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UPDATE WAVINYA NDETI WINS PRAISE FROM G7 COLLEAGUES OVER HER DEVELOPMENT RECORDBy Daniel Nzia Senior Writer Members of t...
16/08/2024

UPDATE
WAVINYA NDETI WINS PRAISE FROM G7 COLLEAGUES OVER HER DEVELOPMENT RECORD
By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer
Members of the G7 caucus have showered Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti with praises for the good work she was doing for the people of Machakos County.
Six governors who have been in the county for the last two days said they felt encouraged by the development record of their colleague in the past two years.
Led by the Council of Governors chairperson Ann Waiguru, the G7 members said they had learned a lot from Governor Wavinya's approach to development issues, which are worth emulating.
The governors were Gladys Wanga (Homabay), Kihika (Nakuru), Cecile Mbarire (Embu), and Fatuma Achani(Kwale).
They told those eyeing the gubernatorial seat in 2027 to hold their horses and let her complete her 10-year term.
Mbarire said she was proud of Wavinya's performance, adding she had a take-home lesson and experience singling out her proposed Machakos Youth Service programme set to start next month.
Wanga said those eyeing for the seat to wait until 2032, saying Wavinya should be given space to serve the people of Machakos for 10 years.
On the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, Wanga called for her sparing by the Senate.
"Impeachment is a very punitive punishment because once one is impeached, he or she can not hold any public office," said the Homabay governor.
The leaders were at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos town, where they pledged to copy-paste some of the development projects their colleague was undertaking.
During the meeting, Governor Wavinya donated empowerment equipment to organised groups across the county.
She announced that more than 270,000 youths and women would benefit from her empowerment scheme directly and indirectly.
The equipment she donated to the beneficiaries included water tanks,chairs and tents ,gas cylinders,Meko jikos,car washing machines, and beehives, among others.

SPECIAL REPORT PART ONE:EXPOSED: KEMSA ROT AND THE BLAME GAMESBY THE COUNTY CHAMPION TEAMKenya Medical Supplies Authorit...
16/08/2024

