Day: May 27, 2024

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has embarked on the second round of public participation on the revised National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism (NSCVE).

Last November, NCTC launched a comprehensive nationwide exercise to gather insights and feedback from a broad spectrum of stakeholders including community leaders, civil society organizations, security experts and the general public.

The exercise aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current strategy that has been in place for the last seven years and to incorporate valuable perspectives.

Joseph Mureithi NCTC Official said the initial phase of consultations yielded significant input, informing the development of a draft document that seeks to address emerging threats, incorporate good practices and strengthen our collective resilience against violent extremism.

The second round of public participation is designed to present the draft document to the public for inputs, solicit feedback and to foster engagement.

NCTC today held a pub
lic participation with security teams and stakeholders from Mombasa, Kwale, Taita-Taveta, Kilifi, Lamu and Kwale counties.

‘We are here to engage the public and our partners about the ongoing review process for the NSCVE. It is part of the constitutional requirement to get public views,’ said Mureithi in Mombasa.

‘We had a strategy that has taken us through from 2016. It has come to a time to build on the lessons learnt, we need also to build on what we have achieved and improve on the ways we deal with Violent Extremism as a country,’ he added.

Mureithi noted that through the 2016 strategy they have been working in a collaborative and multi-agency set up and were able to reduce cases of VE in the country. The new strategy will make the country safer.

The reviewed NSCVE has been established to address issues related to gender, youth, inclusion and the need for male mentorship, the strategy is now anchored in the Constitution, Law and Policy.

The approach to monitoring and evaluation has been improved b
y providing clear outcomes that will serve as the units of measure for impact. The strategy has reorganized the pillars into working groups, transforming them from coordination mechanisms into delivery units.

Each working group will mobilize local actors and have clear outputs aligned with intended outcomes. It provides further clarity on violent extremism as defined by Prevention of Terrorism Act 2012, distinguishing it from other forms of crime.

The strategy also addresses the issues of resourcing and sustainability.

‘We have been working on building trust between the citizens and the security. We have been cooperating well. The fight against terrorism relies on the cooperation between security agencies and the public. We continue to encourage the strengthening of cooperation,’ said Mureithi.

The terrorism menace, he added, is not a government issue but a societal problem that needs the participation of all the people.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor urged residents to give views to improve th
e draft strategy to solve CVE challenges.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In Nakuru, a bustling city nestled in Kenya’s Rift Valley, the culinary landscape is as diverse as its people. Amidst the vibrant streets and lively markets, a culinary phenomenon thrives – the fast-food hawkers. These enterprising individuals, with their makeshift stalls and mobile carts, offer a tantalizing array of quick and delicious meals that have become an integral part of Nakuru’s culinary identity.

From savory samosas to succulent grilled meats, Nakuru’s fast food hawkers cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences, drawing inspiration from both local Kenyan cuisine and global culinary trends. Take Mama Jane Juma, for example, whose spicy chicken pilau has earned her a loyal following among Nakuru’s residents. ‘I learned the recipe from my grandmother,’ she says proudly, as she expertly stirs the fragrant rice in a large pot over an open flame. ‘It’s a family secret, passed down through generations,” she says.

Down the street, Peter Mbogo specializes in chapati wraps filled with a variety of f
illings, from classic beef to smokies. Known as ‘smocha’ in the local dialect, these chapati wraps are popular for their filling nature and convenience. Peter explains, ‘People can enjoy them on the go, whether they’re heading to work or exploring the town.’ His business thrives, especially in the evenings, as passersby stop to indulge in his flavourful creations.

Walking through Nakuru’s streets, the sights, sounds, and smells of the fast-food hawkers create an immersive culinary experience like no other. The aroma of sizzling meat mingling with the scent of freshly baked bread wafts through the air, enticing passersby to stop and sample the offerings.

For many fast-food hawkers in the city, their businesses represent more than just a means of making a living – they are a source of pride and empowerment. John Kamau, who sells grilled maize and sweet potatoes near the town centre, explains, ‘Being a hawker allows me to be my own boss and provide for my family. I take pride in offering quality food at afford
able prices, and seeing my customers enjoy their meals brings me joy.’

Indeed, the entrepreneurial spirit of Nakuru’s fast food hawkers is evident in their dedication to their craft and their commitment to providing excellent service to their customers. Despite facing challenges such as fluctuating food prices and limited access to resources, many hawkers are determined to succeed, using innovation and creativity to overcome obstacles.

