Home Blog Page 185

The Best Gift Ruto-Raila Pact Can Give Kenyans Is a Parliamentary System Modeled on South Africa

By
lom robb
-
0
By Billy Mijungu

As Kenyans, we take great pride in electing our representatives, and I firmly believe that the “first-past-the-post” electoral system still serves us well. It keeps our politics competitive and ensures accountability, as every leader is challenged by strong opposition on the ground. However, it is time to consider a system that ensures stability and prevents national crises fueled by leadership conflicts—like what we are witnessing now.

The Bomas Draft Constitution offered Kenya an ideal system of governance. The proposal for a popularly elected president to delegate executive powers to a prime minister as head of government was a significant step toward addressing our political needs. What ultimately derailed this idea was the notion that a ceremonial president without significant executive authority could satisfy Kenyans’. The Country had a preference for combining the roles of head of state and head of government, which we can still do under a South African model of a Parliamentary system cascaded to Counties.

But as we have seen, this fusion of powers has not worked as smoothly as many had hoped. Deputy President Gachagua’s impeachment saga has revealed critical flaws in our system. The conflicts within the presidency are pulling the country into unnecessary chaos. This brings me to the idea of a parliamentary system, modeled after the one in South Africa, where the president is not directly elected by the people but chosen by MPs from the majority party. Such a system eliminates the friction at the executive level, which is now consuming the country.

In a parliamentary setup, the president would be directly accountable to Parliament, fostering stronger oversight. Additionally, ministers should be drawn from both the National Assembly and the Senate, ensuring that the executive remains directly connected to the people through their elected representatives. This approach would also be more cost-effective than our current, purely presidential system, which centralizes power in a way that fosters conflict and inefficiency.

At the county level, adopting this system could help lower tensions and reduce the conflict-prone nature of gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. The heightened stakes in these elections often exacerbate divisions, and a parliamentary system could diffuse some of that tension by decentralizing executive power.

Ruto and Raila, the real gift you can offer Kenyans by 2032 is the legacy of stability and accountability. A parliamentary system is that gift. Our current presidential system is slowly eroding our national cohesion, and unless we shift course, it may prove to be our undoing.

The time for change is now. Let us not wait for the next crisis to force our hand.

The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn
@BilyMijungu

Forward #TusongeMbele

Kisumu County hit by political thuggery as leaders defy Raila over early 2027 campaigns.

By
lom robb
-
0
Kisumu
By Team

Hardly two years after the 2022 general elections, Kisumu County has been turned into a campaign frenzy with a section of sitting MPs, members of the county assembly (MCAS), and aspirants traversing the county.

Already funerals and social gatherings in the region have been turned into a political playing ground with various hopefuls trying to outdo one another.

Consequently, this has resulted in the re-emergence of political thuggery in Kisumu County after various aspirants defied immediate former Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga to stop early campaigns. 

 Odinga has spoken strongly against the ongoing early campaigns in Kisumu County warning leaders to stop jostling for 2027 positions and instead work for the people.

Odinga had warned those seeking to unseat Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, saying they must concentrate on delivering services in their current seats.

But now dark periods that visited Kisumu County twenty years ago have once again reared their ugly face leaving a trail of destruction of properties, deaths, injuries, and wanton looting from innocent residents.

The victims of the return of political thuggery early in the year include Raila, Mama Ida Odinga, and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during the commemoration of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga in Kisumu.

Recently, at a funeral in Kisumu East Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Luo Council of Elder Mzee Odungi Randa and Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor had to escape to safety from marauding political gangs who caused chaos and robbed mourners of valuables at the funerals.

During a bus handover to the Kisumu Jua Kali group, the police had to shoot in the air severally to avert among others in various events.

Four constituencies in the county have now been classified as hot spots for violence and they include Kisumu Central, Kisumu East, Kisumu West, and Nyakach constituency.

The Kisumu gubernatorial seat has attracted six aspirants namely Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor, Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron, Deputy Governor Dr Mathew Owili and Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu, Kisumu Women Representative Ruth Adhiambp Odinga.

The incumbent Governor Prof Anyang Nyong’o is serving his final term, leaving the seat open for grabs.

Similarly, Nyakach, Kisumu West, and Central will be up for grabs after the current MPs seek to upgrade to the governor seat.