SPECIAL REPORT PART ONE:
EXPOSED: KEMSA ROT AND THE BLAME GAMES
BY THE COUNTY CHAMPION TEAM
Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) top brass has come under scrutiny for dirty deals especially supply and tender awarding scandals among others.
Kemsa has been involved in one scandal after another.
Every other year, Kemsa is embroiled in what are mostly procurement-related scandals.
The award winning agency is known to have poor internal controls, including discrepancies in stock balances, missing drugs and difficulties in monitoring drug distribution.
Past audits have also exposed inconsistencies in Kemsa’s information system, such as unexplained adjustments and overstated prices for expired drugs.
In 2020, KEMSA was allegedly accused of mishandling a Sh7.7 billion tender
A special Audit from the Auditor General has shown the statement of cash flow reflects cash and cash equivalents as at 30 June, 2023 balance of Kshs.4,906,997,098.
However, the balance includes prior year adjustment of Kshs.186,947,924 under operating activities which relates to corrections of earlier transactions under assets, in progress and global fund.
However, the corresponding journal vouchers were not provided for audit.
In the circumstances, the accuracy and completeness of cash and cash equivalents balance of Kshs.4,906,997,098 as at 30 June, 2023 could not be confirmed.
MEDICAL COMMODITIES SOLD BELOW THE SET PRICE
According to the audit report, the total sales revenue of Kshs.8,039,143,44 generated from sale of various health products and technologies.
The Authority bills customers based on the price list captured in the Logistics Management lnformation System (LMIS) ordering tool.
However, warehouse issue report indicates a list of three hundred and sixty{wo (362) medical commodities with a sales revenue of Kshs.3,608,334,804 billed to various customers at Kshs.3,022,990,656 which was below the set selling prices resulting to revenue loss of Kshs.585,344,148.
MEDICAL COMMODITIES TO UNDISCLOSED HEALTH FACILITIES
The total sales revenue of Kshs.8,039,143,44 out of which Kshs.321,171,362 relates to medical supplies procured by the Ministry of Health and issued to twenty{hree (23) county headquarters without providing details of the beneficiary health facilities.
In addition, donated medical supplies of Kshs.572,492,393 were issued to non-existing two hundred and seventy-five (275) sub counties which have been created in the system as health facilities but do not exist physically.
In the circumstances, the accuracy and completeness of the sales revenue value of Kshs.8,039,143,444 could not be confirmed.
LACK OF FUEL REGISTER
The statement of financial performance reflects use of goods and services amounting to Kshs.2,003,659,568 which as disclosed in Note 12(b) to the financial statements includes Kshs.47,030,205 in respect of fuel and oil.
However, management did not maintain a fuel register and no reconciliation was performed for the expenditure reflected in the supplier fuel statement.
In the circumstances, the accuracy and completeness of expenditure on fuel and oil amounting to Kshs.47,030,205 could not be confirmed.
UN-APPROVED EXCHANGE OF PARCELS OF LAND
As previously reported, the land balance includes a parcel valued at Kshs.'151,538,002 situated along commercial street in Nairobi.
According to a deed of exchange dated 28 April, 2016 this first parcel of land measuring approximately 0.7676 belongs to a private company while a second parcel of land situated in Nairobi measuring approximately
0.1329 hectares belongs to KEMSA.
The parties agreed to exchange these parcels of land without an approval from the minister responsible for health and the National Treasury.
MISSTATED INVENTORY VALUES
The inventories balance includes units received from Global Fund and other program commodities valued at Kshs.303,514,749.
However, the commodities were erroneously issued to health facilities at a unit price of one shilling instead of the carrying amount resulting to overstatement of inventory by Kshs.303,509,260.
This was contrary to IPSAS which states that 'where inventories are acquired at a nonexchange transaction, their cost shall be measured at their fair value at the date of acquisition.
OVERSTATEMENT OF STOCK BALANCES
The inventory balance includes Kshs.6,664,823,360 relating to two hundred and forty seven (247) medical commodities.
However, review of opening inventory, receipts, issues, expiries and damages from these products indicated a closing balance of Kshs.6,361 ,251 ,822 resulting to unreconciled and unexplained variance of Kshs.303,571 ,538.
UNRECONCILED STOCK LSSUANCE
The inventory balance includes one hundred and ninety-one (191) medical commodities whose available stock for issue was 13,988,323 units valued at Kshs.2,228,938,380 but the warehouse issue report indicated issuance of 14,601,300 units valued at Kshs.2,661,049,865 resulting to unexplained and unreconciled variance (over issuance) of 612,977 units valued at Kshs.432,1 1 1 ,485.
In addition, the over issuance includes 287,284 units for eight three (83) commodities valued at Kshs.264,465,919 whose available stock balance was nil as reflected in warehouse management system.
IMPROPER STOCK ADJUSTMENTS
The inventories balance was arrived at after adjusting commodities worthy Kshs.81,732,145 explained to have historical issues and batch switch among other reasons.
However, these products could not be traced in the warehouse.
In addition, inventories schedules reflect adjustments for expiries of Kshs.1 ,331 ,441 ,264 while Note g reflects inventory adjustment variance (expiries and damages) amount of Kshs. 1,21 3,71 5, 1 86 resulting to unexplained variance of Kshs. 1 1 7,726,078.
UNACCOUNTED FOR INVENTORY OF MEDICAL COMMODITIES
The inventory balance of Kshs.12,899,915,421 includes Kshs.5,294,325,070 in relation to four hundred and forty-two (442) medical commodities.
However, review of these four hundred and forty-two (442) medical commodities' opening inventory, receipts, issues, expiries and damages indicated a closing balance of Kshs.8,800,283,288 resulting to unreconciled variance of Kshs.3,505,958,218.
These discrepancies represent undisclosed and unaccounted for medical commodities.
RETROSPECTIVE RECEIPTS AND LSSUANCE OF COMMODITIES
The inventory ledger indicates system receipt of medical commodities amounting to Kshs.83,826,000 whose physical delivery were indicated to have been made during the year 2020.
However, the inventory ledger did not indicate a corresponding issuance of these commodities despite the items not being included in the inventory closing balance.
NON-ADHERENCE TO CREDITS LIMITS
The receivables from exchange transactions balance of Kshs.6,008,541,865 out of which Kshs.3,079,326,856 relates to county governments while the balance of Kshs.2,892,174,856 relates to other credit customers.
However, it was noted that trading with customers beyond the 30 to 45 days credit limit continued contrary to Paragraph 2.7 of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority Credit Policy 2014.
In the circumstances, the accuracy and completeness of receivables from exchange transactions balance of Kshs.6,008,541,865 could not be confirmed.
UNALLOCATED CUSTOMER ACCOUNT
The statement of financial position reflects hade and other payables balance of Kshs.8,602,982,309.
The balance includes customer unallocated payment of Kshs.35,928,606 received through direct bank deposit.
An amount of Kshs.27,861,163 is yet to be identified and allocated while the balance of Kshs.8,067,443 in relation to customers whose details were identified but yet to be allocated to respective customer accounts.
In the circumstances, the accuracy and completeness of customer unallocated payment balance of Kshs.35,928,606 could not be confirmed.
MORE TO FOLLOW……………..