In addition to providing delicious food and entrepreneurial opportunities, fast food hawkers play a vital role in supporting local communities and stimulating economic growth. By sourcing ingredients from local markets and suppliers, they contribute to the sustainability of Nakuru’s agricultural sector and help to create jobs and opportunities for small-scale producers.

Moreover, the affordability and accessibility of fast-food hawkers make them a popular choice for residents from all walks of life, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Whether it’s a schoolchild grabbin
g a snack on their way home or a busy office worker picking up lunch during their break, everyone can enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of Nakuru’s street food.

James Mutai, one of the hawkers, encourages the youth to engage in such small businesses as they require minimal capital. ‘Instead of idling around and blaming the government for unemployment, the youth need to be creative and start small businesses. This will help reduce unemployment rates in Kenya,’ he said.

At its core, Nakuru’s fast food hawker culture celebrates Kenya’s rich culinary heritage and showcases the creativity and ingenuity of its people. By preserving traditional recipes while embracing new flavours and influences, fast food hawkers contribute to the ongoing evolution of Kenyan cuisine, keeping it vibrant and dynamic for generations to come.

As the sun sets on another day in Nakuru, the aroma of sizzling meat and spices lingers in the air, a reminder of the vibrant street food scene that defines this dynamic town. For residen
ts and visitors alike, the fast-food hawkers of Nakuru offer not just a meal, but a gastronomic journey that captures the essence of Kenya’s culinary soul.

This expansion includes detailed descriptions of the various fast-food options available in the city, highlighting the diversity and richness of the culinary scene. Additionally, it emphasizes the economic and social impact of fast-food hawkers, portraying them as integral members of the local community. Furthermore, it explores the cultural significance of street food, illustrating how it reflects the city’s heritage and identity.

Apart from the street fast-food hawkers, there’s another dynamic group mostly composed of young women who carry food in baskets to offices, since a number of people prefer the convenience of eating at their desks.

The restaurant and hotel owners tried to protest using public health rules of food handling, but when they realized they were losing business they decided to join the fray. And, they employed extra staff to serve th
e customers who prefer to eat at the offices.

However, much as the current world encourages expediency and pragmatism, there’s a possibility that in future the government and other offices might be forced to fumigate to remove cockroaches and rats.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Hundreds of elderly people aged seventy years and above assembled at Tendere grounds in Gucha subcounty, Kisii County, marking a significant step in the government’s ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations through the Inua Jamii Scale-Up program.

This initiative, spearheaded by the State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, aims to provide monthly stipends to the elderly, ensuring they have the financial means to sustain themselves.

The event saw a substantial turnout of senior citizens, eager to open bank accounts necessary for receiving the Old Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) funds. According to Faith Kemunto, the Gucha sub county children officer, these newly registered individuals are expected to start receiving their funds from the beginning of July.

‘The people will be receiving monthly stipends of 2000 shillings from the beginning of the new financial year,’ Kemunto announced, bringing hope and relief to many elderly a
ttendees.

Kemunto also highlighted the parallel efforts being made to register orphans and people with disabilities (PWDs). ‘We are still continuing to register the orphans and people with disabilities, and so far, we have registered 1298 across the subcounty,’ she noted, adding that this registration drive involves enumerators visiting households to ensure no eligible person is left out.

The Subcounty Children’s officer emphasized that for registration, the beneficiaries must have the original National Identification Card for the elderly, and for the orphaned children, birth certificates and death certificates of their deceased parents.

‘We intend to ensure that all elderly people in the subcounty who have attained the set age benefit from the program fully,’ Kemunto stated, adding that the initiative is designed to supplement the support already provided to current recipients, expanding the reach and impact of the program.

The registration phase is set to run up to June 2024, after which the registered
individuals will start receiving their funds. Kemunto recommended banks that are easily accessible.

She stressed the importance of cooperation from beneficiaries in providing the required information to enumerators, with the assistance of local chiefs, to ensure the operation’s success.

Assistant Chief Timothy Onsongo shared insights into the challenges previously encountered during the registration process singling out people attempting to forge documents to meet the age requirement and the elderly arriving without the necessary documentation.

‘There is therefore a need for civic education,’ Onsongo remarked, underscoring the importance of public awareness in facilitating smooth registration.

Onsongo also pointed out the problem of age disparity among applicants, where the ages stated by applicants did not match government records. ‘Some of the beneficiaries do not have the identification cards necessary for the activity,’ he added. To address this, Onsongo suggested that age amendment could be made at t
he Registrar’s office upon providing sufficient evidence.

