Day: June 17, 2024

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Douglas Kanja has opened a new police station at Ragumo in Kisumu East Constituency to boost security in the area.

The police station constructed by the Kisumu East National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) boasts of modern facilities and will see the number of officers serving the area increased to address rising insecurity.

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir addressing the media after the official opening of Ragumo Police Station in Kisumu. Photo by Chris Mahandara.

Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Kanja lauded area Member of Parliament (MP) Shakeel Shabil for the initiative, adding that it will open up the area for development.

‘Having this police station here will enhance security and further encourage economic activities,’ he said.

The DIG said more police officers shall be deployed to the station, which he noted serves a large area, as arrangements to set up additional police stations continue.

He thanked the officers for doing a
commendable job despite serving a large area without a motor vehicle.

Kanja asked the officers to work hand in hand with members of the community to tame runaway crime in the area.

The DIG also visited Kisumu Central Police Station and Kasagam Police Station in what he said was a familiarisation tour of the Nyanza region while assessing the working conditions of the officers.

On his part, Kisumu East Members of Parliament (MP) Shakeel Shabbir, said construction of the police station was informed by the community’s need for security.

Construction of Chiga Police Station, he added, was halfway done, adding that once completed, the station will have a digital laboratory and offices for the Assistant County Commissioner (ACC).

Four other police stations, he said, were in the pipeline, adding that his office was in talks with the Inspector General of Police to secure the necessary approvals.

‘Everything you see here has been done in consultation with the National Police Service. We always ensure that we foll
ow the law and the requirements of the service,’ he said.

To support the officers, the NG-CDF, he said, has donated 10 motorcycles this financial year, adding that an additional 50 will be supplied in the next financial year.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has welcomed the proposed amendments by the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning to some controversial clauses of the Finance Bill, 2024, ahead of its tabling on Tuesday.

Speaking at Ronald Ngala Primary School Grounds on Monday during the Eid-ul-Adha prayer, Governor Nassir urged MPs to sacrifice for the sake of the country by taking into consideration the proposals of the public in the Finance Bill, 2024.

Muslim faithful praying at the Ronald Ngala grounds to mark Eid-ul-Adha. Photo by Sadik Hassan

‘I have been informed that the National Assembly Finance Committee has proposed amendments to clauses in the Finance Bill, 2024. I have been reliably informed the committee will table its recommendation on Tuesday,’ said Governor Nassir.

‘It is important for our legislators to read the committee recommendation. They should also consult their constituents in the debate. It is also vital to follow a party position. Go through that committee report to discern if wh
at Kenyans proposed has been incorporated,’ he added.

The Governor also waded into the One Man, One Shilling discourse, saying each county has a right to shareable revenue.

He said though Mombasa is one of the top contributors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and highly populated, it would be selfish to support the One Man, One-Shilling proposal to the disappointment of the neighbouring counties of Lamu, Tana River, Kwale, among others.

Governor Nassir argued that the highly populated counties championing One Man, One Shilling are ahead in numbers but not in revenue to the GDP.

‘The basis of revenue sharing has many factors. One factor we want to ensure is what you bring to the table. There is the issue of poverty level, but in places like Mombasa, there is the issue of urban index,’ said Governor Nassir.

On Muguka, the Governor said he has no fight against any county or leaders of Muguka-growing areas in his stance on the stimulant.

‘It is statistically proven that it is affecting our young people.
We have all levels of evidence that 30 per cent of consumers of Muguka in Mombasa are children below the age of 18 years,’ he said.

‘When we stand firm, we know. The problems that are there today were caused by the inaction of yesterday, and if we fail to take action today, tomorrow is going to be worse than today,’ he added.

On his part, Mvita MP Mohamed Machele urged Muslims who are well off to remember the less fortunate in society as they celebrate Eid-ul-Adha.

Machele, a member of the Finance and National Planning Committee, said they have concluded public participation and the report will be tabled on Tuesday.

‘After tabling, there are two to three days of amendments and debate in the National Assembly. We will read it and follow our party position,’ said Machele, lauding the public for taking part in the public participation and for urging their Members of Parliament to consider the public opinion on the bill.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Members of Parliament have been cautioned against opposing the Finance Bill 2024, as failure to approve the same would have a big negative impact on the overall development of the country.

Consequently, Devolution Principal Secretary Teresia Mbaika has reminded the legislators that even monies disbursed through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) won’t be realised should they not pass proposals contained in the Finance Bill, set for debate in Parliament on Tuesday this week.

‘This Finance Bill is the one going to be used by the government to get funds. If it fails to pass in Parliament, know that there will be no money for bursaries, health care, construction of roads, provision of water, and other needs,’ said Mbaika, while speaking at Mukuyuni Primary School during a fundraiser in aid of Mukuyuni Catholic Church on Sunday.

The PS was reacting to sentiments made by Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu, who had earlier vowed to oppose the bill and ensure it did not pass in Parliament.

Howe
ver, the PS said it is important for MPs to debate the bill with sobriety, saying that not all clauses therein, were bad, as some of the naysayers had tried to insinuate.

‘You know the Finance Bill 2024, will definitely attract a robust debate in the House, and the process is participatory. Each clause will be looked into; if you feel it is not good for Mwananchi, remove it,’ she noted.

Further, Mbaika urged the MPs to stop politicising the crucial bill in public places, saying that in such a scenario, members of the public may not get to understand the truth.

‘People want development; they don’t want the many distorted words you are telling them about the finance bill,’ posed Mbaika.

Speaking at the same event, her MSMEs Development counterpart Susan Mang’eni echoed the same sentiments, saying the proposed Finance Bill will help the government raise funds to finance its development activities, thus avoiding taking expensive loans from financial institutions.

