Author: staff reporter

 For most people in northeast Nigeria, agriculture is the predominant source of livelihood and income. However, the persistent conflicts have disrupted farming activities drastically, with farmlands becoming insecure and inaccessible as communities are forced to abandon their ancestral homes. Besides insecurity, communities are also experiencing the pronounced impact of climate change, which has significantly affected agricultural and fishing activities, leading to a shortage of food supplies; exacerbating hunger and loss of livelihoods.

In Borno State, Ngala, a border town created in 1976 and situated between northeast Nigeria and Fotokol town of Cameroon, is among communities in northeast Nigeria targeted by interventions through the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) phase two for the Lake Chad Basin region, having been cleared of insurgents. With resettlement still ongoing, agriculture and other socio-economic activities are also restarting. Despite the challenges, Ngala has enormous agricultural and livestock development potential; In addition to farming, the access to River Ngadda which flows into Lake Chad, some community members have taken up fishing to supplement their primary source of livelihood.

Like other parts of Nigeria, one critical challenge farmers face is reduced productivity due to unpredictable weather patterns. Fear of possible attacks recurring also limits the extent to which farmers can utilize their farmlands to cultivate food crops. Another issue impacting farming in the area is inadequate access or lack of fertilizers or climate-resilient seedlings that could boost food production. These challenges are pushing the community members further into poverty and increasing hunger in the area. 

In partnership with the state government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported the community to boost local food production by distributing agricultural inputs to the farmers across the community in preparation for the year’s planting season in anticipation of the much-awaited rains. This effort is in line with UNDP’s vision of revitalizing the socio-economic activities of the conflict-affected communities in northeast Nigeria to ensure they are future resilient and sustainable. 

The 2022 farm implements distribution support targets 3000 farmers in Ngala and 1000 in Banki, another community in Borno State. The materials provided, including farming equipment, fertilizers, and improved seeds such as maize, cowpea, millet, sorghum, groundnut, and sesame, will enhance the overall farming process and food production. Besides the implements, farmers will also receive training on how to utilize smart agriculture techniques, such as new methods of planting, harvesting, preservation and storage of harvest, to ensure that they are maximizing the productivity of their farms while also minimizing post-harvest losses. 

by Maximilla Wafula

HAKI Africa today hosted pan African forum for unity around human rights and security in Tamarind Tree Hotel Nairobi . Many African countries including Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, human rights were being violated flagrantly in the name of enhancing security.

Extra judicial killings, enforced disappearances and torture are on the increase in these countries and across the continent. States are using extra legal security measures to silence dissent and critics.

Civil society now finds itself in an environment where civic space is shrinking. In this regard, HAKI Africa has sought partnership with the African Union to push for security sector accountability and promotion of human rights.

This convening forum has brought together leading grassroot human rights organisations in over 13 countries to work together with the African Union to enhance human rights and security.

HAKI Africa will also coordinate efforts to ensure Africa is liberated from human rights violations and insecurity.
Said Hussein Khalid
Ends ..

Over 80 maternal and child health experts from around the world have concluded a meeting in Freetown aimed at improving midwifery education. The body of experts included health authorities of Sierra Leone, Malawi, Bolivia, Pakistan and India, WHO and other global health partners. Their deliberations focused on finding workable strategies that will help strengthen the quality of midwifery education and training with the to improve standards that will help curb preventable death of mothers and newborn babies.

Preventable death of mothers and young children is still a big public health challenge in many low and middle-income countries including the participating countries.

In 2010, Sierra Leone introduced the Free Health Care Initiative to enhance universal access to quality health care for pregnant and lactating mothers and children under the age of 5 years. The Initiative and other national strategies have contributed in improving coverage of essential services for these categories of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 2019) showed that approximately 83% of all childbirth take place in health facilities, and about 87% of these are assisted by skilled healthcare providers.

However, statistics on the burden of the country’s maternal and child mortality rate is still grim and remains among the highest in the world. The rate of maternal mortality is estimated at 717 out of every 100,000 livebirths (2019), while neonatal mortality is estimated at 31 out of every 1000 live births.

“Sierra Leone has a lot of experiences to share on maternal and child mortality and at the same time has a lot to learn from experiences and lessons from other parts of the world to help curb the perennial and unacceptably high death of women in childbearing age and babies”, says Dr Steven Shongwe, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone.

“We can change this narrative now than later because we have the opportunity and tools to do so. We have evidence-based policies, strategies, guidelines, standards, and best practice. However, we now must be intentional and challenge ourselves to improve institutional capacities for midwifery education and training to transform health services delivery that will save the lives of women during childbirth and of children at the start of life”, Dr Shongwe added. He emphasized the need for strategic investment in human resources for health, equipment, medicines, and supplies.

Through the financial support of MSD for Mothers Foundation WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA and other partners are providing technical assistance to countries to implement programmes aimed at enhancing public-private sector partnership to bolster investment in strengthening human resources, and institutional capacities to enable health facilities provide optimal quality health care including obstetric care when and where they are needed to achieve universal health coverage.

