May 12, 2023

Malawi Rolls Out Nationwide Typhoid Vaccination Campaign

Malawi has launched a nationwide rollout of the newest typhoid vaccine for children under 15.

A two-year study of the vaccine, the first in Africa, found it safe to use and effective in more than 80% of recipients. Health authorities say the vaccine is expected to reduce the threat from a disease that kills close to 20,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa each year.

Typhoid fever is a contagious bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated foods or drinks. Its symptoms include nausea, fever and abdominal pain, and if left untreated it can be fatal.

Malawi health authorities said the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) rollout would be part of a nationwide program expected to start Monday when children will be vaccinated against three other diseases: measles, rubella and polio.

However, some fear the campaign will encounter hesitancy and resistance from people, as was the case with COVID-19 vaccines, which led to the burning of about 20,000 expired doses in Malawi in 2021.

George Jobe, chairperson of the Universal Health Coverage Coalition in Malawi, told VOA that efforts were made to educate people on the importance of the campaign.

“There was training for community health care workers as well as teachers, so that they take messages to community leaders, who would also take messages to their subjects,” Jobe said.

Terrible toll

Typhoid has long been a health threat in Malawi and across sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 1.2 million cases and 19,000 deaths each year.

In 2018, Malawi became the first country to use TCV to fight typhoid infections in children under clinical trials.

Over 20,000 children from 9 months to 12 years of age took part in a clinical trial in Malawi led by professor Melita Gordon of the University of Liverpool. The trial found the vaccine was safe and was more than 80% effective.

Priyanka Patel, a study doctor at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome program, told VOA that this vaccine can offer protection for at least four years, making it a highly effective and efficient tool for preventing the spread of typhoid.

“Secondly,” Patel said, “the typhoid conjugate vaccine can be given to children as young as 6 months old. This is in contrast to older vaccines, which were not approved for use in young children.”

In Malawi, TCV was expected to be rolled out in 2021, but the effort was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gianfranco Rotigliano, country representative for the U.N. children’s agency in Malawi, urged the government to prioritize its immunization campaign in hard-to-reach areas where most of the children are unvaccinated.

“Vaccination is a right, health is a right,” he said. “So we should definitely look for children who are not vaccinated, because in urban areas most of the children are vaccinated, but there are those who never got even one dose of vaccine.”

Government authorities hope the campaign will be a success, following the efforts they have put in place to educate people on the importance of vaccinating children.

Source: Voice of America

May 12, 2023

Court To Rule On Cross-Examination Of Solai Case Defense Witnesses

A Naivasha Court is set to rule on whether the counsel for the victims of the Solai dam tragedy will be allowed to cross-examine the defense witnesses when the accused persons take to the dock to give their defense.

When the case came up in court on April 27 this year, the counsel for the prosecution witnesses who were also survivors of the dam tragedy; Kelly Marenya sought to be allowed to cross-examine the defense witnesses when they take to the stand.

This was after Naivasha Chief Magistrate Nathan Shiundu ruled that the nine suspects of the 2018 dam tragedy had a case to answer.

Marenya told the court that the witnesses, who were the most affected by the dam tragedy, had been left to be mere spectators during the trial.

His application was supported by the leader of the prosecution; State Counsel Alex Muteti who reiterated the right of the victims to participate in the case.

But in a sharp rejoinder, the defense led by Senior Counsel Pravin Bowry objected to this application, prompting the court to direct that both parties file submission in court by Thursday, May 11.

In his submission before the court on Thursday, Marenya said there was need for him to cross-examine the defense witnesses on behalf of his clients to ensure the victims of the dam get justice for the atrocities visited on them and their families on the fateful day of the unfortunate incident.

‘Most witnesses who were the most affected by the dam tragedy which occurred four years ago had been left out of the of this crucial process which seeks to give them justice,’ Marenya told the court in a session that was held virtually.

Marenya said the victims have suffered immensely following this tragic incident and prayed that the court allows him to cross examine the defense witness to authenticate their statements and to deter any form of witness coaching by the defense counsels.

But in his submission before the court, defense counsel Pravin Bowry objected to the application maintaining that the move would be a duplication and a waste of time more so when the case has dragged on for the last four years.

Bowry submitted to the court that the witness counsel should only raise any queries arising from their final defense arguments and witness statements on the case but not cross-examining the defense witnesses.

The court will now rule on whether the witness counsel will be allowed to cross examine the defense witnesses on May 25.

The court had ruled that the nine suspects; Solai farm owner Perry Mansukhlal Patel, General Manager; Vinoj Jaya Kumar and other accused persons; Luka Kipyegon, Winnie Muthoni, Tomkin Odhiambo, Johnson Njuguna, Lynnette Cheruiyot, Willice Omondi and Jacinta Were, who each face 48 counts of manslaughter corresponding to the number of lives lost, had a case to answer.