The vacuum in the three constituencies has stirred political activities in Nyakach and Kisumu Central constituencies that have witnessed constant incidences of political thuggery among the parliamentary aspirants.

The various aspirants were apportioning blame towards each other over the re-emergence of political violence in the county.

However, the political leaders and stakeholders in Kisumu County agreed that the emerging political thuggery in the region must be brought to a stop and elected leaders made accountable for the pledges they gave during campaigns.

Ker Odungi Randa condemned the emergence of political thuggery in the county and warned such acts could only hurt the image and development of the region.

“We must stop this act of lawlessness. It is shameful and pitiful that Kisumu is fast turning into a war zone, yet we have three years to the next general elections,” he said.

Adhiambo called for an urgent meeting by all MPs and elected leaders from the regions to address the emergence of political thuggery which she termed as barbaric and backward.

The Women Representative appealed to fellow MPs to stop early campaigns and instead deliver to the constituents.

“It is unfortunate we have embarked on premature campaigns without serving the constituents. This is unfortunate. We must refocus our agenda,” she said.

Aduma condemned the emerging violence in the county which he claimed was meant to intimidate the opponents from selling their policies.

He challenged his fellow elected leaders to practice tolerance and avoid inciting the youths to violence.

Oron said political thuggery was giving the county a bad image and must be stopped to avoid the losses that have been witnessed in the recent past.

“Let us concentrate on developing our constituency and wait for the right time to do politics. Let the police arrest and prosecute youths and those behind political thuggery in the region,” he said.

Kisumu was known to be a battleground between Kisumu Mayor and the late Akinyi Oile, who controlled the proscribed Bagdad Boys against Raila’s party youths over supremacy.

Making Arabic and Swahili official languages for all African states could enhance cultural unity, regional cooperation, and economic development.

By
lom robb
-
0
Languages
By Billy Mijungu

Here’s a case for each language:

  1. Arabic as an Official Language

Cultural and Historical Importance: Arabic is widely spoken across North Africa (e.g., Egypt, Sudan, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Tunisia) and has strong historical roots in the continent due to trade, migration, and Islamic influence. It remains a vital language for many African countries with Islamic heritage.

Economic Integration: Arabic is a global language spoken by over 300 million people, primarily in Africa and the Middle East. Elevating its status could strengthen trade and diplomatic relations between African and Middle Eastern countries, fostering greater economic ties.

Pan-African Cooperation: Many African states are members of the African Union and the Arab League, making Arabic an important bridge language for intergovernmental dialogues and regional collaborations, especially in North and East Africa.

Literary and Religious Significance: Arabic is the language of the Quran, which plays a central role in the lives of millions of Muslims across the continent. Recognizing Arabic could promote cultural literacy and religious understanding across African societies.

  1. Swahili as an Official Language

Widespread Use in East and Central Africa: Swahili (or Kiswahili) is already an official language in several East African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is spoken by over 150 million people, making it the most widely spoken African language.

African Identity and Unity: Swahili is a Bantu language with deep African roots, and its widespread use promotes a sense of African identity and belonging. Adopting Swahili as a continental official language would symbolically reinforce Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.

Ease of Learning: Swahili is relatively easy to learn compared to other African languages due to its simple grammar and phonetics. Its wide use as a lingua franca in various regions would make it a practical choice for bridging language gaps across different African linguistic groups.

Promotion of Regional Trade: As a common language across East and Central Africa, Swahili facilitates regional trade, communication, and governance. By expanding its use, intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could be bolstered.

Political Integration: The African Union recognized Swahili as an official working language in 2022. Formalizing its use across all African states could further the AU’s goal of continental integration and unity.

Benefits of Both Arabic and Swahili as Official African Languages:

Cultural Diplomacy: Official recognition of both languages would enhance inter-regional diplomacy, with Arabic serving as a language for North Africa and Islamic populations, while Swahili can connect East, Central, and Southern Africa.

This dual-language policy would promote inclusivity.
Pan-African Identity: Arabic and Swahili are rooted in Africa’s diverse history, offering a blend of indigenous African heritage (Swahili) and centuries-old Islamic and Mediterranean influence (Arabic). Recognizing both languages could reinforce Africa’s multi-linguistic, multi-cultural identity.

