Category: Uncategorized

By John Kariuki

In a concerted effort to improve maternal and newborn healthcare outcomes, Dandelion Africa has been conducting an Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) assessment across Baringo and neighboring counties. This initiative aims to evaluate the readiness of healthcare facilities to handle emergency obstetric and neonatal cases, ensuring that mothers and newborns receive timely and lifesaving care.

This week, our team visited Iten County Referral Hospital in Elgeyo Marakwet and Burnt Forest Subcounty Hospital in Uasin Gishu, two crucial facilities that often receive referrals from Baringo County. These assessments provide vital insights into the state of emergency maternal and newborn care services, helping us identify gaps in infrastructure, medical equipment, and healthcare personnel training.

Maternal and neonatal emergencies remain a significant challenge in many parts of Kenya, particularly in rural counties where access to specialized care is limited. Conditions such as postpartum hemorrhage, obstructed labor, pre-eclampsia, and neonatal asphyxia require prompt medical intervention, yet many health facilities struggle with shortages of critical resources.

Through this EmONC assessment, we are gathering critical data on the availability and functionality of essential obstetric and neonatal care equipment, staffing levels, and the capacity of healthcare workers to manage emergency cases. Additionally, we are assessing drug and blood supply chains for emergency interventions, as well as identifying gaps in referral systems and ambulance services for high-risk cases.

This assessment marks a crucial step toward our upcoming EmONC training program next month, where we will work closely with healthcare providers to build their capacity in handling maternal and neonatal emergencies. The training will focus on emergency response protocols, clinical best practices, and efficient resource utilization to enhance service delivery in these facilities.

At Dandelion Africa, we remain committed to strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring that every mother and newborn receives quality emergency care. Through collaboration with health facilities and continuous capacity-building, we are working toward a future where preventable maternal and neonatal deaths are significantly reduced.

As we move forward, we urge stakeholders—including county governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners—to support initiatives that prioritize maternal and newborn health. No woman should lose her life giving birth, and no newborn should die due to lack of timely medical intervention.

On March 15, 2025, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, visited Kaproprita Girls High School in Baringo County, where she delivered an inspiring address to the students, urging them to remain committed to their education and work hard to achieve their dreams.

Miano, who attended the school in her early years, returned to her alma mater to motivate the current students, sharing her own life story as a testament to the power of education and perseverance. She recalled her time at Kaproprita, noting that it was here that her academic journey began, a foundation that propelled her to great heights in her career.

During her visit, Miano emphasized the importance of hard work, discipline, and a strong academic focus. She reminded the students that the knowledge and skills they acquire today will shape their futures and allow them to contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth, particularly in areas like tourism, wildlife conservation, and national development.

“I stand here today because of the opportunities I had, and I want you to know that you too can reach great heights,” Miano said, encouraging the girls to be ambitious and not let any barriers hold them back. She also encouraged them to take advantage of the resources available to them and pursue their dreams fearlessly.

The visit was well-received, with the students expressing enthusiasm and admiration for the Cabinet Secretary’s achievements. Miano’s message resonated deeply with the young learners, reinforcing the values of education, determination, and national pride.

Her visit to Kaproprita Girls High School serves as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of role models in shaping the next generation of leaders.

DG MSEA HENRY RITHAA

The MSMEs sector is the backbone of the Kenyan economy. Speaking during the official Launch of the Kenya Public Private Sector MSME Dialogue; MSME Connect, the Cabinet Secretary, Hon. FCPA Dr. Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH emphasized that transforming the MSMEs sector is a top priority for the government.

‘This renewed focus is driven by the sector’s significant contribution to the economy’ CS Oparanya. He highlighted that MSMEs drive innovation and enterprise across all key sectors, making their growth and competitiveness essential for economic progress.

He mentioned however that the MSMEs continue to face major challenges, including high informality, limited access to finance, low productivity, and the growing impact of climate change. To address these barriers, the CS underscored the need for synergy among stakeholders to scale up and grow the sector.