UPDATE MACHAKOS GOVERNOR  HOSTS G7 GOVERNORS IN HER BACKYARDBy Daniel Nzia Senior Writer Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti...
15/08/2024

UPDATE
MACHAKOS GOVERNOR HOSTS G7 GOVERNORS IN HER BACKYARD
By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has today received six women governors under the auspices of G7 who will be in the county for a two-day development wirking tour.
Wavinya, who received her colleagues at a Machakos hotel, said the forum will serve to showcase the gains of devolution and exchange governance ideas.
The county chief said the climax of the forum will be tomorrow at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, where over 10,000 women will congregate for the activation of the G7 caucus.
Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru, who is also the Council of Governors (COG) chairperson, said the idea of G7 was to encourage those aspiring for leadership positions.
She said they were working on a formular to grow from G7 to G24 in the 2027 general election.
"We are hoping our journey would move us from G7 to G24 come 2027," said Waiguru.
The Kirinyaga governor encouraged male colleagues to support women to deputise them.
Waiguru also declared the G7 was behind the embattled Meru Governor, Kawira Mwangaza, who is staring at an impeachment.
During the visit, the G7 county chiefs joined their host in launching the construction of a number of mega development projects.
The projects included Mavoko Level Four hospital,Muindi Mbingu Level Six hospital in the proposed new Machakos city, Machakos Sports Complex near people's park and Kyamutheke Vocational Training Centre among others.
The host governor was accompanied by ministers Onesmus Kuyu, Nathaniel Nganga, Catherine Mutanu,Sharon Muasya and MCAs led by Majority Leader Nicholas Nzioka alias Wangondi among other top county government officials.

UPDATE:President William Ruto has said Eldoret has grown from a settlement centre to a vibrant municipality, establishin...
15/08/2024

UPDATE:
President William Ruto has said Eldoret has grown from a settlement centre to a vibrant municipality, establishing itself as a key investment hub.

He said its elevation into a city will attract more and quality investments, presenting an opportunity to harness its full potential.

Ruto spoke today at the Eldoret Sports Club in Uasin Gishu County, presided over the conferment of City status to Eldoret Municipality.
PHOTOS/AGENCIES

UPDATE AUDIT COMMITTEE TAKES INSTITUTIONAL HEADS TO TASK OVER AUDIT QUERIESThe Public Accounts Committee on Education an...
15/08/2024

UPDATE
AUDIT COMMITTEE TAKES INSTITUTIONAL HEADS TO TASK OVER AUDIT QUERIES
The Public Accounts Committee on Education and Governance chaired by Jack Wamboka on Wednesday took institutional heads who appeared before the Committee to task, over various audit queries as raised by the Report of the Auditor General.

