Samchi Group of companies CEO Dr. Esther Muchemi helps young boy Emmanuel Kerr in planting seedlings at the Nairobi City park
By Fred Maingi
Samchi Group of companies is targeting to plant 10,000 tree seedlings by end of the year 2023 Samchi group CEO Dr. Esther Muchemi further disclosed that she will personally spear head the tree planting exercise.
The CEOs attention was captured by a 5 year old Environmentalist, Emmanuel Kerr who has so far planted 450 trees in various parts of the country. “My team and I will continue to support Emmanuel. I pledge our resources to see to it that Emmanuel realizes his dream. My company will sponsor 700 trees for Emmanuel to continue with his dream. And as part of our 2023 CSR, we will plant 10,000 trees by December” Said Muchemi. The CEO was Speaking at City Park where she had joined other passionate Environmentalists to celebrate Emmanuel’s graduation to grade 1.
Emmanuel’s father, Mr Caleb Otieno lauded his son saying, My son’s future looks bright. I can only play my part as a Father and support my sons dream.”
Maendeleo ya wanawake National Chairperson Rahab Muiu Mwikali addresses members during a consultative meeting to mark the 16 day of activism against gender based violence at Maendeleo ya Wanawake House in Nairobi
By Fred Maingi Maendeleo ya Wanawake women organisation (MYWO) has urged women to be custodian of their families. Mywo National chairperson Rahab Muiu Mwikali urged women not to run away from their responsibilities when faced with domestic misunderstanding and leave children behind s with their father. “If the marriage is unbearable, there is no need to kill one another. Immorality has gone up while integrity has gone down. Let women be the custodian of their families” observed Mwikali. She spoke during a consultative meeting to mark the 16 day of activism against gender based violence(GBV) held at the Mywo headquarters.
She was flanked by the entire Executive led by CEO Isabella Ndolo, National Secretary General Elizabeth Mayieka,National treasurer Susan Owino and Commisioner Purity Muthoni Ngunjiri among other county representatives. The National Chairperson while lauding the Government for advocating zero tolerance against FGM and gender based violence issues attributed Poverty as the major issue affecting many families. “We shall work, and support the Government led by President Dr. William Ruto, churches including Sheikhs, and stakeholders from all sectors”she noted. Speakers urged members to be on the frontline by leading the war against violence against women and remain firm in their decision s.
Xi Jinping visits an industrial park that produces high-end auto parts and molds in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, March 29, 2020. (Xinhua/Yan Yan)
BEIJING, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) — For the past nearly three years, President Xi Jinping has been leading China in fighting the COVID-19 epidemic.
Xinhua reporters recounted some of the key moments and stories of how Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has led the nation through the most challenging moments all the way toward victory.
SLEEPLESS NIGHT
In early 2020, central China’s Hubei Province bore the brunt of the epidemic. The provincial capital Wuhan was particularly hit hard.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday for the Chinese people, Xi had a sleepless night, with COVID-19 clouding festivities.
The next day, Jan. 25, Xi convened a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on epidemic control. He told his six colleagues on the standing committee that the situation was pressing and they needed to study the issue together. “I could not sleep well on the eve of the Lunar New Year,” Xi said.
Xi Jinping inspects Beijing Ditan Hospital in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
“LET’S NOT SHAKE HANDS”
On Feb. 10, 2020, when the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Beijing reached 342, Xi, wearing a mask, visited a residential community, a hospital and a district disease prevention and control center.
He held out his wrist to have his body temperature checked upon entering every location. Xi chatted with residents in a street, asking them about the prices of vegetables.
“Let’s not shake hands at this unusual time,” Xi said. “We must have confidence that we can prevail over the epidemic.”
“We can absolutely beat it,” the residents responded.
ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT WUHAN PEOPLE
On March 10, 2020, Xi visited a residential community in Wuhan. On that day, the daily number of new confirmed cases on the mainland dropped to 24, but Wuhan still had 14,514 COVID-19 patients. The task of containment remained arduous.
Walking between apartment blocks, Xi looked up and waved to residents under lockdown who stuck their heads out of their windows and balconies to greet him.
“Let’s keep it up! Hold on for a little longer!” Xi said.
Speaking at a symposium in Wuhan, he made a special request for officials to supply more fish, a favorite food of the Wuhan people.
Combo photo shows Xi Jinping waving to residents who are quarantined at home and sending regards to them at a community in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, March 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
“I AM REALLY IMPRESSED”
In May 2020, at the annual session of the National People’s Congress, Xi talked about an interview of a local hospital president that impressed him.
Luo Jie, a national lawmaker from the hard-hit Hubei, told reporters how medical workers in his hospital spent 47 days saving an 87-year-old COVID-19 patient.
“So many people worked together to save a single patient. This, in essence, embodies doing whatever it takes (to save lives),” Xi said. “I am really impressed.”
“MOST BEAUTIFUL ANGELS”
In March 2020, Xi lauded medical workers as “the most beautiful angels” when he inspected the command center of Huoshenshan Hospital in virus-hit Wuhan.