Linguistic Unity in Diversity: Africa is a continent with over 2,000 languages. Having Arabic and Swahili as official languages could serve as unifying linguistic bridges, without undermining local languages, creating platforms for education, media, and governance accessible to more Africans.

By recognizing Arabic and Swahili as official languages for all African states would foster cultural unity, boost regional trade, and enhance political cooperation while respecting Africa’s diversity and history.

Writer is Billy Mijungu,
2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
Facebook X Instagram TikTok LinkedIn
@BillyMijungu

Forward #TusongeMbele

Marriage collapses as DP seat is becoming a ‘hot potato’ in the Mountain

By
lom robb
-
0
marriage
By Anderson Ojwang

The marriage is irretrievably broken, and Reconciliation is thrown out of the window. Each is walking back home wounded with a bleeding heart.

The flowers have withered and dried up. Heartbroken and with no more tears to shed, the marriage cannot hold any longer.

No more bromance, pleasantries, and pampering its fights and counterplots. Everyone for himself and God for us all.

The potato is steaming hot. The smell is inviting but too hot to handle and chew. From a distance, admirers of the potato can only ogle but cannot access, it for fear of backlash.

A volcanic eruption threatens the Mountain while the Valley is ready for the lava from the volcano. The calm in Valley is so telling while the restiveness in the Mountains portends an implosion and explosion.

The 15 years of political marriage between the Mountain and the Valley now looks to have broken down to unreconcilable with the latter currently wooing the Lake in a new arrangement.

Interestingly, the Valley marriage with the Lake broke down during the grand coalition government with the former decamping to the Mountain where a new union was consummated that drove immediate former President Uhuru Kenyatta and the current President William Ruto into power in the 2013 elections.

Just like the musical chair, the Lake is currently the bride, the Valley is looking up to for a new political dispensation ahead of the 2027 Presidential elections.

The disillusioned and restive Mountain is contemplating a new journey after being estranged from the union and shares withdrawn.

On the weekend, Kenyans and the world witnessed a cocktail of political events that shaped the emerging political terrain in the country after the National Assembly impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

And it’s emerging that should the Senate uphold the impeachment of Rigathi, the Mountain looks to be least interested in the DP post and it’s becoming a hot potato to would-be suitors from the region who may be angling for the seat.

Already possible inheritors to the throne are being mentioned and include Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Internal Security Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithuri Kindiki, former cabinet minister  Mutai Kagwe, and Muranga Governor  Irungu Kangata among others.

The restiveness and volatility in Mt Kenya were witnessed after several MPs got a backlash from the residents for supporting the impeachment of Rigathi with some allegedly being ejected from social joints in the region.

To cap it, MP Mwangi Kiunjuri in his X accounts previously Twitter wrote “ I can see dark days in our country. This impeachment of DP Rigathi Gachagua will bring more harm to our nation. I ask Willaim Ruto and the Senate to withdraw this motion. Mt Kenya people are not happy.

He went further to write “ The ground in Mt Kenya is slippery. Most of us elected leaders can’t step into our constituencies unless we have the blessing of DP Rigathi Gachagua because he’s acceptable in the region. William Ruto should consider withdrawing the impeachment motion,”.

Last Sunday, President William Ruto was expected at a Church service in Embu County but canceled and instead attended one at the AIC Milimani Church in Nairobi.

The embattled Deputy President attended the church service his boss had skipped, where he asked Kenyans to remain peaceful and that his hope was with Judiciary to vindicate him.

But President Ruto who later spoke in Nairobi said he rescheduled his diary to attend the church’s 30th anniversary celebration instead and cited a long-standing connection with the congregation.

 The president explained that he was forced to cancel other programs because his commitment to the AIC Milimani celebration was personal. 

“When the senior pastor told me that I  had been sent an invitation for this celebration, I told him I was going to struggle because it was not in my diary. My diary was committed somewhere else, I had to negotiate with people in other places because I didn’t want to miss these celebrations. Because there is something truly to celebrate about Milimani,” he explained.

Attempts by various religious leaders to reconcile the President and his Deputy went south, with Rigathi left to face the Assembly which finally impeached him.

Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Kenya, Jackson Ole Sapit had early called for dialogue and reconciliation between President Ruto and his deputy to avoid in stability in the country.

The religious leaders had appealed to President Ruto and his deputy to set aside their political differences for the sake of the country’s peace and unity.

Pentecostal Voices of Kenya Association Chairman Apostle Peter Manyuru called on Ruto to break his silence and address the political tension.

“As a father of the nation, we expect you to break this deafening silence and relieve the tension in the country. It is not healthy for the nation,” said Apostle Manyuru, echoing the sentiments of many Kenyans who fear the consequences of unresolved leadership rifts.

But President Ruto has maintained studious silence as Rigathi battles to save his political career from being guillotined.

Bishop Kenneth Adiara, the newly elected General Superintendent of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God-Kenya warned that the rift between the President and his deputy has the potential to cause divisions in government. 

“The President has gone silent. As a church, we urge him to come out and break the ice so that the country can come together again. Let them dialogue as they were paired during the election,” Adiara said.

“It is clear that most of their political marriages are not genuine, hence they find it difficult to work together. What is happening is a clear manifestation that these leaders were cheating us the electorates,” he said.

Political analyst Patrick Ouya said for the Mountain, the return of the deputy president seat no longer matters and they are looking into a new political destiny.

“The Mt Kenya as it is currently has no interest in the seat. The ground is clamoring for a new political destiny. They have lost faith in new the current arrangement and feel cheated,’ he said

How Raila’s telephone call changed Mbadi’s fortunes to national limelight

By
lom robb
-
0
Mbadi
By Anderson Ojwang

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination for the Homa Bay Gubernatorial seat was marked by a cocktail of intrigues, uncertainty, manipulations, underhand deals, and anxiety.

While the party asked the aspirants to pay nomination fees and set date for the exercise, powerful forces lobbied behind the scenes to have the party give direct ticket to the only female aspirant for the seat.

The seat had attracted then ODM national chairperson Mr. John Mbadi, then Homa Bay women Representative Gladys Nyasuna Wanga, former gubernatorial aspirant Mr. Joseph Oyugi Magwanga, former Nairobi Governor Dr Evans Odhiambo Kidero, former Homa Bay County Secretary Isaiah Ogwe and Kuppet Secretary General Akelo Misore.

One evening at around 11.00pm, while on a campaign trail in Ndhiwa constituency, the land of his mother, then Homa Bay Gubernatorial aspirant, Mr. Mbadi received a telephone call.

The phone call was like an earthquake, it shocked and shook him altogether. The call left Mbadi in a near tears, mental break down and anguish,

 He was left in tatters as his world came crushing down with the events unfolding so fast to comprehend.

The call that temporarily changed his political and career destinations, came from his party leader, Raila Amolo Odinga, with specific and clear instructions.

He took leave from his team to be alone in his car according to his aides and later drove back to his suba village, where he broke the news to the ten members of his inner campaign team.

The message was quite simple but very loaded, the party had settled on then Homa Bay women representative Gladys Wanga as the flag bearer in the 2022 contest.

Despite Mbadi being the party national chairperson, the dice were cast, and he was promised a cabinet slot should Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate win the elections.

Mbadi mounted one of the best campaigns and was among the three top contenders for the seat.

He exuded confidence in winning the contest, but the battle became a stillbirth after the decision was made.

Kidero declined to attend the meeting while the other aspirants grudgingly accepted the party directive that allowed Wanga to be the first woman governor from Western Kenya. She beat Kidero in the 2022 elections.

Mbadi later left for Nairobi where Raila met them with other aspirants to explain why they had settled on Wanga, and he was made to lead the Presidential campaign in Nyanza.

Mbadi later helped the party to mediate and resolve emerging nomination disputes and was subsequently nominated back to the parliament.

He embarked on a campaign to reclaim his Suba South parliamentary seat from the incumbent Karoli Omondi, but lady luck danced on his way after the formation of broad-based government where he was appointed Treasury cabinet secretary,

Former Nyakach MP Pollyns Ochieng Daima says Mbadi is on upward political trajectory and is now playing in the national league.

He says Mbadi political stature is on the rise and is seen as one of the rising community and national leaders capable of transforming the nation.

