The Rural Times Newspaper May Edition 2023

protests in Nairobi city Page 13

ENDING 10TH JUNE 2023

ISSUE 005

Finland Scholarship Saga haunts Senator Mandago

PRICE KSH50

Other stories

Jepkoech Eyes Triple Jump Medal in Kigali, Rwanda

Read More on page 14.

Heroine Baringo woman saves two sons from fangs of Cobra

Mandago is under fire after an ad-hoc committee which investigated the scholarship saga found out that three senior officers under his administration were responsible for the mess. The former county boss has then distanced himself from the accusations terming them baseless and unfounded. Page 2.

Human-Wildlife Conflict as six lions killed by Morans after killing 11 goats

BY ANDY MARANGA

Six lions have been killed by herders in Nashipa Village Mbirakani Eselengei Ward Kajiado South after invading their homesteads and killed livestock and a pet Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Board of Trustees Chair, Lieutenant General (Rtd) Walter Raria

Read More on page 3

Read More on page 14.

A pupil from remotest Sesya village, Baringo Central will be flying to Kigali, Rwanda to represent Kenya in East Africa regional Athletics in Rwanda in August.

“ No coin was lost in the scholarship programme which was rolled out during my administration. ”

Carcasses of lions killed by Maasai Morans using spears and arrows in Kajiado County

Continued from page 1

BY JEREMIAH CHOGE

Embattled former Uasin-Gishu County Governor Jackson Mandago has finally broken silence over Finland scholarship programme saga which allegedly saw millions of shillings lost during his tenure.

Mandago, now Uasin-Gishu Senator has come under fire after an ad-hoc committee which investigated the scholarship saga found out that three senior officers under his administration were responsible for the mess as they made themselves signatories of the fund to enrich themselves and withdrew millions of money on diverse dates.

But Senator Mandago distanced himself from the accusations terming them baseless and unfounded.

According to the former Governor, no coin was lost in the scholarship programme which was rolled out by his administration.

"I've heard alot of falsehoods about the scholarship programme being peddled and it is good that I set the records straight. Do you think I can really embezzle school fees for our children? No. Not Arap Mandago," said Senator Mandago.

The two terms Governor was succeeded by Jonathan Bii alias 'Koti' moja while he dethroned Margaret Kamar.

"I was Governor for 10 years and at no time did I misappropriate any public funds. Did you hear at any point that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) came to my office or my house to investigate me?" Mandago added.

He said the claims is the work of his political detractors who were out to tarnish his name.

"Some of those spreading rumours had not even managed to raise all the fees and we managed with other parents to assist them meet the target and we paid all the fees and the children went to Finland," Mandago

said.

Speaking recently in Ziwa, Trans-Nzoia, Senator Mandago said since independence, no Kalenjin leader has managed to secure scholarships for such a high number of students to study abroad, like he did.

He said the fruits of scholarship programme is already being felt with many youth in foreign countries already sending money to their relatives and parents back home.

"It is allowed if you want to fight Mandago politically. But don't drag issues to do with our children's welfare and livelihoods. Don't hide in shadows but face me directly as a man,"said Senator Mandago.

Rural Times News established that the first group of 202 students who went to Finland left Kenya between September 2021 and September 2022 with 111 going to Tampere University, Jvaskyla (25), while 66 went to Laurea University.

In the arrangement, each parent of the students managed to raise Sh1.19 million as school fees for the county government to ensure they are placed at Universities in Finland.

The parents also raised Sh100, 000 (air ticket), three months accommodation (Sh80,000), insurance (Sh30,000), visa (Sh49,000) and Covid-19 certificate Sh5,000.

However, months later, cracks are emerging in the programme with many students risking being deported

back to the country after the devolved unit failed to channel the money into the various Universities accounts as per the agreement with the parents.

Governor Bii who accompanied Senator Mandago said the county government has already set up a task force headed by his Deputy John Barorot to address challenges facing the

University has lapsed.

Among others, the Uasin-Gishu County Assembly ad-hoc committee has recommended that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) conduct a probe into forgery, abuse of office and integrity of county officers who served under Mandago’s administration.

One student has already committed suicide in the Finnish country due to what has been attributed to frustration.

Rodgers Kipruto, 26, was pursuing his studies at Laurea University's Tikkurila campus in Finland before his untimely death.

The third born in a family of six, enrolled for a degree in nursing after quitting his job as a nurse at Nakuru

programme.

“We want them to visit Finland and get first-hand information on the challenges the students are facing. It is true may be some are frustrated because when they reached the country, they did not get what they had anticipated,” said Governor Bii.

Reports indicates fees for the second semester in other universities in Finland were due on March 31st, 2023 while the due date for Tampere

Level-five Hospital.

Apparently, Kipruto led a frustrated life after Laurea University terminated his studies in March after completing his first semester.

It was further established that Laurea University had to put on hold studies for students pursuing nursing and physiotherapy until the tuition fees for the second semester are paid.

Safaricom donates bakery equipment to Narok Vocational Training Centre

BY CORRESPONDENT

Narok Vocational Training Centre is now better equipped to offer training in baking, thanks to a donation of bakery equipment by the Safaricom Foundation.

Safaricom, Customer Care Executive, Daisy Kodonyo, assured the County representatives and the school administration of continued support from the Safaricom Foundation.

“This support is part of the foundation's plan to impact 1 million people, particularly young needy women and people living with disabilities, by the end of the year”, she said.

County Director of Youth, Francis Koros, thanked the Safaricom Foundation for the donation and urged the vocational center's administration and students to make full use of the new equipment in their courses.

Also present were Safaricom team accompanied by officials Emmy Mutisya, James Mbabu, and Justus Rotich, the institution's Principal, Grace Naini, Board Member Justus Waweru among others.

Elsewhere Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech opened two classrooms constructed by the Safaricom

Foundation at Kiletien Primary School in Ang'ata Barrikoi Ward.

The Safaricom Foundation constructed and furnished the two classrooms and also donated a 10,000 litre water tank to the school.

“The new classrooms will complement the three new classrooms that were recently constructed at the school by the County Government, of which two are in full use as the third nears completion”, he noted.

The Deputy Governor thanked Safaricom Foundation for the various projects it has undertaken in Narok

and encouraged more partnership in the future.

He assured the Safaricom team that Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu’s administration encourages public - private partnership in bringing development to Narok and improving the education sector.

The Safaricom team was led by the company’s Territory Business Lead, Justus Rotich.

Accompanying the Deputy Governor were: the area MCA Joseph Koech and the CECM for Environment Johana Rotich among other leaders.

Governor Jonathan Bii (left) when he visted Mr Kosgey and his wife Leah at their home

The late Rodgers Kipruto

Jonathan Kosgey the late's father

Continued from page 1

Koipaton, and Acting Director General, Dr. Erustus Kanga has confirmed.

“The lions had killed eleven (11)

goats and one dog. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident as recently, four (4) other lions have been killed

resulting to a total of ten (10) lions killed in the Amboseli ecosystem,” he regretted.

The KWS officials engaged the community in an effort to find lasting solutions that will address the conflict while protecting both human lives and wildlife.

The incident comes just a few days after a lion believed to be the oldest lion in the Amboseli Park aged 19 years christened Loonkito, was speared to death by herders after straying into a cowshed in Olkelunyiet village.

