Ommy Dallah
Mps Welcome The Release Of sh 4 Billion By Government To End CDF Stalemate
The government on Wednesday released sh 4 Billion, allocation to the National government constituency development fund( NG-CDF), ending a two days stalemate between the treasury and members of parliament.
The news was broken by National assembly NG-CDF committee chair Musa Sirma who confirmed that about sh 4 Billion had been reflected into their respective accounts.
The move comes as a relief to constituents who largely depend on the kitty to pay school fees for needy children.The legislators who are holding a retreat at the Pride In resort expressed their joy when the news was delivered by speaker of national assembly Moses Wetangua.
“They have given us two billion shillings on Tuesday and another two billion shillings on Wednesday and they have promised that next week they will release another 2 Billion on Tuesday that translates that every constituency getting 34 Million shillings to start off on the bursary allocation,” said Sirma.
The members of parliament, who stayed away from the ongoing retreat for two consecutive days protesting remittance of the kitty funds, yesterday resumed sittings after their demand was honored.
The row was amicably solved when speaker of the national assembly Moses Wetangula convened a one hour closed door meeting with the legislators and after walking out of the meeting room, they announced to end the deadlock.
“We want to thank the president and the speaker of the national assembly for having taken our cry as a serious agenda because without it this meeting would not have taken place, we are also human we do understand at the time this government took over they inherited a lot of debts,” said Sirma.
Earlier in the morning chairs of different committees had convened a separate meeting at Serena hotel what is seen as the one that brokered the deal.
According to Sirma,all constituencies will now receive sh 34 Million. Many legislators promised to get back to their committees to compensate for time lost.
“What we have done so far is that there is a big improvement from the default, so we are ready to go on,” he added, saying the stalemate that had paralyzed the sittings for two consecutive days is now a thing of the past.
Sirma also ruled out any division between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio members of parliament saying they were united for a common purpose.
“There is no division because all political factions want money, so who has another agenda, we have unity of purpose on this matter and even the women reps their NGAAF they were given their money yesterday,” said Sirma.
“I don’t know where they got the money, for us what we wanted is money we don’t know where they got it from,” said Sirma.
Kiharu Mp Ndindi Nyoro said they are ready to proceed with the meeting until Saturday because many of the important discussions were disrupted when Mps walked out of the retreat.
His Kipipiri counterpart Wanjiku Muhia confirmed that money had already reflected in the accounts and they were ready to carry on the development affairs that have stalled due to the impasse.
“We are happy this matter has been resolved,we are now ready to get to retreat because all what we wanted has been resolved,” confirmed Muhia during a media interview.Her sentiments were echoed by Emuhaya Mp Amboko Milemba who expressed his joy stating learners who depend on bursaries can now go to school.
Members of Parliament yesterday embarked on signature collection with a motive to impeach Treasury C's Njuguna Ndungu.
The Over 200 MPS irrespective of their political affiliation said failure to release NG-CDF money amounted to inability to perform as a cabinet secretary.
Funyula Member of Parliament Raphael Wanjala denied that there was division even as it was evident that Kenya Kwanza Mps played calm on the matter of (NG-CDF) delay.
The Mps questioned why the Treasury was quick to release the hustler fund and failed to release NGCDF money which the Mps have passed the budget.
"It has nothing to do with the party. We are all members of Parliament and we are speaking in one unity, It’s a national parliamentary issue that involves all of us,” said Poul Katana, Kaloleni MP.
Kibarek Reuben Mogotio Mp said Mps will continue to push for the full release of the remaining money for bursaries to ensure learners don’t suffer due to lack of school fees.
Seme Mp Dr James Nyikal said failure to release NG-CDF fund kitty means all constituency development.
Embakasi Mp Babu Owino said it's their inherent right to get education was being breached by the treasury for failure to release the kitty.
