General News

The Kenya Diaspora Alliance (KDA) has organized a virtual meeting forum to discuss matters indigenous foods and medicines for domestic export markets.
KDA has partnered with National Commission for Science, Technology and Innovation (NACOSTI), National Research Fund Kenya (NRF),African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) among others and Government officials to bring  the upcoming Diaspora Webinar on July 8,2021.The objective is to create and use the platform for key stakeholders to present and share their solutions and experiences, and identify gaps in practices to accelerate adoption of best practices and develop strategies for improved markets and partnerships. “We consider tech-novation and diaspora as two goldmines that Africa/Kenya is yet to engage fully for accelerated and sustainable transformation. Diaspora comes in not only as a financial, but also intellectual resource, “says organizers.
They added that besides , they are uniquely placed to provide in valuable economic and cultural diplomacy, skill, talent, technology, linkages as well as assist in identifying, opening up and developing new markets abroad.
The event targets Scholars, Researchers, Policy Makers, Legislators, Regulators, Practitioners, Inventors, Herbalists, Farmers, Entrepreneurs, Industrialists, Investors and Consumers.
The main speakers will be  Hon Cabinet Secretary of Education Prof. George Albert Magoha, Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social Protection,
Hon Simon K. Chelugui, and Six Governors.

A new investigation by World Animal Protection exposes the shocking scale of a cruel and worrying new craze on YouTube – the rise of videos depicting fake animal rescues involving wildlife.

In these videos, an animal, such as a monkey, dog or reptile, is filmed to be the prey and is set upon by a large predator, such as a snake or crocodile. The videos show scenes such as a panicked monkey being trapped in the grip of a reticulated python, as they desperately try to break free. In these clips you can hear the terrified cries of the animals as they fear for their lives. Although the prey animals are eventually rescued, they face visible distress and trauma, and shouldn’t have been in such a terrifying situation in the first place. This cruelty is set-up and inflicted for entertainment.

This follows on from a recent investigation by Lady Freethinker that identified 17 such videos, across six different channels, collectively accumulating over 40 million views, with almost three million subscribers.

In their report Views that abuse, researchers from World Animal Protection have uncovered:

Over 180 videos showing fake animal rescues – all published between October 2018 and May 2021.

  Seventy of which were uploaded in 2021 alone, signifying a worrying upsurge in this cruel type of entertainment.

  The 50 most viewed fake animal rescue videos were uploaded from 28 different channels, resulting in a total of 13 million subscribers, over 133 million views and half a million “likes”.

The videos most frequently feature chickens, dogs, and monitor lizards as the “prey” with dogs and Burmese pythons as the most common “prey-predator” combination.

One single video showing a fake rescue of a monitor lizard from a python attack had been viewed over 100 million times.

Members of County Assembly (MCAS) from Nairobi County have said that they want to change standing orders and prevent parties from minority choosing minority and majority leaders.
The Reps have also plotted to remove the power to designate leaders from the Political Parties and bestow it unto themselves.
If the amendments go through, Political Parties will not be able to discipline errand members and those who go against party positions.
On Tuesday, a leaked letter authored by Nyayo Highrise MCA Kennedy Oyugi and addressed to the Speaker of the County Assembly proposes to delete standing orders numbers 20 and 21.
Oyugi is being seconded by MCA David Okelo and Antony Kiragu.
The County Assembly standing order number 20 states that “the largest party or coalition of parties in the County Assembly shall designate member of the County Assembly belonging to the Party or coalition of parties to be the leader of the Majority Party,”
According to the standing order, the Political party is to designate the deputy majority leader, majority whip and deputy majority whip.
The same applies to the Minority leader, deputy minority leader, minority whip and deputy minority whip.
The standing orders also states that the leaders may be removed by their Parties or two thirds of the votes of members of the parties or coalitions.
However, the reps want the new standing orders to read.
20 (1) The largest party or coalition of parties in the County Assembly shall elect

