Day: April 26, 2024

The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the West Pokot County government have provided prosthetic legs to local people with physical impairments, which is often unaffordable.

Speaking during the issuance at Kapenguria County Referral Hospital, NCPWD County Coordinator Edwin Musungu termed the assistive devices as very expensive for the common citizen, hence the need for government intervention to enable the victims lead a normal lifestyle.

Musungu stated that one cosmetic prosthetic leg goes for about Sh70,000 with those functional types going for Sh1 million, which majority of people may not afford, thus the need for the government to take care of issues affecting persons with such disabilities by protecting and promoting their rights.

‘The council in West Pokot County is implementing an assistive technology programme to assist individuals with disabilities in enhancing their mobility and ensuring a decent living,’ said the county coordinator.

He explained that through the program
me, 15 people were fitted with prosthetic limps under the pilot phase with more expected to benefit from all other subcounties once assessments are done.

‘This is just the beginning because beneficiaries have been identified from West Pokot Sub County and we believe going forward, the programme will be rolled out in all other subcounties for more beneficiaries,’ said Musungu.

He called on well-wishers and partners to join the government in providing the devices noting that the government has been upfront in supporting people living with disabilities.

‘Lack of such assistive devices has made some people miss schooling, which is a drawback to development. We call upon more stakeholders to come on board and assist such members of society,’ he appealed.

The cordinator reiterated the council’s commitment to the provision of the devices in strict accordance with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) protocols urging other service providers to adhere to them.

Meanwhile, a physiotherapist at Kapenguria County re
ferral hospital Mark Chelule said it was a rare privilege to see people with disabilities being fixed with artificial limbs hinting that in the next few weeks another assessment will be conducted to identify other beneficiaries.

He asked those not reached to contact the physiotherapy section at the hospital or visit the people with disabilities offices for assistance.

For instance, Dancan Sawanga from Gateway Prosthetics and Orthotics Limited noted that the initiative to have the victims fixed with the artificial lower limbs called for a lot of patience since measurements were to be taken before effecting the process.

‘We took measurements sometimes back and we are aware the beneficiaries have been waiting but today all has come to fruition. The devices are good and aesthetic, hence a success,’ posed Sawanga.

On his part, an excited Noah Tanui from Talau location narrated that his predicaments came after an accident while he was riding a bicycle which led him to lose his leg but he now has a replacement.

A
lso, Janerose Kipkeny from Tartar said her leg was amputated after getting injured three years ago and her admission to hospital bore no fruit.

Mourine Charito from Kacheliba said she was born without one leg and her greatest joy is being fitted with artificial limbs.

She expressed her admiration for those who walk on their two feet, stating that today is his day to walk comfortably, overcoming the stigma he has been suffering.

At the same time, Stanley Kinywa from prosthetics and orthotic medical said they have been working with the council for the past four years and were being sent counties of their choice, where they congregate with those in need of the devices.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: The Disaster Risk Management Commission (DRMC) stated that it is undergoing a significant overhaul to strengthen its ability to manage and respond to the uncertain humanitarian needs.

The commission has started pre-deployment training for management and staff of the commission at the African Leadership Excellence Academy today.

Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Shiferaw Teklemariam on the occasion said the commission is implementing reforms, including revised policy, new human resources structure, preparedness in terms of resources and technology to manage and respond to the uncertain humanitarian needs.

The Council of Ministers has approved the revised Disaster Risk Management Policy in February which was in use for about 20 years.

The reform activities following the implementation of the revised policy, will equip the commission with more qualified and agile workforce prepared to handle emergencies, he stated.

According to him, the commission should also be equipped with the necessary
human and material resources as well as technology to strengthen its ability to manage and respond to the uncertain humanitarian needs in the country.

Therefore, the commission is undergoing an internal reorganization to streamline operations and optimize its effectiveness in tackling humanitarian crises.

The reform activities are crucial at a time when aid is dwindling while the need is huge, he noted, adding that the government shouldered most portion of the humanitarian burden to save likelihoods, compromising other development activities.

However, with dwindling support from international stakeholders, it is crucial for the commission to become more self-sufficient and adept at managing these complex situations, he stressed.

The revamped commission will be better equipped to anticipate, prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters, ultimately safeguarding the well-being of Ethiopian citizens during times of crisis.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Mombasa County Commissioner (CC) Mohamed Noor has assured residents and visitors of security days after criminals were captured by Close-Circuit Television (CCTV) mugging a shopper along Haile Selassie Road.

CC Noor directed the halting of a feeding programme for street families being conducted by a cement firm as it harbours criminals who are belligerent once they are full of food and are a menace to pedestrians. Most of the street families are from the neighbouring Kilifi and Kwale counties.

The CC noted that although the programme is noble in assisting the less fortunate it has been infiltrated by criminals and directed the County Security and Intelligence Committee (CSIC) to contact the cement firm to suspend the free food distribution.

The CC challenged philanthropists to devise a long-term solution to empower the youths to earn a living but not through free food which is not sustainable in the long run.