"We want to impeach the treasury cabinet secretary if he cannot do their job. We have so far collected 300 signatures to impeach the C's when we resume sitting if he fails to honor the release of monies as promised,” said Owino.
Owino also dispelled rumours that there is political division saying all MPS are united to ensure NG-CDF money gets to accounts as soon as possible.
"This is not apolitical party affair,we are all united by the York of poverty,our common interest is the interest of the people,” said Owino.
Moris Kakai, Kiminini Mp said as MPS they will not divide themselves in the matter of agitating for the Money’s .He said very little is happening in the constituencies following the delay.
AVA and BasiGo Partner to Assemble Kenya’s First Electric Buses
BasiGo and AVA have announced a partnership that will see the latter assemble modern Electric buses for BasiGo in Kenya.
In January 2023, AVA successfully completed the final assembly of fifteen 25-seater electric buses, shipped in partially assembled by BasiGo, set to start operations with Nairobi Matatu operators in the coming months.
Speaking about the partnership, Jit Bhattacharya, CEO BasiGo said “BasiGo is committed to delivering electric buses that are 100% assembled in Kenya. We are elated to be partnering with AVA, the country’s leading manufacturer of commercial vehicles who have had expertise for many years in assembly in the country.”
Adding “We are confident that this partnership will put Kenya on the map as a leader in the manufacturing of modern electric vehicles.
Moses Nderitu, Chief Revenue Officer of BasiGo added “With AVA’s decades of experience and certified production processes, we will be delivering high-quality electric buses to PSV operators in the region.
Together, BasiGo and AVA are making Kenya a leader in the manufacturing of state-of-the-art electric vehicles, a segment that is destined to grow rapidly in the years to come.”
BasiGo and AVA aim to manufacture over 1,000 electric buses in the next 3 years, creating over 300 new manufacturing jobs and an additional 300 jobs in the ecosystem of charging, maintenance, and financing required to support electric buses in operation.
AVA Managing Director Matt Lloyd said the partnership will also help in creation of jobs and development of the industry.
“This represents a big step forward for the country and AVA itself, we are very much looking forward to the next step. This process involves around 120 people and of course it will help in terms of job creation” said Llyod.
Adding “In terms of the build itself it is very similar to what we already do.”
Since launching in March 2022, BasiGo’s electric buses have driven over 141,000 kilometers and carried over 185,000 passengers as part of fleet operations with 2 Nairobi bus operators East Shuttle and Citi Hoppa.
Mps Storm Out Of Mombasa Retreat Over Delayed CDF Money
Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio coalitions today (Monday) unanimously stormed out of the Parliamentary Committee members retreat in Mombasa over the delayed disbursement of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the national government affirmative action fund NGAAF kitties which are yet to be released by the national treasury.
The irate members in protest walked out saying it was unreasonable to hold a five days retreat at a five star luxurious hotel, pay millions for accommodation at the expense of orphans and needy leaders who depended on NGCDF to go to school.
The members claimed the treasury was yet to release sh10 billion that was to be disbursed in bits thus affecting key functions that depend on both kitties.
While addressing the press shortly after storming out, national assembly NGCDF chairman Musa Sirma stated that the retreat would not proceed unless the National Treasury disbursed funds for the NG-CDF.
Sirma declared that for Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung'u to address the convention, the money needed to have reflected in the constituencies' CDF accounts.
"For us to remain here spending taxpayers' money when Kenyans are suffering is totally unethical. We will cease every engagement until the funds are released," said Sirma.
He explained that the funds were crucial given that schools reopened on Monday, January.
"How can you tell us we are sleeping in tourist hotels and orphans are not going to school ,if we are not given CDF then the meeting should be disbanded, "said Kathiani Mp Robert Mbui.
Mbui added. "We do not have any other business to discuss ,the schools have opened and orphans and needy students need to go to schools, we can't sit here while issues are messed up outside,".
Nairobi women rep Esther Passaris charged the meeting with her demand for NGAAF money saying women have equally suffered from the delays of the kitty.