He reiterated that this initiative marks a new era of collaboration between the government and the private sector, recognizing the private sector as a key driver in promoting MSME growth. The MSME Connect will be rolled out across all counties, providing a platform for dialogue between stakeholders working to support the sector. He called on all actors to actively participate in fostering tangible change and encouraged MSMEs to engage in these discussions.

He reaffirmed the Government’s unwavering commitment to championing policies that create an enabling environment for MSMEs to thrive and succeed.

He also encouraged the youth to venture into entrepreneurship, highlighting the KJET and NYOTA projects, which aim to benefit over one million young people. He emphasized that this is a multimillion-shilling initiative that the Government plans to roll out by June.

In conclusion, he urged MSMEs to participate in this year’s East African Trade Fair, which will be held in Kenya. He noted that the event presents a valuable opportunity for marketing, networking, and business growth. #MSMEsConnect #MSMEsGrowth #EmpoweringMSMEs #PublicPrivateDialogue State Department of Cooperatives Hon. Susan Mang’eni PS State Department For MSMEs dev’t
Council of Governors-Kenya The Uwezo Fund Kenya Industrial Estates KIE Safaricom PLC Hustler Fund Kenya Association of Manufacturers Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA)

By John Kariuki

For over 27 years, coffee farmers in Kiambu have endured financial struggles, poor prices, and systemic challenges that threatened their livelihoods. But today, thanks to relentless efforts and unwavering advocacy, these farmers are finally seeing the fruits of their labor. Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba, the Member of Parliament for Githunguri, has been at the forefront of this fight, ensuring coffee farmers receive fair compensation for their hard work.

On this significant day, farmers at Kaimbu Factory under the Komothai Cooperative Society received their fourth payout for 2024 at an impressive rate of KSh 112 per kilogram. This marks a major victory in the long struggle to restore dignity and profitability to coffee farming in the region.

Hon. Wamuchomba has consistently fought for reforms in the coffee sector, advocating for transparent payment structures, direct market access, and policies that prioritize farmers over middlemen. Through her efforts, Komothai Cooperative Society has successfully implemented better pricing mechanisms, allowing farmers to earn more than they have in decades.

A detailed breakdown of recent payouts at Kaimbu Factory highlights the remarkable progress made. Farmers received KSh 73 per kilogram for their early crop in December 2024, while the main crop payout today reached KSh 112 per kilogram. In November 2024, Mbuni coffee fetched an impressive KSh 208 per kilogram. Looking ahead, projections for the early crop in November 2025 stand at KSh 54.5 per kilogram, while the May 2024 main crop paid out KSh 71.5 per kilogram. Mbuni coffee from May 2024 secured a strong price of KSh 198 per kilogram.

These figures reflect a positive transformation in the coffee sector, where farmers are no longer at the mercy of exploitative systems but are now empowered to reap the rewards of their dedication.

Hon. Wamuchomba has long maintained that coffee farming must remain a viable and lucrative business for the people of Kiambu. Her advocacy has centered on ensuring fair pricing, timely payments, and eliminating cartels that have historically shortchanged farmers. By strengthening cooperative societies like Komothai, she has helped create a model of success that can be replicated across the country.

Speaking on the latest payout, Hon. Wamuchomba reaffirmed her commitment to the cause:
“This is why I fight so hard for our coffee farmers. They have been exploited for far too long. Today, they can finally smile knowing their sweat and hard work are being rewarded. This is just the beginning—we will not stop until every coffee farmer in Kiambu and beyond enjoys the full benefits of their labor.”

With her tireless efforts, Hon. Gathoni Wamuchomba has reignited hope among coffee farmers. The future of coffee in Kiambu looks brighter than ever, and with continued reforms, farmers can confidently invest in their farms, increase production, and secure better futures for their families.

Wiper Party Leader Hon. Kalonzo Musyoka addressing the press in Nairobi on Friday. He has blamed Ruto’s regime for aiding land grabbing.

