Category: General

The Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communication and the Digital Economy, Eliud Owalo has called upon the media to continually highlight vital issues related to environmental crisis and conservation.

Owalo said the media must be a vital ally in promoting environmental sustainability given the reality of climate change, driven by human activities like excessive greenhouse gas emissions and extensive land use changes, is undeniable.

In a speech read on his behalf by Principal Secretary for Broadcasting and Telecommunication Edward Kisiang’ani during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day and Annual Media Summit on Thursday, Owalo said that in facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, the media plays a critical role in raising awareness and highlighting public discourse for meaningful change.

The CS said that to achieve sustainable development, it was necessary for journalists to report accurately and timely on environmental issues and their consequences, as well as on possible solutions.

He s
aid by media prioritizing environmental issues in their reporting, they helped shape a national consciousness that values and actively engages in prevention of our planet.

‘Journalists have a responsibility to hold all stakeholders accountable whether it is government, industries or citizens,’ he said adding that the media’s role in educating the public about the impacts of these changes is now more important than ever.

Owalo noted that challenges like the complexity of scientific terms often lead to public misunderstanding and disinterest in matters of environmental conservation and climate change reporting.

‘It is critical for journalists to simplify this information to keep the public engaged and motivated to push for comprehensive environmental sustainability and policies,’ he said.

Owalo said the Kenyan Constitution underscores the importance of media freedom and that the government recognizes that these are fundamental rights.

‘The government encourages the media to work with us in environmental pr
eservation and efforts,’ he said adding that it is the duty of the media to recognize and call out duty bearers to improve our environment and applaud everyone contributing to a healthy environment.

The CS said the government has embarked on promoting new mitigation measures to tackle the negative effects of climate change.

‘As we leverage the influence of the press in pursuant of environmental stewardship, scribes and policy makers need to work together to illuminate the path towards a sustainable future for the planet,’ he said.

Chief Executive Officer, Media Council of Kenya David Omwoyo said that we need to have a comprehensive policy review framework to have a conducive working environment that would allow a thriving environment and prevent disruptions in the media sector.

‘The future of media is not bleak because there are strategies that can be used to guarantee their sustainability and in shaping the future of media in the country,’ he said.

He said the council in partnership with the United Nati
ons Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) held the summit to provide a platform where stakeholders converge to reflect on the role of journalism in protecting the planet.

‘With at least 300 TV stations, 200 radio stations and 9000 accredited journalists in Kenya, there is a lot more that has happened positively in the media landscape,’ he said adding that the day is dedicated to the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

The CEO called upon the media to establish feedback mechanisms that provide audience insight and preferences, including utilizing data analytics to understand audience behaviour and tailor content to their interest.

‘Good journalism is expensive and we need to address the challenges that hamper media sustainability in Kenya,’ he said.

The Chairman, Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation John Kiarie said the National Assembly is looking into creating an environment cond
ucive for media sustainability fostering a diverse and vibrant media ecosystem.

‘The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting journalists, ensuring accountability for attacks against journalists and creating recourse in cases of violations of press freedom,’ he said.

The Chief Justice and President of Supreme Court Lady Justice Martha Koome said that it was essential for journalism to move beyond just reacting to environmental crisis.

‘A proactive, thematic reporting approach that focuses on prevention, mitigation and adoption strategies is crucial in mitigating climate change,’ she said in her speech read on her behalf by Justice Gatembu Kairu.

Koome acknowledged the challenges many journalists faced including censorship, political pressure, and at times threats to personal safety and called for a collective duty to defend the freedom of the press because a free press contributes to a strong and resilient democracy.

‘The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 is fundamentally an ecological document. It ex
plores each one of us, irrespective of our profession, to embody and advance the principles of transformative environmental constitutionalism,’ she said.

The World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebrations are held annually on May 2. The theme for 2024 WPFD is ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis’.

The summit and WPFD will culminate into the 12th Annual Journalism Excellence Award (AJEA) which endeavors to recognize, acknowledge, inspire, and promote media excellence in Kenya.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The first ever modern Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution in Samburu North sub-county has been operationalised.

This is after the college, situated in Baragoi town, enrolled 63 pioneer trainees who will acquire technical skills that will make them employable and also create employment.

Speaking during the County Implementation Coordination Management Committee, Samburu North TVET Principal Peter Lemalasia noted that the students would be trained on courses that would enable them to get employment in the national government’s affordable housing project, which is part of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

‘We are offering them courses like plumbing, water engineering, electrical installation, social work, and cosmetology, among others. Most of these courses are in demand in various sectors of the economy,’ he said.

The Principal expressed optimism with the first government-sponsored students, saying that technical courses were being well received in the pastoralist
s’ region.