The Members were reviewing the audit reports of the period between 2018/19- 2020/21 Financial Years from various institutions including Chuka Technical and Vocational College, Kiirua Technical Training Institute,Muraga Technical Training Institute,Kaelo Technical and Vocational College, Kenya Methodist University and Tigania East Technical and Vocational College.

Kiirua TTI Principal, Dr Jackson Mbae was taken to task after he failed to justify a Kshs. 4 million expenditure which had no supporting documents attached to show Board approvals. In the matter, project with an initial value of Kshs.10 million had shot to 14 million-a 40% total variation way beyond the 25% threshold. This lead to the principal being surcharged for not providing sufficient information to shed light on the query.

Members also noted irregular awarding of tenders with the institutions denying the lowest bidder the contract. Kiirua also had an 82 per cent predominant staff complement which is against the law.

Similarly, the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) Vice Chancellor (VC) had a difficult time explaining why he wished away 7 students declared as Government Sponsored students,but who had not placed by KUCCPS, and still remained unaccounted for.

Members also noted the 1,305 students placed by KUCCPS but did not enroll at the University. At this point, the Committee Members sought what the Vice Chancellor was doing to follow up on them, and the measures put in place to abate such waste in the future.

The Committee was appalled by a further revelation that forty-five (45) out of the seventy-six (76) students whose capitation amounting to Kshs. 2,050,614.00 was disbursed, comprised of duplicates in the funding list. For this reason, on 21st May 2024, the University was forced to refund an amount totaling to Kshs. 2,013,800.29 for 42 students.

On the other hand, the Committee noted that records of Tigania East Technical and Vocational College showed that the Board of Governors had been issued with written appointment letters and appended their acceptance, but the members had not been gazetted.

Further, the college was found to be non-compliant with the law on ethnic composition as 81% of the employees were from one ethnic community.

However, the lawmakers acknowledged that the institution had since made strides and scaled down the majority ethnic composition to 52% from the local community.

The college was further faulted for lack a risk management policy. The institution also lacked several other statutory documents such as an approved risk management policy,an approved Human Resource Management Policy and an approved Human Resource Policy.

The salary structure and the approved staff establishment were also missing forcing the legislators to give the College two months to reconcile with the auditor and report back to the Committee.

On the other hand, Kaelo Technical and Vocational College records had not been provided during audit.
The principal was directed by the Committee to adhere to the law and respect the audit cycle and facilitate audit officers with the necessary supporting documents, failure to which the Committee would enforce punitive measures.

The Principal Cecilia Mwongera was also tasked by Members to follow up on the Institution’s title deed from the National Land Commission as the financial position reflected a nil balance in respect to property, plant and equipment.

The Committee leant that the College has two (2) parcels of land measuring ten (10) acres, buildings, office furniture and computer acquired from the College’s mentoring institution. However, the Committee noted that the College had not conducted a valuation of the property.

Additionally, the College had only spent Kshs.2,243,515 against a budgetary allocation of Kshs.8,378,700 resulting to an under-expenditure of Kshs.6,135,185 or 73% of the budget.

The principal was asked by the committee to put measures in place to enhance revenue collection and proper planning to ensure full absorption of expenditure.

Members also delved on the audit queries contained in the financial records of Murang’a Technical Training Institute.
The Institute was found to have acquired an equipment for agricultural value addition (Milk and Meat Processing Plant) at a cost of Kshs.102,207,419 in 2019. However, physical verification carried out in April, 2022 had revealed that the milk and meat processing plants had not been commissioned thus remaining idle.

Members noted with concern laxity on the part of its principal Mrs Purity Ndigah to have the matter sorted out.

