Category: Uncategorized

By Steve Sabai

Former President of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (KNCCI) Richard Ngatia has been appointed as the new president of the East African Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (EACCIA).

Ngatia replaces Toufiq S. Turky, whose tenure came to an end earlier this month.

Ngatia is also the chairman of the General Assembly of the Great Lakes Region Private Sector Forum, a position he attained in 2019.

The business mogul will lead the EACCIA which serves as the apex chamber for all the countries that compose the East African Community (EAC) member states.

Ngatia, an astute businessman, took over the leadership of the Kenyan Chamber just before the world plunged into the Covid-19 pandemic that affected the economic status of the business sector in the country but amid the turmoil, managed to steer the KNCCI into unprecedented successes.

Through his leadership, Kenya was able to craft many partnerships with foreign countries in the area of corporations like an expansion the availability of jobs for Kenyans abroad as well as leveraging the local business strategy even as businesses faced the harsh economic times.

“I am happy to pass on the baton to Ngatia so that he can facilitate the creation of an atmosphere in which our regional chamber can contribute effectively and efficiently in realising the objective of a trade-led regional integration of East Africa in order to further strengthen our unity,” Tukey said after handing over the baton to Ngatia.

Ngatia serves in the World Chambers Federation (WCF) after he was appointed to the world body for a two-and-a-half-year term effective January 1, 2023.

Ngatia is the first Kenyan to sit on the council of the powerful lobby for trade chambers with his appointment seen as a major boost to local businesses.

During his tenure as KNCCI President, Kenya was able to embark on an aggressive campaign to open more market opportunities abroad and deepen trade ties with traditional allies.

The WFC is a global lobby that draws members from over 100 countries worldwide and only 20 personalities are elected to sit on the WCF council.

From Left: Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi, the Chief Justice, Marther Koome and Rev. David Lebarleyia at the Supreme Court buildings in Nairobi today.

By Benard Mulwa

The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Marther Koome has today challenged the National Heroes Council to work towards coming up with ways and avenues through which Kenya can pay homage to their courage, their sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit that has shaped the identity of our beloved nation, Kenya.

This comes as the Chief Justice presided over the swearing in ceremony of Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi Ondieki as the Chairman of the National Heroes Council and Rev. David Lebarleyia as a member of the Council today at the Supreme Court.

The appointment of Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi and Rev. David Lebarleyia was meant to persuade the National Heroes Council to ensure that the stories of our heroes continue to inspire, motivate and drive us a nation towards a future that’s vibrant and promising as the heroes themselves.

“we trust in your abilities to promote the goals that informed the establishment of the National Heroes Council, which is to celebrate our heroes in a manner befitting their contributions, and to inspire future generations to emulate their spirit,” the Chief Justice speech reads in part.

Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi will serve for a period of three years effective from 13^th of October 2023 and Rev. David Lebarleyia appointment is effective from 27^th October and will serve for three years as well.  

The National Heroes Council is a State Corporation established under the State Corporation Act Cap 446 and by the Kenya Heroes Act No 5 of 2014. The mandate of the Council is to establish criteria for the identification, selection and honoring of national heroes.

Specific functions of the Council include, formulating and implementing policy relating to national heroes, identifying and recommending national heroes; establishing and overseeing the management of the national heroes square, design and creation of appropriate commemorative items for purpose of honoring national heroes.

Other functions include administering State assistance to national heroes where necessary; enforcing sanctions and penalties in respect to disgraced national heroes, and carrying out studies, research and evaluations of the national honours system and other systems in other jurisdictions.

Additionally, the Council is mandated to conduct and facilitate civic education and awareness on issues relating to national heroes.

Heroes are identified, selected and declared from categories highlighted in the Kenya Heroes Act of 2014. These categories include the liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, scholarship professionalism, research, peacemaking, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration and environmental conservation.

The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Marther Koome asked the Chairman Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi and Rev. David Lebarleyia as they discharge their role, always to bear it in mind that the position that they assume today is more than just a title or rank. It is a promise to our nation, a promise to uphold the ideals of our heroes, a promise to remember their sacrifices, and above all, a promise to ensure that their stories continue to shape the trajectory of our nation.

“Let us always remember that through their acts of bravery, integrity, and resilience, our heroes have made immense contribution to various facets and spheres that make the fabric of our nation. They are our touchstones, and our lodestars, guiding our progress and reminding us of the ideals upon which our nation is built,” the Chief Justice said adding that “Let us always remember that through their acts of bravery, integrity, and resilience, our heroes have made immense contribution to various facets and spheres that make the fabric of our nation. They are our touchstones, and our lodestars, guiding our progress and reminding us of the ideals upon which our nation is built,”.    