"County women rep are also looking for the same NGAAF money, we should start with issues which are contentious CDF being one of them," said Passaris.
Rarieda Mp Otiende Omolo said it was unbearable for legislators to ensure 100 percent back to school without the CDF kitty which is used to issue bursaries to the needy.
"This subject was slated for Saturday, it's too far, my suggestion is that we need to have proper speakers who can give direction about it," said Otiende Amollo.
"Treasury must tell us when are they releasing the money, any other agenda without talking about CDF money is null and void," Amollo added.
Before the meeting was disrupted National assembly acting clerk Sarah Kioko told the committees to work within their budgets before the new budgets. She said departmental committees should reduce their activities to the limited budgets.
"We have constrained budget, and the number of committees has increased by 10 committees, from the 2022-23,and therefore we have asked the committees to tighten their belt until the new budgets," said Kioko.
She said the national assembly is facing so many litigation, and thus the house committees should avoid unnecessary litigations by exhausting all levels of their observation.
"The house has been taken to court on areas of passing bills ,some reports have also been taken to litigations so we urge committees to avoid unnecessary litigations by writing full reports especially in areas where there is likelihood of litigation," said Kioko.
The members converging in Mombasa are challenged to ensure legislation, oversight and representation of the electorates are done without favourism.
The joint induction workshop of different committees seeks to bring to attention to members and help them conduct the constitutional mandate as per the standing orders.
The MPs are also expected to be taken through the corrective measures being undertaken by Parliament in ensuring that the future of the National Government Constituency Development Fund is assured
King Kaka Kicks Off 2nd Edition Of Ligi Soo Football Tournament
King Kaka in conjunction with Kaka Empire, held the second edition of under 17 Ligi soo football tournament this past Friday, January 20 at Nairobi City stadium.
Through the Kaka Empire mentorship program, eight teams battled in various categories during the full day event.
The proceeds from the tournament are used to empower underprivileged youth in nurturing their skills in order to build businesses that can sustain them.
Some of the prominent friends, partners and supporters of the cause who showed up included Hon Exekiel Mutua, Janet Mbugua, Adelle Onyango, Femi One, Jadi, Nana Owiti, Carol Radull, Kanambo Dede, Ndovu Kuu, Kenzo Matata, Kristoff, Scarlet football club, Olamide (SportsbetIo) among others.
"We are here to help young people achieve their dreams, by making this football tournament happen; the main aim is to mentor them on how they earn a living through running a small business. It is upon us to raise a purpose driven generation" said King Kaka
The music star launched the initiative in November 2020 with a drive of establishing mental strength as a foundation for youths from Eastlands.
Kotecha Claims Captain's Prize At Nyali Golf Club
Senior Coast Golfer Sanjay Kotecha fought hard to emerge the overall winner of the Nyali and Country Club Captain’s (Zafir Din) 2022 Prize in a tournament in Mombasa County on Sunday.
Kotecha survived a count back score of 35 differential points to emerge the overall winner of the event staged to bid farewell to the two times outgoing Club captain Zafir Din.
The two days event saw Kotecha win after playing 72 nett on the first day on Saturday and 37 points on the second day.
He had tied on the same score with Men runners up Dipan Shah who played 66 nett on the first day and 31 points on the second day while Hitendra Halia was third with 38 differential points (74-38).
The Ladies who played on Sunday only and traditionally teed off from the Men’s tee saw Coast Youthful Alyssa Jamal card a count back score of 38 points to emerge the Lady winner after tying on the points with Lena Breitner who was the Lady runners up.
The Best Gross winner on Saturday was Allan Mola with 79 gross while Frank Herter on 68 nett was the Saturday net winner and the runners up slot was won by Mwangi Mburu who had a score of 71 nett.
Taariq Jamal carded 41 points to emerge the winner on Sunday and the runner up was Joel Mochanga on 40 points.
