Day: May 27, 2024

The multi-billion shillings Arror and Kimwarer dams that are envisioned to solve water shortage in the drought-prone Kerio Valley region will soon be relaunched.

Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) board chairman Mark Chesergon said they are in the process of developing an implementation road map for the mega-dam projects.

Chesergon, who did not specify the exact period that the Sh63 billion irrigation and hydroelectric projects would commence said the Cabinet had approved the jump-starting of the implementation of the dams in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

‘The Cabinet has approved the settlement agreement for the resumption of the Arror and Kimwarer dams and as an authority we have developed a roadmap that will see the launch of its implementation once we are ready,’ said the board chair.

The chairman made the remarks when he led the KVDA board, management, and other stakeholders in a tree planting exercise where assorted tree and fruit seedlings numbering 200,000 were distributed and planted in Chepyor,
in Keiyo North sub-county.

Following a meeting between President William Rutto and his Italian counterpart Sergio Mattarella in March 2023, the President announced that Kenya agreed with Italy on the resumption of the two stalled projects.

Senior government officials have since been visiting the sites where the mega dams are proposed to be built.

The chairman added that KVDA was also implementing several other water and irrigation projects across their areas of operation. ‘KVDA is also sustaining Kamsiwet and Chepkum irrigation projects in Elgeyo Marakwet, Weiwei in West Pokot, and Napuu in Turkana counties among others,’ he announced adding that the Authority was also starting a new irrigation project in Samburu.

In his remarks, KVDA Managing Director Sammy Naporos said the Authority was committing Sh700 million received from the National Government for conservation of water pans and planting assorted tree and fruit seedlings across Kerio Valley region.

Naporos said eight water pan projects in Elgeyo Ma
rakwet, West Pokot, and Baringo counties were at different stages of implementation.

He said a number of the water pans and small dams had harvested adequate amounts of rainwater during the ongoing rains experienced in the region. ‘Fifty percent of the water pans and small dams are complete and have harvested rainwater. These are long-term projects aimed at ensuring constant supply of water,’ he said.

He added that KVDA has established several mega nurseries each with more than 300,000 assorted tree and fruit seedlings in West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet where members of the community can easily access the seedlings.

The MD however assured that the ongoing heavy rains had not damaged the irrigation projects undertaken by KVDA in Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Baringo, and Turkana counties.

He also announced that KVDA has been licensed to produce coffee seedlings, and in the next one year, it plans to produce one million coffee seedlings to be planted along the 70-kilometer Spen
cer line from Eldama Ravine in Baringo County to Embobut in Elgeyo Marakwet that has been adversely affected due to environmental degradation caused by changing land use systems.

‘The destruction of the Spencer line over time along the hanging valley has caused massive environmental degradation leading to land and mudslides during the heavy rains,’ said the MD.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nandi South’s organised youth groups have implemented empowerment programmes, leading to a significant reduction in cattle rustling.

John Kiplimo Keter, brainchild of bringing households together, says youths who engage in cattle rustling along neighbouring counties forced him and few of his friends to come up with proposals on how they can engage them constructively.

The initiative aims to end cattle rustling and tribal conflicts by requiring every family to own livestock through a merry-go-round initiative in Vihiga, Kisumu, and Nandi.

Meanwhile, Nunua Ng’ombe, kuku na Kondoo groups that loosely translated as ‘buying cattle, chickens and sheep’ has now gained trust among local leadership as the only hope for abandoning cattle rustling activities among residents living along the remote Nandi escarpments.

Keter said that the group was just a village group that started as youth’s empowerment in 2020. ‘We were only ten members representing every family, and we contributed money to buy livestock and after on
e year each household owned a cow and people borrowed the idea,’ he narrated.

He remembers how a group started simply as a model of table-banking and the residents in the larger Bonjoge division embraced the initiative now Kereri, Kenyor, Kapkembu and Chemburu villages have registered with the program.

