisis. Global North corporations want to exploit the continent’s resources and addict Africa to fossil fuels. This is patently immoral. Our GreenFaith Africa team is campaigning for clean, safe, affordable, reliable energy for every African. We’re calling for millions of green jobs to lift people from poverty. We demand an immediate stop to new fossil fuel projects and loss and damage funds for those who have suffered permanent losses from climate change. Our faiths require nothing less.” Hindu council of Kenya’s Sujarta Kotamraju urged participants to strengthen the link between spirituality and ecology. “Our differences in faiths must not enable destruction of mother earth, especially through fossil fuels extraction,” she said, adding that faith has a role to play in driving climate justice. Elija Toirai, a representative of the indigenous community, said: “We must flow with nature in everything we do. The values we teach our children should encourage conservation. Indigenous people know climate change destroys their spaces. Certain cultural and ceremonial activities do not happen anymore, or their frequencies have reduced because climate change has messed up some of the sacred places where they used to happen”. He said indigenous people bring historical and indigenous knowledge that helps deal with climate change, calling for more inclusion is solution finding. He thanked GreenFaith for strategically working with faith and indigenous communities as equal partners. Ms Warah added: “When talking about Loss and Damage, it also means losing your identity. The indigenous communities have lost their identities. This is not something you can ever get back, even with the Loss and Damage fund”. Sabina Chege, the Kenya Women of Faith Secretary, said women were disproportionately affected by climate change, and needed to be more economically empowered to offer solutions. “Women must be involved more in the fight for climate justice.” Ezekiel Chibeze, the Executive Director of Strategic Youth Network for Development Executive Coordinator from Ghana, said youth have a role to play in climate education. “We are pushing advocacy and showing that young people have a solution to bring to the table. We are championing green ideas and jobs by turning organic waste into fuel for the stoves and also having young farmers in agroecology to deal with food security and enable the agriculture sector to employ more people. We have to do our job now. In the next 30 years, we will have a new crop of young people. We must nurture them now.” Salim Bayani, a Muslim faith leader, said: “We were born with the responsibility of taking care of the environment. Nothing that is on this earth has not come through the Bible or the Quran, or other holy books”. GreenFaith-Africa is now in 12 African countries. It brings together Christians, Muslims, those with traditional African beliefs, Hindus, and others for climate justice. It works with grassroots people of faith to stop new fossil fuel projects, and to call for universal access to clean energy and green jobs that can lift communities to a better future. Currently, GreenFaith is campaigning to stop the EACOP and has sustained momentum against any new oil and gas expansion or project.
Former Kenya’s Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga has joined voices with other concerned Kenyans following the launch of Chinese Property Developers Association in Nairobi last week.
According to the association, they aim to to boost property development in the country.
The Association’s President Zhang Jiaping said the association has been established as a platform that will act as a bridge to serve society and benefit humanity.
However, many are reading from a different script with suspicions that there could be more into it than what the Chinese are saying.
“Nairobi has been auctioned off to the highest bidder under the “solicitous” gaze of Governor Johnson Sakaja.” Jerotich Seii, human rights activist says.
“The Chinese Association will turn whatever is left of the Green City in the Sun into a vast, unrecogizable jungle of high rise, concrete tenements that will enrich their Chinese shareholders and Kenyan surrogates, all the while destroying our children’s future.” She sounded the alarm.
She accuses the Chinese of operating with impunity in the country disregarding ethics laws.
“The Chinese Property Developers Association and their ilk fear no one – probably not even the law – and laugh at Nairobians because they know that the top leadership, including the Governor, already backs them. They will continue to exploit “grey areas” in spite of clear zoning regulations, environmental codes NEMA and constitutionally enshrined public participation requirements. They will despite their assertions – continue to hide behind architects and contractors who allegedly grease palms as needed aka the-cost-of-doing-business-in-Kenya. Their demarche on Nairobi is akin to a melting iceberg and I want to believe that we will wake up before we drown.”
In echoing her sentiments, Dr. Mutunga said, “Xi Jinping tells the world that China is different from the West. Like the West China does not respect our Constitution. Until we realize how enslaved our corrupt political leadership and the leadership of our institutions are we will lose our country.”