‘Criminals when they are full after eating breakfast, lunch and supper start to mug people. As a
government, we will not allow the continuation of that. If we want to help people it must be well structured,’ said CC.

CC Noor further promised to come up with a strategy to assist the less fortunate in partnership with the county government.

‘It is a shame in a big town for people to be mugged in broad daylight in CBD by youths who are fond of terrorising people after eating free food. We have directed the programme to be stopped as we find a way of helping the vulnerable,’ he said.

Security committees have been ordered to close down all dens in their localities where street urchins used to stay.

On Wednesday, the CSIC planned and carried out operations in the Central Business District (CBD) after social media was awash with a video of a shopper being mugged moments after he stepped out of a supermarket.

‘We have been able to nab 150 people among them suspects and those who have been terrorising residents in Mombasa CBD.

The operations will continue. We have extended it to Kisauni where yesterday nigh
t we arrested 27 people. We also nabbed one-kilogramme brooms of bhang,’ said CC Noor promising heightened security across the county to weed out criminals.

He added that they have stepped up efforts to ensure the coastal city is safe and people go on with their day-to-day activities without fear.

‘Traders should open their businesses without fear. Shoppers should buy without looking over their shoulders. Those visiting CBD at night should not be anxious,’ stated the CC, assuring traders of their safety without interference.

Meanwhile, the CC disclosed that the war on drugs and alcohol is paying off as some users have started to exhibit withdrawal symptoms for heroin as a result of the shortage of the drug.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: Of late, the National Intelligence and Security Council issued a statement, emphasizing the significance of the Transitional Justice Policy which the country has embarked on rectifying injustices inherited from past history.

Ethiopia is a big country with a population of 120 million and with a diverse range of resources. Nonetheless, the country has not yet attained its aspiration as well as material progress due to its backward political system. It is unfortunate that Ethiopia’s stagnated political practice and divisive discourse has left fundamental issues of the country unanswered for centuries.

As a result, Ethiopia has endured various transgressions, heinous activities and violation of basic human rights. Those in political authority have thus far disregarded the voices of others by placing the blame on the people they view as violators.

A series of political systems have not only engulfed the country and its people into a miserable life but also caused serious hostilities and resentment
among citizens. Authorities crushed those forces that made demands for change of course, resulting in that disputes were unsettled and transferred to posterity, weakening the statehood of Ethiopia. Such approaches have been dragging the nation for an endless bloodshed, fragmentation, and face the quagmire of poverty.

As these backlogs of Ethiopia have caused protracted disputes, misunderstandings, and instability, the country should come up with a viable mechanism which could change the state of affairs.

To this effect, the reformist government of Ethiopia has adopted a Transitional Justice Policy as a viable mechanism to heal the wounds of the victims and avoid resentment which has been the main causes to the instability and underdevelopment of the country.

In this regard, the current government is striving to write a new history and reversing the centuries-old resentment and hostilities by implementing the Transitional Justice Policy.

The transitional justice policy which is believed to contribute to su
stainable peace, reconciliation and justice in Ethiopia has been developed through extensive consultations with pertinent stakeholders and incorporating international experiences with the objective to avoiding resentment by breaking the dichotomy between the transgressors and the victims.

One of the bold steps and matured leadership of the Ethiopian government is its move to settle disputes through peaceful means. The Pretoria Peace Agreement is an unprecedented decision of the government. The peace deal ended the conflict in northern Ethiopia by fostering a culture settling disputes peacefully. This peace agreement signifies a mature and resolute decision to prevent future generations from inheriting a legacy of winners and losers characterized by animosity. By embracing this alternative approach, the nation managed to halt bloodshed and conflict.

By signing of the peace agreement, the government went beyond its obligations stipulated in the accord and implemented a series of measures deemed necessary to c
ultivate trust and sustain peace.

Considerable financial resources have been allocated by the government to facilitate financial and economic activities in the Tigray region. Given the substantial benefits of peace, the government has achieved beyond its obligations to heal the wounds inflicted by the conflict. However, this should be considered as a responsibility lies with the government and should not be misconstrued as an act of fear.

In order to expedite the process, a National Rehabilitation Commission has been established. Hence, reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives have commenced in the Amhara, Afar, and Tigray regions. The government has also established an environment conducive to the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Amhara, Afar, and Tigray regions.

Specifically, in compliance with the agreement, it is imperative that the TPLF militants and other armed groups must disarm to address the issues surrounding areas defined by claims of identity and administrative affairs.

Efforts
to restore peace and resettle those displaced by the war must be ended. Failing to learn from past mistakes is more detrimental than committing an initial error. Without drawing lessons from our past mistakes, it is incumbent upon us to collaborate in subduing those who persist in perpetuating the same problems we face today. We must heed the dire consequences of employing law enforcement without exercising patience, as evident in our recent history.

As it is stipulated in the Pretoria Agreement and enshrined in our Constitution, regional states are prohibited from maintaining armed and organized forces beyond the police and militia required for law enforcement at the state level; they should not exceed this limit. Hence, the disarmament process and associated procedures must be expeditiously implemented in accordance with the Rehabilitation Commission’s plan.

