Day: March 18, 2024

Environment, Forestry and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya has reiterated the need to conserve the environment by planting trees.

Tuya challenged every Kenyan to grow at least five tree seedlings in their localities this year, owing to the favourable weather, as one way to mitigate the effects of climate change and better the environment.

‘It is the will of God for man to conserve the environment. When God created man, according to the holy book, He placed him in the garden of Eden that was full of trees. This shows that God is interested in the conservation of the environment,’ she said.

The CS spoke on Sunday in Trans Mara West Sub County, Narok County during an Interdenominational prayer meeting and homecoming thanksgiving service for Tourism Principal Secretary John Ololtua.

The prayer meeting led by Apostle William Kimani of Kingdon Seekers was attended by President William Ruto and First Lady Mrs Rachael Ruto.

Ms Tuya, who also hails from Narok County commended the residents of Trans Ma
ra for planting over 30, 000 tree seedlings in various schools within the sub county, to mark the day.

‘I am happy because a good strategy has been put in place to ensure that all these seedlings planted grow. The schools where the trees have been planted have enough water and the school management has committed to take care of the seedlings,’ she said.

She said that the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) is building a good relationship with the people so that they can help in offering seedlings and technical support to plant the seedlings to ensure they grow.

‘Over 95 percent of climate change is as a result of human action. We can reverse the situation if we all embark on planting trees,’ she reiterated, saying everybody has a role in conserving the environment.

The CS also reported that her Ministry is collaborating with County Governments to protect the environment and all the forests in the country.

While speaking during the tree planting exercise, PS Ololtua underscored the importance of planting trees say
ing they have direct impact on the survival of wildlife.

He said tourists visiting the country had grown from 1.4 million in 2022 to 1.95 million in 2023, representing a 34 percent growth, adding that the county governments are collaborating with national government to exploit untapped tourism scenes in the country.

Source: Kenya News Agency

As the sun sets over the East African coast, Taarab music’s wonderful combination of Swahili poetry, Arabic melodies, and Indian influences fills the air with stories of love and history.

From Mombasa’s marketplaces to Zanzibar’s beaches, its timeless charm enthralls listeners, crossing borders and honouring the region’s rich cultural history.

Among the legendary figures of Taarab music is Asha Abdow, famously known as ‘Malika’.

However, behind the scenes, there was a prolific writer who penned many of her hit songs known as Omar Shariff, alias Shariff Badmash, a poetry genius whose contributions to Kenya’s music industry have gone largely unnoticed despite his deep influence.

Born in 1948 amidst the calming waves of Mombasa Island, Badmash began his path into poetry and singing at the age of 18, motivated by his passion for writing. He started on a literary path without any prior training from any person.

‘God gave me this skill as a gift,’ Badmash reflected on the roots of his artistic activities, sayi
ng, ‘I’ve been writing a lot of poems and songs since I was a kid, but I mostly write poems.’

While his name may not appear on the covers of newspapers, Badmash’s impact can be felt throughout Taarab’s tunes, notably through his work with the great singer Malika who shifted to Europe in the early 1990s.

Behind Malika’s heart-warming performances lie the poetic verses meticulously crafted by Badmash, whose lyrical genius has shaped nine albums each consisting of 12 songs of Taarab.

From the melodies of ‘Vidonge’ to ‘Kinyozi Namnyolewa’ and ‘Ningeulalia Mto’ Badmash’s writing has enchanted and inspired generations of listeners, leaving an eternal mark on Kenya’s musical heritage.

Despite his essential contributions, Badmash stays persistent in his dedication to writing, noting that his passion for poetry goes beyond financial gains.

‘I used to create songs for enjoyment and to entertain people. I used to produce songs and share them for free without expecting anything in return,’ Badmash said.

Beyond his
collaborations with Malika, Badmash’s generous mindset extends to his involvement in writing nasheed for Madrassas (Muslim schools) around Mombasa, including Tahdhib, Shamsia, Hudaa, and Khayrat while currently working with Shamsia further showcasing his dedication to spreading joy through his writing.

Reflecting on his incredible path, Badmash encourages youngsters to study poetry as a source of income.

He emphasized poetry’s potential to not only bring financial stability but also to gain reputation and respect.

His remark captures the transforming nature of poetry, presenting it as a powerful weapon for self-expression and societal impact.

Badmash’s message not only encourages but also empowers the next generation, to recognize the significant influence of their creative activities.

Badmash demonstrates the enduring legacy of talent motivated by a deeper sense of purpose through his passion for his craft and the indelible impact he leaves on listeners’ hearts and minds.

In a culture obsessed with tra
nsient fame and money, Badmash is exemplary, pushing us to rethink our priorities and embrace the life-changing impact of honesty and sincerity in our creative endeavours.

Source: Kenya News Agency

By Stephen TADAHA

A 26-year-old man in Mbouda reportedly decapitated his father for failing to satisfy his hunger. The dreadful incident happened on the evening of Sunday, March 17, 2024, in the Lahtet neighborhood in the Mbouda subdivision of the West Region.

According to close sources, the murderer whose name we got as Kenne Arrold had reached their family compound, demanding food to eat from his 70-year-old father who was unable to grant his his request. The man in reaction, with the help of a machete, slaughtered his father Mr Supawo Lucas in the presence of a child who was the only witness.

Many suspect he did that under the influence of hard drugs given that Arrold is well known as a notorious drug consumer.

Mr Supawo Lucas’s body was later discovered in a pool of blood and taken to the mortuary of the Montchio hospital. The aged man was a primary school bus driver in Mbouda town, he leaves behind a wife and many children.

The culprit on his part is being detained by security forces.

