Category: General

Kenya volleyball men’s team, General Service was crowned the Arthur Odera Open tournament champions after beating defending league champions Kenya Prisons 3-0 in a thrilling encounter at Malaba Stadium in Busia County on Sunday.

The final match was watched by hundreds of ecstatic fans led by Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma flanked by his Deputy Governor Arthur Odera who was the event sponsor, County Executive Committee Members, and Chief Officers from the County Government.

GSU, the 15-time champions, put aside the humiliating 3-0 defeat they were subjected to in the playoffs last October in Kasarani that saw them fail to defend their league title after six years of dominance.

GSU coach Gideon Tarus looks unstoppable to wrestle the league title, and nothing seems to stop that burning ambition going by their thrilling ball display that has won the hearts of volleyball fans from Malaba and its environs.

GSU, under the tutelage of Gideon Tarus, lined up five of their squad that turn up for Wafalme, the men’s
national team, including Simon Kipkorir, Cornelius Kiplagat, Natalie, Brian Melly, and Noah Bett.

Their combination tore their opponents asunder. Enroute to the finals, GSU defeated KPA 3-0 (25-23, 25-22, 25-23) in the first semi-final while defending KVF national league champions Kenya Prisons beat Administration Police 3-1(25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22).

GSU coach Gideon Tarus lauded his players for keenly applying his tactics to retain the competition’s trophy.

‘My boys played well, but it’s still work. I have identified some of a few mistakes that we will work on to improve our performance,’ he said.

His counterpart for Prisons Denis Mokua said the match was good only that a few mistakes cost them crucial sets.

‘We accept the results, and our focus now shifts to the fourth leg of the league. The tournament offered us valuable lessons that we will apply in our next matches, ‘he said.

In the men’s playoffs for third place, APK beat KPA 3-0 (25-17, 25-21, 25-14).

In the senior women’s finals, Kenya Pipel
ine dispatched Kenya Prisons 3-1 (25-22, 25-20 21-25, and 25-18) to lift the title.

In the semis, Kenya Prisons had defeated KDF 3-0 (25-7, 25-6, 25-15) to set up a titanic final against Pipeline who overpowered Nairobi Prisons with a similar score of 3-0 (25-12, 25-6, 25-15).

The Runners-up received a trophy and Sh60,000 with third-place finishers getting Sh. 40,000.

In the schools’ category, Sikri College beat Andersen 3-1 in the schools’ finals for boys while Kesogon won the girls’ category, posting a 3-0 win against Bishop Sulumeti.

Source: Kenya News Agency

WINDHOEK: The death of former President Hage Geingob represents a great loss to Namibia’s education and training sector, Higher Education, Training and Innovation Minister, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, has said.

Geingob, who passed away in Windhoek on 04 February, appointed Kandjii-Murangi to the higher education portfolio in March 2015.

The former University of Namibia dean of students said Geingob advocated for innovation and training in the higher education sector.

At the onset, when he assumed the presidency in 2015, she said President Geingob told her of his vision of transforming tertiary education and the need to prepare Namibia for the fourth industrial revolution.

‘He informed me that what he expects of me is to ensure that I take off where the previous ministers left off. He also indicated that we are in a different era and that we need to see a visible integration of technology and innovation in our higher education and training systems.

One of the things he mentioned was that the aspect of resear
ch is critical, particularly in our economy, as well as developing local researchers,’ Kandjii-Murangi said, recalling what her former principal initially tasked her to do.

The minister in an exclusive interview described President Geingob as a highly professional person, an educator and a scholar of note.

‘In the cabinet he chaired, that’s where we saw him showing his political prowess and vast knowledge in terms of different complex situations within the country, regionally as well as globally.’

The minister further recalled that the former head of state was easy to work with.

‘At first, when you meet him, you will probably think he is hard and authoritarian. But when you get to know him, you realise that this person is eager to share his knowledge with all those who work with him. And one thing is that he was gifted in was identifying and developing talent,’ she said.

