Category: General

OPUWO: Football fever resumes this weekend, with the North-West Stream First Division hosting its eighth and ninth rounds, and the North-East First Division kicking off on Saturday.

Onambula United will face Outjo Football Academy FC at Tsandi Stadium on Saturday in the NWSFD league, while Khuse Lions FC will want to capitalise on their home advantage when they welcome Golden Bees FC at Uukwangula Stadium.

Touch and Go FC will travel to Ongwediva to face mid-table Ongwediva City FC at the Mweshipandeka Secondary School sports field, in pursuit of three points to escape relegation.

Eleven Warriors FC will travel to Oshikuku in a must-win game against Oshikuku Young Stars in search of three points, which will secure their spot in first place if log leaders KK Palace FC fail to collect maximum points away to Uukwangula Stadium against Golden Bigs and Young Chiefs FC on Saturday and Sunday.

Young Chiefs FC will face relegation-threatened African Motto FC.

On Sunday, Onambula United will face Golden Bees FC,
Khuse Lions will play OFA, and Ongwediva City FC will play Eleven Warriors FC. Oshikuku Young Stars will take on Touch and Go, Young Chiefs will host KK Palace, and Golden Bigs will face African Motto FC.

The Northeast First Division, which includes teams Rundu, Omuthiya, Katima Mulilo, Nyangana and Helao Nafidi, is set to begin on Saturday with thrilling matchups after a lengthy wait. The league, which is managed by Daniel Namwira, is set to have six matches at five different venues.

Namwira released the league schedule on Thursday and said all games have been verified by the controlling body, the Namibia Football Association (NFA).

Rundu-based outfit United Stars will face KK United FC at the Rundu Sports Stadium, followed by a derby match between Cuca Tops and Rundu Chiefs. Kangweru B Tops FC will face Ntunguru at Mashika Sports Field at Nyangana, Oshikango Chiefs will host Further Fighters FC at the newly constructed Helao Nafidi Stadium, while in Katima, Zambezi’s pride Black Hawks are slated to face
Eastern Chiefs, while Omuthiya United host Tsumeb-based outfit Chief Santos FC.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Cases of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) have dropped from 78 to 51 percent in Narok County, thanks to the gender stakeholders who have been sensitizing the community to end the practice.

Speaking during the International Day of Zero Tolerance towards FGM, Narok County Government Executive Member for Education Robert Simotwo lauded various non-state actors who have been running programmes at the grassroots to end the outdated culture.

Simotwo challenged parents to prioritize education by ensuring all school-going children were enrolled in school and that they completed the education system.

He said though FGM was a cultural practice in the past, the practice has medically been proven to be causing more harm hence the reason the government outlawed it.

The celebrations were organized by the Gender Department and sponsored by the county government in collaboration with AMREF, FORUM CIV, World Vision, and Afyiafrica among other organizations.

Simotwo said the county targets to end FGM shortly saying it has
compromised the standards of education as many girls drop out of school after undergoing the cut and opt to be married.

Narok South Deputy County Commissioner Felix Kisalu who attended the event said the security agencies have continued the fight against FGM with the target of arresting the parents who submit their children to the illegal practice.

During the Christmas season last year, the DCC said 40 women were arrested and arraigned in court for practicing FGM.

He added that the interior ministry has set aside gender desks in all the police stations for reporting all the violence against women and girls.

‘We also liaise with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) to ensure that we deliver justice to gender cases in the shortest time possible.

He warned the chiefs who condone any kind of FGM that they will face serious consequences challenging them to be vigilant in their areas and arrest those that are found guilty of the act in their area of jurisdiction.

Blaise Milimu, a project of
ficer at World Vision, said that the organization empowers community leaders who help to fight Gender Based Violence incidents.

Milimu added that the organization has marked out FGM hotspot areas, where they are concentrating their programmes to protect the girls from the vice.

‘As we celebrate 15 years of community service here in Narok, we hope to continue working with the community to eliminate FGM to zero percent,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The National Youth Service (NYS) coordinator in Molo sub-county, Julius Tanui has urged young people to always turn up in large numbers for the recruitment exercise affirming that the process is a free and fair affair.

He observed that most of the youth shy away from this exercise because of bribery and forgery allegations but he instead urged them to change their mindsets to enable them exploit opportunities offered by NYS to gain skills that will enable them to be self-reliant and boost the country’s economy.

Tanui who coordinated the exercise at Molo Stadium, acknowledged that the exercise ended successfully without any hitches as there were no cases of personification and falsification of documents or attempted bribery witnessed.

He said most candidates had the requirements and two men and a woman who had tattoos on their bodies were axed from the recruitment process.

Tanui further urged youths to maintain peaceful co-existence adding that it was important to join the service to acquire skills for sel
f-employment.

The recruitment exercise will take place at Gilgil in Nakuru County on Thursday while the entire process will be concluded on Friday, February 9.