He went further, “I once described our economy as a bandit one ruled by national and international cartels. We are ruled by forces whose names don’t appear on the ballot papers when we vote. Those who entertain the idea that China will liberate the Global South from the West should think again.”
Okawo Nashon, a real estate expert in Nairobi has termed the association as a joke and insult to the professionals in the country, “it is a shameful joke that should be condemned and resisted. So what will be next; Chinese Engineers Association? Italians Contractors Association? Or Mongolian Architects Association? Why not join the well established Kenya Property Developers Association?What is so special about these Chinese developers? We want sanity in this industry not some entitled people out to kick the can down the road and flee back when things will be messy. Make no mistake, we welcome everybody, but we must have some order.” He opined.
During the launch, the Association’s President Zhang Jiaping said the association has been established as a platform that will act as a bridge to serve society and benefit humanity. Zhang said the association will act per government approvals and construct according to approved drawings. At the same time, he noted that the association will seek to protect the rights and interests of property owners.
At the backdrop of all this, one of the leaders in the association has been doing the opposite of what’s they’re saying and promising.
To elaborate that the association is not as ‘harmless’ and seeks to only do good things, Ms Seii who is also a leader of Kilimani Estate residents association, exposed how Alina Valley Company Ltd, a company associated with Mr. Jack Wu as the Managing Director. Mr. Wu also happens to be the Vice Chair of the Chinese Property Developers Association.
It emerges that the company has allegedly been frustrating the residents of Kilimani by putting up a structure contrary to the laid rules of the estate.
Anatomy of Corruption
April 2022: Alina Valley Company Ltd. begins to mobilise heavy duty machinery on a 1 acre plot on Likoni Lane to build 3 blocks of 17 storey apartments. They have no County Approvals, NEMA or NCA Licences. The residents are up in arms and block the road, forcing the developer to demobilise.
Residents demand that public participation is carried out. Alina attempts to carry out a sham public participation, where the Kenyan architect presents drawings labelled Chinese. The residents reject the project and ask the developer to go back to the drawing board and revise the drawings to meet the zoning guidelines and present them in English.
Alina returns and tries to forcefully carry public participation without giving the necessary notices and in the rain to discourage the residents from participating. The residents reject this and send the developer away.
Alina mysteriously gets approvals from the County without any public participation. The residents engage the Physical Planning Department to interrogate how this can be possible. The County duly ignores the residents.
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Alina then submits an EIA report to NEMA to apply for a licence. The residents engage NEMA and submit a comprehensive counter report outlining the unsuitability of the site for such a high- impact project.
Because the report by the residents makes sense, Alina decides to cancel the NEMA Licence application and begin the process all over again as advised by some NEMA insiders.
Alina once again attempts to force public participation to tick a box in meeting the legal NEMA requirements by hiring goons to attend the meeting and intimidate the residents, some who even threatened the lives of the residents. This is reported to NEMA and the County.
The County suspends all the approvals they had granted to the developer on account of the above.
The developer submits a fresh EIA report to NEMA, without any public participation. The residents counter this with a comprehensive report and signed petitions, with evidence of intimidation by the developer. NEMA disregards all of the above and grants the developer a licence.
Apropos of nothing, the Chinese Property Developers Association pays a visit to State House and meets with the First Lady, giving a donation of 100 water tanks and 10,000 tonnes of maize. (This often seen as a gesture of asking for favors).
The donations.
In early January 2024, the Chinese Property Developers Association visits Governor Sakaja.
The very next day, the suspended approvals for Alina Valley by the County are ‘mysteriously’ reinstated, and the NCA also grants them a licence in a record 24 hrs.
January 16, 2024, construction begins with earnest on the site. The narrow roads on Likoni Lane are unable to accommodate the construction trucks and machinery, so the roads are blocked by the trucks and the residents cannot access their homes. All this had been highlighted to NEMA in the report submitted by the residents, but fell on deaf ears as envelopes changed hands.
But one wonders how they can be able to pull off such projects.
They will invite you to fill in some questionnaires (and probably pad them with cooked responses). And then they will invite you to attend a public participation meeting. They will set it on a weekday and with less than a 14 day notice. You will object – because who wants 18 storeys built beacon to beacon next to them?
