Day: March 18, 2024

Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has reiterated the need to conserve the environment by planting trees.

Tuya challenged every Kenyan to grow at least five tree seedlings in their localities this year, owing to the favourable weather, as one way to mitigate the effects of climate change and better the environment.

‘It is the will of God for man to conserve the environment. When God created man, according to the holy book, He placed him in the garden of Eden that was full of trees. This shows that God is interested in the conservation of the environment,’ she said.

The CS spoke on Sunday in Trans Mara West Sub County, Narok County during an Interdenominational prayer meeting and homecoming thanksgiving service for Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua.

The prayer meeting led by Apostle William Kimani of Kingdon Seekers was attended by President William Ruto and First Lady Mrs Rachael Ruto.

Ms Tuya, who also hails from Narok County commended the residents of Trans Ma
ra for planting over 30, 000 tree seedlings in various schools within the sub county, to mark the day.

‘I am happy because a good strategy has been put in place to ensure that all these seedlings planted grow. The schools where the trees have been planted have enough water and the school management has committed to take care of the seedlings,’ she said.

She said that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is building a good relationship with the people so that they can help in offering seedlings and technical support to plant the seedlings to ensure they grow.

‘Over 95 percent of climate change is as a result of human action. We can reverse the situation if we all embark on planting trees,’ she reiterated, saying everybody has a role in conserving the environment.

The CS also reported that her Ministry is collaborating with County Governments to protect the environment and all the forests in the country.

While speaking during the tree planting exercise, PS Ololtua underscored the importance of planting trees say
ing they have direct impact on the survival of wildlife.

He said tourists visiting the country had grown from 1.4 million in 2022 to 1.95 million in 2023, representing a 34 percent growth, adding that the county governments are collaborating with national government to exploit untapped tourism scenes in the country.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Departments of Health, Livestock Development and Environment have joined forces to establish the County One Health Unit as a strategy to achieve a healthy human and animal population.

The strategy also focuses on addressing environmental issues by targeting the pastoral community.

The Unit is tasked with coordinating the One Health activities which are vital strategies to achieve primary healthcare and reducing zoonotic diseases incidences.

These discussions took place during a courtesy call by the USAID Kenya Mission led by Heidi O’Bra – Deputy Director for USAID Health Office and Core Group Partners Project (CGPP) Secretariat led by its Director, Somane Mohamed, to the County Government. The team was headed for One Health related field visit in Lokiriama Sub-County to assess its impact.

Representing the County Government were Chief Officers Peter Lomorukai – Preventive and Promotive Dr. Gilchrist Lokoel – Medical Services and Dr. Ezekiel Etelej Ekuwam of Livestock Development.

The Chief officers ac
companied by their respective senior officers, were able to share the achievements and gaps identified in the One Health implementation.

Chief Lomorukai described the launch of One Health Strategy as a significant milestone for the County, noting that plans were underway to further devolve implementation of the strategy to the sub-county level in the coming years.

‘We are also in the process of finalising the draft One Health Bill and Policy which will pave the way for county government financing thus ensuring sustainability,’ he said.

Dr. Lokoel pointed out that 60% of the county’s population were pure pastoralists. He explained that through the One Health approach, the county government was able to bring services closer to the highly mobile population.

‘Moving forward the integration of community health reporters and community disease reporters combined reporting system is an area to explore to reduce zoonotic – related cases,’ he said.

According to the Dr. Etelej, the Veterinary Services Directorate h
ad also trained 786 community disease reporters against a target of 1500.

‘Community engagements during the recent One Health activity shared by a PHD student, one issue that came out strongly was limited water access. Therefore, the Unit saw it fit to co-opt the County Water Services into One Health approach,’ he said.

USAID representative O’Bra applauded the county government for having a One Health Strategy and prioritising the community as change could be activated through them.

On his part, Mohamed of CGPP said that the field visit was for learning purposes, sharing experiences and identifying areas for adaptation to address any gaps.

Also in attendance were partner representatives from the International Rescue Committee and USAID Imarisha Jamii.

Source: Kenya News Agency

As the sun sets over the East African coast, Taarab music’s wonderful combination of Swahili poetry, Arabic melodies, and Indian influences fills the air with stories of love and history.

