Day: May 3, 2024

The Uasin Gishu County Disaster Management Committee has outlined key strategies to avert emergencies caused by floods across various parts of the county.

The Committee co-chaired by the two levels of government and other stakeholders like Kenya Red Cross held a sitting at the County Chambers, Eldoret, Uasin Gishu, on Friday morning to identify affected dams across the county in order to prevent damage to lives and property.

Speaking during a press briefing, Governor Jonathan Chelilim indicated that on Monday the county received flash floods in the area of Cheptiret, Kipchamo ward which displaced 72 households and property.

‘The County government together with the National government and other agencies is steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the county from the potential impacts of the floods,’ added the Governor.

He pointed out that the county is undertaking a series of proactive measures in collaboration with a multi-agency disaster preparedness team in response to the increasing risks posed by
increasing weather events and climate.

Dr Chelilim revealed that the committee formed other 6 sub committees to who were sent across the 6 sub counties of Moiben, Ainabkoi, Kapseret, Kesses, Soy and Turbo to conduct a comprehensive survey to map out rivers, dams and river embankments at risk of bursting or overflowing during the heavy ongoing rains.

‘The County has 278 dams and water pans, 28 have been identified which require immediate attention. Action plans on these dams include opening of spillways, expanding of existing spillways, opening and expanding of downstream drains, improving foot bridges on the identified dams,’ said the Governor.

Additionally, the county is also opening up clogged drainages at the Eldoret CBD, informal settlements and other identified areas across the county while at the same time working with educational institutions to identify school infrastructure affected by the floods before opening of schools.

He called on residents and parents to exercise caution and accompany schoo
l going children to and from school, while assisting them to cross streams and rivers and for possible protection in case of floods on the way.

‘We urge Schools not to release children during heavy rains and raising awareness to the members of the public through the support of the Kenya Red Cross, media and, the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAOs), churches and faith-based organizations on the risks posed by floods,’ noted Dr Chelilim

The county disaster management and response team have been put on high alert in case of an emergency and residents are urged to report through 0710646464 or dial 1199 for prompt action in case of an emergency.

Deputy Governor Eng John Barorot confirmed that they have deployed various machines including bulldozers, excavators and others with a budget covering 30,000 litres of fuel to strategic high-risk areas in order to ensure drainages are clear to allow flood water flowing without overflowing to the neighbourhoods causing further possible eventualities.

Cou
nty Commissioner Dr Eddyson Nyale affirmed the preparedness by the county multi agency on disaster management to ensure the ongoing floods do not pose threat to lives and property.

He called on the members of the community living around and blocking waterways to consider moving early to safer places before disaster strikes.

The CC acknowledged the role played by the media in terms of reporting incidents and educating the public on the risk of floods.

‘To the residents let us avoid floods, do not try water, it has its own strength, it has its own path, just avoid it by living 30 square meters away from the waters,’ noted Dr Nyale.

In his remarks Oscar Okumu North Rift Regional Coordinator for Kenya Redcross pointed out that the current situation requires quick action in order to prevent the risks posed by heavy downpour in the region.

He underscored that they are working together with the national, county government and other agencies to ensure preparedness and quick response in case of an emergency.

‘We
have activated our national warehouse to reposition its operations in Eldoret town just in case of eventualities. We have instructed all our ambulance volunteers to reach out to all communities living downstream in the need of moving to safer grounds,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The inter-religious council of Kenya (IRCK) has embarked on an initiative aimed at nurturing and developing children aged 0-3 years across the country.

By recognizing the pivotal role that religious leaders play in their communities, the council is empowering them to inform and educate society about the importance of nurturing early childhood development.

The council’s recent efforts in Siaya County, spearheaded by Advocacy Strategist and Development Specialist Judith Atieno, demonstrates the power of faith-based leaders in shaping a healthier future for Kenya’s youngest generation.

IRCK’s approach centers around training religious leaders from both Christian and Muslim faiths on the significance of nurturing early childhood development.

This collaboration aims to ensure that parents, especially mothers, are equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide optimal care to their children during the crucial first three years of life.

‘Religious leaders hold a deep connection with their communities and are
often trusted sources of guidance,’ Atieno explains.

‘By educating them on good nurturing practices, we empower them to support families in making informed choices for the health of their children and development. This initiative not only benefits children but also strengthens family bonds and societal cohesion.’

Mary Anyango, a mother of two from Gem Sub-county in Siaya, is one of many who have benefitted from IRCK’s initiative. She shares how the teachings provided by her local pastor have positively impacted her family’s nurturing practices.

‘Before attending sessions with my pastor, I didn’t understand how crucial exclusive breastfeeding was for my baby’s health and development,’ says Anyango. ‘I also learned about the importance of early stimulation for my baby, which has brought us closer as a family and helped my children thrive.’

