COUNTY

FOCUS
Information for Development
Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs
Directorate of Information January 2022

Ready Kenya,
...as Covid-19 vaccines manufacture is underway

Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe addressing the media in Machakos

County during inauguration of Board Members of Kenya Biovax Institute that
is set to manufacture Covid-19 vaccines. Dr Dennis Rangi (left), is among the
scientists leading the vaccine manufacturing process.
Photo: Ann Kangero/Machakos Story on page 3
 EDITORIAL
Farmers receive high BOARD
yielding fruit seedlings Editor-In-Chief
Josephine Kinuthia
Editor
Joseph Kipkoech
Associate Editors
Patrick Odongo
Ntoitha Murithi
Writers
Ann Kangero
Samuel Waititu
Lamech Arisa
Absalom Namwalo
Ann Salaton
Ruth Mainye
Wangari Ndirangu
Harrisaon Yeri
Robert Ojwang
Irungu Mwangi
Anthony Melly
Joseph Ng'ang'a
Janet Shitote
Ronald Rono
Ministry of Agriculture Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ann Nyaga gives avocado Dickson Mwiti
seedlings to a farmer and retired preacher Reverend Silas Njiru. Geoffrey Makokha
Photo: Samuel Waititu/Embu Philip Onyango
Raymond Zaka
Photographers
By Samuel Waititu/Embu Speaking while distributing 6, 000
Treeza Auma
Farmers across Embu County have high yielding Hass avocados and 3, Chari Suche
received avocado and macadamia 000 macadamia seedlings in Samuel Waititu
seedlings worth Sh5.4 million from Siakago under the Greening Kenya Anne Kangero
the Ministry of Agriculture in a Initiative, Agriculture Chief Absalome Namwalo
Ruth Mainye
programme aimed at increasing the Administrative Secretary (CAS) Wangari Ndirangu
country's tree cover and boosting Ann Nyaga, said being the line Dickson Mwiti
household incomes. Ministry in agricultural matters, the Treeza Auma
The Ministry of Agriculture had aim was not only to ensure the Robert Ojwang
committed to make its contribution counties achieve the set tree cover Irungu Mwangi
Anthony Melly
towards boosting the country's tree target to combat effects of climate Ronald Rono
cover through distribution of fruit change, but also to assist farmers Geoffrey Makokha
trees seedlings in the region. earn a living through sale of fruits. Joseph Ng’ang’
The Government aims to plant 1.8 Due to their high global demand, the Anne Salaton
billion trees to achieve more than 10 fruits have become lucrative export Graphic Designer
percent tree cover by 2022, with all products besides being friendly to William Sakawa
Government Ministries and the environment unlike other trees Co-opted Designers
Parastatals being required to set known to deplete the environment, Wesley Odera
aside 10 percent of their Corporate especially water sources and Sylvia Gitau
Social Responsibility (CSR) budget catchment areas. Faith Chepkemoi
Anthony Kamau
for tree growing.
Contact us
Department of Information
We are killing two birds with one stone by Uchumi House
ensuring we mitigate issues of climate Aga Khan Walk
P.O Box 8053-00300
change, while at the same time giving farmers an Nairobi
extra source of income, - Ms Nyaga said. E-mail:[email protected]
Telephone: 020 3340659

A publication of Kenya News Agency

2
 Vaccines manufacture to enhance
Kenya’s health sector profile
By Anne Kangero/Machakos
The setting up of the vaccine
production plant was meant to
address the vulnerability of the
Country in drugs supply chain and
address future health emergencies.
Speaking in Machakos County
during the inauguration of the new
Kenya Biovax Institute Board
(KBI),Health Cabinet Secretary
Mutahi Kagwe said the Country
imports over 70 percent of her
medical products, including
vaccines and Biologicals.
CS Ministry of Health Mutahi Kagwe, speaking to the media at Kiikaloh Grand Resort in
Mr Kagwe further said imports at Machakos County, during the Inauguration of the MTRH and KBI Board of Directors.
times makes the Country unable to Behind him is Mr. Sachen Chandaria, one of the KBI Board members and a manufacturer
access essential supplies timely due set to manufacture Kenyan Covid Vaccine.
Photo:Ann Kangero/Machakos

“Local production of control of disease outbreaks that

human vaccines” may arise in the future.
Mr Kagwe said Kenya is
manufacturing human vaccines for
to logistical issues, adding that
importation consumes huge budget
the first time and in future, no
vaccine importation will be allowed “It is critical
of the Health Ministry.
The Cabinet Secretary said local
due to our local capacity .
that in future,
He noted that the basic legal and
production of human vaccines will
support public healthcare
industrial requirements for local fill we do not rely
and finish manufacturing of
programmes, economic growth and vaccines has been largely achieved. on importation
He said the development of a wholly
local vaccine production process
of vaccines but
Kenya is set to
start
has been initiated with support of
Kenya Medical Research Institute(
rely on our own
manufacturing of KEMRI), which will remain the capacity and
Covid -19 vaccines main partner in research and
capacity building. scientists who
by April 2022, as it
seeks to cushion
He added that Kenya has already
initiated negotiations with a host of
are well trained
its citizens from countries, as well as vaccine
manufacturing companies to
and equal to the
future supply
hitches.
actualize the plan that will see the task,” added Mr
establishment of a fully-fledged
bulk antigen production facility to Kagwe.
produce different types of vaccines.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

3
NHIF to defray hospital
bills for Kenyans
By Lamech Arisa/Bomet
Government spokesperson Col.
(Rtd) Cyrus Oguna has urged
Kenyans to enroll under National
Health Insurance Fund to enable
them access health services at lower
costs in government-owned health
facilities.
Col.(Rtd) Oguna affirmed that the
government pursued its goal of
improving the well-being of
Kenyans by rolling out diverse
projects across the country.
Speaking in Bomet County during
his visit for inspection of
government projects, he said there is
need for Kenyans to register under
National Health Insurance Fund
cover so as to improve and better
their lives.
Col.(Rtd) Oguna said Longisa
County Referral Hospital is offering
top-notch medical health services
ranging from dialysis, cancer
screening and specialized clinic for
chronic diseases among others.
Statistics from NHIF indicate only
220,000 people within Bomet
County have enrolled under the
National health fund.
The hospital medical superintendent
Dr Isaac Birech said that they have
been forced to ask patients to
register for NHIF to enable them to Government Spokesperson Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna in a past event. Photo: KNA
pay for their dialysis and other
services like CT scans.
About 10,000 residents have been “For most of the patients who come for
registered under the National health specialized care, we do urge them to enroll first
scheme by the county government,
registering some of the most with NHIF to enable them to continue accessing
vulnerable and poverty hit the services,” said Dr Birech.
households into the scheme.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

