Power Outage Hampering Service Delivery In Ijara


A one-week power outage has affected crucial services in Masalani town, Ijara Sub County.

Ijara sub county hospital Medical Officer Dr. Abdimalik Ibrahim said prolonged power failure in the area and also affected water supply at the facility.

Consequently, the various hospital machines had become dormant, hampering laboratory tests and other diagnostic procedures and the eventual prescription of drugs to the patients.

At the same time, the incoming sub county water coordinator Noor Mohamed said due to frequent power outage their water machine and supply of the precious commodity had automatically failed.

He called on the Kenya Power Company to expedite their efforts to restore electricity, noting that without the same it’s not easy to pump and supply water to government facilities and the people.

On his part, the chairman of Masalani watchdog group Abdullahi Abdi expressed fears over a possible outbreak of diseases if the situation persists.

He said the prevailing biting shortage of water had been aggra
vated by the weeklong power outage in Masalani town and its environs.

However, Kenya Power Company operations manager Hezron James said there was a breakdown in Malindi power station, coastal region, due to flooding making several power poles to go down near the Sabaki River.

Hezron appealed to customers in Masalani, Hola, Garsen, charadende and Bura Tana in Tana river County, as well as Bura Fafi in Garissa County to bear with the situation, as engineers have already been dispatched to repair the power lines along Garsen, Malindi and Hola town in Tana river County.

Meanwhile, area residents led the Watchdog group chairman are now calling for immediate opening of a power substation around Masalani with a view to finding a long lasting solution to recurring power problem in the area.

Source: Kenya News Agency

County To Help Illicit Brewers Initiate Alternative Income Sources


Close to one thousand illicit brewers identified in Nandi will receive support from the County Government to initiate alternative businesses.

According to Nandi County Deputy Governor Dr. Yulita Mitei, 1,196 illegal brewers have been identified across Nandi and plans are underway to support them to embrace income generating activities accepted by the law.

The Deputy Governor noted that illegal brewers will be made to understand the dangers associated with their continued outlawed brewing and how they can change into alternative legal sources of income.

Dr. Mitei expressed her satisfaction that the National Government with support from the County Government of Nandi have helped in implementation of recent laws to control sale and consumption of illicit brews across the county.

She was speaking during the distribution of County bursary cheques at Kipsebwo Vocational Training College, Aldai Constituency.

‘Together with the National Government, we have ensured laws related to bar businesses and illegal brews
are adhered to,’ she said.

Addressing the same event, Nandi South Deputy County Commissioner Mokin Ptang’uny warned that continued consumption of what he termed as ‘changanya’ pure mixture of ethanol and water will destroy lives of people especially youths who are supposed to be working.

Mokin revealed that reports indicate that areas dominated by heavy consumption of illicit brews and uncontrolled licensed bars are known for underdevelopment with high rates of crime.

‘I promise that the government will never relent on this war against illicit brew. All suspected brewing sides will be raided and destroyed,’ he said.

He pleaded with the parents and guardians to support their children to join government sponsored courses at different Vocational Training Colleges now available in almost every ward.

The DCC noted that children who are not in school or colleges normally become victims of illicit brew consumption due to idleness.

Mokin however regretted that the number suicide cases especially among the young
people are on rise.

He revealed that, Nandi South Sub-County alone, 12 people committed suicide in a period of six months, a scenario he described as worrying.

‘As a community we need to take action and see what we can do to reduce suicide cases which are steadily increasing,’ Mokin suggested.

On his side, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang expressed his concern over the rising suicide cases and challenged parents and guardians to assist their children while struggling with the pressure facing the youths.

He said allowing children to express themselves fully without before parents will help reduce cases certain challenges will be solved when open talk sharing comes from the parents.

Sang further noted that the National Government and County Government of Nandi had achieved a lot while solving most of the social challenges facing the people of Nandi.

The Governor revealed that the number of bars operating in Nandi County had reduced significantly following a government directive to close bars near schools and c
olleges.

Sang led Nandi County leaders and partners at Kipsebwo TVET college, in Aldai to launch Sh120 million bursary cheques to benefit 12,331 students spread in universities, TVET colleges, secondary schools, special need children and those under full scholarship.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Nigeria: Tanker explosion kills at least five in Rivers State


By Charity Nginyu

On the night of Friday, April 26, 2024, a devastating tanker explosion rocked the Eleme section of the East-West Road in Rivers State, killing at least five persons on the spot.

Reports indicate that a petrol-laden tanker collided with a heavy-duty truck, triggering a massive fireball that engulfed the surrounding area.

According to an eyewitness, the collision led to the spillage of the tanker’s highly flammable contents, which quickly ignited, resulting in a catastrophic inferno.

The fire rapidly spread along the stretch engulfing over 70 vehicles trapped in the ensuing gridlock. The unfortunate incident occurred amidst ongoing construction on the road.

Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the State Police Command, confirmed the casualty figure, stating, ‘For now, about five persons are dead.’ She further noted that the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, along with law enforcement personnel and officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps, had been deployed to the scene to maintain
order and coordinate rescue operations.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

Kamung’ei FC Wins Wakili Cup Tournament


Kamung’ei Football Club (FC) from Sotik Sub County has won the much contested first edition of Wakili tournament beating Mogoywet Snippers 3 goals against 2 in penalty shootout.

Kamung’ei staged a strong defense against the Snippers who were largely more aggressive and had a significant percentage in ball possession.

The two teams did not manage any goal during the normal time forcing the referee to add 30 minutes extra time, resulting to no fruitful goals.