One key aspect of IRCK’s initiative involves dispelling myths and misconceptions, such as men being reluctant to accompany their expectant wives to clinics.

By addressin
g these issues head-on, the council aims to ensure that both parents are actively involved in their children’s upbringing.

‘It’s essential to encourage fathers to participate in prenatal and postnatal care, as well as in early nurturing practices,’ Atieno explains. ‘By doing so, we strengthen the family unit and create a more supportive environment for children.’

A significant focus of the initiative is the advocacy of early stimulation and bonding, even while the child is still in the womb.

This practice fosters a deep emotional connection between parents and their unborn child, laying the foundation for healthy emotional and cognitive development.

Rose, a Catholic nun who has been part of IRCK’s program training religious leaders, shares a touching story about a couple she guided.

The expectant mother encouraged her baby’s father to caress her belly and talk to the baby, letting it hear his voice. Over time, the mother noticed that whenever the father returned home on his motorcycle from work, the baby
would get excited and move around in the womb.

‘The unborn child developed an ear for her father,’ Rose recounts. ‘The baby could recognize the sound of his motorcycle and the time he usually arrived home. This story is a testament to the power of positive nurturing and how it creates a bond even before the child is born.’

While the initiative has been well-received in many communities within Siaya County, there are challenges to overcome, particularly in some areas where cultural beliefs may hinder progress.

Atieno acknowledges that some men, particularly in the dominantly Luo community, may remain apprehensive due to certain long-held beliefs.

Nevertheless, IRCK’s efforts are gradually changing mindsets. Through educational workshops and community dialogues, the council aims to promote understanding and acceptance of new practices that benefit both children and their families.

Despite resistance in some areas, there is a growing recognition of the importance of bridging traditional practices with conte
mporary child-rearing strategies. Atieno notes that the council’s efforts are showing promising results.

‘Our goal is not to discard cultural traditions but to help communities adapt them in ways that promote the well-being of children,’ she explains.

‘By working with local religious leaders, we can bridge the gap between tradition and progress, ensuring that families benefit from modern nurturing practices while respecting their cultural heritage.’

The collaboration between IRCK and religious leaders across various faiths is paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya’s youngest citizens.

As the initiative continues to expand its reach, more families will benefit from the teachings on nurturing and early childhood development.

By empowering religious leaders to share vital information and dispel myths, IRCK is fostering a community that prioritizes the health and development of its children. This collective effort is not only changing the lives of individual families but also shaping a healthier and
more harmonious society.

As Siaya County continues to embrace IRCK’s teachings, it sets an example for other regions across Kenya. With the support of religious leaders, communities are witnessing the transformative power of nurturing practices in the lives of their children, ensuring a future of hope and opportunity for generations to come.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Mombasa County Disaster Preparedness Management and Mitigation Committee has advised area residents to be vigilant in the wake of the weatherman’s prediction of Cyclone Hidaya.

Thursday, the Cabinet was briefed on the weather forecast for the next three months and noted that Cyclone Hidaya is expected to hit the coastal region.

It will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that might affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean.

The cyclone travelling at a speed of 40 nautical miles per hour was expected to arrive at Kenya’s waters Friday at 3 am.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Transport and Infrastructure Daniel Manyala said they are putting in place safety measures and are discussing response mechanisms in the period of extreme weather.

The department and the Red Cross have been tasked to prepare a Mombasa Disaster Management Contingency Plan. The committee has put measures for seamless delivery of essential services.

‘The committee took note of the weather forecast tha
t indicated that the Coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya which will result in unprecedented heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds across the coastal strip,’ said CECM Manyala.

He added that the committee has flagged an increased risk of flooding that is expected in low-lying areas as well as flash floods, landslides, mudslides and the collapsing of walls, trees, and buildings.

‘The general public is hereby advised to exercise caution and increased vigilance. We urge the residents of Mombasa to avoid taking unnecessary risks and limit activities adjacent to water bodies,’ stated CECM Manyala.

Those living on river beds were urged to move to higher grounds, and constructors were ordered to exercise a high degree of safety and to take care of falling objects while fishermen and beachgoers to be vigilant.

Mapping of flood-prone areas is ongoing with Kalahari, Kwa Shee, Kashani, and Dimbwini areas identified as high-risk areas.

Unclogging of drainage continues unabated across the coun
ty and an emergency storm water drainage and county fire and rescue teams are on standby to deal with any eventuality.

The county has assembled eight active fire engines, one rescue truck for high-rising rescue services, a shovel, a grader and 21 submersible pumps.

‘Our Sirikali Mtaani infrastructure has been put in place and first responders have been activated up to the ward level. We will activate the responders up to the village level so that they are where the incidents happen,’ stated Manyala.

In case of flooding, Mombasa residents are urged to call 0738222555 for immediate response.