The event was marked by expressions of joy and anticipation among the elderly attendees with Mericella Nyambeki, a 72-year-old participant, sharing her excitement: ‘I am delighted that now, after opening a bank account, I will be able to receive the funds. I will be able to buy some household items and food to sustain me and my orphaned grandchildren, and if possible, pay school fees for them.’

Her sentiments were echoed by many others who praised the process for being simple, quick, and efficient.

A toll-free line 1533 was given to beneficiaries and or caregivers and members of the public to use to engage with the programme. The toll-free line operates from Monday to Friday between 8.00 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Protecting endangered species in Africa is crucial for maintaining bio-diversity and preserving the delicate balance of eco-systems.

Africa is known for iconic species such as African elephants, black rhinos, gravy zebra and lions.

In Kenya, these animals over the centuries have encountered numerous threats, including poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflicts.

But recently, owing to stringent laws protecting them, wildlife populations have increased significantly.

During this year’s wildlife environment day event, Lewa conservancy programs and partnership coordinator Mr John Kinoti confirmed wildlife populations have increased due to the measures put in place to protect them.

He attributed the positive trajectory to a combination of research, cut-edge technology and community engagement.

Meru sits intact in undiluted natural beauty, hosting wildlife species including elephants, gravy zebra and black and white rhinos.

Mr. Kinoti noted that the rhino sanctuary at the conservancy offers one of
the best rhinos viewing experiences in the world.

‘The sanctuary has twenty-four-hour surveillance by officers put in-charge to monitor the well-being of the rhinos.’

‘Through this effort and dedication, the rhino’s population is thriving and has increased by 38 percent over a five-year period,’ he said.

Additionally, Mr. Kinoti said that efforts to save more endangered wildlife species are also gaining momentum.

‘Through the five-year period, measures to protect the animals have been adhered to. The elephant population has increased and so far, Lewa hosts over 400 migratory elephants,’ he noted.

Mr Kinoti notified members of the public that the conservancy has monitored elephant numbers and poaching incidences and through this analysis they reduced resource-based conflicts resulting in a 12 percent increase in the elephant population, across Northern Kenya over the last five years.

‘The Lewa -Borana landscape is home to 11 percent of global population of the gravy zebra. Lewa wildlife conservancy works
with communities who live in close-quarters with these critical endangered species to ensure that they have good pasture and are not poached. Safeguarding these endangered species and the eco-system they inhabit has yielded good numbers of the gravy zebra over the last four years,’ the coordinator added.

‘Other endangered species are the large carnivores (lions, cheetahs, hyenas and leopards) and 488 registered birds.

Through collaboration with neighboring communities to prevent these species from extinction, Kinoti added, their numbers have increased rapidly.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Assembly’s proposed 2024/25 budget may lead to the absence of school feeding programme beneficiaries in Turkana.

Turkana County KNUT Secretary Peter Ewaat has decried the government’s intention to scrap off this Programme citing that most schools in Semi-Arid areas like Turkana depend mostly on food which triggers their interest for learning.

Ewaat said that pastoralists move in search of pasture and water with their children. The Feeding Programme therefore provides learners an avenue to be comfortable in any learning environment because their basic needs are well catered for.

According to Ewaat, removal of this programme may lead to an increase in school dropout cases because most families in Turkana have a problem providing basic meals to learners.

He pleaded that the government together with other stakeholders should help in funding the programme for sustainability of learners in schools.

The feeding Programme in Turkana and other Semi-arid areas is very important because it provides sui
table conditions for learners to finish their studies.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Igembe South sub-county have been urged to form groups to benefit from government funds amid rising cost of living and scarcity of employment opportunities.

Speaking to KNA, an Uwezo funds officer in Igembe south sub county Casty Murithi encouraged PWDs to register in groups to access government funds and grants for financial empowerment.

She noted that there are various government funds like Uwezo that aim at providing accessible financial support to women, youths and persons with disabilities to promote business growth.

Murithi maintained that forming a group is not only geared for financial support but also to foster mutual support and shared responsibility among the members.

She said that many PWDs were unaware of many opportunities available due to ignorance and lack of organization and such governments’ funds remain underutilized.

Murithi elaborated that government funds are available to eligible groups to provide financial support and promote economic independen
ce adding PWDS are an integral part of the society and should take advantage of the funds.

She further maintained that they offer training programs to registered groups to ensure efficiency of their projects.

The chairman of Maua disabled group David Gikundi issued a clarion call to 80 group members to utilize the funds to empower themselves economically.

He maintained that the Constitution of Kenya safeguards the interest of PWDs and thus urged all government departments to bring services closer to PWDs.

Source: Kenya News Agency