4
 Editorial Comment
Suitable export growth Sports promotes
For faster progress and economic which aligns to existing frameworks business brands
prosperity in the country, we need to such as the KITP and also links to the
boost inter-county trade and abolish newly-Launched Trade policy. Sports is a social phenomenon that
multiple levies and charges which This strategy will seek to promote connects all kinds of people and its
hamper trading activities. value-addition especially in agro- value in the promotion of business
We also need to diversify and processing, powering more exports brands is overwhelming.
expand goods for export and grow and reducing trade balance. It gives companies an opportunity
export market share within the Export strategy should be based on to tap into the passion that
region and globally. the promotion of self-sustaining consumers have for sports to
Taxation that promotes the growth industrial development, meaning we promote their brands.
of local industry will open up the ought to find suitable ways to grow The value of sports to brands
inter-county trade, spurring the export value through leveraging comes from the fact that it attracts
proliferation of small and medium various competitive advantages, many people, meaning that
industries. especially with devolution. without fans, businesses find it
Kenya needs to develop a National Policies should be first and foremost difficult to support sport activities.
Export Development Strategy, inwards-looking to promote local With no events and fans, it means
many sponsors lack the foundation
on which to activate their
Tea farming combats climate change marketing, fan engagement and all
other activities associated with the
James Finlay (Kenya) Limited is governance, crop diversification
rights and assets they have
one example of a tea growing have obtained Rainforest Alliance
acquired.
company that has adopted climate and Fairtrade Certifications. This simply shows that sports
smart farming practices to withstand Through the training, smallholder remains a valuable avenue that
the shocks that come with the farmers have achieved higher tea
corporates can leverage during
adverse change on weather. yield per acre. As part of Finlay's
such a period when fans are not
The tea company recognize the Group sustainability strategy, it has
physically available in stadiums.
value that sustainability improves pledged to protect and enhance
business. Through the company's 100,000 hectares of natural forest by Kenya Breweries Limited
support for and participation in 2022, in line with the UN continues to value sports as a
environmental sustainability in the Sustainability Development Goals. means of connecting with its
tea section, farmers have embraced James Finlay Kenya Ltd has customers. Just recently, KBL,
sustainable farming practices in partnered with the Initiative for through the Tusker brand, was an
their operations in Kericho and Sustainable Landscapes (ISLA)to official partner of Team Kenya
Bomet counties. This partnership restore and conserve 60,000 during the Tokyo Olympics
led to the formation of Fintea hectares of the Mau Forest. following a sponsorship of Sh 45
Growers Cooperative Union. ISLA focuses on halting million.
deforestation, forest conservation, KBL continues to support the
Tusker Football Club and is among
Sustainability waste management, sustainable
energy sources and sustainable the key sponsors of several
Development livelihoods. As nations supported
improved climate plans at COP26
football competitions including
the Kenya Premier League.
Goals conference, there is an opportunity
for stakeholders in the tea industry
The company also has a strong
footprint in rugby where it offers
Through the union, over 10,000 to adopt sustainable farming support to teams and events such
farmers have been trained on good practices in order to achieve “net as golf, the Magical Kenya Open
agricultural practices, conservation zero “in line with UN Sustainable and the Kenya Safari series.
of the environment, good Development Goals.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

5
Dispensary to improve
health services facility is to ensure that much
needed health services are rendered
to the residents in efforts to address
the health challenges and challenged
them to provide necessary support,”
he said.
The Governor was accompanied by
Chief Officer Medical Services Dr
Isaac Omeri, Agriculture Executive
Dr Moses Osia, Chief of Staff
Robert Papa and County Health
Administrator Ali Atemba .
Residents expressed gratitude to the
Governor for opening the facility,
adding that services have been
brought closer to the people.
Dr Omeri said the opening of the
Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong during tour of Okwata dispensary.He is flanked by facility is in line with the World
Chief Officer Medical Services, Dr Isaac Omeri. Health Organisations standards of
Photo: Absalom Namwalo/Busia having health facilities closer to the
population within a radius of 5km.
By Absalom Namwalo/Busia access medical services. "The aim of Busia Governor's
Speaking to the locals at the facility government is to bring services
Over 5,000 residents of closer to the people in compliance
Amukura West Ward in Teso during the launch, Governor
Ojaamong noted that his with the World Health Organisations
South Sub County have a government remains committed in guidelines," he said.
reason to smile following the ensuring the attainment of universal
opening of Okwata health coverage in the county.
dispensary. He added that the dispensary will
provide basic primary healthcare “Apart from
The health facility is set to benefit
services, emphasizing the need for addressing transport
residents to seek treatment at the
thousands of residents who have facility. and medical costs,
been trekking several kilometres to the facility will
neighbouring health facilities to “Our core objective in opening the
reduce cases of young
The County will purchase more girls being misused
while seeking for
land for expansion of the facility treatment far away
and address infrastructural from home-
John Kombe
issues,” Governor added.
A publication of Kenya News Agency
6
 Construction of CBC
classrooms on course
By Ruth Mainye/Kapsabet
The construction of phase one of the
Competence Based Curriculum
(CBC) classrooms that are set for
completion to accommodate the first
cohort has kicked off in Nandi Hills
Sub County.

