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Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Mary Muthoni visited Murang’a Deputy County Commissioner Kenneth Murungi to discuss the essential connection between local administration and health services in improving community health.

During the meeting, the two underscored the vital role of Community Health Promoters (CHPs) in the screening and managing of minor illnesses.

The meeting highlighted the critical support the local administration provides to the CHPs, whose role is greatly benefitting the community. The PS expressed appreciation for the local administration’s steadfast support, noting its importance in helping CHPs effectively carry out their duties.

All eyes are now on Team Kenya’s Olympic squad, which is ready to compete at the Paris Games from July 26 to August 11.Several teams, including the Sevens Rugby team, have already arrived in Paris in preparation for the games.

One of the highlights at the Kenya House during the Games will be Kenya at the Olympics: A 60-Year Journey of Medaling, a souvenir publication produced by the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB).

National Olympic Committee Kenya (NOC-K) President Paul Tergat presented the publication to President William Ruto on July 5, 2024, at State House in Nairobi.

During the event, the President also presented the national flag to Team Kenya’s Olympic captains, Mr Vincent Onyala and M. Asiya Mohammed Sururu, ahead of their departure for the Games.

The publication documents Kenya’s Olympic journey over the past 60 years, showcasing the commitment to honouring the national flag through fair play and sportsmanship.

Kenya at the Olympics: A 60-Year Journey of Medaling captures the country’s triumphs as well as its challenges at the Games, highlighting the resilience of our athletes.

It tells the story of athletics, for which Kenya is renowned, as well as boxing, rugby, volleyball and even newer sports like fencing, in which the country will participate for the first time in Paris.

The book was published in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, the Kenya News Agency, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO and the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy through the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications.

The discourse among Kenyans in the past weeks has centered on a number of issues affecting the country – mainly limited job opportunities, rising public debt, corruption and the austerity measures the government needs to implement.

The conversation, which has been amplified by the youth, has brought into focus the challenges the country is facing and how they can be addressed.

President William Ruto has acknowledged the importance of the ongoing national discourse and taken some drastic steps that include the dissolution of his Cabinet as he leads in charting a new path for the country.

“Our young people have stepped forward to engage in the affairs of their country. They have done a democratic duty to stand and be recognised and I want to tell you that we are going to have a conversation with you so that we can work together and streamline issues that affect our country,” he said.

According to the President, Kenya now has a chance to address issues that bedevil the country, and more importantly, the youth.

“We are one people who belong to one nation. If we face our challenges together in unity, we will solve them, and Kenya will move forward,” he said on June 30 at a church service in Narok.

Unemployment, particularly among the youth, remains a critical challenge. The government has in the last two years trained hundreds of youth in digital skills to access jobs and other opportunities online as well as signed labour export agreements with various countries, including Germany.

Some 516,505 youths have been trained in digital skills in the last two years, equipping them with the necessary knowledge to succeed in the new technology-driven job market, according to the Ministry of Information,
Communications and the Digital Economy.

Digital literacy has been a key focus of the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda.

Besides Germany, Kenya has signed labour export agreements with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Under the affordable housing programme, President Ruto notes the government has created some 160,000 jobs and more would be created as the country targets to build a million houses by 2027.

Further, through the Hustler Fund, which was started to enhance access to credit by the youth, the government has disbursed Sh54.5 billion to some 18 million people.

However, the youth have noted that progress in the job creation initiatives started by the government have been slow.

President Ruto, in acknowledging this concern and others raised by the youth, announced a six-day National Multi-sectoral Forum that will bring together 150 members, 50 of them youth to discuss the crises facing the country.

“As a way of charting the future from the current situation, I welcome all leaders and other stakeholders to work together to address the current economic situation through a broad-based political arrangement and to rally the country forward,” the President said last week.

He spoke after assenting to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (Amendment) Bill that paves the way for the reconstitution of the electoral commission, one of the things the youth have been pushing for.

“The IEBC remains a cornerstone of our democracy, responsible for overseeing regular elections at various levels and overall ensuring our electoral cycle is managed transparently and administered in an impartial, neutral, efficient, accurate and accountable manner,” he said.

Kenya’s public debt has been steadily increasing to stand at Sh10.3 trillion at the end of March, raising concerns about the country’s financial stability.

Many young people are feeling the burden of this debt, whose huge repayments have stifled funds to help expand economic opportunities and job creation.

The youth have highlighted the urgent need for better fiscal management, especially to check on government spending so that money is allocated to priority areas, including education and health.

President Ruto on July 5 announced various austerity measures that included reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 per cent, removal of confidential budgets in Executive offices, suspension of the purchase of new motor vehicles in government and doing away with unconstitutional offices.

The President further named an eight-member task force to carry out forensic audit of the public debt.

President Ruto has pledged for more investment in job creation, skills development and support for small businesses to stimulate the economy and provide meaningful employment opportunities.

