Day: May 13, 2024

The government is enhancing the surveillance capabilities at Port of Mombasa by strengthening the monitoring systems to check on compliance standards for documentation on mineral exports and imports as part of reforms aimed at eradicating smuggling of minerals through the busiest hub in the region.

Principal Secretary (PS) for State Department for Mining Elijah Mwangi termed the Mombasa Port as a critically strategic gateway in the region for investors in the mineral exportation and importation business; a fact that called for enhanced surveillance, monitoring and scrutiny to ensure the stringent compliance standards as prescribed by the Mining Act 2016 have been fulfilled.

Speaking in Mombasa County during an hours-long meeting with mining officials in the region over modalities of establishing robust mineral checks, the PS underscored the significance of appropriate documentation for minerals coming through and transiting through the port.

He stated that intensified vigilance by the mining officials was
one of the main guarantees Kenya had towards guarding herself against losing revenue through under-declaration or mis-declaration of minerals by unscrupulous traders who might smuggle their products through the port.

‘The port is a critical organ in the mineral export and import business for investors in this sector. Our main role and call are to confirm and authenticate the correctness and validity of the documents and verification issued to players in this sector before minerals leave or come in. We must establish if the investors have acquired the necessary paperwork to allow them export or import minerals,’ explained the PS.

Since the completion of the National Aerial Geo-Physical Survey that led to the discovery of 970 mineral occurrences in the country, Kenya has been positioning herself as an emerging powerhouse in mineral processing and trading in the region.

The subsequent discoveries of strategic minerals like Coltan, Nickel and Copper is seen as a pointer to the mining sector’s critical role in
bolstering transition to green energy and playing a pivotal role in the country’s economic transformation.

With the government establishing a robust framework for collecting levies and royalties from the mineral resources, the need for enhancing the capacity for monitoring the country’s entry and exit points to tighten controls on mineral trade becomes a necessity.

Data on mineral exports Kenya indicates the country’s ability to grow her export volumes significantly with minerals like Soda Ash, Titanium, Gold, Coal, Gemstones, Manganese Iron Ore, Silica sands, Gypsum and Diatomite showing potential to further bolster the export market.

In the 2022/23 financial year, Kenya’s mineral exports were at 5.9 percent with a total mineral export value of approximately Sh63 billion.

With the sector currently contributing one percent to the national GDP, the mining reforms are expected to increase the contribution to at least 10 percent.

That target, the PS stated, would be made possible through undertaking extensi
ve reforms to streamline the mining ecosystem from the extraction to exportation.

The creation of strong and elaborate regulatory structures is aimed at ridding the sector off illegalities including mineral smuggling, mis-declaration of minerals and under declaration of volumes at the port.

‘The government should receive its rightful share of revenue from mineral resources. We hold this resource in trust for Kenyans. Royalties paid go to the communities and counties and our duty is to make sure Kenyans get their revenue from minerals,’ he noted.

The 2022 Economic Survey projects that the mining sector is set to have exponential growth. In 2021, the total value of minerals produced in Kenya increased by 33 percent from Sh22.7 billion in 2020 to Sh30.2 billion in 2021.

The report also indicates that exports for minerals like Titanium and concentrates have been rising steadily over the years.

With the anticipation of opening up of the international market for several minerals including manganese, Kenya is e
xpected to experience a surge in mineral export-oriented businesses to meet the demand at the global market.

Additionally, with the growth and expansion of the East African Community (EAC) trading bloc to include mineral-rich countries like DRC, the Mombasa Port is expected to experience significant rise in export activities.

The move by the State Department to enhance surveillance at the port over mineral exports and imports has received backing from key stakeholders in the sector.

The Kenya Chambers of Mines leadership chair Dr. Patrick Kanyoro says such mineral surveillance should further be extended to all ports of entry in Kenya.

He states that smuggling takes many forms including trading without paying the royalties and wrongful declaration of minerals.

He adds that the State Department should work closely with the industry and relevant stakeholders to place self-regulating mechanisms to help manage smuggling in all forms.

