NAIROBI CITY MARATHON AN ATTRACTION TO CITY EXPRESS WAY NOW A POPULAR RACE

The third edition of Nairobi city Marathon took place today in a race that seeks to explore the express way in the city a race that saw more than fifteen thousands participants register for the race including 42 kilometers,21 kilometers,10 kilometers and 6 kilometers.

Speaking during the Marathon at Nyayo stadium chairman of the race Barnabas Korir has promised to improve the race in the coming year to accommodate more participants.

The winner of the 42 kilometers took home 3.5 million in the race which saw sports cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and his permanent Secretary Peter Tum participate in the 10 kilometer race,kericho senator and Senate majority leader Aron cheruiyot also participated in the 10 kilometer race and congratulated the winners and those who participated.

The 10 kilometer race saw winner took home 100 thousand,second 60 thousand and third 40 thousand.21 kilometers winners took home 150 thousand and a trophy,second 80 thousand and third 50 thousand.42 kilometers winners 3.5million and a trophy second 2.25million and third position 1.5million.

RESTORE SANITY IN EDUCATION SECTOR NCCK TO GOVERNMENT

NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF NCCK REV. DR.ELIAS AGOLA

Themed Dignified livelihoods, resilient communities the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) the oldest Council of Churches in the world held it's 65th general assembly at Jumuia Conference and country homes in Limuru.

The general assembly is highest governance organ in the NCCK that meets once every three years to elect new officials,this saw Reverend Dr. Elias Agola from presbyterian church elected as the new chairman of NCCK for a period of three years and Bishop Dr. John Okinda of pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa as the vice chair person. The general assembly brought together delegates from member Churches and organizations across the country.

Speaking during the end of the general assembly Secretary General of NCCK Canon Chris Kinyanjui  has called on the Kenyan government to restore sanity in the education sector by addressing confusion surrounding competence Based Education (CBC) which include transition to grade nine , availability of facilities and teachers in public primary schools.

The NCCK has further Called on collapse of all scholarships and bursaries which total to close to hundred billion into a tuition fund to ensure education of free for all and end corruption and wastage of public funds by officials.

There is need to review the proposed University education funding model that makes education a preserve of the rich according to Reverend canon kinyanjui this model should be subjected to public participation to have a structure that benefits all qualified Kenyans.

The general assembly has called on the government not to push school going children to register on the social Health Insurance (SHIF) through a backdoor to the scheme which Kenyans have opposed and don't understand.The churches have demanded withdrawal of the circular issued to regional county directors of education and instead carry out comprehensive public participation.

Among partinent issues discussed in the assembly that need to be addressed by government of Kenya include quick reconstitution of IEBC, independent investigations of extra judicial killings  during the Gen z lead protests and comprehensive address to climate change.

LSK ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMES TO A CLOSE IN KWALE

The four day law society of Kenya annual  conference held in Diani Kwale county that brought all legal fraternity in the country together to discuss new technology of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Law and  navigating the future of Legal practice and peer to peer conference which saw lawyers earn the crucial CPD points has concluded today.

The much hyped  annual gathering also discussed two third gender rule culminated in a major golf tournament today and the society’s annual CSR activity at the Born Again Children’s Home where they supported the Children’s Home with essential supplies and foodstuffs.

The issue of gender rule was also addressed in the women breakfast attended by senior counsel and wiper leader HE stephen Kalonzo Musyoka and SC Martha Karua,Philip Murgor,Fred Ojiambo where it emerged the number of women magistrates has decreased however the number of women lawyers has surpassed that of men in the practice.

The key note address  presented by Pheroze Nowrojee SC at the official opening urged advocates to be champions of good governance and stand up against injustice and oppressive government.The seasoned lawyer also launched his book during the event.

 Prof. Palamagamba Kabudi, Minister for Justice  and Legal Affairs, United Republic of Tanzania highlighted the need for East African member states to unite and work together.

Law society president Faith odhiambo speaking during the conference urged women in power to agitate for more space for other women and embrace the rule of law.