Other winners were, Best Senior-John Smith-38diff,best Junior-Brandon Oyaro-27diff,Guest winner-John Ng’anga-38diff,Best Past Captain Amin Dhanji-37diff,Best Coast Captain-James Gitonga-47diff,High Handicappers Men-Rajesh Khagram-24diff,High Handicapper Lady-Winfred Ndunge-42diff,Nearesdt to the Pin-Nicholas Ngari,Longest Drive Men-Zayan Din, Nearest to the Pin Lady-Susan Stokes.
Salim Bajaber Bajaber walked home with a business return Air ticket Mombasa-Dubai-Mombasa, courtesy of Kenya Airways after being declared the hidden hole winner.
The outgoing Club Captain Zafir Din thanked the various sponsors and friends for making the event successful and his Club members, Directors, and Administration staff for giving him support during his two- year term in office.
The event that attracted 21O Golfers from the Home Club, Mombasa golf Club, Leisure, Vipingo,Malindi and others from various Golf Clubs across the Country attracted several sponsors among them Kitui Flour Millers, KenGen, adt insurance, Kenya Airways, Khusi Motors, Kk Security, Dola Millers, Elegant Fitting, Biofreeze, Cars Guru, AIB Allion and Friends of the Captain.
The Club Chairman’s Prize (Akram Sheikh) 2022 Prize Golf tournament will be played the same next Saturday on 28th, January.
Sheikh said all arrangements to host the tourney were ready and called on Golfers to register in large numbers.
Fresh Fri becomes the First Edible Oil Brand to Get a Nod from Nutritionists and Dieticians
Fresh Fri Oil from Pwani Oil Products Limited has become the first cooking oil brand in the country to be certified by the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute (KNDI) to be healthy and of good quality.
This follows a thorough inspection of quality assurance by KNDI – a government agency jointly with other bodies, in this case, Analabs, Bureau Veritus (BV), and Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS).
Established in 2007, through an act of parliament, KNDI is mandated by the government to work jointly with other bodies to participate actively in the review of food, food supplement, and nutrition supplements with nutrition claims.
As part of the inspection checklist for Fresh fri, KNDI set 14 standards for large food companies that revealed compliance in the systems value chain of Fresh Fri Original. Besides, the data shows that the oil meets the key quality and safety specifications.
Expressing Satisfaction with the result, Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde said, “This is a testament to our commitment to continuously provide quality products that not only adhere to the set industry standards but are healthy to be consumed. Our focus remains to protect our customers, make them comfortably enjoy their lives, and confidently facilitate them to cook healthily”.
The 14 Standards include, standards related to facilities and equipment, availability of references and resources, Utilities, raw materials, ingredients and finished product storage, production of food, packaging, Labeling, and Delivery of Food Products, quality assurance activities, quality control activities, Quality Related Events (QREs), Quality Improvement (QI) Activities, Personnel on-site, SOP document, implementation of SOPs and Marketing, labeling and nutritional claims.
“Having been adequately informed by the accreditation technical team’s report, the Kenya Nutritionists and Dieticians Institute Council wishes to register and certify Fresh Fri oil and on equal strength endorse it for human consumption as per the provisions of Section 36 (2) of Cap 253B. The analysis was carried out in three independent and reputable laboratories namely, Analabs, Bureau Veritus (BV), and SGS. The laboratories used methods of analysis that are authentic and validated, hence the results can be trusted as a true reflection of fresh fri oil quality” said KNDI CEO David Okeyo.
Further inspection parameters included Vitamin A, TFAs (Trans fat), copper, Iron, Lead, Peroxide Value, Acid value, Moisture content, Fat content, Insoluble impurities, and Arsenic which were all found to be within the recommended limits by standard specifications.