‘Smuggling is not healthy for the economy. Because over regulation by means
of fees and levies might be counterproductive for the sector, the best way is to work with stakeholders to craft sustainable measures to curb smuggling and help the industry attain robust growth,’ he says.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In a bid to bolster environmental conservation efforts and combat climate change, the Kenyan government has unveiled plans to introduce a ground-breaking initiative requiring each tourist visiting the country to plant a tree.

The Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua unveiled the ambitious project, dubbed ‘One Tree per Tourist,’ during a tree planting event at Lumo Community Conservancy in Taita Taveta County.

He emphasized the initiative’s crucial role in achieving the government’s ambitious target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032.

Mutua highlighted that the initiative, conceived during high-level cabinet meetings at the State House, reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a green economy. ‘One Tree per Tourist’ aims to leverage the symbiotic relationship between tourism and environmental preservation, he said.

The implementation of the initiative will involve collaboration with various stakeholders in the tourism sector, including hotels and tourism agencies across the co
untry.

‘Those with hotels should have a plan where, when tourists arrive, they are given a tree seedling, make a hole, and plant a tree. We want a tree per tourist. If we get three million tourists at a minimum, we will have three million trees planted,’ he said.

Mutua underscored the significance of biodiversity and ecosystem preservation in sustaining the tourism industry.

Under the programme, upon arrival in Kenya, tourists will be entrusted with the responsibility of planting a tree in designated areas.

This hands-on approach not only engages tourists in conservation efforts but also empowers them to contribute directly to Kenya’s environmental sustainability goals.

For urban areas like Nairobi where hotels are in the CBD, the CS noted that tourism forests would be created where, upon arrival, tourists could be taken to plant trees.

According to Mutua, every Cabinet Secretary has been given a day to plant trees every month.

In a pledge to continue supporting Taita Taveta and Kitui County’s environm
ental efforts, Dr. Mutua announced plans to return every Thursday of the second week of the month for ongoing tree planting exercises as he further cemented the partnership between government officials and local communities in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.

‘Tree planting remains a continuous and pivotal exercise undertaken by the ministry to preserve the country’s ecosystem,’ Mutua reaffirmed, emphasizing the ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship.

The ‘One Tree per Tourist’ initiative signals Kenya’s proactive stance in addressing climate change and underscores the country’s dedication to sustainable tourism practices.

With tourism serving as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy, this innovative approach not only fosters environmental resilience but also enhances the tourism experience, promoting responsible travel for a greener future.

Echoing Dr. Mutua’s sentiments, Taita Taveta County Commissioner Josephine Onunga emphasized the significance of community involvement in conservation
efforts, stating the importance of working together to have a meaningful impact on the environment.

She added that ‘each tree planted today is a testament to our collective dedication towards preserving our natural heritage.’

Onunga stated that Taita Taveta County has a target to plant 5 million trees and to achieve that, every individual must participate in the tree-planting exercise.

‘Let’s work together. We will bring seedlings even to the villages. Whenever you need tree seedlings and you don’t have them, come to my office or make a phone call, and we will come with them,’ she said, urging the residents to also consider planting trees in their homesteads.

Governor Andrew Mwadime commended the community’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation, stating, ‘Today’s tree planting exercise is a testament to the proactive approach that Taita Taveta County is taking towards sustainability. Through collaborative efforts, we can transform our environment and create a greener, more resilient future.
‘

Source: Kenya News Agency

There was a slow start to re-opening of schools in Garissa and neighbouring Tana River counties as schools affected by floods sought alternative ways to ensure learning goes on uninterrupted.

According to Abdirizack Hussein, Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Garissa County Secretary General the situation in many schools affected by floods were ‘pathetic’.

‘We have about five schools in Garissa still flooded. Some of these schools are hosting IDPs,’ Abdirizak said.

Hyuga Girls Primary School is among schools in Garissa where classrooms have been turned into shelters by the IDPs.

Other schools hosting IDP include NEP national polytechnic, Kasuku, Jaribu and Young Muslims Primary schools in Garissa.