The national conversation, driven by the voices of the youth, marks a pivotal moment for the country. It has brought an opportunity for leaders and citizens to work together towards a more sustainable and equitable future, ensuring that the aspirations of citizens and country are realised.

The Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) will create a one-stop shop for government publications and develop relevant content on the successes of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

This is according to the institution’s Strategic Plan 2024-2028 unveiled last week on Thursday in Nairobi, which will guide KYEB’s activities in the next five years.

The Plan outlines various strategic goals that the Board will focus on during this period as it seeks to become a one-stop shop for all government publications.

“The strategic goals that the Board will focus on during this period are improve access to information and communication services, adopt citizen-driven practices and strengthen institutional capacity and create adaptive platforms to grow the voice of government and the people,” the Plan notes.

The Strategic Plan prioritises publishing for public interest, enhancing brand awareness and achieving financial sustainability.

Mr Eliud Owalo, the former Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, who launched the document, said KYEB plays a crucial role asthe repository of government achievements, programmes and initiatives.

“As a Ministry, we rely on KYEB for content creation. We look forward to the institution becoming the sole government publisher,” Mr Owalo said, adding that the Ministry is working on solidifying KYEB’s legal mandate. According to him, KYEB has become a source of quality publishing and communication solutions.

“This strategic document will provide a roadmap for its communication initiatives. It is particularly urgent now, more than ever, when there is a great need for deeper government-citizen engagement,” he said.

Prof Edward Kisiang’ani, the Principal Secretary for Broadcasting, stated that the Ministry has made suggestions to help restructure Kenya Yearbook and make it a more vibrant institution.

“These efforts are ongoing and align with this Strategic Plan,” he said.

Eng. John Tanui, the Principal Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy, noted that Kenya Yearbook has an opportunity to bridge the gap in government communication.

“Through this Strategic Plan, Kenya Yearbook must ensure government achievements, initiatives, and projects are well communicated,” he said.

“If we implement this Strategic Plan effectively, we are looking forward to a transformed approach to government content generation and communication,” he added.

KYEB chairperson Wangui Ng’ang’a said the institution would document government activities and serve the people of Kenya fairly and impartially.

“We will work with other corporations and ministries to better the country,” she noted.

Ms Lilian Kimeto, KYEB CEO, outlined the institution’s plans to drive four strategic programmes in the next five years.

“We will digitise our publications targeting the youth, deepen our digital communication model, enhance our business model and optimise citizen-driven practices in meeting publishing and communication needs,” Ms Kimeto said.

Mr David Omwoyo, the CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, pledged to collaborate with KYEB to improve government communication.

“In line with our recent Memorandum of Understanding, we will work together to further our respective mandates in developing and implementing a multifaceted approach to enhancing communication and media expertise in the country,” he said.

Huduma Kenya Ag. CEO Mugambi Njeru said the institution’s infrastructure, which serves over 60,000 people daily, is available to Kenya Yearbook to ensure government communication reaches everyone.

Other dignitaries present during the launch included Mr Thomas Wasonga, the Coordinator Public Events, Office of the President, Mr Sande Oyolo, the Chief Officer for Digital

Economy and Startups at Nairobi City Council and also KYEB’s former Board Chair and Mr Denis Chebitwey, the founding KYEB CEO.

Bungoma, a picturesque county on the slopes of Mt Elgon, is renowned for its rich culture and history. Its capital, Bungoma Town, began as a trading centre in the early 20th century.

The county’s proximity to Uganda has boosted trade, and its fertile soils support agriculture. The hospitable and industrious people from various communities have contributed to its success.

Over the years, Bungoma Town has grown into a vibrant hub of commerce, education, and culture. It is now seeking to become the country’s sixth city, a status that promises to elevate it further.

“It is my dream to ensure that Bungoma. Town becomes a city in my lifetime,” said Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

During his recent visit to the county, President William Ruto revealed that plans are underway to elevate Bungoma Town to city status, bringing prestige, autonomy, and increased resources.

To be classified as a city in Kenya, a town must meet several key requirements under the Urban Areas and Cities Act, which gives effect to Article 184 of the Constitution.

The Act outlines the criteria for establishing urban areas, principles of governance, and resident participation.

Firstly, a town must have good infrastructure, including roads, street lighting, markets, fire stations, waste disposal, and disaster management capacity.

Secondly, it must have integrated development plans and the ability to generate sufficient revenue to sustain operations.

Thirdly, it must demonstrate prudent management and the capacity to deliver essential services effectively and efficiently.

Lastly, the town must have a population of at least 500,000 residents according to the latest census.

Bungoma Town meets some of these requirements but must do more. Recent projects unveiled by President William Ruto have set the town on the right path to city status.

President Ruto inaugurated two colleges in Bungoma County, enhancing their digital facilities in line with the Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda.

The county has 44 tertiary education institutions, including Kibabii University and branches of Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, positioning it as a key education hub.