‘We have enrolled 34 male and 29 female trainees who will undertake various technical courses for six months. High enrollment of youths will also see a reduction in overdependence of livestock as a source of livelihood and consequently a reduction in cattle rustling in Baragoi,’ Lemalasia added.

He called on the government to expedite equipping the institution so that the trainees could have practical lessons.

The Baragoi TVET becomes the third government-sponsored institution of higher learning in operation in Samburu County after Archers Post TVET in Samburu East and Maralal Polytechnic.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Over 1, 000 ailing Weitethie residents in Juja Subcounty have thronged an eye clinic camp at Zetech University, Mang’u campus to at least access medical care amidst the ongoing strike by medics.

The residents took advantage of the exercise organised by the university and other stakeholders to at least access medical services for other ailments following weeks of suffering at their homes due to lack of treatment.

Zetech Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Alice Njuguna said they had targeted to have at least 300 people but over 1,000 flocked their institution something she attributes to the effects of the ongoing strike.

While calling for a truce between striking doctors and the government to end the strike, Prof Njuguna said the high turnout at the camp shows that many ailing Kenyans are suffering in their homes for lack of treatment.

She said many area residents live below the poverty line and could not afford treatment in private hospitals thus a dire need for more free medical camps.

The exercise was adminis
tered by the PCEA Kikuyu Hospital, and the Christian Blind Mission, at the institution’s Mang’u Technology Park.

According to statistics by the Christian Blind Mission’s Vision Impact Project, more than 7.5million Kenyans are in need of eye care services.

This is despite only 1.6 million people being able to avail themselves for these crucial services.

Juja Sub County Public Health Officer Anne Mwangi said eye sight challenges need to be addressed through regular screening.

She called on the youth to avoid exposing themselves to intense light especially on their mobile phones and television as a preventive measure.

Ms Mwangi however acknowledged systemic challenges, including workforce shortages, limited infrastructure, and inadequate financing, which have historically marginalised those in need of eye care.

Residents welcomed the initiative saying they at least got to understand their health better.

Source: Kenya News Agency

Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) held public participation to sensitise Malaba residents on the consequences of encroachment, building along road reserves, and littering.

Engineer Joyce Kosgei said that they will remain vigilant to ensure all structures constructed on road reserves will be demolished to improve drainage and ease traffic snarl-up along the Eldoret-Malaba highway.

‘Protection of road reserves and building along road reserves is also illegal, and perpetrators could face heavy fines,’ she said.

She added, ‘Before you construct any structure on road reserves, it’s vital to visit KeNHA or County Government offices to avoid wastage of resources. Digging in road reserves will also not be tolerated.’

Ms. Kosgei said vandalism of road signs has also escalated, thus endangering motorists who use the busy Corridor ‘B’ road that links Nairobi-Rironi and the Malaba Border.

Kosgei noted that littering is another impediment to KeNHA’s resolve to meet its agenda, blaming Busia County staff for l
eaving litter near drainage sites.

Eng. Kosgei said the Traffic Act bars people from parking on road shoulders along the main carriageway for more than 1-2 hours, with the culprits to face a fine of Sh30,000 or one-year imprisonment.

Eng. Akuku Tillen said anybody who wishes to lease their land or obtain a title near road reserves should seek a surveyor’s map from the County Government, adding that Kenya Power also needs wayleave approval from the county government.

The engineer noted that it was illegal to engage in activities within road reserves. He lauded the county government for seeking permission from the highway authority to expand the Kocholia culvert.

Akuku said vandalism of signs was a nationwide phenomenon. He sighted a case between 2019/2020 between Malaba/ Webuye Road when all installed signs were vandalised in a spate of one month.

He told the Municipality Board to enforce the law to make it mandatory for hawkers doing business along the busy highway to always wear reflectors to ensure the
ir safety from the long-distance truck drivers.

Chief Officer in the county government of Busia in charge of Urban Development and Physical Planning, Ken Mbaja, regretted that the Bungoma-Malaba road was very narrow, which calls for urgent expansion.

He noted that the reorganisation of Malaba town was painful and told Municipality Manager Francis Asoyong to act fast and remove illegal structures within the border town after holding public participation and constructing modern kiosks.

‘Tough laws are required to reorganise the town, including the road, sewer, and drainage. He urged KeNHA to expedite the culverts’ approval from private developers instead of the current trend where approval takes 3-4 months,’ he said.

Municipality Manager Francis Asoyong said the county government has acquired an investor to construct a trailer park with Sh100 million set aside for the purchase of land.

Asoyong said littering challenges in the Municipality will be a thing of the past as they will budget for the purchase of
two tractors to carry litter to the dumping site on a daily basis, unlike the current trend when litter was ferried on a weekly basis with a tractor from Busia.

The manager said they have entered into an agreement with a contractor to construct the trailer park to expand the box culvert at ACK.