On Saturday, North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno said the government in conjunction with Kenya Red Cross would seek alternative sites for IDPs camping in the five institutions to ensure learning resumes today.

A spot check by KNA showed that not all the IDPs have moved out although learners tu
rned up for second term re-opening.

Hatata and Bakuyu Primary Schools in Tana River County have been forced to relocate their learners and teachers to the neighbouring schools.

‘We have decided as a school board to have learners coming from Garissa and those within Mororo to remain in Garissa town where a private school has offered us some classrooms,’ Omar Ramadhan, a board member said.

Bangale Deputy County Commissioner Joseph Kipkorir said affected learners have been settled at Garissa and Iftin Primary Schools for the time being.

‘The situation at Hatata Primary remains unchanged and we are having affected students accommodated in other schools, ‘Kipkorir said.

Students in Madogo area are being accommodated at Maramtu Primary School. Hatata Primary draws her population from Madogo, Adele, Mororo villages and Garissa town.

‘We have set up tents in the IDP camps to be used by learners displaced from Bakuyu Primary school,’ he added.

At Boul Argi, at least 320 learners have been relocated to an Islami
c Center where they started their second term learning.

‘The classrooms are flooded and it looks like it will take quite some time. We are using Islamic Madarasa for learning,’ the school head teacher Aden Ibrahim Bundit said adding that some teachers were yet to report as they were stuck in the flooded areas.

‘We have our teachers held up by floods on the other side of town. Only a few have reported,’ he said.

Several private schools in both Garissa and Madogo have asked parents to arrange for the boarding of their children.

‘We have two options. One includes hosting the affected learners within the schools or having parents ask their relatives on either side of floods to stay with their children in the meantime,’ Hassan Aden, a private school proprietor in Garissa town said.

On a normal day, school buses always pick students in Garissa and take them to private schools in Madogo and vice versa.

‘We have a few students who reported today because the majority of them come from Garissa but with the damage
d road, our buses cannot ferry them,’ Mr Irene Mwenda, a private school teacher in Madogo said.

The section of the Madogo-Mororo-Garissa road remains flooded for the third week with boats charging Shs 200 to ferry those travelling to either side.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCk), Upper Eastern Region, has called upon the government to intensify the provision of relief supply and emergency accommodation to families affected by floods, to alleviate their suffering.

Speaking during their 14th Regional Conference, comprising delegates from Tharaka Nithi, Meru, Isiolo, and Marsabit Counties, the Council led by its Chairman, Revered Dr Nicholas Nteere, said the affected persons were Kenyans and have the right to lead a dignified life.

‘It is with great sadness that this Regional Conference has taken time to pray for the families of the more than 250 Kenyans who have lost their lives in the ongoing flood disaster, as well as those who have been injured or otherwise physically affected by the floods.

‘While appreciating the efforts of the government to rescue those who have been marooned and those displaced, we call upon all Kenyans, to participate in assisting our brothers and sisters,’ said Dr Nteere.

He further called on the National an
d County governments, to develop clear and enforceable strategies to relocate citizens from locations at risk of flooding, since no Kenyan should be affected by flooding year after year.

On the issue of alcohol consumption, the Council noted that the residents of Upper Eastern counties, continue to suffer greatly from the ravages of alcohol, drug, and substance abuse.

‘What is of concern is that the government at both County and National levels seem powerless, to stop the production and sale of illicit brews and drugs.

The result of this lethargy by the government, is the destruction of lives of the youth and middle-aged men and women,’ said Dr Nteere.

‘Since government officials know who the producers and distributors of the illicit substances are, we demand that decisive action is taken against them without further delay,’ he stressed.

He noted that the cases of suspects being arrested and released in unclear circumstances should not be heard of again, since this is one of the setbacks in the fight aga
inst illicit brew manufacturing and consumption.

He also called upon the judiciary to ensure speedy prosecution of alcohol and drug-related cases urging it not to not agree to unnecessary delays, and but instead take action against any persons who interfere with witnesses.

He said the menace will only end when perpetrators are punished and seen to be punished.