According to several lawyers who attended the  conference, it was used to earn them annual four points with maximum points required for the profession been  five points.

CITY LAWYER FUNDRAISER FOR UNIVERSITY FEES

In a bid to ensure needy and bright students from from poor backgrounds access higher education in the universities,a city lawyer Ishmael Nyaribo is organizing for a fundraiser to cater for first year university fees of atleast seventeen students who qualified for university but lack school fee to pursue their dream courses.

Speaking to journalists in Mombasa after the annual law society conference,Nyaribo said he aims to rise atleast two million with the help of his friends in Kenya and abroad.The fundraiser is set to take place in September first.

According to the city lawyer,this bid will help needy students join university as the government releases Helb funds to assist them continue with their higher education.The lawyer intends to uplift the community and the needy students who qualify for university but lack school fees a love that he will continue in future.

COURT VERDICT ON JOHN CHEBOCHOK IS A a MAJOR VICTORY IN THE FIRST AGAINST GBV

In a decisive and commendable judgment, Hon. Justice Joseph Sergon of the Kericho High Court ruled in favour of the validity of annulment of John Chebochok's election as Director of Tegat Tea Factory. 

This is a major victory in the fight against gender-based violence as Hon. Justice Sergon had earlier barred the approval of Chebochok’s appointment as director until the court declared a final ruling today. 

This decision by the High Court to halt John Chebochok’s confirmation as KTDA Director echoes the Minstry of Agriculture’s earlier move to nullify his election, marking a united front in upholding the principles of justice, integrity, and accountability. It sets a powerful precedent for future governance where both the government and the judiciary have demonstrated a firm commitment to ensuring that leadership in Kenya remains rooted in ethical standards and public trust. This alignment between the court’s ruling and the government’s action underscores a shared dedication to protecting the rights of women and maintaining the high standards of professional ethics that are essential to our nation’s democratic foundation.

“The court’s ruling in support of the annulment of John Chebochok's election as the Director of Toror Tea Factory is a stride towards the preservation of human dignity, especially that of women. Going forward, this will serve as a reference point that positions of power should not be used to sexually assault vulnerable women seeking an honest source of income and livelihood for their families. Persons of questionable character should be barred from heading public offices as this is a threat to the upholding of human rights for all. This is a strong message for all those institutions who were responsible for electing John Chebochok to a seat of power that their actions were reprehensible. ” say Nguvu Change Leaders. 

This decision comes after nearly two months of persistent joint advocacy by civil society organisations who unified to amplify the issue through a series of actions including online petitions launched by Nguvu Change Leaders, social media advocacy, letters and emails to relevant stakeholders in authority, and the historic court motion by 6 organisations under the umbrella of Coalition of Organisations Working on Sexual Violence in Kenya and Crusaders for Human Rights and Public Interest Cases. The relentless campaign by Nguvu Change Leaders was jointly led by Kerry Mwita, Deborah Monari, Synthia Sienwa and Josephine Mwende.

On July 10, Nguvu Change Leaders urged the shareholders of the Tegat Tea Factory in a joint call to make a choice that champions justice and integrity, and to denounce the selection of John Chebochok as the director of Tegat tea factory.

A month later, both the Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Paul Ronoh and the High Court heeded this call, marking a critical step forward in protecting the rights and well-being of women in Kenya’s tea industry.

Ephie Shilla Urges Gen Z to Persist in Holding Public Leaders Accountable

Ephie Shillah, a member of the Kenya Law Society Council/Photo 

The call to action underscored the need for responsible and lawful engagement as the younger generation advocates for transparency and integrity in leadership.

During the annual Law Society Conference held in Diani, Kwale County, Ms. Ephie Shillah, a member of the Kenya Law Society Council, addressed the youth, encouraging them to continue their efforts in holding public leaders accountable. 

Shillah emphasized the importance of adhering to the law and avoiding security breaches while participating in nationwide protests.

NYANZA YOUTH CAUCUS CALL FOR OVERHAUL OF NATIONAL YOUTH COUNCIL IN KENYA

Nyanza youth caucus lead by Loise Atieno the convener has thanked Kenyan President William Ruto on forming a broad based  government which included the opposition key figures.

Addressing  a press conference at the iconic Kenyatta international convention center(KICC) the caucus  has however said that Kenyans require people of integrity to serve them calling bon the president bro disband the National Youth council which they say has been in place without changes for seven years.

Loise Atieno has called for action to fully reorganize youth council saying the current acting CEO is  very old and above 35 years and does not fall in the youth bracket thus need to overhaul the whole council and give jobs to competent youths.The caucus has also demanded for the  appointment of youth director to the president to keep the president abreast in matters youth and ensure the state department of youth affairs is independent a move that will ensure youths and people living with disabilities (PWD) get government tenders.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS CALL FOR REFORMS IN CLIMATE FINANCING

Faith organizations under the banner Act alliance have this morning  in Nairobi called on the Kenyan government to act on climate change issues and ensure climate financing is addresed in a bid to  ensure marginalized communities don't suffer the effects of climate change.

Speaking during a press Bishop Warari has said frequent droughts and floods affect vulnerable in society among them farmers, women, children, marginalized community and people with disability a matter that must be addressed  by increasing funding to mitigate the effects.

The war against climate change must incorporate religious values therefore need for the church to voice it's reservations.The Bishop applauded government efforts,enhance climate resilience and adaptations but the Kenyan debt burden hinder the fight against climate change.

According to the religious leaders the fake fertilizer issued to famers during planting seasons will have huge impact to famers and environment a matter that the government should address.The leaders has issued a joint statement and called for action calling upon leaders to be accountable, ensure climate funds are utilized properly and  livelihoods  protected.marginalized groups, women,children should be priotised in the war to combat climate change.

The leaders have called on all actors to tailor climate change message and data so that it reaches grassroots calling on  reforms in global financing to fund adaptation and mitigation effects saying the current framework lack accountability therefore need to foster collaborations to promote inclusivity.

STATEMENT BY THE INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT AND LEADERSHIP IN AFRICA (IDEA) ON THE GEN Z PROTESTS IN KENYA

MR. DENISE KODHE DIRECTOR GENERAL IDEA

The Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa has called on Human Rights activists, Civil Society organisations, Religious organizations and the media to continue agitating and advocating for the upholding and respect of human rights despite intimidation and harrassment by government state agencies.

According to Mr. Denise Kodhe Director General of IDEA, Kenya Kwanza government  should be reminded that days of dictatorship and intimidation of people and citizens agitating for their rights are long gone,As stated in the 2010 constitution, the government should be reminded that the Bill of Rights in the constitution is clearly stipulated and therefore it has responsibility not only to respect but to ensure that the citizens enjoy the rights without interference or intimidation by the state.

IDEA further castigates the kenyan government  for intimidating human rights crusaders and the media through arrests, abduction and torture for the frontliners agitating for their rights.It is really sad that the state used its security agencies to mercilessly disrupt peaceful protests in the country by citizens especially Gen.Z who were in the streets demanding for the dropping of punitive finance bill 2024/2025.What was witnessed in the country is a state massacre on it's own innocent citizens and more so children and youth.

The constitution of Kenya 2010  article 37 guarantees citizens right to picket and to protest without interference by the state.Police brutality witnessed in Kenya a few days ago which saw nearly forty people especially the youth and children been fell by police bullets through shooting should be condemned by the whole World.

Despite this great loss the government does not seem bothered to the extent that the Cabinet during their meeting at State-House yesterday praised the police for the good work.

There must be resistance to dictatorship and abuse of power by autocratic leaders in Africa for the continent to change.Such leaders should be reminded that intimidation,killings, and abduction of crusaders will not help them and therefore the best thing for them is to reform and understand that leadership is about leading people through proper governance and listening to their voice.

IDEA has called on the media to be allowed to do it work without intimidation, gaging and oppression of freedom of expression and information as enshrined in the 2010 constitution.

NCCK MEETS THE PRESIDENT FOLLOWING FINANCE BILL PROTESTS

Following weeks of anti finance bill protest dubbed occupy parliament which culminated to protesters breaking into parliament the National council of churches of Kenya NCCK meet the president in statehouse Nairobi and urged the president to withdraw the finance bill 2024.

Speaking in Limuru NCCK Secretary General Reverend Chris Kinyanjui told members of press that they had agreed with the president that KDF will not be deployed,police should cease brutality on protesters,no further blood shed and kenyans should be allowed to peacefully demonstrate and that the president should listen to youths and shape the nation desire.The church body has condoled with the families that lost their loved ones to police bullets and brutality commencing  seven days of mourning from Friday to Sunday July 7th.

Reverend Kinyanjui has called on the speaker of National assembly Moses Wetangula to convene a special sitting of the parliament to respond to the finance bill send back to parliament by the president.Members of parliament ignored the will of the people by passing the bill according to the Secretary General a move that has lead to nation wide protests,loss of life and property.

The NCCK has said it will convene a national conference on national finance and governance and establish youth lead centres of excellence to include the voice of the youths who account to seventy nine percent of kenyas population.

KCDF AWARDS 23 MILLION TO YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

 The Kenya Community Development Foundation (KCDF) has today awarded a cumulative of KES 23,950,000 to five community youth organizations to support their innovative ideas towards environmental sustainability and conservation. 

Speaking during the event, the Chief Guest Mr. Kihara Maina, Regional CEO of I&M Group PLC,

commended KCDF for its commitment to supporting youth innovations. He emphasized the

government's role as an enabler, suggesting that some investments are challenging for individuals

to undertake alone. Mr. Maina proposed using taxes to support youth-driven innovations,

emphasizing that sustainability hinges on profitability, which can then fund transformative

innovations. "Our commitment is to lead change through shared value, with a significant allocation towards environmental conservation, education, and skills training, as well as economic empowerment.I applaud the YEIC competition for its eye-opening impact, and I hope the second iteration will scale up in both quality and reach, to engage diverse partners in addressing environmental challenges,"he said.

On her part, the KCDF Executive Director Ms. Grace Maingi emphasized the importance of fostering and advancing innovation within the development sector, alongside efforts to control carbon emissions. “We aim to empower young people by recognizing their potential through the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge. As we launch the second call for applicants, we have

extended support eligibility to individuals aged 15 to 35, offering grants of up to five million shillings".

Under its Young Environmentalist Innovative Challenge (YEIC), KCDF aims at developing action-oriented young individuals and youth-led organizations committed to the conservation of the environment.The finalists of the inaugural challenge, launched in 2023, were awarded in this event that also saw the launch of the second edition.

 The winners included Inua DamSite from Nyandarua County,EcoRich Solutions,Placom Manufacturers from Nairobi County,Farmer Lifeline Technologies and Fruity Schools Africa from Kiambu County.This year’s edition seeks to award three young individual environment champions with grants of upto KES 1.5 Million and six organizations with grants of up to KES 5 Million each, for implementing their unique environment conservation-based ideas.

YEIC is an environmental innovation fund established by KCDF with support from Mackenzie Scott to bolster innovative ideas and solutions that promote environmental conservation, sustainable resource management, and community resilience. KCDF has partnered with the National Environment Trust Fund (NetFund), Green Generation Initiative (GGI), and the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) to identify top unique ideas through this initiative.

In a ceremony that brought together, youth representatives, the private sector, environment

champions, advocates, and enthusiasts, the event underscored the significance of environmental

conservation in addressing pressing global issues such as drought and climate change. It emphasized the role of digital technology in enhancing efforts to protect the environment.

KCDF works to enhance the growth and sustainability of communities through capacity

development, community philanthropy, and local giving. KCDF invests significant resources to build,strengthen and sustain the core capacities of our communities by developing thoughtful, long-term collaborations.

Applications for the 2024 edition of the Young Environmentalist Innovation Challenge are open on the KCDF website: www.kcdf.or.ke