The KWS Director General and Board of Trustees Chair has emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of the local communities with the need to protect wildlife.

Cases of wildlife-Human conflict

in Kajiado County are not new, in 2012 six lions were killed by herders after attacking and killing 28 cows in Kitengela suburb.

Dr Kanga urged the community to report any incidents of human-wildlife conflict to the KWS, and assured them that they would work together to find lasting solutions to the conflicts.

“KWS is dedicated to safeguarding Kenya's wildlife and ensuring that wildlife continues to be an integral part of our country's heritage. The Service encourages everyone to work together towards creating a peaceful co-existence between humans and wildlife,” he noted

According KWS Amboseli National park has a population of over 100 lions.

Narok Tourism Department begins black rhino photographic survey in Maasai Mara

in Maasai Mara National Reserve. The survey, officially flagged off by Chief Park Warden Stephen Minis recently will be undertaken by a team of experienced rhino monitors drawn from renowned rhino sanctuaries over a period of 14 days.

The team comprises of Maasai Mara National Reserve Rhino Unit Rangers, KWS Rangers, staff from Ol-Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Conservancy, Ol Jogi Conservancy,

and Borana Conservancy, with technical support from research scientists from WRTI and GIS.

The objective of the survey is to determine the rhino population in the Mara, update the master ID files for the rhinos, identify suitable rhinos for ear notching, and identify the range area for the rhinos.

The survey is funded by the County Government of Narok, WWF-Kenya, and the Mara Conservancy

County embarks on tree growing program dubbed Regreening schools

BY WALTER KIBET

The County government of Elgeyo Marakwet has embarked on a rapid tree growing exercise for primary schools across the county.

The program which is dubbed ‘Regreening Schools’ targets to grow trees in a bid to replace the trees that have been lost through afforestation.

Governor Wisley Rotich who led

the launching of the exercise in Iten Primary School in Keiyo North Sub County says that the exercise will be in tandem with his plan to grow 60 Million trees in the next 5 years for Elgeyo Marakwet.

“We want to ensure that each and every school across the county plant and grow trees as it is a way to

mitigate the adverse effects of climate change that we have felt” Governor Rotich said.

The tree growing exercise is working under the plan of President William Ruto which aims to plant 15.2 Billion trees by the year 2032, to reduce greenhouse emissions and restore 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded landscapes across the country.

Rotich noted that his government will set up structures that will see students and pupils in schools to be educated on the importance of tree growing to spread the message.

The Governor said that his government is going to work with the 140 Secondary Schools and 195 Primary Schools across the county to realize the plan to grow the 60 Million trees by 2027.

“We have already constituted County Environment Committees and Ward Environment Committees and

are working on a plan to get to sub location level who will be in charge of running campaigns on environmental conservation” Rotich said.

The Governor encouraged schools to ensure that they take part in the exercise as they will be registered for carbon credits which will sustain the schools budget.

The Chairperson of the Board of Iten Primary Dan Rutto said that the exercise which started in the school will build a new generation which values environmental conservation.

“Sensitization and education of children at a tender age will create a ripple down effect on the parents to adopt a tree growing culture” Rutto said.

Rutto further urged parents who have children in primary and secondary schools to support children through getting them seedlings and encouraging them.

The Department of Tourism and Wildlife has launched an evi-

dence-based individual black rhino photographic identification survey

NAROK COUNTY BY CORRESPONDENT

ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY

KWS Acting Director General, Dr. Erustus Kanga

Governor Wisley Rotich with Pupils during the launching of the exercise in Iten

EDITORIAL Human-wildlife conflict should be addressed

The Human-wildlife conflict seem not to end any time soon as it stands. The issue of blame game usually take center stage whenever such instances occur.

For instance recently six stray lions were killed after they killed 11 goats in a remote village in Kajiado South.

It is alleged that the lions sneaked out of the Amboseli conservancy in search of food and that is how they ended up in one of the homestead a few kilometers and killed the goats.

On revenge mission the herders followed them into the conservancy and killed them for invading their territory.

For the herders the revenge mission was the only option to teach the big cat a lesson contrary to Kenya Wildlife Service who swung into action and arrested the suspects for killing the said lions.

As they say there is always two sides of the coin. Suppose those tasked to man the conservancy monitored the animals and perhaps prevented them from leaving the conservancy. What about if the herders alerted the authority about the invasion. Would these lions which are on verge of extinction be killed in such a senseless manner?

Whenever such conflicts occur how sooner or faster do the authorities respond? How long does it take for the victims to be compensated whenever their domestic animals are killed and some unfortunate incidents when people lose lives as a result of attacks from wild animals?

To avoid such occurrence, those given the mandate to look after the wlld animals should ensure they are always under their watch. For cases of compensation the relevant authorities should speed up the process and those affected get compensated on time.

Why there is need to talk about the high cost of living

During the last general elections, state of the economy was a key campaign tool.

JOSEPH KANGOGO

KEVIN ODHIAMBO EDITOR

ANDY MARANGA

JACKSON SANGEA

Every presidential candidate had a vision to better the economy and make it affordable to all and sundry. However, 8 months down the line, Kenyans are waking up to a disappointing truth that there is hard work ahead towards addressing the living cost.

According to the Kenya national bureau of statistics, the annual inflation rate in Kenya dropped to a ten-month low of 7.9% in April 2023, from 9.2% in the prior month and below market estimates of 9%.

The slowdown was mainly attributed to a softer rise in prices of food & non-alcoholic beverages (10.1% vs. 13.4% in March), as the cost of some items such as spinach and onions declined. At the same time, transportation prices eased (9.8% vs. 12.9%), amid stable gasoline prices. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.5% in April,

after a 0.8% rise in the prior month.

We need as Kenyans to smell the coffee, hold a candid discussion with our focus being on taking practical steps towards addressing this issue.

First, we must understand that the government requires resources to be able to budget and run the country successfully. Our discussion needs to capture grants, loans and taxes as the main sources of revenue that the government relies on in fixing the economy whether in short or in long term.

There is need to explain to an ordinary Kenyan why taxes are rising and what is the short term and the long term effect to the economy.

As we do so, we must accept the reality that turning changing the situation is likely to be a bit longer and will require joint effort between the government and its citizens

Youth Gender Policy Bears Fruits as GBV cases drop significantly

BY VINCENT KORIR

Vices relating to Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Baringo County is beginning to drop steadily following enforcement of newly conceptionalized Youth policy which has helped in mitigation of the predisposing factors.

The county government which took concern over the high prevalent cases of the vices like teenage pregnancies and early marriages stemming from GBV worked with National Youth Council to develop the Policy.

Daudi Aengwo who is the county director of Youth and Gender while speaking exclusively to Rural

Times at his office in Kabarnet town over youth and gender gaps stated that the county Youth Policy dubbed GBV Act 2022 was also crafted with support from other partners like World Food Programme WFP, Elimu Kwanza Initiative, Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development, CSO’s and CEDGG.

Aengwo noted that his department is looking forward for sensitization funds to enable them facilitate public sensitization on the teething GBV matters bedeviling the socio-economic growth and development of the susceptible group of persons.

TRANS NZIOA COUNTY

He said the public sensitization seeks to educate the general public from the communities living in the seven sub-counties in Baringo in a view to reduce incidences like teenage pregnancies which greatly hindered education especially of girl who drop out of school over the untimely blessings.