From Mombasa’s marketplaces to Zanzibar’s beaches, its timeless charm enthralls listeners, crossing borders and honouring the region’s rich cultural history.

Among the legendary figures of Taarab music is Asha Abdow, famously known as ‘Malika’.

However, behind the scenes, there was a prolific writer who penned many of her hit songs known as Omar Shariff, alias Shariff Badmash, a poetry genius whose contributions to Kenya’s music industry have gone largely unnoticed despite his deep influence.

Born in 1948 amidst the calming waves of Mombasa Island, Badmash began his path into poetry and singing at the age of 18, motivated by his passion for writing. He started on a literary path without any prior training from any person.

‘God gave me this skill as a gift,’ Badmash reflected on the roots of his artistic activities, sayi
ng, ‘I’ve been writing a lot of poems and songs since I was a kid, but I mostly write poems.’

While his name may not appear on the covers of newspapers, Badmash’s impact can be felt throughout Taarab’s tunes, notably through his work with the great singer Malika who shifted to Europe in the early 1990s.

Behind Malika’s heart-warming performances lie the poetic verses meticulously crafted by Badmash, whose lyrical genius has shaped nine albums each consisting of 12 songs of Taarab.

From the melodies of ‘Vidonge’ to ‘Kinyozi Namnyolewa’ and ‘Ningeulalia Mto’ Badmash’s writing has enchanted and inspired generations of listeners, leaving an eternal mark on Kenya’s musical heritage.

Despite his essential contributions, Badmash stays persistent in his dedication to writing, noting that his passion for poetry goes beyond financial gains.

‘I used to create songs for enjoyment and to entertain people. I used to produce songs and share them for free without expecting anything in return,’ Badmash said.

Beyond his
collaborations with Malika, Badmash’s generous mindset extends to his involvement in writing nasheed for Madrassas (Muslim schools) around Mombasa, including Tahdhib, Shamsia, Hudaa, and Khayrat while currently working with Shamsia further showcasing his dedication to spreading joy through his writing.

Reflecting on his incredible path, Badmash encourages youngsters to study poetry as a source of income.

He emphasized poetry’s potential to not only bring financial stability but also to gain reputation and respect.

His remark captures the transforming nature of poetry, presenting it as a powerful weapon for self-expression and societal impact.

Badmash’s message not only encourages but also empowers the next generation, to recognize the significant influence of their creative activities.

Badmash demonstrates the enduring legacy of talent motivated by a deeper sense of purpose through his passion for his craft and the indelible impact he leaves on listeners’ hearts and minds.

In a culture obsessed with tra
nsient fame and money, Badmash is exemplary, pushing us to rethink our priorities and embrace the life-changing impact of honesty and sincerity in our creative endeavours.

Source: Kenya News Agency

OSHIFUKWA: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Oshikoto Region have opened a case of rape against a 19-year-old after he reportedly raped an 11-year-old girl.

According to the region’s crime investigations coordinator Deputy Commissioner Titus Ekandjo, the incident allegedly occurred around 15h00 on Saturday at Oshifukwa village in the Omuthiya Constituency.

The girls and the suspect live in the same house as they are related.

‘It is alleged that the suspect, who is the girl’s cousin, followed her from the house to the family’s mahangu field, where she had gone to prevent goats from grazing on the crops. While she was lying on a blanket under a tree, the suspect grabbed her arms and twisted them, and also grabbed her head and started twisting it,’ said Ekandjo.

‘The victim told the suspect to leave her alone and stood up. He grabbed the blanket and went into the house where she followed him with the intention to get her blanket back, but the suspect allegedly went into the victim’s room and laid dow
n on the bed,’ added Ekandjo.

The girl entered the room and grabbed her blanket and that is when the suspect allegedly forced her onto the bed and had sexual intercourse with her under coercive circumstances.

When the victim’s grandmother came home, she informed her grandmother, who in turn reported the matter to the police.

The suspect is arrested and will appear before the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.

In a separate incident, NamPol also arrested a 17-year-old boy for allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl around 13h00 on Saturday at Onataga village in the Okankolo Constituency.

