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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.

By Ronald Njoroge

The Architects Alliance launched in Kenya in bid to boost built environment in the country.

Arch. Silvia Kasanga, the president of the Architects Alliance said on Wednesday that the Alliance

So far has more than 60 architects who have practiced for more than 20 years after attain their bachelors degree.

“We are hoping open operations in all the 47 counties,” Kasanga added.

The Architects Alliance also called for a national dialogue focusing on the physical environment and our management of it as the people of Kenya.

“This dialogue must involve all of us, Citizens of all cadres, the Government at the National and County Levels, Non-State Actors, Professionals in the physical and built environment and all other interested parties,” she added.

The dialogue will collectively come up with a national blueprint on how to manage and secure our physical environment so that all our citizens can enjoy the best quality of life possible while ensuring that future generations are assured of a worthy heritage.

“The starting point is to have people engaging, thinking and having conversations about their physical environments and focusing on sensitively designed and built physical structures that take into account the unique flora and fauna of our land and ideal space for our people to live in,” she said.

KEBS Managing Director Mrs Esther Ngari and Chairman Mr. Peter Munyiri flag off 15 vehicles at its headquarters in Nairobi.

By Benard Mulwa

The management of Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has flagged off 15 vehicles at its headquarters in Nairobi today in a move that appears to restore public trust of the National Standards body.

This comes after the former KEBs Managing Director Bernard Njiraini was arrested by anti-graft detectives over allegations of corruption.

The National Standards Council Chairman Mr. Peter Munyiri said this is to enhance its structure and markets since the Standards body has a significant mandate to promote safety and health of products, “the current position as a Standards Council will be known”, adding that there is no reason as to why KEBS will not be able to reinforce our position with customers” adding that now KEBS is at a different caliber and are looking ahead to new changes.  

“As a management, we want to assure the Council that we will be efficient as per our core mandate,” the Managing Director, Mrs Esther Ngari told journalist at the flagging off ceremony in Nairobi which she said this was after one year and the process are within the normal procurement which was at the cost of 83 Ksh. Million.

Mrs Esther Ngari said the 15 vehicles will be disbursed to all KEBS regions across the country to help equip the staff to serve their customers.

Earlier on, eight suspects including Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Managing Director Bernard Njiraini were charged over the disappearance and sale of toxic sugar.

The eight including three government officers and five business people were charged with various crimes, including, conspiracy to commit a felony, abuse of office, stealing, interference of goods subject to customs control, and being in possession of restricted goods.

In a statement, EACC said he had been arrested over allegations of procurement irregularities and payment of bribes in respect of awards for tenders for provision pre-export conformity of goods, used motor vehicles, mobile equipment and spare parts by Kebs.

Wabuyabo Acting Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear power & energy agency. Photo: Kelvin Okal.

By Benard Mulwa

More than 2500 youthful and energetic members from 20 African countries are meeting in the capital city of Kenya, Nairobi today in an effort to consolidate the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology.

The African Youth for Nuclear Generation summit 2023 is 4th Edition which was proposed to bring on board the youth to discuss about career path and Nuclear Energy as an alternative source to fossil energy, to expose young people to opportunities in Nuclear power, empowerment and employment and to connect them to trainings.

Africa has the youngest population in the world with more than 400 million young people aged between the ages of 15 to 35 years.

The theme of the summit, ‘Nuclear Energy: A Vista of the Future’ captivates and explores the potential and promise of nuclear science and technology for economic sustainability, reliable and low carbon electricity generation for the future and also demonstrates that challenges associated with nuclear science and technology can be overcome through continued innovation, collaboration and participatory dialogue among stakeholders in the nuclear industry and beyond.

