Day: March 11, 2023

Livestock farmers in North Eastern region have been urged to embrace farming as an alternative source of livelihood as the region continues to grapple with prolonged drought which continues to ravage the livelihoods of the people.

Over the past few years, the drought situation in the region has continued to worsen leaving millions of livestock dead and the people facing hunger and no source of income.

Speaking after visiting several irrigation farms and commissioning boreholes in Habaswein, Wajir County, Water and Irrigation Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono said that the region is well placed to produce large quantities of organic foods since the land is fertile, having not been farmed before.

Rono said that the government is working around the clock to find a permanent source of water in the region through construction of mega dams and drilling of high yielding boreholes to facilitate irrigation farming.

“This is a place where we just need water because the soil is fertile and the farmers do not even need fertilizers. With assistance, the farmers can get enough food for consumption and export,” Rono said.

“As a national government through the ministry of water and irrigation, we will do everything to support this region and other regions in the country which have enough land and only need water to be able to produce food crops,” he added.

The PS further noted that with the current change of climate leading to low and unpredictable rain patterns, it was time to shift from rain fed agriculture to irrigation farming.

“The government’s plan to introduce irrigation and build more dams is in the right direction. If we can make sure that the mega dams are constructed and we also drill more boreholes in high yield places, we will be able to support communities to grow their crops and tackle food insecurity in the country,” he said.

Wajir West constituency MP Yusuf Farah said that it was impressive for farmers to have come up with the little resources they had, and start irrigation farming in the area.

“Agriculture is the way to go here. We have a fertile land, and we will have water so we need to start changing our mentality and work together for a food secure future,” Farah said.

“I want to ask everyone in Wajir County and the ASAL regions to change our perceptions and embrace agriculture so that we can feed ourselves,” he added.

The PS was also joined by the chairperson of the Northern Water Works Development Agency (NWWDA) Nasri Ibrahim, NWWDA CEO Andrew Rage, Water Resources Authority chairperson Mohamed Shuriye and officials from the World Bank.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Co-Operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development Simon Chelugui has revealed that out of the 15million Kenyans that have borrowed hustler fund loan, 800, 000 are struggling to repay.

The CS however said that the Government is proud of the strides the initiative has made and that the credit facility has made it possible to have Sh 22 billion in circulation countrywide.

“The fact that we are moving from fixed security to credit score is an indicator of the success of this initiative. The fact that there is Sh 22 billion in circulation is an indicator of the success of this initiative,” stated the CS.

He said that the Government is targeting to shift the approach to credit in Kenya from security based to credit score based.

Chelugui added that the Government is showcasing its collaboration with private sector to deliver the hustler fund which is a government initiative.

“We don’t have a mobile network of our own, we don’t have our own banks, we work with private banks, we work with mobile networks but the source of the money, the initiative, the planning, the budgeting is all done by the Government. Our role as the Government is to oversee,” said the CS.

Chelugui noted that 18 million Kenyans have so far enrolled with the hustler fund and that three million have not yet borrowed any money from the hustler fund.

The CS who spoke when he toured Embu to inspect the ongoing renovation of Moi stadium that will host Madaraka Day on June 1 said that the Government will be running Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) business exhibition events for a whole week in various parts in Embu before the Madaraka day celebrations.

“We will have a whole week of SMEs celebrations and exhibitions which will be climaxed with Madaraka Day Celebrations on June 1,” he stated.

He said that the Government exhibition events are meant to promote SMEs because this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations is themed on Small, Medium, Enterprises and Co-Operatives.

He added that his Ministry will give SMEs in Kenya the priority and the seriousness the sector deserves saying Kenya rides on SMEs.

He lauded President Dr. William Ruto and the organizers of this year’s Madaraka Day Celebrations for recognizing the role that SMEs play in Kenya saying 98 per cent of businesses in Kenya are SMEs.

He added that 15 million out of 18 million Kenyans are working under SMEs which is the informal sector adding the biggest challenge that the Government was facing is to transition workers in this sector to formal employment.

Embu County Deputy Governor Kinywa Mugo who was present during the function called on traders in Embu to seize the opportunity of the county hosting Madaraka Day celebrations so that they can reap from the event.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has challenged leaders from feuding communities in the North Rift region to embrace each other to help bring to an end the escalating banditry and cattle rustling menace.

Murkomen said that he was taking up personal responsibility to call upon all leaders from the Pokot, Turkana, Marakwet and Samburu communities to unite in a move to help end the insecurity challenge in the region.

The CS said criminals should be handled as individuals rather than condemning the whole community noting that Pokot, Marakwets, Turkanas and Tugens are peace loving and God-fearing people only that there are a few criminal elements among them.

“Someone who shoots, kills people and steals has no tribe or community and should carry their own cross as an individual. We acknowledge there is a big problem in the region,” said Murkomen.

“We have met as leaders for a long time and we should not tire up. Let the government continue doing the security operation but as leaders we should come together and bring the problem to an end,” he advised.