He revealed that over 250 households have registered with the welfare policy that has enhanced security and brotherhood among the locals. Hence, Keter, the initiative’s founder, has supplied 150 livestock to those without cows, sheep, and chickens, and the committee will ensure their sustainability for production standards and income generation.

Recently at Kereri Primary School in Nandi South attended by close 600 residents witnessed distribution of livestock among families. Whereas, fifteen groups were sharing 70 cows, 300 chickens and 50 sheep which have been bought for the last six months.

The families considered vulnerable were gifted with the livestock to kick start dairy and poultry farming to better
their living standard. ‘We had no roads to access the villages in the cliffs and the youths engaged in animal theft, a retrogressive cultural practice to get dowry. They could cross the border to Vihiga and Kisumu and drive cows from their families,’ Eliud Chesire, a retired teacher remembers

He said close to a decade ago, community clashes hindered development in the community and children were not going to school due lack of school fees.

‘We organised training on animal husbandry to locals to equip them with dairy farming skills. And we are looking forward to mobilizing more members to join community groups to participate in diverse training in farming that is the major economic activity in the region,’ he stated.

Barack Abiyo, the assistant chief for Aldai Division confirmed that the community development has advanced cohesion in the region and neighboring communities. ‘We have realized economic empowerment and education has greatly eradicated vices that destabilized the area, and the nyumba kumi repres
entatives have been spearheading the program to also rid out illicit brews in the villages,’ he said.

Cattle rustling is one of the retrogressive cultural practices that have been the cause of insecurity in some parts of the North Rift region in Kenya.

It has cost the government of Kenya millions of money deploying police and initiating development infrastructure in a bid to quell banditry-stricken regions.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Resident of Nyatike Constituency in Migori County will soon smile all the way to a modern Market whose construction kicked-off Sunday at Nyakweri trading Centre.

The Market to be put up under the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP) programme at a cost of Sh55 million, is mainly targeted to promote the fast-growing trade in Pishori rice, that is widely grown within the lower Kuja Irrigation scheme in Nyatike Sub County.

While presiding over the ground breaking of the project, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, described the forth coming facility as bringing a significant milestone for the population residing in a very remote part of the County.

He explained that the project is set to transform the local economy and boost the livelihoods of many of the residents in regards to income from the huge financial transactions that would happen within and around the structure.

The new market is expected to accommodate up to 1,000 traders upon completion in six months’ time.

The one-story building shall have amongst other fa
cilities an ATM, Mother’s breast feeding Room, Social Hall, Cold Rooms, ICT Hub and Modern Toilets.

Dr Ayacko expressed his gratitude to the family of Mzee Sije Balaa for donating the land for the market.

‘I urge others to emulate this noble gesture,’ he said.

He further explained that while the market is largely funded by the national government, the construction is overseen by the county administration.

The county is committed to shared prosperity for all its people, Governor Ayacko declared.

The County boss mentioned similar projects in Rongo, Uriri and Suna East constituencies and, hinted of plans to expand market constructions across the county.

However, he challenged the local community to maintain peace for the market to succeed in benefiting them while urging those with stalls to lease them if they lack stock to sell.

Encouraging a vibrant business environment, Governor Ayacko advised locals to promote the market by engaging in diverse trades that can attract people from far and wide.

‘Identif
y a unique product that can draw people to this market,’ he suggested.

The governor also announced plans to develop Ong’er Market, known for its cattle trade, and ordered the county chief officer of finance, Andrew Mwera, to resolve any outstanding issues with the landowners by Monday, the 27th.

He assured that the county would assist landowners in processing land succession.

Emphasizing the significance of unity, the governor called on all leaders in Migori, particularly local MPs, to collaborate with him to fulfill their promises to the people.

‘We must work together to deliver on our pledges,’ he urged.

Speaking at the same event, Nyatike Member of Parliament Tom Odege urged the youth to seize the opportunity and take up contracts to help build the market.