Infrastructure development is also crucial. President Ruto launched various projects, including the tarmacking of the Mayanja- Bisunu-Sirisia and Mukhweya-Musese and Mukhweya-Kimukung roads in Kabuchai, Bungoma County.

“Urbanisation is critical in fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by uplifting living standards and providing human dignity while improving access to services and security, said Kenya Urban and Roads Authority Director General Silas Kinoti, noting the region has received 21km of tarmacked road.

The county government has launched a street-lighting project boosting economic activities around the clock. “If you are not sure of the names, just name them according to the constituencies, for example, Tongaren Road,” Speaker Wetang’ula suggested while advocating for city status.

Significant investment has also been made in the Matulo Airstrip, upgraded with a new runway. President Ruto stated it would become an international facility.

Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the airstrip is expected to see increased traffic, serving residents in the Western region and neighbouring Uganda due to its proximity.

“We are working to acquire more land to expand it to 2.5 kilometres and increase traffic directly to the airstrip,” he said.

Once Bungoma is made a city, it will attract local and international investors, leading to economic growth and job creation. This means more people from rural areas or smaller towns seeking better employment and living conditions will flock there.

In support of university education, the Kenya Yearbook Editorial Board (KYEB) collaborated with the Commission for University Education (CUE) during their 4th Biennial Conference on University Research and Innovation at the KICC in Nairobi last week.

The conference, attended by 480 participants including national and international presenters, saw the launch of the “Varsity Digest,” an inaugural newsletter on university research and innovation designed and edited by KYEB. The publication showcases innovations and research initiatives from various universities across the country.

KYEB also produced the conference’s “Book of Abstracts.” KYEB’s Chief Executive Officer Ms Lilian Kimeto committed to supporting various government agencies in documenting their initiatives and programmes as part of KYEB’s mandate to tell Kenya’s story.

Prof. Chacha Chacha, CUE chairman, called on universities to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with arts, humanities, and social sciences to foster a well-rounded society.

He noted that while most universities focus on STEM, arts, humanities, and social sciences are equally important for a holistic society.

Commission CEO Prof Mike Kuria encouraged universities to continue collaborating with the institution, emphasizing that the Commission and universities share a common vision. He urged universities to view the
commission as a partner, not just a regulator.

Kenya Yearbook remains committed to highlighting developments in the university sector, particularly in research and innovation

The government seeks to accelerate the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) through the Sh3.9 trillion Budget unveiled last Thursday, allocating funds for various projects and initiatives aimed at benefiting mwananchi under the five BETA pillars.

The Budget focuses on enhancing agricultural transformation, supporting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),boosting affordable housing, achieving universal healthcare, and growing the digital superhighway and creative economy for job creation.

In agriculture, the government aims to transform the sector and promote inclusive growth through a value chain approach. “This aims at providing adequate and affordable working capital to all farmers through cooperative societies (aggregators),” said Prof Njuguna Ndung’u, the Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning.

The National Treasury allocated Sh54.6 billion for agriculture, including Sh10 billion for fertiliser subsidies, Sh6.1 billion for the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, Sh2.5 billion for youth and women programmes, Sh747 million for small-scale irrigation, and Sh642.5 million for crop diversification. These allocations aim to stimulate job creation, especially for youth, through enhanced agricultural production supported by small-scale irrigation and subsidised fertiliser.

Agriculture contributes up to 30 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employs 40 per cent of the population. Over 6.5 million farmers received 12.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser this planting season, boosting food production.

MSMEs received a boost with Sh5 billion allocated to the Hustler Fund to scale up access to credit for business growth. Prof Ndung’u said the money would offer affordable credit to Kenyans at the bottom of the pyramid, with an additional Sh200 million for the Youth Fund and Sh1.9 billion for the Rural Kenya Financial Inclusion Facility, targeting youths in rural areas. Since its inception in 2022, the Hustler Fund has provided over Sh45 billion in loans to 20 million Kenyans.

The government’s commitment to addressing the housing challenge and creating quality jobs for youth in the construction sector and building products production is evident in the Budget. Sh92.1 billion was allocated for Housing, Urban Development, and Public Works, aiming to deliver 200,000 houses per year and enable low-cost housing mortgages. Affordable housing projects have created 120,000 jobs for youth, according to President William Ruto.

The health sector received Sh127 billion to promote access to quality and affordable healthcare through the Universal Health Coverage Programme. The funds will support initiatives to reduce HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis cases, enhance vaccine and immunisation programmes, manage cancer, and build and equip hospitals. The Ministry of Health will begin mass registration for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) on 1 July 2024 to improve healthcare access.

The government also seeks to ramp up investment in the ICT sector, allocating Sh16.3 billion for the Last Mile County Connectivity Network, building the digital superhighway, and establishing the Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology at Konza Technopolis.

In the past two years, the government has boosted job creation in the sector by providing free WiFi spots, training over 350,000 youths in digital skills to access digital opportunities, and setting up more than 85 digital hubs
across the country.