Businessman Dominic Kihara said trailers should be allowed to stop for at least 10 minutes to buy goods that would spur the economy of the border town, adding that darkness is a great concern with no street lights.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Media Council of Kenya (MCK) marked the 31st World Press Day by convening journalists to discuss the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the context of the current global environmental crisis.

This year’s theme ‘A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the Environmental Crisis’ was highlighted throughout the event by various stakeholders.

Media Council of Kenya Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo said this year’s commemoration underscores the critical role of journalism in conservation adding that it points to the need to amplify every voice at the forefront of environmental advocacy and reporting.

‘In Kenya, where environmental issues like floods demand attention, the media’s role in galvanising action is paramount,’ Omwoyo said.

Media Owners Kenya Chairperson Agnes Kalekye stated that a free and independent press played a vital force in the fight against environmental degradation and was a catalyst for change.

‘The role of journalism in shaping public discourse is relev
ant to the crisis we are facing now. Environmental crises pose significant challenges and opportunities for journalism, shaping the way news organisations cover, prioritise and respond to environmental issues,’ Kalekye said.

Speaking at the event, Dagoretti Member of Parliament and chairman of the Committee on Communication Information and Innovation John Kiarie said that the National Assembly was creating a conducive environment for media sustainability and urged the media to come up with strategies that would shape the future of the media in the country.

‘The government reaffirms its commitment to protecting journalists, ensuring accountability for attacks against journalists and creating mechanisms for legal recourse in cases of violations of press freedom,’ Kiarie said.

World Press Freedom Day was declared on May 3 by The United Nations General Assembly. It is observed to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to fr
eedom of expression as enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.

Source: Kenya News Agency

The Swahili Pot Hub and Mombasa County Government have unveiled the fifth edition of the Pwani Innovation Week (PIW) to help create a widespread culture of innovation and stimulate the innovation ecosystem in the Pwani region of East Africa.

This year’s PIW will be held from October 14th to October 18th, 2024, at Swahilipot Hub Foundation under the theme: The Pwani We Desire: Youth, Culture, Peace, and Innovation in the Decade of Action.

More than 2000 participants from the country and the neighbouring Coastal towns of Tanga, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar in the United Republic of Tanzania are expected to attend the innovation week to create a central space for youths to exchange ideas.

Over the years, the annual innovation event has evolved into a much-needed annual intervention that has provided a platform for thinkers, innovators, employers, and enterprise-minded youth to converge and innovate tangible solutions.

The captivating five-day event will include innovation challenges and hackathons, training
boot camps and workshops, keynote speeches and panel discussions, an exhibition, deals den, heritage experience, Pwani Gat Talent Concert, and awards.

Swahilipot Hub Chief Mentor Mahmoud Noor said during a media briefing on PIW at the Swahilipot Hub, Mombasa, that the innovation week aspires to be the catalyst that sparks a thriving innovation ecosystem within the region by showcasing the remarkable achievements of young, local entrepreneurs.

‘These success stories serve as powerful inspiration for future generations, demonstrating the possibilities that lie ahead. By cultivating a supportive environment that empowers young people through workshops, mentorship programmes, and skill-building initiatives, PIW aims to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to translate their ideas into reality,’ said Noor.

He added that the commitment to cultivating innovation extends beyond youth development, as PIW also recognises the unique potential of Pwani’s coastal economies and rich biodiversity.

‘By effectiv
ely showcasing these assets, it aims to attract both domestic and foreign investors,’ said Noor, adding that increased awareness among policymakers is expected to lead to the creation of more supportive policies and funding opportunities for regional innovation.

PIW also envisions the establishment of a robust network of young innovators, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mentorship. It strives to position Pwani as a leading destination for sustainable and innovative investment.

‘The creation of a regional investment guide, highlighting Pwani’s success stories and outlining its investment potential, will be a key tool in achieving this goal,’ said Noor.

He further challenged governments, the private sector, civil societies, and communities to keep reinventing interventions that will allow youth to access meaningful livelihoods in the wake of global conflicts and disasters.

On his part, Mombasa County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Tourism, and Investments Mohamed Osman said th
e PIW has become a cornerstone in shaping the future of Port City.

‘PIW serves as a platform to empower youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to become thought leaders and innovators. We aim to equip them to identify emerging challenges and develop tailored solutions that will propel Mombasa’s economic growth,’ said Osman.

The Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) Registrar for Research Partnership and Innovation, Prof. Rahma Udu, urged innovators to patent their innovations through the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI).

‘We will only increase our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by commercialising our innovations. You have to register because whatever you have invented, no one should repeat it,’ she said.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Mombasa Chairman Abud Jamal promised a seed capital of 1,000 United States dollars (USD), equivalent to Sh135,000, to the best innovator.

Source: Kenya News Agency