In 2019, WHO launched the Framework for Action to Strengthening Quality of Midwifery Education for Universal Health Coverage 2030. The Framework sets out steps to be adapted by countries to develop and strengthen their national human resources for health strategies including strengthening quality midwifery capacities.

WHO works very closely with multiple partners including the UNFPA, UNICEF, other UN agencies, Donors and Development partners to support the Ministry of Health and Sanitation to advocate, mobilize resources and act jointly to reach the required number of trained and qualified midwifes and related health professionals that Sierra Leone needs.

Some of the major outcomes of this meeting will lead to improved midwifery coordination, regulation, capacities and functionality in Sierra Leone and the other participating countries.

The Western Cape Cabinet this week visited Mossel Bay for a Cabinet Outreach and a Premier’s Coordinating Forum (PCF) meeting. The PCF was an opportunity for the Provincial Cabinet to engage with municipalities from across the province to further solidify provincial-municipal relations and review the work we are doing to make the Western Cape a better province to live and work in. The objective is to promote and facilitate intergovernmental work to ensure integrated, effective, and efficient service delivery.

The forum heard presentations from various Provincial Ministers and officials on key priority areas such as job creation, energy resilience and policing.

Provincial Treasury Head of Department, David Savage, gave an economic overview of the country and the province, giving an honest assessment of the economy. He said despite sluggish economic growth nationally, the Western Cape is still faring relatively well, thanks in part to the resilient growth of our agricultural sector. On the issue of unemployment, the HOD told delegates the Western Cape has the second lowest unemployment rate in the country at 27.5%, but the lowest broader unemployment rate (31.3%) with the smallest percentage point difference between these rates at over 3%.

His presentation showed the various pressures citizens are under, with the rising cost of living and the power crisis putting strain on residents, especially the poor. To offset these challenges Savage said: “The Western Cape Government (WCG) has to significantly reprioritise resources and look at new ways of financing services.”

The forum heard how the Western Cape has established and embedded a system of good governance. The Western Cape’s track record of good governance is attracting more and more people from other provinces. “This presents significant opportunities,” remarked Premier Alan Winde. The Premier added: “We as the WCG have to capitalise on this inward migration, and so sound infrastructure development – among other issues – has to be sustained and become smarter.”

Reflecting on the recent Cabinet Meets Business session and the WCG’s energy summit, Provincial Finance and Economic Opportunities Minister Mireille Wenger told the forum: “We must put in place the plans we need now to create the future we hope for. For me, the future is one of a rapidly growing economy, that creates jobs, that is resilient and private sector responsive.” Minister Wenger concluded: “Local government is at the coalface of meaningful change.”

Safety was also high on the PCF’s agenda. Police Oversight and Community Safety Minister Reagen Allen said ahead of the presentation of his department’s Provincial Policing Needs and Priorities: “I remain committed to seeing that the Western Cape Safety Plan is a success.  By utilising our resources optimally and steering in the same direction, our residents will not only witness how committed we are in fighting crime, but it will be easier for our partners, including municipalities, to join us. We are more effective if we work together.”

KCB Foundation scholarship beneficiaries launched an Alumni Club on 26th Aug. 2022 at KCB Leadership Centre. The Club is meant to provide an opportunity for beneficiaries to support each other past their tertiary education level through mutually beneficial interactions and mentorship between alumni and beneficiaries in school. It will also provide a link between KCB Foundation and the alumni, tabling opportunities for discussions on how the two can team up for greater impact.

The alumni club will bring together over 3,500 beneficiaries who have gone through or are presently sponsored by KCB Foundation’s Scholarship programme. KCB Foundation launched its scholarship programme in 2007 to support bright students through their high school education but in 2020 the programme was expanded to include University scholarships. Beneficiaries are provided with comprehensive support ranging from tuition fees, mentorship, transport, and upkeep among others.

During her speech at the event Group Director Marketing, Corporate Affairs & Citizenship, Rosalind Gichuru said, “I want to thank KCB Group for providing us with an opportunity to create a positive impact among the youth. It is inspiring to hear our alumni share their stories and see them progress over the years into outstanding career people. Thank you for making us proud. I want to challenge all the beneficiaries presently in the programme to not squander this opportunity. I encourage you to show up and do your best in your studies as well as in the market place” 

Bh Nicholas Manduku

KUSO have come out to criticise IEBC after the just concluded election ssy it was underperformed.

Kenya University Students Organisation (KUSO) President Mr. Anthony Manyara has said that the large number of petitioners in the supreme court clearly shows that the election was not upto the standards expected by kenyans.

The student leaders have urged the Director of Criminal investigation DCI Mr. Kinoti to commence a thorough audit investigation into the IEBC kiems kits to determine the extent of which infiltration of the presidential results was.

“It must be noted that the IEBC failure to deliver a free and fair election does not only affect the contenders bit also the calender of schools and busineses across the country ” ,Manyara said.

“The level of shortcomings coming out from the IEBC is wanting and we urge investigation to be carried out immediately to find the truth “, Manyara said

Mr.Manyara have urged kenyans to remain peace as they wait for the final decision from the Supreme court of kenya.

by Maximilla Wafula

The Embakasi outlet located along Road B off Airport North Road just opposite Nairobi Bottlers officially opened its doors in December 2021. At the time of its opening, it covered
27,000 square feet of trading space which has now been expanded to 43,000 square feet.

