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by Tum David

A Women’s lobby groups under the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) and the Women Mediation Network in Kenya have called for the nation to pull together in the wake of the heightened political temperatures in the country.
Speaking to the press in their offices in Nairobi, the Women leaders said there was an urgent need for the country to address the critical issues facing the nation.
” We speak with agony as mothers and womb bearers of the country because as always, women and children stand to suffer the most when the nation is at pain” they said.
In a statement which they jointly read to the media, the women leaders stressed three points which they said it was of more concern to them as the women of Kenya.
They said their firstly concern as mothers of this country is to urge for a cease fire about the ongoing grandstanding between government and the opposition.
They also said they were deeply concerned about the safety and security of thousands of families especially women and children whom they say were currently displaced from their homes and are camping in tents mostly in the bandit stricken counties.
” We urge the government and the humanitarian agencies to move swiftly and provide decent accommodation, food, medicine and other critical services to curb further suffering on these families” they stated.
Lastly, they appreciated President William Ruto’s leadership and specifically in the appointment of women into top leadership in his government. They however urged for more inclusion in government of women with disabilities some thing they noted was missing in the list of appointments and they implore that the matter be looked upon with urgency.
The lobby group urged the government to continue listening to the voices of Kenyans and move quickly to address the cost of living in the country.

By Jeff Kizzilah

In kenya, almost 70% are unable to access credit and have been locked out.

Ms.Susan Mangeni PS for Medium and Small Enterprises ministry has said that Hustler fund was launched to cusion borrowers who were locked out.

She said government is not and doesn’t have a space to compete or locked other lenders out of business.

Speaking during the 6th Africa CIS Conference theme :Harnessing the Power of Alternative Data” in Mombasa the PS for MSES has request financial organisations to engage the small vulnerable businesses to bring them up.

She added that innovation for small enterprises is key to economic growth.

The conference is coming at an oppotune time when the world economies are seeking credit for individuals and Medium small enterprises at an affordable rates.

She said that financialInclusion famously known as “Hustler Fund” has grown for the last 5 monhhs to correct business failure at the bottom of the pyramid as now almost 19.4million borrowers are benefiting from the HF.

” Everyone is aligning to the growth of the economy and all private sector has woke up to rewrite the market growth as well as providing more opportunities for SMEs “,She said

SMEs 90% of business and 50 percent of the employment worldwide.According to world bank 600million will be needed to create more opportunities in 2023.

The Ps also encourages markets actors to form engagement groups to create more inclusive credit systems.

By: JAMES MUTUA

The Pan African Climate Justice partnership
with Kenyatta University on Friday launched the third cohort of Nairobi Summer School of Climate
Justice Cohort 3. The launch was held at the Kenyatta University that hosts
the program.

Speaking during the launch, Dr. Mithika Mwenda, the Executive Director of Pan African
Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) said that introspecting on the two years the program has
been on, it’s worth jubilation.

“Two years back we commenced this noble initiative on the NSSCJ. To us it was a bold dream
to see young people being in the stewardship of climate justice efforts in this continent. It was
a dream that has become a reality”, said Dr. Mithika.

Mithika said that the achievement would not have been possible without Kenyatta University partnering with PACJA as a hosting institution of the initiative.

“We appreciate the effort put in by Kenyatta University over the planning process for the
NSSCJ that we have enjoyed for the last 2 years that has made the NSSCJ a premier process of strengthened pan African mobilizations and organizing of young people to drive bold,
continental wide transformations”, Dr. Mithika added.

Dr. Joseph Kurauka, the Chairperson of the Department of Environmental Studies and
Community Development at Kenyatta University affirmed that University partnership with
PACJA yielded results by equipping young generation with skills and knowledge of issues
pertaining to climate change, environment and Climate Justice.

“To affirm our commitment, I am glad to share with you that Kenyatta University’s Department
of Environmental Studies and Community Development is processing accredited certification
and master’s studies in areas of climate Justice”, disclosed Dr. Kurauka.

Prof. Wanjohi who represented the Vice Chancellor emphasized the role of young
generation in carrying forward awareness and commended the importance of equipping
them with skills and knowledge on climate change and climate justice.

“I believe that Climate Change is everywhere and is affecting all of us. I hope that the
applicants to be selected will be in that dynamism of bringing change because climate change
has become a global Challenge we are currently facing”, said Prof. Wanjohi

Nancy Githaiga, Country Director, African Wildlife Foundation reminded participants that
Climate change has hit Africa and Kenya in particular, hence joint efforts are needed to
address the challenge. She said that youth equipped with knowledge will drive the change.

