Category: General

Addis Ababa: President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani and President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embaló arrived at Bole International Airport this afternoon for the 37th African Union Summit.

President of Mauritania, was received by Ergoge Tesfaye, Minister of Women and Social Affairs while President of Guinea-Bissau was welcomed by Gedeon Timotios, Minister of Justice.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Defending Champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) women’s team kicked off the third leg of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF) national league on a higher note, brushing aside Kenya Army by three straight sets in a one-sided encounter at Malaba stadium in Teso North, Busia County.

The bankers outsmarted their opponents 25-12 in the first set, 25-14 in the second set, and later 25-11 to crown their win.

Kenya Prison will be awarded three points after the sister team Nyanza Prison failed to honor the opening game.

In their second game, defending champions Kenya Prisons men’s team met their match in Trailblazers Club with the two settling for a two-all draw only for heavy rains to cut short the start of the fifth set.

Prisons won the first set 25-20 before Trailblazers bounced back to win 25-23 in the second set.

After the break, Prisons changed tact to win the third set 25-21 only to lose the fourth one 23-25.

In the women’s category, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) defeated Prisons 3-1 (28-26, 25-25, 20-25
and 11-25).

KPC head coach Esther Chepkosgei praised her girls for putting up a fighting spirit to enable them to see off Kenya Prisons women 3-1.

In the other men’s category, silver medalists at the All Africa Games in 2002 KDF won their fifth match after beating Western Prison 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-18). GSU also won their sixth match after beating Mt Kenya BSY 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-14).

KPA maintained their winning streak, beating KFS 3-0 (26-24, 25-15, 25-21), GSU beat Kenya Army 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-22) as Administration Police beat Western Prisons 3-1 (25-21, 25-23, 17-25, 25-11).

Equity Bank registered their fourth victory after beating Rift Valley Prisons 3-0 (25-20, 25-11, 25-21). In their second game, KDF beat Equity 3-1 (18-25), 26-24, 26-24, 25-23).

‘This season we are prepared to face any team. We are taking each game at a time with the main aim of being crown champions at the end of the season,’ noted PKC coach Chepkosgei.

Kenya Prisons’ coach Joseph Baraza acknowledged the defeat from the
ir opponents, saying they would bounce back strongly in tomorrow’s games.

‘The game was good only that we lost the ‘script’ after the second set. I can say this is a competitive league and we will bounce back strongly,’ said Baraza.

The organising Secretary KVF John Oronjo, said they anticipated a competitive event after the Mosoriot and Eldoret legs.

‘As we gear up for the second day of the league, expect even more competitive encounters,’ he said.

The league will be preceded by the Hon Arthur Odera Open Volleyball tournament that kicks off on Saturday.

The regional tournament will feature teams from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Tanzania.

Speaking to the press earlier on, Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera who doubled up as the event sponsor, an avid volleyball supporter and former player said they expected a full house attendance for the national league fixtures.

‘I urge local players to showcase their talents well for their chance to be snatched by other local or international teams since there will be
several scouts and coaches around to spot talent,’ he said.

‘We have a good pool of talent here at home and of particular interest is Malaba VC that we expect some of our players to cut the mark,’ he added.

Some of the clubs from Uganda that have confirmed their participation include Bukedia Comprehensive Club and Amus College for both men and women as well as Tororo Buffalo Club.

Others include St Alloise Club and APR all from Rwanda.

Sportsmen and fans got the opportunity for a free medical camp organized by Busia county

Dr Paul Otuoma is expected to grace the event on the final day.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Scouts from various schools in Uasin Gishu marked the 167th Founder’s Day celebrations in memory of the founder of the movement, Baden Powell.

Speaking during the ceremony, Deputy Governor John Barorot noted that this moment provides us with an excellent opportunity to reflect on the enduring values and principles of the scouting movement.

He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Scouts Innovating Climate Change Solutions,’ underscores the pressing need for us all to stand in the gap and contribute strategic solutions to combat climate change.

”Currently, the most formidable environmental challenge we face is climate change, affecting both the young and the old. Therefore, armed with your pledge, each of you is called upon to actively participate in creating a better world by contributing to solutions that will effectively address the climate crisis,’ said Barorot.

Barorot further said, ‘as we commemorate this crucial moment, let us collectively consider the best ways to support our communities.’

He said the
act of growing trees emerges as a fundamental part of the solution, as harnessing your youth and energy, we are all capable of making a lasting impact on our societies.

‘Aligning with the ambitious goal set by President William Ruto to plant 15 billion trees by 2030, I also challenge each one of you to join this campaign as your impressive numbers of more than 55,000 in our County empower you to grow more trees and nurture them to maturity,’ he said.

The deputy governor added that the scouts’ Founder’s Day serves as a reminder of the legacy of the scouting movement and the responsibility each scout plays in shaping a better future by embracing the challenge of climate change and by committing to sustainable actions.

‘Scouts are making a commitment as ambassadors of positive change, and the county stands ready to support innovative initiatives geared towards climate change,’ noted Barorot.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held discussion today with Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who is on state visit to Ethiopia.

Today, it is my honor to extend an official welcome to Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on his State visit to Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy wrote on his social media page.

“During our discussions, we have addressed various bilateral and multilateral issues, reflecting the depth of our relationship,” the premier said.

PM Abiy further noted that as Ethiopia joins the esteemed ranks of the BRICS group, we eagerly anticipate strengthened collaboration with Brazil, viewing our meeting as a pivotal step towards forging a robust partnership.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Kenya is among 15 countries to benefit from USD 50 Million grant to finance food production activities in the Eastern and Central Africa region.

