NEWS IN BRIEF 15 February 2025
Mwai Kibaki Level VI Hospital board convened the second meeting since its inauguration in November last year. The board which is chaired by General (Rtd) Dr. Robert Kibochi is expected to ensure the facility operates to its optimum and serves Kenyans efficiently. Also present were board members; Stephen Kyungu, Seraphino Lengewa, Bishop Paul Wanjohi and Prof. Peter Muchiri.
The board also made its first official appointment by confirming the Senior Director- Dr. Muiruri as the Ag. CEO of the hospital.
Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni, alongside WHO Country Representative Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo and IOM Chief Migration Officer Basnet Mukunda, visited Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to engage the Border Management Committee on strengthening disease surveillance and response. With Kenya facing a Mpox outbreak and the region grappling with Marburg and Ebola threats, reinforced border screening, rapid response mechanisms, and public awareness are essential to preventing disease importation and safeguarding public health.
To enhance surveillance, Terminal 1A, Gate 16 has been designated as the sole entry point for travelers from Uganda and Tanzania, where Marburg and Ebola cases have been reported. A multi-agency strategy is being implemented to operationalize the Kenya Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan across all Points of Entry. WHO and IOM reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Kenya in fortifying emergency response efforts, ensuring the country is well-prepared to address emerging health challenges.
Kirinyaga Governor Ann Waiguru engages with ECD learners at the Kandongu Mwea constituency when she was issuing learning equipment and school uniforms. The governor also distributed learning materials, furniture and free uniforms for ECDE learners in Mutithi Ward. A total of 1,012 ECDE pupils—496 girls and 516 boys—will receive the uniforms, while centres such as Kagio, Kandongu, Rwang’ongu and Mugaa have benefitted from new classroom furniture and storage units. To support community welfare groups, the governor also handed over plastic chairs and tents to several groups. She also gave out assorted sports kits to several local teams. Waiguru further urged the youth to remain focused and avoid falling into distractions such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Leonard Marwa, an architect from the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, explains the sketch of the Alupe University accommodation project to the contractor. Marwa said the project, which will cost Sh1.17 billion, entails the construction of two blocks with a total accommodation of 820 students. “The hostels, when done, will accommodate a total number of 820 students from the two blocks. This will reduce the congestion and solve the issue of student accommodation in the university,” he said. The hostels will reduce congestion and solve the issue of student accommodation in the university. The project will start in two weeks time and will include other amenities such as a swimming pool, basketball courts, and parking space.
Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo has called on radio stations to uphold professionalism and adopt solution-driven reporting, especially in climate change coverage.
“We have a duty to ensure that information transmitted across the airwaves is accurate and informative,” he said, emphasising the ethical responsibility of preserving radio as a platform for truthful and verified content. He urged media practitioners to bring climate change issues to the forefront through impactful storytelling, focusing on real-life experiences, adaptation strategies, and policy interventions. Omwoyo also paid tribute to the late veteran journalist Leonard Mambo Mbotela, encouraging journalists to emulate his dedication and integrity in their professional work. Media Council of Kenya
The 74th ECSA Health Ministers Conference, held in Lilongwe, Malawi, saw Kenya actively engaging with regional leaders to address critical health priorities. Discussions focused on advancing universal health coverage, strengthening preparedness for health emergencies, tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing. Through these efforts, Kenya continues to demonstrate its commitment to regional collaboration, working alongside ECSA member states to enhance healthcare systems and improve service delivery for healthier, more resilient communities.
Tower Sacco conducted a business financial education forum at Tumaini Catholic Hall in Nyandarua County, led by the Olkalou branch manager Madam Caroline Wanjau and loans portfolio manager Mr. John Mbuki.
The Sacco is actively involved in imparting financial literacy as a continuous effort of empowering its members in line with their theme of embracing effective communication and offering diversified products and services. The manager urged them to get working capital for your business today through Tower Sacco business loan.