According to Kandjii-Murangi, when Geingob put together his first cabinet, he took a bold decision to address technical and vocational
education and training (TVET) in Namibia. He directed that TVET be transformed so that it could become visible and a career path of choice for school learners.

‘He directed that access should be expanded by building technical and vocational institutions in regions where they did not exist then,’ she said.

Since then, a lot of work has been done to realise President Geingob’s vision for TVET, but more is still to be done.

‘In terms of what we have achieved, we have amended the TVET policy to focus specifically on trades needed to drive the economy. These are trades that speak to the issue of agriculture in terms of ensuring that there is food security in our country. We rolled out agricultural trades in several of our TVET centres where they were not in existence,’ the minister said.

To ensure the quality of technical and vocational education, Kandjii-Murangi now has a fully-fledged faculty of instructor education at NUST that only looks at TVET instructors.

She noted that former President Geingob, when h
e launched his first Harambee Prosperity Plan (HHP), directed that each region has a TVET centre.

In the HPP, he also directed that Namibia adopt TVET technical and vocational education and training as the standardised international training convention.

Kandjii-Murangi added that four regions have already been identified for the establishment of new TVET colleges.

‘This year we will launch new TVET centres in Kunene, including the one in the Hardap Region we have already launched. And another one in Keetmanshoop. There is one coming up in Nkurenkuru. The idea of these TVET centres is to ensure that each will focus on different technical trades,’ she said.

She went on to say that in July 2021, Geingob appointed an eight-member presidential task force on the Fourth Industrial Revolution mandated to look specifically at the preparedness of Namibia in terms of the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

‘That led our two public universities to begin looking at their academic programmes and making sure t
hat they are aligned to the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,’ Kandjii-Murangi said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Trans Nzoia County Government has set aside Sh90 million for the improvement of the road network across all 25 wards in the region.

Speaking during the official launch of the exercise in Kwanza Constituency, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya stressed the commitment of his government to ensure that roads in the agricultural-rich region are given a new face.

He explained that once done, this would help farmers transport their agricultural produce to the market on time and eventually help fetch maximum profits.

The exercise which kicked off in earnest, will see more than 800 kilometers of road network across the 25 wards being attended renovated.

The works will be done in two phases with phase one which will mainly consist of grading consuming Sh20 million whereas phase two, which will majorly involve gravelling, will consume the rest of the allocated amount.

‘Roads shouldn’t be in such a bad condition more so in a region where agriculture is the main economic activity. It’s for this reason that my gove
rnment has prioritized construction of more roads and improving the existing ones,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Natembeya urged those living on the road reserves to vacate to allow for set construction works.

‘We are humbly asking those using road reserves for whichever activity to leave and pave the way for construction works to continue. We don’t want to force anyone out,’ he appealed.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The 7th Africa Agri Expo (AAE 2024), is currently ongoing at Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

The two-day event, which started on 19 February 2024, under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Department, is set to unlock the potential of Agri-business in Africa as the government urges private sector investment in agriculture.

During the inaugural launch of the Expo, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mithika Linturi, in a speech read on his behalf by Senior Deputy Secretary, Department of Agriculture, Badu Katelo, said the Expo encapsulates and focuses on exploring the vast untapped opportunities, innovative solutions and sustainable practices that can revolutionize Africa’s agricultural sector and global Agri-business.

The CS said AAE 2024 focus, is aligned with the government’s priority on food and nutrition security and manufacturing, and specifically the agro-processing and Micro and Small Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), for this is where the government in
tends to generate over US $ 200 million annually, in value addition.

‘Agriculture sector in Kenya is large and complex. But under the current government plan, we have prioritized value chains, which if achieved, would create wealth, value addition as well as nutrition security among other benefits,’ he said

CS Linturi said the Expo is poised to serve as a platform for knowledge sharing for policymakers, industry leaders and investors from all around the world, on crucial topics such as innovative farming techniques, data-driven agriculture, best practices for sustainable agriculture, financing, and investment opportunities among others.

‘Here policymakers, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and farmers came together to exchange ideas, expand businesses, share knowledge and technologies that can drive sustainable growth in the Agri-sector of Africa,’ he said.

