Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi
Kenya has urged researchers, the private sector, and development partners to forge a new path for sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Speaking during the official opening of the CGIAR Science Week at the United Nations Campus in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi affirmed Kenya’s commitment to agricultural innovation and research. He noted that through collaboration with both local and international partners, Kenya has already made significant strides in developing groundbreaking innovations aimed at transforming the sector. “Our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) prioritizes the agri-food system as a key pillar for economic growth. Transforming agriculture will not only reduce poverty and create jobs but also improve food security, promote gender equality, and advance climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability,” said Mudavadi.
Non Revenue Water (NRW) remains a critical challenge, impacting water access, financial sustainability, and resource efficiency. The Principal Secretary for Water and Sanitation Julius Korir yesterday met officials from the National Treasury PPP Committee and the Water Sector Trust Fund – WSTF to explore innovative strategies to address Non Revenue Water at the Water Service Provision level. The National average for NRW is currently 43% which translates to over Ksh. 11 Billion lost annually. It is a challenge that significantly impacts service delivery and revenue collection. Matters discussed include leveraging modern technologies, fostering public-private partnerships to address NRW, and enhancing accountability through data-driven approaches especially through the regulator Wasreb Kenya. This collaborative effort will pave the way for more efficient water management and improved service delivery across the country.
Forestry Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi yesterday presided over the Forestry Sector Implementing Partners meeting in Nairobi. In his keynote address, the PS commended the efforts undertaken by various stakeholders in accelerating Kenya’s broad ecosystem restoration agenda that includes the 15bn national tree growing programme. The PS further underscored the close collaborations in development and implementation of the following on going projects and programmes namely; Green Zones Project, EU Fire Management Project, GEF-7 FOLUR, SFS CORREC, KEWASIP, Franklinias in the Aberdare’s, Conservation of Endangered Tree Species in the Taita Hills (Eastern Arc Mountains) and National Public-Private Cooperation (NPC) Investment Plan. While seeking technical and financial support from stakeholders, the PS highlighted the priority areas to advance partnership including Development of Urban Forests , Fencing of Public Forests to Secure Forest boundaries, reduce encroachment, and support effective management and pushing forward the 15 bn Tree Growing Campaign,a flagship program aligned with BETA, Vision 2030, and climate commitments. The PS was joined by Senior Technical Officers from the State Department led by Forestry Development Secretary Mr George Tarus and Chief Conservator of Forests Mr Alex Lemarkoko. Deborah Mlongo Barasa
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Forestry.
The government has moved to resolve the impasse delaying the construction of a Sh324 million market in the town. Speaking separately to the traders operating at Mudavadi market, Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Nyeri County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi and Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge urged the local business community to avoid getting distracted by politics and instead work closely with the two levels of government to improve their livelihoods. According to Mr. Mathenge, the traders had expressed reservations about the construction of a new market and instead recommended upgrading the current one. The renovation works would include the removal of the asbestos roof from the market, an upgraded drainage system, construction of a sanitation block and installation of a solar system to ensure that traders operate for longer hours. But Mathenge claimed that the planned renovation had been politicised and appealed to local politicians to keep off development projects.
Western Regional Commissioner Irungu Macharia has urged residents to collaborate with National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) and security agencies to foster peace and stability in the region.
Macharia revealed that authorities have profiled various areas based on crime rates and security status to inform targeted interventions. He singled out Luanda town in Luanda Sub County, Matayos in Busia County, and Matungu Sub County in Kakamega County as hotspots plagued by mugging, thuggery, and other criminal activities. Macharia assured residents that relevant government agencies are working to restore order and curb insecurity in affected areas. Vihiga Acting County Commissioner Florence Sitawa echoed the call for cooperation, urging locals to actively support government administrators in efforts aimed at improving public safety and service delivery.
Continued use of Lang’ata Cemetery, despite being declared full nearly two decades ago, poses serious public health concerns, including overcrowding, shallow graves, and exposure of human remains due to interference by wild animals. The Ministry of Health, through the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards, today presented an assessment report before the Parliamentary Committee on Implementation. The report, delivered by Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, detailed the associated risks and recommended urgent mitigation measures. Collaboration with the Nairobi City County Government and other stakeholders is ongoing to identify suitable alternative burial land and ensure the dignity of the deceased is upheld. Safeguarding public health remains a central priority.
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