“It is sad that the government pumps in a lot of money which ends in white elephant projects due to under utilisation of the resources. These well thought initiatives without the proper technical personnel is a complete waste of public money." Mangale Chiforomondo (Lunga Lunga).

The principal was also tasked to follow up on title deed of the 9.81 hectares of land donated by Muraga Secondary School, after it was reported that the Institute has not acquired ownership documents for the property.
SOURCE/THE PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

14/08/2024
UPDATE:BUSIA COUNTY EMERGES THE BEST IN THE JUST CONCLUDED MOSQUITO NET DISTRIBUTION CAMPAIGNBusia County has emerged as...
13/08/2024

UPDATE:
BUSIA COUNTY EMERGES THE BEST IN THE JUST CONCLUDED MOSQUITO NET DISTRIBUTION CAMPAIGN
Busia County has emerged as the top performer in Kenya's recent long-lasting insecticidal mosquito net (LLIN) mass distribution campaign, achieving an impressive coverage rate of 98.67% where 763,556 out of 771,501 nets were issued to 220,811 registered households in a span of 5 days.

The county's exceptional performance was highlighted in a report released by the Ministry of Health few days ago, with the County Malaria Coordinator, Dr. Onyango Oluoch attributing the success to effective coordination between the State Department of Public Health led by its Principal Secretary, Ms. Mary Muthoni, who officiated the launch, County health officials led by Arthur Odera who supervised in totality the distribution, local leaders, and community health promoters.

The achievement is expected to significantly impact malaria prevention efforts in Busia, a region historically prone to the disease.

Key message however remains; community members to constantly sleep inside the provided mosquito nets to reduce malaria burden.

UPDATE THERE IS NEED FOR HEALTH REGULATION IN THE ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, SAYS DR YUMBYABy Daniel Nzia Senior Wr...
13/08/2024

UPDATE
THERE IS NEED FOR HEALTH REGULATION IN THE ERA OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, SAYS DR YUMBYA
By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer
The immediate former Machakos county minister for health, Dr Daniel Yumbya, has landed an international job.
Dr Yumbya who tendered is resignation to Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti is now the Director, International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities (IAMRA).
He gave a keynote address during the 26th Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA)annual Conference at Avani Resort , Livingstone, in the republic of Zambia on Monday.
The theme of the conference is Health Regulation in the Era of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
He underscored the need to adapt regulatory framework that aligns with rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) technology ,emphasizing the need for health care providers and regulators to focus on several health related issues.
They include understanding and exploring how Artifical Intelligence is reshaping healthcare delivery and its implications for medical regulation.
Others include formulating strategies to effectively regulate AI applications in healthcare and addressing ethical considerations and ensure that AI in Healthcare adheres to high standards of practice
Dr Yumbya emphasised the need for fostering collaboration among African medical councils to share knowledge and best practices in AI regulation.
He challenged health experts in the Africa continent to use AI to promote medical tourism by setting up specialist hospitals in tourist attraction centers and also to set up Telemedicine hubs in order to enable sharing of specialist services to our people
‘’AI is a moving target,let’s not be left behind," said Dr Yumbya.

UPDATE MAKAVETI-IIYUNI ROAD TO BE TARMACKED,SAYS GOVERNOR WAVINYA By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer Residents of Kalama Ward ...
12/08/2024

