Day: March 4, 2024

Agriland Solution has introduced various strategies to increase tea production and maximize returns for small scale farmers in Murang’a.

The company has brought on board a section of farmers drawn from several tea factories in the county to help them in tea picking, thus increasing production of green leaf.

The firm has opted to employ the strategies after a big number of small scale tea farmers decried reduced returns, occasioned by high levies charged on harvesting of green leaf.

Currently, tea pickers charge Sh12 per kilo, a price the farmers claim is too high based on the size of their farms.

Many times, tea pickers avoid small scale farms since they can’t offer continuous work that can last for at least six days.

Since September last year, Agriland Solutions has been providing tea pickers and paying them on behalf of the registered farmer on weekly basis.

The company’s CEO Sam Muiruri said his firm, which is an agent in the tea sector, has come to rescue tea farmers from high cost of production and
help them maximize returns from their produce.

He noted that they also work with large scale farmers by providing them with qualified tea pickers and in the management of harvested green leaf.

Miururi disclosed that currently they have entered into partnership with farmers drawn from Ngeere, Ikumbi, Makomboki and Njunu tea factories.

The CEO explained that farmers will only have to pay 7.5 percent of their proceeds to the company that will be deducted from their monthly payments, with its pilot phase indicating that farm yields have increased by about 50 percent.

The CEO further noted the company has a team of agronomists who visit individual farms ensuring tea pickers are working as they should and that farms are well maintained.

‘In farms where production of green leaf is low, we do soil tests and farmers are appropriately advised on what to do in order to increase harvests.

‘Those in need of farm inputs such as manure among other farm inputs, have to make a request and the company sources for them an
d delivers at a small price,’ he added.

Muiriru confirmed that the tea pickers have to adhere to the policies of the firm, ensuring they maintain high discipline and stemming theft of green leaf.

‘There have been numerous cases of theft of green leaf both at the farms and in tea buying centres that have been blamed on tea pickers.

We have a system that tea pickers have to use while selling their tea at the buying centres and it cannot allow one to sell for two different numbers,’ he said, explaining that each registered tea farmer has a number issued by their tea factory and which they use to sell their tea.

The CEO observed that a big number of tea farmers have been facing the challenge of heavy debts that they incur as they juggle between tending to their farms and supporting their families.

‘But now the farmers will have the freedom to diversify their farming activities and earn more income while receiving more returns from their tea farms,’ he observed.

One of the local farmers, Florence Githinji re
vealed that since she joined the company in October 2023, she has witnessed increased earnings from her small tea farm.

‘Agriland has managed my small farm well and tea production has increased. My tea no longer goes bad on the farms. We are delighted as farmers because we can now focus on other activities,’ she said.

Samuel Kirubi, another farmer, said even tea pickers are happy with the new management of their farms as they are paid their dues without delays.

Previously, he noted, he would get money from his dairy returns and plough them into his tea farm, making it difficult to support his family.

Source: Kenya News Agency

OPUWO: Khorixas-based Robber Chanties FC collected a maximum of six points over the weekend to expand the margin at the top of the Kunene Football League standings to four points.

Robber Chanties, one of Kunene’s oldest and most successful clubs, have been toying with their opponents this season after winning all six of their opening games, scoring 23 goals and conceding only four. They lead the league with 18 points.

They outclassed their long-time rival Kunene NamPol FC on Sunday at the Herbert Conradie Stadium in Khorixas in a game that ended 2-1 in their favour, following Saturday’s victory against Opuwo-based Okarindi Komutati with two goals to one.

Other Saturday matches featured Green Dangers defeating Pubs FC 7-2 in Kamanjab. At the same time, Okaukuejo’s Etosha United crushed Khorixas Football Academy 5-0.

Before their loss to Robber Chanties, Kunene NamPol earned three points by defeating Gariseb Orlando Pirates 1-0 at Khorixas. Young Eagles also won 1-0 against Sixty Eleven FC, while Khaibasen
and !Ugab FC drew one-all on Saturday.

On Sunday, Khaibasen gained three points over Sixty Eleven in a 1-0 victory, Young Eagles and !Ugab drew one apiece, while Green Dangers lost 1-0 to Khorixas FA at home.

Gariseb Orlando Pirates, who are yet to find their footing, suffered another humiliating setback on Sunday when they were smashed by Okarindi Komutati in their own home, resulting in a 6-1 thriller in favour of the Opuwo-based team. Etosha United gained a point at home after a 2-2 draw with Pubs.

With just six games played, Robber Chanties are the only unbeaten team in the league, with 18 points at the top of the log ranking, followed by Khaibasen with 14 points after four wins and two draws. Young Eagles and Green Dangers are third and fourth, respectively, with 10 points. Etosha United, Okarindi Komutati, and Khorixas FA all have nine points, ranking fifth, sixth, and seventh, respectively.