Source: Came
roon News Agency

WINDHOEK: A 24-year-old woman died after allegedly being stabbed by her boyfriend on the left side of her neck with a knife at about 18h35 on Saturday in Rhine Street at Wanaheda.

The deceased was identified as Charlien van Wyk, according to a weekend crime report issued by the Namibian Police Force on Sunday.

It is alleged that Van Wyk and her boyfriend were observed coming out of a shack house when she fell to the ground after what has been suspected of them having quarrelled inside. An ambulance was summoned to the scene, and she was declared deceased by paramedics.

It is alleged that the murder weapon was recovered, and a 32-year-old male, a primary school teacher, was arrested. Her next of kin were informed.

In an attempted murder case on Sunday, a 19-year-old female sustained multiple wounds on her chest, abdomen, and right arm after she was struck by bullets allegedly fired by a security guard at about 04h00 at a shop in Witvlei.

‘It is alleged that the security guard who was on duty at the shop s
aw a man breaking into a truck parked next to the shop’s yard. It is alleged that the man ran away after seeing the guard and passed by a group of four people who were walking towards the truck. The guard allegedly asked the group about the running man whereby two men from the group confronted the guard and attempted to stab him with knives. The guard allegedly used his teargas to ward them off while trying to retreat, however, the two men continued to surround him whereby he took his service shotgun and shot at the ground. It is alleged that some bullets struck the victim who was among the group.’

The victim was admitted to Gobabis State Hospital and is in stable condition.

In a similar case, it is alleged that a 35-year-old man raped a 24-year-old woman and hit her with an iron bar on the head.

According to the crime report, the incident took place on Friday at around 23h00 in the Nuwerus location in Aranos. The victim allegedly sustained head injuries and was found unconscious by family members. She rec
eived treatment at Mariental State Hospital and was later discharged.

The suspect was arrested.

In an unrelated incident, three male suspects broke into a house at a plot in the Okahandja area and tied up two people at about 00h00 on Sunday.

According to the crime report, the two victims, a 59-year-old and wheelchair-bound 64-year-old were tied up and had items. The 59-year-old was injured and taken for medical treatment. All stolen items have not been verified yet.

Police investigations in all matters continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Maarten Brouwer has said that they will continue helping Migori County to intensify its efforts in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Brouwer who spoke during a courtesy call on the county governor Ochillo Ayacko said that the Dutch, European Union (EU) and its associate’s partner will help the county mobilise against the FGM fight in the region.

Brouwer noted that FGM was violation of human rights against women pointing out that equality and safeguarding of women health status needed concerted efforts.

He also disclosed that the Dutch embassy will partner with the country in the green energy sector through solarization as an alternative source of clean energy.

The Ambassador also noted that Migori County is strategically positioned to benefit from the East Africa Community integration through the EU-funded Isebania Sirare border post.

Brouwer added that the Dutch embassy will also partner with the country in the health sector to improve the living standa
rds of the county residents.

Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko who welcomed the call said that the county will partner with the Dutch in the areas of Agriculture, livestock, fishery and blue economy to improve the social economic development of the County.

Early this month, EU Ambassador Mrs Henriette Geiger and other Ambassadors from the nations of Poland, Austria, Germany and Sweden visited Migori to explore the country’s potential in the sectors of Agriculture, livestock, blue economy and mining.

The EU is currently funding the Isebania Sirare border post to hasten up the process of EAC integration for easier movement of people and embracing of free trade within the region.

Source: Kenya News Agency

RUNDU: Three men were arrested at the Namasira check point in the Kavango West Region on Friday for the alleged possession of seven bags of Gouty Vine plants without the necessary permits.

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in its weekend crime report said the men were allegedly found with 429 kilogrammes of the Cyphostemma bainesii plant, valued at N.dollars 79 288, in their possession.

‘They failed to produce a permit authorising them to harvest the plant and are expected to appear in the Kahenge Magistrate’s Court on Monday,’ it read.

In an unrelated incident, a 27-year-old man was also arrested on Friday for reportedly stealing two donkeys valued at N.dollars 3 000 at Nkurenkuru.

It is alleged that the suspect found the two donkeys grazing behind a shopping complex and allegedly took the donkeys without the owner’s permission.

He was also expected to appear in the Kahenge Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

Murangá county Government has been urged to invest in extension services, research and innovation programs to ensure farmers are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in their farming activities.

In a report on farm inputs subsidy policy 2022- 2032, which was tabled by the chairperson of Committee on Implementation, Hilary Muchoki, the members of county assembly (MCA) said that the county government in partnership with the stakeholders needs to establish strong extension networks to support farmers in accessing the latest information and technology.

The committee observed that extension networks provide training on the best practices for farming, access to credit and financial services and assistance with market development and they will enable farmers to benefit fully from the county’s mango and milk subsidy program.

‘Farmers are faced with technological challenges as most of them still use old technologies which are not sufficient enough to meet market demands,’ he said,

The chairma
n stated that the government should put more efforts towards ensuring that the farmers are also equipped with the skills to identify and control pest and diseases effectively and sustainably.

He said that subsidy program has some challenges that include missing beneficiary names and incorrectly beneficiary names resulting in poor quality information on the number of beneficiaries targeted in the villages.

‘The requirements for identification documents made some of the most vulnerable groups to be excluded from access to the subsidy,’ he stated

Seconding the motion, Chefman Njoroge, MCA Kahumbu ward, however noted that the county government needs to put measures in place to ensure accountability from the farmers by ensuring real-time monitoring and keeping records of estimates of each farmer’s production ability to avoid fraud.

The report also recommended that the county should improve roads and transportation networks to enable mango and milk farmers take their produce to the market promptly.

The report
recommends that the county government put in place structures that will create a level playing field for dairy farmers and establish structures and policies to enable them access ready market for their products.

Source: Kenya News Agency