Author: staff reporter

BY NJOKI KARANJA.

Hundreds of African non-state actors represented by The Africa Climate Summit – Non-State Actors Steering Committee placed heightened demands and redlines as the continent prepares for the special
Africa Climate Summit to convene in Nairobi Kenya, in September. The summit takes place at a time the developed world presents no signs to address the adverse climate impacts caused by climate change
which are the main contributors.

The summit takes place while mild signs show non-significant progress of inclusive solutions to the climate crisis and consider Africa as the last or less important solutions provider at the same table of global climate crisis solutions.
Non-state actors take note that underestimating the role of the continent and suppressing her voice and
aspirations make the move stunt and lead to the human rights puzzle towards the betterment of Africans and the next generations.

“With all these foggy moves by mighty global spheresthat have not yielded a promising solution for Africa, we demand that all debates and decisions at the African Climate Summit respect and fulfill the human rights of all people, especially, those left vulnerable and marginalized by the effects of Climate Change such as indigenous people, women, children persons with disabilities and poor communities, said Dr. Mithika, the Executive Director of Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.

The previous sessions and processes were characterized by externally made thoughts and solutions for Africa and Africans while the continent deems to be a continent of potential and solutions. Non State Actors explored the slow or lack of African commitment to find solutions and firm the position and called Africa’sleaders to shift goals poststoward the contextually Africanized perspectives and aspirations.

Therefore,they requested to focus on major issues during the summit as brought on board by Waituru Mwangi
representing VSO/Kenya.
“Africa is most hit by Climate Change. Women, children, and farmers are affected and you know they have a special relationship with the environment. As we remain with a few days to ACS we need the government and AU to open the space for non-state actors. We want to see processes where all countries can
participate for not to waste money and time. In this summit, we need to focus on Climate Justice, children, women, and Farmers instead of talking about corporates. If we do not focus on these we lose it”, urged Mwangi.

However, process of the Africa Climate Summit has been criticized by some clusters who say that they should have been involved so that their views are incorporated into discussions during the summit.

“The indigenous community has been sidelined in the process of the African Climate Summit yet we are the most affected, especially indigenous women, indigenous children. We shouldn’t be left out because we know our issues better than any other cluster and can articulate them well when we are involved. We demand the Government of Kenya to include us” Eunice…./MPIDO, representing MPIDO a Kenya-based indigenous organization before urging African leaders to cast-off anti-African proposals that increase climate risks for Africa and transfer undue burdens of addressing the climate crisis to African countries
and people already suffering the adverse impacts of the debts, global inequality in the distribution of wealth, and other problems.

The summit will discuss driving green growth & climate finance solutions for Africa and the world. However, the finance question is still fuzzy as no tensible direction taken. Dr. Lesmore Ezekiel, the
Director of Programmes at the Africa Conference of Churches questioned why discussions have been diverted to the Carbon Market as an urgent matter and tasked African leaders to readdress the issue in their discussions during the summit and beyond.

“When we talk about Climate Change we mean that it is a matter of life and death. When it comes to us as a religious and Faith-based organization, and seeing these unclear processes we ask ourselves why we are not talking about Loss and Damage. Why aren’t we talking about the Adaptation fund? Instead, we advance conversations in Carbon Market! We must reject this and African leaders must take this as a matter of importance,” tasked Dr. Lesmore.

In conclusion,the Republic of Kenya is the host of the summit from 3-6 September 2023. The president of the Republic of Kenya is the chair of the African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change Committee (CAHOSCC) which was established in 2009 during the 13th ordinary sessions of the African Union Assembly.

In collaboration with the African Ministerial Conference on Environment (AMCEN) and the African Group of Negotiators on Climate Change (AGN), CAHOSCC works to advance the Africa Common Position on
Climate Change at global fora and negotiations on climate change.

Afrikonekta CEO Tichaona Dande

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Intercity online bus booking platform AfriKonekta has unveiled a $1 countrywide intercity digital bus booking platform, allowing passengers to book bus tickets at a tap of a button. Passengers can book a bus ticket to major destinations around Kenya starting from just $1 or about KSh 148 (today’s exchange rate). The platform has also integrated parcel delivery services targeting SMEs, online sellers and person to person (P2P) delivery services was unveiled on Wednesday and streemed live on their social media platform.