By Dianah mukui

Today day Nairobi hospital conducted a free training on safe maternal and childcare dubbed ” The 2023 Mommy and baby fair” to mother’s

The training has provided mother’s golden opportunity to acquire knowledge about pregnancy, options in labour and childbirth, immunization, nutrition for mother’s and myths sorrounding pregnancy and delivery

Speaking during the free training on safe maternal and childcare The Nairobi Hospital chief executive officer James Nyamongo noted that family health education is critical in improving healthy living among the population and ending preventable maternal and perinatal deaths

“The Nairobi Hospital has organised 2023 Mommy and baby fair to raise awareness levels among the public on matters pregnancy, labour and childbirth” said Chief executive officer James Nyamongo

The Nairobi Hospital chief executive officer James Nyamongo highlighted Mommy and baby fair is an open forum that is free to all

“This year’s Mommy and baby Fair is unique ,it is not only going to be a fun-filled interactive session on pregnancy , labour and childbirth but also one where children will be attended to by specialist” added Nyamongo

He further noted the importance of pregnant women receiving quality antenatal care and preconception.

By Maurice Momanyi

Kenyan small and medium enterprises have been advised to take advantage of the forthcoming 23^rd MSME Exhibition and Trade Fair which will be held in Bujumbura, Burundi next month, to grow their businesses.

Speaking during the unveiling of the national organizing committee for the said Trade Fair to be held from 5th to 15th December 2023, Co-operatives and Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Cabinet Secretary Simon Chelugui said the Expo would help them expand their reach into new markets, share new technologies, and strengthen regional integration.

Citing the EAC’s expanded market size of 300 million people and an estimated GDP of US$250 billion resulting from the recent entry of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into the bloc, CS Chelugui noted that it adds significant impetus to the push to increase Intra-EAC trade.

Noting that the EAC region now stretches from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, making it competitive and easy to access the larger African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Chelugui said this is a rich market for Kenyan MSMEs products and services, adding that it would enhance competitiveness at the industry and enterprise level through the exploitation of opportunities for production at scale, continental market access, and better reallocation of resources.

“Burundi is a virgin market with immense unexploited opportunities and I encourage Kenyan MSMEs to take advantage of the excellent relations between the two countries to establish a foothold and exploit the emerging opportunities in terms of trade and investment. Possible areas of investment and market penetration include agro-processing, education, health, finance and banking, energy, light manufacturing, and construction,” Chelui said adding that Burundi is also a regional hub and entry point to Eastern DRC and the hinterland of the greater Central Africa region, thus an indicator of a potentially vast market that Kenyan exports can fully exploit.

This year’s trade fair, Chelugui said, serves to give exceptional commercial prospects for showcasing regional brands of both goods and services, providing further momentum to the EAC integration process.

The theme of this year’s Expo, “Connecting East Africa MSMEs to enhance Intra-EAC Trade,” resonates well with Kenya’s push for ‘Buy Kenya Build Kenya’ while also capturing the developmental aspirations of the EAC region as it adds impetus to member countries’ industrial initiatives and recognizes the important role that the development of domestic capabilities plays in the development of the regional economies.

“The theme equally resonates with the East African Industrialization Strategy target to increase intra-regional manufacturing of exports relative to total manufactured imports in the region to at least 25 per cent by 2032. Indeed, with our economies just emerging from the shocks caused by the recent global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic; it is therefore imperative that the business recovery trajectory is maintained by way of harnessing local sourcing and deepening the value chain frameworks among other strategies,” Chelugui noted.  By deepening the value chain frameworks, he added, Kenyan industries and organizations will definitely identify and group their own business functions into strategic primary and secondary activities; understand linkages and dependencies between different activities and areas in the business, and understand core competencies and areas of improvement.

The Expo will present an opportunity for over 300 Kenyan MSMEs to further understand the emerging market dynamics and business practices to facilitate business linkages for increased trade.

“It will not only avail a forum for showcasing what Kenya has to offer to the regional market but also play a leading role in facilitating trade and business exchanges among participating countries while at the same time offering an exciting platform for launching new and improved technologies targeting both the local and regional markets I would encourage the participating Kenyan entrepreneurs to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the platform to share and learn from each other, create new business links, launch new products and services, and undertake test marketing as well as enhance the brand and corporate image of products and enterprises from the EAC region,” he said.

