Day: June 26, 2024

A peace football tournament was organized at Kishaunet show ground in West Pokot County, bringing together youths from areas prone to banditry in the Northwest Kenya area, such as Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, and West Pokot counties.

The football tournament, which was coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with Northwest Kenya counties comprising Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet county, came to an end as the team from West Pokot emerged triumphant in the championship match, prevailing over the Turkana county football team with a score of 3-1.

The football competition was dubbed Promoting Peace by Preventing Conflicts over Natural Resources in Northwestern Kenya.

IOM Kenya Chief of Mission Sharon Dimanche said that the sport for peace football tournament aimed at encouraging peaceful co-existence in regions susceptible to banditry through friendly matches.

‘The peace football tournament aimed at bringing together communities from the bandit
ry-prone areas of West Pokot, Baringo, and Turkana and Elgeyo Marakwet counties,’ said Dimanche.

The Chief of Mission added that IOM has been active in West Pokot county for the past two years, implementing a programme aimed at promoting peace through resilience building and addressing natural resource-based and disaster-related conflicts.

She said that various interventions have been carried out by the IOM, including capacity building, training for religious leaders, youth groups, women, and other community members to help prevent and mitigate conflicts.

‘The steering committee on peace building and conflict management has been instrumental in ensuring that training is conducted effectively,’ Dimanche stated.

Additionally, she said a team of religious leaders have been trained by the IOM and they were playing a crucial role in conflict mitigation and resolution, passing on their knowledge to community members on conflict prevention.

She emphasized the critical role of sports in promoting peace and addre
ssing issues of intolerance, emphasizing the importance of understanding.

According to her, the youth who participate in football not only develop discipline, teamwork, and hard work, but also contribute to fostering peace within their communities.

She praised the significance of youths’ role in spreading peace messages within their communities.

Additionally, she said IOM has implemented programmes in the region to promote development, such as rehabilitating boreholes to provide water for both livestock and household use.

She expressed appreciation for the collaboration between IOM and the government, emphasizing the importance of multiple players and activities in fostering peace.

Furthermore, she stated that IOM is present in the region to support the government, with a focus on saving lives, protecting people on the move, and finding solutions for displacement.

West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin expressed his gratitude to IOM for their investment in peace-related initiatives in the region.

The Gover
nor emphasized the importance of peace and highlighted sports and theatre as effective means of sustaining it.

The Governor stressed that peace is essential for development and social interaction and further added that the County government officials were pleased with IOM’s efforts, which align with the national government’s goal of promoting peaceful coexistence along the borders.

Kachapin disclosed that a football match was organized with the support of governors from Turkana, Baringo, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, emphasizing that the tournament was a step towards peace-building.

He urged residents of West Pokot and neighbouring counties to coexist peacefully for economic development.

The Governor thanked IOM for investing not only in sports but also in resilience programmes such as borehole rehabilitation and irrigation initiatives.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kwale county government has announced infrastructure plans to develop beach access roads and street lighting projects at a cost of Sh20 million to promote the tourism sector.

Governor Fatuma Achani says the beaches are great resources for coastal tourism development as they attract a large number of domestic and international tourists annually and called for the transformative enhancement of the tourism infrastructure.

The plans also include upgrading transportation infrastructure and creating new tourist attraction sites to offer innovative tourism experiences and in line with the county’s vision of improving the road network.

She says the improvements of beachfronts will make streets along the shores safer and brighter around the evenings while beach access roads will provide more convenient access to the famous tourism destinations.

Achani spoke when she launched the commencement of works for the upgrade of Watatu Watano and Mvureni beach access roads and street lighting projects in Diani area of Msamb
weni Sub County.

She underscored her administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure projects throughout Kwale to drive economic growth for both tourists and residents.

‘Upon completion of these roads and street lights the increased traffic volume to and from the beaches will experience fewer delays in travel time,’ she said, noting that Kwale’s economic strengths lies in tourism.