18
Number of secondary schools
constructed within the
region out of 30.
Nandi Hills Deputy County Commissioner Leornard Mgute(3rd from right) and Sub
County Director of Education (2nd from right) with Other CBC implementation
Nandi Hills Sub County CBC committee members and the Contractor at AIC Siwo secondary school during the ground
breaking ceremony. Photo: Ruth Mainye/Kapsabet
infrastructure development
committee proposed construction of
one classroom for each of the 18 "The government is committed to ensure CBC system of learning
secondary schools out of a total of 30 succeeds. I want to urge all chiefs
secondary schools within the region. and their assistants to work closely
with school administration and
Nandi East CBC implementation contractors to ensure smooth
committee led by Deputy County
Commissioner (DCC), Leornard
"The government is completion of the projects," Mr
Mgute said.
Mgute has completed the ground committed to ensure
Sub County Education Director
breaking ceremony and officially CBC system of Bernard Manyasi urged the
handed over the sites to respective
contractors who won the tenders. education succeeds. contractors to coordinate with the
school administrators to hasten the
Speaking during the ground- Chiefs and their construction process which should
breaking ceremony carried out in assistants should take into account quality work.
various sites, the DCC said the
government was committed to work harmoniously Among the schools that were
ensure that CBC learners succeed by with school selected in the sub county for the
tackling all the obstacles that might phase one CBC classrooms are
administration and Samoei Boys, Our Lady of Peace
hinder the process.
contractors to Girls, AIC Sochoi, Lelwak, Siret, St
Johns Chepkunyuk, Katpien,
Administration ensure smooth Kaputii, Kapkoror, Chebarus, St
Mr Mgute urged all chiefs and their
implementation of Mary's Soiyet, Taboiyat, Tigityo,
the projects," said AIC Siwo and Barasendu secondary
assistants supervising the projects to
schools.
closely work with the relevant Mr Mgute.
school administration and the The government allocated Sh788,
contractors to ensure the classrooms 220 for the construction of each
are completed as scheduled. classroom to completion.
 PICTORIAL

Government Spokesperson Col. (Rtd) Cyrus Oguna welcomed to

Crop farmers from Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta County during Bomet County health facility by County Executive member of
the Crop Insurance Compensation Payout in Matuga Sub- County Health Dr Joseph Sitonik and Medical Superintendent Dr Isaac
in Kwale graced by Principal Secretary, State Department for Birech during tour of government development projects.
Agricultural Research, Prof Hamadi Boga.
Photo:Raymond Zaka/Kwale Photo: Lamech Arisa/Bomet

Leaders of Simba Youth group receive a cheque worth Sh100,000

Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris (left) covers a street from Uwezo Fund at Busia County Stadium.
family woman with a blanket during a celebration in Nairobi. Photo: Salome Alwanda/Busia
Photo: Bonface Malinda/Nairobi

Immediate former Makueni County Commissioner Maalim Mohammed Infrastructure Principal Secretary Prof Paul Maringa addressing
during ground breaking ceremony for construction of CBC classrooms at the media in Laikipia County.
St Mary Ndovea Secondary School, Nzaui Sub County.
Photo: Muturi Mwangi/Nanyuki
Photo: Ronald Rono/Makueni

A publication of Kenya News Agency

8
 PICTORIAL

Garissa County Secretary Abdi Sheikh (left), Health Chief Officer

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris (left) cuts a cake to Hassan Hanshur (centre) and Director Family Health Mohamed
celebrate 77th birthday of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Haret (right) kick start the motor cycles before handing them over
Kencom House. Street families were given blankets. She is flanked for health workers outreach services.
by Patrick Lumumba (right), holding a microphone and staff from Photo: Jacob Songok/Garissa
her office.
Photo: Bonface Malinda/Nairobi

Immediate former Makueni County Commissioner Mr Maalim

Chairperson of Migori Small Traders Society Mr Tobias Omino Mohammed watering a tree during launch of tree planting season.
speaking on East African Community Customs Union Protocol at Photo: Ronald Rono/Makueni
Migori Town.
Photo: Geoffrey Makokha/Migori

Egerton University Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of The 2NK Sacco Chairman James Kahiro addressing the media at YMCA
Administration, Planning and Development Prof Richard Mulwa (right) hall in Nyeri on safety awareness meeting for Sacco drivers. The forum
exchanges notes with cassava farmer Simon Peter Gitahi on his farm. was attended by NTSA officers.
Photo: Jane Ngugi/Nakuru Photo: KNA
 Crops diversification improves
greatly farmers livelihoods
By Wangari Ndirangu/Kiambu
The government is emphasizing on crop
diversification and value addition in
agriculture in order to improve food
security and nutrition as envisaged in
Kenya's Vision 2030 .
The promotion of high value crops in
maize dominant areas has widened with
most farmers diversifying on crops such
as avocado, macadamia and coffee.
Rift Valley farmers have now emerged
as the new frontier in production of high
value crops mainly avocado, joining
leading producers in the country from
Central region such as Murang'a,
Kiambu and Meru counties.
Horticultural Crops Directorate (HCD)
Director Benjamin Tito said Uasin Micah Cheserem, former Central Bank of Kenya Governor undertakes large scale
Gishu and Trans-Nzoia are some of the avocado production for export to the European Union.
counties in the North Rift that have Photo: Wangari Ndirangu/Kiambu

Mr Cheserem who is former Central Toroitich who is a member of the

Bank of Kenya Governor and his Kapsosio Avocado Agri CBO which has
Currently, Kenya daughter have ventured into the high 78 farmers says they were contracted by
value fruit farming and now earns three HABEX Agro Limited Company for
whose avocado
times more of what he used to earn from the next 10 years to grow avocado for
production increased
maize in an acre of land. the huge European market.
to 85 million
kilogrammes this year He said he grows avocados for export, Uasin Gishu County Executive
especially Hass variety which suits the Committee Member for Agriculture and
from 70 million
area well and has huge market abroad. Fisheries Samuel Yego acknowledged
kilogrammes in 2020 is that avocado production is becoming a
the leading exporter of For Beatrice Toroitich, a small holder
farmer from Kapsosio village in food of choice across the world noting
avocado in Africa and that it is a plus for Kenya which enjoys
Moiben and who has also ventured into
among the 10 world almost 12 hours of sunshine and able to
avocado production says she planted 80
largest exporters. trees of Hass variety in her one and a harvest avocado when the rest of world
half acre of land in 2018. is not harvesting theirs.
doubled the area under avocado
production.
Avacado Production I started growing avocados in April 2017.The
Micah Cheserem, a large scale farmer in
Kapsosio area in Uasin Gishu, said
farmers in the region have ventured
into avocado business, shifting to the
high value crop due to poor prices and
“
idea was to try and diversify crop production. I
started harvesting in 2019 and my biggest
harvest was in 2020 out of the 5800 trees in my
farm,” Cheserem said.
high cost of maize production.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