Afrikonekta CEO Tichaona Dande says that the platform seeks to build a connected Africa, broader and deeper regional and continental integration. “AfriKonekta was created to build a connected Africa, provide customer focused, low-cost, ‘smart’ and great value travel which is convenient to book and use. Our emphasis is on connectivity, timetable synchronization, route planning and integration, opening up country, regional and continent-wide transportation system through leveraging technology/digital innovations, e-commerce capabilities, and partnerships to make intercity transportation accessible, comfortable, attractive, efficient, well-connected, reliable, safe, sustainable, and affordable.”It targets long distance bus operators with routes from Nairobi to other towns and vice versa.

Currently, AfriKonekta is covering over 37 destinations (Mombasa, Moyale, Nakuru, Malindi, Busia, Sori, Bungoma, Butere, Siaya, Homabay, Kapenguria, L.Turkana, Bondo, Kisii, Oyugis, Migori, Usenge, Luanda, Ukwala Port, Mumias, Kitale, Mbale, Malaba, Kakuma, Nyamira, Kakamega, Eldoret, Kisumu, among others).The network comprises 1,000 trips per day, 282 stops with over 1,126 signed up vehicles, ranging from 7 to 62 seaters.At current operational capacity, AfriKonekta will be moving between 10,000 and 15,000 people per day depending on demand.The startup has signed about twenty (22) bus operators such as Msamaria Mwema, Nya Ugenya, Salama Bus, Transline Kemera Sacco, Promise Buses, We Travellers Sacco, Eldoret Express, among others.

However, it plans to sign up more players, launch operations in Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Rwanda by early next year to expand its East Africa connectivity, continental coverage, and strengthen its inventory of partner operators.“With a wide range of express buses and shuttles, night buses, and affordable coaches and executive minivans available on our platform, we strive to give our valued customers an opportunity to grab exciting offers and deals and enjoy discounted trips
Our customers can choose from a wide range of our well-equipped vehicles with modern facilities, check bus schedules, track their bus (GPS tracking) and book bus tickets online from the comfort of their home or office,” Dande emphasized.“

AfriKonekta is a digital platform for intercity bus travel. With state-of-the-art technology, it provides customers with seamless, safe, secure planning, booking, traveling, and paying experience. Our commitment is to deliver a revolutionary means of travel that make long distance travel in Africa a tech-powered and attractive option. We have studied the best practices of global platforms, added our comprehensive expertise of the long-distance bus industry, and adapted the service to the African market needs,”  Said Dande.

 The service, which can be accessed on an App, Web, WhatsApp or via a toll-free phone call will allow travelers to book their tickets, choose seats and pay digitally, cutting the need to visit physical bus booking stations.Accepted payment methods include mobile money, credit/debit cards, and electronic bank transfers.Apart from online ticket sales, the platform also provides consumer apps (Apple and Android), reseller apps, back-office tools for operators, business intelligence reports, driver apps, and operators’ counter and staff sales channels.

“We provide bus partner operators with technology to automate processes and streamline behind-the-scenes booking management, eliminating the analog booking and management processes. While online bookings for bus operators has become easy, much of the behind-the-scenes processes of managing their operations remains manual and labor intensive,” Dande said. “We are thrilled to join forces with bus operators to further accelerate our journey to empower them to optimize & digitize their operations, maximize revenue collection and cut costs at the same time.”AfriKonekta’s key partners are small and medium size bus operators. These operators typically don’t have access to modern digital tools.

Therefore Digitalization accelerates their business growth, gives them more efficient sales channels, better customer experience, better visibility to actual sales, and tools to predict demand and use their vehicles more effectively,” Dande continues. Muhamad, one of the bus operators and owner of Salama Bus which is also on the platform, re-iterated the significance of digitalization in streamlining his operations. Intercity bus travel is an area of untapped potential in Africa.

