Day: April 1, 2023

The President’s affirmation to support construction of a multi-billion Agro-Industrial Park (AIP) in Sironga, Nyamira County has excited brick makers in Sironga area for they are optimistic to instantly secure plentiful job opportunities from the mega County project.

According to Abuga Ogeto, a brick maker at Sironga wetland, Government’s decision to construct the AIP at Sironga site will have a two-fold benefit to him in boosting his income source to comfortably fend for his family.

‘When construction for the industrial park will commence, I will sell bricks to the contractor who has been awarded the construction tender at the same time seek for work as a worker at the construction site which will consequently boost my income to enable me comfortably provide for my young family,’ Abuga excitedly commented.

‘Earnings from just selling bricks is not sufficient to meet my economic financial needs. We are very many brick makers in this area because of its proximity to the main highway and buyers are not as many in some seasons of the year. Besides the long period of brick preparation to the time they are ready for selling needs patience, and hard work before one can get to enjoy their hard earned profits,’ added Abuga.

Another, Moriasi Alex, a driver who transports bricks to various places in accordance with their customer’s request said brick transportation has been his source of livelihood for the past five years.

He is optimistic that with the construction of the industrial park he will have an opportunity to transport not just bricks but any other product to and from the park during the construction time and even when it will be operationalized.

‘I’m also requesting government to consider us for available job opportunities once the construction of the Park is complete because, despite the fact that we are doing manual jobs to earn a living, we have certificates for professional courses and technical skills which we will professionally execute when given that chance,’ Moriasi stated.

Ms. Ann Kemunto revealed to KNA that she does jobs at the brick making site at Sironga. She said she makes bricks with other few resilient women who she is in a group with. She transports readymade bricks to the display place near the road, hawks food stuffs to brick makers during lunch break a routine cycle that has become her way of life.

‘I’m optimistic to get a stall at the park to put up my small fast food hotel to serve affordable meals to people who will be coming at the Park for various errands, brick making will soon be stopped because the same site is where the industrial Park will be constructed,’ said Kemunto.

President William Ruto promised Nyamira residents that he will fully support the construction of the Agro Industrial Park at Sironga by giving Ksh 100 million. A feasibility study has already been done and validation. The park will benefit the larger Lake Region Economic Bloc.

Source: Kenya News Agency

It was a reprieve for hundreds of farmers in Embu who lost their crops and pasture following desert locust invasion three years ago after they received Sh. 17. 9 million from the World Bank as compensation.

The funds channeled through Government Emergency Locust Response Program (ELRP) are set to benefit farmers in six Wards that were affected by the invasion of various swarms leading to loss of livelihood running into millions of shillings.

The affected wards including Evorore, Muminji, Kiamebere, Makima, Nginda and Kagaari North received compensation for value chains including dairy, poultry, beekeeping and crops such as green grams.

Speaking while handing over cheques to beneficiaries and flagging off livestock feed supplements at Talent Academy in Embu Town on Friday, Governor Cecily Mbarire said the initiative was aimed at assisting farmers get back on their feet following the losses occasioned by the invasion.

She said among the beneficiaries were 51 Common Interest Groups (CIGs) that received Sh. 6.8 Million for restocking of bees, poultry and dairy goats.

The county boss added that four farmers’ cooperatives were also given grants geared towards mobilization of more members to join in the dairy and green gram value chains to the tune of Sh.1.9 million.

She said the sub-project on livestock feed supplementation covering Evurore, Muminji, Kiambere and Makima Wards had been allocated Sh. 10 million to sustain weak animals until regeneration of pasture following the prolonged drought.

While at it, Governor Mbarire said they plan to work closely with Kenya Meat Commission (KMC) in a livestock offtake programme to cushion famers from losses during drought seasons.

She called on the beneficiaries to use the funds for the intended purpose and not blow it up in unnecessary ventures.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Turkana acting Director of Disaster Risk Management Moses Nawoton has confirmed the county has received the first consignment of assorted supplies meant to be distributed as relief food to households across the region in order to reduce vulnerability to the worsening drought situation in the region.

‘The supplies received was procured by the county government for the 2022-2023 financial year and will be distributed to the locals from various food distribution points as soon as safety inspection is concluded.’ the director said.

Director Nawoton said that the move had been initiated by Governor Lomorukai as a response to the worsening drought situation and an intervention against household food insecurity.

He also explained that the full consignment was 2500 metric tonnes of supplies consisting of 50,000 bags of maize stashed in 50 kgs sacks and 5000 cartons of vegetable cooking oil.

Noting that a team had been constituted to cross check the supplies for health and safety standard as well as quality concerns, director Nawoton warned staff against diverting the supplies and said that stern measures will be taken on culprits.

The director also clarified that the county would rely on the existing food distribution infrastructure and make use of vulnerability index data to ensure that all the most deserving households are prioritized.

The food items come at a time when development partners and national government agencies have stepped up response against drought to cushion residents and is therefore expected to complement the efforts.

Source: Kenya News Agency