On his part, chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) James Mureu hailed the Expo as one that plays a pivotal role in not only Kenya’s, but also the region’s economic growth.

Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) Chief Executive Henry Rithaa Mwenda, whose body is mandated to spearhead and co-ordinate Kenya’s participation in this trade fair, reaffirmed that he will ensure participating MSMEs are fairly selected from across the 47 counties to ensure a successful event and fruitful business engagements and outcomes.

Over 1500 participating MSMEs are expected at the 10-day event, not only to showcase their products and innovative services, but also exhibit and share experiences on some of their life-changing innovations and creativity that helped them to navigate the current economic strains amidst stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Ends

Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria H.E Goodluck Jonathan with delegates during African conference on agricultural technologies in Nairobi, Kenya

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Nairobi, Kenya 30th October 2023.

The conference is gearing up to be one of the most dynamic and impactful events of the year,bringing together experts, Policymakers and practitioners I the agricultural sector. With a thematic focus on Agricultural Resilience through innovation, ACAT will show case emerging technologies and innovation, promote networking and shared learning,and unlock access to technology and its delivery.

This session aims to showcase  some of the cutting -edge  innovations and emerging trends in the rapidly  evolving  field  of agricultural  technology and is revolutionizing  agriculture, with a particular focus on precision agriculture, robotics and data analytics.

Delegates

Technology has the poteto tackle food insecurity by boosting efficiency and sustainability in food production .Artificial intelligence, early warming systems, Irrigation, climate and pest resilience breeding, mobile platforms and other innovations are tackling many challenges facing farmers in Africa. In order  to feed whole continent and the world,these technologies must be leveraged and scaled.

Therefore,the creation and adaptation of agriculture technologies and innovations requires an enabling environment.  Policy makes play a key role in this, but they must work in partnership with stakeholders to ensure policy is responsive.

In conclusion, effective strategies are needed to boost investments ,R&D, and technology transfer to leverage and sale agricultural technologies, innovation and their transformation potential.

A section Samburu leaders addressing a press conference in Nairobi.

By Benard Mulwa

The disappearance of king Laibon Bari Kaldojan Ole-aduma (Leaduma) during the colonial era, took the center stage in a deliberation by the Samburu people even as pressure continues to mount at the British king his Majesty Charles 111 to disclose where their king Laibon kaldojan leaduma was buried after unlawful deportation.

Eight decades down the line, the Samburu have been struggling to seek answers to the disappearance of their king Laibon Bari Kaldojan Ole-aduma (Leaduma), who led them to resist the British colonial administration.

Perhaps, most affected is the larger Leaduma family, which still lives in Samburu County and whose generations directly descended from the freedom fighter. Lea duma’s name has spanned various generations in the history of the Samburu, besides featuring in legendary tales of heroism, folklore and sayings. He was a traditional prophet among the Samburu besides being the chief decision maker before the colonial administration came calling. Far and wide, the British colonial administration feared and viewed him as a unique being that possessed the powers of the mystic that could make the government not to work.

Even with no picture to identify his grandfather, 50-year-old Anthony Leaduma has since 1985 been struggling to trace the grave of the Laibon Leaduma and above all, seek justice for his unlawful deportation and possible execution by the British.

Our journey to trace descendants of the Laibon takes us to the remote village of Ngopeliani, located on the eastern edge of the serene Lorukoti plains, on the western side of the low lying Lorroki plateau in Samburu Central District. We trace the only surviving sons of the late Laibon – Lopeei Leaduma, 90, and his brother, 87-year-old Ledipen Leaduma.

This saw the Laibon transferred to Nakuru and Naivasha for further detention. The legal tussles involving the Laibon caught the attention of the then colonial governor of the Kenyan Protectorate, Joseph Aloysius Byrne, as Leaduma was largely seen as “dangerous to peace and order”.

Byrne issued a deportation letter against Laibon Leaduma on November 1934, ordering that he be deported to Kwale on the Kenyan coast. The British perceived Kwale as an ideal place that would permanently delink the Laibon from his native Samburu where he conducted his resistance activities against their rule. Besides, Kwale was regarded as the farthest point from Samburu.

“The said Laibon Ole-oduma shall forthwith be re-conveyed to Kwale and there detained during my pleasure in accordance with the terms of my said order dated the 15 February 1934. Given under my hand and the official seal of the colony at Nairobi this day of November 1934,”the deportation letter written by Byrne read in part.