The nine are accused of neglecting their duty by failing to prepare an environmental impact assessment report, which led to the deaths of the 48 people on May 9, 2018 where hundreds of people were also displaced when the mega dam broke down.

The court made the decision to put the suspects on their defense after considering evidence from 36 State witnesses.

The nine accused persons were first charged in 2019 and were each released on a Sh5 million with surety of a similar amount, or the option of Sh2.5 million cash bail.

The case had been in hiatus for three years and only commenced early last year at the Naivasha law courts. This followed the directive by the High Court to allow victims be represented by lawyer John Chigiti.

On May 9, 2018, the dam burst at a private farm in Solai, Nakuru County killing 48, injuring and displacing hundreds and destroying property worth millions of shillings.

The dam collapsed sending millions of litres of water gushing through the fields of a 3,000-acre commercial coffee farm and into the homes downstream, killing 48 people.

It is not clear what caused the bursting of the dam but the residents of affected villages which include: Endao, Energy, Nyakinyua, Milmet and Arutani in Solai division claimed the bursting was caused by surplus water from three rivers that were blocked by the Patels and directed to the unfortunate dam.

Source: Kenya News Agency

May 12, 2023

KIRIWASCO Targets To Connect 60,000 People By 2026

Kirinyaga Water and Sanitation Company (KIRIWASCO) intends to connect about 60,000 people with sewerage services by 2026.

The Company’s Managing Director Mr. Ephantus Maina said that the company, with help from the African Development Bank (ADB), is currently undertaking a sewerage line project which will cost Sh500 million.

He said the project will connect residents of Kerugoya and Kutus who have been without reliable sewerage services.

According to Maina, the company is currently undertaking a massive water project which is expected to serve residents of Kerugoya, Kutus, Kagio and Sagana at a cost of Sh1.2 billion.

The project, expected to be completed by June this year, will enhance capacity to supply 30 million litres of water per day which the company says will reduce the intermittent water supply disruption currently being witnessed.

Maina made the remarks while appearing before the County Assembly Committee on Environment and Natural resources where he also enumerated the financial challenges they are facing.

Committee chairperson, who is also the Njukiini Ward Representative Timothy Kariuki, said that his committee would work hand in hand with the management of the water body to legislate key laws that will reform operations at the company.

Chairman of the KIRIWASCO board Mr. James Kihia said that among the challenges that the company is experiencing was political interference and lack of sufficient funding to implement key projects.

He urged the County government to assist with finances which he said would go a long way in narrowing the infrastructure gap in the company.

Source: Kenya News Agency

May 12, 2023

Narok Youth Drafting A County Youth Policy

Youth in Narok County have begun the process of formulating a County Youth Policy that will see the young people included in the development and decision making in the county.

The youngsters who met at a hotel in Narok County said they are finalizing the draft part before working on the final document.

Narok County Government Youth Director Erick Tarakoi said the process is sponsored by the county government in collaboration with United Nations Development Program (UNDP) so as to boost the livelihood of the young people.

Tarakoi underscored the policy will help create County Youth Committees that will be in charge of administering all activities that the youth are engaged in.

In addition, if the policy sails through the county assembly, the young people will have a privilege of electing a board that will be recognized by the law and will articulate all the issues pertaining the young people to the county government.

‘Among the key roles of the board will be to ensure all the unemployed youth in the county have easy access to youth enterprise funds so that they can grow their small businesses,’ he said.

Joshua Saitoti, a Mount Kenya University Student leader and a youth representative at the office of Narok County Women MP said the process of forming the policy is too involving but will be a big reward to the Narok youth.

He observed that many youths in the county are jobless and struggle to meet their basic needs saying the policy will help to bring all the youth together and address their issues.

Saitoti reiterated that the policy will give a clear framework to encourage the young people to participate in the development of the county by airing their views to the authority through their board members.

Narok Youth Director Joash Ratemo said the National Youth Development Policy was enacted in 2019 and has been beneficial to the young people in the country.

He also informed the youth of the presence of Youth Empowerment Halls in every constituency where various youth programmes are provided to boost their livelihood.

‘We encourage the young people to visit our Youth centers to learn various programmes offered there including ICT training, guidance and counselling sections, financial management lessons among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

May 12, 2023

Government Committed To Increasing GDP

Cabinet Secretary, Cooperative and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Simon Chelugui has announced that the sector is working to provide more opportunities for income generation and employment, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized individuals in the society.

Through Gross Domestic Product, the government economic transformation plan focuses on identifying, establishing and strengthening various value chains from production to manufacturing for exports.

Gross Domestic Product is the monetary value of all finished goods and services made within a country during a specific period.

