Day: June 7, 2023

In efforts to support environmental conservation, edible oil manufacturer Bidco Africa Ltd and Bidcoro Africa Limited are working on a programme to eliminate the usage of some plastic bottles within their value chain. Bidco Africa’s Group Director, Chris Diaz said the strategy aims to eliminate unnecessary plastics and at the same time improve recyclability. He said the programme is in line with this year’s World Environment Day that focuses on offering solutions to plastic pollution to effectively conserve the environment. Speaking at Mang’u High School in Kiambu County, Diaz said they are working on eliminating top seals on water products as well as introducing a new look eco-friendly water bottle and that gradually, they will eliminate the unnecessary plastics in their value chain. ‘Bidco’s Circular Economy focuses on elimination of top seals on water products to the new look Planet Aqua water bottle and adopting new light weight packaging technology,’ Diaz said. Bidcoro’s Chief Operating Officer Mads Burmester highlighted the need for recycling plastic bottles to effectively conserve the environment. He explained that out of the 400 million tonnes of plastic that is produced annually with 40% of that being single-use, less than 10% of that is recycled. He said the statistics show that most of the plastic bottles produced are not recycled and end up making the environment look dirty. ‘The problem is that we don’t recycle the plastic bottles and we need to start now and this will help in building a pollution free planet,’ said Mads. He cited the company’s SunTop brand that he said they have launched a 250 ml SunTop juice in tetra pack with a paper straw in their journey to eliminate plastics. This comes as the country is gearing at beating plastic pollution with the launch of design guidelines for the recyclability of plastic packaging. Guidelines have been developed to ensure that 100 per cent of plastic packaging is reusable or recyclable in the country by 2030.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Uasin Gishu government has embarked on a massive ambitious road construction program across the County in a bid to uplift agriculture, boost trade and enhance job creation. Over 800 kilometres of new roads have already been graded in a program that was launched in November last year, being part of the 220 ongoing projects involving compacting marram roads, drainage works, installation of culverts, and construction of new bridges. Speaking during an inspection tour of ongoing works along Kalyet-Toloita road in Moiben Sub County, area Governor Jonathan Bii said the ongoing program under the 2022/23 financial year targets the opening of 1000 kilometres of new roads across the county. ‘During the campaigns, I promised the people of Uasin Gishu good roads to enhance transport under the sixth Nguzo Kumi agenda of my manifesto on roads and infrastructure. Good roads are imperative towards the growth of grain and dairy farming in our county apart from creating job opportunities for our youth,’ Bii told the residents of Kalyet. ‘As a county government, we are committed to fulfilling our promises. I am happy to see the tarmacked Soy-Kipsangui-Kabenes road that was done by the national government, my wish is to see my administration implement such massive projects, especially on roads leading to trading centres and key facilities like hospitals and markets,’ he added.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Narok County government is currently conducting a staff audit to establish the actual number of county staff, their qualifications and capacities as well as weed out ghost workers. Addressing the press during the launch of the exercise at Narok county offices, Governor Patrick Ntutu said the biometric audit would also establish the employee suitability for the jobs they are currently undertaking and whether there are positions that have inadequate or excessive staff. ‘The registration will establish whether the number of staff in our records conform to the number of staff that can be physically accounted for and verified,’ added Ntutu. The Governor noted the registration is necessary to guide the county government on reducing the wage bill that currently stood at 34 percent of the county government’s budget. ‘Currently, the county government has a wage bill that takes 34% of the budget. The law sets the limit at 35%, which therefore means we are only 1% below the limit,’ said Ntutu. Ntutu said the importance of the exercise is to increase efficiency in the county government by ensuring employees have requisite skills for the jobs they do adding: ‘The audit will ensure the most suitable employees are deployed where they will be most effective and productive.’ However, the registration he added will also help the county government eliminate wastage of resources by identifying areas where county government payroll can be downsized as well as fighting against corruption and theft of state resources by identifying ghost workers. Governor Ntutu directed the employees to participate in the exercise warning severe disciplinary action against those who will fail to physically avail themselves. The three-week exercise is being undertaken by AGMOND International Consultants, a Human Resource body. AGMOND is mandated to establish how many workers the county actually has, any variance with the payroll and other records on behalf of the county government. The employees are required to present originals and copies of appointment letters on joining the government, letter for current positions, National Identity Card, pay slips, and academic and professional certificates.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Thika residents were beneficiaries of a free cancer screening at the Thika Level 5 Hospital as the world marked the National Cancer Survivors Day. According to the World Health Organization, cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, and accounted for nearly 10 million deaths between 2020 and 2022 worldwide. The day sought to bring awareness on early detection of the disease, with this year’s theme being A Celebration of Life- I am Thriving, where residents were encouraged to go for frequent cancer screenings offered at the hospital, as lives can be saved if cancers are detected early. ‘The most common types of cancer we have in Kenya are breast, lung, cervical, colon, and prostate. Most are consistent with live styles like intake of tobacco products, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake and lack of physical activity. There are also cases where the cancers are caused by infections like the human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis. These are extremely prevalent in low and middle-income countries,’ said Dr Jack Oduor, an oncologist at the hospital. ‘Nevertheless, more than half of those that have been diagnosed early have survived once they started treatment. We also urge them to strictly follow instructions given by their doctors and nutritionists to ensure that they have a fighting chance at beating the disease. The biggest issue we encounter however is psychological. For most patients, once they are diagnosed, they shut down emotionally and mentally and unfortunately once this happens, the physical follows suit. This is why awareness is important, because we want people to know that cancer is not a death sentence. It can be treated and managed but only if it is detected early,’ Dr Oduor advised. Wanja Wa Maina, a breast cancer survivor present during the screening said she was alive only because the disease was detected early. ‘I found a lump in my breast while taking a shower and I immediately sought medical treatment. I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, placed on treatment and two years later I am now cancer free. It was not an easy journey but I survived and I am here to encourage people who have been diagnosed or who have friends and family ailing from the disease to not give up. It is treatable,’ assured Wanja. Apart from screening for cervical, breast, prostate and colon cancer, the residents were also sensitized on the treatment and management of cancer in case they or their loved one were diagnosed with the disease.

Source: Kenya News Agency