Since then, no one knows the whether the Laibon Leaduma was executed or imprisoned for life. The question continues to linger in the minds of the larger Leaduma family, the Samburu people and many other Kenyans who have had a keen history of this little known freedom fighter,” A cautionary saying has even emerged in the Samburu language which warns people “not to find oneself in Leaduma’s troubles.” This saying is directly

“The said Laibon Ole-oduma shall forthwith be re-conveyed to Kwale and there detained during my pleasure in accordance with the terms of my said order dated the 15 February 1934. Given under my hand and the official seal of the colony at Nairobi this day of November 1934,”the deportation letter written by Byrne read in part.

Since then, no one knows the whether the Laibon Leaduma was executed or imprisoned for life. The question continues to linger in the minds of the larger Leaduma family, the Samburu people and many other Kenyans who have had a keen history of this little known freedom fighter,” A cautionary saying has even emerged in the Samburu language which warns people “not to find oneself in Leaduma’s troubles.” This saying is directly connected to the history of Leaduma.

It virtually translates to warning someone to be cautious and avoid possible danger. It depicts the grave situation that the Laibon was involved in and the fears his arrest instilled to those who saw it. Leaduma’s contribution to the fight for freedom was, however, less documented. John Bulyaar, the chief curator at the Kenyatta House Museum in Maralal town, Samburu County says the Oledume Road in Nairobi’s Kilimani is one of the landmarks identified with the late freedom fighter. He says many freedom fighters in several parts of northern Kenya have not been recognised as national heroes. The British conquered the Samburu region following the eventual deportation of the Laibon Leaduma. They had vast interests in ranching and crop farming as many parts of Samburu favoured their agricultural undertakings.

By Benard Mulwa

Professions and Cultural leaders from a section of Masai community from Kenya and Tanzania has taken to task the colonial British government over 1904 and 1911treaties which has had a profound and enduring impacts on the community signed during the colonial era.

According to the leaders who held deliberations in Nairobi today, said these agreements entered in to without proper representation or consent from the Masai people, which led to the dispossession of significant portion of their ancestral lands resulting in displacement and severe socia-economic challenges for their community.

Speaking to journalists, Mr. Anthony Leaduma said “the loss of our lands disrupted our traditional way of life, disintegrate our cultural heritage and weaken our capacity to sustain our selves and future generations.” adding that the atrocities included forceful evections, loss of lives and livelihoods, separation of clans and families.

The leaders also observed that both treaties and conquest were done in the name of Crown, and Charles III, setting the stage for a bitter clash with British Colonial government should their terms fail. Among their demands, Colonel retired Richard Leiyagu, Patron of the Samburu elders said the Masai of Kenya never signed the independence document in Lancaster House and they would like an opportunity to do so, adding that on Intellectual property rights, “we acknowledge the positive role that the Britain and the Commonwealth played in building the Masai Brand, but we are now appealing for compensation and a greater share of our Intellectual Property Rights, also any artifacts and spiritual artifacts that may be in your possession,” he said.

The loss of land is estimated at over 56 percent of their ancestral lands from 55,000km2to 42,000km2 around 7,660,255acres. The balkanization of Masai into subgroups a dived and rule tactic, losing their unity resulting in today’s political divisions and negotiating power, this also resulted in inter-clan in Narok, Laikipia and Kajiado.

In their petition, the leaders further demanded land restitution and compensation plan to rectify the dispossession of their ancestral lands, “a just and fair compensation is therefore a necessity,” the statement reads in part.

The Masai of Tanzania appeal to the King to exert its influence on a Commonwealth Nation of the United Republic of Tanzania to stop the dispossession of the Lands of Ngorongo, a legacy left behind by the colonial government who dispossessed the Masai of lands such as Serengeti and parts of Ngorongo.            

Mahir Abdirahman, a spirited six-month-old who’s life has permanently been transformed

By Benard Mulwa

Bela Risu Medical Centre today celebrates one year since its inception in Kenya. The Centre is the only of its kind in East and Central Africa which offers Cleft lip and palate services.  

The Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment and dedication to offer free life-changing, dignifying and hope-restoring surgeries to individuals affected by craniofacial deformities healthcare services. Dr. Kimani, a Director at the foundation said over 3,000 patients has been able to get treated in the past one year alone but still the Centre is able to handle more patients, “the causes of Cleft lip are not yet know but there are underlying issues like environmental and genetic reasons behind the causes,” he said adding that patients gets psychosocial support during the entire process of treatment, which he said the Center offer international standards.

