Category: General

Thousands of residents in the disputed 17,000-acre South Ngariama Ranch in Mwea East Sub-county in Kirinyaga, are set to be issued with title deeds, as the Ministry of Lands kicks-off the adjudication process.

The long-awaited exercise is taking place with the National and County government mobilizing dozens of surveyors to undertake the exercise.

The exercise kicked-off, Tuesday, with the surveyors backed by a contingent of police moving round to determine external boundaries of the Settlement Scheme.

This will pave way for the declaration of the area, as an adjudication section before the start of internal boundaries identification.

The commencement of the adjudication exercise follows a court order issued by Justice John Mutungi, sitting at Kerugoya Environment and Lands Court, directing the Ministry to resolve the disputes, that have rocked the area for over three decades.

Assistant Director for Adjudication and Settlement in the Ministry of Lands, Ezekiel Kiania, said after declaration of the area,
as an adjudication section, the team will undertake a recognizance survey, which will involve data collection on existing facilities including hospital, wetlands, riparian, schools among others.

He said that over 40 land Surveyors drawn from Ministry of Lands Headquarters and from the neighbouring counties, will be on the ground to offer technical support to the process.

Kiania said, during the exercise, all land owners are required to be present on their parcel of land, with documents to prove ownership.

The exercise has renewed hope for about 8,000 residents, who have been waiting for title deeds for decades.

Kiania called on residents to support the initiative, pledging to oversee the process in a fair and transparent manner.

‘Our duty here is to ensure that the rightful owners, get their title deeds, and to amicably resolve any arising issue, we urge for peace and patience, as we seek a solution to this problem,’ he said.

The County Executive (CECM) for Lands, Rev. Samuel Kanjobe, who represented Go
vernor Ann Waiguru in the public participation forum, urged residents to co-operate and ensure the process was successfully concluded, adding that there was political goodwill to have the residents get their land ownership documents.

During a recent visit to the area, Governor Waiguru said the adjudication and issuance of title deeds, had been delayed by endless disputes over ownership.

‘As you can recall, we had started the adjudication process, but were stopped due to political interference. We are hoping that the process will be concluded and no one loses their parcel of land, to middlemen and brokers,’ said Waiguru.

Waiguru had then underscored the issuance of title deeds in South Ngariama, as one of the priority objectives for her current tenure.

‘We are resolute in our mission, to secure title deeds for the rightful 8,200 families, and reclaim unlawfully appropriated public land. We will spare no effort in achieving this goal,’ she said.

The Governor further said that the County Government, has no
other interest other than to ensure that the land matter was permanently settled.

South Ngariama residents, hailed the County Government, for keeping the pledge to solve the long-standing issue. Nancy Wanjiku expressed the community’s collective relief, as the adjudication process commenced.

She emphasized that having ownership documents, will save the community from disputes within the land that at times escalated to violence.

‘In the past, the specter of violence loomed large, disrupting our children’s education and robbing us of peace. With the government initiating this crucial process, there’s newfound hope that this longstanding conflict, will be laid to rest,’ she remarked.

Murimi Muciri, a resident in the area, expressed profound satisfaction, as the adjudication process commenced, affirming that many in the community, now felt a sense of relief.

‘With the titling process underway, the once prevalent unrest in our region has significantly diminished, instilling hope among residents that rightful
land ownership will be restored. We are grateful for the concerted efforts of both the County and National governments, in addressing this long-neglected issue, ‘ he remarked.

Another resident, James Njagi, urged fellow South Ngariama inhabitants, to exercise patience and co-operate with adjudication officers.

‘We are pleased that our voices have finally been heard and acted upon. It’s been a prolonged struggle, and I implore my neighbors, to allow the officers to carry out their duties diligently, to ensure equitable land distribution. This collaborative approach is crucial for a swift and successful resolution,’ he emphasized.

With the process finally underway, there is renewed hope for peace and justice among residents who have endured uncertainty and conflict over land ownership.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged farmers to embrace crop rotation so as to boost food production and enhance national food security.