They will go away. Regroup. Go back to the County. Cook their EIA (usually written by someone from NEMA) and submit it to NEMA. Get their approvals at lightning speed.
Prior to That:
Scavenge for leasehold properties whose leases are coming to an end (preferably with elderly or deceased owners). OR prey on those who properties are so devalued through being surrounded by high rise buildings (also build by said Chinese). OR dupe some non-forward thinking individual into a JV using his/her land.
Import their architectural plans directly from China; written in Mandarin – not for our ease of reference. Find a local architect (usually not a very seasoned professional) to register/localise the plan.
Find their local fixers who are usually a combination of Chinese nationals (now Kenyan citizens) who are now called Aaron, Jack, etc, who work with a couple of Kenyans who are either the thuggish type or those who drive around in big vehicles wearing Gucci and entice neighbours and associations to receive “compensation” for what they are about to do. One such lady approached us on Ndemi Road and it was clear that her Mandarin was better than her English or even Kiswahili.
Look for the rogue-est of rogue salvagers/excavators who know how to “deal” with the locals.
Descend on the County, NEMA and all the usual suspects that need softening and all manner of inducements.
Pretend to tick boxes knowing full well that their “development” is already a fait accompli.
Ms Jerotich says the Kilimani case is not isolated, “this story is almost identical everywhere you go in Kilimani and beyond. How Nairobi City County and NEMA have turned against Nairobians is incredible. The Chinese Property Developers Association believes that by repackaging themselves; running to State House; giving donations; and then running to Governor Sakaja, they are above the law and the wishes of Kenyans. They are counting on our silence as they continue their demarche.”
She adds, “we speak up now or forever hold our peace. This is not just about Kilimani. This is about the Nairobi We Want for future generations and the Chinese Property Developers Association can only but contribute to a dystopian future because they have been allowed to run amok.”
Dr. James Mokoro, regulatory affairs Manager Reckitt, in the middle during the MOU signing Ceremony for the Sirikwa classic, World Cross County tour in Nairobi today.
By Benard Mulwa
An-Antiseptic Company Reckitt, famously known as Dettol, has today singed an MOU with Athletics Kenya to support the Sirikwa Classic World Cross tour.
Dettol is thrilled to be part of this partnership that will contribute to the success of the upcoming Sirikwa Classic, World Cross Country tour on 3rd, February 2024 at the historic Lobo village in the heart of Uasin Gishu County, Kapseret Constituency.
Reckitt Company, according to the regulatory affairs Manager Dr. James Mokoro, inked a deal to support this event by giving Ksh 2.6 million and Dettol products to the athletes and majority of attending enthusiasts who will the opportunity to experience Dettol Cool, a trusted germ protection soap infused with a burst of refreshing menthol for protection and freshness.
In a press conference today, Sirikwa Classic race Director, Mr. Barnaba Korir said Athletics Kenya and Reckitt will officially launch this event tomorrow in Uasin Gishu County adding that this event will attract top athletes from Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Germany, Britain, and USA.
The Kenyan government has already demonstrated its dedication to identify and nurturing talents across the country through initiatives such as Talanta Hella, this initiative seeks to identify and foster exception individuals while also providing opportunity for them to monetize their abilities.
This partnership serves as a clear testament to Dettol’s commitment and active role in supporting young sportsmen and women on their journey to success in the years to come.
In his speech to the press today, Dr. James Mokoro, regulatory affairs Manager Reckitt, said, “don’t let hot weather ruin your day, Dettol Cool soap offers triple benefits providing protection against 99.9% of disease-causing germs, delivering up to five degrees of cooling sensation and ensuring protection against body odour” adding that it’s a product designed for instant freshness after various activities, including dancing sports, workouts and farming.
“At Dettol, we recognize the significance of maintaining good hygiene practices, particularly during these challenging times, our mission is to assist our customers in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones from harmful germs and bacteria, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality products that effectively cater to their needs” adding that, with the introduction of Dettol 5 degree temperature Cool, Dettol has once again reinforced their commitment to protect consumers, promote good hygiene practice and inspire Kenyans to lead healthier lives, while keeping them cool and refreshed all day.