Governor Achani says the tourism infrastructure upgrade will ensure tourists visit attraction sites in a safe, comfortable and accessible manner.

Achani says the beach roads and street lighting infrastructure in Diani, a paradise of sand, sea and culture will transform the county’s tourism landscape.

‘The installation of streetlights will enhance the safety and security for beachgoers and serve the buzzing 24-hour tourism businesses,’ she said.

The stunning stretch of sand and sea in Diani beach offers something for everyone, from swimming, sunbathing and relaxation.

Diani beach is the preferred holiday destination fo
r both domestic and foreign tourists and each year it receives a record number of holidaymakers arriving to savour its beautiful scenery.

The resort town of Diani with its clear blue water and white sandy beaches have seen the South Coast town voted the best destination beach in Africa for seven years in a row by the World Travel Awards.

Achani says Diani with its accessibility and diverse offerings makes it a popular choice for those looking to unwind by the sea.

She says with significant potential to drive economic growth and job creation, the tourism sector is increasingly an area of focus for investment by the devolved government.

The coastal county boss who was accompanied by County Trade and Tourism Executive Michael Mutua and his Social Services and Talent Management counterpart Francisca Kilonzo says her administration is out to promote Kwale’s potential as a beach and holiday destination.

Achanai has reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the timely completion of ongoing projects across the count
y.

‘My dedication to improving and making the beach accessible is expected to have a significant impact, enhancing the tourism experience, attracting more visitors, and stimulating economic growth in Diani and the entire county,’ said Achani.

Meanwhile, Achani who has been awarded the Woman of Excellence in Tourism 2024 by Kenya Association of Women in Tourism for her immense contribution to the massive growth of the tourism industry in Kwale.

Achani says the reward is also recognition for Diani Beach being voted the best beach destination in Africa for 7 years consecutively and the country’s efforts in promoting leisure tourism.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) has urged the media to exercise discretion and adhere to international ethical standards on live coverage when covering demonstrations and conflicts in the country.

In a press statement sent to newsrooms, the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Council David Omwoyo told the media to ensure that discussions with government on such coverage should be amicable and respectful.

Mr Omwoyo noted that the Council condemns the harming of journalists and media personnel during Tuesday’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024 in several parts of the country.

He said the Council calls upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority and other constitutionally mandated institutions to carry out investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

‘It is regrettable that journalists continue paying a heavy price during these demonstrations, yet their only role is to protect Kenyan’s right to accurate information on the happenings in their country,’ said Omwo
yo in a press statement sent to newsrooms.

The CEO on behalf of the Council congratulated the media for their sacrifice to document and relay to Kenyans the important moments in the country’s history despite the grave dangers they were exposing themselves to.

He said the coverage by media is their contribution to democracy and urged journalists and media workers to exercise caution and ensure personal safety during these difficult moments

Source: Kenya News Agency

As the creative industry continues to grow and make a significant contribution to the Kenyan economy, plans have been put in place to map out existing cultural heritage and creative industries.

In this regard, Nakuru has been selected as a pilot City to spearhead the initiative aimed at mapping the contribution of the industry to the local economy.

This effort is part of a larger collaboration between the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO (KNATCOM) and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) to leverage the UNESCO 2030 Culture Indicators Framework.

The joint collaboration led by Emily Njeru, Deputy Director Culture, KNATCOM, recently organised a capacity-building workshop attended by experts in the urban creative space and the Nakuru City Creative Sector Working Group to enlighten the stakeholders on the process of conducting a baseline survey.

Speaking during the workshop, the Chief Officer of Culture and Tourism, John Koech, highlighted the importance of evidence-based culture policy making, n
oting that reliable cultural data is crucial for positioning culture as a driver of a sustainable city.

In his address, the City Manager Mr. Gitau Thabanja, noted that Nakuru’s successful implementation of the pilot project would set a precedent for other cities in Kenya by highlighting the role of culture in sustainable development and urban planning.

