Category: Uncategorized

Eng. Margaret Ogai, CEO of the Engineers Board of Kenya

By John Kariuki

The Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), under the leadership of Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Eng. Margaret Ogai, joined the global community in celebrating World Engineering Day on Tuesday. This annual event honors engineers, engineering technologists, and technicians for their critical role in shaping the world through innovation, sustainability, and technology.

Speaking during the celebration, Eng. Ogai acknowledged the significant contributions of engineers in advancing infrastructure, energy, healthcare, and environmental conservation. “Today, we celebrate the brilliant minds behind the designs and structures that define our modern society. Engineers are at the heart of progress, working tirelessly to create sustainable solutions that improve lives and drive economic growth,” she said.

The event underscored the importance of engineering in addressing global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and technological advancement. Various stakeholders from academia, industry, and government participated in discussions on enhancing engineering education, fostering innovation, and promoting gender inclusivity in the field.

Engineers and technologists were encouraged to embrace emerging trends such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure to build a resilient and sustainable future. “As we mark this day, let us recognize that engineering is not just about structures and machines—it’s about creating solutions that make the world a better place for future generations,” Eng. Ogai added.

The World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, celebrated annually on March 4th, was established by UNESCO to recognize the vital role of engineering in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Engineers Board of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to supporting engineers through training, accreditation, and policy advocacy to ensure the profession remains dynamic and impactful.

As Kenya continues to invest in infrastructure and technology, the contributions of engineers remain central to national development. The celebrations served as a reminder of the profession’s responsibility in driving innovation and shaping a sustainable future for all.

Dr Hezekiah Kariuki is the Chief Executive Officer of Comfort Homes, Kenya’s leading most affordable and customer friendly real estate dealer. Dr. Kariuki is a God-fearing man. That said, here is his morning prayer:.
Father in Heaven, we come before Your throne this morning, and we thank You for guiding and protecting us throughout the night. We praise You, Father, for making it possible for us to see this awesome Wednesday.

We ask that on this special day, You would give us the strength and courage to be a vessel of Your love and peace in my life. Help us to bring positive energy into our relationships with others as well as our relationship with You.

Thank You Father for answering our prayers this morning. In Jesus Christ’s Mighty Name, we pray and believe,
AMEN.

By John Kariuki

Gatanga Member of Parliament Edward Muriu has strongly condemned the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for reprimanding former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks in Meru County.

Muriu, a staunch ally of Gachagua, dismissed NCIC’s stance, accusing the commission of political bias and an attempt to stifle freedom of expression. He argued that the former DP’s warning to President William Ruto against visiting Meru if Chief Justice Martha Koome is removed from office was being misconstrued for political convenience.

“The NCIC should be an impartial arbiter of national unity, not a tool for silencing certain leaders while turning a blind eye to others,” Muriu stated. He further questioned why similar scrutiny was not directed at leaders who have made inflammatory statements in the past.

NCIC Chairperson Dr. Samuel Kobia, in a letter condemning Gachagua’s remarks, cited concerns that such utterances could fuel ethnic divisions and political hostility. However, Muriu and other allies of the former DP insist that Gachagua was simply expressing legitimate concerns on behalf of the people.

Muriu reiterated his unwavering support for Gachagua, urging NCIC to focus on genuine threats to national unity rather than politically motivated reprimands. As political temperatures continue to rise, the MP warned against weaponizing government institutions to target specific leaders, calling for fairness and justice in handling national matters.

By John Kariuki

The people of Mugumo-ini Ward in Gatanga Constituency are witnessing remarkable transformation, thanks to the servant leadership of their Member of County Assembly, Hon. Fr. Alex Wainaina. A God-fearing and ordained servant of the people, he has dedicated his tenure to ensuring that education is accessible to all, leaving nothing to chance in his pursuit of equal opportunities for every constituent.

Hon. Fr. Alex Wainaina has been at the forefront of championing education as the key to community empowerment. Under his leadership, bursary allocations have significantly increased, easing the financial burden on struggling families and ensuring that no child is denied the right to learn due to lack of school fees. His commitment has also extended to improving school infrastructure, with renovations and new classroom constructions creating a more conducive learning environment.

Beyond academics, the MCA has actively supported vocational training programs, providing young people with practical skills to secure employment and improve their livelihoods. His focus on education goes beyond mere policy—he engages directly with schools, students, and parents, making education a shared community goal rather than an individual struggle.

His leadership is rooted in fairness, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably across the ward. Unlike many leaders who prioritize specific areas or groups, Hon. Fr. Alex has taken a holistic approach, making sure that every resident benefits from his initiatives. His efforts have instilled hope and optimism among the people, who now see tangible progress in their daily lives.

Through his unwavering dedication and selfless leadership, Hon. Fr. Alex Wainaina is setting a new standard for governance in Mugumo-ini. His impact in education and community empowerment is a testament to what true servant leadership can achieve. As his vision unfolds, the people of Mugumo-ini are confident that their ward is on an upward trajectory, with a brighter future ahead.