10
 Financial based organization
benefits the youth youth dealing with cons in the financial
market, who did nothing but take away
the little money he had in the name of
saving.
He has created employment to other
youths through his investments and
other than just ripping from his
businesses, he is apparently a re-known
fumigator in the coast region, an idea he
obtained from the group's financial

Life was difficult

for me in the past, trying
to make ends meet with
One of Jobeis Youth Organization founders, Joseph Aseka (centre), addressing the media no success. Every
at a Kilifi Hotel during the group's Annual General Meeting. business proved to be
Photo: Treeza Auma/Kilifi difficult with no capital
By Harrison Yeri/Kilifi lack of capital since no financial lenders to start with. Six months
More than 67 youths have benefitted were willing to offer her loan without after joining this youth
from a youth organization, founded by guarantors. group, I managed to get
jobless youths to reduce unemployment Barely one year into joining the group, loan just a day after
rates and excessive drug abuse in the Fred Okoth, who previously was a boda
applying and
coastal region. Many youths reportedly boda rider told the media after the
miss chances of self-employment, meeting, that he has been able to buy immediately started my
owing to lack of financial capital to start two motorcycles and built a house after business which has
businesses. getting a loan, which he has since sustained me and my
Speaking Wednesday during an Annual completed repaying.
family to date,” Alang'o
General Meeting of Jobeis Youth Okoth said he has spent years of his
Organization, held at a Kilifi hotel, the said.
beneficiaries attributed their business
success journeys to the amateur group,
recalling the challenges they previously
underwent in getting capital from other
financial organizations

Live changer
Doris Alang'o from Kwale, said her life
has never been better before she secured
Sh 40,000 from the group, the money
she used to start her business of
supplying Omena from Homabay to the
Coast region. She said her efforts to start Some of the youth supported by the financial organization bought
any business before, bore no fruit due to motorbikes.Photo:Treeza Auma/Kilifi

A publication of Kenya News Agency

11
 Over 80 percent of households in the
lakeside city are still highly dependent

Biogas plant put on unclean sources of energy for

cooking, such as firewood, charcoal,
and paraffin.

up to generate 80%
The number of households

clean energy that highly dependent on

unclean sources of energy
The biogas technology will be a game-
changer in the region as it provides
invaluable benefits to communities and
the environment.
The dome model bio-digester has a
capacity of 10 cubic meters and it
generates up to 3 cubic meters of gas
daily to supplement the cooking energy
needs of the learning institution.
The plant also offers a demonstration
platform for the 700 students enrolled at
the vocational centre. “The students,
tutors, parents, and the entire
community are expected to continue
learning the technology and spread it to
the villages where a majority of Kisumu
residents experience challenges in
accessing clean energy.

The bio-slurry
(exhausted dung) is used
Bio-digester under construction at Ahero Vocational Training Centre, Nyando Sub-
County. in the school farm by
Photo: Robert Ojwang'/Kisumu Agr The bio-slurry
By Robert Ojwang'/Kisumu European Union, aims to demonstrate (exhausted dung) is used
that biogas technology offers safe and in the school farm by
environmentally friendly ways of waste
10 cubic meters disposal and recovery, hence, creating a Agri-business students
climate-sensitive environment. for their practical
The bio digester converts animal waste training on various
Dome model bio-digester into high-quality fertilizer used for
agricultural production and clean and applications to boost
capacity that generates up to
3 cubic meters of gas daily
renewable gas for cooking, lighting, their skills and increase
and running small farms equipment.
farm productivity. i-
Wa t e r , E n v i r o n m e n t , N a t u r a l
Kisumu County has completed its first Resources, and Climate Change CEC business students for
pilot project of constructing a bio Salmon Orimba during the their practical training
digester at the Ahero Vocational commissioning of the plant expressed
Training Centre in Nyando Sub-county optimism in the success of the pilot on various applications
to promote the use of biogas technology project saying it would steer his to boost their skills and
and access to clean energy in a drive to department to replicate the initiative to
combat climate change. all other Vocational Training Centres in
increase farm
The project, through funding from the the region. productivity.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

12
Tree planting mission to
mitigate climate change
By Irungu Mwangi/kerugoya

Kabare Ward MCA Patrick

Chomba has embarked on
a tree-planting mission in
his area to mitigate the
effects of climate change.

The leader said even though all

rivers that flow through his ward
have their sources in the mt kenya
forest, many of them have low water
levels caused by the effects of
climate change.
Chomba who is an ambassador for
climate change in kirinyaga county Kabare Ward MCA Patrick Chomba who is a Climate Change Ambassador distributes tree
s a i d u n l e s s u rg e n t r e m e d i a l seedlings to Karia village residents to mitigate the effects of climate change .
measures were put in place by Photo: Irungu Mwangi/Kerugoya
planting trees, especially early-
maturing species, the situation venture would require some come and collaborate with him to
would become worse to the resources to accomplish. achieve the noble course for the sake
detriment of the residents. of posterity.
“the tree seedlings i have just
He said riparian land along these distributed comprising of
major rivers was set to be reclaimed
by planting trees, which on maturity
macadamia and avocado have been Empowerment
sourced from my private nursery
will protect water from rapid while some reasonable monetary “this venture calls for concerted
evaporation and soil erosion during resources are required to come up efforts to accomplish and it's on this
heavy rains. with this kind of an undertaking,” he basis am appealing to the
Speaking at karia playgrounds said. international community which
within the ward, this morning after concerns itself with climate change
The county legislator urged well- to come in and assist since we have
distributing 600 tree seedlings to the
already started the journey to
reverse the adverse negative climate
“Some of these rivers which used to have change manifested in our region,
high water volumes have started drying ”chomba said.
up from upstream after trees which grow He said he had decided to provide
the residents with the free fruit and
along them got felled indiscriminately macadamia seedlings to enable
them sustain themselves financially
leaving the banks exposed,” Chomba said. after the trees matured since the two
crops were for economic gains.
locals the leader however said the wishers and international donors to