Wiper Party Leader Hon. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has thrown his weight behind the Association of Kenya Railways Retirees (AKERARE) in condemning the unlawful grabbing of retirees’ property located on Valley Road, Nairobi. The disputed land, known as Land Reference No. 209/1064/1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, was vested in the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme in 2006 to support pension needs.

Speaking on the matter, Kalonzo Musyoka denounced the encroachment, highlighting that this case is not isolated. He pointed out that more than 20 estates—including Ngara, Makongeni, and Lower Hill Road—have been grabbed under questionable circumstances. The Kenya Railways Corporation Act of 2006 clearly stipulates that retirees should be settled on the land they occupied, but this provision has been blatantly ignored.

Kalonzo accused influential government officials of orchestrating a land-grabbing syndicate that targets elderly retirees, linking entities like TOTA and an unnamed agent to the scandal.

“This government is robbing its own people. Retirees who served Kenya with dedication are now being thrown into the streets while their land is handed over to wealthy cartels. We will not allow this injustice to continue,” Kalonzo asserted.

According to AKERARE, many affected retirees, now advanced in age, accuse President William Ruto’s administration of ignoring their plight while well-connected individuals, backed by state machinery, forcibly seize their land. Heavily armed police officers have reportedly been deployed to guard the property as houses are demolished and new occupants take over.

The controversy stems from a 2014 transaction when the Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefit Scheme, grappling with liquidity issues, sold the Valley Road property to Mahadi Investment Limited for Kshs. 400 million. Mahadi Investment made an initial payment of Kshs. 100 million as tender security and later deposited Kshs. 200 million, taking possession on 3rd March 2015.

However, the deal stalled as the Scheme failed to secure critical completion documents from the Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC), leaving an outstanding balance of Kshs. 79.9 million. Despite persistent requests for the documents, KRC remained unresponsive, complicating the transaction.

The situation escalated on 15th November 2024 when KRC personnel, alongside armed police and unidentified individuals, allegedly stormed the property at 4 a.m., forcibly evicting Mahadi Investment employees. Structures were demolished, and strangers occupied the premises without formal explanation.

Retirees, feeling helpless and betrayed, lament that the government’s actions amount to creating poverty from the bottom up by dispossessing the elderly of their rightful property.

AKERARE has now called on the government and the public to intervene, condemning what they term as blatant injustice against pensioners. The association vows to peacefully reclaim the property if the government remains unresponsive.

“We urge President William Ruto to return the property to the poor retirees and stop this rampant land grabbing. How much land can one individual possibly own?” the retirees questioned.

By John Kariuki

The National General Secretary of the Kenya National Private Security Workers Union, Bro. Isaac GM Andabwa, held a crucial meeting yesterday with the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga to discuss the pressing challenges affecting both employers and employees in the private security sector.

During the engagement, Andabwa presented key concerns related to the welfare of private security officers, industry regulations, and broader issues affecting the sector. Raila Odinga attentively listened, acknowledged the gravity of the matters raised, and assured Andabwa of his commitment to advocating for lasting solutions that will improve conditions for private security workers across the country.

Expressing his gratitude, Andabwa hailed Odinga’s willingness to engage with the union and address the plight of private security officers. He emphasized that the support of leaders like Odinga is instrumental in ensuring that the industry receives the recognition and reforms necessary to enhance the working conditions and overall welfare of security personnel.

“This marks a major step towards the recognition and betterment of the private security workforce in Kenya. On behalf of myself and the entire private security industry, I extend my sincere gratitude to Baba for his dedication to serving all Kenyans, including private security officers,” said Andabwa.

He further lauded Odinga’s unwavering commitment to championing the rights of workers and advancing policies that promote fair treatment and job security within the sector. As the push for reforms continues, stakeholders remain hopeful that the engagement will pave the way for meaningful change in the private security industry.

Andabwa concluded by extending his best wishes to Odinga, praying for continued guidance and blessings as he tirelessly works towards the welfare of the nation.

Alliad Kenya, formerly known as Agility Logistics Limited is proud to announce its rebrand, reflecting a significant milestone in the company’s evolution. The rebrand signifies the next phase in Alliad’s growth, still part of the Agility Global network, and reinforces its commitment to providing comprehensive, integrated solutions across Africa and beyond.