The tournament, which commenced on 10th December, 2023 at Ngererit, Mogogosiek, Bomet Central, brought together about 437 teams drawn from the five sub counties in Bomet.

The competition, which was initiated by Bomet Senator Wakili Hillary Sigei was aimed at identifying and nurturing talents among the youths.

The tournament attracted over 30 000 fans filling Bomet IAAF stadium to the brim, while also attracting guests including local political leaders led by Bomet Deputy Governor Shadrach Rotich and other regional leaders including Senate Majority lea
der Aaron Cheruiyot among other leaders.

Mogoywet Snippers managed Sh 700 000 after losing out in the penalty shootout, while Kapsimbirir FC came in the third position grabbing Sh250 000 after beating their neighbors Chpkolon FC two goals to one in normal time.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Cisco Launches Its First Cyber Security Technology Experience Centre In Africa


Global technology company Cisco has launched its first Cybersecurity Technology Experience Centre in the continent at the University of Nairobi.

The centre, which has been set up in collaboration with ICT Authority (ICTA) and the University of Nairobi is part of Cisco’s Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) global programme collaborates with government and private sector leaders to build sustainable, secure, and inclusive communities powered by ethical and innovative technology solutions. With more than 1,600 active or completed projects in 50 countries, it is creating new value for participating countries, their industries, and their residents.

Speaking during the official launch at the Chiromo Campus that was attended by Cisco Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy and Purpose Officer, Francine Katsoudas and THE University of Nairobi Vice Chancellor Prof. Stephen Kiama, ICT and The Digital Economy Principal Secretary Eng. John Tanui noted that the Centre will offer Cyber Security Training, help bu
ild strategic in-country Cyber Security capabilities and expertise leveraging Cisco Networking academy.

‘Cisco is launching its first Cyber Security Technology Experience Centre on the African continent. This is designed to serve as a hub for Cyber Security Training and a showcase of state-of-the-art cyber security solutions,’ said Eng. Tanui.

The PS stated that the Centre will leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) tools to deliver a cyber security awareness experience to government officials and the Industry across the continent.

‘The centre will showcase the latest cyber security threat intelligence solutions, support government with cyber security architecture, use cases, validated designs and knowledge necessary to detect, prevent and respond to Cyber threats effectively,

Furthermore, Cisco’s involvement in Kenya’s digital transformation journey extends beyond mere partnership; it embodies a shared commitment to advancing our strategic priorities and realizing our vision for a
digitally inclusive and prosperous nation,’ he added.

Eng. Tanui pointed out that by aligning our goals and leveraging Cisco’s global footprint and technological prowess, Kenya can accelerate our progress towards key objectives such as enhancing connectivity, promoting digital literacy and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across all industry where all companies are now a Tech company be it Agritech, Fintech, MedTech.

‘We applaud you for what you have achieved here today. Let us continue to work hand in-hand, leveraging each other’s strengths and expertise, to build a brighter and more prosperous future for our nation, ‘ he added.

‘AI is increasing the pace of change in our work and our lives, as well as the risks we face from cyber-attacks. It’s more important than ever to ensure that communities are connected and have the skills to participate and respond to threats,’ said Katsoudas.

‘This partnership between CDA and Cisco Networking Academy allows us to equip more people with the skills needed
for the future and strengthen the country’s cyber defences. We look forward to working with ICTA on advancing the goals they’ve set in Kenya’s Development Plan.

Protecting citizens against cybercrime requires collaboration. Cisco and ICTA invite government, educational institutions, private sector organisations and entities committed to Kenya’s cyber security infrastructure and digital transformation to engage in this landmark initiative,’ said Shain Rahim, Country Leader for Cisco Kenya.

‘We believe we can make an important and tangible difference in the industry and help accelerate the country’s digital transformation,’ he said.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) documented an unprecedented surge in cyber-attacks in 2023. At the same time, countries around the globe, including Kenya, are facing a major skills gap.

According to the latest Cisco Cyber security Readiness Index, 86 percent of organizations globally are impacted by a shortage of cyber security talent.

The CDA programme in Kenya was
founded in 2023 and works hand-in-hand with Cisco’s Networking Academy, which has been active in Kenya for more than 20 years, training over 130,000 learners in networking, cyber security, programming and other digital skills.

Aligned to Cisco’s commitment to power an inclusive future for all, the CDA and Networking Academy programmes empower communities worldwide through technology and education.

Source: Kenya News Agency

SDF Chairman, Hon Joshua Osih says party ready to unseat Biya


The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Front, SDF party, Honorable Joshua Osih has revealed his plan of action, with focus of challenging the ruling CPDM party in the 2025 presidential election.

Chairman Osih made the revelation during his tour to Bamenda on Friday April 26, 2024.

The SDF Chairman who doubles as Member of Parliament and Questor visited Bamenda for the first time, since his election as Chairman in October 2023. The visit is inline with him mission to tour all ten regions of the country.

While in Bamenda, Osih met with section presidents and militants of the party, where he listened to their worries and proposed solutions.

‘Our task is to be back on the field. We are confident of our capacity to bring change. And for that to happen, we have to be in a situation of power. I have this strong feeling that when the SDF will win , it should win on the basis of a strong program,’ Osih said.

Osih also called on the population of the North West region to register and have their voters card
s.

Before arriving Bamenda, the delegation first visited Ni John Fru Ndi’s tomb in Baba II village, Santa subdivision, where they paid him respect.

Source: Cameroon News Agency