In the absence of better rail facilities and air transportation, over 90% of all passenger traffic is completed by road transport (bus and private cars).AfriKonekta Mobility Oy is a Finnish startup company that is based in Helsinki that was founded by Tichaona Dande and Pekka Möttö.While Dande is from Zimbabwe and currently living in Finland, Möttö is a Finnish citizen. Dande moved to Finland in 2015 to pursue further studies in International Law, Global Politics, Business Administration, and Development studies completing three Masters’ degrees.

I’m addition,he has lived and worked in Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Finland in various companies including T-Mobile and Amazon.com.The company’s journey began in June 2021, when Dande contacted Möttö wanting to share his vision of connecting Africa through LinkedIn. He chose to work with Möttö, who is the founder of Onnibus, Finland’s biggest intercity bus booking operator.Before launching in Kenya, Dande emphasizes that AfriKonekta had to understand specific needs of Kenyan operators as well as local passengers.

During the 6 months pilot phase the company sold over 45 000 tickets.“Our vision is to provide tools and processes for African bus operators to prosper and grow  starting from Kenya,” he adds.Möttö says he was deeply impressed with Dande’s vision and ambitious plan. “Having initiated the digitalization and new business model in the Finnish bus industry and seen with my own eyes the rapidly growing passenger numbers and rejuvenation of the industry, it was easy for me to get excited and share Tichaona’s vision,” he says.

Dande and Möttö are excited about the launch in Kenya and are preparing to scale to new countries . “Most importantly, it is about improving the operator’s profitability, resources management, data-based workflows, customer engagement & communication, intelligence business reports, safety, and security of travel, the inclusion of more passenger groups, and ultimately better sustainability by enabling the operators the financing of new vehicles through partnerships with financial institutions,” he concluded.  

Kenya County Government Workers Union led by Calvin Okello Assistant Secretary, Festus Ngari City Branch Secretary (C) , Steve Ogesa (L) Vice Chair, Grace Muturi Women Leader ( R ) all seated infront join by John Baraza Vice Staff, Collins Nkoitoi Youth Leader and Beatrice Cheruto at Press Conference in Nairobi

BY NJOKI KARANJA

The leadership of joint branches of Kenya County government representing workers in the county government of Nairobi  are disturbed  by the on-going and current state of events clearly meant to destabilise the existing smooth operations of  Nairobi governor Hon Johnson Sakaja’s government.

The faceless cartels in conjunction with some rogue county officials behind these actions are the same people who destabilise the previous regime in their instatiable appetite for squandering public finance for their own self interest and we ask governor Sakaja to resist their evil maneuvers in whatever it takes for we together mist register progress in the services we provide to Nairobi citizens.

Therefore,we offer our full support to the  the governor in his efforts to reform and streamline operations at the county finance department. The finance sector headed by CEC Charles Kerich and Asha Abdi should be given necessary support to bring back the neck financial disciplines as envisaged under the law.

We fear that if these cartels have their way,we are lightly to sink back to the days where staff’s salaries are divided to pay suppliers and contractors and endless salary delays which we have experienced for the last one year of this administration.

In conclusion, we wish to advice the SRC that they cannot continue discriminating the employees of defunct local authorities every time they want to give advisories.  They are Kenyans like every other public officer and deserve the right to be cushioned  against adverse effects of high costs of living.  They have thwarted all the efforts to review collective bargaining agreement for defence local authority now for 12 years against  the recommended  four years circle.

Nashon Adero(In Blue Shirt) -a Geospatial & system expert of Engineering at the Taita University displays his new book.
The eagerly awaited book is entitled “Project Design for Geomatics Engineers & Surveyors”