Kunene NamPol are ranked ninth with seven points, followed by !Ugab with six points. Sixty-Eleven and Pubs FC
are tied on four points in 10th and 11th place. Gariseb Orlando Pirates, yet to secure a win after five defeats and a tie, are in the relegation zone with one point.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

They included the Minister of State Bello Bouba Maigari, Territorial Administration Minister, Paul Atanga Nji, who represented president Paul Biya in the event.

Other Ministers were Issa Tchiroma Bakary, Jean Ernest Massena NGALLE BIBEHE, Ketcha courtes, Hamadou Moustapha and Yaouba Abdoulaye, Mbairobe and a host of government officials.

The three Northern Governors representing North, Far North and Adamawa, were present.

One speaker after another praised the initiative, which goes beyond the renovation of this legendary mosque inaugurated in 1981 by the late President Ahmadou Ahidjo, and praised the surge of national solidarity that enabled the initiator of the project, His Majesty El Rachidini, to offer the people of Garoua this architectural gem, whose guided tour enabled guests to appreciate the beauty of the work.

Alongside the event, on the same Friday evening, the Lamido of Garoua treated his guests to a cultural evening featuring a beautiful fantasia and a succession of musicians on the podium.

T
he later part of the programme took another turn when the Minister of Transport was elevated to the dignity of ‘Chetima’ of the Lamida of Garoua.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

OTJIWARONGO: A member of the Namibian Defence Force (NDF) at Grootfontein has appeared in court on charges of rape and assault through threatening after he allegedly raped a 15-year-old girl.

The 42-year-old Martin Hangula made his first court appearance before magistrate Boniface Konga and was denied bail when he appeared in court last week.

Hangula was accompanied by his private lawyer, Bernard Tjatjara who represented him, while prosecutor Wendy Nkando appeared for the State.

Nkando strongly objected to the granting of bail to the accused, citing the seriousness of the matter as well as the fact that police investigations are in the initial stages. She told the court that Hangula, who is also a businessman at Grootfontein, might interfere and jeopardise the police investigations if he is to be released on bail at this stage.

Nkando added that the 15-year-old girl is a minor who is in Grade 10 at Grootfontein. She said the girl is highly vulnerable and could be persuaded by the accused to withdraw the c
ase once he is out on bail.

Hangula allegedly raped the girl at his flat last month. He reportedly threatened her and told her to not tell anyone or report the matter to the police, or he would shoot her.

Hangula was arrested at Grootfontein last Wednesday and his case was postponed to 23 April 2024 to allow for police investigations.

He however on Monday through his lawyer applied for a bail hearing on the matter. He is remanded in police custody at the Grootfontein Police Station holding cells.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

ROSH PINAH: Two men aged 39 and 49 years are expected to appear in the Karasburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday after they were allegedly found in possession of Cannabis worth over N.dollars 300 000.

According to a crime report issued on Sunday by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol)’s, crime investigations coordinator for ||Kharas region, Deputy Commissioner, Nikodemus Mbango on Sunday, the suspects were arrested on Friday around 02h00 at the southern town.

‘An intelligence led operation pertaining to drugs was conducted by Ariamsvlei and Karasburg police officers and about 1km outside Karasburg, the vehicle in which the suspects were travelling was stopped. However, the driver tried to drive off, but police managed to stop them from fleeing,’ he said.

One of the suspects allegedly jumped out of the vehicle in attempt to flee, throwing a big parcel out of the vehicle in the process. The parcel was found to contain 7 815 grams of cannabis, with an estimated street value of N.dollars 309 750.

The men each face
one count of dealing in illicit drugs.

In a separate incident, a 23-year-old man is expected to appear in the same court on Monday after he was allegedly found in possession of 1990 grams of Cannabis worth N.dollars 99 500.

The deputy commissioner said the man was arrested on Friday morning around 10h00 at his residence at Ariamslvei.

In another incident, NamPol at Karasburg are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a 25-year-old man was hit and killed by a vehicle some nine kilometers outside the southern town.

The deceased has been identified as Roberto Petrus Kooper, who’s next of kin have been informed of his death.

Kooper was allegedly struck by the vehicle at around 03h30 on the Karasburg/Grnau road. The driver of the vehicle, who faces a charge of culpable homicide once located, allegedly fled the scene after the incident.

Meanwhile, a 90-year-old man allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at Noordoewer on Saturday, after his body was found hanging from the roof of his room with
a black belt around his neck at around 09h00 on Saturday.

The incident happened at the Paaiekamp residential area at the border town and no foul play is suspected.