Odege stated that Modern markets play pivotal roles in boosting local economies and enhancing the quality of life for local communities.

He added that the market will provide surrounding farmers and traders with the necessary infrastructure to sel
l and buy necesary farm inputs and outputs and ensuring efficient delivery of their produce to customers.

The MP noted that the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme that has overtime been a source of pishori rice and other rice by-products will greatly benefit by having adequate warehouse within the market.

He emphasised the importance of good cooperation with the local government and criticized those who always fight the governor, accusing him of doing nothing in terms of development

‘Let’s work with the governor instead of abusing him on social media platforms,’ he said.

Highlighting the county’s commitment to improving local infrastructure, MP Odege noted that a borehole has been dug at Nyakweri Girls, and five security lights have been installed across five trading centers, courtesy of the county government.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The government has rolled out plans to support poets monetise their content.

Youth Affairs, Sports and the Arts Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba said Poetic work will be recognized as part of creative arts opening up opportunities for thousands of poets across the country to earn from their content.

His ministry, he said was in the process of formulating policies to support poets and other creatives through the Talanta Hela Initiative.

Speaking in Kisumu during the East Africa Poetic Hour Battle 2024 edition, the CS said the policies will support the identification, monitoring and nurturing of talents in poetry for sustainable livelihoods.

‘We want when you are here entertaining people and enjoying yourselves you also make a living out of it,’ he said.

‘For those creatives who are making this an area of speciality I want to assure you that my ministry which is in charge of creative arts is your home,’ he added.

Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o said poetry plays a critical role in documenting the hist
ory and life of a people and must be supported for posterity.

‘Poetry is a granary of the history and life of the people. They do this in short verses but within one verse you learn alot,’ he said.

The poetic battle organised by Talent Industry, brought together poets from East Africa to showcase their talent and assert the role of poetry in shaping the society.

Talent Industry Managing Director (MD) Godfrey Emoja said the theme of the battle ‘online misinformation’ was in line with the current trends in the region following the liberalisation of airwaves and penetration of the Internet.

Emoja said poetry was part of the creative industry, lauding the government for declaring support to help poets and artists monetise their content.

‘The recognition of poetry as a form of employment is something we have all been praying for and finally it is happening,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Early Childhood and Development Education (ECDE) teachers in Elgeyo Marakwet County have been awarded a significant pay rise.

The salary adjustment, affecting teachers across three job groups, was announced during Governor Wisley Rotich’s recent State of the County address at the county assembly.

The governor outlined that the salaries for ECDE teachers will increase by Sh4000 per grade.

‘To motivate our teachers, we have adjusted their salaries by Sh4, 000, ensuring that the first, second, and third cohorts earn Sh18, 000, Sh16, 000, and Sh14, 000 respectively,’ Governor Rotich stated.

Governor Rotich emphasised the critical role ECDE teachers play in laying the educational foundation for the county’s children.

He revealed that there are plans to confirm more teachers and further increase their pay by a similar amount in the next financial year.

‘In the financial year 2024/2025, we will increase their take-home pay by another Sh4, 000,’ he announced, urging the county assembly members to support the fo
rthcoming bill to facilitate these changes.

In addition to the pay rise, the governor highlighted other investments in education within the county.

He noted that the county has distributed Sh15 million as capitation to ECDE centres across nine wards.

This funding is aimed at facilitating the operations of these units, including supporting school feeding programmes designed to attract and retain young learners while supplementing their diets.

Governor Rotich also spoke about the progress in technical education, noting a substantial increase in enrollment at Vocational Training Centres.

‘The population in these institutions is now at 3,800, up from 1,800 in 2022,’ he said.

This growth is attributed to the county’s strategic plan to provide practical skills to the youth.

Furthermore, the governor highlighted the success of the student airlift programme, dubbed ‘Pepea,’ which has sent more than 100 students abroad to various universities and colleges.