By Wilson Amondo
Nashon Adero – a geospatial & systems modelling expert and lecturer of Engineering and GIS at Taita Taveta University (TTU) launched a new practice-oriented book, Project Design for Geomatics Engineers and Surveyors.
The book was launched on 10th August 2023 before an international audience of industry experts, researchers, and academics at the RCMRD International Conference, Kasarani, Nairobi.
This follows the major launch that took place on 4th July 2023 in Nairobi and London simultaneously, with Prof. Washington Yotto Ochieng, EBS, FREng (Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College London) as the keynote speaker.
Co-authored by an all-Kenyan team and alumni of the University of Nairobi with international exposure and a rich mix of experience in teaching, research and industry practice.
The book is expected to grab headlines as a paradigm-shifting manual for geomatics engineers and surveyors. College students, professors and industry practitioners can now find a reference book that acts as a one-stop shop for both the hard and soft skills, and both the age-old fundamentals and cutting-edge advances which they need to keep pace with evolutions in the dynamic disciplines.
Adero stressed at the launch that the book is suitable as a reference manual for geomatics engineers and the wider surveying fraternity, given its practice-oriented and project-based approach.
The book is locally available from Nuria Bookstore, Nairobi, retailing at 16,000 Kenyan shillings.
It is also available from Amazon and other online outlets.
The author
doubles up as an Associate Director with ESIPPS International Ltd, overseeing the Nairobi Africa Office. Clement Ogaja is a geodesist with NOAA(USA) and Derrick Koome, a licensed drone pilot, is the founder of Cheswick Surveys and completes the authors list for the book published in 2023 by Taylor & Francis Group, CRC Press, in London.

By Eric Ziribagwa

The Regional International conference (RIC) officially opened on the 8th of August 2023 in Nairobi Kenya . The three day conference provides an excellent platform on how geoscience can be used effectively to inform policy.

Over the last six years, the conference has hosted over 4,000 delegates from Ministers, Principal Secretaries, Government Officials, Scientists, Development Partners, Researchers, Academic and Media group

RCMRD an nter-governmental organization established in 1975 has currently 20 Contracting Member States in the Eastern and Southern Africa Regions; Botswana, Burundi, Comoros, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Somali, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Speaking during the official opening of the ceremony, Hon. Judith Nabakooba, Minister of Lands, Housing & Urban Development – Uganda, and Chairperson Regional Centre for Mapping and Resources for Development (RCMRD).Recognized the importance and the role played by the RCMRD member states in the field of science and technology, saying that they now have space policies and agencies.

‘RCMRD member States recognize the importance of science & technology, they now have space policies & agencies’.

RIC 2023 defines the community as: Users of the information from various domains (institutions, organizations, governments, private entities, academia, data providers, villages etc.) In addressing and achieving Sustainable Development Goals, the connection of the services, tools, data, information, methods to the community is critical.

The participation of the various user categories of the said community from the data producers to beneficiaries has to be enhanced and perfected. Communication channels and information flow channels revamped and institutionalized within all the listed categories.

RIC2023, RCMRD and Partners provides participants with an excellent opportunity to present their institution, innovations, share experiences, ideas, methods, technological advancements, and engage with key players from the boarder industry from all over the globe on the “NEXT LEVEL” ideas.

Tilisi CEO Mr. Graeme Reid, Content Creator Ms. Grace Msalame, Samsung Electronics Marketing Manager Irene Mwema, and Head of Consumer Electronics East Africa Mr Sam Odhiambo,

BY MANDELA WILSON

5th august 2023, Nairobi. Samsung today unveiled their latest range of home appliances. While partnering with Tilisi homes development, Samsung showcased their products in two of Tilisi show houses. Samsung showcased the whole ecosystem of their new products basically giving customers a feel of how a smart home would work.

In a captivating event at Tilisi Homes, an ambitious collaboration between Tilisi and Samsung unfolded, setting the stage for a future of smart living and accessible home ownership in Kenya. The event saw the enthusiastic presence of Mr. Graeme Reid, CEO of Tilisi, and Mr. Samuel Odhiambo, Head of Department Consumer Electronics at Samsung.
The 2023 line-up of smart consumer electronics is made of the Neo-QLED TV that is available from 98 inches to 43 inches, the Bespoke Top-Mount Fridge that comes in pink, cream, navy and black allowing home owners to customize their homes based on personal tastes and preferences, the AI enabled washing machine, the Frame TV that turns into a piece of art when off and the Freestyle a portable projector.
Speaking at the launch the of Head of Consumer Electronics at Samsung Electronics East Africa, Mr. Sam Odhiambo said, “Today marks a significant milestone in Samsung’s relentless pursuit of innovation.