Xi noted that medical staff, including military medical personnel, rushed to Hubei and Wuhan without hesitation after the epidemic outbreak, and have made important contributions to curbing the epidemic.
Xi Jinping speaks with a patient and medical workers by video link at Huoshenshan Hospital in Wuhan, central China’s Hubei Province, March 10, 2020. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
COORDINATING EPIDEMIC CONTROL WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Xi has been emphasizing the need to balance epidemic control and economic development over the years.
On March 29, 2020, when he inspected coastal Zhejiang Province, Xi visited Ningbo-Zhoushan Port whose throughput had recovered to normal levels due to the timely measures it adopted to resume production.
He called for efforts to blunt the adverse impact on cargo shipping brought by restrictive measures adopted by various countries to fight the coronavirus. He also urged facilitation for the country’s smooth trade flow.
During the epidemic, he went to places including Zhejiang, Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces to oversee production resumption and poverty reduction.
In 2020, China was among the first countries in the world to resume work and reopen schools and businesses. In 2021, China registered a GDP growth rate of 8.1 percent, among the fastest in the world’s major economies.
HONORING HEROES
On Sept. 8, 2020, a national meeting honoring heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
“Are you keeping well?” After having a photo taken together with the honored, Xi stood up and greeted then-84-year-old epidemiologist Zhong Nanshan.
“Great!” said Zhong, expressing his willingness to continue working at the front line of combating respiratory diseases and handling public health emergencies.
Zhong was one of those who had been awarded by Xi in person the Medal of the Republic or the title of the People’s Hero for rendering meritorious service and making outstanding contributions in the COVID-19 battle.
A SLEW OF LEADERSHIP MEETINGS
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, Xi chaired more than 30 meetings of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee or of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to discuss virus response measures.
Under Xi’s leadership, the nation was quickly mobilized and took a myriad of containment measures in accordance with various epidemic situations. This made it possible for China to curb the spread of the virus and protect the lives and health of the Chinese people to the greatest extent.
GOLD MEDAL FOR CHINA’S COVID-19 RESPONSE
When the COVID-19 pandemic continuously wreaked havoc across the world, China came into the global spotlight with the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics culminating with fruitful outcomes.
Under the leadership of Xi, China fulfilled its promise to deliver streamlined, safe and splendid Games to the world.
China’s COVID-19 response policy has once again withstood the test, contributing useful experience for the world to battle the virus and host major international events, Xi said at a commendation gathering for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
“As some foreign athletes said, if there were a gold medal for responding to the pandemic, then China would deserve it. I would say that this gold medal belongs to all the staff involved in hosting the Games,” said Xi.
Xi Jinping meets with Imran Khan, then Pakistani prime minister, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 6, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)
CONTRIBUTING TO GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
In the strenuous fight against the virus, China has been committed to safeguarding people’s lives and health. Meanwhile, it has taken due responsibility for the public health of the international community.
Under Xi’s leadership, China initiated the country’s largest global emergency humanitarian assistance since 1949. It sent medical experts and anti-virus materials around the globe. It provided over 2.2 billion doses of vaccines to more than 120 countries and international organizations.
Meeting with Xi in Beijing in February 2022, then Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed gratitude to the Chinese side for helping his country fight COVID-19. “The vaccines offered by China have not only saved our people, but also our economy,” he said. ■
The International Kingdom University USA on Saturday conferred honorary Doctorates to four deserving Kenya philanthropists.
Bishop Eugene Kavune Nzabonimba, chair of the International Gospel Ministries, worldwide conferred the awards to Elizabeth Githua, Margaret Karungaru Gachagua and Grace Wairimu Gitonga due to their outstanding work to humanity in the country.
Bishop Kavune urged Kenyans to extend a helping a hand to those in need regardless of tribe and religion
He added that service to humanity is an outstanding gesture of love which people must continuously embrace especially in this time where so many Kenyans are going through tough times.
Margaret Karungaru Gachagua, who is the a former first lady of Nyeri county has done tremendous work that has helped to transform the lives of many vulnerable individuals in society.
“As Kenyans we need to take care of anybody who needs help,” said the widow.
She revealed that her philanthropy comes from her up bring.
“When I was growing up, our house was always open and neighbors used to come for food and shelter,” she added.
Elizabeth Githua said that she has dedicated her life to serve all needy persons including orphans and widows.
“This doctorate degree is not for me but for the people who have assisted me in my journey,” she noted.
Grace Wairimu Gitonga said that she started taking care of vulnerable children more than 30 years ago due to her love for humanity.
“So far I have impacted about 50 children who have since completed school and are now productive members of society,” she added.
She revealed that her philanthropy emanates from her father who used to help the less fortunate members of society.
Nairobi leading retailer Naivas Supermarket is scheduled to open 3 branches in a span of one week ahead of the Kenyan Christmas festivities which are typically kicked off by Jamhuri Day. This development will bring the retailers’ store tally to 91.