Dr. Kimani pointed out that one out of six still born have Cleft lip in Kenya, according to statistics and therefor there is a great need to create awareness, “the idea of doing this celebration was to engage with more member of the public to make them aware,” he said while fielding questions to journalist at the Center.

The recent move by His Excellence President Dr. William Ruto to streamline Community Health Services by unveiling the Community Health Promoters is an opportunity for the Ministry of Health to locate Kenya with neglected diseases.

Cleft lip and palate is one of such areas of health that needs more highlighting, research and reporting to understand the true picture of the buren of this issue to our social fabric and to Kenya’s economy as a country.

Mr. Kefa Omanga Omoi, Director –Donor office of the Governor, Nairobi City County Government who was present at the Centre, urged all stakeholders to consider this moment as a call to action, and foster greater collaboration between the Nairobi County Government and Bela Risu Foundation in their shared pursuit of greater service to humanity.                 

The Bela Risu Foundation has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing healthcare services that go beyond the conventional. inspiring Furthermore, their promise to deliver top-tier, patient-cantered cleft care in under-resourced healthcare setups is commendable. It is all about providing a beacon of hope within East and Central Africa so the hope goes beyond Ngara, beyond Nairobi and beyond the republic of Kenya.

Their achievements, with the support of donors and partners, have already transformed over 7,000 lives through FREE cleft surgeries, bringing hope and happiness to countless families. This is a testament to their dedication and impact on our community. Groups of volunteers as well as donor funders have also contributed to the above success.

A network of 102 health facilities and a dedicated team of over 7,500 community Health Volunteers and more than 6,000 healthcare workers on our payroll. Our commitment to providing both preventive and curative healthcare services is resolute, with the ultimate aim of improving the quality of life for our citizens.

Today, as we gather to acknowledge the remarkable work of the Bela Risu Foundation in our city and beyond, I urge all stakeholders to consider this moment as a call to action. Let us foster greater collaboration between the Nairobi County Government and Bela Risu Foundation in our shared pursuit of greater service to humanity.

The organization’s scope goes beyond treatment. There is also specialized training and research on cleft anomalies. Such research is very critical in increasing the impact of the smiles that are eventually on families that would otherwise be in a difficult situation. We hope to continue offering hope and we look to a more wonderful 2nd year anniversary.

The CEO of the Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (PSASB) FCPA Fredrick Riaga (centre), exchanges a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors CPA Joyce Omina. With them is the Chairman of PSASB, FCPA, Pius Mungai Nduatih. The MoU sets out a framework for the organizations to explore opportunities for collaboration for their mutual benefit.

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Public Sector Accounting Standard Board (PSASB) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote professionalism, facilitate capacity building, research, integrity and ethical conduct in regard to internal auditing and risk management within the Public Sector. The MoU sets out a framework for the two organisations to explore opportunities for collaboration for their mutual benefit and details the roles of each party to further their interests.

Therefore ,the two organisations will cooperate and focus on the development and adoption of Internal Audit Standards and Frameworks, promote and monitor the Implementation of the Standards, provide training and capacity-building programs, and offer advisory services to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in the public sector.

“Public Finance Management Regulations for the National and County Governments require internal auditors to comply with the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) as issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors from time to time. The regulation also directs internal auditors to follow policies and guidelines issued by PSASB to ensure uniformity and consistency across the public sector,” PSASB CEO FCPA Fredrick Riaga said during the event.

IPPF is the conceptual framework which provides internal audit professionals with authoritative guidance. Internal audit functions are expected to leverage IPPF to facilitate the ability to achieve the mission of enhancing and protecting organisational value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice and insight. This ultimately improves transparency and accountability in the public sector.FCPA Riaga underscored that the two organisations will leverage their expertise and experiences to support capacity building in the adoption of the International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) standards by various Public Sector entities.

“Internal auditing is an independent, objective assurance and consulting activity designed to add value and improve an organization’s operations. Internal Auditing helps organizations accomplish their objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes. This partnership seeks to enhance that role,” IIA CEO Ms Joyce Omina concluded.

The MoU further seeks collaboration to support heads of internal audit within public sector entities in establishing and implementing quality assessment improvement programs with the ultimate objective of assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of internal audit functions and conformance with the standards and code of ethics.