‘I urge Kenyans to be ready to pay taxes to d
evelop our country. Nobody will come to develop Kenya; it is obligatory for us to pay taxes and boost our economic growth,’ Mang’eni said.

Others present at the function included Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Kenya Railway Corporation MD Philip Mainga, Chairman Special Economic Zones Fred Muteti, and Wote Diocese Bishop Paul Kariuki, among others.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Eldoret FC are the champions of the North Rift Region Tujiamini Cheza Dimba Tournament after smashing PASC Langa 1 nil in the finals held on Saturday at RCEA Wareng grounds in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu.

Eldoret FC earned bragging rights amidst an electric atmosphere as they trampled PASC Langa 1-0 through Rooney Miret’s 8th minute goal in the final takedown, which saw the victors walk away with a 3-year sponsorship worth Sh250,000 annually, after overcoming stiff competition from runner’s up, PASC Langa.

Players in action during the Tujiamini Cheza Dimba final between Eldoret FC and PASC Langa. Photo by Ekuwam Sylvester

Rooney Miret scored an early opener in the 8th minute as fans were awed at the impressive defensive skills displayed by Eldoret FC, blocking off any goal-scoring attempts by their opponents in the thriller that promised to be a gripping duel right from the start.

Eldoret FC had earlier in the semi-final pulled off an unexpected win over their local counterparts, Eldoret Warriors FC, in an intr
iguing rivalry where they eliminated the Warriors 2-0, eventually forcing them to settle for the first runner-up position despite putting up a formidable show.

Goals by James Manyala and Isaac Walele in the first and second half, respectively, spearheaded the surprise win.

In their semifinal match against the Kitale Phantoms, PASC Langa, were saved by a penalty kick that was converted by Cyrus Bosire in the 39th minute, giving them a slot in the final.

Speaking after the win, Eldoret FC team captain Ronald Miriti acknowledged the Tujiamini Initiative, noting that it presented a flourishing opportunity for young talent in the grassroots.

‘Our target is to get to the Football Kenya Federation Premier League, and since most of us are from underprivileged backgrounds, the rewards accompanying the win are motivation for us to perform even better moving forward as we continue to inspire those around us,’ he said.

On the other hand, despite being down, PASC Langa made it clear that they were not out: ‘A loss of
concentration in the final affected the outcome of the game considering how well we played earlier in the tournament. We got back on track in the second half, but we missed a goal, lowering our chances of winning the final,’ said team captain Kevin Kang’ethe.

Three counties down, the Tujiamini initiative has intensified efforts towards impacting sports and related talents at the grassroots.

SportPesa Partnerships Manager, Willis Ojwang, lauded the quality of football talent in the North Rift region.

‘We have seen a manifestation of really good potential, and seeing as some of the players live off the sport, the initiative couldn’t have come at a better time,’ he noted.

The Tujiamini initiative by SportPesa now shifts gears to the Western region as it nears the halfway mark with assurance of even more exciting sporting action and a display of talent.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi commissioned the establishment of Kwambira Buspark in Limuru.

The development is set to revolutionize the public transport system in the region, providing much-needed relief to the congestion woes that have plagued the main Limuru town bus park for years.

Construction of the PSV terminus will also significantly impact improved public transportation and enhance safety on the busy Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.

The Kwambira Bus Park, sprawling over an impressive 5,000 square meters, is designed to accommodate up to 110 vehicles simultaneously.

This modern terminal will feature 100 kiosks, garage sheds, and skips, along with well-designed walkways in front of the kiosks.

The facilities aim to offer convenience to both commuters and businesses operating within the terminal.

According to the Governor, the strategic design of the Bus park ensures a smooth flow of traffic, with paratransit motorists joining from behind the Kwambira Shopping Center via the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway and e
xiting at the Kwambira Mutarakwa road.

‘This development is a game-changer for our public transport system. It will not only decongest the main Limuru town Bus park but also ensure the safety and convenience of our commuters,’ stated Wamatangi.

He emphasized the importance of upgrading the bus park to cabro standards, a task that will be undertaken by the Department of Transport to ensure durability and a smooth commuting experience.

The announcement of the Kwambira Bus Park has been met with enthusiasm by the residents of Limuru and the wider Kiambu County. Business owners, commuters, and transport operators alike have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the positive impact it will have on their daily lives and the local economy.

As construction begins, the Kwambira Buspark is poised to become a model for modern transport terminals in the region, setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and convenience.

The project also reflects Governor Wamatangi’s vision for a well-organized, acces
sible, and safe public transport system that caters to the needs of the growing population in Kiambu County.

One of the key objectives of the Kwambira Bus Park is to put an end to the unsafe practice of matatus picking and dropping passengers along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway at Kiboko.

Additionally, the new Bus park will open up new routes to destinations such as Mai Mahiu, Narok, Suswa, and Nakuru, thereby improving connectivity and accessibility from Limuru.

At the same time, Governor Wamatangi took the opportunity to issue bursary cheques to beneficiaries of the county’s scholarship programme in Limuru Central Ward.

He said the gesture underscores his administration’s commitment to supporting education and providing opportunities for youth.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu has appealed to Secondary school principals not to send students home for lack of fees.

Instead, Kimilu urged the administrators to retain the students at their respective institutions, saying he and other legislators, will soon give bursaries to alleviate the challenges the schools were experiencing.

‘I finished giving bursaries to students in colleges; now I have initiated the disbursement of money to students in secondary schools to pay their fees. I therefore urge principals in my area to allow students to continue with their learning,’ said Kimilu during a fundraising event for Mukuyuni Catholic Church at Mukuyuni Primary School on Sunday.

On electricity, the MP said that every home in his constituency will be connected to electricity, saying this was part of his work.

‘I will ensure every home is connected to electricity, since that one is my docket,’ reiterated Kimilu.

Source: Kenya News Agency