These store openings come as the 12th edition of Kikwetu, Naivas annual festive season campaign is transitioning into more festive gear. This year the campaign is dubbed TeamNaivas and for the first phase, it delivered, Kikombe Kikwetu and as from the Jamhuri weekend it’s presenting Krisii Kikwetu and this is a great opportunity to welcome the new communities into the festivities.
The Naivas Christmas kikapu carries Naivas Foodmarket Ojijo at Boardwalk Mall located in Parklands along Ojijo Road which opens its doors to the public on 9th December 2022.
The store is of the elevated foodmarket concept and beautifully compliments the very exquisit new mall. The next goody in the Naivas Christmas kikapu is Naivas Nairobi West located in Nairobi West shopping center. This store will start serving customers on Saturday 10th December, 2022. The final gift in the form of a store opening for the year will be NaivasExpress Uthiru on Friday 15th December. “This new development was motivated by the need to offer convenience to our shoppers by offering them a world-class shopping experience at their doorstep. We have not had a presence in all these three places and we are elated to be welcoming more communities into Team Naivas,” said Willy Kimani Naivas Chief Commercial Officer. “Our excitement is also compounded by the fact that this is when all the get-togethers, sherehez and homecomings are held and we now have three additional communities where we shall be a part of these life moments,” concluded Willy Kimani.
With Team Naivas shoppers across all 91 branches will enjoy market-leading sale promotions and different giveaways ranging from Naivas Gift vouchers, the Iconic Mbuzi, ksh.200 cash backs from Visa and 65’’ tvs from Coca-Cola. It is exciting that the residents of Parklands, Nairobi West and Uthiru will get to experience the joy that is the Naivas festive season as they join in on Krisii Kikwetu.
Kenya has taken measures to mitigate the climate’s effects on the wildlife in different parks as the country is facing the most prolonged drought in recent history.
The second phase of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP15) has opened in Montreal, Canada. Join Xinhua’s Peng Zhuo for her journey covering the high-profile UN conference. #GLOBALink
The second part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity kicked off in Montreal, Canada on Wednesday.
Under the theme of “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth,” negotiators will set new targets and goals aimed at arresting the alarming destruction of nature due to human activity.
LONDON, Dec. 7 (Xinhua) — The adoption of a post-2020 global biodiversity framework is top of the agenda at a major upcoming United Nations conference as the world faces “the greatest loss of species on Earth since the dinosaurs’ demise.”
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, executive secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), made the remarks ahead of the second part of the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP15) held from Dec. 7 to 19 in Montreal, Canada.
The CBD Secretariat said in a statement that COP15 in Montreal is expected to adopt a new global biodiversity framework with ambitious goals and specific action targets to achieve transformational change by the middle of the century.
The second phase of COP15 follows the first part held last year in Kunming, the capital of southwest China’s Yunnan Province, with the continued theme of “Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth.”
Mrema noted that as chair of COP15, China has made enormous efforts to consult counterparts globally, organizing various multilateral events and bilateral discussions to secure an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework.
The African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) has today held its fourth Permanent General Assembly (PGA) in Nairobi, Kenya. The General Assembly is to be attended by delegates representing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) from across member states of the AU.
The main purpose of the meeting is to usher in a new GA since the 3rd one in 2018.Since the establishment of the Secretariat, ECOSOCC has produced series of policy related documents, including an array of policy opinions and two policy booklets; and civil society toolkits to build the capacity of CSOs to operate effectively as strategic partners of the AU.
speaking during the event, Mr. William Carew, Head of Secretariat, AU ECOSOCC said that ECOSOCC has bolstered the ability of African CSOs to play an active role in charting the future of by giving them a platform to formally contribute to the principles, policies & programs of the AU.
“Be it conflict resolution, or matters of governance and democratic consolidation, and even in public health emergencies, the African civil society has established their significance as indispensable partners in the developmental processes of the continent.” Mr. Carew added.
Mr. Denise Kodhe, Outgoing Presiding Officer of ECOSOCC said CSOs are not enemies of governments but partners in development. Although we have a role to play as watchdogs, we are also champions of policy formulation of our governments…
“We (CSOs and government) need to work hand in hand as strategic partner.The 4th General Assembly of ECOSOCC being constituted today ensures that ECOSOCC continues to discharge and execute its mandate as per its statute.” He added.
Dr.Singoei Korir, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs said that ECOSOCC serves as important and focal interface between the African citizenry and the AU.
“Who is going to translate the AU’s vision, initiatives, policies and programs to citizens if not ECOSOCC via civil society? Your [CSOs] call is a great call and if you heed to it, there is so much work to be done and so much more to achieve.” He further stated
Kodhe said the importance of citizens participation in the development agenda of the African continent cannot be under-estimated, adding that decisions and policies of African leaders were of no use if their impact would not be felt by citizens at the grassroots, hence the establishment of ECOSOCC by the AU.
“As the outgoing Presiding Officer, I am confident and certain that the incoming leadership will be able to steer ECOSOCC to great heights. I wish to say election of the ECOSOCC leadership is done transparently and democratically giving every member an opportunity to elect leadership of their own choice,” he said.