A publication of Kenya News Agency

13
Galla goats donated to West Pokot farmers
Agriculture, and Irrigation Geoffrey
Lipale together with Samson
Nyangaluk, Chief Officer, Pastoral
Economy and the West Pokot
project coordinator of the Kenya
Smart Agriculture Project Philip
Tingáa while presiding over the
donation exercise lauded the
progress of the program saying it
will address animal breed, food
security and improve livelihoods.
He noted that farmers from Alale,
West Pokot Governor Prof John Lonyangapuo donates galla goats to farmers Common Sekerr, Endugh, Sook, and Lomut
Interest Groups at Nasukuta Export Abattoir in Cheparerai area in the vast region.
wards who are allied to 18 farmers'
Photo: Anthony Melly/Kapenguria Common Interest Groups (CIG)
received 1095 hybrid goats
By Anthony Melly/Kapenguria consisting of 200 does and 895
The Kenya Smart Agriculture Data Distribution bucks to breed.
Project (KCSAP) in partnership
with the West Pokot County 1,095 Prof Lonyangapuo noted that the
Galla goats' project is one of the
government has donated 1,095 No. of hybrid galla goats agriculture values chains programs
hybrid Galla goats to 600 farmers in
donated by The Kenya that the national government and
18 farmers' Common Interest
Smart Agriculture Project . We s t P o k o t d e v o l v e d u n i t
Groups (CIG) to help them improve implemented through the Kenya
their animal breed. 600 Climate-Smart Agriculture Project
West Pokot Governor Prof. John No. of farmers that received aimed at increasing agricultural
Lonyangapuo donated hybrid Galla productivity and profitability in the
the goats in consisting
goats at the Nasukuta Export region.
Abattoir compound in the of 200 does and
895 bucks to breed. The governor pointed out that the
Cheparerea area within West Pokot Galla goat matures and attain market
County, as part of the government weight at around six months quicker
agenda of continuous improvement than the local breed which takes one
of breeding of cattle, goats and year for a farmer to get cash.
sheep in the region and its
commitment to help farmers earn He encouraged farmers to engage in
more money from their livestock more climate-smart activities that
farming. will enable them get cash to cater for
their families.
Governor Lonyangapuo together
Executive for Pastoral Economy, “Much progress has been made in
with the County Agriculture
reducing hunger and poverty and
improving food security and
“This is part of the Government of Kenya (GOK) resilience nutrition but I want to encourage all
program dubbed the Kenya Smart Agriculture Project farmers that you engage yourselves
(KCSAP) and which in partnership with the county in climate-smart activities that will
government aims at improving the breeding of cattle, goats, help provide a source of food,
sheep in the region to earn farmers more money from their income, and employment and in the
livestock in the competitive livestock market,” West Pokot process improve your standards of
Governor Prof. John Lonyangapuo noted. living,” Lonyangapuo emphasized.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

14
Cuban doctors posted to Machakos Level 5 Hospital
oncology, cardiothoracic surgery to
help in curbing the menace in those
fields,” Kituku said.
He urged all patients who have been
going to private and public hospitals
in Nairobi for treatment to come to
Machakos level 5 where they could
access cardiology and neurosurgery
services.
He added that any patient that
required the specialised services
would be referred from level 4 to
level 5 hospitals where they would
be attended to.
Last year, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe
signed a new cooperation agreement
with the Cuban Minister of Public
Health which saw a brigade of 101
specialist Cuban doctors travel to
Kenya as part of a medical exchange
Machakos Health CECM Dr Ancent Kituku (in a suit) with two specialist doctors from programme between the two
Cuba in his office in Machakos Town. countries.The CS said the move
Photo/Courtesy would improve Kenya's primary
healthcare and lauded the
By Janet Shitote/Machakos the required treatment. contribution of the Cuban doctors
“The two doctors will be based at during the Covid-19 pandemic
Machakos Level 5 Machakos Level 5 Referral hospital where they have been a critical pillar
to help treat patients with brain in the fight against Covid.
Hospital has received tumor and heart diseases,” said
two Cuban Doctors Kituku.
specialized in
neurosurgery and
cardiology.
He added that the main problem in
Machakos hospital had been
infectious diseases but due to
lifestyle changes, non-
communicable diseases have
“
One of the doctors, Dr
Nilo Norono Morales,
the Cardiologist, would
become common and that's why the deal with patients with
Speaking in his office, Machakos
specialists have come on board.
Health CECM Dr Ancent Kituku
The Health CECM noted that heart diseases, while Dr
said that the Cuban and Kenyan
Governments had a mutual
Machakos has never had these two Orlando Manuel Rios
types of specialists and that the Mastrapa, the
agreement to bring over the two
County had 59 doctors currently
Cuban doctors.
undergoing training in neurosurgery, neurosurgeon would
“We received two Cuban Specialist handle patients with
cardiothoracic surgery and
Doctors who are part and parcel of
oncology. brain tumors and those
the mutual agreement between
“We never had these types of
Kenya and the Cuban government,”
specialists before. We appreciate the requiring brain
Kituku said. surgeries after
Government for ensuring we get the
The Health CECM disclosed that the
doctors would be stationed at
privilege,” Kituku noted. accidents.
“Our own 59 doctors are currently
Machakos Level 5 Referral hospital, Health CECM Dr Kituku
undergoing training in various
therefore patients with brain tumors
health fields such as neurosurgery,
and heart illnesses would now get
A publication of Kenya News Agency
15
KALRO provides 14 km access
road for local residents
Protection of ecosystem
had reached an amicable solution with
KALRO and development partner
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, to start
grading of the road immediately.
“Our development partner is committed
to do grading for the road and currently
clearing of the bushes is ongoing, to
allow access for grading and sloping,”
said Mohammed.
Consequently, Mohammed warned that
there will be no destruction of the
Centre Manager of KALRO, Dr Simon Kuria (centre) on a white checked shirt), showing forest's trees along the area during the
former Makueni County Commissioner Maalim Mohamed the direction of the new construction of the road.
alternative access road at the junction of Nairobi-Mombasa Road , Kiboko area.
Mohammed called upon the NEMA and
Photo: Ronald Rono/Makueni KeRRA to guide the road construction
to avoid interfering with the ecosystem
By Ronald Rono/Makueni Immediate former Makueni County since the new access road lies between
Commissioner (CC), Maalim the river and the organisation.
Road will allow Mohamed, said the road which will
enable the residents to access social While reiterating the government
ease access to amenities in Makindu town, will start at commitment in finding a lasting
solution to the two-decade conflict in
social amenities the junction of the Nairobi-Mombasa
Road in Kiboko area
in the area and passes southward
Residents of Mikululo Ranching along Kiboko river to
Company, will benefit from a 14km KALRO and Mikululo
alternative access road from Kenya border.
Agricultural and Livestock Research The resolution was
Organisation (KALRO), as a part of the reached in a meeting
resolution to end a two-decade stand- chaired by the CC with
off between them and the research Centre Manager of
institution. KALRO, Kenya Rural
Roads Authority
“We will be conscious (KeRRA), National
about our environment; E n v i r o n m e n t
Management Authority
there will be no destruction (NEMA), David
of the forest's indigenous S h e l d r i c k Wi l d l i f e
trees by making sure the Tr u s t a n d t h e a r e a
roads meander to give way security personnel. the area, Mohammed noted that
and spare the natural Mikululo Inhabitants will continue to
Speaking at his Wote Office after
use the disputed access road until the
trees,” inspecting the alternative road,
alternative road is completed.
added Mohammed. Mohammed said the concern parties