By John Kariuki

The Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA) has today convened a crucial workshop aimed at validating the Qualifications Alignment Guidelines, bringing together key stakeholders in the education sector.

The session was led by KNQA Council Chair, Hon. Stanley Kiptis, who was accompanied by Dr. Alice Kande, the Director General/CEO, Dr. Winnie Bulimo, and Dr. Benson Kairu, the Development & Recognition Manager for Africa at the International Baccalaureate (IBO).

The workshop, spearheaded by the Qualification Alignment and Validation department, seeks to create a shared understanding among Qualification Awarding Bodies (QABs) on the alignment of qualifications within Kenya’s education framework. The validation of these guidelines is expected to enhance consistency, transparency, and international comparability of local qualifications.

By fostering dialogue with key stakeholders, KNQA aims to strengthen Kenya’s National Qualifications Framework (KNQF), ensuring that qualifications meet global standards while facilitating seamless transitions for learners and professionals within the education system and job market.

This initiative underscores KNQA’s commitment to advancing skills development, promoting quality education, and supporting Kenya’s socio-economic growth through a well-structured qualifications framework.

KISII, KENYA, 4TH MARCH 2025 – Family Bank has strengthened presence in Kisii by relocating its branch to Zonic Hotel along Hospital Road, a more accessible and convenient location.

This move which is aimed at improving customer experience by providing a more spacious, secure, and convenient banking environment with ample parking, aligns with the Bank’s ongoing strategy to optimize its branch network to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency while supporting the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and SMEs.

“As the business landscape in Kisii continues to evolve, we are dedicated to ensuring that our customers enjoy seamless banking experiences that cater to their unique financial needs. This move enables us to provide enhanced service delivery while leveraging digital banking solutions to complement our physical presence,” Family Bank CEO Nancy Njau

Kisii is a key commercial hub in Kenya’s western region, with a growing population and a business ecosystem that demands robust and responsive banking solutions. With more than a half of Kisii’s economic activity driven by the agriculture, the cosmopolitan county is also experiencing growth in hospitality industry, medical services and transport, and social stability.

“This relocation is part of our broader commitment to ensuring our customers have access to modern, convenient, and secure banking services. By enhancing accessibility and customer experience, we are committed to extending our support both through affordable credit and capacity building to enable sustainability to businesses more so those in the SME sector and agriculture value chain,” she said.

The Bank also recently relocated the Kangemi branch next to Kangemi market to enhance service delivery.

By John Kariuki

The people of Mugumo-ini Ward in Gatanga Constituency are witnessing remarkable transformation, thanks to the servant leadership of their Member of County Assembly, Hon. Fr. Alex Wainaina. A God-fearing and ordained servant of the people, he has dedicated his tenure to ensuring that education is accessible to all, leaving nothing to chance in his pursuit of equal opportunities for every constituent.

Hon. Fr. Alex Wainaina has been at the forefront of championing education as the key to community empowerment. Under his leadership, bursary allocations have significantly increased, easing the financial burden on struggling families and ensuring that no child is denied the right to learn due to lack of school fees. His commitment has also extended to improving school infrastructure, with renovations and new classroom constructions creating a more conducive learning environment.

Beyond academics, the MCA has actively supported vocational training programs, providing young people with practical skills to secure employment and improve their livelihoods. His focus on education goes beyond mere policy—he engages directly with schools, students, and parents, making education a shared community goal rather than an individual struggle.

His leadership is rooted in fairness, ensuring that resources are distributed equitably across the ward. Unlike many leaders who prioritize specific areas or groups, Hon. Fr. Alex has taken a holistic approach, making sure that every resident benefits from his initiatives. His efforts have instilled hope and optimism among the people, who now see tangible progress in their daily lives.

Through his unwavering dedication and selfless leadership, Hon. Fr. Alex Wainaina is setting a new standard for governance in Mugumo-ini. His impact in education and community empowerment is a testament to what true servant leadership can achieve. As his vision unfolds, the people of Mugumo-ini are confident that their ward is on an upward trajectory, with a brighter future ahead.

By John Kariuki

Principal Secretary for Mining Elijah Mwangi has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the destructive geo-hazard challenges facing Kenyan communities. He emphasized the need for strong collaboration among leaders, state agencies, and county governments to save lives, prevent property losses, and prevent the displacement of affected families.

In a follow-up assessment visit to Musoso in Murang’a County, PS Mwangi joined Kangema MP Hon. Peter Irungu Kihungi and local residents to assess the situation of 30 families displaced by landslides that struck the area in May last year. During the visit, he officially handed over the Geo-Hazard Mapping and Assessment Report for Murang’a County, a detailed study containing expert recommendations on mitigating landslides and other geo-hazard risks in the region.