Samsung Trainer Meshack James, Tilisi CEO Mr. Graeme Reid and Head of Consumer Electronics East Africa Mr. Sam Odhiambo experience the connectivity of Samsung Eco Bubble washing machine via the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest line of home appliances that not only add convenience to your life but also redefine the way we interact with technology within our homes.” He further went on to add, “We are living in the smart age and customers are looking for electronics that go beyond functionality. We believe that technology should serve you, rather than the other way around. With this principle in mind, living the Samsung Bespoke Life allows you to design a home that not only caters to your unique needs but your values as well, empowering you to enjoy a more personalized, connected and sustainable lifestyle.”

Samsung’s Mr. Samuel Odhiambo outlined the true potential of Smart Home Automation. He shared Samsung’s SmartThings technology, demonstrating how homeowners could effortlessly control their households with a single touch. “Samsung SmartThings is not just about innovation; it’s about making life easier and smarter,” he enthused.
In particular, he outlined how SmartThings’ energy-saving solutions help users manage their energy usage and reduce their carbon footprint and energy bills. This includes providing up to 15% more savings for compatible refrigerators, up to 70% for compatible washers for courses operating in AI Energy Mode with the Ecobubble washing machine.

Mr. Odhiambo also revealed that this collaboration extended beyond technology. Samsung and Tilisi were introducing flexible payment plans to make home ownership a reality for more Kenyans. “Our goal is to make the dream of owning a home accessible to everyone,” he added.

The payment plans offered convenience and affordability, ensuring that potential homeowners could realize their dreams without financial burden.
Tilisi’s grand vision and Samsung’s technological prowess converged to redefine the concept of contemporary living. “At Tilisi, we believe in a world where everyone deserves a place to call home,” stated Mr Graeme Reid . The partnership with Samsung, a global leader in smart technology, was a testament to their commitment to empowering Kenyan homeowners.
Mr. Graeme Reid had the following to add on the experience, “The Kenyan Luxury real estate buyer is a world traveler.

Therefore they are well exposed to global standards of living and a smart home is one of them. Partnering with Samsung, we have been able to bring global smart home standards to Kenya showing Customers that the Tilisi Views homes are indeed for them”
The event also shed light on Tilisi’s partnership with esteemed financial institutions like Absa Bank. “Our financial partners share our commitment to empowering individuals with the keys to their own homes,” CEO Graeme Reid explained. Through these collaborations, Tilisi aimed to streamline mortgage processes and provide personalized financial solutions tailored to each homebuyer’s needs.

The mutual excitement and optimism from both Mr. Graeme Reid and Mr. Samuel Odhiambo were palpable. The Tilisi-Samsung partnership represented a significant milestone in Kenya’s real estate landscape, marrying cutting-edge technology with affordability. “With Smart Home Automation and accessible payment plans, the future of home ownership in Kenya is brighter than ever,” Mr. Reid concluded.

By Ronald Njoroge

Kenya’s 1998 UN embassy bombing victims on Monday called for compensation from the US government.

Caroline Muthoka, the International Convener of the Consortium of the 7 th August U.S Embassy Bombing Victims Association said that they are drumming up support for compensation by having prayers, lighting of candles and laying of flowers on the grounds of the former U.S. embassy building which is now the Peace August 7 th Memorial Park.

She said that the prayers will be taking place every 7th of the month from January of this 2023.

“The objectives of the prayer gatherings is bring together all the survivors and families of the deceased and all those affected by the attack,” Muthoka added.

Hon Senator Machakos County Agnes Kavindu the led Chairperson of the Senate Committee said as the Senate Ad Hoc Committee they will ensure the victims of the 1998 bomb blast get justice they deserve by compensating them.

“We are here to listen to the victims and we are not going to leave anything and any stone unturned before we make sure that our victims receive their compensation,” she observed.