A publication of Kenya News Agency

16
Research on correlation between poverty and disability

Tigania West residents living with disability Coordinator Mr Samson Miriti addressing the media at Limoro Catholic Church in Athwana
Ward.
Photo: Dickson Mwiti/Maua

By Dickson Mwiti/Maua between poverty and disability and “We have about
Tigania West Coordinator for people this is why we are calling on our 5,000 PLWDs from
living with disabilities (PLWDs) has government and research experts to Tigania West and
called on the county government and carry out studies that will give us the
truth about this phenomenon and among these, a
other research groups to investigate
map out a way forward,” said Miriti. negligible number
the correlation between poverty and
disability. Miriti further called on Meru county have been considered
The Coordinator, Mr Samson Miriti, government to ensure there is equal for employment or
is concerned that Athwana ward in representation and inclusion in inclusion in social
Meru is one of the poorest wards in various county forums to enable forums. We are
the county and according to him, is them to be at par with their
colleagues. therefore calling on
also leading in the number of our county
PLWDs. Addressing the media from Limoro
in Athwana ward, Miriti said there government to
“There seems to be a correlation
was need for PLWDs from the consider us so we can
also feel appreciated
“Out of the 5,000 PLWDs in Tigania West, only 1,500 are like other residents,”
fully registered and we are calling on the rest to come out said Miriti.
and ensure they are recognised by the government through
registration for proper planning in future,” urged Miriti.
region to be considered and included
in various forums including learning

A publication of Kenya News Agency

17
AMREF to implement Power to you Project in Migori
By Geoffrey Makokha/Migori
Amref Health Africa is calling upon
all the Anti-Female Genital
Mutilation (FGM) stakeholders in
Migori County to come together and
help end the vice.

FGM
eradication
Speaking at one of the hotels in
Migori Town, Mr Charles Olumba,
an Amref Health Africa
representative said that they were
implementing the “Power to you
Project” in Migori to address
cultural vices in the area
Olumba said that the project was Charles Olumba, an Amref Health Representative speaking to KNA about the “Power to
targets societal vices including you Project” geared to address FGM and sexual violence in Migori County.
sexual and gender-based violence, Photo: Geoffrey Makokha/Migori
teenager pregnancies and harmful
practices like FGM.
The official noted the organisation safe. Mr Olumba noted that it was up to
was currently overseeing FGM The official said that they have had the Abakuria community to assist
eradication activities in Migori various meetings with Anti-FGM the police in the fight against FGM.
County especially among the steering Committee led by the He however, asked Migori County
Abakuria community. national government to map out government to ensure it sets up a
He noted that Migori County and the other stakeholders in the region to rescue centre in order to help the
Anti-FGM board have been assist in the fight against the harmful FGM escapees and gender based
engaging various stakeholders cultural practice. violence victims.
including Amref Health Africa on Mr Olumba called upon church
how to end the vice. leaders, professionals, politicians Rescue centres
The representative acknowledged and other opinion leaders among the
Abakuria to stand out and speak The representative said the rescue
that FGM was still going on in the centres in secondary schools are just
county despite efforts that had been against the vice.
makeshift setups that have been
put in place to end it by 2022. He noted with concern that girls as organised by the community and
Mr Olumba said that Amref Health young as three years old were being hence, could not offer a permanent
Africa will help other institutions subjected to the cut because their solution.
and partners that were fighting the parents feared that FGM might be
stopped completely in 2022. The official pointed out that the
vice to ensure that Kuria girls are courts were facing serious
challenges in relocating girls who
“Partners, Anti-FGM board and police cannot alone end had already undergone the cut at
the vice if the community is unwilling to give out the various rescue centres as they were
required information”, said Mr Olumba. still part of the evidence required in
court.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

18
Kenya Railways to facilitate transportation of tea
By Joseph Ng'ang'a/Nairobi
Kenya Railways and the Kenya Tea
Development Agency (KTDA) have
entered into a partnership which will
see KTDA managed factories
transport their produce via the
Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line
from Nairobi to the Port of
Mombasa for onward export.

31 containers
Principal Secretary for State Department for Crop Development and Agricultural
Research Prof Hamadi Boga (right) while receiving the first batch of KTDA tea to be
hauled by Kenya Railways.
Amount packed tea Photo: Joseph Ng'ang'a/Nairobi
which translates to 800
tonnes via the SGR will guarantee faster, safer and more Mr Mainga further added that the
convenient transportation of tea,” partnership will lead to
Boga said. decongestion on roads.
A statement to newsrooms indicates
that under the partnership, tea from Kenya Railways Managing Director “Transporting tea through Kenya
KTDA-managed factories will be Phillip Mainga assured the KTDA Railways means that the roads will
transported from the tea growing team that opting for the Standard be decongested because one train
counties to the Nairobi Freight Gauge Railway was the best choice can transport an equivalent volume
Terminal where it will be loaded because of the benefits associated
with railway transport.

