Day: March 21, 2024

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in Oshikoto Region Region have opened a case of rape against an unknown cattle herder who allegedly raped a seven-year-old girl on Tuesday.

According to NamPol’s Crime Investigations Coordinator for the region, Deputy Commissioner Titus Ekandjo on Wednesday, the incident happened at an unknown time at Uuntyaye village in the Omuntele Constituency.

The victim is a Grade 1 learner at Amen Combined School and resides with her grandmother at Uuntyaye village.

‘It is alleged that the suspect came to the victim’s house, where he found the minor victim with her cousin, an eight-year-old boy,’ said Ekandjo.

He added that the minors were alone at home since their grandmother had gone to Onandjokwe State Hospital.

‘It is alleged that the suspect started calling the victim by her name and then held her by the hand, before going with her in the nearby bushes, where he undressed her and started touching the victims’ private parts before having sexual intercourse with the minor under
coercive circumstances,’ he added.

He further reported that the suspect is unknown to the victim and her cousin, but according to the victim’s cousin, it was not the first time that the unknown man came to the house and picked up the victim while the grandmother was away.

Ekandjo reported that after the incident on Tuesday, the victim rushed to Oniihandhila location and informed a woman about what had transpired, after which the police were informed and a case opened.

No arrest has been made as the suspect is unknown.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The signing into law of the Affordable Housing Bill is a game changer for millions of Kenyans living in rural areas who, for years, have been inhabiting derelict structures but now have been handed an opportunity to own decent homes, a lobby group has indicated.

The Kenya Internally Displaced Persons Organization (KIDPO) observed that previously the focus on provision of affordable housing had always been on what happens in urban centers where population densities are high and economic activities are a lot more, while rural areas were largely ignored in the scheme.

KIDPO patron Mr Peter Tena pointed out that inclusion of Kenyans in the informal sector and others not salaried who will pay a 1.5 percent turnover tax from their monthly gross earnings to the fund under the new law widens the bracket of beneficiaries including previously internally displaced persons.

Initially, the Bill only applied to those in formal sectors. However, after a court order, the government included everyone for fairness and a bal
anced contribution.

According to Mr Tena the order by the court was a brilliant idea as initially those in consultancy and other professions were not included, while their earnings are quite high.

Those holding formal jobs will also be deducted 1.5 percent of their gross monthly pay, an amount that will be matched by their employer.

This, according to the KIDPO, will offer rural households Kenyans a chance to own decent homes, boost the economy and offer employment opportunities.

While noting that proper attention has now been given to providing affordable housing for the poor segments of the population, who form the bulk of Kenyan society at about 53 per cent, Mr Tena stated that the new statute will create extensive opportunities for investment in construction, and the manufacture and supply of building materials and components in rural areas.

He said previous studies had established that only two percent of formally constructed houses targeted the lower-income families, with about 65 percent of Kenya’
s urban families having to cope with informal settlements

President William Ruto on Tuesday, March 19 signed into law the Affordable Housing Bill, at a ceremony held at State House Nairobi.

Addressing the media in Nakuru Mr Tena observed that the affordable housing project has the potential to generate thousands of direct job opportunities for artisans in the informal sector. The use of locally available resources, labour and artisans in the housing programme, he added, could lower costs and employ thousands of Kenyans.

The patron indicated that affordable housing is about ensuring everybody can access quality housing without compromising their ability to lead a decent life. He added that housing is a key social determinant of people’s health and overall quality of productivity

Mr Tena observed that Article 47 of the Constitution provides that everyone including rural households is entitled to accessible and adequate housing.

‘International human rights instruments including the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights and the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights also enshrine housing as a human right. A decent house is probably the most significant investment many families will make. Besides providing shelter, a house can be used as collateral to finance the family’s economic activities and cater for emergencies like medical bills,’ stated the patron.

He stated that availability of affordable housing in rural areas will enhance the capacity of families to meet important needs and save for the future, thus improving the standard of living.

The legislation received approval from both the Senate and the National Assembly including amendments that involve the participation of county governments.

Under the new provisions, proposed by the Senate, governors will establish county liaison committees tasked with overseeing the implementation of the affordable housing programme.

President Ruto has severally indicated that the affordable housing project will not only provide employment opportunities
for young people in the country but also ensure there is sufficient land available for agriculture and food production.

‘Housing is going to give us jobs for our young people, give us decent living conditions for our people, is going to assist us in making sure that we have land for food production and is also going to make sure that we grow our manufacturing sector,’ Dr Ruto said at a function in Bomet County.

Mr Tena petitioned the government to consider a Senate report that questioned the 10 per cent mandatory deposit which many Kenyans complained was high.