“Due to positive transformation brought by the Youth Policy, we have currently seen teenage pregnancies dropping significantly compared to our statistics of 2021 whereby more than a thousand cases were recorded countywide with 40 of them being KCSE and KCPE candidates,” said Aengwo.

The county director of Youth and Gender observed that the young Kenyans in Baringo like any other parts of the country are sexually active at a tender age, a move which he noted posed an increase of HIV infections to 1.6 percent in 2022 compared to the 2021 infections that stood at 1.2 percent.

The high infection rate among the youth in Baringo caused panic and medical teams who were much shocked lauded the efforts of our department which conducted the

sensitization that has helped in lowering HIV/Aids infections, reduction of early marriages besides minimizing cases of Female circumcision (FGM) and other forms of GBV, said Aengwo.

He also pointed out that several young children facing parental neglect are subjected to GBV and they are working with partners mostly being Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and NGOs to tackle the GBV’s through sporting activities so as to reduce the issues emanating from immorality in which those below 18 are culpable.

Meanwhile the county director of youth further expressed concerns over high rate of youth unemployment in which he revealed that the county government in liaison with National Youth Council is at an advanced stage of developing a Youth Policy to address the joblessness.

The draft policy which is ready is a tool to be used by the county government to seek for partnership with World Food Programme to enable the county government to allocate funds for establishing income generating activities to benefit youth aged between 18 to 25 who form 40 percent of the estimated 700, 000 people living in Baringo.

Governor Natembeya asks Graduates to be Job creators ,not seekers

BY CORESPONDENT

terprises.

The governor made these remarks during the official opening of a new dispensary and water tower in Birunda, which will benefit locals.

“Education should broaden one's mindset and create opportunities for job creation, while also offering the option to seek employment “said the Governor.

to send students away when they cannot afford the lunch program.

Natembeya urged principals to consider alternative options, such as allowing students to carry with them any locally available food, rather than demanding cash.

combating hunger in the county. This would involve increasing subsidies for fertilizers and seeds in the next financial year.

University graduates from Trans Nzoia County have received advice from Governor George Natembeya to utilize their skills in creating jobs instead of solely seeking employment.

He emphasized that white-collar jobs are limited and encouraged the educated class to leverage their expertise to establish their own en-

He emphasized that graduates who solely focus on submitting their resumes daily in pursuit of jobs are no different from individuals who have not received a formal education.

The governor also raised concerns about school principals who expel students due to lack of lunch money.

He mentioned that his administration has sponsored all day-scholar Form One students and questioned why some principals choose

He emphasized the importance of nurturing the dreams of future leaders, including potential presidents and governors.

Natembeya highlighted the expansion plans for the newly opened dispensary, intending to transform it into a health center to provide enhanced services to the community.

He also pledged to increase the healthcare budget in the upcoming 2023-2024 financial year to procure medications for all hospitals across the county.

The governor further expressed his commitment to making agriculture more profitable and

He encouraged locals to form groups and apply for the Nawiri funds, a program that aims to provide financial assistance to vulnerable individuals and those in lower socioeconomic classes.

The county government has allocated 102 million shillings for the Nawiri fund this year, which will enable eligible groups to start or expand their businesses.

In attendence were Deputy Governor Phelomenah Kapkory,County secretary Truphosa Awuor,CECs Pepela Wanjala(Health),Janerose Mutama(Lands),Sam Ojwang(Public service Management),Patrick Gacheru(Water and Environment) and other County Government officers.

TRANS NZIOA COUNTY BARINGO COUNTY

First Lady Baringo County Dr Emmy Chesire during past event

Governor George Natembea

KERICHO COUNTY

210 youth benefit from one year contract paid internship program

BY CORRESPONDENT

ceremony held at the County headquarters.

The interns a product of a rigorous, competitive and fair process spearheaded by the Public Service Management department, through the County Public Service Board which received 11,060 applicants, will serve for 1 year and shall receive a monthly stipend.

Finance and Economic Planning department took the lion share of the interns taking 76 while Agriculture and water took 48 and 19 respectively while others shared the other slots equitably.

Speaking while presiding over

the ceremony and issuance of appointment letters to successful candidates, the Governor urged the interns to use the rare opportunity to acquire key skills through practical job experience to launch their career paths to success.

The County Boss also promised to expand the program budget in partnership with the County Assembly so that the next cohort will cater for more graduates.

The Governor was flanked by the County Assembly speaker Dr.Pactrick Mutai,his Cabinet and a host of Members of the County Assembly.

3,500 youths will be hired to aid City clean-up exercise

BY CORESPONDENT

addressed swiftly.

Governor Sakaja went on to say that the county is severely understaffed, which is hampering ef-

forts to manage garbage and waste collection.

"The city of Nairobi has become too dirty and it has been for a long time," he said.

"You can imagine the people who were cleaning the streets back in the day are still the same ones doing it today. I am proud to announce, and I thank my MCAs they have passed a budget, whereby a total of 3,500 youths will be hired to clean up Nairobi County."

He also stated that a procurement process for garbage tractors, lorries, and refuse compactors is currently underway to accommodate the large number.

Sakaja stated that the expected massive garbage collection will be recycled to generate electricity.

"The Dandora waste-to-energy plant within 30 days will be commissioning somebody to take over the waste-to-energy to produce 45MW of electricity from the Dandora dump site," he said.

His sentiments were echoed by President William Ruto who acknowledged the city's waste needs to be managed, given the mass pollution witnessed within its precincts.

President Ruto stated that all city emitters have been identified, and that cleanup will begin with their landfills.

Unemployed youth to benefit from MasterCard Foundation initiative

BY FREDDIE MIKURO

KISII COUNTY ties with the top 100 set to receive training in cyber security”, he noted.

Kisii County Governor Simba Arati has launched Ajiry Job Centre an initiative by Master Card Foundation aimed at addressing youth unemployment.

According governor Arati the centre will offer training and mentorship opportunities for our youth to acquire digital skills necessary for them to participate effectively in the digital economy.

“The first batch of 68 youth who have received digital skills training graduated during the ceremony. Our goal is to train 1,000 youth drawn from all nine sub coun-

Governor Arati at the same time launched a modern recording studio at the Gusii Stadium where our youth can receive training and record their projects for free as part of the initiative.

“I urge our youth to seize the opportunity and acquire digital skills so as to benefit from the immense opportunities in the digital workspace including data entry, online writing, virtual assistance, digital marketing and transcription”, he stated.

County internship program which has been successfully launched by Governor Dr.Erick Mutai in a colorful

210 recently graduated youth from Kericho are now off the unemployment trenches courtesy of the

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has expressed concerns about the city's pollution levels which he termed as deplorable and must be

Kisii Governor Arati launching Ajiry Job Centre an initiative by Mastercard

Governor Dr Mutai (left) during county internship program Launch

THE COUNTY FOCUS

Governor Cheboi distributes free seedlings Page 3

-BARINGO EDITION

ISSUE 001

Bright prospect for Baringo people as Governor Cheboi strengthens diplomatic ties with foreign Countries

of the subsidized coffee seedlings programme, to include farm input, technology transfers, to reach more farmers so as to provide enough coffee for the Coffee Mill and establishment of more Baringo Coffee Shops in Korea to market Baringo Coffee and enhance its demand.

