Save the Children Jacob Arii Ekidor on Tuesday called for the amendment of basic education act of 2013 with a view to ensuring that APBET schools are expressly provided for under the definition of Basic education.
According to the International NGO recognition of APBET schools remains the most significant challenged faced by APBET schools in Kenya.
Ekidor said that the absence of official recognition hampers these schools from receiving necessary support, resources and funding.
“As a result, they struggle to provide quality education to their students, leading to lower learning outcomes,” said the NGO.
Ekidor observed that APBET schools in Kenya are denied access to government support programs designed to uplift and improve quality of education.
Today, LemFi, a top cross-border payment solution, formally began its services in Kenya, making history by revolutionizing the global money transfer business. LemFi promises ground-breaking solutions and does away with transaction fees in an effort to transform how the diaspora community sends and receives money back home.
With a strong focus on customer convenience, LemFi offers customers in the UK, US, and Canada a seamless experience. Users can send money directly to bank accounts and mobile money accounts without paying any fees just by downloading the LemFi app. The app’s adaptability also includes the ability to support multiple currencies through specific wallets, empowering users to open and fund a variety of accounts.
For the Kenyan market, LemFi introduces a Kenya Shillings wallet feature, allowing customers to open and fund their accounts via mobile money. This provides users with the flexibility to convert their Kenya Shillings to currencies such as USD, GBP, and CAD, depending on their transaction requirements.
LemFi has set its sights on serving over 500,000 Kenyans living abroad, with popular destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. Leveraging its extensive suite of fintech offerings, LemFi strives to offer Kenyans the ability to send money instantly to their loved ones back home, all while benefiting from the best foreign exchange rates.
During the launch event held in Nairobi, LemFi’s Country Manager, Kakea Mbacha, highlighted the importance of maintaining connections with home while living abroad. “When Africans leave their countries to work, study, or live abroad, they still maintain family, business, and friendship connections back home. These connections are often maintained through communication and the need for effective ways to send and receive items and money from home. It is for this reason that LemFi exists,” Mbacha stated.
LemFi is proud to have a strong local partner supporting its operations in Kenya, Pesa Swap. As an esteemed online and mobile payment solutions company based in Nairobi and the United Kingdom, Pesa Swap offers locally relevant and alternative payment methods to global, regional, and local merchants. This partnership reinforces LemFi’s commitment to providing efficient, affordable, and user-friendly services to its customers.
Kenyans living in the diaspora will benefit from LemFi’s zero-fee policy, ensuring that remittances are affordable and accessible. “Our services will not attract any fees as we strive to ensure that Kenyans in the diaspora can send money home instantly, at the best rates. This is the brand’s promise,” added Kakea.
Furthermore, LemFi remains dedicated to enhancing its product based on direct feedback from customers. Through strategic collaborations, such as the partnership with the Stoke UK Diaspora SACCO, LemFi actively engages with its user base to improve the user experience. Such initiatives provide customers with an opportunity to share their insights and suggestions on optimizing the service.
During the event, LemFi also proudly announced the appointment of renowned comedian Blessed Njugush as their brand ambassador. With his vibrant personality and significant influence, Njugush will collaborate closely with LemFi to promote the company’s services and products within the Kenyan diaspora. He will lend his voice to LemFi’s marketing campaigns and initiatives, amplifying the brand’s reach and engagement.
About LemFi: Established in 2020 as Lemonade Finance, LemFi emerged with a clear vision to empower the diaspora community in their pursuit of greater achievements. Through their innovative mobile app, LemFi enables users to send money to over 10 countries. The recent rebranding reflects the company’s commitment to simplifying its contribution and capturing the essence of its vision amidst the evolving financial services landscape.
The United Natioms General assembly adopted a resolution in 2018 declaring June 7th as the World Food Safety Day (WFSD) celebrations . This annual event aims to raise awareness of food safety’s importance and promote action to prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks.
In commemoration of the 2023 World Food Safety Day (WFSD), the African Union Commission, East African Community, the Government of Kenya, TradeMark Africa, MESPT, and Partners organized an event from 5 to 7 June 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya to raise awareness on food safety. The meeting was held under the theme “Food Standards Save Lives”. The objectives of the summit were to:
i. Raise awareness of the importance of food safety and to promote action to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks.
ii. Provide a platform for sharing experiences and best practices on implementation and compliance with food safety standards and measures.
iii. Foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders to amplify the impact of food safety interventions in Africa.The Summit brought together 220 participants from 30 African Union member states, 2 RECs (EAC, ECOWAS), AUC, and Development Partners (EU, USAID, DANIDA).WE the Member States of the African Union, Regional Economic Communities, Development Partners, Food Producers, Processors, Marketers and Consumers.