“At first the decision to ask Mbadi to step down for Wanga could have appeared bitter but God had his plan for him. Mbadi’s political graph is rising and as a community we look forward to him,” he says.

Nairobi based Consultant and analyst Mr. Baldin Oluoch says Raila trust Mbadi’s leadership that is why he made him the party national chairperson and supported his cabinet appointment to the Treasury.

Oluoch says Raila could have been grooming Mbadi to lead the community in future and that is why he has entrusted him with various responsibilities both inside and outside the parliament.

“Treasury is particularly important office. It gives Mbadi the local and international connections that he will require in his future political pursuit and currently the community look up at him as the possible next leader after Raila,” he says, 

Before his appointment, Mbadi had an extensive career in public service, most recently serving as a nominated Member of Parliament (MP) and the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee in the National Assembly.

The CS has a rich history in legislative leadership, having served as the elected MP for Suba South Constituency, Suba Constituency, and Gwassi Constituency. His experience extends to roles such as Assistant Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and Leader of Minority in the National Assembly. Throughout his parliamentary tenure, he was a member of numerous key committees, including the House Business Committee, Liaison Committee, Budget and Appropriations Committee, Selection Committee, Appointments Committee, Public Accounts Committee, Public Investments Committee, Constitutional Implementation Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee on the Cost of Living, and the Defence and Foreign Relations Committee. Notably, he was also a member of the Legislative Taskforce responsible for drafting the Public Finance Management Act of 2012.

Mr. Ochieng says with the new political realignment Mbadi will be instrumental in spearheading the community’s socio-economic and political dispensation owing to his present position in the government.

“Mbadi becomes the first Luo to hold the position of Treasury. Former president Mwai Kibaki was also minister for Finance and he later became the president, what could stop Mbadi from following in his footsteps,” he quips.

He says Mbadi is already steading the country’s economy and expressed confidence in the cabinet secretary in making a milestone in his work.

Roque employees at the County government of Homa Bay are part of fake employment fraud

By
lom robb
-
0
fake employment
By Team

Roque employees are part of the cartels in the fake employment racket that has rocked the county government of Homa Bay.

It has also emerged that the county disciplinary committee recently summoned four senior officers to the county after they were allegedly accused of defrauding innocent job seekers of over Sh800,000 in a fake employment racket.

The county government has launched investigations into fake employment rackets that have caused innocent job seekers to lose millions of shillings to the scammers.

Our investigations also reveal that a former officer at the county allegedly printed over 20,000 employment letters before the sacking that the fraudsters have been using to defraud unsuspecting job seekers.

Now the focus turns on the county department of Human Resources and the other three notorious departments where the fraud was said to be prevalent.

The Chairperson of Homa Bay County Public Service Board Mr. Isaya Okoto confirmed to the Western Insight Newspaper that the issue of fake employment racket has been brought to his attention and they have launched investigations.

Unsuspecting and several innocent job seekers may have lost hundreds of thousands of shillings in fake employment fraud at Homa Bay County government.

“We have received complaints of job seekers being defrauded and some of the scammers are rogue employees at the county. We want to appeal to the victims to kindly help us with evidence so that we can weed out the vice and take disciplinary action against the culprit,” he said.

Okoto said the board had embarked on awareness creation to ensure that job seekers were not defrauded of their money.

He said the fraud goes back to the previous regime of the former Governor Cyprian Awiti and that they were working on cleaning up the mess.

Sources at county government revealed some of those implicated in the fraud are senior officers who collude with fraudsters to defraud their victims.

“Some are even former chief officers who still collude with junior staff at the county to defraud their victims. There is a big problem of employment racket that must be brought to a halt. We cannot allow our people to suffer at the hands of scammers. The situation is very grim, and we ask for cooperation of all,” said our sources.

They claimed some of the scammers who do not work at the county government use their closeness with the top office to defraud their victims.

Among those counting losses is a Homa Bay Man who lost sh 240,000 in a fake job racket at the county

 And after the loss, the distraught man has now written Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga over his ordeal.

In his letter he claimed, he lost the money to individuals working closely with the County Public Service Board members.