1. a member of the County Assembly belonging to the party or coalition of parties to be the leader of the Majority Party.
2. A member of the County Assembly belonging to the Party or coalition of parties to be the Deputy leader of the Majority Party.
3. A member of the County Assembly belonging to the party or coalition of parties to be the Majority Whip of the Party.
4. A member of the County Assembly belonging to the party or coalition of parties to be the Deputy Majority Whip of the Majority Party.
   They have proposed the same for the Minority side.
   “A member elected under paragraph (1) may be removed by two thirds of votes of all members of the majority party or coalition of parties in the County Assembly,” reads the new standing orders.
   The new standing orders say that the decision will be communicated to the Speaker who will be the final person.
   The proposals have been sent to the Procedure and Rules committee.
   The committee will meet on Thursday and if it approves the amendments, a special siting of the Assembly will be called to ratify the changes, or the reps will wait until 7th July when the Assembly resumes.
   The Assembly is currently on recess.
   “The Reps are shifting goal posts and do not want the Parties to check them. Even if you are errand, the Party will not act because you can use money to get elected as a Majority or Minority leader. Political parties will lose grip on their members,” said an MCA Privy to the changes.
   Another City Rep who requested anonymity said the current Assembly leadership has forced the Speaker Benson Mutura to “dance to its tune”.
   

World Animal Protection has today released a new report that exposes the short fallings in the laws of G20 countries that continue to cruelly exploit wildlife and leave the world vulnerable to future pandemics.

The NGO is appealing to G20 world leaders to ban the global trade in wild animals, warning that the “current system is failing” and “enables the transmission of zoonotic diseases’’.

The report uncovers inefficiencies in G20 countries that enable the extraction of wild animals from their natural habitat, farming them in captivity, and killing and trading them as commodities. This is supported by inadequate international mechanisms to prevent exploitation.

“Protecting our world from future pandemics” also describes how the trade poses risks to public health, which include:

·        The trade’s main regulatory body – the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – has no focus on preventing zoonotic disease

·        There is little or no disease screening of exported wild animals, allowing the undetected movement of pathogens across global boundaries

·        The number of people involved in the wildlife trade supply chain provides ample opportunity for infectious disease transmission.

Edith Kabesiime, Wildlife Campaigns Manager, World Animal Protection said:
“The laws implemented by G20 countries to protect wildlife are inadequate, often doing more harm than good.

“Wild animals suffer at every stage of the trade. They are extremely distressed when they are extracted from their habitats, then tightly packaged alive, so it’s no surprise many are dead or diseased upon arrival at their destination.

“While the world’s focus remains on vaccination roll-out, virus prevention should not be ignored, as it’s estimated that over 320,000 mammalian viruses await discovery.[1]              

“The fate of animals, people, and our global economy rests in the hands of the leaders of the G20, who are presented with the most practical way to address pandemic prevention – ending the global wildlife trade.”

Tennyson Williams, Regional Director, World Animal Protection said:

“Every day, thousands of wild animals are poached or farmed and sold into the global multi-billion-dollar trade – as food, pets, luxury goods, traditional medicine and entertainment. There is a huge risk involved here. We can no longer ignore the dangers of the wildlife trade, which is why we’re urging the African leaders to call for a ban at the G20 Global Health Summit.”

The report comes after The World Health Organisation urged for a suspension on the sale of live wild mammals at food markets, as on-going studies into the origins of COVID-19 suggest it is most likely that the virus passed from bats to an intermediary animal.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, World Animal Protection has been lobbying the G20 world leaders to end the global wildlife trade and has received over 1.1million petition signatures from individuals across the World. The Petitions will be delivered to the G20 leaders’ Summit later this year.

Kenya Forest Service(KFS) has encouraged locals to take advantage of the ongoing rains and plant trees.

The Chief Conservator of Forests (CFF) Julius Kamau has asked Kenyans to plant trees to mitigate the effects of climate change.

In his Labour day message to Kenyans on Saturday, Kamau called on Kenyans to conserve the environment.

He asked Kenyans to take advantage of the long rains.

He noted how forest ecosystems and in particular green spaces have turned refuge and haven to Kenyans especially during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the same breath, the CCF has also noted that for the country to achieve the 10% tree cover, it has necessitated the Service to deploy innovative approaches.

Key among the approaches are creating linkages and collaboration with various partners to complement its efforts in reclaiming, restoring and rehabilitating forest and landscapes.

Kamau thanked various entities (both state and non-state actors) currently partnering with KFS in planting trees.

He noted the critical role the KFS staff countrywide play to enable the Service to achieve its mandate.