The report is the culmination of months of investigations, studies, and field tests by experts from the State Department for Mining. Following last year’s landslides, the national and county governments, together with local leaders, churches, and institutions, mobilized in support of affected households while working toward a long-term solution.

Under PS Mwangi’s leadership, the government deployed a team of geologists to assess the region’s landslide risks, determine causes, evaluate risk levels, and propose implementable solutions. Their findings highlighted key contributing factors, including geological formations, climate conditions, steep terrain, porous soil, and human activities such as farming, road construction, and land developments.

By John Kariuki

As the world marks World Hearing Day 2025, Rhoda Kabiti, CEO of the Kenya Society for Deaf Children (KSDC), is calling for urgent action to address the growing crisis of hearing loss in Africa. With an estimated 40 million Africans living with disabling hearing loss, the condition has become a major barrier to education, employment, and social inclusion. Despite its far-reaching impact, hearing loss remains one of the most neglected public health challenges on the continent.

Unaddressed hearing loss has serious consequences. Many children struggle with speech development and academic performance, while adults face limited job opportunities and economic hardship. The financial cost is staggering, with African economies losing an estimated USD 27.1 billion annually due to lost productivity. Beyond the economic toll, hearing loss often leads to social isolation, stigma, and reduced quality of life for millions.

Kabiti emphasizes that much of this hearing loss is preventable. More than 60% of childhood hearing loss can be avoided through basic public health measures such as vaccinations, proper maternal care, and early screening. For adults, many leading causes—ear infections, excessive noise exposure, and ototoxic medications—can be managed through timely intervention and awareness. However, with increasing life expectancy, age-related hearing loss is also becoming a major concern.

A growing threat is recreational noise exposure, particularly among young people. Over one billion youth worldwide are at risk of permanent hearing damage due to prolonged headphone use and exposure to loud music in clubs, concerts, and other entertainment venues. Kabiti warns that without urgent preventive measures, hearing loss among the youth could reach alarming levels in the coming decades.

Despite the rising burden of hearing loss, ear and hearing care remain under-prioritized in many African nations. However, some progress has been made. Today, 20 African countries have designated national ear and hearing care coordinators, while 11 nations have established functional national hearing care programs. While these are positive steps, Kabiti insists that more needs to be done to ensure quality hearing care is accessible to all.

To address the crisis, Kabiti is urging governments, healthcare providers, and communities to take bold and immediate action in key areas. She calls for increased access to hearing care services, especially in underserved communities, and stresses the need to combat stigma and misconceptions through public education campaigns. Integrating ear and hearing care into primary healthcare systems, expanding training programs for hearing care professionals, and investing in affordable assistive devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants are also critical steps.

Kabiti highlights this year’s World Hearing Day theme, “Changing Mindsets: Empower Yourself. Make Ear and Hearing Care a Reality for All,” as a powerful call to action. She urges individuals and communities to take responsibility for their hearing health by adopting preventive measures and advocating for better access to care.

As the world observes World Hearing Day 2025, Kabiti is calling on African leaders, policymakers, and health stakeholders to step up efforts to break the silence, empower communities, and ensure that ear and hearing care is a reality for all.

By John Kariuki

The Kenyan construction industry is poised for a major transformation following the introduction of the National Building Code 2024. The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Lands Public Works Housing and Urban Development Hon Alice Wahome Published the National Building Code 2024 as Legal Notice No. 47 on March 1, 2024, this new framework replaces the outdated Local Government (Adoptive By-Laws) (Building) Order of 1968. Developed under the National Construction Authority (NCA) Act, the new code provides comprehensive guidelines for planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining buildings across the country. The code was launched by the PS for state department for public works Mr Joel Arumonyang on 17th July 2024 at the affordable housing site in Mukuru Nairobi

Under the leadership of Eng. Maurice Akech, Chief Executive Officer of the National Construction Authority, the code aims to enhance safety, sustainability, and efficiency in construction practices. Eng. Akech emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring Kenya’s built environment remains safe, sustainable, and resilient.

The new code introduces key provisions, including stringent siting and space requirements, structural design standards, environmental sustainability measures, and accessibility guidelines. Notably, it mandates the inclusion of electric vehicle charging ports, promotes the use of green building materials, and strengthens safety and health regulations on construction sites.

For developers, contractors, architects, and engineers, the National Building Code 2024 provides a clear regulatory framework that enhances compliance and professional practice. Homeowners and occupants will benefit from safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly buildings. The government, through agencies such as the NCA, will oversee enforcement to ensure adherence to the new standards.

While implementation may pose challenges such as cost implications and resistance to change, the long-term benefits of improved safety, sustainability, and efficiency outweigh the initial hurdles. Industry players are urged to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and take proactive steps to ensure compliance.

For further information on the National Building Code 2024, stakeholders can engage with the National Construction Authority and relevant regulatory bodies.