The Chief Executive Officer, Nuclear power & energy agency in Kenya, Justus Ambutsi Wabuyabo said in his opening speech that Nuclear energy is an indispensable tool for achieving the global sustainable development agenda. In this regards, the Government of Kenya has identified nuclear energy to be commissioned in 2034 to power the national development goals, “In this regards, Kenya has made significant steps in the implementation of the nuclear power programme. Kenya has carried out pre-feasibility study on the Nuclear Power Programme; undertaken extensive nuclear capacity building in which the staff of energy sector entities and nuclear sectors in the country have been trained in nuclear engineering and energy policy, undertaken Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment, nuclear power plant site identified” he said, adding that, The country also enacted the Nuclear Regulatory Act of 2019 which established to established an independent nuclear regulatory body – KNRA. The country is also developing subsidiary legislation to operationalize the Nuclear Regulatory Act of 2019.

Justus Ambutsi Wabuyabo, the CEO, Nuclear power & energy agency in Kenya, emphasize that peaceful application of nuclear science and technology will be a game changer in the socioeconomic development of the African continent.  

The summit will go a long way in shaping the landscape of nuclear science and technology in the continent by, Promoting knowledge sharing and networking among young professionals and experts in the African nuclear industry;

Inspiring and empowering young people to pursue careers in the nuclear industry, and to promote gender and diversity inclusion in the nuclear field

Fostering a dialogue on the latest developments and innovations in nuclear science and technology, including advancements in nuclear power generation on the African continent, explore opportunities for international cooperation on nuclear energy, and discuss the role of nuclear energy in addressing energy challenges, climate change and other related issues in Africa and;

Strengthening the partnerships and collaborations among African countries and international organizations in the nuclear sector.

Engineer Nduma Ruwah, the acting Principle Nuclear Energy Electricity Board, said Kenya is doing homegrown capacity in order to be able to conduct its own financial and technical feasibility, “we are still conducting stakeholders engagements, and environmental impacts is still on going, he said at an interview adding that details on site characteristics in Kenya have been conducted on Nuclear small model reactors, (NSMR).

Engineer Nduma also said Kenya expects to have its first power plant in 2027.       

By Meresia Aloo

During the third annual Harm Reduction Exchange, which centered on tobacco harm reduction initiatives, prominent stakeholders in the health sector emphasized the pivotal role of harm reduction in shaping public health strategies across Africa.

Harm reduction, a transformative approach, seeks to mitigate the negative effects of health behaviors without demanding complete cessation. Dr. Kgosi Letlape, the president of the African Medical Association and the Association of Medical Councils of Africa, urged African governments to adopt harm reduction as a more effective strategy than prohibition-based policies. He stressed that it provides a practical and compassionate approach, offering prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion to empower individuals and families facing health challenges.

Dr. Kgosi’s words resonated with many at the event. Harm reduction is acknowledged globally as a pragmatic and compassionate strategy for addressing various health issues, especially in the context of substance use and risky behaviors. Strategies like Needle Exchange Programs, supervised injection sites, and access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy have demonstrated success in numerous countries.

Furthermore, the event highlighted the role of media in shaping discussions on tobacco harm reduction. Dr. Tendai Mhizha from Integra Africa emphasized the media’s responsibility in countering misinformation and disinformation. With misinformation on the rise due to technological advancements, Dr. Tendai stressed the importance of accurate and up-to-date information to advance the cause of harm reduction.

Tobacco harm reduction (THR) was a focal point of discussion, advocating for adult smokers who are either unwilling or unable to quit altogether to consider less harmful alternatives. THR has the potential to be a groundbreaking public health achievement. Dr. Tendai emphasized, “Harm reduction is the better path forward. Regulators must provide adult smokers with information, choice, and support to transition away from smoking while minimizing underage use.”

Several African countries have already taken steps in this direction. South Africa has legalized the sale of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, while Kenya is considering similar steps to regulate THR products. Harmonizing public healthcare regulation across the continent is seen as a positive step to protect citizens from the dangers of tobacco use.

The third annual Harm Reduction Exchange concluded with a shared commitment to amplify harm reduction strategies and continue the conversation on reshaping public health regulations in Africa.