In a letter dated 26th September 2024, one Jactone Oduor claimed that a person named withheld for legal reasons conned him of the said amount in exchange with a letter of appointment for his son Evance Henry Opiyo for a revenue clerk (I) position on 12the June 2023.

He said despite his son receiving an appointment letter on 1st May 2023 for the position, his son is yet to absorbed.

“The above-named is my son and I am writing this complaint letter on his behalf as one who was swindled by fraudsters,” reads in parts the letter copied to Homa Bay County PSB, Intelligence Office, DCI Homa Bay, and the Homa Bay County Attorney.

“He (Evance) was given an appointment letter for the above post which has not materialized up to date,” he claimed.

.

“First I sent an M-Pesa payment of Sh80,000 on demand by the suspect on the pretense that the available position was for revenue Clerk (III).” Reads the letter.

“Then he demanded another Sh.60,000 claiming that the boy was overqualified for the above post being that he is a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in commerce and a CPA (IV), hence he needed my son to be placed on Revenue Clerk (I),” he claimed.

The complainant, however, claims that the suspect demanded that he take the boy to the CBSB immediately after the appointment letter was out which had a seal and a rubberstamp where he demanded some requirements like a file and a certification document plus another Sh100,000 before handing over the signed appointment letter to the applicant.

“For the record the accomplish received the Sh100,000 in cash, in the presence of my son; then he handed over the appointment letter,” he alleges.

“A total of Sh.240,000 was given to the suspects. He alleged the two were working in cohorts with some CPSB officials whom they can mention.

“Hon Governor, I am still stranded with my son at home and humbly request for your intervention so that my son Evance can secure employment,” said Oduor.

According to the appointment letter issued and signed by Homa Bay County Secretary and Head of Public Service Prof. Benard Muok reference number HB/PSB/APP2023/VOL1/10 Evance was appointed to Revenue Clerk One position and was to earn Sh31,270 per month with house allowance of Sh.5,800, Commuter allowance of Sh4,000 and another leave allowance of Sh4,000 per annum.

The letter was also signed by Evance upon reception.

I am pleased to inform you that following the successful interview held for the above position, the Public Service Board has approved your appointment to the position of revenue clerk One.

This appointment takes effect from 1st May 2023.

However, according to Muok, the signature appearing in the appointment letter was fake.

“This is not my Signature. It is fake and I am not sure if the two are working for the County Government, but it is difficult to help when people are conned outside,” said Muok.

“The best would be to report to the Police,” replied the County Secretary to our WhatsApp message.

County Government of Homa Bay signs Sh 800M MOU with farmers on value chain

By
lom robb
-
0
farmers
By Habil Onyango

The County Government of Homa Bay has signed Sh800M a Community Driven Development Project (CDDP) Memorandum of Understanding with farmers across twenty wards within the County.

The initiative was being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The CDDPs were made up of local Community-based Organizations.

In Homa Bay, the priority value chains that have been identified include Cotton, Dairy, Coffee, Rice, and Banana. 

The project was built on the formation which was set by the World Bank-funded projects which are the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth (NARIG) 

Addressing the 40 CDDPs and twenty farmers SACCO Officials drawn from the twenty wards from Homa Bay, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga said that the project was aimed at increasing the market participation and value addition for targeted farmers in the selected value chains.

The DG who is also the Executive Committee Member for the Agriculture Cabinet said that it was also aimed at supporting 500,000 small farmers in transiting from subsistence to commercial farming focusing on the five value chains.

He said the project will tackle the high cost of farm inputs, low crop and livestock yield, inadequate knowledge, and poor market linkages post-harvest losses and offer loans to farmers to ensure they improve their yields.

According to the project, the farmers will be able to access loans on their SACCOs which will enable them to increase productivity in their farming activities.

“Through this project, our farmers will be able to buy certified seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, acquisition of spraying pumps, get market for their produce, and get training on the five value chains selected to ensure they improve on their productivity and create more job opportunities for the locals,” said the CECM.

Magwanga however admitted that the NARGIP project had a number of challenges that barred it from achieving its main goal, however, with the NAVCDP, they will ensure that it succeeds.

According to Magwanga the project which will run for five years will address the challenges that are being faced by cooperatives and farmers.

The DG however warned those who would have benefitted from the fund to ensure they use it prudently saying that as a County Government, they will ensure that each cent was accounted for.