‘My office has already identified officers to champion various value chains with instructions to work closely with County Governments and capacity build Kenya on the promotion of various value chains,’ Chelugui said.

Speaking during the re-launch of Ports Sacco held at Serena Hotel, Shanzu, Chelugui applauded the SACCO for expanding their geographical reach to tap into a more extensive customer base, thus achieving further growth.

Ports Sacco, formerly known as Mombasa Port Sacco, announced its re-launch as part of its strategic growth plan to empower its members, drive financial inclusion and expand its national footprint.

The Mombasa-based Sacco, initially dedicated to employees of the then Kenya Cargo Handling Services Limited – has opened its doors to diverse membership as it seeks to grow its membership from 11,741 in 2022 to 16,800 in 2023, mainly in non-Port towns.

‘After 57 years of the Sacco’s existence and its rapid growth, this is the opportune time for Mombasa Port Sacco to reposition its brand and I note with great satisfaction that Mombasa Port Sacco is shifting focus from the county to the national level,’ the CS said.

Chelugui said that the Government remains committed to working with actors in the cooperative sector to explore ways of growing the size and membership of cooperatives and fostering innovation to enhance productivity as well as nurture sustainability.

In addition, Chelugui took cognizance that the SACCO offers a diverse product portfolio that is responsive to the ever-evolving needs of members.

Ports Sacco Chief Executive Officer Dedan Ondieki said the re-launch was part of Sacco’s commitment to driving financial inclusion across the 47 counties.

‘Our expansion beyond Mombasa is part of our strategy to be diverse and inclusive as we renew our focus to empower current and new members to take control of their financial future. In addition, our vision is to reach those unable to access financial services from conventional institutions,’ said Mr. Ondieki.

Despite the challenges facing SACCOs in Kenya, Ports Sacco has achieved remarkable growth, with total assets topping Sh. 8.4 billion last year against member deposits of Sh. 4.58 billion.

In addition, SACCO declared dividends on share capital at a rate of 20 per cent amounting to Sh. 75,931,536 and interest on deposits at a rate of 12.5 per cent or Sh. 496,001,372, making a gross total of Sh. 571, 932,908.

Founded in 1966, Ports Sacco seeks to empower members by offering financial solutions, promoting thrift, and fostering a culture of saving.

In 2021, Ports SACCO launched its Sh. 45 million digital platform to safeguard its members’ funds considering cyber security developments.

During the event, Ports SACCO unveiled its mortgage product, ‘Jiendeleze Loan,’ tailored to the unique needs of the market and members for low-cost homes.

‘Our investment in research and product development is a testimony to our dedication to providing affordable housing solutions to our members. In addition, our commitment to agility also reflects its innovative culture, which is essential for driving growth and staying competitive in a crowded market,’ said Ondieki.

According to the latest data, Kenya is ranked number seven worldwide and the best in Africa regarding Sacco development.

The cooperative sub-sector in Kenya controls over Sh. 1.5 trillion in assets and Sh. 1 trillion in deposits, with a loan book of Sh.980 million. 30 per cent of the national savings in Kenya come from SACCOs. However, despite the successes, the Sacco sub-sector faces challenges such as a lack of access to affordable credit, limited financial education, and regulatory clarity.

In Conclusion, Chelugui reiterated the cooperative sector’s importance in actualizing the national economic transformation plan.

‘I assure you of my Ministry’s commitment to working with all cooperative players in realizing the transformation of the lives of all Kenyans’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

May 12, 2023

AMREF Seeks To Improve Healthcare Services In Busia

AMREF has committed to support the Busia Health and Sanitation Department by ensuring that the County’s Health Improvement Financing Bill 2023 is enacted.

Speaking during a meeting with the health leadership at Busia County Referral Hospital on Thursday, the organization’s Deputy Director Gilbert Wangalwa said that they would provide the support required to make sure that the proposed Bill is approved by the County Assembly.

‘It is the best way to generate resources for health facilities, 100% of the money collected in the hospitals should remain there to improve the facility,’ he said.

Wangalwa disclosed that the organization has supported 15 other counties adding that Busia should not be left behind.

‘We will ensure that health facility management boards across the county are operational,’ he said, adding that the organization is keen on supporting capacity building of staff, strengthening of laboratories, resource mobilization, and provision of oxygen among other needs.

He further stated that they would consider piping oxygen at the BCRH ICU and the maternity and newborn unit.

The official at the same time said that the organization is also focusing on the ground emergency transport system which he cited as one of the weakest links in the Counties.

‘Though we have done well in air ambulance, the ground emergency transport system has emerged as one of the greatest needs,’ he said.

Busia County CEC for Health Beatrice Nakholi commended the organization for the immense support provided to the Department adding that they would continue working closely with the Organization to strengthen the County’s health system.

Source: Kenya News Agency