ROMANA YEGO, DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY HEALTH AND ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT ON GENDER ISSUES

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Dettol, a leading disinfection and hygiene solutions provider, has launched a handwashing campaign targeting over 10,000 school-going children in Nairobi’s slums. This timely endeavor coincides with the global observance of Global Handwashing Day, with the theme: “Clean hands are within reach”.

Therefore,according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), two out of every five schools worldwide lack essential handwashing facilities, thus exposing students to a multitude of diseases. Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that unclean hands are the main mode of illness transmission in approximately 80 percent of cases, and bringing it home, the 2023 Kenya Economic Survey shows that in 2022, healthcare facilities reported four million cases of diarrheal diseases, with the majority of these cases affecting children.

Under the banner of “Dettol Global Handwashing Campaign,” this month-long campaign will extend crucial support to five schools located in Nairobi’s Kibra and Mathare slums. The initiative entails the provision of essential water tanks and state-of-the-art handwashing stations along with essential hygiene education within these schools ensuring that clean hands are truly within reach for these deserving children”.

“This campaign underscores Dettol’s unwavering commitment to promoting hand hygiene education throughout the country. Our dedication extends to driving access to quality hygiene products designed to protect against illnesses causing germs, all with the ultimate goal of helping Kenyans maintain personal hygiene and create a safe and healthy environment for all,” said Asif Hashimi, Country Manager, Reckitt Kenya.

In conclusion, to maximize the impact and ensure the success of this campaign, Dettol has partnered with Shining Hope for Communities (Shofco), a local advocacy organization that serves the needs of over 350,000 urban slum residents across ten different slum communities in three major cities in Kenya.

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES, POLICYMAKERS AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS DURING THE FIRST CONFERENCE ON THE ACCELERATION OF AGRICULTURAL ADAPTATION IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

BY NJOKI KARANJA

Hundreds of Government representatives, Policymakers, Civil Society organizations, and other partners from Africa have convened for the first conference on the Acceleration of Agricultural Adaptation in Africa. The three-day conference organized by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria together with other partners seeks to galvanize a critical mass of Actors towards accelerated agricultural adaptation, including stimulating smallholder farmers’ proactive engagement in international climate dialogue and intervention processes.

During the opening ceremonies, Dr. Sadiq Wanka, the Special Advisor to the Vice presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria thanked the organizers and reminded them that it takes place at the moment Africa’s agriculture is still depending on rain and while farming communities are plunging into further uncertainty as a result of climate-inspired erratic rainfall and shifting seasons, pastoralist communities have lost much
of their livestock, including camels, cattle, goats and sheep to the raging weather events. He said that “the inaugural conference on accelerating agriculture adaptation is key to galvanizing the critical mass of Actors towards accelerated agricultural adaptation, including stimulating smallholder farmers’ proactive
engagement in international climate dialogue and intervention processes”.

Dr. Salisu Dahiru, the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and Head of the Secretariat, Federal Republic of Nigeria reiterated the importance of the conference as it is expected to be the space for exchange and innovation. “The importance of this conference cannot be overstated. It stands as a crucial platform where we can unite, share knowledge, and engage in fruitful discussions on strategies and solutions that will pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices in Africa, even in the face of climate adversities. we hope to embark on a journey towards securing the future of food production and ensuring the well-being of our communities.”

Speaking about Accelerating Agricultural adaptation in Africa, Prof. Anthony Nyong, the Director of Climate Change and Green Growth at the Africa Development Bank said that the bank has set four pillars to ensure change in the agriculture sector happens with success. He said that to address the social economic and
sustainable agenda in agriculture AfDB set four pillars namely climate smart digital technologies for agriculture and food security, Africa infrastructure resilience accelerator; empowering youth for
entrepreneurship and job creation in climate adaptation and resilience; and innovative finance initiatives.