Plant trees and have clean air- Chief Conservator of forests Julius Kamau urge Kenyans.

The Chief Conservator of Forests (CFF) Julius Kamau has asked Kenyans to plant trees to mitigate the effects of climate change.

In his Labour Day message to Kenyans on Saturday, Kamau called on Kenyans to conserve the environment.

He asked Kenyans to take advantage of the long rains.

He noted how forest ecosystems and in particular green spaces have turned refuge and haven to Kenyans especially during this period of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In the same breath, the CCF has also noted that for the country to achieve the 10% tree cover, it has necessitated the Service to deploy innovative approaches.

Key among the approaches are creating linkages and collaboration with various partners to complement its efforts in reclaiming, restoring and rehabilitating forest and landscapes.

Kamau thanked various entities (both state and non-state actors) currently partnering with KFS in planting trees.

He noted the critical role the KFS staff countrywide play to enable the Service to achieve its mandate.

Mr. Hussein Mohamed, former MP aspirant Wajir South was on 26th April 2021 around 6:30 PM attacked by a gang of 8 people at Katani Mlolongo.

At the time of the incident, he was with his driver, Mr. Hassan Ibrahim.

The incident was reported at Mlolongo Police Station and so far 2 suspects have been arrested and the police are still hunting for the others in order to bring them to book.

The victim says that they were attacked as they were navigating along a rough road near Katani quarry,.

It is alleged that it was a gang of 8 people which was armed with crude weapons.

They are said to have blocked their vehicle and forced them out of the vehicle.

They frog marched for about 15 meters. The victim says that the gang attacked them, beating them seriously.

They ransacked Mr. Hussein motor vehicle for all valuables including mobile phones and ipad.

They are said to have robbed the victim Sh 220,000 and Sh 50,000 from his driver after the victims pleaded for their dear lives.

Mr. Hussein the victim is said to have sustained serious injuries including broken left ribs and bruised and swollen face.

The driver is said to have sustained serious head injuries which led him to bleed profusely.

The police are still hunting for the others in order to bring them to book as they continue with their investigations.

The suspects so far arrested will be arraigned in court to answer to charges of robbery with violence among other charges. Mr. Hussein and his driver are recuperating in Hospital.

They were treated at Mediheal Hospital, Parklands.

A deputy Representative to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Amb. Mike Kiboino has said that Kenya welcomes the normalization of relations between Israel and the multiple majority-Arab States.

Speaking during UNSC meeting on the Middle East- Implementation of resolution 2334 on March 25,2021 virtually, Kiboino said that Kenya supports the call for the reinvigorate of the Middle East Quartet and the recent resumption of meetings with participation of all parties.

“We call for strengthened cooperation to ensure the safe movement of health and other essential workers, equity in the access to vaccines,and definitive medical care to allow for equitable sociology-economic recovery,”he added when he spoke during the Security Council briefing and consultation on the middle east themed Implementation of resolution 2334.

He added that it is important for the Munich format and other confidence-building initiatives in the Gulf and the broader sub-region to complement the work of the Quartet.

“It is our hope that there will be meaningful commitment to these processes in order to inject a fresh momentum into the Middle East Peace Process in alignment with international law, the UN Charter, this Council’s resolutions including 2334,and the Arab Peace Initiative,”he added.

“It is our hope that this development will make it easier-rather than harder-to actualize the normalization of relations between the Israelis and the Palestinians-both at the grassroots and national levels” he said.

He also welcomed all ongoing national, regional and international efforts geared towards injecting a fresh momentum into the Middle East peace process.

Recently,Palestine Embassy made financial contributions to Mbagathi Girls High School of Kibera to support the needy children attain professional education.

Totaling to Sh 501,570, the donation was raised during the Cultural Event and Charity Bazaar held on the margins of International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People at the chancery on Friday March 5, 2021.

Mbagathi Girls High School in Kibra constituency’s Children have a reason to smile after the Palestine Embassy in conjunction with the Government equipped their laboratories on Friday last week.

Ambassador Hazem Shabat who spoke during the International day of solidarity with the Palestinian people said their aim is to support slum children in line with their Community work Agenda.

“It is important that the day is made special for everyone and contribute towards making better the lives of children in Kibera,” he added.