In a separate incident at Lderitz a teenage boy who was being held in custody allegedly attempted to commit suicide by hanging himself in a cell. According to Mbango, the incident occurred at around 17h00 on Saturday, however, police officers on duty discovered him hanging from a blanket strap and cut him down while still conscious.

Mbango further said the boy was taken to the Lderitz hospital for observation, while a social worker has referred his case to a to a psychologist.

Last week the teenager escaped from custody and was rearrested on Friday.

Police investigations in all matters continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

ONYAANYA: The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has issued a warning to the public regarding the illegal buying and selling of communal land adjacent to the B1 road in the Oshikoto and Oshana regions.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Simon Nghipandulwa, made the remarks in an interview with Nampa on Monday following reports from concerned citizens regarding unauthorised land transactions along the B1 road.

He urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to land deals to the ministry.

According to Nghipandulwa, investigations have revealed the involvement of community members from areas surrounding Omuthiya, Oniipa, Ondangwa, Ongwediva and Oshakati, as well as villages along the B1 road between Ongwediva and Ondangwa, in illegal land transactions.

‘Several individuals have fallen prey to these illegal actions,’ Nghipandulwa stated.

He said it is crucial for the public to understand that land within town boundaries falls under the jurisdiction of the respective council.

‘Communal
land cannot be sold as freehold land to any individual as per Section 42 of the Communal Land Reform Act, 2002 (Act No. 5 of 2002),’ Nghipandulwa emphasised.

He further urged the public to adhere to the correct procedures for acquiring communal land.

‘Individuals should first identify the desired land portion with the village headman or woman of the respective traditional authority. Subsequently, land parcel boundaries should be identified and collectively defined with neighbouring landholders,’ he advised.

He added that applicants should complete a prescribed form and submit it, along with an application fee of N.dollars 25, to the traditional authority.

Following this, the ministry should be contacted to verify and map the identified land parcel. ‘A seven-day notice should then be displayed at the traditional authority office to allow for objections from community members. The application should be ratified by the respective Communal Land Board for approval and registration of the land right,’ Nghipandu
lwa explained.

Upon approval, customary land right certificates will be issued to the respective traditional authority, and applicants must pay a certificate fee of N.dollars 50 to the traditional authority upon collection of the land right certificate.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The government has commissioned 430 new wagons to improve efficiency in the country’s freight services.

The arrival of the wagons will also bolster the clearance of a backlog of 100,000 tonnes comprised of steel pellets and coils and other loose cargo at the port of Mombasa.

Speaking in Mombasa during the commissioning exercise, State Department for Transport PS Mohamed Daghar said the wagons will enhance capacity of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and the Metre Gauge Railway (MGR) by gradually replacing the current wagons that are over 40 years old.

The wagons are of different specifications and have additional safety features. They can carry double-stuck containers and have a load capacity of 70 and 64 tonnes on SGR and MGR respectively.

The last consignment of 20 wagons is set to arrive in May, bringing the total number of wagons acquired this year to 500, where 300 wagons will be for SGR and 200 are for MGR.

In January this year, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen flagged off 50 wagons.

‘
It’s really important to increase efficiency at the Port of Mombasa and one way of increasing efficiency is to ensure that the dwell time and ensure both containerised and conventional cargo is discharged efficiently and quickly,’ said Daghar, while speaking at the Portreitz Freight Station.

The PS noted that the best way to discharge bulk cargo like steel pellets and coils is by using the train system whether it is the SGR or MGR.

He said the government is determined to continue serving the neighbouring land-locked countries through efficient rail transport for both containerised and conventional cargo.

Transport PS Mohamed Daghar flags off 430 new wagons for freight services at Port Reitz Freight station, Mombasa.

Daghar also said the government is keen to ensure that the northern corridor that starts at the Port of Mombasa to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo remains competitive and efficient.

‘We want a situation where Kenya Railways will be scavenging for cont
ainers. We want to ensure that our yards efficiently transport all the cargo from the port of Mombasa to reduce our dwell time to two days or less,’ said Daghar.

The government has also rehabilitated the entire MGR line in the country, but a small section is left between Voi and Taveta that connects with the Northern part of Tanzania.

The PS revealed that the State Department of Transport through the National Land Commission has already acquired 1.4 kilometres of land that had halted rehabilitation of the MGR line in Mombasa that will link the central railway station and the SGR terminus in Miritini.

When the project is completed in May, passengers using the Madaraka Express passenger service train and the seven stations along the SGR arriving or departing from Mombasa can use the MGR line.

Meanwhile, four mini-stations are under construction in Changamwe East, Changamwe West, Miritini, and Shimanzi to enhance commuter movement for Mombasa residents, who will have an alternative mode of transport, thus ea
sing pressure on road transport.

Source: Kenya News Agency