According to the County Programs Coordinator Henry Nzinga, Homa Bay was one of the 33 Counties implementing the project which will be done in all 40 Counties.

He said that they have already engaged the locals in a Public Participation exercise to sensitize and inform them about the project.

He said that they will establish and run demonstration farms, provide grants to farmers’ SACCOs to enable them to operate effectively, and loan their members to enable their investments in the five value chains selected.

He said that most of the activities they are conducting are related to marketing the value chains they are working with.

He said that the project has a principle of community-driven development whereby the farmers are supposed to manage the resources by themselves.

“As a community, we are going to manage the resources while the Government will give out them out,” he said.

“The CDDP will be in charge of smaller groups of farmers where they will be able to mobilize and get information to the County,” he said.

“Farmers require resources, and they now have an opportunity to access these through their SACCOs,” he said.

Erick Adel, the County Director of Agriculture advised the CDDP to be more accommodating since they need numbers to succeed.

Homa Bay residents benefit from free medical camp from KMTC

By
lom robb
-
0
medical camp
By Habil Onyango

Kenya Medical Teaching College Rachuonyo Campus on Thursday offered a free medical camp to hundreds of ailing residents of Karachuonyo Sub County and its environs.

The three-day exercise was in line with the customer service week which was being marked throughout the Country.

The same exercise was also conducted at the facilities Homa Bay Town Campus in collaboration with the Homa Bay County Government, and the Department of Health.

Speaking to the KMTC Chief Executive Officer Kelly Oluoch who presided over the exercise, the beneficiaries included hundreds of patients who suffered from different health conditions managed were treated and given medicines.

He said during the exercise they conducted free medical consultations and checkups which comprised general consultations, pediatric consultations, maternal child health, oral healthcare, and dental examinations.

Other services included routine Laboratory tests, nutrition counseling, health talks, mental health awareness, Eye checkup treatment and cataract surgery, Physiotherapy, and SHA registration.

“We also managed to offer cervical cancer screening to a number of patients since we want a cancer-free nation,” he said.

“We managed to offer free medical camps to hundreds of patients who in one way or another were not able to access health services in our facilities,” he said.

However, I want to tell our people that as we continue to provide health care to ensure that our community is safe health-wise, they should also observe preventive healthcare measures.

“As we continue to serve our people to make sure that our people are healthy it is good for us to exercise preventive health care,” he said.

“We must make sure that we observe good nutrition and consistently seek medical advice before we fall sick,” he added.

The exercise was conducted by health practitioners from the Homa Bay Teaching and Referral Hospital and others from the Sub County health facility.

The initiative came at a time when the Country is grappling with the health crisis following the migration from NHIF to SHA.

He however encouraged Kenyans to register for SHA saying that it is the only way they can access safe and affordable health care.

Former MP Osele decries rising cases of insecurity in Kasipul Kabondo

By
lom robb
-
0
Insecurity
By Habil Onyango

Former Kabondo Kasipu MP Sylvance Osele has decried the upsurge in the insecurity in the Constituency.

Osele said it was sad that people were currently being robbed and butchered and no action was being taken by the security Officers.

Osele said it was unfortunate that gangs have been having a field day in their heinous activities for lack of proper security measures.

The former MP blamed the currently elected leaders including MP Dr. Eve Obara for failing to summon the Inspector General to Parliament to shed more light on the issue.

Osele said only the MP has the power to raise serious matters before the Parliament so that a proper solution can be found.

In the recent past, a number of robbery, murder, and defilement cases have been reported in the Constituency however no major arrest or action has been taken to avert these.

“It is unfortunate that in the recent past, several robbery and murder cases have been taking place in our constituency, however, our leaders have failed to take proper action against this,” said Osele.

“Reports have emerged where notorious gangsters have been storming to people’s houses and interestingly demand to be prepared for food and after that defile, the minors in front of their parents and no one has been brought to book,” he added.

“We cannot sit back and watch when our people lose their lives while the elected leaders who are supposed to fight for them watch,” he added.

The former legislator however said that for such matters to be solved, there must be a strong community Policing and working closer with the security Officers.

