Day: April 4, 2024

The Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) has donated a range of food items to be distributed in the Coast Region during the Ramadhan period.

Speaking when he handed over the Sh1.5 million worth of donations at KPA headquarters, Managing Director (MD) Capt William Ruto, noted that the donation is a gesture that underscores the organisation’s commitment to support and stand in solidarity with the Muslim community during the holy month of Ramadan.

‘We understand that Ramadan can be a challenging time for many families particularly to those experiencing economic hardships therefore through collective efforts we aim to elevate the burden faced by those families allowing them to observe Ramadan with peace of mind,’ said Capt Ruto.

In addition, the MD pointed out the importance of giving back to the less fortunate including those struggling with economic hardship and inequality especially in this holy month and hence the need for KPA to play a pivotal role.

On his part, Sheikh Muhdhar Khitamy, Deputy Chairperson, Supreme
Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), thanked KPA for the kind gesture noting that it will go a long way in reaching the most vulnerable families.

‘We appreciate the MD’s effort and KPA at large for ensuring that the less fortunate Muslim families can observe their Ramadan in dignity through these donations. This is a good way of expressing solidarity within our community,’ noted Khitamy.

Khadija Dohry representing the Mohamed Ali foundation, a key partner in the venture, said that it was prudent that leaders from all walks of life pull together and give towards noble courses as such.

She added that as a foundation, they have worked hand in hand with KPA to ensure that the impact of their outreach is felt far and beyond the region.

‘This is not the first time KPA has considered us one of the beneficiaries for this program. We have been on a marathon since the beginning of Ramadan to distribute food packages and this will maximize the impact of our honorable work,’ said Dohry.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has been feted for exemplary implementation of World Bank-funded agricultural projects under the Kenya Climate Smart Agricultural Project (KCSAP) in the county.

The World Bank ranked Machakos County in the third position out of 24 counties that are implementing the projects that aim to transform the lives of residents through smart agriculture.

Speaking at her office in Athi River when she received the award, Wavinya said her government was committed to improving the lives of its people and the award is proof of her commitment in supporting communities in Machakos.

Through collaboration with KCSAP, Machakos government was able to rehabilitate five dams that include Ukanga Utune in Kangundo and Kilaata in Ikombe ward, Kithaayoni in Kalama, Limba in Wamunyu and Kitambaasye in Matungulu at a cost of Sh83 million.

‘The impact of the projects executed by KCSAP will be felt by many generations in future and my government is committed to offering lasting solutions to the challenge
s the people are facing,’ said Wavinya.

She noted that the dams will support the county’s agro forest efforts, aid in increasing biodiversity and soil humidity for increased productivity in the farms.

The Governor added that courtesy of KCSAP, Sh62 million was channeled to cooperative societies such as Kakuyuni Coffee Co-operative Society in Kangundo and Kambusu Coffee Cooperative Society in Kambusu among others.

Wavinya pointed out that a total of 382 groups spread across the county have also benefited from a variety of grants which have been tailored to their needs such as seeds, poultry feed, ploughs and threshers.

‘Our main goal is to make Machakos a food secure county and lift our people out of poverty,’ pointed out Wavinya.

The trophy was presented by the National Project Coordinator Priscah Muiruri from the Ministry of Agriculture who hailed Machakos for its achievement and for being transparent in implementing the KSCAP projects.

She said the support and capacity that KSCAP is giving to farmers
in the counties is in line with the government’s Bottom-up Transformative Agenda (BETA).

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Erongo Region are investigating a case of baby dumping after the lifeless body of a newborn baby boy was reportedly discovered at Walvis Bay on Wednesday morning.

According to Warrant Officer Tuyenikelao Tashiya from the region’s police communications department, the baby was discovered among some bushes at the dumping site by an employee of a local sub-contractor company responsible for dumping rubbish at that site.

The employee then informed the owner who alerted the police.

The body was taken to the Walvis Bay State Hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.

No arrests have been made yet and police have requested the public’s assistance in providing any information related to the incident.

In an unrelated matter, a 41-year-old woman reportedly committed suicide by drinking cockroach pesticide at Swakopmund’s Single Quarters residential area on Tuesday.

According to the police report, the deceased identified as Natalia Matias was rushed to the hospital by f
riends after realising what had occurred but was declared dead upon arrival.

Her body was kept at the Swakopmund State Hospital mortuary where an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death.

Her next of kin have been informed.

Police investigations continue in both matters.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Uptake of Government subsidized fertiliser gathered momentum as hordes of farmers throng the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Kapenguria Depot in West Pokot County since the onset of the heavy rains this week.

The farmers’ demand for the fertilizer has outstripped the supply at the depot after making daily visits to the depot turning the centre into a beehive of activity as trucks unload the consignments which are snapped up by waiting customers.

Some farmers who sought anonymity said they are less perturbed by media reports doing rounds about the presence of fake fertilisers noting that they can only confirm that in case their crops fail to perform well.

‘Until I personally come across the so-called fake fertilisers is when I shall believe but as of now that is mere hearsay and fake news,’ stated one farmer.

The farmers observed that the demand for the fertiliser had exceeded the supply causing the long queues that has forced some impatient farmers to go for the higher priced fertilisers offered
by traders not because the ones at the depots are fake.

‘I had registered as a farmer and I was awarded two bags but the continuous long queues at the depot scared me off because the season is here with us and waits for no one. I just went for the readily available option to plant my maize on time,’ said Mirriam Chemutai.

The depot has attracted many clients since last week and the process intensified this week when heavy rains started pounding the region with some farmers from the neighbouring Trans Nzoia County being among those seeking fertiliser.

Ms Chemutai considered that the best time for farmers to establish their maize crop is before the mid of this month and with the ongoing rains then one must rush to secure the affordable fertilisers.

The farmers have been appealing to the government to increase the supply of the fertiliser and also to consider establishing sub-depots to cushion them against the high costs of transportation from the main depot in Kapenguria.

‘With these heavy rains some of ou
r roads especially in the interior areas are inaccessible hence occasioning additional transportation costs,’ observed a farmer.

Source: Kenya News Agency