Call For Concerted Effort In Addressing The Triple Threat


Njoro legislator, Charity Kathambi has affirmed her commitment towards tackling the worrying trends of triple threat posed by new HIV infections, teen pregnancies and Gender-Based Violence calling for synergy with other stakeholders in a bid to end the menace in the community.

Speaking to locals at St Joseph Catholic church in Njoro during an event that was also attended by the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) team, Kathambi observed that there was need to mobilize many stakeholders and accelerate effort towards eliminating these vices that bring about the existence of the triple threat.

‘We cannot afford to sit comfortably when the lives of our young boys and girls are ruined by vices we can prevent. Time has come for us to stand up, transform commitments to action and say no to the TRIPLE THREAT!” stated Kathambi.

She further pointed out on the need of having a bold, innovative spirit and dedication to move beyond the comfort zones and dare to do things differently for better results of
having a HIV-free generation.

The locals, clergy among others present at the event were encouraged to create awareness of the three vices to effectively combat the challenges arising from this adding that the adolescents and the youths will be empowered to assist in sharing the information amongst their peers.

‘We also call for uninterrupted education with a view to prepare young women make meaningful contribution to the economy and be ambassadors of change in this fight,’ added the legislator.

NSDCC CEO, Dr Ruth Laibon Masha who noted the detrimental impact of the TRIPLE THREAT on effort to end the spread of HIV urging the locals to adhere to the HIV prevention interventions that will go a long way in reducing the prevalence rate.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kaplong Boys Clinch Victory In Kaplong Sub-Zonal Secondary School Games


Kaplong Boys High School emerged victorious in the recently concluded Kaplong sub-zonal secondary schools term two ‘B’ games held at Kaplong Primary School playground in Bomet County.

The school showcased exceptional prowess across various disciplines, securing wins in football, volleyball, basketball 3×3, 7-aside rugby, and racquet games.

In a thrilling football final, Kaplong Boys High School, the reigning champions of Bomet County, staged a remarkable comeback against a resilient Chepkosiom Secondary School, securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Chepkosiom’s Dennis Kipyegon opened the scoring with a free kick in the 20th minute, but Jackson Saitoti equalized for Kaplong Boys ten minutes later.

The home team, cheered on by chief principal Mike Yator and enthusiastic supporters, sealed the win with a decisive penalty kick converted by prolific striker Dennis Mogaka.

Kaplong Boys’ dominance extended to volleyball, where they dethroned Sotik sub-county champions Kapcholyo High School with a commanding 3-0 v
ictory.

Similarly, in the girls’ category, Kaplong Girls Secondary School asserted their dominance, securing the title after accumulating the maximum points in a round-robin format.

In basketball 3×3 and 7-aside rugby, Kaplong Boys faced no challengers and proceeded directly to the zonal games.

Meanwhile, in indoor games, the school demonstrated prowess in table tennis, badminton, and lawn tennis, qualifying all players for the next level of competition.

Expressing his pride in the teams’ performance, chief principal Mike Yator commended the players for their skill and discipline throughout the tournament, emphasizing the elevated standard of play witnessed during the event.

‘My teams have showcased exceptional talent from the onset and maintained exemplary discipline throughout the tournament,’ said Yator.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Reuben Njoroge To Represent Nyeri In South Africa’s Comrade Marathon


A 37-years-old marathoner representing Nyeri County is scheduled to jet out of the country this week on Thursday to Durban, South Africa for the ultra-marathon which will be held on Sunday June 9, this year.

Reuben Njoroge will travel to South Africa this week where he will participate in the comrade’s marathon scheduled from 6.30 am to 6.30 pm (S.A time).

The comrade’s marathon is an ultra-marathon of approximately 88 kilometres which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultra-marathon race.

Njoroge was the winner of last year’s 4th edition of the mountain to mountain ultra-marathon which started at Mt Kenya – Naromoru gate to Aberdare Wandare gate covering 80 kilometres.

While receiving the Nyeri official flag from Nyeri deputy governor David Kinaniri on behalf of Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, the marathoner at the same time thanked the Deputy Governor, Nyeri Governor, the Gender, Youth and
Sports CECM Esther Ndung’u, the County Government of Nyeri and other stakeholders for the sponsorship of the forthcoming marathon and promised to shine during the race and bring home medals.

The sponsor has paid the registration fee, air ticket, and full accommodation for the five days he will be in South Africa.

Speaking during the function Kinaniri wished the champion all the best and encouraged other young people to emulate Njoroge saying that every dream can come true and be a winner just like this of Njoroge.

He also encouraged the youth to shun drugs and engage in athletics to earn income and improve their health.

Having participated in the two oceans marathon held in Cape Town in South Africa in April, Njoroge is optimistic for a win this time since he is conversant with the weather and the area. During the race, he emerged as no. 34 out of over 3,000 participants.

‘This is a dream come true for me being one of the participants. I have trained well enough. I will perform well. I will do my best. I
won’t let down my sponsors.’ said Njoroge.

This comes as preparation for the 5th edition of the mountain to mountain ultra-marathon kicked off in Nyeri County. The 80km marathon from Mt Kenya- Naromoru gate to Aberdare Wandare gate seeks to raise awareness on the protection of water towers to mitigate climate change and promote regular exercise for good health and tourism in Nyeri County.