By irene mwende

Today the 7th 1998 victims Association has launched a consortium to plead with the government through the assistance of senate to help them get justice by getting their compensation from the US embassy

Speaking during the launch of the consortium Hon Senator Machakos County Agnes Kavindu said that they are launch of the consortium today will ensure the victims of the 1998 bomblast will get justice by compensating them and the senate will work hard to push the Us embassy through the government to fight for compensation for the victims

“We are here to listen to the victims and we are not going to leave anything and any stone unturned before we make sure that our victims receive their receive their their compensation. Just to mention we are also planning to see our president who I know he knows that we are having this motion and he knows what we are having this discussion and I know he will give us fully backup. We know even the opposition will give us full backup and we are going to do whatever is possible for us as a as a committee and as the Senate to make sure that we go and meet the Senate in the in the United States so that they can also include us in this fund, which should give us the leeway because Kenya was not included in it.” Said senator Agnes Kavindu

Hon senator Agnes Kavindu noted that Kenya was not included in it but they just need to change the law so that they can include Kenya in this font that should bring the settlement of the conversation since it has been now 25 years, many of our Kenyan victims and victims of the bumblers continue to seek cooperation and compensation.

She further said the issue, is reference to the compensation fund that was created in 2014.

” As part of the US omnibus budget legislation, the fund applies to judgement holding victims of the state sponsored terrorist attack directed against the United States. Our greatest plea to the United government to the US government is to expand it. The proposal to Congress to initiate amendments through the victim of terrorist act the main aim of the amendment is to make Kenya Kenyan victims of the 1998 attack eligible to participate in the US victim terrorist compensation fund. We seek the US government to provide a pathway for all the victims to become eligible for the compensation of the funds.” added Senator Agnes Kavindu

The victims of the bomblast has highlighted their challenges they are currently facing since some were left as orphans , windows and they shared their testimony how they are suffering as some lost their loved ones.

The victims thanked Caroline Muthoka international convener consortium of the 7th August victims Association because she has been of good help to the victims and is assisting the victims to get justice through compensation by the US embassy.

by Ronald Njoroge

Nairobi 4 August 2023, Amnesty International Kenya, Kenya Medical Association, and the Law Society of Kenya are deeply concerned over the cases of police use of excess force in Kisumu and Kisii Counties during the Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests. 

We are deeply concerned to note that preliminary findings conclude that there was indeed the use of excessive force by the police meted against protestors during the 19-21 July 2023 protests. The preliminary findings indicate that excessive force on demonstrators has been consistent since the anti-government protests began on 20 March 2023. 

Between 28-30 July 2023, Amnesty International Kenya, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Kenya Medical Association visited Kisumu and Kisii Counties. We are saddened to report that preliminary investigations confirm that at least ten people were killed, most suffering bullet wounds and a few cases of blunt-force trauma. At least One hundred and seven cases of police assault were attended to in various health facilities but with 47 of those being gunshot wounds. 

Initial reports indicate that police shot indiscriminately at unarmed protestors, including those who had surrendered or were running away from the police. In one incident, an unarmed protestor, who served as an eyewitness in an arson incident, was shot and killed by a police officer. The state should assure the safety of families and victims who are yet to report violations out of fear of intimidation or re-victimisation at police stations.

Just like in the protests held between March and July, some victims were bystanders and were not involved. Nonetheless, we reiterate that Kenyans have a right to demonstrate, picket and present petitions without suppression and/or interference from the Police. We call upon the Policing Oversight Authority to urgently conclude investigations into the reported cases of the use of excess force by the police in Kisumu and Kisii Counties. 

“Victims and survivors of violent acts by police officers have a constitutional right to life and equal protection before the law. These violations must not go unresolved. Police officers found culpable of using excess force must face a court of law and answer to these charges alongside their commanding officers,” – said Irungu Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty International Kenya.

Initial findings revealed an alarming pattern of the police deploying reckless and indiscriminate tactics, including detaining protesters beyond the stipulated period of 24 hours use of archaic laws, especially those contained in the now outdated Public Order Act charge protesters.

“We condemn the utter disregard of Constitutional provisions by the police on the rights of arrested persons as protected in Article 49. We demand that all investigating officers who arrested, held and presented accused persons beyond the statutory timelines be held accountable – said Eric Theuri, Chairperson Law Society of Kenya.”

We are concerned that emergency service providers, including health workers and journalists, were sometimes attacked and/or prevented from accessing medical facilities.