On the nutritional relevance of Fresh Fri, findings from KNDI show that Fresh fri which is mainly made from refined palm oleic has good amounts of oleic acid which has a modulatory effect that is beneficial to cancer risk, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases besides its ability to facilitate wound healing. It also has two other essential fatty acids namely linoleic and α-linolenic acid.
“Oleic acid is commonly used to prevent heart disease and reduce bad cholesterol. Essential fatty acids (linoleic and α-linolenic) must come from the diet. Other fatty acids may come from diet or may be synthesized” said Okeyo.
Many studies have positively correlated essential fatty acids with the reduction of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, cancer prevention, arthritis, and diabetes mellitus among others.
Fatma Baryan Appointed Non- Executive Chairperson Of Youth Enterprise Fund
President William Ruto has appointed Fatma Baryan to be the Non-Executive Chairperson of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund.
In a gazette notice dated 20th January 2023, Baryan has appointed to the office to serve for a period of three years.
I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for showing faith in me to steer the Youth Enterprise Development Fund Board as a Non-Executive Chairperson for the period of 3 years. I am humbled, determined and ready for the task ahead. Asante sana Rais" said Baryan.
Baryan contested for the Mombasa Women Representative seat in the 2022 election on a UDA but lost to Zamzam Mohammed of ODM.
Man Charged For Attacking Journalists In Kilifi
A suspect in the attack of three Kilifi based journalists was on Monday arraigned in a Kilifi court.
Mohamed Mubarak Juma was charged with the offence of malicious damage contrary to section 339(1) of the penal code.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges before Kilifi Senior Principal Magistrate Justus Kituku.
The court heard the accused, on 23 December at Karisa Maitha grounds damaged a camera make Canon 600D worth Ksh 91, 000 belonging to Elias Yaa.
He was released on a bond of Ksh 30, 000 with a surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of Ksh 20, 000.
The case will be mentioned of 30 January and hearing on 4th May.
The three journalists, Elias Yaa (The Star), Daniel Peshu (NTV) and Maureen Ongala (Daily Nation) were covering a peaceful demonstration at the Karisa Maitha grounds.
A section of Kilifi residents were demonstrating against the hiring of two brothers by the county government of Kilifi.
Trouble started when Nixon Muramba, the acting chief of staff in the office of Governor Gideon Mung’aro arrived at the Karisa Maitha grounds with a rival group.
The Kilifi county head of inspectorate and other officers from the office of the governor accompanied Mramba.
One of the officers asked the organizers of the protests to come forward and explain to the chief of staff their grievances.
Mramba later took over to address the protestors but he was cut short by his group who took him off the venue and ordered everyone including journalists to vacate the area.
The group went ahead and started to tear the placards from the protestors and started attacking journalists who were taking photos.
The rival group is believed to be part of a political pressure group known as Kikosi cha mizinga.
Mbosso Announces New Dates For His US Tour
Wasafi signee Mbosso has finally announced the new dates for his US music tour.
Mbosso who had earlier cancelled the tour due to health issues took to instagram to share the new dates with fans.
"Washington Seattle Feb 17th Denver Colorado Feb 18th Kentucky February 25th Houston Texas," Mbosso wrote on Instagram.
The tour was supposed to take place between November 25th to December 16th but he (Mbosso) was forced to cancel it after advise from the doctor.
"The doctor recommended that I should not travel or sit in a plane for more than eight hours," he announced.
The singer also revealed that he was suffering from a severe heart problem.
KCA Donates Food Items To Nyeri Inmates
It was all smiles at the Nyeri Medium prison after a team from the Kenya correspondents association (KCA) led by the Chairman William Janak donated an assortment of items to prisoners in the correctional facility.
The items included toothpastes, sanitary pads, toilet papers, sanitizers and food.
"This is in fulfilment of a promise we made when we visited the prison in August 2021. This support came through friends and partners who believe we are doing great work" said KCA Chairman William Janak.
Adding " This is part of KCA's community service and promotion of public- private partnership which includes reaching out to government agencies".