“We have responsibility because our action or inaction on matter of climate Change will
definitely speak. Voices of young people must be heard but also there must be solutions
through action,” reiterated Nancy.

At the launch of the third cohort, several alumni of Nairobi Summer school of
Climate Justice shared their experiences and knowledge they have earned from the last cohorts.

About Nairobi Summer School of Climate Justice

NSSCJ is conceptualized as an intergenerational platform to share, learn and network the
disruptive ideas needed to catalyze economy-wide transformation in a climate-catastrophic
world. The school adopts a society-wide focus, targeting sectoral and thematic experts and
frontline activists irrespective of formal education and cultural backgrounds. Since its
inception, the school has trained over 900 youth from diverse background anddiverse
countries and continents.

Over two Years in action Nairobi Summer school Alumni, are contributing in shaping
narratives around climate Justice across Africa and beyond through campaigns, Climate
Change negotiations, and other advocacy processes at national, regional, continental and
global level.

Kirinyaga woman representative the Honorable Njeri Maina has demonstrated the zeal and strong will not to mention the enthusiasm with which she undertakes her duties.

In her social media page she noted:

“I am humbled to represent the Kenyan Parliament at the 2nd conference of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, in Manama, Bahrain, where over 65 countries have converged to forge a way forward in regard to global security and post-
pandemic recovery.

The National Assemblies play a critical role in legislating the future. Which is why these conversations and consultations are an integral part of progressive approaches required to counter the challenges.

Now more than ever, we must find strength in unity of purpose so that we can face the challenges of the 21st century together.”

Bahati Member of Parliament Irene Njoki has extended gratitude for a House Committee’s kind gesture to benchmark in her Constituency. She notes

“Special thanks to the National assembly ICT committee for choosing Bahati Constituency to benchmark on Ajira digital program.

Hon Irene Njoki has set in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure bahati residents acquire digital skills to help reduce the high rate of unemployment . The digital skills are offered without any charges at Bahati Mp’s office in Kiamaina

Mps present were ,Hon.Joseph Tonui MP For Kuresoi South,Hon. Bernard Kitur MP for Nandi Hills, Hon. Kakuta Ole Maimai MP for Kajiado East,Hon. Bensouda Woman Rep for Homabay County and Hon.Reuben Kiborek Mogotio for Mogotio Constituency”

by Tum David

Zoho has opened it’s first physical office in Westlands, Nairobi to cater for to its growing customer base in Kenya.

The annoucement was made to the press today on the sidelines of Zoholics Kenya, the company’s annual user conference.

Over the past year, Zoho has experienced substantial growth in Kenya, with a 48 percent increase in revenue and a rapid rise in the number of employees.

“We are thrilled to open our new office in Kenya and we believe that our on-ground presence in Kenya will help us serve our customers in the country better,” said Veerakumar Natarajan.

Zoho is committed to investing in local talent to provide the best possible service to its customers and this also reflects the company strategy for business growth and expansion.

Zoho growth in Kenya can be attributed to the popularity of its flagship products which include Zoho One, Zoho CRM, Zoho Workplace, Zoho Desk and it’s VAT and TIMS- compliant applications eg Zoho books, Zoho invoice and Zoho inventory.

These products have helped businesses of all sizes in Kenya to increase their productivity and streamline their operations.

by Bruno Aero

A loser in the Wajir gubernatorial election petition has said he will appeal against the High Court decision which dismissed his petition.

Dr Adan Mohamed Hassan of Jubilee Party, who lost twice at both the ballot and at the High Court, has said he will move to court on Monday.

High Court Judge George Dulu upheld the win of Orange Democratic Movement’s Ahmed Abdullahi and ordered him to pay Sh10 million as costs of the suit.

He said the petitioner was not able to prove that the current governor was not elected validly.

The Judge also ruled that the elections were not marred with irregularities and illegalities that benefited Abdullahi.

‘‘The courts upheld the declaration of the governor by the Independent Election and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) but we are very dissatisfied with the decision and I want to take this opportunity to announce that we shall move to the Appeal Court to challenge this decision,’’ said Dr Hassan.

He added: ‘‘There were unlawful electoral practices and many numerous irregularities that were recorded in the constituencies that make this particular decision by IEBC null and void.’’