“The fuel being given to the Police might not be enough for them to patrol 24/7 in a whole month, they must be assisted, and this can be achieved through the National Government Constituency Development Fund,” he said.

TIME TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC HARRASSMENT OF MOTORISTS AS A AWAY OF INDUCEMENT TO PAY BRIBES

By
lom robb
-
0
Junior Secondary Schools
By Billy Mijungi

To address the issue of traffic police harassment and bribery in Kenya, a combination of technological solutions and policy reforms is essential. One effective approach could be the creation of a digital traffic compliance system, where traffic officers can log any vehicle-related compliance issues such as faulty lights, worn tires, or even minor damages that could affect safety. This would allow drivers to be instantly notified of any violations through SMS or a mobile app, giving them a clear window of time to rectify these issues. By implementing a system where drivers can track their vehicle’s roadworthiness, compliance would become easier to manage, and penalties could escalate only if a driver repeatedly fails to address the problems.

Physical stops for minor offenses, such as faulty tail lights or expired insurance, should be reduced. Instead, streamlined fines could be issued directly, and drivers should be allowed to resolve these through digital payment platforms such as M-Pesa. This approach would minimize face-to-face interactions between drivers and officers, reducing opportunities for bribery. If a driver is flagged for the same unresolved issue multiple times, an escalation process could follow, such as a citation or court summons, with arrest warrants reserved for persistent non-compliance.

To increase transparency, traffic officers could be equipped with body cameras to record all interactions with drivers. This would ensure that police officers follow procedure and help prevent demands for bribes. Encouraging drivers to install dash cams could further provide evidence in case of disputes, protecting both parties. At the same time, there should be a reassessment of the traffic laws, with offenses categorized as minor, moderate, or severe. This would differentiate minor technical issues from more serious violations like reckless driving. A clear grace period for minor offenses, paired with automated warnings and correction deadlines, would give drivers the chance to address issues before being penalized.

Public education and awareness campaigns are also necessary to inform drivers of their rights and responsibilities. Many motorists may be unaware of the correct procedures when stopped by police or fear arbitrary arrests. Civic education would help demystify the process and make it clear what police are allowed to do. Additionally, there could be independent channels for motorists to file complaints against officers, such as a real-time hotline or mobile app. Officers found to be engaging in repeated harassment could then face disciplinary measures.

By incorporating these strategies, Kenya could greatly reduce traffic police corruption, ensuring safer roads and fairer enforcement of laws. A digital, transparent system would make traffic management more efficient and reduce unnecessary confrontations between the police and the public.

To effectively reduce traffic police harassment and bribery in Kenya, revising the pricing of petty traffic offenses is crucial. Petty offenses should be priced at reasonable amounts that are affordable and easily payable by motorists. When fines are fair and accessible, most drivers would prefer to pay them directly rather than resort to bribing officers. The current high fines often push motorists to choose bribery as the quicker and less costly option, perpetuating corruption.

By setting reasonable penalties for minor offenses such as faulty tail lights, cracked mirrors, or expired insurance, drivers will be less tempted to negotiate with officers on the roadside. These fines should be payable through convenient digital platforms like M-Pesa or banking apps, making the process more transparent and reducing the chances of corrupt interactions. Affordable fines would encourage compliance and ensure that the majority of motorists can settle them swiftly without fear of arrest or detainment.

For instance, offenses like faulty lights could attract a KSh 500 fine, while slightly more significant violations, such as driving with expired insurance, could be capped at KSh 1,000 to 2,000. By pricing these offenses in a way that reflects their severity but doesn’t overly burden the driver, Kenya could create a system that promotes road safety without over-policing.

In addition, introducing a fine payment grace period for first-time offenders would allow drivers time to make corrections and pay the fine without feeling unduly pressured. This would also ensure that motorists can focus on compliance rather than feeling the need to rush into bribing their way out of a situation.

By combining reasonable pricing, instant digital payment options, and better categorization of offenses, the system will not only help reduce bribery but also enhance road safety and fairness in traffic law enforcement. Drivers will feel empowered to follow the law when fines are affordable and accessible, and traffic police will be discouraged from detaining motorists simply to extract bribes.

Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn | @BilyMijungu

Forward #TusongeMbele

1...184185186...192Page 185 of 192