RECALLING the momentum created from the previous World Food Safety Day celebrations, and desirous of collaborating in unison to focus efforts on reaching state and non-state actors as well as those directly involved in food systems on the continent in order to raise the profile of food safety.
RECOGNIZING that foodborne diseases make 91 million people ill and cause 137,000 premature deaths annually in Africa and that this translates into productivity losses of US$95 billion a year in developing countries alone;
COGNISANT that application of, and compliance with, food standards is a critical factor to promoting safe food value chains and reducing the public health and socio-economic impacts of the high foodborne disease burden in Africa.
AWARE of the need to promote safe trade in food to realize the continental objectives of ending hunger and tripling intra-African trade in agricultural commodities and services by 2025.
RECOGNIZING the importance of food standards and risk-based food safety measures in assuring the safety and quality of food products for public health protection and trade facilitation.
MINDFUL of the peculiar challenges the Member States face in the development, enforcement, and compliance with risk-based food safety measures.
ACKNOWLEDGING that by enhancing investment, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting collaborations, we can establish and operationalize functional and resilient national food control systems that safeguard the health of consumers and promote safe trade.
HEREBY call for the following actions:
Enhance participation in international standard-setting bodiesImprove AU member states’ engagement in international standard-setting bodies to contribute effectively to the development of food safety standards.
2. Increase investment in food safetyInvest more in food safety, including capacity building for value chain actors, to manage risks and ensure compliance with food standards. 3. Improve surveillance and monitoring systemsEnhance and sustain foodborne disease surveillance and monitoring by improving laboratory capacity, data collection, analysis, and reporting.
4. Promote research on food safetyEncourage and support research initiatives focused on developing new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance food safety management systems and mitigate foodborne risks.
5. Support policy implementationSupport the implementation of continental, regional, and national food safety policies, frameworks, and strategies.
6. Strengthen regulatory mechanismsDevelop and enforce robust food safety policies, regulations, and standards to enhance regulatory mechanisms.
Promote collaborationFoster regional and continental collaboration among African Union member states to enhance food safety practices, facilitate trade, and establish partnerships and knowledge-sharing networks.
8. Establish public-private partnershipsEncourage strong partnerships between the public and private sectors to promote knowledge transfer, technology adoption, and joint initiatives in food safety throughout the value chain.
Food is an essential part of what it means to be human. Improving food safety requires sustained investment in several areas from stronger regulations to better coordination, better laboratories, more stringthen surveillance and better training and education among others.
“For the last 5 years MESPT through the financial support from the European Union and the Royal Danish Embassy has been implementing a food safety system for value chain as part of the larger AGRIFI programme.” Said Rebecca Amukhoye MESPT CEO.
In conclusion food standards contribute to the safety and quality of local and international food trade and prevent unfair trade.
The presiding Bishop Hon David Thagana of Glory Outreach Assembly and also the Secretary General Federation of Evangelical Churches of Kenya has hit out at the opposition leaders whom did not join the 20th National Prayers Day in Nairobi,which was to reconcile government and the opposition side.
Bishop Thagana who is also the founder of Global outreach Assembly has said it was unfortunate to see opposition missing to be part of the 20th National prayers day held to bring unity among leaders and kenyans as a whole.
The 20th National Prayers day this year theme was : Reconciliation,which he said was meant to bring two antagonist groups together for the peace of the nation.
Speaking during the National Prayer Day held in Nairobi,Bishop Thagana said “its very uncalled for and unfortunate if the other side of the opposition were totally did not feature in the Reconciliation table with the National government,he adds
He said with opposition missing to attend the meeting it bring a bad picture to the nation and to the world that kenya still have got a long way to reconcile towards a peaceful environment.
Bishop Thagana said the prayers were not for the national government but for all kenyans to meet and end the disagreements after election.
The Senate Health Committee, Chaired by Senator Jackson Mandago, met with the former PS, State Department of Medical Services, Dr. Josephine Mburu, former Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) Chairman, Hon. Daniel Rono and the current suspended Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) CEO, Ms. Terry Ramadhani, over allegations of irregularities in the procurement of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs).