‘As a UNESCO Creative City of Folk Arts, it is important for Nakuru to adopt evidence-based culture policymaking and a multi-stakeholder approach in designing programmes that foster creativity for sustainable development,’ Thabanja said.

The selection of Nakuru as a pilot City to spearhead the mapping initiative is an affirmation of the influence of culture in the multi-cultural city.

The streets of Nakuru are a constant reminder of the vibrancy of culture, as seen on its streets and estates, which are adorned with vibrant murals, graffiti, and street art, adding a creative and visually appealing touch to the city.

The city occasionally showcases the cultu
ral heritage and traditions of the region through exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences.

The Nakuru Players Theatre is another contributor to the bustling cultural growth with a vibrant performing arts centre that hosts various plays, musicals, and cultural performances throughout the year, thereby promoting artistic expression in the city.

Another hallmark of the City is the popular Nakuru’s street food festival, which is a delight for food lovers. From mouthwatering samosas to delicious grilled meats, the city offers a wide range of delightful street food options from different communities at affordable rates.

The selection of Nakuru to pilot the project is an extra cap for the city, which takes pride in its cultural diversity, which earned it the recognition of UNESCO as a UNESCO Creative City under the folk and craft category.

This recognition serves as a beacon for the county’s commitment to preserving and promoting its unique heritage.

A policy brief on the promotion of creative in
dustries in Kenya was launched at a workshop organised by the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO in October last year.

In a significant stride towards fostering the growth of Kenya’s cultural and creative industries, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO convened the workshop during which a policy brief entitled ‘Towards the Promotion of Inclusive, Dynamic Culture and Creative Industries in Kenya.’ was launched.

This was as a result of a series of extensive consultative meetings with a diverse array of stakeholders, including the UNESCO Regional Office’s culture sector, central and county government officials, civil society, the private sector, and creative practitioners.

It underscored the important role played by culture in promoting as well as affirming the critical role played by the creative economy in boosting financial growth.

This recognition further affirmed the rising prominence of the creative economy, which is emerging as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Kenyan economy, serving n
ot only as a source of employment but also as a catalyst for national innovation and cohesion.

It is in this regard that stakeholders are putting in place mechanisms to craft policies that will help shape the sector into a beacon of innovation and unity in the future.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nakuru County is prioritising the protection of green spaces when planning infrastructural development to conserve the environment.

The devolved unit’s administration has indicated that green spaces are vital in curbing air pollution, which is one of the world’s leading health hazards.

Nakuru City Manager, Mr. Gitau Thabanja, has said that the county’s urban planners were designing urban centres with open and green spaces which act as carbon absorbers, air fresheners, and recreational facilities.

‘Human activities are causing environmental degradation in our cities and towns, and we should thus look for solutions urgently,’ said Thabanja.

He linked pollutants and heating to health issues in cities and highlighted the importance of creating liveable, equitable, and enjoyable urban environments for residents.

Kenya’s urban population has grown at a rate of four per cent, as reported by UN-Habitat in 2022.

Since independence, the urban population has increased from 12 per cent to 29 per cent of the total n
ational population. Currently, around 16 million people out of a total population of 55 million reside in urban areas.

Speaking when he launched a weeklong tree planting and clean-up initiative at Tumaini House School in Baruti East Ward, the City Manager observed that cities and towns were typically a few degrees hotter than their surroundings because of heat released by fossil fuels and absorbed by infrastructure such as asphalt roads and concrete car parks.

He advised modern city planners to emphasise interspacing green spaces and water bodies with regular infrastructure development to mitigate atmospheric heating and trap carbon emissions.

‘Burning fossil fuels has made heat waves increase and become more common. People are just starting to realise that we are dealing with another beast: the heating of urban centres.

We need to replace our road surfaces with permeable road surfaces, create strategic water bodies, and plant a lot of trees to lower temperatures,’ he emphasised.

Thabanja expressed conce
rn that when Kenyans see open spaces in towns, they consider them as ‘wasted land’.