“
onto Kenya Railways wagons and
subsequently transported to the Port
of Mombasa. Partnership Every year we move
The maiden trip from the about 300 million
He outlined that Kenya Railways
partnership saw KTDA transport 31
guarantees large volumes of cargo kilograms of processed
containers of packed tea which teas and we expect these
transported over shortened transit
translates to 800 tonnes via the SGR.
times due to high haulage capacity large volumes will mean
Speaking while receiving the first and the high speeds of the trains. He
batch of KTDA tea to be hauled by also assured KTDA of the safety of greater savings for
Kenya Railways, State Department their cargo while in transit. farmers as we
for Crop Development and progressively migrate to
“We are glad to have this partnership
Agricultural Research Principal
with you. I assure you that Kenya the Kenya Railways.
Secretary Hamadi Boga, noted that
Railways is up to the task. We have
the move to transport tea via SGR is
enough capacity to handle all the Initially, we expect to
an innovative step that will lower tea transport 20,000
cargo you can bring our way. At the
transport costs and deliver better
moment we are running 9 to 11 packages every week as
value to farmers.
freight trains every day between
“Plans to transport tea via Kenya Mombasa and Nairobi and we are we fine-tune the system
Railways have been in the pipeline able to do even more if need be,” he and processes before
for a while now as we explored new said. “But of paramount importance full migration,” said
technologies and infrastructure to is the promise our service offers. We
enhance efficiencies in the tea are always on time and the safety of Ichoho.
supply chain. We are cognizant that your cargo is guaranteed,” he added.
the progression to Kenya Railways

A publication of Kenya News Agency

19
 Sports
Nasewa FC Crowned FKF Matayos
Zone B Champions
Member Parliament aspirant who is
also a renowned principal, Peter
Obwogo feted the two teams with a
set of uniform and a ball each.
David Oduor who emerged the top
scorer was awarded with golden
boots. Arthur Okello received
gloves for emerging the best
goalkeeper.
Team coach Francis Okwova said
the win was a good Christmas gift
for the team which has won a total of
12 trophies under his tutelage,
promising to capture the County
league.
Team captain, Bramwel Omuke said
their victory came through
Matayos political aspirant Peter Obwogo hands over boots to top scorer David Oduor.
Photo: Absalom Namwalo/Busia discipline, hard work, following
instructions from the technical
bench and observing daily training.
By Absalom Namwalo/Busia Nasewa beat Muungano 3-2 to
justify their championship status. The zone coordinator, Paul Ngota
revealed that he has identified
Nasewa Football Club Moses Sande put Nasewa in the lead
potential talent in Omuke and
were declared the after 41 minutes with a clinical finish
in the match well officiated by
Football Kenya
Federation (FKF)
Division One referee Isaac Ogutu
assisted by Henry Agona and
Awards
Matayos Sub Branch Raymond Wandera. The sponsor Asiba Linus
awarded the champions a set
Zone B champions in a Championship of uniforms, a trophy, a ball
colourful ceremony and Sh30,000.
presided over by sponsor
league
Muungano received two sets
and Matayo South Javan Ouma made it 2-0 for the of uniform, a ball and
league champions in the 42nd
Member of the County minute. A rejuvenated Muungano
Sh25,000. Labour, which
Assembly Linus Asiba. took third position went
reduced the deficit a minute into the home with uniform, a ball
second half with Frankline Kwena and Sh20,000.
beating Nasewa goalkeeper
Nasewa completed the season after Emmanuel Ouma with a close range
tying with Muungano FC at 37 Black Star, Murende Hil,
shot. Lunga United, Mabunge,
points, but were declared winners on
goal difference. Kwena was on target again a minute Riverside and Mamba
later with another sublime finish to which took fourth to ninth
Labour FC took third position after make it 2-2. Their hope for a draw positions respectively
scooping 36 points with Black Stars was however shattered in the 86th received a set of uniform
taking fourth spot with 33 points in minute when Meshack Erikodi and cash awards of
the 10-team league. struck the winner for Nasewa. Sh10,000 each.
In a ceremonial match played at Matayos South Constituency
Lwanya Primary School grounds,

A publication of Kenya News Agency

20
 Sports

Athiru Gaiti FC scoops Mazingira tournament

go into annals of history as the
moment the foundation of Igembe
South sport development take-off
was laid and all those who were

“This, indeed, has been a

journey worth
remembering; we faced
challenges, we faced
resistance from adversaries,
there were low and high
moments, boulders were
Athiru Gaiti FC celebrating after winning the coveted tournament trophy. erected on our way;
Photo: Dickson Mwiti/Meru
challenges were enormous;
By Dickson Mwiti/Meru Anchenge FC settled for the second but by Grace of God, we
Athiru Gaiti football club was runners up position in the triumphed!” Mzalendo
crowned champions of the tournament while Gitura FC were said.
2021/2022 Mzalendo Mazingira comfortable with the fourth
Tournament sponsored by Pan- position.
present will be part of that history.
Besides receiving the uniforms and
Apart from improving the talents of
Winners & awards respectively balls, all the teams which went up to
the local youth, Mzalendo also seeks
the quarter-finals were given
Athiru Gaiti Sh100,000 to advance his conservation agenda
Sh15,000 each. They included Ikuu,
through the young people from rural
Kambene, Riaki, and Thaicu
Antubochiu Sh50,000 areas.
football clubs.
Athiru Gaiti (Champions), “Sports can be a powerful tool for
Anchenge Sh40,000 Antubochiu (Ist runners up), mobilisation of environmental
Anchenge (second runners up) and consciousness. Imagine if we turn
Gitura FC Sh30,000 all these youths from 57 clubs and
Gitura football clubs took home,
Sh100,000, Sh50,000, Sh40,000 their fans into our agents of
and Sh30,000 respectively. consciousness, our agents of
Speaking during the grand finale at transformation,” he said.
African Climate Justice Alliance
Executive Director Dr Mithika Christ the King School Igembe that He said he will seek partnership
Mwenda commonly known as was attended by thousands of sports from relevant government
Mzalendo. enthusiasts, Mzalendo said the ministries from both County and
Athiru Gaiti were overpowered by tournament had been a journey national governments to incorporate
Antubochiu in the first 15 minutes worth remembering considering the youth in sports to be the champions
but later learned their mistakes challenges they had gone through. for climate and environmental
before taking over the game for the He said the well-attended event will consciousness.
rest of the playing time and
managing to beat their opponents “This, indeed, has been a journey worth remembering; we
with a single goal. faced challenges, we faced resistance from adversaries, there
The tournament, which kicked off were low and high moments, boulders were erected on our
on August 22, 2021, attracted a total
of 57 teams from Igembe South sub- way; challenges were enormous; but by Grace of God, we
county and was organised in fixtures triumphed!”
majorly played over the weekends. Mzalendo said.