Dr. Josephine Mburu apprised the Committee on 1.The distinct roles and responsibilities between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and KEMSA with regards to the procurement process; 2. Clarifying KEMSA’s involvement in the procurement of the long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs); 3. Whether the PS herself was indeed aware of the tender specifications for the LLINs as required by Global Fund, whilst further indicating whether they met the requirements of the Ministry of Health; 4. Stating if indeed there were any differences between the specifications for the LLINs by Global Fund and the MoH, 5. The expected role in recommending the type of nets to be procured in her capacity as the Accounting Officer; 6. Whether the PS was in agreement with the type of LLINs that were to be procured by Global Fund; 7. Whether there was loss of public funds during the tender; and 8. finally shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the tender, and her subsequent termination from office.
Hon. David Rono, in his submission to the Committee, shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the KEMSA tender of the LLINs, and his subsequent suspension from the Board.
Ms. Terry Ramadhani, apprised the Committee on the following concerns; 1. When the tender was advertised; 2. When the tender was opened, and when it was closed; 3. The reasons as to why the tender was extended; 4. Submit details of how many suppliers applied during the initial tender period; 5. Submit details of how many additional suppliers applied after the extension; 6. Whether there was any loss of public funds during the tender; and 7. Shed light on the circumstances that led to the cancellation of the tender, and her consequent suspension from office.
Other Members present were Vice Chair Sen. Mariam Sheikh, Sen. Esther Okenyuri, Sen. Abdul Haji, Sen. Hamida Kibwana, Sen. Ledama Olekina, Sen. Raphael Chimera and Sen. Samson Cherargei as a friend to the Committee.
South Africa and Kenya hosted a high level reflection roundtable on their 30 years struggle for Democracy.
The particular discussion involving Operation Linda Ugatuzi in collaboration with KENYA Bora TUITAKAYO majored on lessons for constitution making process with reference to the two respective countries and also added their voices to the conversation taking place in Kenya, especially on the issue of the financial bill.
Speaking during the forum, The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) Professor Moeletsi Mbeki noted their guaranteed role in advancing a well governed, peaceful and economically sustainable and globally engaged Africa.
He pointed out that some of the challenges that the struggle for Democracy caused to South Africa include poor electricity, collapse of railway, 42% unemployment, 27% of children stunted because of malnutrition, 70 murders a day among other challenges.
Dr. Mbeki added that African middle class level has grown and due to this, over the past few years, South Africa has always been ruled by the consumption driven class, which is the middle class.
“Due to the middle class ruling, a lot has changed in South Africa comprising of abolished rule of the white, introduction of universal coverage, political power being herited by a new elite, “ added Dr. Mbeki.
He also noted that in order for South Africa to have stable elections, they need to modernize their economy, create a new entrepreneurial class that is conversant with the digital technology and also draw up urbanization plans.
Also speaking at the event, Operation Linda Ugatuzi leader Professor Fred Ogola on the issue of the financial bill noted that it is the most discussed bill ever in Kenya.
“This bill has seen submissions from so many people and also so many memoranda have been done, for Operation Linda Ugatuzi, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and Association of Manufactures have all submitted their memoranda on the same,” said Ogola.
He further noted that if the bill is passed, it will only increase the cost of living, as everything will go up.
“Overtaxing Kenyans at a time when unemployment is very low and inflation is very high simply means that Kenyans who are poor are going to be made poorer, the middle class will shrink and the only people who will enjoy are those in the government who have those salaries and are enjoying the benefits of being in the government,” added Ogolla.
Kenya’s Non State land actors on Wednesday opposed the transfer of valuation functions from the National Land Commission (NLC) to the Ministry of Lands.
The civil society noted that when land governance processes were presided over by the then Ministry of Lands, they were riddled by rampant land grabbing, severe land insecurity, poor accountability, inequalities in land allocation, rampant corruption, landlessness and poor land use planning.
“Compulsory land acquisition procedures domiciled in the Ministry of Lands during that time were either abused or not adhered to leading to irregular acquisitions, delayed or denied compensation and numerous lengthy court cases,” the civil society said.
According to the land sector non state actor, the consistent attack of the National Land Commission as an independent commission is an affront to the Constitution and seek to delegitimize the role of the National Land Commission and its independence for short term selfish gains.
The press briefing by the land sector non state actors follows remarks made by President William Ruto on 21st of May, 2023 at a public prayer rally in Isiolo County regarding the role of National Land Commission (NLC) for Compulsory Acquisition of Land for mega infrastructural development projects. In his statement, the President is quoted indicating that it his intention and that of his government to have the role of valuation reverted back to the Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
The EAC on Sunday concluded national consultations for drafting the political confederation constitution.