Speaking during a multi-sectoral meeting in Nairobi organized by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Lusaka who is also Chair of the Council of Governors’ Agricultural Committee, highlighted the importance of a multi-agricultural approach, which was crucial for driving value addition and increasing food output.

The governor called upon farmers to incorporate underutilized, but nutritious crops into their farming system citing cassava, sweet potatoes among others.

‘Following the recent hunger in the country, I challenge the national government to increase funding for food security initiatives,’ he noted.

Lusaka called upon the national and county governments to come up with incentives in the agricultural sector to attract young people into farming and promote the use of technology in agricultural practices.

The chair also deliberated on the progress of
the Nutrition in the City Ecosystems (NICHE) Project, implemented in Bungoma and Busia Counties.

Others who attended the function included Busia Deputy Governor Arthur Odera, County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Dr. Monica Salano Fedha (Agriculture), Bonventure Chengeck (Roads), Dr. David Wamamili (Education), Dr. Andrew Wamalwa (Health), and the Sygenta Foundation East Africa team.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: Foreign Affairs Minister Taye Atske Selassie underlined the commitment of Ethiopia to working closely with countries of the sub-region to enhance stability, infrastructural connectivity, and economic integration.

The 44th Ordinary Executive Council Session of the African Union (AU) opened today at its headquarters and it will be followed by the 37th Heads of State and Governments of AU member states from 17-18th February, 2024.

In his opening speech, Taye appreciated the African Union (AU) peace and security architecture in its endeavors for creating a center to the success of African solutions to the African challenges.

The architecture must continue serving as the foundation of promoting sustainable peace and security in Africa, the foreign minister underlined.

Ethiopia has repeatedly proved its firm stand for African solution to African problems, he stated.

In this case, the minister mentioned his country’s commitment to ending a two-year war in northern Ethiopia and reached agreement thr
ough the AU-led peace initiative in Pretoria, South Africa.

‘The Pretoria agreement that ended the conflict in northern Ethiopia shows Ethiopia’s commitment to African solution and the African Union’s ability to deliver peace. The government of Ethiopia continues to work with the African Union and the Monitoring and Verification Compliance Mission to consolidate peace.’

Taye further stated that we are also determined that the inclusive national dialogue process will contribute to further consolidate stability.

The minister said most importantly: ‘Ethiopia is determined to work closely with countries of our sub-region to enhance stability, infrastructural connectivity, and economic integration.’

He added Ethiopia is encouraged with the operationality of the African Union Peace Fund and calls on fellow member states to show commitment for its sustenance.

Foreign Minister Taye also urged Africa to strive for a reformed United Nation Security Council (UNSC) and work with determination to implement the much a
waited resolution on financing peacekeeping operations in Africa.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Huduma Centre has extended its partnership with Mombasa Cement, through a 21-Day Huduma Mashinani programme, targeting 15,000 people in Kibarani, Changamwe Sub-county.

Last year in December, during the inaugural Eight-Day Huduma Mashinani at the Kibarani Miracle Park, 5,800 people got various services that were paid for by the cement firm.

The overwhelming response necessitated the roll-out of Phase Two of the initiative.

Huduma Centre Mombasa Office, Assistant Manager, Harrison Yogo, said the overwhelming response in the First Phase, necessitated them to extend the programme in Kibarani.

‘Up to now we have already served 584 people, we are continuing to attend to more people. The number keeps increasing. Most of the services sought are ID replacement, Birth Certificates, Good Conduct Certificates, NSSF and NHIF,’ said Yogo, during the launch of the Second Phase of Huduma Mashinani in Kibarani, yesterday.

He added that some of the documents sought are a requirement for jobseekers, as most employers deman
d them before they hire.

‘Mombasa Cement is paying for all the services here; all the services are free, including the food. Each service offered here, the Company has partnered with us and they are making all those payments,’ stated Yego.

He further urged other organizations to partner with Huduma Centers across the Country, to enable Kenyans to access government services.

