Category: General

The National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) has rolled out an outreach programme to contain the fresh HIV infections among the fishing community in Kisumu County

Through the initiative, NSDCC targets to train and build capacity for 140 Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders to give impetus to the fight against the virus.

Kisumu and Siaya Regional HIV Aids Coordinator Steve Kathaka said the targeted BMU leaders will undergo a Training of Trainers programme on taming new HIV infections, teenage pregnancies and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and in turn, cascade the information to their peers.

Each of the BMU leaders, he added, will reach out to 700 others working under them to drive the message home.

Kathaka said the focus on the fishing community comes against the backdrop of rising numbers of new infections amongst the fishing community, dealing a blow to the gains made in the fight against the virus.

‘Data is showing us that a large number of new HIV infections take place amongst the fis
hing community. That is why Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties rank among the top five in HIV burden in the country,’ he said.

He attributed the rise in infections to the migratory nature of fishermen and the availability of cash which fuels transactional sex.

This, he added, has further contributed to a sharp rise in teenage pregnancies in Kisumu with up to 6,000 cases reported in Kisumu County in the year 2022.

The trend, he said, was worrying since the teenagers who get pregnant are also exposed to HIV adding to the number of new infections in the area.

‘The number of cases is worrying because the same route for the pregnancies is the same route for HIV transmission,’ he said.

SGBV, he added, was rampant amongst the fisher folk in Kisumu with Nyakach, Nyando and Seme sub-counties recording the highest number of cases.

This, he said, was attributed to the nature of the work since fishermen venture into the lake and stay away from their families for days and when they return home conflicts ari
se.

Speaking at Asat Beach in Kisumu County during the launch of the three days’ outreach program, Kathaka said the BMU leaders will receive training on HIV prevention, use of PREP and PEP and adherence to Antiretroviral therapy and Tuberculosis (TB) drugs.

Adherence to ARV treatment and TB drugs, he said remained a big challenge among the fishing community adding that the BMU leaders shall be equipped with the necessary information and materials to educate their peers on the importance of taking the drugs.

‘This is a mobile population and adherence to treatment and attendance for health talks is wanting. As they venture into the lake some of them forget their drugs at home thus interfering with their treatment,’ he said.

‘That is why we are saying as you go fishing and you are on treatment please carry your medication with you so that you remain healthy,’ he said.

The TOTs, he added will also be engaged in sensitizing the community against non-communicable diseases especially cervical cancer which is on
the rise in the area.

Caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which is common in uncircumcised men, he said, NSDCC has embarked on a programme to scale up Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision to reverse the tide.

The interventions, he said were set to create a demand for services and regenerate the vigour of fighting HIV in the area.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wisley Rotich has suspended the licensing of all bars in the region.

Rotich announced that bars across the County will undergo a fresh vetting process, signaling a significant shift in alcohol regulation.

The Governor emphasized the urgency of addressing the County’s alcohol problem, stating, ‘As a County, we are headed on the wrong path and we need to address it urgently before we start burying people as is happening in other parts of the Country.’

He further highlighted the prevalence of second-generation alcohol sales in many bars, stressing the need for immediate intervention to save lives.

The Governor’s announcement coincided with the replacement of the County Alcoholic Drinks Regulations Committees, with a new team inaugurated to oversee the vetting process. Rotich also directed residents to participate in public forums to provide recommendations before new licenses are issued.

‘I want to assure you that we shall enforce your recommendations, especially those concer
ning closure of alcoholic outlets that sell illicit alcohol,’ he vowed.

Keiyo North Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) Julius Maiyo echoed the gravity of the alcohol crisis, labeling alcohol addiction as the County’s ‘number one enemy.’

He singled out notorious brands such as Flying Horse, Diamond Ice, African Spear, and Konyagi, which have become prevalent among locals.

Maiyo highlighted a distressing incident involving a bar where patrons were found consuming alcohol while engaging in acts of sodomy. He asserted that swift action had been taken, with the closure of the bar and revocation of its license.

He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct among government officers involved in enforcing alcohol regulations, cautioning against corruption and collusion with bar owners.

The DCC cautioned against prioritizing revenue over-regulation, stressing the need for a holistic approach to tackle the menace effectively.

Maiyo urged against compromises in the fight against alcohol abuse, warning that any for
m of collusion would undermine the progress made.

The duo issued stern warnings to County staff undermining efforts to combat illicit alcohol, emphasizing the consequences for such misconduct.

They emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity and impartiality in the fight against alcohol abuse.

Source: Kenya News Agency

WINDHOEK: Despite a significant change in the public’s access to and consumption of information brought about by digitalisation, public libraries in Namibia continue to be important hubs for knowledge and information.

The advent of digitalisation has dramatically changed the way the public accesses and consumes information. The rapid digitisation of societies has raised questions about the continued relevance of public libraries and whether they still have a place in the modern era.

Despite these, public libraries continue to play an important role in Namibian society amid the digital age and free internet access to information, including books.

This is according to Sarah Negumbo, the Director of the Namibia Library and Archives Service. Negumbo told Nampa in an interview that public libraries remain relevant even in the digital age for many reasons, including free access to a wide range of information resources.

