Kenya and Uganda have convened a Cross-Border Malaria Initiative meeting from yesterday to tomorrow in Busia County, bringing together key stakeholders to strengthen joint malaria control and elimination efforts. The meeting highlights the need for coordinated action against malaria, a persistent public health challenge in the region. Kenya is represented by Dr. Joseph Lenai, Director of Primary Healthcare, and Senior Deputy Secretary Mr. Mawira Mungania, along with technical officers from the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP). Uganda’s National Malaria Elimination Program (NMEP) team is also participating, reinforcing both nations’ commitment to tackling cross-border malaria transmission. With mosquitoes crossing borders freely, delegates are advocating for harmonized malaria interventions, enhanced surveillance, data sharing, and resource mobilization to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in border areas.
Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir had the privilege of discussing the State Department’s ongoing efforts towards achieving universal access to water and sanitation on The SHIFT program on KBC Channel 1 TV with Regina Manyara on Tuesday evening. During the engagement, the PS reiterated the Ministry’s committment to ensuring that every household in the country has access to reliable, clean and safe water, as well as improved sanitation services. Over the last two years, there has been an increase in water coverage from 70% to 73% and safely managed Sanitation from 16% to 40.9% backed by the various projects that have recently been completed and commissioned. To bridge the gap towards universal access, the State Department has costed the resource requirement for the sector through the National Water and Sanitation Investment Plan (NAWASIP) at Ksh. 995 Billion which will be financed through exchequer, PPPs, Blended and Climate Financing.
Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimotho, held a public baraza yesterday at Kirichu Market to discuss the construction of the Wangi Kanuna Irrigation Project in Kiganjo Location, Nyeri Town constituency. The PS was hosted by the Senator for Nyeri County, Wamatinga Wahome, and the area MP Duncan Mathenge.The project, which will now be completed within one year, was initiated in 2008 but stalled for 15 years due to inadequate funding. It is set to bring significant benefits to the community, including the development and rehabilitation of infrastructure capable of irrigating 700 acres, directly benefiting 700 farmers. Key crops to be cultivated include tomatoes, bananas, French beans, and various vegetables. With these improvements, the project is expected to substantially boost horticultural production, generating an estimated gross margin of KSh70 million annually.
Additionally, it will create employment opportunities for the local community and enhance food and nutrition security for households within the irrigation scheme.
Principal Secretary, State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Mr. Joseph M. Motari yesterday had a panel discussion on Boosting the Nairobi Declaration: Aligning for African Inclusive Development Global during Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin, Germany . The discussion explored the connections between the Nairobi Declaration and the African Disability Protocol (ADP), focusing on Kenya’s state obligations in implementing the protocol and how international cooperation can enhance inclusive development. Since ratifying the African Disability Protocol on February 25, 2021, Kenya has made significant strides in its implementation. We are aligning national policies to promote inclusive education and employment for persons with disabilities, strengthening the legal framework to support their employment in line with Article 19 of the ADP, and developing a three-year action plan for enforcement by 2028. Additionally, by 2027, Kenya is committed to implementing differentiated funding and support for learners and trainees with disabilities across all education levels, ensuring resources are tailored to individual needs. Mr. Motari urges African nations yet to ratify the African Disability Protocol to take action now—because disability inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a fundamental human right.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission’s incoming Commission Secretary/CEO Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti (3rd right) was sworn in on Tuesday at the Supreme Court building, Kenya Judiciary premises. Chief Justice Martha Koome and NCIC Chairman Dr. Rev. Samuel Kobia congratulated Dr. Giti on his appointment. NCIC Vice Chair Commissioner Wambui Nyutu Commissioners Dr. Danvas Makori, Dorcas Kedogo and Eng. Philip Okundi were also present during the swearing-in ceremony. The CJ called on NCIC to remain vigilant in discharging its mandate and urged the incoming CEO to steer peace and cohesion in Kenya.
The Industrial Crops Research Centre based at KALRO Mwea yesterday received advanced research equipment and machinery from the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). They will enhance mechanization, improve data collection accuracy, and optimize research efficiency, particularly in rice cultivation. The handover was led by Dr. Abdelbagi Ismail, IRRI country representative, and graced by Dr. Eliud Kireger, KALRO Director General, alongside Dr. Felister Makini, Deputy Director General, Crops. Dr. Kireger expressed gratitude, emphasizing how these resources will drive innovation and strengthen agricultural research for key crops like rice, maize, and wheat. IRRI and KALRO have achieved great strides together, including the release of six rice varieties such as Komboka and Mkombozi, and advancing agronomic best practices. Dr. Ismail reaffirmed IRRI’s commitment to making Kenya self-sufficient in rice production.