Shabat added that the Palestinian community in Kenya wanted to celebrate the event in different way this year by giving back to the community.

International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People is celebrated on 29 November every year, they organize an annual exhibit on Palestinian rights or a cultural event in cooperation with the Permanent Observer Mission of Palestine to the UN.

The big day for Palestine also encourages Member States to continue to give the widest support and publicity to the observance of the Day of Solidarity.

Mbagathi girls school head teacher Jacinta Barasa welcomed the support from the support and said that it will help the needy children in Kibera basic most of the do not have even basic needs.

“The Government is playing its part by paying tuition fees for the kids, Palestinian Government will help us to equip computer lab and therefore we can be able to offer computer services, “said Barasa who attended the event at Palestinian Embassy.

Kibra MP Imran Okoth said they are in the process of constructing boys’ school and they should not feel left out.

“We are not facing boys, we are constructing boys’ school soon, “he added.

Director, Middle East Affairs, Ambassador Arthur Andambi thanked the Palestine Embassy for the support.

“The message is being sent in an event like this to the world on what needs to be done as far as the Middle East is concerned, “he added.

The event is always held every year but last year was postponed due to covid-19 pandemic and was held on Friday February 5,2021.

Head of the diplomatic core in Nairobi, Unon officials, Dean of Arab Group among other officials were present in the event.

A Honorary Warden under the Wildlife Conservation and Management Act award, has been granted to the chief Conservator of Forests, Julius Kamau.

He has been appointment for three years where his appointment was gazetted on 9th February 2021 by Tourism and Wildlife Minister Najib Balala.

The title of an Honorary Warden is a State recognition.

The recognition is to acknowledge suitable persons for their notable work that in one way or another supports and promotes core functions in conservation and management of wildlife in Kenya.

The recognition gives an Honorary Wildlife Warden the main duty and responsibility of assisting the State organization responsible for wildlife conservation work.

Kamau will assist the Kenya Wildlife Service led by Director General Brig. (Rtd) John Waweru.

He will help curb poaching and clandestine trade in wild animals and products, detection, and prosecution of offences under the Wildlife Protection Act.

He will also help prevent damage to the habitat of wildlife, identification, and selection of areas suitable to be declared as sanctuaries, national parks, closed areas as well as measures for their protection.

The recognition also provides that the holder of the title plays an active role in advising on measures for dealing with the problem of damage by wild animals to life and property, including the assessment and payment of compensation.

The Honorary Warden also promotes the message of conservation to the people and enlisting public support for nature and wildlife conservation.
Kamau, thanked CS Najib Balala for the recognition.

He is a career conservationist and has been at the helm of KFS since he was appointed the CCF in April 2019.

Stakeholders in the tourism sector, ministry if Environment and Forestry and KWs lauded Kamau for the appointment.

Athi Water Works and Development Agency is undertaking a mega sewer line project that will pass through Karura forest.

Already there are concerns the project will see the over 100 years old trees going down to pave way for the sewer line to serve Runda, Mimosa and Whispers estates.

It will run parallel to the Ruaka river.

Friends of Karura Forest (FKF) are worried about the project they say will cause irreversible damage to nature and hamper the lives of wildlife inside the 2,627 acres forest.

Members of FKF are angry with the Friends of Karura Forest Board  led by Dr Winnie Kiiru for sanctioning the project that is reportedly being undertaken secretly.

Friends of Karura board Community Association Board’s member Christina Boelecke is the link with Athi Water Board.

The project has the blessing of the Kenya Forest Service. KFS Chief Conservator Julius Kamau has said the project will have minimal damages.

“Get in touch with the chief conservator of forests. His office is responsible for giving way for sewer lines and other infrastructure through the forest estate. I am sure they will be happy to show you all the statutory documents,” Dr Winnie said.

Kamau said; “As per the Forest management act of 2016, we must give specialist licenses for roads, pipelines, railways and other public projects inside forests. We have with us the Environment Impact Assessment license,”.

He said KFS followed the law while granting permission for the construction of the sewer line and that everything is above board and nothing like “collusion”.

He claimed no trees are being felled inside Karura forest currently because the Environment minister has not lifted a moratorium on cutting down trees within the Country.

FKF members have questioned why Athi Water insisted on running the line through Karura forest instead of looking for an alternative route.