UPDATE
MAKAVETI-IIYUNI ROAD TO BE TARMACKED,SAYS GOVERNOR WAVINYA
By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer
Residents of Kalama Ward in Machakos County have a reason to smile after Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti announced plans by her government to tamarc the Makaveti-Iiuni road.
The governor said the construction of the road would ease transportation of farm produce and the general public.
She was speaking at Kyangala in Kalama Ward during a public participation forum.
The county boss further announced that the government would tilt the budget towards youth empowerment.
Promising to walk with the youth across the county, Wavinya said the government will give them government tenders.
She directed chief officers in the relevant departments to start the process of registration of youths in clusters of 10 or more so that they benefit from government contracts.
"I direct the concerned officers to start the registration process of target youth within the next two weeks and submit them to my office for the necessary action," added the governor.
She said the youths would also be assisted with tents and chairs,water tanks and machines start car washes,and irrigation equipment to empower them financially.
Wavinya asked wananchi to assist her in erradicating theft of drugs in health facilities by reporting suspects.
She revealed that four county workers have been arrested for stealing drugs, adding "they steal and open chemists at the expense of the sick,".
The Leader of Majority in County Assembly of Machakos Nicholas Nzioka alias Wangondi took the Kalama Ward Member of County Assembly Boniface Maeke head on for abandoning the electorate and instead spent much of his time insulting the governor in funerals.
The ceremony was attended by ministers Onesmus Kuyu Muia, Nathaniel Nganga,Rita Ndunge, and a host of chief officers from the government.

UPDATE:Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Caroline Vicini, arrives at Makueni County Headquarters in Wote for a meeting with G...
12/08/2024

UPDATE:
Swedish Ambassador to Kenya, Caroline Vicini, arrives at Makueni County Headquarters in Wote for a meeting with Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr

UPDATE:Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr.  Musalia W Mudavadi arrived in...
12/08/2024

UPDATE:
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Dr. Musalia W Mudavadi arrived in Dubai ahead of a Joint Commission of Cooperation between the Governments of Kenya and the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi.
The PCS was received by U.A.E's Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of state and Omran Sharaf Al Hashmi, Assistant minister of foreign affairs for advanced science and technology.
Also present was chargé d'affaires Kenyan Embassy in Abu Dhabi Mr. Cosmas Kimutai.
PHOTOS/COURTESY

UPDATE:ATHLETES AND ADVENTURE SEEKERS FLOCK TO CAMP NDUNDA FOR THE MUDATHON MARATHON BY BRIAN MALILA The serene and scen...
10/08/2024

UPDATE:
ATHLETES AND ADVENTURE SEEKERS FLOCK TO CAMP NDUNDA FOR THE MUDATHON MARATHON
BY BRIAN MALILA
The serene and scenic Camp Ndunda Falls, nestled in the heart of Embu, was transformed into a vibrant hub of activity this weekend as hundreds of athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and adventure seekers gathered for the much-anticipated Mudathon Marathon.

Under the clear skies and with the lush backdrop of the famous Ndunda Falls, participants navigated a challenging yet thrilling course that not only tested their physical endurance but also offered an unforgettable experience in one of the most picturesque locations in the country.

Margaret Gatita, the Head of Marketing at Camp Ndunda Falls, highlighted the broader vision behind the marathon.

"Our goal is multifaceted.We aim to promote mental health, encourage physical fitness, and foster sustainable tourism.

The Mudathon Marathon is not just a race; it's a call to embrace a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature and promotes well-being."She stated

The event attracted a diverse group of participants, from professional athletes looking to test their limits to families and friends eager to enjoy a day of outdoor fun.

The muddy and rugged terrain, paired with obstacles and natural barriers, provided a unique challenge that pushed participants to their limits while also fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork.

As the sun rose over the hills, the atmosphere at Camp Ndunda was electric. Participants, covered head-to-toe in mud and with determination etched on their faces, tackled the course's various obstacles, including mud pits and climbing walls.

Spectators lined the route, cheering on the runners and adding to the festive spirit of the event.

The Mudathon Marathon's emphasis on mental health and physical fitness was particularly resonant with many participants.

"In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to neglect our well-being," noted one participant. "Events like this remind us of the importance of staying active and connected to nature."

In addition to its health benefits, the marathon also serves as a platform to promote sustainable tourism in the region.

Camp Ndunda Falls, known for its commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement, has become a popular destination for eco-conscious travelers.

By hosting the Mudathon Marathon, the facility aims to showcase the natural beauty of Embu County and encourage visitors to explore its offerings responsibly.

Gatita emphasized the importance of sustainable practices in tourism. "We want to ensure that our natural resources are preserved for future generations.