In attendance during the exercise on Wednesday was the area Assistant County Commissioner (ACC), Job William who commended the youth for the good turnout.

Forty-five youth among them 18 girls and 27 boys were selected to join NYS.

Source: Kenya News Agency

OMAUEZONJANDA: The first-ever Epukiro auction held in the Omaheke Region attracted more than 800 cattle, Epukiro Constituency councillor Paky Pakarae revealed on Thursday at the official opening of the auction at Omauezonjanda.

Pakarae indicated that the new initiative between the Eastern Epukiro Farmers Association and Karoo-Ochse is very important and will assist communal farmers in his constituency, as many of his constituents rely on livestock.

‘We are facilitating for the livestock to get better prices, this will always affect the living standards of the people as well as improve their economic condition,’ he said.

‘It has taken some time with negotiations between Eastern Epukiro Farmers’ Association under the auspices of the Epukiro Constituency office and Karoo-Ochse which is a private auctioneer in livestock especially in the Omaheke Region, to come to an agreement of auctions, Karoo-Ochse being the buyers facilitating this,’ he said.

‘This is not only them coming to buy, they have also donated a
scale worth over N.dollars 200 000, thus this is a win-win relationship that we have entered into,’ Pakarae said.

The constituency councillor appealed to farmers in Epukiro and surroundings to try to maintain a certain number of livestock at auctions to ensure that they keep on qualifying for more livestock auctions in the constituency.

Pakarae noted that the minimum number to qualify is 400 livestock and urged farmers to bring quality livestock to auction amid drought in the constituency.

Gerson Kunomundu Katjirua, a commercial farmer and a senior traditional councillor of the Ovambanderu Traditional Authority applauded the farmers’ association and Karoo-Ochse for bringing this initiative to the Epukiro farmers, something he said they had fought for over many years.

Katjirua said it is not an easy task to host an auction in Epukiro, because there were challenges in doing this in the past.

Karoo-Ochse representative David van Niekerk said they foresee a long relationship which they will maintain. He furt
her acknowledged the Epukiro farmers for giving them a chance to work with them.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The State has assured Kenyans of the safety of their contributions as the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) embarks on the journey towards transition to the new Social Health Authority.

Towards allaying anxiety among Kenyans regarding changes in the health scheme, the government has further put in place a transition committee to ensure there is continuous service delivery and develop guidelines and operational mechanisms during the transition period for audit.

National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ruth Masha who represented Health Cabinet Secretary Dr. Susan Nakhumicha during a public sensitization on the NHIF changeover, held at the Nakuru Agricultural Trade Fair grounds in Nakuru, affirmed that President Ruto’s Social Health Insurance Fund represents a transformative initiative aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of the citizens.

She termed SHIF as a comprehensive health insurance programme poised to bring about abundant benefits, positively impacting th
e lives of Kenyans across various socio-economic strata.

NHIF has a total of 15.4 million members. Out of this, only 6.7 million are active members. In the 2021/2022 financial year, NHIF collected a total of Sh61.53 billion from its members.

The 57-year-old NHIF is set to be disbanded and replaced by the Social Health Authority thanks to the Social Health Insurance Bill of 2023.

The Court of Appeal last month lifted an order blocking the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) paving the way for the government to roll out the new Universal Health Care (UHC) laws.

A bench of three judges lifted the order blocking the roll-out following an application at the court for a temporary suspension of the High Court directive pending the determination of the case filed by Joseph Enock Aura.

The Appellate court ruling now allows the government to start the implementation of the Social Health Insurance Act, 2023, Primary Health Care Act, 2023 and Digital Health Act, 2023. The three laws replaced th
e National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

The government had published the draft Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2023 at the end of last year and invited members of the public to give their views.

Dr Masha explained that SHIF introduces a universal healthcare system that will guarantee access to essential medical services to all Kenyan citizens adding that the element of the proposed fund’s inclusivity was a pivotal step towards reducing health disparities and promoting health equity.

‘A major ingredient of the Fund is that it comes with huge financial relief to families. Medical expenses exert substantial financial pressure, tipping many families into poverty. President Ruto’s initiative seeks to lessen this by scattering the cost of healthcare across the population,’ stated the NSDCC CEO.

The new agency will be responsible for administering three distinct funds – Primary Health Care Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund, and Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund. Under the bill, the Primary Heal
th Care Fund is designated to support preventive and promotive primary care services at the community, dispensary, and health centre levels.

The Social Health Insurance Fund will cover several services including direct referrals, and secondary and tertiary healthcare, while the Chronic Illness and Emergency Fund is designed to address chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancer management, and emergency treatments.

The Ministry of Health has gazetted the transition committee to oversee changes in the health scheme.

The Transition Committee on the Social Health Authority is mandated to ensure a seamless transition from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

The Health Cabinet Secretary appointed the ten-member committee through a gazette notice dated January 25.

The transition committee is chaired by Jason KapKirwok.