He said the 10 per cent deposit was high and that a way should be found around it soon to reduce the amount.

The new law also defines the role of County Governments in affordable housing and provides for the establishment of County Affordable Housing Committees to advise governors on affordable housing programs within their counties.

The Government has announced that currently, over 120,000 young men and women are working on the sites, and it antic
ipates having 300,000 youths working on the sites once they put in place the balance of the 48,000 units.

KIDPO Governing Council member Ms Ruth Wanjiru hailed the government for introducing another category which is rural housing. Kenyans who wish to set up homes in rural areas, she added, can access loans through the housing fund to build these houses.

‘There is also rural housing. So, if you want to go and build your home in rural areas, you can be able to get a loan to go and build it. This is a step in the right direction,’ she said.

Ms Wanjiru advised Kenyans to register themselves at the Boma Yangu platform under the e-Citizen as that will allow the government to properly plan when setting up these homes.

‘When people have access to quality affordable housing options, they are far less likely to face hazards associated with an informal settlement lifestyle. Additionally, the cost incurred in the treatment of recurring health issues due to inadequate housing becomes disposable income and can be used
for further self-economic empowerment,’ She noted.

The KIDPO Governing Council Member indicated that affordable housing investment spurs economic stimulus and job creation and added that investing in affordable housing will create a multiplier effect, where direct and indirect benefits to the country include job creation, improved health and safety and increased household resilience.

Principal Secretary, State Department for Housing and Urban Development Mr Charles Hinga has indicated that those earning Sh20,000 and below will automatically be entitled to a social house, which Hinga says has been divided into three categories depending on the number of rooms in that house.

For one to move into a one-room house, they will be required to pay Sh3200 per month for up to 30 years after which the house will be theirs.

Those who would want to move into a two-roomed house or a three-roomed house will be required to pay Sh4800 or Sh6400 respectively.

These homes are only available to people earning a gross of Sh2
0,000 and below and are all single rooms.

Taxpayers earning between Sh20,000 and Sh150,000 will be allowed to own or rent homes depending on the number of bedrooms in that house.

A one-bedroom, Hinga says, will be available for Sh5,200 while a two-bedroom and three-bedroom will go for Sh10,400 and Sh15,600 respectively.

According to the PS, those under this class can get a mortgage of 6 per cent which is fixed and is paid for a maximum of 30 years after which, they will own the house.

The third category of earners are those who earn over Sh150,000 per month.

Their homes will be mid to high-end market units which will be spacious and master ensuite.

For this category, the homes available will only be two and three bedrooms which will go for Sh31,300 and Sh41,800 respectively.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya Wine Agencies Limited (KWAL), Tamarind group and Mukuru Promotion Centre (MPC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreement to empower youth with training skills that will make them competitive in the job market.

The MOU whose aim is to transform lives of the students in the community will also ensure the Youth Agenda is realized through partnership and collaborative strategies by presenting good opportunity to pool resources to uplift the lives and dignity of the disadvantaged in the society.

Speaking during the signing ceremony held at Carnivore in Nairobi, the Regional Coordinator-State Department for Youth Affairs and the Creative Economy-Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports (MOYACES) Daniel Kirui observed that young people encounter socio-economic hardships due to lack of employable skills, exposure and employment opportunities.

Kirui noted that the government is cognizant that the youth are valuable resources with substantial energy, innovation and digital knowled
ge which can foster national development, and propel Kenya to unprecedented economic growth.

He cited that INUA Jamii program aligns with the government’s commitment to uplift young Kenyans through establishing careers that contribute to the nation’s social-economic development and reduce unemployment and underemployment among the youth.

Kirui lauded the partnership terming it a collaborative effort that address youth’s issues especially those in informal settlements of Mukuru in Nairobi.

‘The parties involved will be able to leverage on resources, build synergies and harness technical expertise as a strategy to address youth unemployment through skills development, internship and mentorship,’ he stated.

The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports has rolled out projects through State Department for Youth Affairs and Creative Economy to promote skills development that target business development services for startups, growing and expanding enterprises which will contribute to job and wealth
creation.

Other areas of focus are improving youth employability through entrepreneurship trainings, developing labour export and local markets for youth’s products and supporting the youth savings and investments to enable them earn decent incomes.

The Regional Coordinator also acknowledged Tamarind Group of hotels, an international brand in hospitality for providing apprenticeship to the trainees in hospitality industry.

‘With Tamarind on board, the youth will have the opportunity to get quality exposure to the real-world dynamics of the hospitality industry and life-changing job opportunities attained through professional coaching to become efficient and competent personnel in the labour market globally,’ he stated.