‘It is alleged that the suspect found the victim in the house with other children and called the victim to his hut, where he allegedly had sexual intercourse with her under coercive circumstances,’ Ekandjo said.

The victim, a Grade 2 learner, reported the matter to her parents when they returned home.

The suspect was set to appear in court at Ondangwa on Monday.

Investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press
Agency

The Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Maarten Brouwer has said that they will continue helping Migori County to intensify its efforts in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Brouwer who spoke during a courtesy call on the county governor Ochillo Ayacko said that the Dutch, European Union (EU) and its associate’s partner will help the county mobilise against the FGM fight in the region.

Brouwer noted that FGM was violation of human rights against women pointing out that equality and safeguarding of women health status needed concerted efforts.

He also disclosed that the Dutch embassy will partner with the country in the green energy sector through solarization as an alternative source of clean energy.

The Ambassador also noted that Migori County is strategically positioned to benefit from the East Africa Community integration through the EU-funded Isebania Sirare border post.

Brouwer added that the Dutch embassy will also partner with the country in the health sector to improve the living standa
rds of the county residents.

Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko who welcomed the call said that the county will partner with the Dutch in the areas of Agriculture, livestock, fishery and blue economy to improve the social economic development of the County.

Early this month, EU Ambassador Mrs Henriette Geiger and other Ambassadors from the nations of Poland, Austria, Germany and Sweden visited Migori to explore the country’s potential in the sectors of Agriculture, livestock, blue economy and mining.

The EU is currently funding the Isebania Sirare border post to hasten up the process of EAC integration for easier movement of people and embracing of free trade within the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency

RUNDU: Three men were arrested at the Namasira check point in the Kavango West Region on Friday for the alleged possession of seven bags of Gouty Vine plants without the necessary permits.

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in its weekend crime report said the men were allegedly found with 429 kilogrammes of the Cyphostemma bainesii plant, valued at N.dollars 79 288, in their possession.

‘They failed to produce a permit authorising them to harvest the plant and are expected to appear in the Kahenge Magistrate’s Court on Monday,’ it read.

In an unrelated incident, a 27-year-old man was also arrested on Friday for reportedly stealing two donkeys valued at N.dollars 3 000 at Nkurenkuru.

It is alleged that the suspect found the two donkeys grazing behind a shopping complex and allegedly took the donkeys without the owner’s permission.

He was also expected to appear in the Kahenge Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Government is set to expand the Immigration office in Bungoma South Sub-County, Bungoma County with a view of enabling the Department of Immigration to process and issue passports.

The Cabinet Secretary Interior and Administration Kithure Kindiki said that plans were underway to rehabilitate the office and post more Immigration officers, alongside providing adequate equipment for effective service delivery.

The CS regretted the frequent delays in the processing of passports and assured the residents that the government was making every effort to streamline the processing of passports to make it easier and faster for them to acquire the document.

Kindiki who was speaking at the Bungoma County Commissioner’s office after a visit to the Immigration Department Offices in Bungoma South and Lwakhakha today said the reforms would be done by June this year.

On security the CS noted that all strategies had been put in place to enhance the security of the country and said that all security agencies are on board
to achieve this goal to enable people to go on with their daily activities without fear of criminals.

He said the government has a nationwide security enforcement program to rid the country of narcotic drugs, illicit alcoholic drinks and substance abuse that he said was affecting many of the people.

Kindiki expressed concern at the fact that people in the productive age were no longer active as they spent a lot of time drinking and taking substances that were harmful to their health.

He said that the government would crack down on all people who were manufacturing these drinks and substances. ‘We have closed down many unlicensed establishments and destroyed the infrastructure of manufacturing unhealthy dangerous drinks’, he said.

The CS said that all police officers who had served in one station for more than three years would be transferred as a measure towards enhancing security of the country.

He asked all officers who were involved in the law enforcement space aimed at fighting drug and alcohol abuse
to stay away from businesses that can bring conflict of interest. ‘Any officer who runs a bar or any other outlet that sells alcohol must close it’, he said.

The CS said the government was working closely with security agents from the neighboring country to ensure that criminals do not cross on either side of the country.

He said the border point in Lwakhakha was being modernized to have good border trade between Kenya and Uganda and for the security of the people.

Source: Kenya News Agency