He reiterated that “the African Development Bank recognizes that achieving sustainability in our countries
hinges upon the development of crucial sectors, with agriculture emerging as one of the most significant avenues for success”.Mrs. Drita Dade, the Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist who represented the World Bank country office in Nigeria commended the conference and asserted that “inaction in addressing climate challenges not only jeopardizes food security but also heightens susceptibility to extreme weather events, places rural communities’ livelihoods at risk, and intensifies the strain on already stressed natural resources.

The African Development Bank estimates that adaptation and resilience costs for the continent will reach up to $30 billion per annum by 2030. Augustine Njamnshi, the chair of Technical and Political Affairs, at
PACJA, stressed that it’s imperative to think of adaptation but also look beyond the simple concept of adaptation.
“Adaptation in the agriculture sector is an urgent priority for our region. It is a matter of survival, protecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers, ensuring food security for our growing population, and preserving
our rich natural resources for generations to come. We must act with a sense of urgency, with a recognition that the time for action is now”, said Augustine Njamnshi.

This is the first agricultural conference taking place in Africa with a focus on shaping the future of the sector in the climate-changing context. For three days participants will engage in dee discussions and presentations focusing on the leveling of capacities and context setting; policy and funding landscape for accelerating adaptation in the sector; pathways to low carbon resilient agricultural systems in Africa; advancing inclusions in agriculture for women, youth, pastoralists, and other excluded groups in the context of current climate realities; Just transition in African adaptation agriculture and food systems; and Raising ambition and visibility of African Agricultural Adaptation in Abu Dhabi.

In conclusion, ministries of agriculture, UN and AU agencies/departments, and regional economic integration communities dealing with agriculture, smallholder farmers’ organizations (national and regional),
agricultural research and policy organizations, academic institutions and think tanks, key policymakers
(parliamentarians networks), outstanding women’s associations/start-ups and innovators, youth start-ups and innovators, civil society organizations with agricultural programs, agribusiness (small, microenterprises), agricultural financial institutions and others.

Teaching children on how to wash their hands. Germs are everywhere so we can’t see them with our naked eyes. Germs are collected from almost everywhere. Wash your hands from a running source of water using Dettol hand wash or Dettol soap. Rub the hand to create a foam. Rub the back of your hands. Run in between your fingers. Rub your wrist. Finally rinse with clean running water.
There were various speeches by Head of Shofco, Head Teacher of Kibra Primary School and a representative from Dettol.
Keeping hands clean prevents a number of infections. Shofco has done a collaboration with Nairobi County amounting to up to 250 million shillings. In the next five years, we plan to ensure all schools within Kibra and Mathare have improved sanitation. This particular hand washing campaign is targeting schools in Mathare and kibra

By Steve Sabai

Nominated Member of Parliament Hon. Irene “Renee” Mayaka expressed her confidence in the Kenyan women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, qualifying for the upcoming Women’s World Cup. Hon. Renee shared her thoughts after attending the Kenya versus Angola women’s under 20 match, which Kenya won ahead of the return leg in Angola next weekend.

Congratulating the team on their victory, Hon Renee commended the girls and wished them the best for the return leg. She emphasized that Kenyan women’s football has a promising future and envisioned their participation in the World Cup finals, be it in the under 20, under 23, or senior women’s category. The MP from Nyamira praised the well-planned preparations and steady improvement of the team.

Hon. Renee, previously a dedicated fan and supporter of both Gor Mahia FC and Shabana, has now shifted her full allegiance to the newly promoted Football Kenya Federation premier league side, Shabana FC. Alongside other Women MPs, she showed her support for the Women’s under 20 national team, known as “the rising starlets,” highlighting their ability to bring joy to Kenyans. She also made a personal donation to the team, demonstrating her commitment to their success.

As a passionate football enthusiast, Hon. Renee expressed her excitement about the game and extended her congratulations to Harambee Starlets. She urged everyone to rally behind the team and support their journey towards the World Cup dream. With their unwavering support and the collective efforts of the nation, Team Kenya aims to make its mark on the global stage.