Chief Officer Joe Gethi department of gender, youth, sports and social Services, the Urban Swara running club led by the Chairman Anthony Kiai among others were also present during the presentation of the flag outside the Nyeri governor’s office.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Junior Starlets Gear Up For Crucial FIFA U17 World Cup Qualifier Against Burundi


Kenya’s national junior girls football team, Junior Starlets intensified their preparations on Monday at the Dandora Stadium ahead of the fourth and final round of the 2024 FIFA U17 World Cup two-legged qualifier against Burundi

They begin with the first leg in Ethiopia on Sunday, June 9, 2024, followed by the second leg at home on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Junior Starlets midfielder Halima Imbachi expressed her excitement and determination as the team looks to make history.

‘The opportunity to qualify for the World Cup is immense for our careers,’ she said. ‘The scouting opportunities are immense, and it will be a game-changer for both my life and my family.’

Defender Lorine Ilavonga echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming matches. ‘This is a coveted chance, and I am not planning on wasting it,’ Ilavonga stated. ‘Representing the Kenyan flag means everything to us. The team is completely focused on this final match against Burundi; it’s all we talk about, and we are all aligned
on the focus of having a positive result.’

They are set to travel to Ethiopia on June 7, 2024, for the first leg of the qualifier on June 9, 2024 at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, and will return to Kenya on June 10, 2024, to continue their preparations for the second leg, scheduled for June 16, 2024.

After the two legs, the winner of the tie on aggregate will secure an automatic qualification to the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in October, to be held in the Dominican Republic.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Charlene Ruto Donates Shoes To 3000 Pupils In Her Zero Barefoot Campaign


More than 3000 pupils drawn from twenty primary schools in Mutomo and Ikutha Sub-Counties in Kitui County have received shoes courtesy of the Zero Barefoot Campaign, which is spearheaded by Charlene Ruto, the daughter of President William Ruto.

Charlene who was accompanied by a team of employees of the Zero Barefoot Campaign said the shoes distribution exercise targeted 20 Primary Schools in the area, and that the campaign is set to benefit needier pupils in other schools across the county.

The communities around the schools also benefited from food aid from the Ministry of East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development.

The shoes distribution event exercise held at Itumba Primary School in Mutomo Sub County was also graced by Peninah Malonza, Cabinet Secretary for East African Community, ASALs and Regional Development, Kitui South MP Dr Rachael Kaki, Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto, Members of County Assembly (MCA) among other local leaders.

During the event, CS Malonza underscored the n
eed for unity among leaders in order to foster faster development and social cohesion.

CS Malonza and MP Dr Kaki agreed to work together in unity and harmony for the welfare of the area.

She said the Ministry of EAC, ASALs and Regional Development had initiated myriad initiatives towards East African Community integration as well as initiating community resilience and development projects in 24 arid and semi-arid Counties in Kenya.

She called on some local leaders to support the ongoing distribution of government food aid to local needy families, noting that it was a critical emergency function in alleviating suffering in disaster situations.

Malonza, who was speaking in her former primary school, said she was not at war with any of the local leaders, but is focused on delivering quality service to all Kenyans.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Busia Woman Rep Launches A Water Harvesting Program In Schools


Busia woman rep Catherine Omanyo has launched a water harvesting programme in schools in effort to mitigate acute water shortage witnessed in most schools during dry season so as to give learners ample time to concentrate on their studies.

Speaking at Okame primary after issuing water tanks to 55 primary schools, Ms Omanyo noted that water shortage impacts negatively on learners as they waste most of their class time in search for water.

‘By capturing rainwater, Kenyans can reduce their reliance on erratic natural water sources and overburdened municipal systems. This practice not only secures water supply but also fosters a culture of resourcefulness and sustainability, aligning with global environmental conservation goals,’ Omanyo said.

The legislature noted that she remains committed to ensuring all schools in the county have running water even as she seeks partners to drill over 20 boreholes by the end of this year.

‘The main objective of this project aims to mitigate time wastage by learners while in
school in search for water for basic use while at school. This will help them concentrate on their studies and complete syllabus on time,’ she added.

Rural communities in Teso North and Funyula sub counties face the problem of unstable water supply. Climate change exacerbates water insecurity, and gender inequality makes women disproportionately impacted by this problem.

Proper analysis using the common good lens helps to explain why the free-rider problem exists in the maintenance and repair of water facilities, and what measures might be taken to solve this difficulty.

Adaptive strategies toward water insecurity include solutions from the community (micro) level and governmental (macro) level.

Her sentiment was echoed by Busia County Commissioner Chaunga Mwachaunga who noted that schools that have adequate infrastructure have steady performance as learners have enough time for their studies.

‘The harsh effects of climate change has caused the instability of water supply has become a pressing problem in
many places around the world. That is why we urge the people in all institutions and at home to be innovative to mitigate the effects,’ said CC Chaunga.

The CC attributed the water crisis to the prolonged dry spell, which has depleted water tables and rendered boreholes ineffective.

Teachers expressed their gratitude noting that the move Water scarcity has become a pressing issue in primary schools across the county, compelling pupils to trek long distances to access clean water from neighbouring communities.

Currently, water coverage in primary schools in Busia stands at 58 percent according to USAID dumisha afya, with at least seven schools urgently requiring water facilities.

Source: Kenya News Agency