It also intends to seek support for the improvement of Health Services, ICT Education, infrastructure development and water provision in Baringo County.

The Baringo – Korea partnership boasts of a strong portfolio including the establishment and equipping of Elias ICT Centre in Kabarnet at an approximate cost of KES 9.6 million, through which 1289 computers have been issued towards equipping ICT Labs in 123 Baringo Secondary Schools

ing Baringo Coffee farmers KES 30 million. Second season milling is underway.

The collaboration has seen the distribution of 400,000 Coffee seedlings valued at KES 24 million with the current distribution phase ongoing.

By 2017, there were a total of 8 Baringo Coffee Shops specializing Baringo Coffee in Seoul and Suwon cities in Korea.

In 2015 World Together Kenya, a Korean NGO donated pedigree Heifers worth over KES 50 million to Baringo County Dairy Farmers, while County Government in partnership with Chosun University has held free medical camps at Baringo County Referral Hospital, Kabarnet and Chemoril Primary School in Tiaty Sub County.

Governor Benjamin Cheboi led a team of county officials to a partnership visit in South Korea.

In 2014, the County forged partnership with the WorldBestFriend of Korea, through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA)

The partneship was aimed at implementing the county's Regional Development Project whose targets to improve Agriculture and Livestock as well as the ICT sectors.

The six day invitation is expected to be marred by a beehive of activities among them introduction to the Gyeonggi-do Council (The Council of Seoul and surrounding areas), exploring areas of mutual interest between them and possible development assistance for the people of Baringo and Kenya.

The delegation is also expected to negotiate fast tracking the Completion of Baringo Cha Coffee Mill annexure, expansion

The Centre has trained a total of 7093 learners on beginners and intermediate computer literacy skills.

The signing of an MOU for the construction of the Baringo Cha Coffee Mill which has so far cost KES 70 million is arguably the partnership flagship project.

Estimated at KES 100 million at completion, the mill is already operational, with some additional infrastructure planned for implementation. Baringo Cha Coffee Mill processed 130 tonnes of Coffee in its inaugural season in 2022, earn-

The delegation accompanying the Governor on the partnership visit to the Asian Tiger Country comprises of CECMs for Agriculture Livestock and Blue Economy; Health Services; the County Treasury and Economic Planning; the Chairpersons of the County Assembly Committees on Health Services as well as Agriculture, Livestock and Blue Economy. The team also includes the Chairman of Coffee Mill Implementation Committee and the Baringo County Government Chief of Staff.

Governor Cheboi signing MoU aimed at implementing the county's Regional Development Project during his visit to South Korea.

Governor Cheboi Foreign Trips Pay Off

The county chief also held a fruitful discussions on climate change and twinning of towns in Germany and Baringo to help come up with better planning and development of towns, in Baringo county and creation of Modern Research and Innovation Parks.

Present during the signing of the ties include included Mayor of Gestoffen Mr Michael Worle, Klaus Schwenk, Stanl Keminski among others.

Elsewhere the Governor also signed a Memorandum of understanding between Gyeonggi province and Baringo County in a move to boost health services.

knowledge, research, and personnel. We shall be able to have some doctors coming from Korea to partner with our doctors and also send our doctors to Korea for training and experience. We also expect a donation of medical equipment." Said the governor during the signing ceremony.

Present during the occasion were Eom Wonja, for director general of health Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Park Yong Bae Director of the institute of Health and Environment and on behalf of Gyeonggi province, board of directors Baringo referral hospital, staff of Baringo County executive and members of the public

County government of Baringo in collaboration with the German government and the German business community has signed an agreement that will see the county make great strides towards empowering its residents.

Among the key areas agreed on include; equipping TVETs to the German levels, roll out of a student Exchange Programme with technical institutions in Gersthofen in Augusburg and Bavaria region at large as a means to facilitate the importation of German skills while offering job opportunities for skilled and qualified workforce.

Speaking during the signing of agreement in a president Ruto led working tour of Germany, Governor Benjamin Cheboi who was part of

the delegate expressed confidence that the ties would be of great benefits to the people of Baringo.

“As a matter of principle, we agreed to build Social and Economic ties with the Bavarian Government through collaboration with VBW (Association of the Bavarian Economy) and State Parliament of Bavaria”, said governor Cheboi.

Other key areas agreed on during the tour are; strengthening ties with German Chamber of Commerce, adapting modern Early Childhood institutions, modelled along the ones in Augsburg in addition to possible exchange programmes with middle schools and borrowing their expertise and assistance in the creation of Modern Research and Innovation Parks.

"The Mou is giving us an arrangement on how we can share

Governor Cheboi inaugurated Kenya Red Cross Society Baringo County branch patron

tory of providing humanitarian aid and support to those in need, both in times of peace and during crises," he said.

The governor assured the society of his commitment towards ensuring that the Red Cross Society not only remains a key auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field but also a beacon of hope and compassion for all those who are suffering.

those who are suffering”, said. Governor Cheboi.

Governor Cheboi further promised to put in place formal partnership arrangemet between the county government and the society.

Kipng'etich, the county boss said the organisation had a rich history in saving lives of many people both in times of peace and crisis.

"It is motivating to be part of the Society’s long and proud his-

"As the KRCS Baringo County Branch patron, I am committed to continuing this legacy and ensuring that the Red Cross Society not only remains a key auxiliary to public authorities in the humanitarian field, but more importantly, also a beacon of hope and compassion for all

"Going forward the KRCS and Baringo County Government shall engage closely in putting in place a formal partnership arrangement, particularly on the areas of Disaster Management, Water and Sanitation, Food Security and Agribusiness, Health and Nutrition, Climate Change as well as the establishment of a regional Emergency Operation Centre & Ambulance Services", County boss added.

Governor Cheboi signs a Memorandum of understanding between Gyeonggi province and Baringo County o boost health services.delivery.

Governor Cheboi (Centre)with Education CS Machogu (left) during his tour to German where he entered into a number of agreements with host country.

Baringo county Governor Benjamin Cheboi is the new Kenya Red Cross society patron Baringo branch.

In a ceremony presided over by the Society's Governor Geoffrey

County Government distributes coffee seedlings, hold farmers training

porting farmers to get inputs”, said Govenor Cheboi.

He further added that his administration focus on the value addition of other agricultural products such as honey, macadamia, mangoes, and fish to focus on the export market

Training milk transporters

One of Baringo's economic cornerstones has continued to be dairy farming which is an essential component of our agricultural economy and a key source of livelihood.

Proper and safe handling of milk and its products is therefore imperative when it comes to milk safety and wholeness. Farmers and other actors in the value chain suffer losses as a result of milk spillage and spoiling.

For this reason, the department of Agriculture, livestock and

As a way to ensure adequate food security, the county is currently making inroads towards agricultural investment from production to processing, to value addition, to export.

The county, through World Best Friends from South Korea distributed coffee seedlings that is set to benefit 14 cooperative societies across Baringo County.

Speaking during the distribution where he was flanked by Deputy Governor H.E Felix Maiyo, Rev Cha Boyong from Korea and MCAs

Baringo County, governor Cheboi thanked their Korea counterpart and requested the farmers to play active role in the initiative.