‘With climate change increasing the intensity and frequency of heatwaves, urban planners, developers, and Kenyans must start appreciating the need to have undisturbed spaces,’ he stated.

He explained that the county government’s administration had kicked off the city-schools green and clean programme that seeks to inculcate an environmentally conscious culture among pupils and students, making them green ambassadors for a resilient, healthy, and friendly city.

The City Manager noted that after the gazettement of air quality regulations, the National Environment Management Authority is currently implementing the law targeted at stationary polluters such as industries and other enterprises and that the agency is working on modalities to address mobile polluters such as vehicles.

Thabanja announced that the county government is seeking collaboration with the business community to set up an electric-powered Bus Rapid Transport
system.

‘This will improve mobility in a city whose mantra is ‘a modern city enhancing quality of life and promoting economic prosperity’,’ he stated.

He added, ‘I envision a city with world-class green amenities which guarantee our people good health and promise sustainable development to our future generations, out of clean air interventions such as an efficient green transport system and a waste management system that emphasises the three principles of reduce, re-use, and recycle,’ added the city manager.

Thabanja observed that the 21st century has witnessed rapid and transformative urban development fueled by both social-economic and political factors.

He indicated that while urbanisation has come with an array of opportunities, many cities worldwide are increasingly grappling with challenges such as air pollution and traffic congestion, raising concern about how the quality of life for people living in cities will be in the future.

Data from the United Nations Habitat Index indicates that cities con
sume 78 per cent of the world’s energy and produce 60 per cent of greenhouse emissions.

It is in light of these statistics that the role of green spaces in reducing the impact of climate change becomes critical and urgent.

Green spaces are defined as any vegetated land or water within an urban area that is undeveloped for purposes of offering a conducive environment for people to play, relax, or even work.

Nyayo Gardens, Lions Gardens, and Hyrax Hill are some of Nakuru’s notable green spaces that are described as the lungs of the town as they provide a carbon sink for the city.

With the UN-Habitat revealing that health mechanisms remain a critical aspect of sustainable living, now is the time to see how green spaces could be utilised for better health.

Thabanja pointed out that prioritising open spaces in cities would be important in managing health aspects such as stress and enhancing social relations.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The overall unemployment rate in Kenya stands at 12.7 percent according to recent statistics by the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE).

It is also estimated that over 1 million young people enter the labour market annually devoid of any skills after having either dropped out of school or completed school and not enrolled in any tertiary college.

This acute shortage of job opportunities for young people in Kenya has in the long run not only pushed hundreds of young people into self-employed ventures but also forced women to take roles which were hitherto viewed as exclusively reserved for men.

Lydia Muriithi falls into this category. Ms Muriithi resides in Giakanja but works in King’ong’o where she ekes a living as a cobbler.

Initially, she was working in the hospitality sector but had to quit her job to take care of her child.

‘I left my previous job in order to cater for my child. The job I was doing was too demanding as we worked in shifts and I was mainly placed in night shifts. Leaving my child at a
friend’s house or with relatives was also an embarrassment since I didn’t want him to be a bother,’ explains Muriithi.

However, before trying her hand in self-employment, she first weighed the risks and the possible hits.

After evaluating all the available business opportunities, shoe repair finally emerged as presenting the least challenges. It also required less capital and less space from where to operate.

Today the cobbler, after having been in the occupation for close to eight years, singles out client satisfaction as the difference between staying in business and closing down.

But when she began, things were however a bit challenging. ‘A customer would walk into my establishment and from the facial expression, you’d see the surprise in their eyes seeing that the cobbler was actually a lady. Some would even ask me where the cobbler is,’ she says.

Over the years she has been in this business, she says she has seen dozens of clients who come and commend her for work well done. Some were persons she ha
d never ever dreamt of meeting in her lifetime.

And it is through such clients that she has managed to keep her business growing by the day. And this is where her joy really lies.

‘This makes me proud of my job and that is why I keep coming to my workshop. The satisfaction of my customers brings me joy and that is why I love my job,’ she says.