We strongly condemn attacks on medical facilities, including lobbing teargas in medical facilities, ambulances, and attacks on healthcare workers and journalists. We call on the state to develop guidelines on offering safe passage and protection for emergency service providers during protests. We cannot be a nation which attacks its doctors. – said Simon Kigondu, President of the Kenya Medical Association.

Reports on targeting Human Rights defenders and Social Justice Centers during protests are deeply saddening.  Social Justice Centers belong to communities and are designed to serve and promote human rights. We call upon the police to substantively investigate cases of targeting, including the abduction of Human Rights defenders and guarantee the security of social justice centres and guarantee protection – said Irungu Houghton, Director of Amnesty International Kenya.

We call on the newly announced dialogue teams of Azimio la Umoja and Kenya Kwanza representatives to revisit the unlawful use of excessive force by the National Police Service and agree on actions that hold those in police command responsible.

A separate parliamentary commission of inquiry should be formed to investigate the instructions given to police officers across the affected counties, the use of non-uniformed and non-commissioned officers, names and locations of police officers hurt or killed, any failure of police officers to inform IPOA of any fatal exchanges or use of weapons and ascertain whether there was any disciplinary action taken against officers who have violated their standing orders.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority should urgently complete their investigations for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to hold individual officers culpable and the commanding officers who gave them instructions. IPOA should facilitate securing Occurrence Book (OB) Numbers for victims and families who are yet to access this service.

The Inspector General of Police should issue a public assurance that his service will provide protection and guidelines on safe passage for emergency service providers, journalists, and human rights defenders. During protests, his officers will desist from operating from ambulances or embedding themselves in the media corps.

We call for the immediate release of all persons who have remained in custody for more than 24 hours or have not been charged according to their rights. Arrests must be carried out legally and not as a tool to punish or intimidate people.  All those arrested have the right to know the charges being referred, legal representation, medical assistance and bail or bond within 24 hours. 

Lastly, we call on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), the Police, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to investigate and prosecute those citizens and elected leaders using social media to urge Kenyans to commit acts of violence, hatred,

By Fred Maingi
The cabinet Secretary ministry of Health Hon. Susan Nakhumicha Wafula has described the newly launched M. P Shah hospital new Maternity Wing as a unique milestone and a game changer.
Nakhumicha lauded the Hospital administration for maintaining a good image in their operation adding that the Government will continue to support the facility in discharging their duties effectively.
“The hospital has maintained a good image in front of the public. As a Government we feel proud to be associated with this great facility, we urge our expectant mothers to take advantage of the high quality facilities I ave seen during my in-house tour for proper services” she observed.
The State-of-the-Art Maternity Wing, is set to revolutionize maternal care in the region and further provide exceptional healthcare
services to expectant mothers and their newborns.
The Maternity Wing is an ambitious project that signifies the
hospital’s dedication to enhancing the healthcare experience for
patients in Kenya and beyond.
The new wing has been designed
with the most modern and advanced facilities, making it one of the
finest maternity care centres in the country.
With this state-of-the-art
facility, M.P. Shah Hospital aims to set new standards in maternal
care, ensuring the well-being of both mothers and their infants.
Key features of the Maternity Wing include spacious and Comfortable Private Rooms.
The wing also offers spacious and luxurious private rooms, designed to provide a serene and relaxing environment for mothers during their stay.
The hospital enjoys advanced Neonatal Care Unit, a dedicated Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipped with cutting-edge technology, thus
ensuring the best care for premature or high-risk newborns.
The facility also enjoys Well-Equipped Delivery Suites, Modern labour and delivery
suites that cater to the individual needs of expectant mothers,
with a focus on safety and comfort.
The C. S who was taken round the Maternity Wing and the school of healthcare sciences was received by the hospital CEO Dr. Toseef Din and Dr Vishal Patel who is the chief medical officer.
In attendance was Dr Manoj Shah who is the chairman of the Board among other dignitaries.
The CEO expressed her gratitude to all those who contributed to the successful completion of the Maternity Wing project.
She acknowledged achievements in the inauguration of the facilities new Maternity Wing in the
region.