By promoting eco-friendly tourism, we not only protect our environment but also support the local economy."

The success of this year's Mudathon Marathon underscores the growing interest in events that combine physical activity with a commitment to environmental stewardship.

As more people seek meaningful ways to engage with their surroundings, Camp Ndunda Falls stands out as a beacon of sustainable tourism and wellness.

UPDATE:TRANS NZOIA COUNTY DONATES BLANKETS TO ELDERS, VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN SIRENDEAt least 1,500 vulnerable f...
10/08/2024

UPDATE:
TRANS NZOIA COUNTY DONATES BLANKETS TO ELDERS, VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN SIRENDE
At least 1,500 vulnerable families in Sirende ward, Kiminini Sub County are set to benefit from a donation of blankets courtesy of the County government in a bid to cushion them from the experienced extreme weather conditions.

The exercise which is undertaken yearly at a cost of Kes 1.5 million under the ward specific funds seeks to protect vulnerable members of the community from contracting respiratory ailments especially during the July, September, August chilly weather season.

Speaking during the distribution exercise at Sirende market Saturday where over 500 beneficiaries from Wehoya, Sabwani, Mutongorio, Toro, Kimoson and Kaptien villages received blankets, area Member of County Assembly Alfred Weswa disclosed that the program targets widows, the elderly, Persons Living with Disabilities and the most vulnerable.

Weswa working alongside Community Health Promoters (CHPS) in the villages identified potential beneficiaries and hailed the executive arm of the county administration for making the exercise successful.

He noted that the identification exercise helped realize that there were a huge number of people aged between 80 and 100 years living in abject poverty but neglected by their kins and hence fending for themselves.

Statistics show that most of the supposed caregivers to the aged had moved to urban centres in search of jobs and other livelihoods activities which often left the elders hopeless in life and straining to fend for themselves.

However, he noted, the government will continue providing the necessary support to make their lives better and ensure that they live in dignity in their old age for they still have a great contribution to the society.

“The national Government has been advancing a stipend of Kes 2,000 to the elderly every month, but the county administration had decided to supplement the program with support including economic empowerment activities such as donation of chicks for rearing to vulnerable groups,” he said.

The Sirende MCA said this financial year the blanket distribution exercise targets more than 1,500 persons but with the latest data from (CHVs) who have been tasked to identify potential beneficiaries, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of elderly persons, PWDs and vulnerable in the society.

He pledged to champion for more funding towards such initiatives in the subsequent budget making processes in order to assist more needy members of the community.

His sentiment was echoed by area ward administrators by the County representatives who accompanied the MCA adding that the exercise is scheduled to continue from Monday next week in Machungwa, Musemwa, Lumuli and Bikeke villages.

Who however cautioned some of beneficiaries against selling the donations pointing out that those found to do so would face stern actions including being blacklisted from other government empowerment programs.
BY GOVERNOR PRESS

UPDATE MACHAKOS COUNTY GOVERNMENT FUNDED ROAD PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer The construction of ...
09/08/2024

UPDATE
MACHAKOS COUNTY GOVERNMENT FUNDED ROAD PROJECT NEARS COMPLETION
By Daniel Nzia Senior Writer
The construction of the Kathalani-Kaviani-Nzaikoni Road in Machakos County is progressing well.
The Machakos County Assembly's Committee on Transport announced that the 3.27 kilometres stretch is 60 per cent done.
When completed, the road project will transform local connectivity and infrastructure.
"This development promises to boost economic activity and ease transportation within the region," said the Committee Chairperson Muoki Musila.
The committee members toured the site to access the progress as part of their oversight role.
Musila was accompanied by MCAs Francis Ngunga, Dee Kivuva, alongside members of the Assembly staff led Engineer Gregory Nthenge (resident engineer) and a team from the construction company.
They said their tour of the project was a testament to the Assembly's commitment to ensuring that public projects are executed efficiently to give value to public resources.

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