Speaking at Chewoyet Boys’ High School in West Pokot County on Friday during a thanks giving ceremony and launch of a 4-year strategic plan of the school, Murkomen argued that there was need for holistic development in the region.

“I am Pokot who is Marakwet and vice-versa and I have no shame. I am not an inciter. Justice must be the cornerstone of our unity and this can be attained through eradicating banditry,” he remarked.

The CS mentioned that the government will open up all marginalized areas through revitalization of infrastructural networks across the region among them roads and schools as a way of taming insecurity.

Murkomen stated that having illiterate people with guns is the worst scenario because they do not know the meaning of life hence supply of arms by crooks must be stopped by all means.

The CS reiterated that the President is not only committed to flush out bandits but also come up with a long-term development agenda to change the Kerio Valley from a valley of death to a valley of life and prosperity.

“I am pensive when I see Pokots, Turkanas, Marakwets and Tugens dying every day. It is a total shame,” he regretted, adding that all roads that were under construction in the region will continue.

“All roads like Chepkorniswo-Sina, Kabichbich-Kipat-Chesumet, Chorwai-Kapkanyar-Kapcherop, Tamkal-Konyao-Kiwawa-Alale, Makutano-Kabichibich-Sondany, Chepareria-Chepnyal, Talau-Makutano Town-Chewoyet and Forest roads will be completed. We have told contractors to work hard or cancel their works,” he said.

Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong called on the government to ensure bandits are weeded out through enhancement of education, improved road networks and strict implementation of the affirmative action.

“We need more learning institutions, roads and affirmative action. Children should learn for free until they are 15 years of age. We support the security operations but they should be done to all communities and with respect to human rights,” said Lochakapong calling on the security teams to be effective.

Echoing similar sentiments, Tiaty MP William Kamket noted that the region needs peace and development, hitting out at the opposition over their mass action drives.

“The constitution must be respected and those bringing violence in the country should know they are in breach of the law of the land. If there is a question in any elective position of an MP or member of county assembly, it should be taken to the high court and that of the President should go to the Supreme Court. Anything beyond that is unconstitutional and illegal,” argued Kamket.

“The opposition leader should know that he was forgiven in 2017 when he swore himself in but if he attempts this time, it will be treasonable,” said the Tiaty legislator, in reference to Raila Odinga.

West Pokot senator Rev. Julius Murgor vowed that as leaders from the region, they will sit at the table together and help tame insecurity in the region.

“Only few leaders are inciters. We should stop following the tail of a cow,” he opined.

Rev. Murgor said that the opposition leader failed to bring evidence in court and should stop putting the country in a limbo.

Kapenguria MP Samuel Moroto hinted that insecurity was happening due to the underdevelopment of the area hence the need to upscale development activities in the region.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin called on the opposition to put Kenya first by respecting the law

“Those who want to exercise their rights should put Kenya first because mass action will not help this country. They should stop it,” stated the governor.

Chewoyet Boys’ High School, a national school, was honoured for posting the best results with 228 candidates scoring C+ and above in the last year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination (KCSE) examinations. It attained a mean of 8.306 and emerged as the top school in the county.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Eldoret city marathon 4th edition champions, who finished in the top 20 in both the women’s and men’s 42.195KM races were feted in a colourful ceremony graced by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii and Athletics Kenya officials.

Victor Kipchirchir and Emily Chebet clinched the men’s and women’s titles in times of 2:13:10 and 2:29:58 respectively and both were awarded cash prizes of Sh 3.5million each.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, speaking at the ceremony said the Eldoret City Marathon has emerged as a take off point for local talents to flourish, where upcoming athletes are developed and sent to conquer the world.

He said as a way to identify and grow talents, the county government was undertaking grassroot sporting activities to give opportunities for the youths to show and exhibit their talents.

“We are currently advocating for commercialization of sports so that our youth can profit from their talents under the slogan Talanta na Hela,” the county boss noted.

Bii advised the athletes to embrace saving culture. “Sportsmen and women need to consider investing as a priority in their careers since, like any other employment, sports has a retirement period,” Bii said.

“Our administration is working to find ways to partner with stakeholders to sensitize sports men and women on the need to secure their social security for retirement,” he said.

He added that the Eldoret City marathon was fundamentally formed to promote sports and push the campaign on climate action by planting as many trees as possible as this provides a good condition and cleanses the air that “our bodies need for quality health.”

“Since the race started in 2018, under the program over 4 million trees have been planted across the country,” he said.

The chief officer for youth and sports, Nahum Jelagat added that her department will work to implement the governor’s youth and talent empowerment agenda to develop youth economic advancement.

Race organisers confirmed that the fifth edition of the Eldoret City Marathon will be staged on April 10 next year.

Source: Kenya News Agency

When he entered through the gates of Maktau Special School at the age of three hoisted on the back of his mother one sunny morning, he could neither speak nor stand without support. His speech was a series of incoherent babbles and his limbs were atrophied from long periods of inactivity. He needed constant attention because he could do nothing for himself.