Beneficiaries of the initiative praised the cement firm, terming the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a life-changing initiative amid the hard economic times.

Fernando Bett, who hails from Rift Valley, travelled to the Coastal City, to look for employment but the stumbling block was lack of a Good Conduct Certificate.

‘I heard about the programme from a friend, I have been served, we usually pay Sh1,050 to get a Good Conduct, but because of harsh economic times, getting that money is a challenge,’ said Bett.

Mercy Nekesa, was over the moon, after her fingerprints were taken, she is confident that with Good Conduct, will be able
to get employed.

Source: Kenya News Agency

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Goal 11 aimed at making cities and human settlements sustainable, inclusive, safe, and resilient, the Nakuru County government in partnership with the State Department for Housing and Urban Development has embarked on a comprehensive late-night mapping exercise to increase street lighting in the city.

This exercise aims to identify areas lacking or inadequately provided with streetlights in the settlements of Nakuru Under the second Phase of the World Bank Funded Kenya Informal Settlement Improvement Project (KISIP).

The Chief Officer for Housing and Urban Development Architect Kamau Kuria said the strategic deployment of streetlights will not only illuminate the area but also catalyze economic growth by creating safe business spaces for residents.

He spoke today during a press conference at the county offices.

He noted that the trend towards urbanization in the county has been accompanied by increased pressure on the environment and accelerated demand for
basic services, infrastructure, jobs, land, and affordable housing.

Additionally, he said due to the high concentration of people, cities are particularly vulnerable to climate change and natural disaster impacts, hence the need to increase street lighting, especially in the informal settlement areas.

Kuria observed that the current economic hardships have inadvertently catapulted Nakuru city into a 24-hour economy and there was a need for the county to support and improve security for all the residents who will earn their income through hard work.

He also said the solar street lights are a game changer in the country because they are a clean and renewable energy source, making them environmentally friendly as they do not emit any harmful pollutants to the atmosphere.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Addis Ababa: Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Claver Gatete said ECA remains committed to working together with the Africa Union to realize an education system fit for the 21st century.

Speaking at the 44th opening of the Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of AU today, ECA Executive Secretary Claver Gatete emphasized the need to build resilient education systems in Africa.

He highlighted the importance of education as a fundamental human right and a key driver of socio-economic development.

Under the theme “Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa,” Gatete stressed the urgency of transforming education to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Gatete acknowledged that despite progress, significant barriers to education in Africa remain. Issues such as limited access, unequal opportunities, and inadequate quality pose cha
llenges to achieving inclusive and lifelong learning.

He noted that by 2030, nearly half of the global youth population will be African, highlighting the need to equip them with the necessary skills to participate fully in the evolving workforce.

The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing crises have accelerated the adoption of technology and reshaped the global landscape. Gatete emphasized the importance of aligning education systems with these changes, particularly in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

He highlighted the potential of these fields to drive economic growth, competitiveness, and innovation.

To achieve a workforce for the future, Gatete called for increased investments in education, focusing on areas that enhance productive capabilities and global competitiveness.

He emphasized the need for a digital transformation of education systems, citing Africa’s low share of global innovation and limited expenditure
on research and development.

Gatete underscored the role of education in sustainable industrialization, economic diversification, and job creation.

ECA Chief emphasized that innovation would be the foundation for achieving these goals. calling for strategic investments in infrastructure, resources, and curriculum development to leverage Africa’s natural and human capital, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, manufacturing, and global health.

Gatete also stressed the urgency of addressing the digital gender divide and making education a top priority.

“Education is a basic human right and a key enabler for achieving our collective socio-economic development objectives. When we fail to provide accessible and inclusive education, we deny people this right. This Summit marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to transform our education system to one that is ‘fit for purpose’ in today’s world.”

He expressed the commitment of the United Nations and the ECA to collaborate with the African Union in reali
zing a 21st-century education system that prepares African youth for the future

Source: Ethiopian News Agency