A publication of Kenya News Agency

21
 Sports

Inmates showcase their talents

Young dancers at Narok GK Prison entertain guests during a talent show event .
Photo: Ann Salaton/Narok

By Ann Salaton/Narok that began in the year 2020 has performances. They perfected their
helped the prisoners to discover skills while serving in prison,” said

P risoners at the Narok GK

Prison got a rare chance to
show-case their talents in a
program meant to improve the
psycho-social well-being of the staff
their talents as a number of them
have recorded their own music.
In each section, he said, there are
staff deployed to train them to
perfect their talents, while urging the
Lomeri.
He said the program has built a
brotherhood relationship between
the inmates and the prison wardens
hence helped to reduce stress in the
and inmates. community to accept the prisoners rehabilitation center.
The over 600 inmates together with when they come back to the An officer from the Rift Valley
the prison staff displayed their community. regional headquarters Denis
talents including dancing, sports, “We have five prisoners who have Ochama said the program was
fine arts, modeling, singing, spoken previously been released from started in the year 2020 after the
words among others. custody and have now become onset of Covid-19, when movement
The officer in charge of the prison renowned artists in the society in the country was restricted to keep
Benson Lomeri said the program because of their extraordinary the prisoners busy.

“ Initially, the prisoners would have a chance to work in industries and workshops
where they boosted their talents. But after Covid-19 came, their movement was
restricted and the only way to keep them busy is by having such talent building
shows,”
said Benson Lomeri .
A publication of Kenya News Agency
22
 Sports
Sega Shark FC Ugenya
dominance comes to an end
By Philip Onyango/Siaya

S ega Sharks FC's dominance of

the Ugenya Constituency
Development Fund
tournament came to a halt when they
were thrashed 2-1 by Siranga FC
during an entertaining final played at
the Sega township primary school
grounds.
Sharks, who have dominated
football over the years, could not
believe their eyes when they went
down 2-0 by half time.
Playing at their home ground before
a capacity crowd that included
Ugenya MP, David Ochieng and
former Harambee stars
internationals, James Nandwa and
Sega Shark Football Club in Ugenya CDF tournament has had unimpressive season .
George Sunguti, Sharks who were Photo:Courtesy
the pre- match favourites could only
manage a solitary goal in the second
half despite a spirited come back. thumped their supremacy over t h e s u b c o u n t y w i l l a l s o b e
In other sports disciplines, Bar Ralak Visionary FC to lift the registered in the national league next
Ndege women's soccer team women's soccer title. year.
In volley ball, Sega lifted both the “We will purchase a bus for them to
men's and women's trophies while enable them participate in the

“
Ndenga beat Simur West during the national leagues,” said the legislator
Netball finals to emerge the who added that the clubs will further
The tournament and champions. be kitted by the CDF.
the efforts to have the The tournament, which brought
two clubs participate together 130 teams from all the sub
in the national leagues locations in Ugenya constituency,
kicked off in October with
were part of the efforts preliminaries that saw each sub
to expose local talent location produce a team to advance
to the next level.
beyond the
Addressing participants during the
constituency so that closure of the event, legislator David
bigger clubs could Ochieng said arrangements have
been finalized to have Ugenya
offer local youth Football club participate in the
opportunities to excel national league next year.
nationally Ochieng Ochieng who is the patron of the
said tournament said apart from a
soccer team, a volleyball club from Ugenya MP, David Ochieng

A publication of Kenya News Agency

23
 COUNTY FOCUS JANUARY 2021
Sh548million Bridge commissioned in Kwale

Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu (left) talks to a contractor during groundbreaking of Mwachande
Bridge in Kwale County.
Photo: Raymond Zaka/Kwale
By Chari Suche/Kwale Principal Secretary Water, Sanitation panels and decks have been put across
and Irrigation Joseph Irungu who was the river to aid the movement of people
also the chairman of the National but they were dislodged from the

Sh548 M
Development Implementation substructures and swept downstream by
Te c h n i c a l C o m m i t t e e s a i d t h e floods in 2017.
government is keen to ensure the The PS urged the contractor to use
project is completed on time. The available resources from the area
expected time for the completion of the including human labour to empower the
project is two years. local community.
Mr Irungu warned the contractor that “The people of Mwachande must
the government would not tolerate benefit from the project. I want to see
The amount that shoddy work and that tough action them working here and the government
will cost construction of would be taken if the project was not through its local administrators will
the bridge in Mwachade village completed on time. monitor every progress,” Mr Irungu
at the borders of Msambweni “The government won't tolerate said.
and Lunga Lunga sub-counties contractors who delay projects that Lunga Lunga Constituency MP Khatib
in Kwale County would improve livelihoods.Any Mwashetani lauded the government for
contractor who causes delays on the project saying that farmers from the
The government has commissioned the projects will face the law,” he said. constituency have been incurring losses
construction of a Sh548 million bridge The 60m long bridge will be built across due to the delays during transportation
in Mwachade village at the borders of River Ramisi on Milalani –Kikoneni of their farm produce to the market.
Msambweni and Lunga Lunga sub- –Mwangulu Road
counties in Kwale County. which connects Lunga
The bridge has been in pathetic state for L u n g a a n d “Once the project is completed, it will
over six years causing threats to the M s w a m b w e n i transform the lives of the locals.
lives of residents due to attacks by Constituencies. In Farmers will get money to support their
crocodiles, while at the same time addition, the bridge will
hampering transportation of farm be connected to both households,”
produce to neighbouring Kongowea sides by 1km approach
market in Mombasa County. roads. Mwashetani
Addressing the media in Kwale County, Initially, steel truss

Publication of the Department of Information, P.O. Box 8053- 00300

Uchumi House, Aga Khan Walk, Nairobi, Kenya