Alliad Kenya has grown significantly over the years, now serving over 100 customers across a diverse range of industries. The rebrand marks a new phase in the company’s expansion and service offerings, maintaining its services in supply and logistics while introducing new services to meet the evolving needs of its customers. These new areas of growth include large-scale construction and engineering, facility management, and logistics—all designed to strengthen Alliad’s presence and provide more holistic solutions to the market without diverting focus from its primary offerings.

“Our operations in Kenya are a critical gateway to East Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. With our extensive facilities and warehouses in Nairobi, we have established a strategic hub that enables us to efficiently deliver comprehensive solutions across the continent. This not only provides significant opportunities for our clients but also allows us to grow and support local suppliers. By strengthening partnerships with local businesses, we are able to drive economic growth and deliver sustainable, impactful solutions, while expanding our reach throughout Africa.” said Stephen Wanyama, CEO of Alliad Kenya.

The Kenya team has played a crucial role in this growth, serving as a central hub to Africa with facilities and warehouses across the continent. The team is committed to empowering local suppliers, holding regular supplier forums to educate on safety standards and helping them integrate into global operations.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to economic development, we continue to work closely with local suppliers to help them meet international standards, thus creating a stronger, more resilient business ecosystem,” said Wanyama.

In line with its rebrand, Alliad established a supplier forum connecting East Africa, where they focused on empowering local businesses through a robust procurement policy and training programs. These initiatives are already underway in Uganda, where the company has provided skill development opportunities to promote local talent and foster long-term social benefits.

Over the years, Alliad has maintained an impressive 98% local employment rate in Kenya and has built strong relationships with over 100 local businesses, strengthening the country’s supply chain ecosystem and contributing to the advancement of its people.

Looking to the future, Alliad plans to expand its footprint across Africa, leveraging the success and lessons learned in Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, and Uganda to continue its mission of driving economic growth and delivering sustainable, positive change to the communities it serves.

By Steve El Sabai

In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a worrying trend of sustained attacks on the Judiciary through political rallies, press statements, and social media campaigns. These developments threaten the delicate balance between judicial independence and accountability, both of which are fundamental to the country’s democratic stability. As civil society organizations and legal experts raise concerns, it is crucial to reaffirm the Judiciary’s role as a pillar of justice and the rule of law.

Judicial independence is the bedrock of any functional democracy. It ensures that legal decisions are made impartially, free from political pressure or external interference. The separation of powers guarantees that no arm of government wields unchecked authority, reinforcing a system of governance where the law prevails over personal or political interests. The Judiciary’s primary mandate is to uphold the rule of law, ensuring justice is served fairly and without bias. Any attempts to intimidate or undermine judicial officers erode public confidence in the legal system and set a dangerous precedent for governance.

While judicial officers must be held accountable for their actions, accountability must not be weaponized to suppress judicial independence. Legitimate concerns regarding judicial integrity should be addressed through established legal frameworks, such as the Judicial Service Commission, rather than through public attacks, political rhetoric, or attempts to manipulate the Judiciary to serve political agendas. Judges must be allowed to make decisions based on legal principles, not external pressure or intimidation.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in protecting democratic institutions and advocating for a strong and independent Judiciary. Their efforts in raising awareness and holding leaders accountable help safeguard the courts from undue influence. At the same time, the public must recognize the Judiciary’s role in protecting their rights. An independent legal system ensures that justice is accessible to all and that the rule of law is upheld regardless of political or social status. A compromised Judiciary would pave the way for impunity, eroding the very foundation of democracy.

Political leaders, institutions, and citizens alike must commit to defending judicial independence. Respect for the Judiciary must be upheld, ensuring that judges can execute their duties without fear or pressure. Constructive engagement, rather than public intimidation, should guide discussions on judicial accountability. Institutions responsible for oversight must be strengthened to ensure accountability is pursued through legal and constitutional means. Moreover, civil society and the media must continue educating the public on the critical role of the Judiciary and the dangers posed by political interference.