CS Linturi further said the agriculture sector continues to play a pivotal role in the country’s economy, contributing to 33 percent directly to
the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and another 27 percent to GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors.

Charlene Ruto, President William Ruto’s daughter, a youth, farmer and climate change champion, speaking at the event urged the youth and women to take up agriculture for financial dependency and food security.

‘By empowering and harnessing the power of the youth and women and leveraging on technology, the country is cultivating a brighter, more inclusive future for agriculture,’ she said while highlighting the pivotal role women play in agriculture in shaping the future of farming.

She emphasized on the need for youth to have access to education and training programmes to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary in sustainable agriculture practices to drive innovation and sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Bridget Okumu, Country Director- Kenya, International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), said that Africa holds immense potential in the realm of Agri-business and it boast
s of vast arable land, which presents numerous opportunities to be seized to achieve global food security.

‘The regional integration can be used to facilitate cross-border trade, knowledge sharing, and resource pulling,’ she said, adding that this requires greater investment in food production systems for innovative technologies to improve farming practices.

Similarly, the event organizer TAB Group Chief Executive Officer, Tahir Bari said that the Expo will feature the latest technologies and solutions for agriculture including irrigation systems, farm machinery, greenhouses, fertilizers/agrochemicals, seeds, and more from all over the world.

‘This event is aimed at providing a platform for showcasing the latest products, services, and innovation to improve the agriculture sector through expansive exhibition space, networking lounges, strategic conferences, panel discussions and seminars,’ he said

He said that the Africa Agri Expo has attracted hundreds of participants and brought together 35 plus countri
es all over the world with over 50 plus speakers, 100 plus exhibitors and sponsors and 1000 plus related agriculture companies

Africa Agri-Expo continues to be a trailblazing event sponsored by some of the world-leading brands and supported by top authorities and associations.

AAE 2024 – is the Seventh Edition of the Africa Agri-Expo which promotes Africa’s rich agriculture resources and helps international agri-businesses expand and establish their business in Africa, by helping them identify, network, and connect the right channel partners in the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The County Government of Taita Taveta has secured a Sh70 million financing agreement with WaterFund, in a move aimed at boosting water supply to the residents.

The project is expected to bring about significant enhancements, including the building of a 500-meter cubic tank at Kasarani, to boost the storage capacity.

The water supply project slated for completion by the end of August this year, is set to enable residents of Kaloleni in Voi Sub-county, to get access to reliable and clean domestic water supply.

Taita Taveta County is among the other five counties of Baringo, Kitui, Kajiado, West Pokot, and Mandera that have also signed agreements for various water projects under WaterFund.

According to Taita Taveta Governor, Andrew Mwadime, the aim of the agreement was to ensure uninterrupted water supply across the County, to curb water shortages previously experienced, as a result of prolonged drought.

‘We aim to ensure water reaches all households in the County so that everyone can enjoy safe and clean w
ater,’ said Mwadime.

The Governor added, ‘This partnership is a clear indication of the county’s readiness to work with governmental and non-governmental entities, to ensure that our people have access to clean water, good health services, agriculture, and education services.’

Reuben Kitololo, the County Chief Officer (CCO) for Water, mentioned that the improved designs aim to expand water supply access in rural and underserved areas, particularly those experiencing population growth.

He added that the County government will contribute an additional Sh15 million by 31st March 2024 to boost the project.

Tavevo Water and Sewerage Company Managing Director, Rose Mbiko, while discussing the project, stated that the new distribution lines will extend to Kaloleni, Mnaoni, Kalambe, Kavingoni, Mlegwa, Mkamenyi, Manoni, Gimba and Wongoni.

WaterFund CEO, Willis Ombai, described the project as a ‘climate-proofed investment’, aiming to strengthen the area’s resilience against drought which is a consequence of climat
e change.

‘Water is a basic need yet very scarce in some areas. However, these projects will bring change as water will now be easily accessible to the people of Voi,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Old Mutual Foundation, through the ||Kharas Governor’s office, on Monday donated food items to 59 families at Aussenkehr who lost their belongings and houses in a fire last year.