Countries under the umbrella Association for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa (ASARECA), will be facilitated to finance bio-fortification programmes controlling aflatoxin in food and also having centres of excellence.

Speaking during the 3rd ASARECA council of patron ministers meeting, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mithika Linturi said that the Africa can be able to undertake and intensify efforts to boost food and nutrition security through such forums.

‘There is need for member states to start thinking, organizing themselves in accepting the realities of life which is to feed the world, to feed our continent while looking at the devastating effects of climate change as well as looking at the problems that the world faces in this era of pests and diseases’, he added.

Research, the CS noted
is the key towards feeding the world and that, it is through adoption of science and technology that the region and continent can be able to feed itself

‘We are in this meeting discussing amongst member states on how we can be able to build our regional capacity to continue with research which will be able to give us the different varieties of food crops that we need to grow and that will be able to give our populations the right nutrition value’, the CS said.

He noted that through research, countries will be able to come up with a variety of crops that can withstand the harsh conditions that are affecting countries especially in the areas of pests and diseases.

‘We can be able to develop massive high yielding varieties that will be able to deal with the issues of diseases such as the maize necrosis and give the population food within the shortest time possible ‘, he noted.

Linturi noted that Kenya is privileged to host this high-level event as it will help us to learn from experiences by the regional cou
ntries how they are tackling challenges facing the agriculture sector.

Coming together , the CS noted that all end up benefiting from the pool of great minds of researchers that work within ASARECA and with these countries will be able to support each other in areas of their strengths..

‘I am a believer that collaborative efforts if fast tracked will help in reducing the hunger the region is grappling with. Africa has the best soils in the world, ample arable land, abundant labour in terms of growing youth and favourable climatic conditions. With all those endowments and joint efforts, Africa can be self-sufficient in terms of food production,’ said Linturi.

The CS acknowledged that research requires money, it takes time and is expensive and thus the meeting invited donor countries to be able to support the body in the areas of research and programmes.

He appreciated the development partners and donor for their support through and through saying they invited them to the meeting in order to fit in within t
heir the member countries national programmes

‘ We have come up with a budget of USD 50 million and are asking for support from the donors ‘, Linturi, who took over Chairmanship of ASARECA for the next two years said.

ASARECA Executive Director Dr. Enock Warinda said that major efforts will be directed towards financing programmes geared towards boosting food production as contained in the association’s five year strategy.

‘We have submitted a budget proposal of USD 50 million to our donors to help us realize our goals. The donor input into programmes is over and above the respective country contribution of not less than USD100,000 (Ksh15.6 million) annually,’ said Dr. Warinda.

Some of the donors expected to extend their resources include major donors, such , USAID, European Union, World Bank, DANIDA, Melinda Gates Foundations and IFAD.

The funding, Dr. Warinda explained is especially meant to address gaps in agricultural research, for example, development and adoption of new agricultural technologies an
d that in the next five years, through implementation of activities introduce more than 375,000 youth and women into agriculture.

During the one day conference agriculture ministers not only discussed policy matters but also on sharing of information on smart agriculture technologies, food surplus and endowments.

Key part of deliberations was directed on how to promote centres of excellence in each country. For instance, Uganda has a comparative advantage on cassava, Ethiopia has excelled in wheat farming, Tanzania (rice), Kenya (dairy) and Eritrea is making strides on edible oils

During the conference the chairmanship of ASARECA board was handed over to Kenya from Uganda. Kenya agriculture cabinet secretary Mithika Linturi in his acceptance speech said the region’s efforts seek to address the gaps derailing research, mainly low funding and lack of sharing of information.

ASARECA’s member states include Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya
, Madagascar, Congo, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Nakuru County Government has scaled up training for Community Health Promoters (CHPs) on Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM), and the initiative equips them with knowledge and skills to excel in their roles at the basic care level.

The County’s Community Health Strategy focal person, Ms. Ritah Ochola, who is overseeing the training of 110 CHPs in the Lanet sub-county said they serve as primary points of contact and as conduits for seamless transitions between the community and formal healthcare facilities. She was speaking today during the training at Lanet.

She noted that the role of CHPs extends beyond prevention since it includes early detection and referral to higher-level health facilities when necessary adding that they play a crucial part in addressing health inequalities by bringing essential health services closer to the people, especially those in rural and informal areas.

Ms. Ochola said the major roles of CHPs are to sensitize the community on the importance of healthy lifestyles,
provide disease surveillance by reporting early signs of any outbreak, enroll and monitor the health status of the households they are assigned, and report incidences of side effects of drugs.

She underscored the importance of primary healthcare as vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage and commended the government for putting more emphasis on preventive rather than curative care, which she observed was unaffordable for many households.

However, Asha Juma who has worked as a community healthcare worker since the inception of HIV/AIDS in the 1980s, said caring for sick neighbors has always been an African tradition and culture, which got messed up with the inception of capitalism and individualism.

She applauded the government for the stipend of sh.5000 per month, adding that despite having served her community in Bondeni estate in Nakuru City for many years, the only token they occasionally received was from NGOs.

She urged those who have been appointed to take their roles seriously, noting that th
e major impediment they faced was many patients declined to seek treatment, simply because they could not afford it. But the newly introduced Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) that caters to everyone makes their work easier.

Source: Kenya News Agency