“I want to thank World Best Friends through Rev Cha for not only supporting us in the construction of the coffee mill which belongs to the people of Baringo but also distributing coffee seedlings. I urge farmers to also take part in public participation and allocate money for the purchase of seedlings. We will come up with a policy of sup-

Governor Cheboi signs MoU with World Vision

blue economy through Agricultural Sector Development Support Programme (ASDSP) in collaboration with the department of public health, Kenya Dairy Board and BAMSCOS conducted training sessions for more than 80 milk transporters

on topics which include: Safe milk handling, milk quality testing, hygienic milk transportation, storage, and preservation, and equipment maintenance for milk handling and chilling. The county's private sector and cooperative organizations were used to select the carriers.

This will ensure that dairy farmers obtain the greatest value for their milk as well as reliable and sustained returns which is of utmost importance. In an effort to support the sector's expansion, the County Government pledges to support dairy farming through its key partners.

KOREA TOUR PHOTOS

Baringo

Governor Benjamin Cheboi has signed MoU with World Vision Kenya led by the National Director Gilbert Kamanga, a treaty that will have the NGO spend sh400 million in implementing development projects, largely the sinking of boreholes in areas with insufficient water supply in the county to ease access to clean water by learners and locals.

Governor Cheboi presiding over the free distribution of coffee seedlings that is set to benefit 14 cooperative societies across Baringo County

Adoption of community contracting promises effective implementation of county-funded projects in Baringo County

set out in the Bills of quantities, the design drawing and general building codes.

This contributed to improved access to clean, safe and adequate Water among over 40 Households in Sabor location, Marigat Ward, including Sabor Secondary School, Sabor Primary School and Sabor Dispensary. As at end of the intervention, over 10 households had initiated small scale irrigation projects for growing vegetables and fruits thus improving food and or nutritional security in the location as well as household incomes.

Introduction of the devolved system of Governance in Kenya upon promulgation of the Constitution in 2010 was received with a great deal of enthusiasm by Kenyans. The system portended a break from a past that was riddled by bad governance practices and promised a future where Kenyans would be at the centreA of development programming and service delivery. The dream for equitable development, accountable governance, responsive and quality services suddenly seemed to be within reach. The lingering question thirteen years late is: is the country on track towards realization of the Devolution dream?

Since the advent of devolution, both citizens and the county government of Baringo have prioritised water and health care in county planning and budgeting processes. However, the citizens’ service delivery aspirations have hardly been fully realised due to slow implementation of the budgets, low accountability and other systemic issues. For instance, numbers from the KNBS and other research institutions show that access to water and healthcare among the residents of Baringo remains relatively low.

To redress this state of affairs, stakeholders including Civil Society Organizations have initiated various interventions to promote citizen participation and oversight including feedback sharing on implementation of public projects and service delivery.

Between, March and October 2022, Baringo Civil Society Organizations Forum (BACSOF) in partnership with the County Government of Baringo implemented a project dubbed, Community Contracting for effective service delivery in Health and Water Sectors in Baringo County through support from Act! and funding from FCDO. The project piloted the concept of community contracting as an effective mechanism for citizens to monitor public projects and for improving supervision of the projects by the County government of Baringo.

The specific challenges that the intervention sought to address included Low completion rates of government funded projects, poor quality of projects and Nonoperationalization of complete projects.

Keben Water Project in Marigat Ward and Construction of Ketindui Dispensary in Kabarnet ward, were sampled for the pilot phase.

A total of 8 interrelated activities were conducted, key among these being:

• Project Inception: This involved

planning for community contracting, identifying the sample projects as well as mapping the key stakeholders and their responsibilities. The climax of the inception phase was the community entry meetings where the community commissioned the Project Implementation and Management Committees to spearhead the participatory monitoring of the sampled projects. The respective County Government Departments also gave them the requisite project contract documents to inform their monitoring. These included: the bills of quantities , project design drawings and the project workplan

• Induction for the Project Implementation and Management Committee (PIMC): The PIMC members were familiarised with the project cycle, quality standards expected of the projects and how to interpret the project bills of quantities and project design drawings BACSOF equipped the PIMC with knowledge of their roles and responsibilities and helped them to set up a Citizen Action WhatsApp Group with representation of all the project stakeholders including government, for continuous information sharing and engagement.

• Continuous monitoring, follow up and documentation by PIMCs: On day-to-day basis, the members of the PIMCs visited the respective projects’ sites to monitor progress. Through the Citizen Action WhatsApp Groups, the PIMC shared photos of the projects at each critical stage (foundation, lintel, roofing etc.) The relevant county technical officers also used

the WhatsApp Groups to enlighten the PIMC members on what to look out for in the project works, for quality implementation. BACSOF animated discussions towards finding viable solutions to emerging issues.

• Mid-term community project reviews: As the project progressed, the stakeholders convened to discuss the progress of the project. They deliberated on the milestones achieved and the gaps. They jointly identified the actions needed to address the gaps and shared responsibilities with clear timelines.

• Joint review and evaluation: At the end of the project, a joint evaluation meeting was conducted. The stakeholders discussed whether the intended outcomes had been met and what remained to be done Proposals for sustaining community contracting were also discussed.

• Documentation of Community Contracting Lessons: Being a pilot intervention, BACSOF supported constant reflections among stakeholders on the value of community contracting and the lessons learnt. This culminated into production of a documentary which is available on: https://youtu.be/tJcuvFADiiw

Notable achievements

A key achievement of the community contracting intervention was timely and successful completion of Keben Water Project. The project was completed by 15th June 2022, which was within the set timelines (Planned Start Date- 25th January 2022 and planned completion date 30th June 2022.) The water project was also implemented as per the quality standards

Students from the two schools no longer go out of school to search for water as the water has been connected to the school compound from Keben Water Project.

Ketindui Dispensary Project was expected to start on 12th April 2022 and end by 28th September 2022. However, there was a delay in commencement of the project for over 2 months. After a long wait, the Project Implementation and Management Committee submitted a complaint letter to the County Secretary and Chief Officer for Health Administration and Planning on 30th June 2022. +In response, the County Government engaged the contractor of the project who explained that he was facing financial challenges and committed to fasttrack it. On 20th July 2022, construction of Ketindui Dispensary commenced. Constant follow up by the PIMC and engagement of all project stakeholders saw to its speedy implementation and to the quality standards set out in the contract documents. By the end of the community contracting intervention, construction of Ketindui Dispensary was at about 90% complete. The project was finally completed in the month of December 2022.

In the course of implementation of the community contracting, three key lessons emerged: (1) Empowerment and meaningful involvement of the beneficiaries of public services in implementation strengthens oversight resulting to timely completion and improved quality of the projects; (2) Collaboration between the government and citizens enhances cost effective monitoring of public services; and (3) Use of digital platforms is cost effective and offers value for money in service delivery monitoring

Looking a head

What should we do to scale up community contracting in Baringo County? The County Government of Baringo should enact a law and relevant policies to entrench the role of Project Implementation and Management Committees towards participatory, efficient and accountable project implementation.

The County Government of Baringo should continually build the capacity of project Implementation and Management Committees.

Partnership between County Government and Civil Society Organisations should be strengthened for capacity building and technical support to Project Implementation and Management Committees in executing their mandate. The County Government of Baringo should institutionalize the community contracting approach to strengthen supervision of implementation of public projects.