Kirui also acknowledged KWAL for directing their corporate social responsibility to skill development for the hospitality sector which creates opportunities for youths, noting that the sector stimulates growth and broadens services in the tourism industry.

‘We laud Mukuru Promotion Centre
for its endurance spirit in humanitarian work, promotion of education and health services, the Centre’s selfless giving has made it a household name in the informal settlements,’ said Kirui.

He at the same time encouraged the 40 beneficiaries to make their benefactors proud through excellent performance and to demonstrate award with impeccable discipline, hard work and self-less service.

‘Possession of skills alone is not adequate for success in any career and indeed in life, however, excellent you may be, one needs communication, interpersonal skills, passion and positive attitude to captive and maintain loyalty among clients,’ he said.

KWAL Managing Director Lina Githuka said that INUA program provides technical holistic nature to the youths, helps them to find voice and have confidence and esteemed to what the students have within them to power and shape their future.

Githuka added that the goal is to create a more prosperous and sustainable future for the youths by reaching more people and offer commi
tment to make it have a greater impact.

She noted that the government through its commitment, has expanded and enhanced advancement to honor the youth Agenda and promote youth activities.

In his remarks, the Tamarind Group Operations Director Joseph Gacheru said that greater emphasizes needs to be placed in mentoring and training of the young generation of hoteliers in order to secure the future of culinary industry which will make students stronger before securing their livelihoods and be able to compete in the global arena.

Gacheru revealed that Tamarind has open up apprenticeship program to exceptional students from MPC which empowers over 200 young people who are now professional chefs in and out of the country, standing out as key players of the industry.

‘Apprenticeship program will not only give practical experience but also give a front foot in the door of the hospitality industry to train and strengthen career,’ he stated.

The Director of Mukuru Promotional Centre (MPC) Sister Mary said that the
mission offers a life line by providing education and environmental change through a brighter path to the future of the young people.

Sr. Mary said that the partnership aims to bridge the wide gap between the available jobs and skill to professional workers especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

‘Partnership will provide a comprehensive fraternity training to the selected youths from Mukuru slums, through the vocational training schools run by MPC, dreams are achieved, skills are sharpened and futures are built,’ she disclosed while citing that the training will cover culinary arts, customer service and management among others.

She declared that the MPC vision is to see graduates excels and become glitters in the hospitality industry within the community.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Any beer manufacturer found distributing adulterated alcoholic drinks risks paying a fine of up to Sh 10 million or serve an imprisonment term not exceeding ten years or both.

This is according to the revised Nyeri Alcoholic Drinks Control Bill, 2023.

The new act which was assented to by Governor Mutahi Kahiga into law last week is an amended version of the Nyeri Alcoholic Drinks Control and Management Act,2014 which stands repealed.

Article 7(b) of the act also spells out that any person who knowingly distributes an alcoholic drink that is adulterated shall be liable to a fine not exceeding Sh 2 million or an imprisonment term not exceeding two years or both.

The law also prohibits the undertaking of any form of promotions or advertisements for alcoholic drinks and spells out a fine of up to Sh 500,000 for an offender or an imprison term not exceeding three years or both.

Notable in the new act is a provision limiting the time of operation for those running wines and spirits shops.

The 11th schedule st
ates that ‘a licensee shall not sell any alcoholic drink for consumption in the premises any time not earlier than 2 pm and not later than 8.30 pm’

Local Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KNCCI) chair Mr. Ibrahim Maina says they are still analysing the new act and could not therefore comment on its contents.

Maina however says as an entity that advocates for the welfare of traders, they will not hesitate to support the government in weeding out unscrupulous persons who have infiltrated in the alcohol sector.

‘I would not wish to comment anything about the new legislation but I am still studying the provisions therein. The issue of alcoholism is a real problem in this country and therefore one needs caution before commenting on the subject to avoid being labelled as an impediment to the war against its consumption,’ he told KNA.

But Patricia Njeri who operates a wine and spirit retail outlet within Nyeri town says while the act is entirely not bad, a directive by the County government not
to license new licenses could be counterproductive.

She has admitted that proceeds from the wine and spirit business are quite good nowadays and therefore limiting the number of outlets in operation may not be to the interests of those intending to venture into the business.

‘This new order by the County government to limit the number of wine and spirit outlets may not be in good faith as far as we are concerned. When the government freezes the licensing of new alcoholic outlets what happens to those who wish to expand their business?’ she poses.

‘If no new outlets will be allowed to come on board, we shall have shut out very many people who wish to venture into this trade and earn their living,’ pointed out Njeri.