On average, she mends a minimum of 20 pairs of shoes daily which enables her to feed and take care of her three children.

She appeals to the youth not to be selective when it comes to job hunting for jobs but to go for what would give returns at the end of the day.

She noted that many young people lived in poverty even when they could venture into ready opportunities that could earn them money.

‘I wish to urge the youth to try and venture into all kinds of jobs. It goes a long way once you have mastered the ropes of the job. And for ladies who wish to venture into male dominated occupations, let them know this will demand courage and resilience. The good news is t
hat those who dare to scale such heights end up being successful,’ added Ms Muriithi.

We also met Margaret Gitonga at her workplace, swabbing a car she had just finished washing. She works at a carwash located within the Central Region Commissioners office headquarters.

The complex also hosts the bulk of both the County and national government offices.

Coincidentally, just like Ms. Muriithi, Margaret also began working at the carwash in 2017.

On a normal working day, she can wash an average of 20 cars and she receives 40 percent commission of the proceeds from her employer.

‘Washing a car depends on the preference of the owner. For a general body wash, we charge Sh200 for saloon cars, Sh600 for canter trucks and Sh1000 for large trucks. We also wash the inner parts of the vehicle including the engine which is charged at Sh200 also,’ she says.

But working at a carwash as a woman comes with its own fair share of challenges because the field is again dominated by men.

‘Occasionally, when first time custom
ers bring their vehicles, they often doubt my ability to do a perfect job including whether their cars will not be damaged. Others tend to stand by and watch as I work. Notwithstanding such challenges, over the seven years I have been in the industry, I have learnt how to handle all my customers,’ Gitonga adds.

Ms Gitonga wants the youth to take any available opportunity that can earn them a livelihood and not to look down upon menial jobs as they could be the difference between poverty and a source of livelihood.

‘If I were selective while I was looking for employment, I wouldn’t be working here. ‘Kazi ni kazi, muhimu ni mapato’. (Any type of work is worth the take as long as there is pay),’ she concludes.

When we met Sarah Wanjiku at her garage located near the Batian hotel, she was in her customary blue working overalls, black sports’ shoes and a black cap ready to undertake her routine duties.

The 20-year-old girl was born in Nyeri in a family of five children. She later attended Temple Road primary s
chool before joining Riamukurwe Secondary school where completed her studies in 2019.

Wanjiku however says it was during her childhood days when she developed a liking to the automotive industry, a passion which was to shape her career path in life.

‘Immediately after I had completed my high school studies in 2019, I embarked on training as a mechanic specializing in electrical wiring. It has however taken me two years to gain the required skills,’ narrates Wanjiku.

Unlike other women who were often shy to take such odd jobs due to societal prejudice, Wanjiku says she was lucky since her family has always stood by her side urging her to follow her heart.

And among those who have cheered her most is her mother. ‘I no longer depend on my family since I started this job. I have also been able to rent my own house and cater for my personal needs. Above all, I am happy since most of the customers appreciate my work despite the fact that I am a woman,’ she added.

She narrates that the major challenge one faced
in the occupation was that in the process of repairing a customer’s vehicle, one may damage it by mistake.

‘Despite being an expert in this career, we still find ourselves making some mistakes. That’s why it’s critical to keep on learning and unlearning for you to keep improving,’ she adds.

Martin Ngari, who is Wanjiku’s coworker, describes her as a hardworking lady who at times worked better than some of the male colleagues.

He heaps praises on her for her professionalism and high sense of discipline at work, adding that in this career, one needs to be confident.

‘She is committed to her work and has so far yielded good results. I never get complaints from customers and whenever I am not around, she handles everything well. Everyone can do this job irrespective of gender,’ says Simon Ndung’u her boss

Wanjiku encourages the youths especially the young ladies to venture into the same field or any other that has been traditionally been male dominated.

She is one person who believes in herself and is alway
s prepared for what may come her way.

Source: Kenya News Agency