He cited Wajir West, East and Eldas as areas marred by malpractices.  

By Jeff Kizzilah

The 2nd International Conference for recreating sustainable savings solutions for the pensions and social security sector held in Kenya comes as pensioners are crying for mortgage loans to buy houses.

The pensioner top players has said that the fund investment mostly in kenya is in unaffordable.

For more than a decade, Kenyans have had the leeway to use up to 60 percent of their accrued retirement benefits as a guarantee for mortgage loans.

Using a huge chunk of the pension while out of work to buy a house has sunk many individuals into misery partly because of the steep cost of construction.

However, a study by the Retirement Benefits Authority (RBA) shows that less than 0.1 percent of members of retirement benefits schemes have taken advantage of the provision.

Speaking during the 2nd Annual and International Conference in recreating sustainable pension plan in Kenya ,Mr.Hosea Kilii the chairman of Association for Pensions Trustees and Administrators of Kenya (APTAK) said that there is elicited excitement from pensioners where 68 percent of the respondents in the same survey by the RBA indicated a willingness to take advantage of the pension trustees.

At the moment Kenya has registed over 7milion pensioners but the worry is only 3 million are active basis,whereous the remaining numbers are not active.

Mr. Killi said that means that there is a need to public participation and sensitisation and recreating better practices to achieve the sustainable goals.

The conference was attended by different secorts including Banks,private entities,Technology companies as well as consultancy companies.

Pension schemes work by a contribution of funds daily, monthly, or even once and upon maturity, you are paid a lump sum or on a monthly basis.

Kenya’s best pension schemes include those for KCB, Jubilee Insurance, Britam, and Boresha.

APTAK has promise to ensure trustees get the liquid-money for short and long investment and anybody withdrawing from the pool ought to have documentation that the money is enough to buy a ready-to-occupy house.

There is a need to insist that the money deliver a habitable structure.

By Jeff Kizzilah

Support Inclusive Resource Development (SIRD)’s six year intervention has empowered dozens of women within Kwale county ,Gaita Region in Tanzania and Buliisa district in Uganda.

The over 8176 women were empowered economically and advanced in property rights on land as compared enlighting them to receive land compensation since they take care of the kids and are vulnerable in the community.

Of this 4615 were female,3561 were males,majority were 56% and Canadian volunteers who participated technically.

The project’s inception long in 2017.

Kwale county boasts as the largest mines in kenya,hence of the project in the county.

The SIRD health was to improve outcomes for EA citizens from the operations of industries in the region.

The SIRD had two major components.The first component worked through the patner law societies on law and policy advocacy relating to extractive industries with national and regional governments.

Speaking to journalists during the SiRD conference in Mombasa, Hon. Dr.Fauz Twaib, President,East Africa Law Society has asked for the safety standards in the Mining to protect workers and communities,respect and environmental laws as well as the need for partnership and NGOs, since mining impacts health and environment,thereafter calls for inclusive mining involving all partners.

He said that, if this three society can join hands to work together,the women of this region will thrive well in the mining sector and do somethingthat can create various opportunities.

The Regional Conference brought together legal profession from across EAC countries including Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda the fastest growing block in Africa.

Countries like Somalia ans Ethiopia have also expressed interest for joining the block to promote rule of law and human rights.

The successes of the project also focus on Climate change in extractive industry directly affects the climate.

He said the Kenyan government is ready to work with and support the vulnerable groups including women to realize their achievements in the property management as well as land ownership.

The event which was to be opened by President William Ruto, was attended by LSK President Erick Theuri among other dignitaries.

by Ronald Njoroge

Women leaders on Tuesday launched an anti cyber bullying campaign.

Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru called out cyber bullying for the crime that it is and urged Kenyans play a role in eliminating it.
“From a true human perspective, the words Cyber bullying do not come
close to capturing the severity and lasting impacts for the victims and
survivors or convey the links between online and offline experiences of
violence,” Waiguru said.

She noted that a study commissioned by the African Development
Bank suggests that up to 70 per cent of women have endured
cyberviolence and that women are 27 times more likely than men to be
harassed online.

“More than one in every five women in Kenya have
experienced cyber bullying.
You and I know that cyberbullying will hinder how we women
participate in public discourses and processes as many of us will cower,
self-censor, and in some instances, totally withdraw from public, civic
and social media spaces, ” said the county chief.