Judicial independence and accountability are not opposing principles; they are complementary forces that reinforce Kenya’s democratic governance. The courts must be allowed to operate without undue influence while maintaining the highest ethical and professional standards. Any assault on judicial independence is an attack on democracy itself. As a nation, it is our collective responsibility to ensure that the Judiciary remains a beacon of fairness, integrity, and justice for all.

By John Kariuki

Principal Secretary for Mining, Elijah Mwangi, is spearheading a major digital transformation in Kenya’s mining sector aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability. In a recent high-level meeting, he hosted PS John Tanui of the ICT department to assess the digitization needs of the State Department for Mining (SDM) as part of ongoing reforms.

Accompanied by senior officials from both the Mining and ICT departments, PS Mwangi emphasized the urgency of streamlining core processes in the sector through digital integration. The discussions highlighted the need for enhanced service delivery, aligning Kenya’s mining operations with global best practices.

Under his leadership, the department is finalizing the development of key Information Management Systems to improve operations in several critical areas. These include a Laboratory Information System for mineral analysis and certification, an Explosives Management System for regulating the use of explosives, a Royalty Collection System to enhance revenue accountability, and a Library System to provide a digital database for mining-related data and research. Additionally, revamping the National Geo-Data Bank is a priority to ensure improved access to geological data and facilitate informed decision-making in mineral exploration and investment.

PS Mwangi reaffirmed that this digitization process aligns with Kenya’s Mining Act (Cap 306), which mandates that all activities related to mineral rights processing be conducted online. Once fully implemented, the new digital systems will significantly reduce turnaround time in issuing mineral rights, boost revenue collection, and strengthen surveillance and monitoring of mining activities.

By championing these digital reforms, PS Elijah Mwangi is positioning Kenya’s mining sector for a future of increased efficiency and investor confidence, unlocking its full economic potential.

By John Kariuki

The National Construction Authority (NCA) has launched the first phase of stakeholder sensitization and civic education forums on the National Building Code 2024, with the inaugural session held in Nairobi on Monday. Led by NCA Board Chairperson Mercy Okiro, the event brought together key industry players to discuss the new framework that is set to transform Kenya’s construction sector.

Speaking at the forum, NCA Executive Director Eng. Maurice Akech emphasized the significance of the updated Code, highlighting its role in modernizing construction practices by providing a clear framework for planning, design, maintenance, and demolition of buildings. He noted that the new regulations would enhance safety, efficiency, and compliance in the sector. In addition, he called on educational institutions to integrate the Code into their training programs to ensure that future professionals align with industry standards.

The new Code, which comes into effect in March 2024, has been widely welcomed by industry experts, who view it as a long-overdue step in addressing emerging trends, new construction materials, and evolving technologies. Patrick Analo, Chief Officer for Urban Development and Planning at the Nairobi City County Government, praised the NCA for spearheading the initiative, acknowledging the pressing need for updated regulations. He further expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development for its role in ensuring the success of the initiative.

Also present at the forum was Hon. Olago Aluoch, Chairman of NG-CDF, who commended the introduction of the new Code, noting its critical role in infrastructure development. He emphasized that 70% of the NG-CDF budget is allocated for the construction of infrastructure facilities in schools, TVET institutions, and KMTCs across the 290 constituencies, making compliance with the new regulations essential for quality and safety.

The sensitization and civic education forums mark the beginning of a structured implementation plan, which will later be followed by technical training sessions targeting professionals in the sector. Eng. Akech stressed the importance of collaboration between national and county governments to ensure the successful adoption of the Code. He urged counties to integrate the updated regulations into their approval processes for construction projects, reinforcing the need for compliance to improve the quality and safety of developments across the country.

As Kenya’s construction industry continues to grow, the National Building Code 2024 is expected to play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable and regulated sector. By incorporating modern standards and best practices, the Code aims to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility in construction. The sensitization forums will continue across the country, equipping industry professionals, developers, and policymakers with the necessary knowledge to embrace and implement the new regulations effectively.