EAC secretary general hon.(dr) Peter Mathuki told a press conference in Machakos, Kenya that stakeholders recommended the elimination of borders to allow complete free movement, residency, and trade.
“tTe public also called for clear levels of decision making for the eac federation and national governments,” Mathuki said.
Kenya is the third partner state where national consultations conducted after Burundi in January 2020 and Uganda in April 2021.
The committee of experts tasked with drafting the constitution for the proposed eac political confederation was chaired by Uganda’s retired Chief Justice Benjamin Odoki.
The objectives of the national consultations for the EAC political confederation were to enhance awareness on the ongoing constitution-making process for transforming the EAC into a political confederation as well as obtain stakeholders’ views on their interests and key issues to inform the drafting of model confederation and subsequently a confederal constitution in line with the principle of people-centred regional community.
The institute of Quantity Surveyors of Kenya (IQSK) on Thursday launched cost Handbook. President IQSK, Qs. Jennifer Musyimi said that the idea to collaborate in issuing cost information to the construction industry was mooted sometime last year during a networking session in order to reduce the ambiguity in the market and assure credibility of the information which is highly relied upon.
“This handbook therefore is the culmination of year-long efforts to accurately collect and analyze construction cost data,” she said.
The handbook contains information on construction costs in Kenya for select items and buildings types.
The prices are based on averages of data collected from various quantity surveying firms and construction companies across the country.
Musyimi observed that the information published is meant for guidance and should be adjusted on a project by project basis to take into account factors such as location, specifications of building materials, wall to floor ratio, floor to ceiling heights.
She added that the handbook will continue to be updated on a biannual basis with occasional notes being issued to the public.
Joel Arumonyang, the principal secretary for the state department for public works said that handbook will help Kenya to expand its construction sector through building certainty into the industry.
Noordin Haji’s considerable experience in law enforcement and the justice system, complemented by his steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law, render him an exceptionally qualified candidate for this crucial role.
“Throughout his illustrious career, Noordin Haji has made remarkable contributions, including his exemplary work at the Attorney General’s Office and his previous position as the Deputy Director of the Counter Organised Crime Unit at the NIS. His dedication to excellence and duty has distinguished him in these high-ranking roles.” Said the chairman
As the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Haji has spearheaded significant reforms within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). These reforms include the successful deployment of an electronic filing system, significantly enhancing service delivery, and the establishment of the Prosecution Training Institute (PTI). The PTI, an advanced academy within the ODPP, plays a pivotal role in developing the skills and capabilities of prosecutors in the region.
“Noordin Haji’s progressive review of policies and guidelines in the prosecution sector has disrupted the outdated and corrupt system of the past, earning him adversaries amongst those who benefited from it.” Added the chairman
Noordin Haji’s dedication to working with social justice centres demonstrates his commitment to nurturing a fair society. He has actively collaborated with human rights groups and community-based organisations to advocate human rights, combat extrajudicial killings, champion the rights of women and marginalised groups, and resist injustice. His efforts have helped create a safer and more equitable community where justice is accessible to all. Noordin Haji’s return to the NIS as the Director General signifies a new chapter in his career. With his extensive experience in law enforcement and the justice system, he is well-prepared to effectively address the national security challenges facing our nation. His strong academic background, including an LLB and LLM Degrees from the University of Wales in Cardiff, a Master’s Degree in National Security Policy with Merit (MNSPO) from the Australian National University, and a post-graduate diploma from the Kenya School of Law, further reinforces his impeccable credentials for the position.
“As the DPP, Noordin Haji has played a pivotal role in overseeing high-profile corruption investigations and prosecutions in Kenya. ” Said the chairman
His unyielding efforts to combat corruption and his commitment to enhancing inter-agency collaboration and coordination in the fight against crime have earned him respect from his colleagues, the broader community and beyond.
His understanding of the importance of a stable political environment led him to play a critical role in initiating bipartisan talks between the main players in last year’s presidential election, saving the country billions of shillings that would have been lost if protests had continued
“We believe these qualities are amongst those considered by the President in nominating him as the new chief of the NIS.” Added the chairman
The EBDA firmly believes that Noordin Haji, with his extensive qualifications and experience, is the best-suited public official to be nominated as the Director General of NIS. His nomination signifies a positive advancement in fortifying Kenya’s justice system and lays the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous future for all. We unreservedly support his appointment and have utmost confidence in his ability to lead the NIS effectively, ensure the security of our nation, and steadfastly uphold the rule of law.