Members of the committee include Dr Daniel Mwai (presidential health advisor and health economist), Dr Kipruto Chermusoi Chesang, Dr Ja
cinta Wasike, Gladys Wambui Mburu, Stephen Kaboro Mbugua and Dr Elizabeth Wangia. Other members are Christopher Leparan Tialal, Dr. Jacob Otachi Orina and Dr. Stanley Bii.

The committee is mandated to develop a legal and institutional framework for the coordinated transition to SHA.

Dr. Masha assured Kenyans the current management of NHIF is documenting the organization’s properties, liabilities, and assets, which will be handed over to the new authority.

Nakuru County Chief Officer in charge of Public Health Alice Abuki indicated that the Fund is designed to enhance preventive care measures.

She noted that regular check-ups and early detection of illnesses are crucial in maintaining public health adding that by providing coverage for preventative services, the programme encourages citizens to prioritize their well-being, leading to a healthier population and reducing the overall burden on the healthcare system.

‘This initiative also aims to improve the quality of healthcare services. With a dedicated fu
nd supporting healthcare providers, there is potential for increased investment in medical infrastructure, training, and technology,’ observed the Chief Officer.

Furthermore, noted Ms Abuki the Fund will have positive implications for the workforce and productivity as a healthier population will translate into more productive workers and entrepreneurs, contributing to economic growth.

‘By addressing health issues proactively, the initiative aims to reduce absenteeism and improve overall workforce efficiency. With a substantial portion of the population covered by the Fund, there is a likelihood of decreased pressure on government-funded healthcare facilities. This could result in shorter waiting times, improved service delivery, and better overall experiences for patients seeking care in public hospitals,’ observed the Chief Officer.

Abuki also pointed out the program entrenches a strong sense of social solidarity as the collective approach reinforces social bonds and instils a sense of security among citi
zens, knowing that they are part of a system that cares for their well-being.

Source: Kenya News Agency

East African Community (EAC) countries have pledged to jointly conserve Lake Victoria which is threatened by rising pollution.

Delegates from the seven EAC partner states said the delicate lake ecosystem which is a mainstay for millions of people in the region was facing a myriad of challenges with pollution identified as a major threat.

Lake Victoria Basin Commission (LVBC) Executive Secretary (ES) Dr. Masinde Bwire said pollution in the lake had increased by 50 per cent over the last four decades posing a danger to human and aquatic life.

Raw sewage, industrial effluents and tonnes of plastics, he said are washed into the lake from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania threatening to kill the world’s second-largest freshwater lake.

Sedimentation loading from the three states and the neighbouring Rwanda and Burundi, he said was also a big challenge which if not addressed will greatly affect the existence of the lake.

Speaking in Kisumu during the 22nd Sectoral Council of Ministers on Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM-LVB
), Dr. Bwire said already the effects of pollution have started being felt and if not urgently addressed the situation was likely to get out of hand.

He pointed out the dwindling fish stocks in the lake adding that some of the species that existed in the water body were now extinct due to rapid pollution.

To reverse the tide, LVBC which is an East Africa Community (EAC) institution responsible for coordinating sustainable development of the Lake Victoria Basin, he said has organised a scientific conference in November where experts will engage and present papers on how to restore and conserve the lake.

This, he added, will be followed by Lake Victoria Day to call all the agencies to action and ensure that the lake is given prominence in all conservation programmes within the EAC.

The Sectoral Council of Ministers on Lake Victoria Basin (SECOM-LVB) is the governing body of the Commission which provides the strategic direction to the Commission for the benefit of the people of East Africa.

The meeting was
attended by Kenya’s Shipping and Maritime Principal Secretary Geoffrey Kaituko, Burundi’s Environment Permanent Secretary (PS) Emmanuel Niyungeko, Rwanda Environment Permanent Secretary (PS) Patrick Karera, South Sudan Ministry of Water representative Eng. Chut Isaack Permanent Secretary for Water Alfred Okidi, Tanzania’s Water Permanent Secretary (PS) Prof. Jamal Katundu and Tanzania’s Ambassador to Kenya Dr. Benard Kibise.

Kenya’s PS for Shipping and Maritime Geoffrey Kaituko said collaboration between the EAC member states was key in the conservation of the water body.

Kenya, he added, was partnering with Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania to enhance safety within the lake.

Patrick Karera PS Environment, Rwanda said his Ministry has rolled out a number of programmes to control soil erosion and pollution.

‘We are sensitizing our farmers on proper agricultural practices to ensure that our soils are not washed into the lake,’ he said.

His Tanzania counterpart Prof. Jamal Katundu said the good rel
ations between partner states was key in harnessing joint conservation of the lake.

Katundu said already a number of joint programmes were ongoing adding that through partnerships with development partners the initiatives shall be scaled up to save the lake.

‘We are already talking to the World Bank and we are hopeful that we are going to raise the much-needed resources to conserve the lake,’ he said.

Source: Kenya News Agency