Red Cross Coordinator Aisha Hussein said they have been conducting a door-to-door sensitisation of the community and have activated Community Disaster Committees.

Hussein revealed that the Coastal City is not out of the woods as 186 have been affected by the raging rains with only four displaced and hosted by their relatives.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) through its KEPSA Foundation has committed to provide assistance to the affected communities during the on-going floods.

The Foundation will aid the victims through the Private Sector flood Response Initiative that is being implemented with KEPSA members, development partners and the government.

KEPSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Carole Kariuki said the Alliance recognises the urgent need for coordinated action to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities and aims to reach at least 10,000 households gravely affected and displaced by the floods.

‘KEPSA Foundation has issued a rallying call to mobilise private sector support for donations towards this cause under the Private Sector Flood Response initiative,’ said the CEO, while singling out government ministries, non-profit organisations and local communities as among its partners.

Under the Initiative, KEPSA foundation on Thursday commenced the distribution of food and non-food items in Kibera communi
ty and today Friday and tomorrow Saturday it will undertake the exercise in other affected areas in Nairobi among them, Githurai, Mukuru and Mathare.

The items being distributed were donated by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and Chandaria Foundation, which has provided 14 trucks of 400 bales each of assorted food. Chandaria has also pledged medical supplies worth Sh300,000 for a free medical camp in Mai Mahiu in partnership with Asian Foundation.

The distribution is being done in partnership with SHOFCO, Mama Doing Good, Global Peace Foundation and Team Pankaj Foundation. Team Pankaj Foundation provided 16,300 mattresses, 4,000 relief food hampers, 16,000 cups and plates, 16,000 blankets and clothing items.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, KEPSA noted that it remains steadfast in leveraging its resources and expertise to support the government’s relief and recovery efforts in coordination with the National Committee on Disaster Response.

The support effort initiative coincides with
the private sector’s call to develop sustainable and localised solutions, such as implementing comprehensive zoning regulations to prevent construction in flood prone areas, investing in sustainable drainage systems and flood barriers and promoting afforestation, reforestation to enhance natural water retention and reduce soil erosion to enhance resilience to climate change.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) marked the 31st World Press Day by convening journalists to discuss the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

This year’s theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis’ was highlighted throughout the event by various stakeholders.

Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said this year’s commemoration underscores the critical role of journalism in conservation adding that it points to the need to amplify every voice at the forefront of environmental advocacy and reporting.

‘In Kenya, where environmental issues like floods demand attention, the media’s role in galvanising action is paramount,’ Omwoyo said.

Media Owners Kenya Chairperson Agnes Kalekye stated that a free and independent press played a vital force in the fight against environmental degradation and was a catalyst for change.

‘The role of journalism in shaping public discourse is relev
ant to the crisis we are facing now. Environmental crises pose significant challenges and opportunities for journalism, shaping the way news organisations cover, prioritise and respond to environmental issues,’ Kalekye said.

Speaking at the event, Dagoretti Member of Parliament and chairman of the Committee on Communication Information and Innovation John Kiarie said that the National Assembly was creating a conducive environment for media sustainability and urged the media to come up with strategies that would shape the future of the media in the country.

‘The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting journalists, ensuring accountability for attacks against journalists and creating mechanisms for legal recourse in cases of violations of press freedom,’ Kiarie said.

World Press Freedom Day was declared on May 3 by The United Nations General Assembly. It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to fr
eedom of expression as enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Over 1, 000 ailing Weitethie residents in Juja Subcounty have thronged an eye clinic camp at Zetech University, Mang’u campus to at least access medical care amidst the ongoing strike by medics.

The residents took advantage of the exercise organised by the university and other stakeholders to at least access medical services for other ailments following weeks of suffering at their homes due to lack of treatment.

Zetech Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna said they had targeted to have at least 300 people but over 1,000 flocked their institution something she attributes to the effects of the ongoing strike.

While calling for a truce between striking doctors and the government to end the strike, Prof Njuguna said the high turnout at the camp shows that many ailing Kenyans are suffering in their homes for lack of treatment.

She said many area residents live below the poverty line and could not afford treatment in private hospitals thus a dire need for more free medical camps.

The exercise was adminis
tered by the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, and the Christian Blind Mission, at the institution’s Mang’u Technology Park.

According to statistics by the Christian Blind Mission’s Vision Impact Project, more than 7.5million Kenyans are in need of eye care services.

This is despite only 1.6 million people being able to avail themselves for these crucial services.

Juja Sub County Public Health Officer Anne Mwangi said eye sight challenges need to be addressed through regular screening.

She called on the youth to avoid exposing themselves to intense light especially on their mobile phones and television as a preventive measure.

Ms Mwangi however acknowledged systemic challenges, including workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and inadequate financing, which have historically marginalised those in need of eye care.

Residents welcomed the initiative saying they at least got to understand their health better.

Source: Kenya News Agency