‘Under the airlift programme Pepea, we have managed to
send over 100 students abroad to various colleges and universities. These include students who have fully secured athletics and academic scholarships in the USA and Canada,’ Governor Rotich remarked.

Governor Rotich noted that the initiatives by his administration underscore a comprehensive approach to improving education at all levels in Elgeyo Marakwet County, ensuring that both young children and older students have access to quality education and opportunities for advancement.

Source: Kenya News Agency

A consortium of single mothers, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and the youth have partnered to augment the government tree growing initiative through mangrove ecosystem conservation in Dongu Kundu.

The mangrove ecosystem in Dongo Kundu was adversely affected by the construction of the Sh22 billion Dongo Kundu bypass which entails the construction of bridges and a viaduct and the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in a 3000-acre land.

The environmentalists brave the muddy waters below the Mteza Bridge which is 97.6 per cent complete to plant 2500 mangrove propagules (seedlings).

Faith Mureithi, Chairlady Nyumba ya Mumbi Women Dancers, a group that promotes the national heritage and Kikuyu heritage through dances said they have heeded the President’s call for organisations to join hands with the government in tree growing.

‘We have borne the brunt of climate change. We have witnessed adverse effects of sun during sunny days and if it is rain it causes devastating effects as witnessed recently
where many people lost their lives and properties,’ said Mureithi.

‘We have decided to unite and plant trees. Tree planting has enormous benefits especially these mangroves that prevent soil erosion by controlling the force of sea waves, it is also the breeding ground for fishes, provides a clean environment, and the local community also produces honey as an income generating venture,’ she added.

The groups lauded the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) for supporting the tree planting exercise encouraging other organisations to follow suit. ‘By the end of the year, we are targeting to plant 10,000 trees. If we get the necessary support we will make our county beautiful,’ said Mureithi.

Josphat Msungu, Representative of PWDs said the Head of State directive on tree growing was clear and appealed to organisations spearheading the tree-growing campaign not to leave behind PWDs as they too want to be involved in government programmes.

‘As albinos, we rely on trees for our survival because the scorching sun affects o
ur skin making us vulnerable to skin cancer. Tree growing is important to us and we must partake in the exercise,’ said Msungu.

Evans Momanyi said in the degraded site below the Mtenza Bridge they have so far managed to plant 75,000 mangroves. ‘Today we have planted 2500 mangroves. From here we will be moving to Kaya Bombo, Mwakuzimu, Magoda and KSG. We aim to augment government efforts in tree growing,’ said Momanyi.

Momanyi called on the Mombasa County Government to support groups involved in marine ecosystem conservation. He also advised Dongo Kundu residents to prudently use the land compensation they will get from the government to improve their livelihoods.

Salim Madizi, an Organizing Secretary of Hatuchoki Dongo Kundu Self Help Group that has been planting mangroves in degraded areas as a result of the construction of the bypass promised to protect all the mangroves that will be planted in the area.

The trees, he said, will mitigate the effects of industrial pollution from the factories that will b
e set up in the 3000-acre Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone (SEZ). ‘Mangroves play a pivotal role in carbon sequestration. We want to plant mangroves around the SEZ to protect ourselves from the industries,’ said Madizi.

The group was contracted to plant trees by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) along the Dongo Kundu bypass. Meanwhile, on his part, Moses Masoria urged Kenyans to make tree planting a routine exercise and not to wait for a national holiday.

To realise the 15 billion target by 2032 to mitigate against the adverse effects of climate change, and create adaptation and resilience among Kenyans, he encourages Kenyans to accelerate tree planting. Hence, Hamadi Dende Village Elder vowed to ensure the mangroves are protected and will not be destroyed.

Rose Gitonga, United Single Parents urged the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) to take stern action against factories that release harmful industrial waste to the sea endangering the marine ecosystem.

Source: Kenya News Age
ncy