The 7th outlet within the greater Eastlands region has been expanded to accommodate a
wider range of product categories with more emphasis being on electronics, home
appliances, general merchandise and clothing to match up to the world class shopping
experience that the brand has become synonymous with.
“This was always in the plan and from the word go, we were determined to deliver a store
for the Embakasi resident that truly brings the world to them. As a homegrown brand, we
have our customer’s interests at heart hence the constant strives to not only meet but
exceed their needs in every way possible. For this reason, we first had the soft launch to
ensure the community here had a piece of their favourite supermarket at their doorstep but
now we are excited to reintroduce Embakasi Nyayo, an expanded outlet carrying all product
categories from fresh, commodities, homecare to electronics and even clothing which
promises each shopper that they will truly have it all,” said Willy Kimani Chief Commercial
Officer.

To mark this new development, the retailer kicks off a four-week campaign dubbed ‘Have it
All ‘which will see to it that there are heavy deals of exclusive offers dedicated to the outlet
to ensure that all who walk through its doors will walk out having experienced true
authentic Kenyan hospitality through massive savings.

By Jeff kizzilah

Kenya Independence Commission Workers Union ( KICOWU) is urging the IEBC commission to allow staff to join trade union because its their right.

Speaking in Nairobi, Mr.Njeru Kanyamba the Secretary general KICOWU have said ” As a union whose core mandate is to agitatr for the rights and freedom of workers,we wish to condemn unreservedly the threats and attacks from their bosses the iebc,” he said

” Whether by goons or sponsored schemes the police officers sent to the polling station must protect both votes as well as the majority workers from the iebc “,adds Mr.Kanyamba

Mr. Kanyamba said ,we would like to put Hon.Chebuka,who is the Chairman of Independent Electoral commission and the CEO Mr. Hussein Marjan on notice for failure to follow the law.

Nairobi hospital’s Chief executive Mr. James Nyamongo shares his work secret at the top of Nairobi hospital.

Two years ago, Nairobi hospital was a no go zone by locally and internationally for the patients, and fraud over the news and the bame was the talk of town over how patients were being over charged and treatment with unprofessional nurses.

But this was a thing of the past when Mr. Nyamongo joined the hospital, his sole priority,was to change the culture and people who representing the hospital as well as treatments which workers can celebrate today.

He said at the moment the hospital is currently implementing a modernise pharmaceutical storage in a move that will transform the hospital into a premier healthcare facility in Eastern and Central Africa region.

He said with an increase of bed capacity ,Nairobi hospital now is at the top of the bar.

Mr Nyamongo also said since he took over he has made sure the a good working environment for all.

“My main strategy was to ensure working with the human resource to get the right people for the right job for delivery ,every career matters alot,we have a lot of talented in kenya”,he adds

The hospital at the moment have got a modernise new theatre with more thsn 100 beds with modernise offices under his watch.

valU, MENA’s leading Buy-Now, Pay-Later (BNPL) lifestyle-enabling fintech platform, announced today that it acquired 100% of Paynas, a full-fledged employee management and benefits company that provides financial services to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) in a signing ceremony attended by Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation

The acquisition builds on valU’s mission to offer the wider society access to seamless financial solutions that facilitate their day-to-day activities and enhance their lifestyle; and reinforces Paynas’s mission to be MENA’s leading financial wellness and benefits platform, through offering access and convenience beyond employment. Joining forces with Paynas will act as a gateway for valU to reach micro, small and medium businesses who are considered to be the backbone of the economy, with the goal to unlock various opportunities to both employers and employees.

Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation said: “This pivotal transaction reflects the compelling investment opportunities and growth prospects presented by the start-up and fintech sectors in Egypt. It underscores the country’s efforts in becoming a leading entrepreneurial hub in the region given a set of unique advantages such as talented youth, significant economic opportunities, and the continued efforts undertaken by the public and private sectors to create a conducive business environment for start-ups that fosters the participation of the private sector in the country’s advancement. The transaction also showcases the success of Egypt Ventures, the first government-backed venture capital vehicle established in 2017, and its accelerator program EFG-EV Fintech that is jointly-owned with EFG Hermes Holding, in supporting start-ups on their journey for growth and expansion, in line with Egypt’s digital transformation and financial inclusion agenda, and their achievements in opening doors for entrepreneurs so they can deliver their role in supporting the growth of the Egyptian market.”

Walid Hassouna, CEO of valU said: “Paynas is a strategic fit for us, and the combination of our two companies will drive significant value for our shareholders and customers by delivering a 360° financial and lifestyle enabling solution, with the objective of addressing every aspect of people’s life and the goal of improving their overall quality of living. That, and the addition of exceptional talent to our team, firmly positions us as a leading fintech platform in the region. Since inception, our most important asset has been our people, and we targeted a company that puts people at the heart of everything they do. We are very excited and look forward to seeing new, big ideas come to life under the valU brand that can drive tech products and bring new conveniences to our customers while efficiently rolling out cross border initiatives in the region.”