The completed Ketindui Dispensary taken on during a monitoring visit on 27th January 2023

Dr. Wesley Kiprop,PhD Director Civic Education and Public participation Baringo County

Evans Kibet Programs Officer CEDGG coordinator, Rift Valley budget Hub

Isaac Chelal Programme Manager PACSET Foundation & Deputy Chair BACSOF

NOREB Counties unite to boost the economy, promote peace

tion: The present and the future," and exploring measures to support economic empowerment in the Kerio Valley belt.

Governor Natembeya further explained that the NOREB bill would strengthen the North Rift Partner counties through trade and joint investments, while mitigating the effects of climate change and security challenges like cattle rustling.

Through NOREB, each county will champion a sector, including Trade, Investment & Urbanisation, Health, ICT & Digital Economy, Blue Economy, Livestock, Agriculture, Peace, Security & Cohesion, Climate Change, Sports & Tourism, Human Capital Development, Infrastructure, Youth & Creative Industry, and Gender.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya joined his colleagues in Eldoret in adopting the NOREB bill, creating a legal foundation for the economic cooperation of 8 North Rift Counties.

The agreement aims to capi-

talize on each county's competitive advantages and deepen collaboration through trade and joint investments. The governors also coordinated the preparations for the first bi-annual devolution conference, focusing on "10 years of devolu-

The vision of the bloc is to create a Haven of Economic Prosperity under the motto of "Growing Together" by enhancing trade, investment, tourism, competitiveness, and economies of scale through synergy. The bloc will act as a one-stop-shop for investors seeking opportunities in the region and enable individual counties to attract and implement large projects.

Governor Natembeya also addressed the issue of banditry and the national government's security operation in the five North Rift Counties. NOREB has organized a Peace Summit in Trans Nzoia on June 8th and 9th, bringing together political and community leaders to develop a common approach for long-term peace in the region. The summit aims to propose sustainable remedies informed by the region's understanding, communities, and underlying causes of conflict.

Eldoret set to become Kenya’s 5th City

BY CORRESPONDENT

CORRESPONDENT

A consignment of alcoholic drinks bearing fake KRA stamps has been recovered at a premise in Pipeline area, Nakuru County.

In a raid conducted by detectives from the Economic Crimes unit assisted by KRA officials, over 120 cartons of assorted alcoholic

“The ad hoc committee under subsection 8(2) of the Urban Areas and Cities Act has determined that the municipality of Eldoret meets the requisite criteria for classification as a city” Governor Jonathan Bii said.

Eldoret has been a vibrant and rapidly growing town for many years and with an ever-increasing population, “it is now time for us to take the next step and become a city” Bii said.

He said elevating Eldoret will bring many benefits to the community such as attracting new investments and creating job opportunities for the residents.

He said it will also improve the infrastructure in the town, including the roads, public transportation and public services

drinks affixed with counterfeit KRA stamps were recovered.

The consignment included 79 cartons of Spark vodka, 26 of Bob vodka, 17 of Best vodka, 1 carton of Boss vodka and 2 cartons full of assorted bottle caps were recovered.

County boss said Eldoret will be the fifth City after Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Nakuru to attain city status.

The report now will be forwarded to the County Assembly for approval there after taken to the senate and lastly to the president who will then assent it.

Furthermore, he said being a city will give the community greater visibility and recognition on the national and international stage.

But most importantly, he said it will give the people greater sense of pride and identity.

“We will be able to take ownership of our future and build a better, more prosperous community for generations to come” he said.

The value of the goods seized was estimated at Sh730,000 and the total tax lost Sh342,482.

Meanwhile, the products were seized after a notice of seizure was issued.Efforts to arrest the owner of the unlicensed business are currently ongoing.

Eldoret town in Uasin-Gishu County will soon be elevated to a City status.

This is after the ad-hoc committee tasked with seeking views gave their verdict with a 93 percent approval rate.

County Government benefits water, sanitation projects funded by Netherlands

BY CORRESPONDENT

Bomet Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok jetted to the Netherlands for the All Systems Connect International Symposium 2023. The annual event brought together leaders from around the world to discuss innovation and technology in various fields.

During the symposium, Governor Barchok had the opportunity to interact

KAJIADO COUNTY

with Tabitha Ndiaye, the fund manager for the Waterloo Foundation. They discussed potential partnerships between the foundation and the health department in Bomet County.

Waterloo Foundation has been on the forefront in providing clean water to communities in Africa. Recently, Water Loo Foundation partnered with

Dig Deep Africa to fund the Bomet WASH master plan.

Prof. Hillary Barchok while at the Conference held a fruitful discourse with Roelofs Karin,Head, Water Team at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Netherlands.

The meeting was aimed at exploring mutual interests and strengthening ties between the two countries in the area of water and sanitation.

During the meeting, Governor Barchok discussed the need for greater linkage to funding for water and sanitation projects in Bomet County.

Governor Barchok also met Belinda Abraham, an international development specialist in the field of water, sanitation, and hygiene and has overseen several projects to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in developing countries.

“These interactions are geared towards finding new solutions to the

challenges faced by communities. Accessing clean and adequate sanitation facilities”, he stated.

There's a window for Bomet County to collaborate with the foundation to improve the water and sanitation systems while improving water treatment plants in Bomet which would ultimately lead to better health outcomes for the residents.

The All Systems Connect International Symposium 2023 provided a platform for leaders to come together and share ideas that will shape the future.

“The potential partnership between Bomet County and the Waterloo Foundation is just one example of the positive outcomes that can arise from such gatherings”, he noted. Accompanying the Governor is CEC Health and Medical Services Joseph Sitonik.

County deploys digital system in Sh1.5 Billion land rates revenue target

BY CORRESPONDENT

The County Government of Kajiado has launched a land data collection system to shore up revenue from the land resource.

The system is set to collect and consolidate information on all ratable property which will then be used to bill owners.

The collaboration between the Lands Department and the Finance Department is targeting to collect uncollected revenue related to land in the County.

Governor Joseph Ole Lenku visit-

ELGEYO MARAKWET

3.5

ed the Digital Centre at the Department of Lands to inspect how the new system is working.

“We have land as our greatest resource yet we haven't been getting enough revenue from it. The new system will first target Sh1.5 Billion from land alone and at its optimum, it can double this in the near future," said Governor Lenku.

At the Digital Centre, more than 20 ICT gurus have already been deployed.

Lands and Physical Planning CEC Member Hamilton Parseina and his Chief

Officer Sankaire Tima said the team is composed of experts in land matters such as surveyors, planners and ICT and will soon be increased to 70.

Finance, Economic Planning and ICT CEC Member Michael Semera said the new synergy between the Department of Lands and the Department of Finance will bear fruits in revenue collection.

The new revenue targets are meant to partially finance the implementation of the 2022- 2023 budget whose Sh9.6 Billion estimates are currently undergoing public participation.

Million trees targeted to improve forest cover

BY WALTER KIBET

partnership with Restore Africa to restore forest cover.

In December 2022, National Government announced drastic drop in forest cover in Elgeyo-Marakwet County

from 37 percent to 29 percent, placing the county at 5th position nationally.

“The program will see the county grow more than 3.5 million in the next 5 years” Governor Wisley Rotich said.

He said his government intends to support the project by ensuring the

seedlings are locally sourced.

“All trees whether fruits, indigenous and exotic seedlings should be sourced from tree nurseries in the county, especially from Youth and Women groups in the county” Rotich said.