‘The public libraries are continuing to fulfil a significant role by providing free access to
the internet and e-resources, facilitating skills development through ICT training, and assisting with online job applications, particularly in areas where access to electricity is limited, benefiting underserved communities,’ she said.

The Directorate of Namibia Library and Archives Service in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture oversees 66 public libraries in Namibia and Negumbo said they have adapted well to the digitalisation.

Negumbo noted that the advent of the Internet, or digital age, did not diminish the importance of public libraries in Namibia, with 60 of the public libraries offering free internet access and e-resources to their respective communities.

‘Currently, some of the public libraries are already using computerised systems such as Koha and Symphony; these are systems installed to manage libraries’ collections and resources.

Libraries have transformed into dynamic community centres, adapting to the evolving needs of their patrons. They are now offering a range of digital resourc
es, including e-newspapers, e-magazines, free access to social media, basic ICT training, artificial intelligence services, library automation, and open-source software,’ Negumbo explained.

She said the directorate has initiated several innovative programmes to ensure public libraries remain relevant in the digital age.

These include services such as basic and advanced ICT training and graphic design, online job applications, and mobile library services. Public libraries countrywide also offer a range of services to the general public, such as homework assistance for learners and reading activities.

Others include information sharing sessions on agriculture, health, and crafts, as well as entrepreneurial skills development such as sewing, soap making, and bead making.

Negumbo said public libraries also provide career guidance in collaboration with human resources practitioners and professionals.

‘Through literacy and numeracy skills development, the directorate has introduced the Namibia Reads App, an on
line reading application with more than 10 000 e-books and audio-books for young learners between the ages of seven and twelve.

‘These books can be read, or the system can read them to learners. The directorate further introduced the spelling bee competitions, just to instil a culture of reading and participation among the children,’ she said.

For these reasons, Negumbo stated that public libraries are still a good public investment and that they are still essential to the general public.

‘Public libraries in Namibia have undertaken initiatives to alleviate poverty by promoting information and communication technology services within their facilities. This strategy aims to enhance the living conditions of community members and bridge the digital divide. Libraries play a crucial role in advancing global education outcomes by leveraging devices such as cellular phones, tablets, and computers, along with their associated applications and software.

‘By incorporating technology, libraries empower learners to a
ctively participate in a global knowledge economy. This not only enriches their understanding of the world, but also amplifies their voices and strengthens their position as they navigate their roles in the broader global context,’ Negumbo explained.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

TSUMEB: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Oshikoto Region is calling on NGOs, companies, and other stakeholders to come together to prevent crime in the region.

Regional Commander, Commissioner Theopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku in particular urged non-governmental organisations and private companies to come on board and create awareness in preventing crimes.

Kalompo-Nashikaku during a crime prevention stakeholder meeting held in Tsumeb on Wednesday said the police cannot solve crime alone; it needs stakeholders to help curb crime because having them on board will have a positive impact in society.

‘We cannot solve the crime alone, we need stakeholders to assist us in fighting crimes and safeguarding our society,’ she said.

Kalompo-Nashikaku said this after Dundee Precious Metal suffered from several copper wire theft incidents in the past 14 months. A total of seven cases were opened where suspects were arrested and several incidents were reported internally where no suspects were arrested.

She said t
hat copper wire theft is a serious problem in the town as Cenored regularly replaces copper wire.

Kalompo-Nashikaku also called on the public to not buy copper wire from any person.

‘People should not buy any copper wire from unlicensed business owners because they might also become culprits,’ she warned.

Dundee’s Protection Services and Emergency Response manager Jaco Haasbroek said the impact on the plant and community is that it caused an emergency shutdown due to water loss from the dam and powerplant.

He further said they lost production totalling an estimated loss of production revenue of N.dollars 22 million, electricity outages in town, and impact on other business revenue.

‘Our biggest challenge is the market owner of this copper wire theft and we want to kill the market for this culprit,’ said Haasbroek.

Law enforcement is planning to create awareness with stakeholders such as Telecom Namibia, Tsumeb Municipality, Dundee, Rubicon Security, Cenored, Ongopolo Mining, Office of the Prosecutor Gen
eral, and the local Neighbourhood Watch.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The government has allocated Sh48 million to be used in putting up a water pan and borehole in Tana River county to alleviate the plight of pastoralists in the arid county.

Speaking Tuesday at Kone village, the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) National Drought Management Authority, Colonel (Rtd) Hared Adan said the water pan will not only benefit the communities around Kone but also residents in counties like Wajir, Garissa.

Rtd Col Adan said the project will also help reduce water conflicts during drought seasons when conflicts over resources usually erupt between human beings and herders over the scarce water available.

‘We want to classify the dam as a strategic dam because it will provide water for locals and other people outside Tana River County,’ Col Adan said.

The NDMA CEO urged residents of Kone Village to avoid misuse of the water and to take care of the project since it is for their own good and benefit.

He asked them to follow the rules and the regulations that will be put up to safeguard the use
of the dam.