In nutshell, the Transitional Justice policy gives utmost attention to ensure its inclusivity and independence as the overall preparation involved 60
consultation sessions with regional stakeholders and another 20 sessions at the national level to gather inputs to improve the contents of the policy document.

The policy has been issued with the objective of laying out the system in which a transitional justice can be secured to bring forth sustainable peace, reconciliation, prevalence of law and order, justice and democracy. For its successful implementation, several instruments will be employed including criminal investigation, putting the culprits before the courts of law and investigating the truth, forgiveness, compensation and other possible means like introducing reforms in systems.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Amidst the ongoing long rains sweeping across Kenya, citizens are being encouraged to seize the opportunity to contribute to the nation’s green legacy by planting trees.

The call was made by Kenya Forest Service (KFS) Board chairman Titus Korir during the national launch of the long rainfall tree-growing campaign at Chepalungu forest station, Siongiroi block in Bomet County on Thursday.

Representing Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Korir emphasised the importance of this initiative in achieving the presidential target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

The event witnessed the planting of over 3,000 trees and the installation of electric fences covering a 22-kilometre stretch. Bomet County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar and Bomet County Forest Conservator Joseph Kingori were among the dignitaries present.

‘We are here today for the launch of the tree planting season which marks the rollout of tree-growing activities for the March-April-May long rainfall season,’ sta
ted Korir, highlighting the theme for this season: ’15 billion trees by 2032, wajibu wetu’ (our responsibility).

Korir urged citizens to capitalise on the enhanced rainfall season to bolster tree cover across the nation, emphasising the critical role trees play in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

Acknowledging the efforts of the KFS Board and staff, Korir revealed that the Board is steadfastly supporting the KFS in its endeavour to grow 300 million trees annually.

He commended the dedication of forest rangers who have taken on the additional responsibility of raising tree seedlings to meet this target.

Furthermore, Korir outlined the KFS’s commitment to forest conservation and protection, citing initiatives such as the Fire Project and the installation of communication masts to facilitate rapid response to fire outbreaks.

He also highlighted the integration of drone technology for surveillance purposes, with several staff members trained as drone operators.

In a bid to ensure the realis
ation of the 15 billion tree target, Korir called upon every Kenya Forest Service staff member to spearhead tree-growing efforts at the county level and provide technical support to stakeholders involved in tree planting.

Expressing gratitude to partners for their support towards tree-growing initiatives, Korir affirmed the KFS’s unwavering commitment to these activities, aligning with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya has recorded a steady decline in malaria cases in the past decade indicating significant progress in the country’s intensified efforts to eliminate the disease.

National malaria prevalence dropped from 8% in 2015 to 6% in 2020, according to the Kenya Malaria Indicator Survey.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha attributes the milestone to the collaborative efforts between the national and county governments, healthcare professionals, private partners, as well as communities in the uptake of malaria prevention and treatment measures.

Nakhumicha reported that malaria incidents decreased by 7% between 2016 and 2023, while the mortality rate declined by 32% between 2019 and 2023.

Speaking in Muhoroni Sub-County, Kisumu County on Thursday during World Malaria Day 2024, the CS emphasised the need for a collective approach by engaging all sectors to accelerate the efforts to realise a malaria-free Kenya by 2030.

‘There is a strong responsibility on the community to ensure that the investments
in malaria count. This is by ensuring consistent and correct use of critical malaria prevention tools like the Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs),’ she said.

She said the mass distribution of 16 million LLINs to over 27 million citizens in 22 high malaria-burden counties in the financial year 2023/24 substantially reduced cases of the vector-borne disease in the country.

The government’s initiative to implement indoor residual spraying (IRS) in malaria-burdened counties such as Busia, Migori and Homa Bay has yielded remarkable results in reducing transmission rates and effectively preventing and protecting pregnant women and children under age 5 from malaria.

The IRS focuses on spraying buildings with an insecticide which kills mosquitoes, a vector that spreads malaria.

‘Furthermore, the roll-out of a malaria vaccine in high-endemic counties has contributed to a decrease in hospitalisations due to severe malaria in children under five years of age,’ she added, while expressing satisfaction at the sign
ificant strides on the uptake of the RTS-S malaria vaccine recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).

However, Nakhumicha claimed that progress remains fragile and challenging and she underscored the need to urgently address the intersecting issues of gender disparities, health equity and human rights in the quest to eradicate malaria.

‘Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including financial constraints, climate change, and emerging resistance to insecticides and drugs. We must remain vigilant in our surveillance efforts and invest in innovative strategies to address these obstacles head-on,’ she remarked.

Dr. James Dan Otieno, malaria technical officer with WHO Kenya, while representing Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, WHO Kenya Representative, at the event, emphasised the critical role of enhanced partner collaboration in achieving Kenya’s ambitious malaria eradication goals.

He reiterated that with a focused effort in the fight against the scourge, Kenya has the potential to achieve zero malar
ia cases by 2030.

Dr. Otieno lamented over the grim reality that an estimated 3.5 million new clinical cases are recorded and 10,700 deaths occur due to malaria annually.

Source: Kenya News Agency