Adelle Onyango on a previous Moth Mainstage in Nairobi Taking a selfie with the audience.

by Staff reporter

Nairobi’s vibrant storytelling community is on the brink of experiencing the fifth annual edition of The Moth event, a hallmark celebration of unforeseen narratives. The Moth, a renowned non-profit dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling since its inception in 1997, has been a guiding light for individuals worldwide. With over 60,000 true stories shared live across the globe, The Moth has become a beacon of personal narratives, radiating its brilliance through the Peabody Award-winning The Moth Radio Hour and The Moth Podcast, which receives 100 million annual downloads from listeners across the globe.

Four years ago, The Moth found its home in Kenya, bringing with it a yearly session intertwined with quarterly storytelling workshops for gender equality and world health advocates that have indelibly marked the local landscape. The Moth’s storytelling gatherings have organically evolved into a melting pot, uniting individuals from diverse backgrounds. These stories are akin to strokes of a painter’s brush, vividly depicting moments that transcend time and space. They are authentic and deeply personal, occasionally intense, at times uproarious, and often mysteriously captivating. These narratives, regardless of their mood, always burst with vibrancy and life. These stories have the power to change hearts and minds, and they celebrate the commonality and the diversity of our human experience.

The eagerly awaited event for this year is scheduled for Saturday, November 4th, from 6 pm to 9 pm at the LRC Auditorium of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa. The evening’s charismatic host will be none other than Kenyan media visionary, equality activist, and Moth alumna, Adelle Onyango. Sharing the stage with her will be five varied and accomplished activists, all proud graduates of The Moth, ready to weave stories that revolve around the theme, “Power and Possibility #DopeEra.” These unique, true stories will explore finding courage, stepping into power and realizing what’s possible. You’ll hear stories of rolling the dice for a lucky break and entering the arena for a fighting chance – digging deep, asking what’s next, and leaping into the unknown. These hilarious, heartbreaking and authentic stories will make you feel more connected and inspire you to live in your #DopeEra. Special musical guest TBA.

Stories from the evening will be recorded for future episodes of The Moth Radio Hour and The Moth Podcast.

With over 500 guests expected to grace the event, African storytellers shall be given precedence to listen to inspiring narratives. The Executive Producer, Sarah Austin Jenness expresses her enthusiasm about The Moth’s journey in Kenya: “The community of storytellers in Kenya is vibrant and thriving, and we are elated to host The Moth’s fifth event here to elevate stories that will continue to inspire conversation. Personal stories are powerful and the stories in Kenya are nothing short of extraordinary. We eagerly anticipate continuing our mission of amplifying voices and forging connections through these deeply personal narratives.”

Director Chloe Salmon shares her excitement for the event: “It’s remarkable to witness how The Moth has become a driving force in Kenya’s storytelling arena. The warmth and diversity of the stories we’ve encountered have enriched lives in unimaginable ways. As we celebrate our fifth event, we are reminded of the remarkable journey we’ve embarked upon with storytellers and audiences alike.”

About The Moth

The Moth is true stories, told live and without notes. As an organization, it celebrates the ability of stories to honor the diversity and commonality of human experience. This curated live event features five storytellers who share true stories on an array of topics, creating an experience that is intimate, inspiring, captivating, theatrical, and enlightening.

The Moth is a global nonprofit dedicated to the art and craft of storytelling. For 26 years, The Moth has presented over 60,000 true personal stories, told live, without notes, to standing-room-only audiences and virtually around the globe. Renowned for showcasing a broad range of human experiences, The Moth produces approximately 600 live and virtual shows each year and has an ongoing presence in 27 cities worldwide. Additionally, The Moth runs storytelling workshops for high school students, teachers, adults and advocates from around the world through its Education, Community and Global Programs, and MothWorks, which uses the essential elements of Moth storytelling as an empathetic communication tool. The Moth’s Global Community Program is supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.