On his part Harrison Kingori a matatu driver who plies the Nyeri-Ihururu route has welcomed the new law which he says will boost the war against uncontrolled drinking in the county.

He has however disagreed with a provision that limits the transfer of an alcoholic business outlet from one loca
tion to another terming the order discriminatory.

‘What we are all fighting against is consumption of illicit alcohol in this country. But when doing this we need to be careful not to kill the legit businesses that have met the required standards. We cannot restrict the transfer of existing businesses to other areas if that is to the advantage of the trader and as long as he has followed the due process of the law. The government should in the meantime close down all liquor outlets being operated by their employees to avoid a conflict of interest,’ he said.

Simon Maina Mwangi, a bodaboda rider in Nyeri town has welcomed the new measures to curb the manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol in the county saying the vice had threatened the very fabric of the society to the core.

He has also supported the regulation on the number of new liquor outlets which he said would help control the uncontrolled mushrooming of unlicensed drinking dens.

Mwangi also claims that some of the backstreet drinking joints ar
e safe hiding dens for drug addicts since they are shielded from law enforcers and said he was in full support of a plan by the county government to take an audit of all bars and restaurants operating in the county.

‘Let the County Government go ahead with its plan of undertaking an a census on all licensed and operational bars with a view of rationalizing their growth. By doing this, it will be possible to weed out rogue traders who have turned the liquor business into a conduit to traffic drugs and other illicit substances,’ states Mwangi.

Both the national and county governments have launched a sustained war against rampant consumption of illicit alcohol in the country which has been termed as a security concern for the nation.

Last month Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua announced the government’s commitment in the war to curb illicit brews in the country.

Gachagua revealed government plans to roll out multi-agency and multistakeholder measures to decisively deal with illicit brew, drugs and substance
abuse in the country days after more than 20 people died after consuming illicit liquor in Kirinyaga.

‘The government will not allow merchants of death to continue with the illegal business of illicit brew, drugs and other substances,’ Gachagua stated.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of East Africa Community (EAC), Arid and Semi-Arid Lands and Regional Development, has embarked on a review of functions of six Regional Development Authorities, to align them with the 2010 Constitution.

This follows a Cabinet decision to assess and review the roles, impact and effectiveness of the agencies in light of devolution.

EAC Cabinet Secretary (CS), Penina Malonza, said the review targets to relook at the services being offered with a view of identifying those that can be transferred to the counties.

Malonza said the RDA’s were not being moved to county governments, adding that the Cabinet decision was meant to avoid duplication of functions.

‘Since devolution started, in 2013, there are still functions we are looking at to see whether they fit in the National government or in the county governments,’ she said.

Speaking during the commissioning of water projects at Oriwo Primary School in Homa Bay County and St. Peter’s Kogola Primary School in Nyakach, Kisumu County, Malonza said t
he move targets to strengthen operations of the six RDA’s to foster development in the regions.

The RDA’s which include Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Tana and Athi Rivers Development Authority (TARDA), Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), Ewaso Ng’iro North Development Authority (ENNDA) and Coast Development Authority, she said play a critical role in national development and would be supported to fulfill their mandate.

The two water projects done by the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), she said, will collectively support over 11, 000 households, including learning institutions in the two counties.

‘The communities here used to trek for long distances to search for water. These projects are indeed a great relief,’ she said.

Her Ministry, she added, was working with the Ministry of Interior, to gazette more Arid and Semi – Arid areas, which have been on the waiting list for long to ensure they benefit from ongoing government programs.

Source: Kenya News Agency

State and non-state entities have been urged to embrace joint planning and execution of peace building interventions.

Speaking during a forum to evaluate past interventions and chart a path toward enhancing peace and security in the county, Director for Peace and Reconciliation Titus Lokorikeju said pooling resources would enhance emergency response and improve reactions to early warnings of conflict escalation.

The forum was supported by the International Organization for Peace Building (INTERPEACE), whose objective is to coordinate all actors working to promote peace building in the county.

He highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving peace. His call for coordinated efforts, inclusion of all stakeholders, and effective use of resources were echoed by others working towards peace in the region.

Turkana central Deputy County Commissioner Thomas Siele expressed the National Government’s commitment to combating insecurity issues in Turkana South and Loima Sub-counties.

He stressed
on the importance of involving local Administrators, elders, and communities to create effective homegrown peace solutions.

He added that the National Government had beefed up security capacities in the most disturbed and dangerous crime zones along the Riverine.

The forum brought together participants from various sectors, including the national government’s administrative wing, representatives from non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations.

Source: Kenya News Agency