The affected families who received food items worth a total N.dollars 30 000, mostly consist of employees of grape companies. The fire occurred in November and claimed the life of a 27-year-old man.

Governor Aletha Frederick while thanking the foundation for the gesture, urged the employers and owners of the grape companies, as well as the regional council, to come together and urgently address the pressing housing needs of Aussenkehr residents.

‘It is essential that we work together to ensure that these families have a safe and secure place to call home as they rebuild their lives after this devastating tragedy. It is through collective efforts and acts of kindness that we can truly make a difference and build a stronger, more resilient society,’ she said.

Frederick also encouraged the victims to remain strong and resilient
during this difficult time.

‘Please know that you are not alone. Many within our community are there to support you and use the donation for its intended purpose, feed your families and alleviate some of the burdens you are facing.’

Meanwhile, the Namibia Grape Company (NGC) constructed 24 shacks for their employees affected by the fire and provided beds, mattresses, and gas stoves all to the tune of N.dollars 300 000 funded through the NGC trust.

In an interview with Nampa recently, NGC managing director Gideon Nuunyango said the donation to the employees formed part of the company’s corporate social responsibility.

‘These people are our employees, some have been working here for many years and we decided to help them in this time of need,’ he said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Committee on Agriculture, Tourism, and Natural Resources has called for collaborative efforts among East Africa Community (EAC) partner states to end hunger and boost food security.

Committee Chairperson Hon. Francoise Uwumukiza said the region was racing against time to end hunger by the year 2025 calling on partner states and agencies to scale up efforts to achieve the target.

‘This is a tough goal to achieve in less than two years. That is why we are adding more fuel to our zeal to make sure we achieve something within that short period,’ she said.

Climate change, she said, was the biggest impediment to the realization of the goal calling for concerted regional efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of the phenomenon.

Uwumukiza who led committee members on an oversight mission of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) in Kisumu said a regional approach to addressing climate change was paramount to ensure steady production of food that is secure, sustainab
le, and safe.

LVBC which is a specialised agency of the EAC charged with the responsibility of overseeing sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin, she said has done a commendable job in addressing food security concerns and climate change.

The committee, she said, would support LVBC’s programmes and projects to ensure that the EAC region becomes food-sufficient.

Hon. Francois Ngate EALA MP representing DRC Congo said the region was endowed with large agricultural land which if properly utilised the 2025 target of ending hunger in the region could be attained early.

Agriculture, he said, was the mainstay for communities in the region but continues to be through to the periphery with a lot of focus laid on harnessing natural resources.

This, he added, was the leading contributor to strife in the EAC region urging member states to prioritize agriculture for food security and regional integration.

Zipporah Kering, EALA MP representing Kenya said the region must adopt climate-smart agricultural pr
actices to build resilience and bolster food security.

Measures, she said, must be put in place to scale up production and ensure that the food produced satisfies the needs of the population before being sold to other parts of the world.

‘Before we take food outside the East Africa Community, we must ensure that our people are well fed,’ she said.

Dr. Abdula Makame, EALA MP representing Tanzania said the region has made great strides in boosting food security.

He lauded LVBC for reviving the research vessel RV Jumuiya which broke down 13 years ago saying through research, the agency would be able to address gaps in food production in the region.

On his part, Hon. Gideon Thoar Gapta EALA MP representing South Sudan said the assembly has passed a policy on the management of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) to come up with resolutions.

The oversight, he said was very critical since the committee would retreat to write a report which the Sectoral Council of Ministers would use.

‘This is going to help
us see what we can offer as a region to boost food security,’ he said.

LVBC Executive Secretary (ES) Dr. Masinde Bwire said the agency has implemented various projects and programs to help meet the target of ending hunger in the region by the year 2025.

The agency, he said would continue to promote sustainable agriculture through best practices and technology to help boost food security.

The oversight activities are in line with the EAC treaty on cooperation in agriculture and rural development which targets to achieve food security and rationalize food production across the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency