tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52025338713615715492024-03-18T20:44:01.523-07:00Thika Town Today - 3TTelling the Thika Story as it is.Thika Town Todayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11894650508337879538noreply@blogger.comBlogger3368125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-15043794689957151492024-02-15T01:24:00.000-08:002024-02-15T01:24:56.054-08:00Charlene Ruto leads MKU students and staff in blood donation <p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpHhQR7wz0W3t2DYKnk0tGH16Tiwm7pzteNAEIrGgbMhiz1WPOrpmnlctuATndM9ayDM1UapYGHI1_s_F7cUv_zxqpOhV6-vmJy-pAcMBXrdMeoY_XawSwrc1gNkBkhNHmvOv2Tr3kditFpH6PJpWthIRMNNbTAS46VSCh4gOoey8tF_Qo-tmOTeJ99I/s4496/53529089419_b0c62ae5e3_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4496" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpHhQR7wz0W3t2DYKnk0tGH16Tiwm7pzteNAEIrGgbMhiz1WPOrpmnlctuATndM9ayDM1UapYGHI1_s_F7cUv_zxqpOhV6-vmJy-pAcMBXrdMeoY_XawSwrc1gNkBkhNHmvOv2Tr3kditFpH6PJpWthIRMNNbTAS46VSCh4gOoey8tF_Qo-tmOTeJ99I/w640-h428/53529089419_b0c62ae5e3_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hundreds of students and staff donated blood as the
government launched this year’s National Blood Donation Drive at the Mount
Kenya University (MKU) main campus in Thika town.<span> </span></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">It was a beehive of activity at the Mwai Kibaki
Convention Centre in the university campus as the entire college fraternity
converged to donate blood after an appeal by the university management and
student leaders led by MKU’s medical students. Spearheading the event was Charlene
Ruto, Kenya’s Blood Ambassador. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span> </span>“We need to
donate blood for our mothers and patients in our hospitals. We are going to go
to the universities, high schools and different institutions because as young
people, we should donate blood. Later this week, we will visit the JKUAT
university,” she said at MKU. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The First Daughter was recently unveiled by Health
Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha as a Blood Ambassador alongside three other
blood ambassadors namely Kennedy Sanya, the highest blood donor in Kenya, Aisha
Daffalla, Kenya’s Top Female Blood Donor and Caroline Wang’amati, Coalition of
Blood for Africa team lead.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Gracing the occasion at Thika was the Chief
Executive Secretary, Ministry of Health, Liti Wambu, the Kiambu County
Executive Committee Member, Health Services, Kiambu County, Dr Elias Maina, and
the Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Blood Transfusion and Transplant Services
(KBTTS), Dr Wakwabubi. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Welcoming guests to the university,</span> <span style="line-height: 107%;">MKU
vice-chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, applauded the Kenya Blood Transfusion
and Transplant Services (KBTTS) for choosing the university as a preferred
partner of choice in launching of the 2024 Blood Transfusion Drive.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The VC said the Kenya Vision 2030 puts Universal
Health Care as a key pillar towards which both the national and county governments
have devoted a lot of resources to ensure it is adequately funded for the good
of all Kenyans.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“In support of the
national and global needs on healthcare, MKU has invested and continues to
invest heavily through its programmes that train personnel in healthcare to
serve this nation and beyond,” he added.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Prof Jaganyi said<span>
</span>the institution supports this need through teaching, research and
community engagement.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“This is offered
through the College of Health Sciences which is comprises of five Schools; <span> </span>Medical, Pharmacy, Clinical Sciences, Nursing and
the School of Public Health,” he said. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The event was organised in conjunction with students
unions, especially the students within the College of Health Sciences and the
student the entire student community at MKU.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“I congratulate our students and
staff for the sterling role they are playing by this event,” he said.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Thanking the distinguished guests and all
participants in the exercise, Dr Vincent Gaitho, Chairman of the University
Council<span> </span>said MKU is now a role model for
Public-Private<span> </span>Partnerships (PPP).</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“This
event is taking place here on the PPP model;<span>
</span>It<span> </span>has brought in the national
government and county governments and various private sector players including
MKU as the host and a key support of the exercise,” he said.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">In 2013, the institution had signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with Thika Level 5 Hospital, courtesy of the Kiambu County
Government for the promotion of universal health care through joint
professional and academic engagements.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“Ever since, the Public-Private Partnership spirit at MKU has grown from
strength to strength and had led to immense benefits to the local communities
but also to both institutions,”<span> </span>he
added. </span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Dr Gaitho said MKU has become an international
destination in medical services<span> </span>as well
as a Centre of Excellence in Medical and Health Training and Research where a
number of partners have joined hands with the college’s scholars and
researchers to contribute to the national and international needs in
health-care.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“For example, the Centre of Malaria Control within
the Institute of Tropical Medicine were launched both launched here at Thika
Campus courtesy of the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).<span> </span>This state-of-art centre was made possible
through Interdisciplinary Research for Integrated Community-Directed Strategy
for Sustainable Freedom from Malaria, and is a Sh450 million project. Out of
this, Sh300 million is allocated for joint activities in Kenya and Sh150
million for joint activities in Japan,” he said.<span> </span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">The chairman of the University Council<span> </span>invited researchers to visit the Thika campus
and make use of the Malaria Centre where research on malaria vectors and parasites
can be done up to the DNA levels.</span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“Our doors are widely open to all
partners.<span> </span>All stakeholders here<span> </span>should formalize linkages follow with our
vice-chancellor’s office<span> </span>so that we can
work together in provision of the much-needed health care for the greater good
of our communities,” said<span> </span>Dr Gaitho.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-35600530975584663432024-02-11T18:51:00.000-08:002024-02-11T18:51:43.668-08:00 Government Challenged to offer institutions of higher learning some incentives for research<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskNZSeRGRgO5HJ4DLBOuomO30JzczVTxgYrgpoihlCR7nqfaJjQuFpWanv9tpDtJRkxWrsebWZdK8UTX51XGsul9hiW4XB31IDlIe8N1Ba5I314g69lGSME-eZnIf-03t1s123LGR8ACWDsxg1lyq5jBAD7wK8TeuCCykenWorUX-xBXmpTkUvIj69qI/s1280/0000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="1280" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjskNZSeRGRgO5HJ4DLBOuomO30JzczVTxgYrgpoihlCR7nqfaJjQuFpWanv9tpDtJRkxWrsebWZdK8UTX51XGsul9hiW4XB31IDlIe8N1Ba5I314g69lGSME-eZnIf-03t1s123LGR8ACWDsxg1lyq5jBAD7wK8TeuCCykenWorUX-xBXmpTkUvIj69qI/w640-h428/0000.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />The government has been urged to introduce incentives to research for training institutions if Kenya is to achieve global competitiveness in innovation and creativity. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaking during the Nairobi Education and Career Fare at the Sarit Center, Mount Kenya University (MKU) Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vincent Gaitho said that globalisation demanded investment in education and skills development so to make an impact and stay afloat. He noted that research and innovation was key in bolstering a country's economy, hence the need for introduction of incentives in the field.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The forum was jointly organised by Express Communication Limited and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"Investment in education and skills' development are key drivers of economic growth and global competition. The proficiencies we acquire through training impart and improve labour productivity and competitiveness," said Dr. Gaitho.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While emphasising on Kenya's Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) education programme and the need to improve education policies, the professor said noted that this played a pivotal role in determining a nation's global competitiveness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">"In an increasingly inter-connected and -driven world, countries must equip their citizens with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in a highly competitive global economy," Dr Gaitho stated.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Meanwhile, 40 students from MKU Parklands Law Campus have taken part in a recent regional moot court competition held in Rwanda where they showcased their legal prowess and emerged victorious. MKU school of Law has also participated at the Manfred Lachs International space law moot court competition held in Pretoria, South Africa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In order to boost to students’ welfare initiatives, the campus increased its fleet of buses to address the pressing need for reliable transportation in support of various academic and extracurricular activities. The bus will play a crucial role in facilitating student participation in prestigious events such as moot court competitions, where the campus has demonstrated remarkable success.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Moreover, the bus will efficiently enable student clubs like Red Cross, Wakili wa Watoto, and KMUN to engage in legal clinics, community service and advocacy efforts.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">During the handing over ceremony, Ms. Judy Ngayu, Associate Dean of Students, commended the University administration for their foresight in prioritizing student welfare. She emphasised the transformative impact the bus would have on student life, allowing for greater access to academic resources and extracurricular opportunities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Ms. Ngayu expressed her gratitude to the university management for their unwavering support and commitment to enhancing the student experience at MKU Parklands Law Campus.</span></p><div><br /></div>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-42466215197354755212024-02-02T04:01:00.000-08:002024-02-02T04:01:20.024-08:00MKU emerges among the top 10 universities in Kenya<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H-CEtFrOzJnHt1V-lWsclj1COsedyvcc1StPEyY5GEqJx4uwfIW2k0eiQ2mvCdoX5WKUECDkzNy4X7pDHM2Lutd5NxsyTmphuOAzLPQP_rSnVt77FaAuw2kfcZbA4JMjnDKbM74Cer6csH__qtZgOPAe4n38onCQURsdDH6H3ZTh3J8NF_r6gWx9hPA/s1280/000000.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-H-CEtFrOzJnHt1V-lWsclj1COsedyvcc1StPEyY5GEqJx4uwfIW2k0eiQ2mvCdoX5WKUECDkzNy4X7pDHM2Lutd5NxsyTmphuOAzLPQP_rSnVt77FaAuw2kfcZbA4JMjnDKbM74Cer6csH__qtZgOPAe4n38onCQURsdDH6H3ZTh3J8NF_r6gWx9hPA/w640-h360/000000.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />Mount Kenya University (MKU) has been ranked among the top 10 best universities and the second best private university in Kenya.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">In Africa, the institution has been ranked at position 258 out of more than 2,000 universities after improving from position 16 to 10 out of 124 institutions in the Kenyan ranking. In the sub-Saharan ranking, MKU has jumped from position 177 to 151 among the 1,393 colleges in the rankings released last week by Webometrics.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Thika-based institution is now rated among the top 16 in continental rankings. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“The ranking is a true reflection of the efforts that the university has put towards enhancing, teaching and learning, research and innovations,” says Prof Deogratius Jaganyi, MKU Vice-Chancellor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“The university organised a research and innovation week last year where staff disseminated their research findings,” he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Overall, the University of Nairobi has retained the top slot in Kenya while Strathmore University is the best private college, according to the latest Webometrics rankings. Other leading institutions in Kenya include Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenyatta University, Egerton, Moi, Maseno, Technical University of Nairobi and Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This year, MKU has also ranked as a top performing institution of higher learning by UNIRANK and EDURANK after improving from position 6,318 to 5,437 out of 32,140 institutions in the world ranking. This put MKU in the top 19 per cent in the global rankings by the two institutions.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-73930032092430186872024-01-14T02:36:00.000-08:002024-01-14T02:36:29.370-08:00Educationists appeal to MPs not to use NG-CDF to pay bursaries for PHD students <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRqJLJEQP4ObejN_QC9Bb7Yk0sHye4KietVDDIolselxQ9Ku9wwbm7kgXyhwAw318DnT-C2Dz_y-MNIcsnOQJN5JKD1UUWZQX6qrU_6bzV5ucjIaW1X7gbCWJoBNw_6J6b0Li-LJTuUwAkvxVtWfyf3d1qJ_bxFpaGa06O-2Fszzn7TO3ZTMHM0NY6As/s6000/IMG_8194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRqJLJEQP4ObejN_QC9Bb7Yk0sHye4KietVDDIolselxQ9Ku9wwbm7kgXyhwAw318DnT-C2Dz_y-MNIcsnOQJN5JKD1UUWZQX6qrU_6bzV5ucjIaW1X7gbCWJoBNw_6J6b0Li-LJTuUwAkvxVtWfyf3d1qJ_bxFpaGa06O-2Fszzn7TO3ZTMHM0NY6As/w640-h426/IMG_8194.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Dr. Vincent Gaitho,MKU Council Chairman</b></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />A panel of education experts has castigated the misuse of
the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) by some
politicians who issue bursaries to PHD and Masters students studying in local and
foreign universities.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">They say that the fund should instead be used to build
infrastructure for basic education and development projects geared towards
creating employment in the constituencies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“It’s unfair for someone studying for a Master’s degree to
get CDF funding; it’s immoral,’’ said Maliba Arnold Nyajayi, the Strategic
Communication Advisor.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">According to Dr. Vincent Gaitho, Kenya's National Association
of Private Universities Secretary General, CDF is important to very many
students across the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Poverty in Kenya is on the rise due to global climate
change, which is marginalising more families and the depreciation of Kenya
shilling. Any money for education sector is welcome. Thousands of students
benefit from CDF bursaries” he said. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dr. Gaitho noted, the issuance of bursaries from the CDF
kitty was being used by MPs to boost their popularity in the constituencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“It’s a popularity contest between MPs where thousands of
people are invited to the various forums where the cheques are issued,” he
said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dr Gaitho, who is also the chairman of the university
council at Mount Kenya University (MKU), called on MPs to focus on investing
CDF in specific development projects in their local areas. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Each constituency is unique. Area MPs should have projects
that will put money in the pockets if their constituents. For instance, our
farmers have too much waste after every harvest - milk, maize, vegetables. The
mangoes season is coming and local markets will soon be flooded with mangoes.
We need to reduce this waste,” he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dr. Gaitho recommended that a bill be introduced in
Parliament to authorise bursary funds to become revolving funds.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Those who benefit from bursaries should pay back. Let’s
make it sustainable through a revolving fund since we are developing human
capital that eventually should become useful to the country,” he added.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-38976586002699516122023-12-22T06:19:00.000-08:002023-12-22T06:19:25.299-08:00MKU wraps up the year as Kenya's universities sports champion<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZmg2il9HuwQjkWPz9jl_jWQGw1Vg0OVn-CTgonnB6KiRgHVylne691AihZ_0Vpl7z50Uxzb6UKkxx6tLzqyvLMLXi6kn1GxhaKE58TIZOrAP7XHnxDawVjaFAU8GND-G05msYh90G71GnoFzNWzU-99yoZpe40dFY6JYwUImbY5jAmOXvRc_PfaCzyw/s6720/MKU%20SPORTS%20MEN%20CAPTAINS%202V1A8752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4480" data-original-width="6720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaZmg2il9HuwQjkWPz9jl_jWQGw1Vg0OVn-CTgonnB6KiRgHVylne691AihZ_0Vpl7z50Uxzb6UKkxx6tLzqyvLMLXi6kn1GxhaKE58TIZOrAP7XHnxDawVjaFAU8GND-G05msYh90G71GnoFzNWzU-99yoZpe40dFY6JYwUImbY5jAmOXvRc_PfaCzyw/w640-h426/MKU%20SPORTS%20MEN%20CAPTAINS%202V1A8752.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />It was Christmas come early at Mount Kenya University (MKU) campuses this week as thousands of students celebrated their sports teams who walked away with nearly all major prizes at the just concluded Kenya University Games Kenya Universities Sports Federations (KUSF) games. The event was held at the University of Nairobi between December 16 to December 22nd.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The institution won the best university women overall award, top men’s team award and the best overall prize. It bagged 30 gold, 13 silver and 19 bronze medals, a total of 62 medals that enabled it beat 15 other universities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Strathmore University was runners up with 17 gold, eight silver and five bronze (30 medals while hosts University of Nairobi came third with 54 medals (15 gold, 11 silver, 28 bronze). They were followed by Maseno (33 medals) and Masinde Muliro (21 medals). Mr. William Luta, MKU’s Sports and Creative Arts Coordinator, was elated by the results. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“I am proud of this young sportsmen men and women, this achievement has been solemnly gained through hard work in training, consistency, team work, and most importantly by God’s grace. As a university, we are determined to ensure our students are trained, facilitated and exposed in matters talent,” he added.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Luta said the win was no mean achievement as the university faced off serious competition from other competing colleges, among them Strathmore and University of Nairobi. “Our strategy of picking a few teams to represent the University in specific sports unlike our competitors that went all out to field teams in all sports worked out in our favour. We did the vetting and selected teams to represent us in September, after which we put up a very tight preparation and training schedule including weekend road runs,” he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Kenya Universities Sports Federations (KUSF), in conjunction with the University of Nairobi, had organized the 9th Inter University Games at the main campus in Nairobi. The games were held under the theme; "Promoting Academic Excellence through Sports".</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The event, commonly known as KUSF National is a multi-sport university sport event, is organised in December of every odd year (on a two years cycle) and was held from 16th to 22nd December 2023. Athletes from degree awarding institutions, who are pursuing at least a full time recognised one year academic course, competing in 21 men and women sports disciplines. These include; football, basketball, volleyball, hockey, netball, athletics, swimming, karate, softball, frisbee, taekwondo, chess, badminton, scrabble, darts, table tennis, tennis, rugby 7s, basketball 3x3, swimming, floorball, baseball five, woodball, roll ball, demonstration sport (kabaddi).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Mt Kenya University founder and chairman Board of Directors Prof Simon Gicharu recently urged students of institutions of higher learning to take advantage of e-sports to enhance problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. He pointed out electronic sports or gaming have several advantages over physical sports in that they are open to all regardless of physical abilities or background.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“The e-sports also open up career opportunities in game development, event management and broadcasting,” said Gicharu during a launch of electronic sports (e-sports) at Mt Kigali University in Rwanda branch.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">During a graduation ceremony held in Thika town on December 8, where more than 5,700 students graduated, Vice-Chancellor Prof Deogratius said the university has strengthened the Staff Fitness Centre and various staff wellness initiatives.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The VC said students enabled differently also participate in co-curricular activities. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“During the year, eleven of our visually impaired students participated in a charity event of climbing Mt. Longonot; this event was organized by the Kenya Society for the Blind,” he added.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-87903361662879182922023-12-09T08:45:00.000-08:002023-12-09T08:46:22.112-08:00MKU to host the first CAREED International Conference outside the UWS of Scotland<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESrcR7H5mhAl2XV8Q1egwGLQ7t5LOSo0JcV3gKlmMoZbb-93xlGzuXS0Gha9NA0jfGZorUK2V9SL77zsG3M-Bjz9FS5CuJ4xfgL8Oh_VZd9YPUFhoZKTIJepWwCvSRUlKdaG6LIVBKlwBTuPi7NNWB14kzlQ3XX9g2jUdIgeHRrSnMdo2oZ43kHu3gNg/s3707/MIF_1229.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2271" data-original-width="3707" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiESrcR7H5mhAl2XV8Q1egwGLQ7t5LOSo0JcV3gKlmMoZbb-93xlGzuXS0Gha9NA0jfGZorUK2V9SL77zsG3M-Bjz9FS5CuJ4xfgL8Oh_VZd9YPUFhoZKTIJepWwCvSRUlKdaG6LIVBKlwBTuPi7NNWB14kzlQ3XX9g2jUdIgeHRrSnMdo2oZ43kHu3gNg/w640-h392/MIF_1229.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-size: medium;">MKU Vice Chancellor Prof Deogratius Jaganyi (left) MKU chancellor Prof John Struthers, council member Jonah Aiyabei, Principal Secretary for Industry at the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Dr Juma Mukhwana and University Council Chairman, Dr Vincent Gaitho {right} during the institution's 24th graduation ceremony held at Graduation Pavillion in Thika town where more than 5,700 graduands were awarded with various degrees, diplomas and certificates. </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Mount Kenya University (MKU) will in July next year host the 8th International Conference of the Center for African Research on Enterprise and Economic Development (CAREED) in Thika. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This was revealed by MKU chancellor Prof. John Struthers during the 24th Graduation ceremony held on Friday Dec. 8th 2023. While terming this as significant milestone in the history of CAREED, Prof. Struthers said that will be the first time that CAREED will host its conference outside University of the West (UWS) of Scotland and more significantly in Africa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Other international partnerships ongoing include the Erasmus Plus sponsorship with the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, Slovakia, in Europe, which was unveiled through the first visit of three MKU members of staff. A reciprocal visit to MKU is expected to take place in January 2024.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The chancellor said the MKU Kwinta partnership is also being implemented at the college’s Botanic Garden, through mass propagation of commercially viable medicinal plants, conservation of endangered plants species, supporting the Presidential Initiative of growing of 15 billion trees between 2022 and 2032.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">An initiative towards scholarship support of the needy and bright students has also been enhanced through the new partnership with the Ugandan Based organisation called Mercy Beyond Borders. “Several new initiatives with a number of UK universities on SDGs promotion, Medical School support, environmental conservation, and research and capacity development are under way,” said the Chancellor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“As scholars, we strive to serve the community to the best of our capacities through our core mandates of teaching, research and community engagement,” Prof Struthers said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">On his part, MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi said institution had remained resilient and continued to strive in enrolling students for various academic programmes and offering quality education. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“Pursuant to compliance with the Commission for University Education (CHE) quality standards, MKU has continued to position itself as a premier institution of higher education. Recently, the Commission inspected Embu, Machakos and Malindi Regional ODEL Centres and the Centres have complied with the CUE standards threshold,” he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The VC added that the Postgraduate Center in Nairobi Campus had been enhanced to support postgraduate students. The varsity has also introduced three new programmes: Master of Pharmacy in Cosmetic Technology, Master of Pharmacy in Industrial Pharmacy, and Master of Science in Industrial Pharmacognosy and Traditional Medicine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The Chief guest at the graduation ceremony Dr. Juma Mukhwana, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Industry in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry noted that the Small-Scale industries played a critical role Kenya’s economic development by employing 14.1 million persons, representing about 93% of the national workforce. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“This sector contributes 24% to the GDP. I appreciate this university for equipping young people with the right skills, knowledge, and activities to play in our market and at the international level,” he noted.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Dr. Mukhwana said that the government will continue to promote partnerships between SMEs, academia, and the private sector in skill development, promoting development of new technologies, and creating policies that encourage research and innovation in the country. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“This collaboration was manifested during the Covid-19 pandemic period; during which many innovations were developed and deployed into the market,” he noted.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The PS decried the many challenges bedeviling the linkages between learning institutions and SMEs, such as minimal absorption of new technologies by SMEs, inappropriate skill critical to their growth, commercialization of innovative technologies; and a low appreciation of science and its contribution to the economy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">He said Small-scale industries, often the backbone of many economies, play a vital role in generating employment, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to local value addition and employment creation. This is where the synergy between higher education and small-scale industries becomes pivotal.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Collaborative efforts, such as research partnerships, technology transfer, mentorship programs, and internships, can facilitate the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources. Such linkages empower small-scale industries with the latest advancements in technology, managerial skills, and market insights, thus enhancing their productivity and competitiveness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“MKU’s support to the students and researchers has led to the development of research-oriented projects that have continued to transform lives. This support has led to development of several innovations that have been internationally acknowledged and awarded; and which have been instrumental in supporting the establishment of small-scale industrial start-ups,” he said.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-9671831716940973412023-12-08T01:37:00.000-08:002023-12-08T02:07:54.783-08:00Akothe, Karondo among the 5,763 graduates at MKU’s 24th Graduation Ceremony<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9asGd6keJLRAh36bVdtaW0XDeEo4s2x5O9Vi7L3mN4QNcua-8rrDdGjhUCOprqCDXRVNnDrbIynIkGKb6kSHjORB7SNGKcbfn7ZoJjSDXjh2z1kfe8KCIQy7DaRkGr_6Mk0MA7BLQFaM4zTP60BNFSIkvSasPqL5E2OzmPIOBJti2ZHhaQAkQa7X6v_4/s1774/000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1774" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9asGd6keJLRAh36bVdtaW0XDeEo4s2x5O9Vi7L3mN4QNcua-8rrDdGjhUCOprqCDXRVNnDrbIynIkGKb6kSHjORB7SNGKcbfn7ZoJjSDXjh2z1kfe8KCIQy7DaRkGr_6Mk0MA7BLQFaM4zTP60BNFSIkvSasPqL5E2OzmPIOBJti2ZHhaQAkQa7X6v_4/w640-h390/000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />Celebrated singer Esther Akoth Kokeyo aka “Madam
Boss” Akothee, was among the 5,763 graduants who were on Friday December 8, 2023
conferred with various degrees, Diplomas and Certificates at the Mount Kenya University
(MKU) 24<sup>th</sup> Graduation Ceremony held at the MKU Pavilion Grounds in
Thika. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Akothe, who is a mother of 5, graduated with Bachelor of Business
Management (BBM).</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In a candid TikTok live session on December 7, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Akothee, known for her vibrant personality and successful businesses, revealed the challenges she faced during her degree pursuit. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><div>The singer explained how she invested in others' education, only to be met with ingratitude as some claimed superiority over her.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I wasn't able to achieve the things I wanted to achieve before I turned 40. People are wondering why I am publicizing this graduation so much.</div><div><br /></div><div>"It is because even the people I educated when I had nothing, when I was a nobody when I paid their fees with the little I had, came back later and told me they were better than me. Look at this one with no education," she said.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Despite her excitement, she opened up about the difficulties and the profound reasons behind the importance of this degree to her.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reflecting on her past, Akothee expressed a sense of hurt stemming from those she supported in their education endeavors.</div><div><br /></div><div>She shared, "When I look back, it's kind of like I stopped my life for everyone. I wanted everybody to be on my level."<br /><br />MKU Foundation is working in partnership with several organisations including Akothe Foundation to enhance educational access in various parts of the country.</div></div></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Others who graduated include Charles Kamau Karondo, the
Chairman of Athi Water Development Agency who graduated with Master of Business
Administration specialising with Human Resource Management. Karondo is currently
the youngest chair of a government parastatal in the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Also graduating was Mike Gitone, the Principal Public Communication
Assistant at the Office of the President who graduated with Bachelor of Arts
Communication International Relations. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Another notable graduant was Kajiado
West MP George Risa Sunkuyia.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">During the function, Principal Secretary, State Department for
Industry, Ministry of Trade and Industry Dr. Juma Mukhwana who was the chief
guest, challenged Kenyans to invest in small cortege industries in the
backyards of their homes from where they would convert raw materials into
finished products that can then be sold in the market.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">“There is no country that has prospered by consuming other
people’s products. Every time we import products from another country, we
export jobs. The time has come for Kenyans to learn to consume what is made in
Kenya. That is the only way that we can grow this country. That way, we shall
enlarge the national cake, cut the high cost of living and grow the prosperity
of our country,” explained the PS.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">He challenged the graduates to walk into the world with an
open mind so that they could unleash the best of their creativity to make the
better ideals to come out true for the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">MKU VC Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi said that in the current
semester/trimester of Sep-Dec 2023, the university registered a total of 58,588
students. This is the highest student enrolment the university has ever had.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span>The VC added that the Commission for University Education had inspected MKU's Embu, Machakos, and Malindi regional </span><span style="background-color: white; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Open Distance and e-Learning (ODEL) centers and confirmed that they have complied with standards.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: arial; white-space-collapse: preserve;">On his part, Chancellor Prof. John Struthers said that the university r</span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">ecently signed an MoU with University of the West of Scotland in joint research and other areas of partnership.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">In absentia, the university also took the opportunity to wish their founder and Chairman Prof. Simon N. Gicharu a happy 59</span><sup>th</sup><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"> birthday. Gicharu is currently in Rwanda.</span></span></p></div>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-21571787027351688212023-10-16T23:07:00.001-07:002023-10-17T01:00:30.970-07:00 THE ATHI RIVER DEMOLITIONS - MY TAKE<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoC-nhc3fWLcAKcYhz7jfbinFVgkz56uuWlAPhq_7-qZWUhzsQmUmH6KhXc03HgSMi6AJBKRWSbxIlWnHxfLgTe0G8Rb6vdMN2g3ZOzQEdD885PIMUhu9zELrPN3KUvKMgBUmFlP34MMU-SwtqtlWfhhjtLS5DjUz7LXU9DTcHMvMPvLQrr6SxJEKB8Q/s1280/0000000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigoC-nhc3fWLcAKcYhz7jfbinFVgkz56uuWlAPhq_7-qZWUhzsQmUmH6KhXc03HgSMi6AJBKRWSbxIlWnHxfLgTe0G8Rb6vdMN2g3ZOzQEdD885PIMUhu9zELrPN3KUvKMgBUmFlP34MMU-SwtqtlWfhhjtLS5DjUz7LXU9DTcHMvMPvLQrr6SxJEKB8Q/w640-h360/0000000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">By Jaymo Wa Thika</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It hurts so much to see people watch in anguish as their houses are brought down on land owned by East Africa Portland Cement Company (EAPCC).... It's painful and also regrettable.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">But who is to blame? The government? Yes The investors? Yes The Court? No EAPCC? No</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I blame the government, not for the current demolitions, but because, in 2014, it had the power to stop people from putting up structures in the land since it legally belonged to EAPCC. It simply turned a blind eye as people got duped and sunk billions of shillings into an illegal encroachment knowing so well that they were sitting on borrowed time.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I blame the government because, as ignorant investors suffer great loses, the real culprits of this fraud are walking scot-free and enjoying illegally acquired wealth but the government is doing nothing about it. Who will stop another fraudster from doing the same in future if no action is taken against such crimes? No unless the government is the real fraudster.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">I blame the investors for their ignorance (let me not say stupidity).... Ignorance has never and will never be a defense.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In Kenya, a title deed is the ultimate proof of land ownership and legal rights to it. None of them have any. They only have documents issued to them by the fraudulent land investment companies that sold them these plots. Nothing recognisable in law.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Documents dating as far back as 2014 indicate that buyers had been warned against sinking their money into these ill-fated investments. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the month of July 2020, EAPCC in a paid-up newspaper advert, listed several parcels of land in Mavoko sub-county, which it warned the public against buying, stating that it had absolute ownership of the property. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Despite the warnings, many people went ahead to buy these plots and put up houses. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Their biggest mistake? They never did any due diligence. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The first red flag in this project was the price. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When the deal is too good.... Think Twice.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> The cost of buying land there was way too low as compared to the market price of land in that area.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">They should have done a historical analysis of the land.... This can be achieved either from buying a deed plan/ or a block title of the land from the Survey of Kenya or through asking several people living around the neighbouring or the chiefs or even involving the services of a lawyer. This might look tedious, time consuming and expensive, but this will save you from the kind of anguish and losses the people at Mavoko are going through now.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So as much as we would want to pass the blame, the buyers are all to blame. I know there might be a lot of peer pressure and carrot dangling but it's your money and investment you are putting to risk. Take your time. If you lose the opportunity to buy such prime land, well, it wasn't meant to be. Your genuine parcel will just come your way.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Next time you go to buy a piece of land, just do some due diligence. Buying property should never be equated to buying a loaf of bread... This is serious investment. Home ownership should always be meant to give you some peace of mind, not to stress you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Tafakari hayo.</span></p><div><br /></div>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-80038222043698992712023-09-21T23:20:00.003-07:002023-09-21T23:32:39.439-07:00Our slavery mentality, backward education orientation the cause of our unemployment<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2cZ9XhaUa2UvSgXjLVR1Ko8my37DYQR0qsQGRvMxK00h0NZERIqAkqgxA6HTXr0h3CfZ911PSux_FQZyvk8y_WKvvd_L8wa-J2uxljcY4DppPIP8VEAaDMdbcHwWAS83L1YIvhMDIGR3CMw6KnnAxZhnOhqzOsRF8VPJ4b3bpcthDRDlz9r8B1fiSZA/s732/000000.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="419" data-original-width="732" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn2cZ9XhaUa2UvSgXjLVR1Ko8my37DYQR0qsQGRvMxK00h0NZERIqAkqgxA6HTXr0h3CfZ911PSux_FQZyvk8y_WKvvd_L8wa-J2uxljcY4DppPIP8VEAaDMdbcHwWAS83L1YIvhMDIGR3CMw6KnnAxZhnOhqzOsRF8VPJ4b3bpcthDRDlz9r8B1fiSZA/w640-h366/000000.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><br />By Jaymo Wa Thika,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For decades, Kenya has struggled with the serious problem of youth unemployment without any end in sight. This problem can be traced back to the pre-colonial era when the missionaries came to Africa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">During that time, the Mzungu introduced formal education with intent to recruit the native Africans for cheap labour. The education system was designed to prepare the Africans to work for the Wazungus. By and by, Africans were made to believe that people went to school so as to get employed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Remember the popular Kiswahili song "Someni vijana" by Henry Makobi that was released in 1958? The content of the song encouraged learners to study so hard so that that they could secure employment in good white collar jobs. For many years, the song was used as a signature tune in educational programmes in V.O.K.'s (now KBC) TV and radio.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">That was the education orientation then and has always been passed down to generations up to date. Our education system is designed to churn out job seekers rather than job creators. That is why a parent will desperately cough out a bribe of up to Sh. 500,000 to secure a job for their children..... Money that is enough to create a more lucrative venture if well guided.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Parents take their children to school to attain education for employment. There is this notion in the African setup that you can only be successful if you are employed in a big office within government or companies. Those who self-employ themselves are not regarded as achievers thus children get so much discouraged from cutting that route.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">This mindset gave birth to an overly theoretical system of education where learners have to cram for exams to get good grades into the university and eventually into the job market. The result is… very intelligent robots who cannot practically solve any intellectual problem.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">The country attempted to reverse this trend in the 80s when the government introduced the 8-4-4 system of education. However, the system was later plagued with too much politics and opportunism that it eventually ended up churning out examination robots. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">We have recently attempted solving the problem with the introduction of the Competency-based curriculum (CBC) but the system was rushed into our schools without proper logistics and sensitisation, leaving most stakeholders including the teachers mandated with implementing it being more confused.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">It is rather unfortunate that we have gotten accustomed to worrying about millions new job-seekers entering the job market each year, rather than celebrating that a wave of millions new entrepreneurs joining the economy each year. We need a paradigm shift in our education set up to start developing job creators rather than job seekers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">If students only dream to become employees, nothing will happen. This country will become a consuming economy and joblessness will always be our cup of tea. There is a need to make Kenya an employer economy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Tafakari hayo kwa sasa</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-89423459838969324522023-09-21T11:13:00.004-07:002023-09-21T11:13:40.898-07:00 Organisation seeks Pastor Dorcas’s intervention to screen police officers, health workers for mental health<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbA2TKBgM7Tg6Hr8QRaIOVBayU4OsqGdfcmPKEChWpG-1Mg9ACxMu0pTgGzgcfDIn4TbY0Pu2XOqWLx5hTPNPUHwTekPH0hsFfc_mXPE0mJTt_3lUZ_p3hj6yU2CkhOtNQFFdd5n5HJMVqIX8QNSfQaQ3242AKMXrVcBuEJbdzmAGOT9HBgD4mDp4nns/s852/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="852" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbA2TKBgM7Tg6Hr8QRaIOVBayU4OsqGdfcmPKEChWpG-1Mg9ACxMu0pTgGzgcfDIn4TbY0Pu2XOqWLx5hTPNPUHwTekPH0hsFfc_mXPE0mJTt_3lUZ_p3hj6yU2CkhOtNQFFdd5n5HJMVqIX8QNSfQaQ3242AKMXrVcBuEJbdzmAGOT9HBgD4mDp4nns/w640-h358/0.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />A local-based organisation has written an open letter to the second lady Pastor Dr. Dorcas Rigathi, seeking for her support to carry out mental health screening among police officers and health workers whom they says are some of the most affected due to the nature of their work.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Mindful Kenya, a beacon of hope in the realm of mental health, say that they were reaching out to Pastor Dorcas due to her influence and unwavering dedication to the well-being of Kenyans.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“You can be that powerful voice. By advocating for our cause, we can ensure that our frontline heroes receive the mental health support they so desperately need,” they said in their appeal letter.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Our healthcare workers and police force stand on the frontline every day, braving emotional and physical storms to protect our beloved nation. But in their valiant efforts, they too bear the scars of mental trauma. They see pain and suffering daily, confront life-altering decisions, and carry the weight of our nation's safety on their shoulders. Their mental well-being, often neglected, is at significant risk,” they said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">They added that they had devised a system that detected early mental health challenges, ensuring treatment was timely, less painful, and affordable. This was just at a cost of less than Ksh. 100 per month.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“To truly make a difference, we need the support of insurance companies – a formidable challenge without the backing of a powerful voice. Your support not only amplifies the urgency of this initiative but also galvanizes institutions like MAKL (Medical Administrators Kenya Limited) and NHIF to play their part in this transformative journey.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Some of the benefits of their programme include early mental health detection, an improved overall health, enhanced productivity and reduced stigma.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Imagine a Kenya where our protectors are mentally resilient, where they serve without the shadow of untreated trauma looming over them. You, Pastor Dorcas, with your legacy of empowerment and care, can help make this dream a reality,” concludes the letter.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-69218538572166907122023-08-31T10:12:00.002-07:002023-08-31T10:12:28.744-07:00 THIKARIANS NEED TO SHAPE UP OR SHIP OUT<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktLROibjac1ROz8UDYgWEyR4T5eZEzdkOl2o57O-szOA5b-MPjNzWwgC4n0BYkvCXuvwtqxWwWUpEVqQy03yOasRBEDvZpiURCpJlxLPrLTw5Xnsbh49yGQ6hcXoLBLdRLT3ICQy_WQAr3uq9mUPRGxP3sWusdfmunukzMgclEUr7Jac8-pCNmH5e2BM/s2048/00000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhktLROibjac1ROz8UDYgWEyR4T5eZEzdkOl2o57O-szOA5b-MPjNzWwgC4n0BYkvCXuvwtqxWwWUpEVqQy03yOasRBEDvZpiURCpJlxLPrLTw5Xnsbh49yGQ6hcXoLBLdRLT3ICQy_WQAr3uq9mUPRGxP3sWusdfmunukzMgclEUr7Jac8-pCNmH5e2BM/w640-h426/00000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />The other day we posed Thika residents to give reasons why they thought the town was losing its vibe as a business hub to smaller towns in the periphery and these were some of their responses…</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">1. Business premises (shops/stalls) are very expensive … Rents are overrated</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2. The cost of running businesses in Thika is very high due to the general administrative neglect, punitive county levies and double licensing</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3. Very uncouth county enforcement officers who harass traders for very flimsy reasons and out to solicit for bribes</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">4. Unregulated hawking and informal business structures and makeshift “hotels” are everywhere within town forcing potential buyers off the set walking pavements and verandas thus keeping them away from shops</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">5. Since hawkers don’t pay any licenses or rent, customers wait for them in the evenings to buy what is sold in regular shops at a lower prices thus killing formal/regular businesses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">6. The town is inaccessible (traffic jams) from all directions especially during the peak hours making it very difficult to get in or out of town for business</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">7. The growth of e-commerce/e-selling has affected many businesses that basically depend on physical sales since many people have opted to buy goods/services online</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">8. The satellite villages that entirely depended on Thika in the yesteryears for most goods and services now get them at their own backyards</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">9. Traders in Thika exaggerate prices (overpricing) forcing many people to source goods/services from Nairobi or elsewhere</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">10. Inadequate parking spaces due to poor planning and infrastructure maintenance thus congesting and chocking the town. Almost every parking space is "Reserved" or serve as a matatu/tuktuk/taxi/bodaboda stage, forcing potential buyers to seek goods/services elsewhere where there is parking</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">11. Poor lighting in very many parts of town exposing traders and customers to cases of insecurity especially in the evenings and at night</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">12. The growing numbers of street children/families in many parts of the town have become a security threat and now turning the town to a gangsters den…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">With these and many more factors, Thika town will continue losing its cutting edge as a business hub and attract less and less business opportunities unless the residents and their leaders rethink about their town planning and organisation.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-12062732659870269002023-08-09T23:00:00.004-07:002023-08-10T03:57:57.594-07:00President Ruto's visit spells good tides as he brings more water and affordable housing projects to Thika <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ51mCme11XU0wAvGtLc9ImWqgBeOhtudMwAuY0YwrtmNQSkwAF59Ju23RBu-Mu3mDy9umxl2gUzBZR6OGbLn4ZaGYylu5eIA1F5My1UYKZ38pZWES28_Hk7rTfNssH1XrQqz_UENI3Gqe3FW8TocLpDUYwJHFbrteyDSt4nNM9KzWFd5JnDQ68NJ0EMg/s1280/0000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ51mCme11XU0wAvGtLc9ImWqgBeOhtudMwAuY0YwrtmNQSkwAF59Ju23RBu-Mu3mDy9umxl2gUzBZR6OGbLn4ZaGYylu5eIA1F5My1UYKZ38pZWES28_Hk7rTfNssH1XrQqz_UENI3Gqe3FW8TocLpDUYwJHFbrteyDSt4nNM9KzWFd5JnDQ68NJ0EMg/w640-h426/0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />President William Ruto has commissioned the Affordable Housing Project in Thika Town that will see the construction of 975 units. The project will see 2,500 youth get a Sh. 125 million tender to supply building materials and labour at the former Government Quarters Grounds.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Earlier in the day, the president led the ground-breaking of the sh. 4.5 billion Karimenu II Dam Water Supply in Ngoingwa. The water treatment plant that has a capacity of 20 million litres a day will serve more than 500,000 people in Ruiru, Juja, Thika, parts of Gatundu and Nairobi.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The deliberate expansion of access to safe water to all Kenyans guarantees them improved health, offers our children an opportunity to unlock their education potential besides driving our country’s economic prosperity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While speaking at the Thika Stadium roundabout, the president said that the government had set aside Sh. 10 billion to put up a special economic zone at the Del Monte land that will employ about 50,000 people.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Area MP Alice Ng’ang’a thanked the president for the Karimenu Dam project and requested his government to ensure residents of Kiandutu and Kiang’ombe got title deeds. She also pleaded with him to upgrade Mukiriti Market.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">(RELATED VIDEO: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YDm3zPIZ-M&t=10s" target="_blank"><i>President Ruto commissions affordable housing, Karimenu Dam II projects in Thika</i></a>)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">She said that she was thrilled to welcome the president noting that his presence marked a remarkable moment as he broke the ground for Karimenu II Dam Water Project and the construction of 975 housing units that will transform lives right here in Thika-Town Constituency.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Access to clean water and safe housing is the foundation of a thriving community, and today's launch is a significant step forward in ensuring a better future for our constituents,” said the MP.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi said that his administration was in the process of putting up 156 modern business stall around Thika Stadium to accommodate the rising numbers of street vendors. He appealed to the president to give Thika an EPZ zone adding that they had already gazetted a hundred acres of land at Del Monte to put up the special economic zone.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The governor added that his government planned to build 50,000 affordable housing units in the municipalities of Lari, Limuru, Kikuyu, Kabete, Kiambu, Githunguri, Gatundu, Juja, Ruiru, Githurai, and Thika in collaboration with the State Department of Housing and Urban Development. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“The team has already agreed to start the project's first phase in Kikuyu, Limuru, Kiambu, and Thika Sub Counties, where the county has already identified land for the purpose,” he said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria promised to construct the EPZ zone in Thika. He stressed that the government remained fully committed to honuoring its pledges to the people of Mt Kenya region and all Kenyans at large in line with the “Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda” (BETA).</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-25471479141063536652023-08-05T02:35:00.003-07:002023-08-05T02:35:39.578-07:00MKU announces a KSh. 80 million gift to past students <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsuagRf64MMqlh7F45Gmpmd8FPiyPnQpL_STy5tF0B-McNo5RagQo9g6LBrcisZbV6KZ6osxgSOdLXwVBAnRc2Z__PquQzhcPsaqivmhujBNITtN8mi2IwtJiCs8CX_jAzd0MdikjlS01kd2cDYKTuCwjcY_nH5YjrHkkJFBxJiKQ8IQ1F-zr3uZVqjs/s1920/0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsuagRf64MMqlh7F45Gmpmd8FPiyPnQpL_STy5tF0B-McNo5RagQo9g6LBrcisZbV6KZ6osxgSOdLXwVBAnRc2Z__PquQzhcPsaqivmhujBNITtN8mi2IwtJiCs8CX_jAzd0MdikjlS01kd2cDYKTuCwjcY_nH5YjrHkkJFBxJiKQ8IQ1F-zr3uZVqjs/w640-h360/0.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Mt Kenya University has waived school fees arrears for over 4,000 students amounting to Ksh. 80 million. The affected students are among those who were allowed to learn during the Covid-19 pandemic and graduated but could not collect their certificates due to fees arrears.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While speaking during the 23rd Graduation ceremony, MKU Founder and Chairman Prof Simon Gicharu said that the university’s gesture was arrived at so as to enable all their students and graduates to “unlock their potential”.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Over 4,000 past students have accumulated storage fees, library arrears, and late return of graduation gowns. In total, the levies amount to about Sh80 million,” Gicharu said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> “True to the university motto Unlocking Infinite Possibilities, we don’t want to be the hindrance towards unlocking the infinite possibilities for you. Therefore, we are extending this waiver and all past students can now come and collect their academic certificates,” he added.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">He welcomed these reforms noting that the overhaul touched on increased productivity in research and innovation, industry linkages and funding for higher education.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">6,108 graduands were conferred with PhDs, master's, degrees, diplomas and certificates. The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan was also conferred with an honorary doctorate of law degree.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Khan was the lead lawyer when President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta were taken to The Hague to answer on the case of the post-election violence of 2007/2008.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In his Honorary Doctorate acceptance speech, Dr. Karim Khan hailed the value of education in the growth and development of humanity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“I encourage all of us to invest tirelessly towards making education accessible and affordable. This will enable us to achieve an equitable society as envisioned by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly Goal No. 10 on Reducing Inequalities of which MKU is the current United Nations Academic Impact Hub,” he said. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Dr. Khan reckoned that climate change theme of the graduation ceremony “resonates very well with the time we are living in.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula who was the chief guest assured private universities the government’s support as it embarks on an ambitious journey to overhaul the education system in the country.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Parliamentary Education Committee Chairman Julius Melly said that the reforms and especially on university education are meant to improve them to international standards.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Thika MP Alice Ng’ang’a urged graduates to spread their wings and tap job opportunities abroad noting that the country has limited job opportunities.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-57559049872329265852023-08-02T21:43:00.007-07:002023-08-02T22:47:49.684-07:00SAY NO TO BURSARIES, Let's rethink our strategies to affordable education<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSINLhAEGpqFTPNquSVDUSNeTEwECVHftWrCPbmvKOzi-AhapBfpGlsLtluRbQLmMJM66IxjId93KX1P8DV-l0Cs1iqZDBhXKstEcsIwJ3i5br0k14tTU-dCX62d9Rm7dJU9jexy8iB1o/s626/2...jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="626" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSINLhAEGpqFTPNquSVDUSNeTEwECVHftWrCPbmvKOzi-AhapBfpGlsLtluRbQLmMJM66IxjId93KX1P8DV-l0Cs1iqZDBhXKstEcsIwJ3i5br0k14tTU-dCX62d9Rm7dJU9jexy8iB1o/w640-h426/2...jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">By Jaymo Wa Thika</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">There is no politician who really loves an independent electorate, one who will never come to them for handouts or for petty assistance. Politicians thrive in deficiency and will always work behind the scenes to ensure that their electorate always have something to cry home about so that they (the politicians) will rush to them as the “saviour”.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">For instance, why would government offer bursaries to poor parents instead of channeling that money directly to learning institutions and ensuring that education is absolutely free or create an entirely government scholarship programme controlled from only one source? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">To put this in a language that you can understand; This is government giving you government money (bursary) to politicians to pay government fees. It doesn’t make sense. It is just like taking your money from your right pocket and depositing it into the left pocket.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the formative stages of Kenya's independence, schools were free. The government used to provide all learners with free textbooks, exercise books and other learning materials directly to schools under the Kenya Schools Equipment Scheme. The schools also received the necessary stationary, teaching and sports equipment from the government under the same scheme.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Most infrastructural developments, repairs and general expenses were also sponsored from government coffers, not withstanding salaries for subordinate staff who were either catered for by the national government, municipal councils or the school sponsors. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However, during the regime change into the second presidency, policies were enacted into law to kill all that..... probably to give those in office an opportunity to dip their hands into the coffers. What followed was too much bureaucracy and confusion thus great opportunities for corruption. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Pundits will tell you that the more money changes hands from one government department to another, the easier it gets for corrupt officials to steal this money as it becomes more difficult to trace where it got lost. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Politicians would prefer the status quo since it benefits them politically. Yes. They would want desperate parents to throng their offices to beg for bursaries so that once given, they will go home doing the “Firirinda” dance in praise of this politician and claiming that, were it not for the politician, their children would not have gone back to school.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">That is dragging our people into mental slavery. Simply infecting our people with this deadly virus known as “Politically Dependency Syndrome”.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">On a different perspective, I also feel that bursaries should be done away with and instead, the government comes up with policies to economically empower its people. Instead of giving these bursaries (which in most cases only benefits those who are "connected"), why doesn't the government empower the citizens and make them economically independent and then ask them to pay for their own school fees? They say, “<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Give</span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;"> a man a </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fish</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;"> and he'll eat for a day. Teach a man to </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">fish</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;">, and he'll eat for a lifetime.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But doing so is working your way to losing out on a massive gullible voting bloc. Politicians thrive from creating desperation among the masses thus bringing up a desperate society that believes politicians are gods and have answers to all their immediate problems. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: helvetica;">That is reason people adore politicians who feed them on handouts and goodies that only last for hours.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you critically analyse the kind of programmes that politicians initiate within their jurisdictions, you will realise that most of them are skewed towards enclosing the beneficiaries into some cocoons who will "merry-go-round" the same economic status forever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Very few politicians work on programmes that completely transform their people into full economic freedom and if they do, these programmes only benefit those very close to them, for obvious reasons, their own political expediency and not for the good of the entire society.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">That is why you will see politicians using a lot of money to offer their people with free water in bowsers instead of drilling a borehole for them or connecting them with the main source of water. That is why you find politicians forming “rescue teams” to offer food donations, hearse services and so on in order to psyche them into always believing that their help would only come from that direction.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All these are schemes to enslave the masses into voting machines. Politicians only <em><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">want</span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;"> to use </span><em style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px;"><span face=""Calibri","sans-serif"" style="font-style: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">people</span></em><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; float: none;"> as tools to serve the achievement of their (politicians) own ends. </span> Politicians </span><span style="background: white;">are there to serve their own interests</span>, not yours. That’s the hard reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white;">Politicians are happy to serve a gullible and ignorant society who easily buys into their mischievous and populist decisions just to get cheap publicity. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span style="background: white;">Critical thinkers who question political mediocrity are branded as enemies and politicians will ensure that such people will never sit near the political table. Politicians feel so comfortable while being surrounded by their “Yes Sir” supporters who will cheer and clap for them even when they are walking naked in public.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">It’s high time Kenyans woke up from this deep slumber and start redefining their own destiny and that of future generations. Luckily, the society is growing younger and more enlightened by the day thanks to the internet and we should never let such opportunities just fly away without taking advantage of them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>Let’s start to seriously vet those we entrust into leadership positions and ensure we only contract those with a vision for the good of the whole society and not just a few. Kumbuka, Msipojipanga, mtaendelea tu kupangwa. </span> </span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-19258287646744206932023-07-17T01:11:00.007-07:002023-07-17T01:11:54.357-07:00 Kenya & Japan launch new Centre for Malaria Elimination at MKU Thika<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgm4uUYPfYdsqN8cayMdfvF0zj-Fzr_bA2GDdcJWSxIiso_t-cX_R8xrpgMbxu1QpLA4fImw0madmmNY-CE3fzgXb8vVukox4UgJMGmkrjTiCi6-JMzzxoSfFjj0kHuLW6XfYKbOvixU-BD1_EanT84uZgOfPtFgj-hPrm4gutJGBbEymo10a_q9h1Ds/s512/000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="512" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgm4uUYPfYdsqN8cayMdfvF0zj-Fzr_bA2GDdcJWSxIiso_t-cX_R8xrpgMbxu1QpLA4fImw0madmmNY-CE3fzgXb8vVukox4UgJMGmkrjTiCi6-JMzzxoSfFjj0kHuLW6XfYKbOvixU-BD1_EanT84uZgOfPtFgj-hPrm4gutJGBbEymo10a_q9h1Ds/w640-h426/000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />The government of Japan, in collaboration with Kenya’s ministries of education and health, have inaugurated a state-of-art malaria research laboratory at Mount Kenya University (MKU)’s main campus in Thika town.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Centre for Malaria Elimination at MKU is part of the Project for Interdisciplinary Research for Integrated Community-Directed Strategy for Sustainable Freedom from Malaria being implemented at MKU in collaboration with Osaka City University and other universities of Japan, the Homa Bay County Government, the Kenya National Government’s ministries of Health and Education as well as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Partners in the project say it aims to evaluate an integrated community-directed strategy for malaria elimination in western Kenya and has achieved significant milestones in the fight against the disease. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The new lab at MKU is being funded by the government of Japan, Japan’s ambassador to Kenya said in Thika on Friday.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMkj6bgOvmf4mXj4pYSYV1BJ5Jn6BVLOVON5riDypgPeW9cT1Bnbct8ggZ-PFw52GXNHeuwDYgTRQy_P19v9YpizU1W6q5xoxode8FsF-VilnpzDupQjE0ihiQcrg11jArRqSfW22I2i9Nu28mc5mavsYhbx2S-L2dERD_wPIhSw31d9m-WPZXoxiPH8/s512/0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="512" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMkj6bgOvmf4mXj4pYSYV1BJ5Jn6BVLOVON5riDypgPeW9cT1Bnbct8ggZ-PFw52GXNHeuwDYgTRQy_P19v9YpizU1W6q5xoxode8FsF-VilnpzDupQjE0ihiQcrg11jArRqSfW22I2i9Nu28mc5mavsYhbx2S-L2dERD_wPIhSw31d9m-WPZXoxiPH8/w640-h426/0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />The overall project has made substantial investments in the fight against malaria. The total project cost is approximately Sh. 450 million, with Sh. 300 million allocated for activities in Kenya and Sh. 150 million for activities in Japan.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Already, a cutting-edge molecular and immunology laboratory has been established at MKU's Thika campus. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The state-of-the-art facility enables advanced research and diagnostics for malaria. Researchers and students from MKU and collaborating Japanese universities, such as Osaka City University, have also benefited from exchange training programmes, enhancing their skills and knowledge in malaria research.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-90869817667062692772023-07-14T03:33:00.000-07:002023-07-14T03:33:10.065-07:00 Maumau veterans plead for compensation, warn of fraudsters taking advantage of poor Maumaus<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyaw1b7yIIOqPSsBoFffYiwk71-H86PZjirmCwWrEitDXyysaWWHCE1QmeeajQyEGPCbU9Z7ii9GkX6_0oUC3pjH22Ox9A0f2OjR-lDO0s299bQDtr7NybNQ-9p1_RdP-hOJbdDvXsL9U4KPRtJCWCC8Lnhg0hEWpC27yjmNx_iSa2kNpXKZ7Qy9BlRw/s1798/0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1798" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyaw1b7yIIOqPSsBoFffYiwk71-H86PZjirmCwWrEitDXyysaWWHCE1QmeeajQyEGPCbU9Z7ii9GkX6_0oUC3pjH22Ox9A0f2OjR-lDO0s299bQDtr7NybNQ-9p1_RdP-hOJbdDvXsL9U4KPRtJCWCC8Lnhg0hEWpC27yjmNx_iSa2kNpXKZ7Qy9BlRw/w640-h384/0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Members of Mau Mau, a militant African Nationalist Independence Movement, now want the government to either compensate the remaining freedom fighters and their siblings or never again mention their names.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The freedom fighters took issue with the government for taking them in circles for years whenever they raised the issue of compensation.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Led by Mau Mau veteran Johana Chege, the men and women who fought colonists noted with concern that despite the tribulations they underwent under the rule of the colonial government, the current administration has failed to appreciate their efforts.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Most freedom fighters, they said, are impoverished, many don’t have land and shelter while others have died as a result of ailments under the watch of a government they fought for.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“It is sad that we underwent untold suffering to give Kenya the peace and the freedom it currently enjoys but our efforts have never been appreciated. As we speak most freedom fighters are slaves of poverty, many live in very deplorable conditions while others have even lost hope in life. The government has been promising to do something to appreciate the work we did but they just utter words without implementation,” said Chege.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Speaking in Thika under the Mugumo tree where the independence of the country was prophesied by Mugo Wa Kibiru, a famous Gikuyu healer and Prophet, Chege who was accompanied by other Mau Mau members urged the government to bring to a closure, the compensation issue which has caused them a lot of pain.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Whenever we see genuine fighters of Kenya's freedom suffering as people who never participated in the fight enjoy a good life, we feel devastated. The government has for many years been hoodwinked by people masquerading as freedom fighters and who enjoy the sweat and the blood, we shed to make this country what it is,” added Chege.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The elderly and frail men and women urged President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua to give them a listening ear to explain their predicament for a solution insisting they fought the bloody war with other generals such as Dedan Kimathi.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">They made the plea in the wake of revelations that a section of ingenuine people camouflaging as Mau Mau fighters have been demanding funds from Kenyans to enlist them to benefit from the government’s compensation.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“It’s a pity that the government is allowing conmen to go around the county soliciting money from the few remaining mau-mau members, cheating them of a registration fee so that they can qualify to benefit from the compensation. The conmen are demanding up to 60,000 shillings from the poor freedom fighters,” Rose Gicharu, another Mau Mau veteran said.</span></span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-61780786578249637072023-06-23T23:11:00.003-07:002023-06-23T23:20:08.499-07:00 Thika West gets new DCC as CS Kindiki announces 204 transfers of deputy county commissioners<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkNaieuTKVWarVYQtJa_Q6AosHZs7DkhnHs5iL4G4ynTR0JZ4XDHNuTUIr67wEN8cOeTL2RYOUA901Q6rnnOe4fY1ZIH6g-yDoNNmgqEb0AVqSYGZSxLsZqxx7pHpqcy0ZVO5YjQ28oBnoWrg-ygpuhkRwFFZ-DiUu19bByEdO58_0I103irEsKFwiCY/s1920/00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkNaieuTKVWarVYQtJa_Q6AosHZs7DkhnHs5iL4G4ynTR0JZ4XDHNuTUIr67wEN8cOeTL2RYOUA901Q6rnnOe4fY1ZIH6g-yDoNNmgqEb0AVqSYGZSxLsZqxx7pHpqcy0ZVO5YjQ28oBnoWrg-ygpuhkRwFFZ-DiUu19bByEdO58_0I103irEsKFwiCY/w640-h360/00.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Interior CS Kithure Kindiki has announced the reshuffle of 204 Deputy County Commissioners (DCCs) across the country in a press release from the Ministry on Friday. The reshuffle has seen Thika West Sub-County get a new DCC after over three months since former DCC Mbogo Mathioya was promoted to County Commissioner in March this year.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Kirinyaga East DCC James Muiruri Wanyoike now takes over as the new Thika West DCC with Taveta DCC Joseph Mericho Maina taking over from him as the new Kirinyaga East DCC.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Juja DCC Charles Laala Muriithi has been transferred to the capital city of Nairobi as the new Starehe DCC and has been replaced by Mandera East DCC William K. Murindatt. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Ruiru DCC Margaret Wairimu Mbugua has taken over as DCC Gatundu North replacing Julius Mutunga Kavita who has been transferred to Nyali in Mombasa County. Githunguri DCC David Ombolo Juma is now the new Ruiru DCC.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Gatundu South DCC Stanley Ndung’u Kamande has been transferred to Borabu and his place taken over by Nyali DCC Rose Wanjiru Chege.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Other notable transfers in the area include Paul Waweru Mwoca who was the Personal Assistant (PA) to Central Regional Commissioner and has now been transferred to Murang’a County as the PA to the County Commissioner. Luigino Mawira Mungania, PA to North Eastern Regional Commissioner has been transferred to Murang’a South as the new DCC replacing Kenneth Gitonga Murungi who was transferred to Kabete.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Mathira East DCC Peter Ndung'u Gicheha is the new Ithanga DCC in Gatanga Constituency. Trans-Nzoia West DCC Charles Agwata Ocharo has been transferred to Kandara.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-10421295285158545782023-06-17T01:28:00.003-07:002023-06-17T01:28:18.161-07:00Thika’s Broadway Group wins big in this year’s Africa Foods Awards<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinII-3O6cLk9VKokqexL-VWxmrc4BxMqSw_eigNf3QjOv8_BMGoFhbdt3tbKV7xAckTq6vjdisS06bcSDa8BRV-6ItL_F55oOoZMl2Hg4Wkoz5tzskIpE6-s6SZcR3F39JEZb59XPVY4MD3DF26-RS-OBE13HBsQ51YdRLO8Fh5t1nObHjGWAIJOw5/s1600/0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinII-3O6cLk9VKokqexL-VWxmrc4BxMqSw_eigNf3QjOv8_BMGoFhbdt3tbKV7xAckTq6vjdisS06bcSDa8BRV-6ItL_F55oOoZMl2Hg4Wkoz5tzskIpE6-s6SZcR3F39JEZb59XPVY4MD3DF26-RS-OBE13HBsQ51YdRLO8Fh5t1nObHjGWAIJOw5/w640-h640/0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Broadway Bakery, Capwell Industries and Bakex Millers, who form the Broadway Group of Companies, have scooped four trophies in this year’s Africa’s
Most Influential Foods Industries Awards Ceremony that was held at Safari Park Hotel
Nairobi on June 16<sup>th</sup>, 2023.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In the </span><b style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Community Impact Initiatives category, </b><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Broadway Bakery’s <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“Be
Sugar Smart Campaign”</b> was ranked <b>the second
best.</b> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The winner in that category was Homa Bay’s Agri-Nutrition Community Initiative with </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">East Africa Breweries Limited’s (EABL)</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> Water for Life Initiative ranking third.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">new Broadway
Bakery Plant in Thik</b>a was ranked <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">fourth</b>
in the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Projects of the Year category </b>with<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Uganda’s Jesa Farm Dairy the best.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">African Quality
Assurance Centre Laboratory and Nigeria’s New Sorbitol Plant ranked second and
third respectively.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">New Products
of the Year Category</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Soko Nutrigo
</b>of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Capwell Industries</b> emerged <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">12<sup>th</sup>
(twelfth)</b> with <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Ungano Mixed Wheat
Flour </b>of<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> Bakex Millers</b> ranking <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">17<sup>th
</sup>(seventieth). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">East Africa Breweries
Limited’s (EABL) Gordon’s & Tonic and Gordon’s Pink & Tonic emerged top
in this category.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b>Kenya Breweries Ltd</b> emerged <b>the overall Company of The Year winner</b>
followed by National Foods Ltd and Premier FMCG in second and third respectively. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Norda Industries was named the Rising Star African Food Company
of the Year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The winner of the Government Agency of the Year was the
Kenya Dairy Board.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Ngorongo Tea Factory scooped the trophy for Energy Saving/Renewable
Energy Initiative in the Sustainability Initiatives of The Year category.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Africa Food Awards celebrate the people, new product
innovations, sustainability initiatives and leading companies in Africa’s food
industry. They have become sub-Saharan Africa’s most respected food industry
Awards process and ceremony – since the first edition in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Awards have been hosted in Nairobi every year except in
2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic disruptions led to a pause in the celebrations.
They are mainly focused on celebrating individual and team excellence and
achievements by start-ups, big corporates and multinationals operating in
Africa – as the region becomes the next growth and investments frontier.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-49337643386698730322023-06-12T08:19:00.005-07:002023-06-12T08:19:53.573-07:002 suspects arrested in Thika over Ciku Muiruri daughter's kidnapping<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgNpU9hGkw3NGIMT4qP4JKtv4Jo23Ndi-N5mw1EbpyWahJ7KBo8pbV54R48ozW7Fk5GfzkusasEHVeQ6Ku0nRZVbxqmORDatARIHM7oeUfDmsyiv0YaQOVRb4uLYndKIkSfSuRxS-318kbBSKZmbjFwV2t_yfFwXNnQlkOUtuDjGkBG3wmjrpCIeD/s640/0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgNpU9hGkw3NGIMT4qP4JKtv4Jo23Ndi-N5mw1EbpyWahJ7KBo8pbV54R48ozW7Fk5GfzkusasEHVeQ6Ku0nRZVbxqmORDatARIHM7oeUfDmsyiv0YaQOVRb4uLYndKIkSfSuRxS-318kbBSKZmbjFwV2t_yfFwXNnQlkOUtuDjGkBG3wmjrpCIeD/w640-h480/0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Two suspects have been arrested in Thika in connection to
the kidnapping of Erica Njeri Muiruri, the daughter of media personality Ciku
Muiruri, and her friend Shanice Agose .</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The two girls were rescued yesterday (Sunday June 11, 2023) evening<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>at a house in Gatukuyu area of Mang’u in Gatundu
North Constituency, eight days after they were kidnapped at Rhapta Road in
Westlands by a taxi driver.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The two suspects, Timothy Kiragu Ng'ang'a (34) and Samuel
Kipkurui (33) at Ngoingwa area where a cellphone belonging to Erica was found
wrapped in a foil paper. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">After being interrogated, they led detectives to a rented a
single-room house in Gatukuyu where they had kept the victims.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The victims were rescued alive but visibly weak and shaken.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The kidnappers had demanded a Ksh.250,000 ransom from both
parents. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hours after they had been kidnapped, Ciku Muiruri took to
Facebook to share the harrowing story of how her daughter Erica and her friend
Shanice were abducted by a taxi driver.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-82592244975913306612023-05-30T02:59:00.002-07:002023-05-30T02:59:11.526-07:00MKU launches E-sports as universities embrace competitive gaming<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYjeVElLeAswM_ZVbx6rYGAqgb9JqapxvUU-lmjXnUmJrJ2CKw-vFQ2fYoxgrRb8TKHAk3mjbMEBso3QtTZA0PsmOJs5lAzT0ufu7-FK8CCW_qcPeTgZ1YiOYOYQZp0DC9Mo3d6po_Jd7TasM4u_HnWe-2iGCkhGJ4Bp5SPvdZILvLU61GiK4ERbq/s5472/IMG_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqYjeVElLeAswM_ZVbx6rYGAqgb9JqapxvUU-lmjXnUmJrJ2CKw-vFQ2fYoxgrRb8TKHAk3mjbMEBso3QtTZA0PsmOJs5lAzT0ufu7-FK8CCW_qcPeTgZ1YiOYOYQZp0DC9Mo3d6po_Jd7TasM4u_HnWe-2iGCkhGJ4Bp5SPvdZILvLU61GiK4ERbq/w640-h426/IMG_7765.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span><br />Mount Kenya University (MKU) has unveiled a state-of-the-art gaming equipment </span><span>at its Main campus in Thika town in a bid to fast track its students grab a stake in </span><span>the fast rising world of electronic sports (E-sports).</span></span><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The new equipment was officially handed over to students by the Chairman Board </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">of Directors, Prof Simon Gicharu. The launch event showcased the university's </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">commitment to innovation, technology, and the holistic development of students.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“By recognizing the potential of e-sports, universities in Kenya can create an </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">inclusive environment that nurtures talent, empowers students, and prepares them </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">for the ever-evolving digital landscape,” Prof Gicharu said.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">E-sports, the competitive world of video gaming, offers numerous benefits and </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">opportunities for students, universities, and corporates alike. Embracing this </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">growing phenomenon can greatly enrich the educational experience and foster a </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">thriving gaming community.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Consequently, the university’s E-sports management team has commenced a </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">recruitment drive for the upcoming season. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“If you have a burning passion for </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">competitive gaming and want to showcase your skills, this is your chance to </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">shine,” the team said in statement.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The team is actively seeking talented individuals for the games of Tekken, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">NBA2K, and FIFA.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In the traditional sports, MKU emerged Third Best Overall among Kenyan </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">universities and subsequently the eighth best East African institution during the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">12th edition of Eastern Africa Universities games that were held at Ndejje </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">University, Uganda in December 2022. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The event attracted 35 universities across </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Eastern Africa.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">However, the world of e-sports is exploding in Kenya, with an increasing number of </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">young people achieving success in competitive gaming. Although not well known, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">e-sports is gaining momentum — from diverse gaming models, innovative content </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">development and dynamic relationships with the creative economy.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In 2022, Kenya made a debut in the Global E-sports Games held in Istanbul, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Turkey. Eight of Kenya’s best gamers competed against African nations such as </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Djibouti, Libya, Somalia and Namibia, and the world’s </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">best.</span></span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-46102913620563351472023-05-30T02:27:00.007-07:002023-05-30T02:39:19.118-07:00MKU launches E-sports as universities embrace competitive gaming<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZoUz_ItxuKHfopDkHaTypaveGjL5OxHfhamaaDCYAq1ZofcwzU-eiAxPBWqiGLgXrOUCWGMpNo8CXqs2eybQ6i4JjExkSC6GZQckDiwjdLtssLH-WHG3Sa4HA5JYOaL6MD_T6QUObM3-9WGy2orbfCIxq_2oDq5WfvUpZgzF9L4HBX_-GZW_azAE/s5472/IMG_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZoUz_ItxuKHfopDkHaTypaveGjL5OxHfhamaaDCYAq1ZofcwzU-eiAxPBWqiGLgXrOUCWGMpNo8CXqs2eybQ6i4JjExkSC6GZQckDiwjdLtssLH-WHG3Sa4HA5JYOaL6MD_T6QUObM3-9WGy2orbfCIxq_2oDq5WfvUpZgzF9L4HBX_-GZW_azAE/w640-h426/IMG_7765.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Mount Kenya University (MKU) has unveiled a state-of-the-art gaming equipment </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">at its Main campus in Thika town in a bid to fast track its students grab a stake in </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">the fast rising world of electronic sports (E-sports).</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The new equipment was officially handed over to students by the Chairman Board </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">of Directors, Prof Simon Gicharu. The launch event showcased the university's </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">commitment to innovation, technology, and the holistic development of students.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“By recognizing the potential of e-sports, universities in Kenya can create an </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">inclusive environment that nurtures talent, empowers students, and prepares them </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">for the ever-evolving digital landscape,” Prof Gicharu said.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">E-sports, the competitive world of video gaming, offers numerous benefits and </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">opportunities for students, universities, and corporates alike. Embracing this </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">growing phenomenon can greatly enrich the educational experience and foster a </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">thriving gaming community.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Consequently, the university’s E-sports management team has commenced a </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">recruitment drive for the upcoming season. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">“If you have a burning passion for </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">competitive gaming and want to showcase your skills, this is your chance to </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">shine,” the team said in statement.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The team is actively seeking talented individuals for the games of Tekken, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">NBA2K, and FIFA.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">In the traditional sports, MKU emerged Third Best Overall among Kenyan </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">universities and subsequently the eighth best East African institution during the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">12th edition of Eastern Africa Universities games that were held at Ndejje </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">University, Uganda in December 2022. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">The event attracted 35 universities across </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Eastern Africa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">However, the world of e-sports is exploding in Kenya, with an increasing number of </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">young people achieving success in competitive gaming. Although not well known, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">e-sports is gaining momentum — from diverse gaming models, innovative content </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">development and dynamic relationships with the creative economy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">In 2022, Kenya made a debut in the Global E-sports Games held in Istanbul, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Turkey. Eight of Kenya’s best gamers competed against African nations such as </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Ghana, Nigeria, Tunisia, Djibouti, Libya, Somalia and Namibia, and the world’s </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">best.</span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-54096496674449787492023-05-28T08:52:00.004-07:002023-05-28T08:52:47.758-07:00Kiambu County Women Sacco Relaunched<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmTIlldUVsr2Y5xSY3yJkPHt2vb4Jo6cg-rlb7qn1MRf7Kjb47On8dh0Gbj7RaIFg7VoFNCvASFGYH2hXiTGxy6KA5ob3hIs8puc9WomRbFcsYvhsY_b75Cl3JcmSyZw0BP7Ot2VK_fB0JoAOsioJoqRr7kVIQ39-mWbpYJXLRyPwRe57fPDCeQX6/s1600/00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmTIlldUVsr2Y5xSY3yJkPHt2vb4Jo6cg-rlb7qn1MRf7Kjb47On8dh0Gbj7RaIFg7VoFNCvASFGYH2hXiTGxy6KA5ob3hIs8puc9WomRbFcsYvhsY_b75Cl3JcmSyZw0BP7Ot2VK_fB0JoAOsioJoqRr7kVIQ39-mWbpYJXLRyPwRe57fPDCeQX6/w640-h286/00.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Kiambu County Women Sacco (KCWS) has officially been relaunched as
part of its strategic growth plan to empower its members.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Founded in 2014, the Sacco whose headquarters are in Thika Town, seeks to empower members by offering financial solutions and encouraging members
to save.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">While speaking during the re-launch, founder Annah Nyokabi Gathecha said that the Sacco was initially started for
women but has now opened doors for men even though men are not allowed to
exceed 70% of its membership.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“The minimum share capital for a member to join is KES.
5,000 (five thousand). There is a registration fee of a thousand shillings
(KES. 1,000) and a minimum savings of the same amount,” explained Ms. Gathecha. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">She added that for one to qualify for a loan, one had to
make monthly savings for at least six consecutive months.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“You need to save at least KES. 1,000 every month for 6 months to qualify for a loan. We are currently loaning at twice one’s savings.
No security is required since members guarantee each other,” she explained.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">KCWS has over 4,000 members spread across the vast Kiambu
County with membership consisting of a minimum of 10 to 15 members per cluster.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Sacco’s offices are located at Aboo’s Plaza opposite
Shuhan Hotel Thika, along Birmingham Street.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">According to the latest data, Kenya is ranked seventh
worldwide and the best in Africa regarding Sacco development. The cooperative
sub-sector in Kenya controls over KES. 1.5 trillion in assets and KES. 1
trillion in deposits, with a loan book of KES. 980 million. Furthermore, thirty
percent (30%) of the national savings in Kenya come from Saccos.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-28740898381006772922023-05-16T11:46:00.003-07:002023-05-16T11:47:20.244-07:00Visa Oshwal, Capwell Foundation donate wheelchairs to Thika Level 5 Hospital<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtPZamUZ3yESty6DIhAEDF5jmsDTpMxNs1Utyc0WU05we80pXb__cgBXKpF-631BuPdrrWHgv6E-EiqknoG9Ix4FJKaGVl2Dv2kHmZdwHPKeedozEr8AoZwsjfH6HTBz9RROVX1tG4B2PX5WL8iV0GCIQIg4co9WgrCtUJqs3AEdq63hOIl1TOxcX/s1920/00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtPZamUZ3yESty6DIhAEDF5jmsDTpMxNs1Utyc0WU05we80pXb__cgBXKpF-631BuPdrrWHgv6E-EiqknoG9Ix4FJKaGVl2Dv2kHmZdwHPKeedozEr8AoZwsjfH6HTBz9RROVX1tG4B2PX5WL8iV0GCIQIg4co9WgrCtUJqs3AEdq63hOIl1TOxcX/w640-h360/00.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />The management of Thika Level 5 Hospital is looking into
ways to comfortably accommodate the high number of patients visiting the
facility daily, especially in their outpatient department where they attend to
over 1000 patients each day.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">This was revealed by the Medical Superintendent Dr. Waturi Kibuti during an
event to receive 15 wheelchairs donated to the hospital by the Thika Visa
Oshwal Community and Capwell Foundation. Dr. Kabuti said that the hospital was
limited in space and the expansion of the outpatient department was necessary. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">She appealed to partners to join hands with the hospital to develop enough
infrastructures to facilitate proper medical care and treatment and effectively
manage growing numbers of patients.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(RELATED VIDEO: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f0f0f; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://youtu.be/dh_ApkebGIY" target="_blank"><b><i>Thika Level 5 Hospital plea to expand outpatient department</i></b></a></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">The Vice Chairman Thika Visa Oshwal Community Mr. Chetan
Shah said that their gesture was necessitated by the need to improve the lives
of the people around them and they would continue donate to various projects
which touched the lives of people. Recently, Jain Youth League, an affiliate of
the Visa Oshwal Community, donated 10 million shillings to put up an eye unit
at the hospital.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Doreen Wairimu of Capwell Foundation explained some of the
Corporate Social Initiatives they were undertaking to help the society they
served. Such included the uji programme that they fed to over 19,000 school
going children, education sponsorship and the girl-child reusable pads
programme among others.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-15384547119256310552023-05-09T09:57:00.005-07:002023-05-09T12:12:56.171-07:00Kiambu Gov. Wamatangi assents to Sh. 1.2 billion supplementary budget<p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aZXh_MQ2iVdo8C42OrIYwByhST2JQq3F6iFG68cypcgK50EpY6m1egFYxEaQrJyO7MwbaF5N1VL0QD8TMM1jXqFVrTRg7gYxcXdrbnLYTcloj9I2uRh9drtMXPJjyQKat1EYcTxte66Z6OvT3crE1benBde6CQFa1m0hmUL8uqzjhKcCzLWfNWr6/s960/00.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5aZXh_MQ2iVdo8C42OrIYwByhST2JQq3F6iFG68cypcgK50EpY6m1egFYxEaQrJyO7MwbaF5N1VL0QD8TMM1jXqFVrTRg7gYxcXdrbnLYTcloj9I2uRh9drtMXPJjyQKat1EYcTxte66Z6OvT3crE1benBde6CQFa1m0hmUL8uqzjhKcCzLWfNWr6/w640-h426/00.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has today assented to the
County Appropriation Bill, 2023 which authorises his administration to spend a
further Sh. 1.2 billion supplementary budget.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Among the projects to be funded include the construction of
11 new dispensaries, renovation in Thika, Kihara, Tigoni, Igegania, Kigumo,
Nyathuna Level 5 and 4 Hospitals and 11 dispensaries, upgrade of Gachororo and
Karuri hospitals to level four facilities, completion of stalled Bibirioni,
Thogoto, Lari and Wangige hospitals as well as purchase of equipment and
pharmaceuticals and non-pharmaceutical supplies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Sh. 100 million will be spent on a second round of bursary
to needy students to be disbursed next month. Sh. 89 million will be used for the construction of new modern ECDE classrooms, as well as renovating the existing
ones and dilapidated Vocational Training Centers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">A further Sh. 296 Million has been allocated to fund the construction and maintenance of roads and construction of bridges. More
has also been set aside to fund water projects, agriculture, construction of
stadiums, automation of revenue system and hospital management system through
an Enterprise Resource Program (ERP) to enhance efficiency.</span><o:p></o:p></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5202533871361571549.post-60659383147878057602023-04-29T00:26:00.004-07:002023-04-29T00:40:01.142-07:00Thika plans census for street families in rehabilitation plans - MP Alice Ng’ang’a<p><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxgNrsGkaoBQyfZklv9K0rau47lKjp6OusPvh2mZ33zZYgrUp0xqf770rZJ-VQUqBE4zAtc81JWzxK10BpZsv4SpwBC6xS_PvBqEzEfJkKUk0y9gRkIsVCsQpTezW-WsaDMBlSwlyQJRU7ShaAjnIVahBp_Agqxtg_XvmUdllaWOGiSHAbTY5utLs/s699/0.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="699" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxgNrsGkaoBQyfZklv9K0rau47lKjp6OusPvh2mZ33zZYgrUp0xqf770rZJ-VQUqBE4zAtc81JWzxK10BpZsv4SpwBC6xS_PvBqEzEfJkKUk0y9gRkIsVCsQpTezW-WsaDMBlSwlyQJRU7ShaAjnIVahBp_Agqxtg_XvmUdllaWOGiSHAbTY5utLs/w640-h378/0.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a says that <span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">plans were underway to conduct a census of the number of street children within Thika with a view of coming up with rehabilitation and empowerment programmes for the street families.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">Speaking after officially commissioning a new Thika Traffic Police Office and Thika
Industrial Area Police Patrol Base, </span><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">Hon. Alice noted that the numbers of street children within Thika town was growing at a very high rate and if not checked, it will be a menace in future. She appealed to residents and all organs of government to support the initiative as her administration worked on modalities to rehabilitate these kids and make them productive.</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The two facilities were built by Mount Kenya University (MKU) in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the National Police Service and Kiambu County Government.</span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the fourth major development project that MKU has undertaken within Thika. The others include General Kago Road Funeral Home, Thika High School Sporting Complex and the modern Kenya Library Services Complex.</span></span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">(RELATED VIDEO: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0f0f0f; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmDbfqm9j8o" target="_blank"><i>Thika MP commissions new Thika Traffic Police Office and Thika Industrial Area Police Patrol Base</i></a>)</span></span></b></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">Alice challenged companies within Thika to emulate MKU by engaging in PPP activities that will improve the lives of the residents they served as this would also play a big part in improving the business environment in the region.</span><span face="Arial, "sans-serif"" style="background-color: white; color: #0d0d0d;">.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">Kiambu County Police Commander Perminius Kioi promised to
facilitate police service and mobility within the county by providing more
vehicles and enhancing the building of more police posts and stations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">Mount Kenya University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius
Jaganyi hailed the cooperation between the university and the Kiambu County
Government as well as the other arms of government noting that this would
guarantee sustainable security within the area. He added that they were already
working out some programmes with the Thika Women Prisons which will be unveiled
soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">The new Thika <span style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d;">Traffic
Police Office will go a long way in improving traffic related services in the
town. Previously, the department has been operating in a very small room that
made it very difficult to offer good services to the residents.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">On the other hand, the Thika
Industrial Area Police Patrol Base, which is right opposite MKU’s Mwai Kibaki
Convention Centre, is expected to boost security in an area that is largely inhabited
by students from various learning institutions in Thika.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="background: white; color: #0d0d0d; font-size: medium; line-height: 115%;">This is the first police
establishment within Thika’s Hospital Ward and will go a long way in boosting
security in the ward that boasts to host over 80% of Thika’s industries.</span><span face=""Arial","sans-serif"" style="font-size: 11.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Thika Town Today - 3Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09558737283874292552noreply@blogger.com0