He further urged Restore Africa Programme to ensure locals play a part in the project by tasking them to implement the project.

According to the Programme Director Kareko Kimani the project cuts across four counties; Elgeyo-Marakwet, Narok, Kwale and Kilifi.

“We intend to grow fruit trees that will see farmers also get income” Kimani said.

Restore Africa will be working with more than a quarter million farmers in In Elgeyo Marakwet.

Kimani noted the adverse effects of climate change brought about by environmental degradation through deforestation saying the project will be able to mitigate the effects.

Jonathan Muriuki from the Global Evergreening Alliance says population growth has pushed many people to cultivate along the escarpment in Elgeyo-Marakwet.

“In this County we have seen poverty levels push citizens to pursue their activities along the Spencer line which contributes to environmental degradation in the area” Muriuki said.

During the onset of rains, ItenKabarnet road was closed for a day over a mudslide attributed to massive cultivation on the escarpment.

Elgeyo-Marakwet County Government launches massive tree planting in

Coffee farmer’s trade fair held in Elgeyo Marakwet County

BY CORRESPONDENT

Coffee farmers in Elgeyo Marakwet County have been urged to form and join coffee unions to get better deals from buyers.

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has encouraged coffee farmers cooperatives to come together to form unions across the county as a form of marketing tool.

Speaking during a coffee farmers fair organized by the county government and World Vision International that was held in Iten Grounds recently governor Rotich noted that farmers have previously been given poor deals due

MERU COUNTY

to lack of a union to defend them.

“Coffee farmers in this county have been exploited by buyers due to lack of a union to determine the cost of selling coffee to factories. We want this to come to an end” Rotich noted.

The Governor said that following farmers selling their produce individually they have always fetched poor prices due to the lack of a body that regulates and negotiates on behalf of them.

With all the factors in place the governor has appealed to the thousands of farmers to come together and form an Elgeyo Marakwet County Coffee Union.

He further noted that more farmers will be given seedlings to start growing coffee in the hanging valley in a bid to give livelihood to the community while promoting environmental conservation.

The County government will organize field days targeting farmers at the Ward level in order to reach more farmers.

In partnership with the Coffee society they will be registering all coffee farmers while training a lead farmer to train 20 other farmers.

Dickson Kithinji from the World Vision Imara Programme has encouraged more farmers to take part in growing

coffee because it plays more than one role.

Kithinji who is a climate change and carbon specialist has noted that with the adoption of coffee more effort will be given in fighting the adverse effects of climate change.

“Coffee is becoming not only a good cash crop but also it is contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation since coffee enables agroforestry” he noted.

He further said that with the adverse effects of climate change he encouraged more farmers to adopt organic farming in their farms.

Meru County partners with Israel to leverage on sustainable agriculture

BY CORRESPONDENT

The County government of Meru held bilateral talks with Israel Government on potentials areas of collaboration with aim of achieving mutual benefits for Meru residents.

Meru Deputy Governor Rev Mutuma M’Ethingia hosted a delegation on behalf of Governor Kawira Mwangaza led by Mr Or Gabriel a represen-

NAKURU COUNTY

tative of AVNON Group from Israel where they held fruitful discussions on matters Agriculture and food security in general.

“Our county stands to gain significantly from this partnership, particularly in the agriculture sector where we hope to leverage innovative farming solutions and food technology programs to support sustainable agri-

culture”, he added.

Additionally, the partnership will see Meru County benefit from AVNON Group's expertise in security sector, capacity building and development training programs to enhance security in the region.

“This aligns perfectly with our Governor's manifesto and will lead to increased profitability and employ-

ment opportunities”, he noted. In attendance were County Secretary Dr. Kiambi Atheru, Chief Officer of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Akwalu Mugambi, Chief Officer of Public Service Management and Administration James Mutia, Chief Officer Education Joyce Kagwiria, Ag. Chief Officer Youth and Sports Ms. Monica Kagwima among other officials.

2 suspects lynched in Kuresoi North for stealing livestock as police recover a firearm

By Corespondent

Police recovered a firearm last night from a suspect who was lynched by an angry mob in Mau-Summit, Nakuru County.

The suspect identified as Antony Cheruiyot, 43, was alleged to have stolen a number of sheep which he had enclosed in his homestead before the

angry mob stormed in at around 10pm and descended on him.

The suspect believed to be a habitual offender had a pending court case at the Molo Law courts, where he had been accused of a similar offence after being found in posession of 11 stolen sheep on April 29, 2023. He was out on bond. The firearm a bereta pis-

tol was booked at Mau Summit police station. In a similar incident 2 hours later, one suspect was burnt beyond recognition while his accomplice escaped with life threatening injuries after an irate mob descended on them for stealing two cows, a few kilometres from the scene of the initial incident.

Police officers from Sirikwa police station rushed to the scene after getting wind of the incident, only to find the charred remains of the suspect. The stolen livestock was however recovered and handed back to the owner. Meanwhile, a manhunt for the suspect who escaped is currently ongoing.

40 suspects arraigned following violent protests

BY CORESPONDENT

Following the unlawful protests held a total of 40 suspects were arrested for engaging in acts of violence in different parts of the city.

During the protests, property worth millions of shillings was destroyed including the setting ablaze of a passenger service vehicle along Ngong Road and a truck hauling 29-tonnes of steel cables along the Southern Bypass, from Kampala, Uganda.

The suspects were arraigned in different courts across the city today and charged with various offences from Robbery with Violence contrary to section 296(2) of the penal code, Malicious Damage to property contrary to section 339(1) of the penal code and Unlawful Assembly contrary section 78(1) as read with section 79 of the penal code.

Among those arrested along the

Southern By-Pass was Kelvin Kavasika, a 23-year-old fugitive who is wanted for committing various robberies in the city, some of which are pending before court. At the time of his arrest, he was armed with a knife.

Detectives have also recorded statements from various witnesses and obtained CCTV footage in relation to some of the incidents, which shall be adduced in court, against the suspects.

Members of the public are cautioned against engaging in acts of violence during the illegal demos and anyone arrested shall be dealt with firmly, within the law.

NAIROBI COUNTY

ELGEYO MARAKWET COUNTY

A PSV goes in flames after being set ablaze by goons along Ngong road

Heroine Baringo woman saves two sons from fangs of Cobra

BY JOSEPH KANGOGO

Heroine Baringo woman narrates how she managed to save lives of her two sons from deadly fangs of a huge poisonous Cobra snake.

Incident occurred at midnight, while the young mother Winnie Kemboi, 27 was sleeping in bed with her sons, Nigel Yator, 4 and oneyear-old Ray Kiplagat inside their temporary mud-wall structure at remote Radat village in Baringo South, January 3rd 2023.

By then her husband William Yegon, a peasant farmer was far away.

RIFT VALLEY REGION

“I was asleep when my elder son, Nigel suddenly woke me up at 12am shouting and crying saying a painful thorn has pierced his leg, but I assumed thinking maybe he was dreaming” Kemboi said.

She said she switched on her mobile phone light and saw some blood stains on the boy’s right leg, but she couldn’t believe it was really a snake bite.

“I persuaded him to sleep promising to attend to it in the morning, but nine minutes later, the younger son screamed and I

spotted something pulling his hand under bed” Kemboi said.