‘On our part, we remain committed to preaching and counseling our people to reduce the demand for abuse of alcohol, drugs, and substances,’ said Dr Nteere.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has flagged off the asset verification process of the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) which is a pivotal step towards transitioning to Social Health Insurance (SHA).

Ministry of Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Susan Nakhumicha said that they have embarked on the verification of NHIF assets and liability to ensure that there is an effective transition to the Social Health Authority.

She said that the verification was in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA, one that does not disrupt service delivery to the people of Kenya.

She acknowledged that the transition must be seamless and that those under NHIF cover should not realize the change except for the improved service they receive.

‘The verification seeks to ascertain assets and liabilities held by the NHIF at the headquarters, branches, satellites and the various Huduma centres before handing over the key sources to SHA,’ she stated.

Speaking at Afya house in Nairobi on
Monday as she flagged off the exercise, Nakhumicha said that the verification seeks to ensure accountability and transparency as she urged the team to be committed so that the verification could be quick and effective.

The CS said that SHA would effectively run as from July 1, 2024 and the registration of households would commence in the month of May while she informed Kenyans that the NHIF is still active and working.

She urged the health service providers and facilities to continue providing services to Kenyans and reminded them that the MoH had begun the payments of the verified pending bills for NHIF following receipts of necessary funds from the Treasury.

Nakhumicha announced that the MoH would continue to settle all the legitimate claims in order to ensure that no Kenyan is denied health services.

She noted that Kenya has made health financing one of the key pillars for delivery of Universal Health coverage, adding that the government has enacted the Social Health Insurance Act and published the reg
ulations which establishes three funds including Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Healthcare insurance fund and Emergency Chronic Critical Illness Fund under the SHA umbrella.

The CS urged the stakeholders to play their role to ensure a seamless transition from NHIF to SHA in order to facilitate a timely transfer and initiation of service provision by SHA towards the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Source: Kenya News Agency

More than 700 Junior Secondary Schools teachers in Nyeri County have vowed to paralyze learning in Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) in the region until such a time when the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) will hire them on permanent and pensionable basis.

The intern teachers who held a demonstration in Nyeri Streets on Monday said that they would only report to the learning institutions after their employer, TSC, has issued them employment letters and compensated them for the 10 months they were underpaid.

‘We have asked our members to stay away from schools until TSC grants us audience and issues us letters indicating that they have hired us on permanent and pensionable terms like the courts ordered,’ said Purity Wangeci, the Chairperson, Kenya Junior Secondary Teachers Association (KEJUSTA), Nyeri.

The teachers also expressed their displeasure at the manner in which the government and the TSC was addressing the crisis.

According to Ms. Wangeci, the tutors are appalled that legislators were more versed w
ith their concerns as opposed to TSC which had taken a back seat.

They also wondered why TSC letters were being distributed by Members of Parliament and not by TSC.

‘We feel neglected and demeaned because of the TSC’s response to our issues. TSC is yet to invite JSS teachers or their union representatives to discuss the way forward. They promised to hire us in June last year but that turned out to be another empty promise,’ she said.

‘We are also surprised to see MPs dishing out letters and some are giving us direction that we will be hired in June this year with our employer keeping off from the matter instead of being on the forefront of defending us,’ she added.

Her sentiments were echoed by KEJUSTA’s organizing secretary Nyeri Peter Kinyua who said that the 900 JSS teachers in the county would only resume duty with a written agreement from their employer.

On his part, Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers Nyeri branch chairman Francis Wanjohi pleaded with TSC to honour the court order direct
ing the Teachers employer to hire the teachers.

He also warned of a possible collapse of the education system should the government urgently fail to address the issues.

Wanjohi blamed the government for rushing to implement a new curriculum without putting in place enough measures to address the human resource.

‘First their salary is a pittance compared to the amount of work that these teachers are receiving as a salary of Sh17, 000 not even enough to sustain them through a month. TSC should move with speed and hire them like the courts ordered and then compensate them for the months that they unfairly paid so that we do not disrupt learning in our schools,’ said Wanjohi.

Source: Kenya News Agency