Six years later, the transformation has been phenomenal. The boy who could not walk not only stand by himself but can make remarkably coordinated dance moves albeit slowly. His speech, though not too elaborate, has developed significantly to allow him to ask for water when he is thirsty.

“He is one of the pioneers of the Maktau Primary School special unit. To date, he remains an inspiration and proof that with proper care, attention, and support, even those of us born with congenital defects can get a chance in life to become what they want to become,” says Mr. Mwandigha Flavian, a special needs teacher at Maktau Special School.

The boy, a minor with special needs, is amongst hundreds of special needs learners in Taita-Taveta County whose abilities to speak, walk and navigate the daily challenges continue to be strengthened in special schools as part of the government’s strategic intervention of promoting welfare for special needs learners in the county.

As a county, Taita-Taveta has emerged as one the biggest beneficiaries of government special learners’ support through the National Fund for Disabled of Kenya (NFDK) with the fund spending Sh10.5 million in setting up classrooms, dormitories, and dining halls for special learners in the 2022-2023 financial year.

Mr. Peter Nyakiamo, the Vice Chair of NFDK, notes that the government remains fully committed to supporting all efforts to make learners with special needs get the best of education through funding necessary infrastructural programs and procuring learning items for special schools.

Speaking at Maktau in Mwatate sub-county this week during the commissioning of a dormitory for Maktau Special School, Mr. Nyakiamo said NFDK spends hundreds of millions each year on projects to support learning and advancement of welfare for learners with various challenges.

“We remain committed to supporting learning and other programs to help learners with special needs. We are encouraging parents to take their children to these schools and give them a chance to live,” says the Vice Chair.

Amongst key projects commissioned by NFDK include two classrooms constructed at a cost of Sh 2.6 million at Voi Special school, a Sh 2.6 twin dormitory for Maktau Special Unit, and a dining hall worth Sh2.6 million at Mwanyambo School for the deaf. The fund has also funded the construction of a 36-bed twin dormitory block for the Taveta special unit for the deaf at a cost of Sh.2.4 million.

Mr. Nyakiamo stated that NFDK would continue supporting special learners and encouraged parents with special needs children to take them to schools where they can gain skills.

Emphasizing the need for children with special needs to access education, Major Retired Marsden Madoka, an NFDK trustee urged parents to stop hiding their disabled children at home as it will only worsen their condition and spoil their chance for a better future life.

Similar sentiments were shared by NFDK’s trustee Dr. Mike Kiswili, the fund’s financial manager and Ag. CEO Antony Muli, and the education stakeholders in the county.

Ms. Fatuma Kadzo, Disability Services Officer in Taita-Taveta County says such support will go a long way in empowering learners with special needs. She noted that some parents were still wary of taking their special children to school for fear they will find it difficult to mingle with other learners without any disability.

She adds that the special units were meant to accommodate learners with different challenges including intellectual challenges, cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, and autism amongst other congenital handicaps.

“We are grateful to the government and particularly NFDK for these facilities. They can accommodate learners and ensure they are given proper support to encourage them to realize their potential,” she said.

Unlike ordinary learners, learning for special learners entails undergoing four key stages namely the foundational, the intermediate, the prevocational, and the vocational stages. The vocational stage is where a special learner has gone through the learning and is now poised to be equipped with skills to enable them enter the job market where they can earn a living.

Data at the county office from the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) shows the region is making significant progress in promoting the welfare of special learners. In Voi, Mwanyambo School for the Deaf has 80 learners while the Voi Special Unit has 79 learners. The Voi Unit handles learners with intellectual disabilities, mental disabilities, cerebral palsy, and autism. Only 28 of these learners are boarders.

Mwatate sub-county has Mwatate special unit with 32 learners while Khungu Special Unit for the mentally handicapped has 20 learners. Taveta sub-county has two special schools and one unit with Timbila Special school for the mentally challenged having the highest enrolment of 116 learners. Taveta Special School has 29 learners while the Mahoo special unit for the physically disabled has eight learners.

One of the most significant results of the government’s intervention is to eliminate the stigma associated with being handicapped. Any form of disability in the region was traditionally regarded as a curse or as a result of witchcraft. This forced families with special needs children to hide them away from the public.

However, with the increase in the government’s investments through the partners such as NFDK targeting the special needs education sector, more parents are bringing out their children and this has allowed the learners to get adequate life skills and other important lessons.

The positive increase in the enrolment in the county shows parents are gradually shedding the retrogressive outlook of disabled children as cursed.

However, the sector needs more support in terms of facilities, especially dormitories to accommodate the learners and keep them in a safe environment.

NDFK through vice chair Nyakiamo pledged to offer more support to the region but asked parents and other stakeholders to be at the forefront of supporting the sector to make it more robust.

“We will keep supporting these children as best as we can. We also give small individual grants to those with vocational skills to help them start income-generating activities,” he said.

Ms. Kadzo said special learners needed dormitories to ensure they were kept safe and were not exposed to situations that could have them be bullied or sexually abused by strangers.

She noted that even for the facilities with dormitories, only a small number of parents were utilizing them owing to the high levels of poverty.

Source: Kenya News Agency