Speaking at the same function, the chairman of the National Drought Management Authority Mr Shallow Yahya said the project involves the renovation of the two boreholes and the construction of a water dam of about 460,000 cubic-metres at a cost of about Sh48 million.

Yahya also said solar panels will be installed to pump water into the boreholes so that both residents and the animals can benefit from the facility.

He pledged that NDMA will construct many more water pans in order to support pastoralists from different communities adding the main purpose of the project is to help reduce lack of water especially during drought period.

Residents of the area expressed gratitude saying that the boreholes constructed are expected to help reduce conflicts with wild animals since they are neighbors to the National Park.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Multi Agency team on drug and substance abuse has intensified crackdown on those involved in brewing of illicit brews in Kakamega County.

National Government and Administration (NGAO) is working in partnership with the National Police Service (NPS), the County government, National Campaign Against Drugs and Substance Abuse (NACADA) and Kenya Revenue Authority to crack the whip against those involved in the vice

Kakamega County Commissioner Michael Mwangi, who spoke in Kakamega town following seizure of 130 litres of changaa, 600 litres of busaa/ kangara , 300 half litres of Kenya kane, 52 bottles of counterfeit wines and spirits among other illicit liquor, warned that those involved will have nowhere to hide.

‘We shall find you even if you hide in the forest,’ Mwangi warned, adding that ‘We are giving this a new touch; we are going to work as a team’.

The county commissioner said all illegal dens selling prohibited liquor will be shut and cautioned those importing counterfeit drinks from a neighboring
country that they will not be condoned.

‘There are illegal imports into the county, we shall follow up to the borders and we shall not condone this kind of behavior,’ he cautioned.

The county commissioner further raised concern that some of the consumers of these products were children and even women, adding that a number of people have lost their lives through consumption of those ill-prepared drinks.

‘We have some alcohol that expired in 2021, yet the vendors are still selling it to their clients,’ noted Mwangi.

The county commissioner asked the county governments, charged with the responsibility of licensing of bars to be vigilant when issuing the licenses.

‘We must know how many have the licenses, how many are legal and illegal’ he added.

Mwangi said they were working closely with other counties in Rift Valley, Western and Nyanza region to curb the vice.

Kakamega County Police Commander Joseph Kigen said the crackdown started a while ago and thanked volunteers for providing security agencies with v
ital information about those involved in the illegal business.

Regional Co-coordinator NACADA Sarah Kosgei said the government is set to put up four drug addicts’ rehabilitation centers in Kakamega North, Mumias, Kakamega Central and another one in Lugari sub counties.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The County Government of Kirinyaga is engaging the community dialogues on financial inclusion as a way of reducing cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the county.

The forums that are targeting community opinion shapers across both genders ahead of the oncoming International Women’s Day (IWD) are aimed at creating awareness among the county residents on how to better manage financial issues in families to avert conflicts that at times escalate to grievous levels.

Led by the County Executive Committee Member for Gender and Youth, Millicent Nyawira, the forums delved into pressing issues surrounding financial inclusion, property succession, new economic opportunities, and the urgent need to empower and protect women.

The CEC said that the topics in the discussion were in line with this year’s IWD theme, ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ since women in the county disproportionately suffer from financial inequalities in their families.

‘We have been speaking with both women and men on financial liter
acy, emphasizing matters such as economic empowerment, proper inheritance, and succession planning to mitigate conflicts within families,’ Nyawira emphasized.

She said that the forums have been teaching the importance of proper inheritance and succession planning by encouraging parents to dialogue with their children and be open about all the property they have as a family and the best way to share it equally and fairly.

Evans Muriithi, an opinion leader and a participant in a public dialogue held in Baricho sub-county, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating, ‘We are happy about this exercise as we are getting knowledge and support on how to manage and invest our money to have stable homes,’ he said.

On succession disputes, Muriithi noted that in Mount Kenya, there are countless succession conflicts, which are mainly due to ignorance and a lack of proper planning.

He appreciated the county government’s effort to champion GBV issues in an inclusive manner that incorporated men.

The CECM said that
the Kirinyaga County government is committed to implementing sustainable interventions for GBV in the county.

She said that the county government is putting up a GBV recovery center at Kerugoya Hospital, which will soon be commissioned.

She added that there has been the implementation of an economic empowerment program (Wezesha Kirinyaga) that has been funding groups to undertake income-generating activities for sustainable livelihoods.

The dialogues were organized in partnership with Rainforest Alliance, whose representative, Elizabeth Njenga, said that it has heavily invested in empowering the community by understanding market opportunities available in the county and encouraging farmers to diversify their sources of income from tea and coffee farming to other agricultural ventures.

Njenga shed light on the challenges faced by women, including barriers to financial inclusion and succession due to patriarchal systems.

‘The main issues affecting women include succession, as the system is still very patri
archal and it is mostly men who own the land; thus, women find it difficult to get financial inclusion or even loans,’ she said.

Another leader, Jennifer Muthoni, emphasized the transformative potential of the dialogue, saying it would help families grow healthier financially.

She noted that financial instability leads to restlessness and conflicts among family members, while division of family properties leads to infighting in families.

Source: Kenya News Agency