A police officer from Embobut Police Post was killed and partially burned by armed youths, while a Catholic priest was assaulted by gang members as they rescued girls from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Marakwet East Sub County. The police were on routine patrol at the Embolot location when they raided and rescued six girls. The youths, believed to have come from the nearby Maron Vocational Training Centre, overpowered the officer and stoned him to death before burning his body using a mattress. They later made away with a G3 rifle and 40 rounds of ammunition. A Catholic priest, Fr. Amos Kimutai of St. Kizito Catholic Church, was also injured by the youths as he tried to rescue girls from FGM. The Elgeyo Marakwet County Director of Gender, Joseph Amuke,has said that police will conduct an operation in the area today to arrest youth and ensure they repossess stolen arms. Over 140 girls have been rescued from the illegal rite, some by police, others ran away, and some whose parents frisked them away. The CEC Health Department has appealed to the girls to seek treatment in any of the health centres, stating that the department will continue to save lives.
A group of professionals from Kangema Sub County in Murang’a, led by Betty Maina, have praised and rewarded their retired teachers. The Kiruri Homebound Team, a group of professionals, gifted an early Christmas to the teachers, whom they praised for their significant impact on their current status. The group planned to share meals with the tutors, as they observed that after retirement, the teachers face numerous challenging situations. Some retired over 20 years ago, with meagre salaries and pensions that could not improve their livelihoods. The Kiruri Homebound Team called upon professionals, especially those working away from their rural homes, to remember teachers back in villages as they laid the foundation for their educational prosperity. Jane Wambui, a former primary school teacher, praised the group and expressed her delight at seeing the children she taught grow into engineers, doctors, teachers, and businesspeople. She expressed gratitude for the professionals’ work and the impact they have on the nation and society in general.
Nakuru County Government plans to recruit technical staff to enhance learning activities at the youth Empowerment center, aiming to boost youth talents in the creativity industry. The county is developing training programs for aspiring creatives, covering digital skills, business management, and marketing. Partnerships with educational institutions are being formed to offer specialized courses and workshops. Achieng emphasizes the importance of establishing a fund or grant program to financially support creative projects and businesses. The county administration will also organize cultural events and festivals to showcase local talent. Implementation will require collaboration between the government, private sector, educational institutions, and the creative community.
Food insecurity in Kenya is a persistent issue, worsened by a non-functioning food system, climate change, and population growth. Experts warn that improving health diets and access to more nutritious food is crucial for achieving better nutrition outcomes. The Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) is implementing a project called “CASCADE” to translate existing nutrition policies into tangible outcomes. Kenya has worked hard on a food fortification strategy, but there is still much to be done. Only four counties have developed draft policies on food fortification and linking it to food systems issues. GAIN is advocating for improved implementation of nutrition-related policies and strengthening the capacities of nutrition-related policy makers and delivery systems to improve access to healthier diets. Three critical forms of nutrition should be tackled: nutrition, rising cases of non-communicable diseases, and micronutrients. It is time for industry players, including county and national governments, to work together through the national food fortification alliance to monitor progress and compliance levels.
Nyeri County governor Mwalimu Mutahi Kahiga (left) shares a light moment with his deputy David Kinaniri at Dedan Kimathi grounds during Jamhuri day celebrations yesterday. The governor called for sacking of Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir saying he had failed Kenyans. He also told former freedom fighters, some of whom were at the event that he was optimistic that Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua will soon he meeting them as he had promised. Photo/PAUL WANJIRU.