She said she pulled back her child’s hand and realized a huge snake held his hand tightly.

“Although I got so frightened and weak but I had to walk out and alert neighbors, one being a boda boda rider who offered to help rush my children and me to Marigat hospital, located 40kilomtres away” she said.

Kemboi said upon arrival at the health facility the kid vomited soon after being induced with drugs. Their bitten hand and leg were beginning to swell.

However the children were admitted and treated in the hospital for two weeks before being discharged.

Appeal

Since then the jobless parents have been in and out of hospital for wound dressing and check-ups.

“Through friends and well-wishers we have so far spend at least sh200, 000 meeting our children medical bills” Kemboi said.

She therefore appeals to gov-

ernment to fast tract process to compensate them saying they have really lost a lot in terms of time and property.

“My husband and I had to cut off our farming activities like cultivating our crop farm and looking after livestock to attend to our ailing children” she said.

The poor family also wishes to get funds to improve the rickety condition of their house to avert such unnecessary human-life conflicts.

The incident is among hundreds of pending snake bite cases including deceased and injured awaiting compensation in Baringo, currently the victims were left sinking in abject poverty.

Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Senior County Warden David Cheruiyot said the department is aware of the cases but majority were not reported on time.

“We are appealing to residents to report to us cases immediately as they happen so we can be able to follow up” Cheruiyot said.

State targets to plant 20m trees in Rift Valley

BY JEPKOECH TANUI

A total of 20 million tree seedlings are targeted for planting in Rift Valley by the end of June this year.

Rift Valley regional commissioner (RC) Dr. Abdi Hassan said so far nine million tree seedlings have been planted in various public forests, public institutions, and private farms.

“To achieve the target, we are set to increase our campaigns to engage all stakeholders to join in the tree planting efforts, particularly in degraded government forests,” he said.

He spoke while leading a tree planting exercise where more than

11,100 tree seedlings were planted at Cengalo forest in Kesses constituency, Uasin Gishu County.

Hassan said government is committed to achieving the target if the weather conditions continue to be favorable.

Hassan said the region's target was in line with President William Ruto's directive of planting trees across the country as a mitigation measure against climate change.

Dr. Hassan urged residents to make tree planting a priority so as to increase the region’s forest cover and

mitigate the effects of climate change.

The national and county government will continue working together to achieve the 30 percent forest cover as directed by the President during last year’s Mashujaa day celebrations. The country’s forest cover currently stands at 12 percent.

In the past, some people had formed a bad behavior of encroaching on government forests causing wanton destruction of trees and causing massive degradation of the forest, RC said.

“I want to warn people who have the habit of encroaching on the government to engage in illegal logging that no one will be spared when found, if found felling trees without following due process you will be arrested and prosecuted as per the law,” he warned.

He further cautioned contractors that they would not be allowed to needlessly cut down trees in the guise of implementing projects, and advised them to consult with relevant government agencies before falling down any tree.

Hassan who was flanked by Uasin Gishu county commissioner Dr. Ed-

dyson Nyale said the county that was identified as one of those counties with very low tree cover has so far planted 800,000 trees in 700 hectares both in public and private land as part of a target given to the county to enhance forest cover.

He stated that there was evidence of human contribution to climate change as they cut down a significant number of trees for charcoal and firewood hence amplifying the fluctuating weather and climate events that caused the recent drought.

“There are more than 160,000 seedlings that are readily available in Kenya Forest Service, KFS stations for planting during the current rain season, “he said

He further urged national government administrative officers in different sub-counties to ensure trees are planted and taken care of as this move will boost the numbers to make sure there’s enough enforcement to protect the ecosystem.

There is need for all Kenyans to work closely in environmental conservation and protection as there is a close correlation between forest conservation and food security,’’ he said.

Narok County Hosts Rift Valley Regional Prisons Athletics Championships

BY CORRESPONDENT

The annual regional prisons athletics championships were held recently at the William Ole Ntimama Stadium in Narok. The games include athletics and field events such as volleyball, darts, discus and javelin.

In contention are athletes from prisons – both main and women facilities – in Narok, Eldama-Ravine, Kericho, Kitale, Tambach, Nyandarua, Laikipia, El-

doret and Nakuru. The winners will represent the region in the national finals in Nairobi later in the year.

In attendance were County Executive in charge of Sports Robert Simwoto, DCC Narok Central Andi Ali, Regional Commander Aggrey Onyango, host SSP Benson Lomeri, Narok Main Prison CIP Julius Saitoti and prison leadership from all the participating prisons.

Jepkoech Eyes Triple Jump Medal in Kigali, Rwanda

BY JOSEPH KANGOGO

A pupil from remotest Sesya village, Baringo Central will be flying to Kigali, Rwanda to represent Kenya in East Africa regional Athletics in Rwanda in August.

14-year-old class 8 candidate Abigael Jepkoech Kipsang of Sesya primary school won Triple Jump during the 44th Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPSSA) at William ole Ntimama Stadium, Narok.

"Although the exercise was so tedious but I thank God for giving me strength and enabling me to win", Jepkoech said.

Surprisingly, the girl uses a simple homemade dumbbells made of concrete to practice at home and attributed it to her success.

"I used to join boys in school to practice during games time and at home I was committed to jogging frequently and lifting this concrete weightlifting gadget to enhance my muscles" she said.

Her father Amos Kipsang said at first, he used to help her handle and lift the weight and she later proceeded to train alone.

Her mother Jackline Kipchumba however gathered with other village women and neighbours to welcome and accord her 'heroine' celebration, saying it was one of its kind.

"We thank God and our neighbours for supporting my daughter to make this far, I am happy she is now going to represent Baringo and Kenya in Kigali, Rwanda" Kipchumba said.

Ewalel Chap-Chap MCA Ayub Kibet who also joined to celebrate appealed to both National and County governments to assist nurture local talents.

"Who ever knew one day we would celebrate such a young champion like Abigael from such remote Sesya village" Kibet said.

He was backed by Athletics Kenya (AK) official Baringo branch Jenifffer Korir, who said "talent is our passion."

Damaris Yegon, a pupil at Moigutwo Primary School in Bartabwa Ward, Baringo North Constituency emerged winner in 5000M walking race.

Mercy Chepsergon from Murte-

rit Primary School in Baringo North also qualified after emerging second in Nationals, 800Metres race competition.

Addressing the hotly-contested competition, Kenya Primary Schools Sports Association (KPDSSA) Chairman Ben Ochieng said the renowned Kenyan athletes had passed through the primary athletics competition to realize the dreams they are living now.

Elsewhere Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi handed Abigael an Award of Merit for her exemplary excellence in sports.

"I wish her all the best as she proceeds to Rwanda for junior competitions and promised to ensure she gets maximum support during the event" He said.

He said his administration has singled out the identification and naturing of talent, especially in Athletics as a priority area for investment so that gifted youth are exposed to the commercial world of sports early as a way of creating opportunities for our athletes to be sponsored by renown companies.

He was backed by his Deputy Eng. Felix Kipng'ok, MCAs Hon. Ayub Kibet and Robert Cheruiyot.

Governor Cheboi awarding Abigael an award for her excellence in sports

Abigael lifting homemade dumbbel to keep her physically fit a head of Kigali Competitions slated for August this year.

Triple Jump Champion Abigael on rooftop with Ewalel Chap-Chap MCA Ayub Kibet