People Daily Thursday edition July 26th 2023.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 NO. www.pd.co.ke // www.epaper.pd.co.ke 07863 Ke nya’s Newspaper NO1. FREE News Beat >> PG 6 Motorists set to start journey on electricity powered cars, bikes Uhuru son wins round one in court gun battle Bitter pill for Kenyans as prices of sugar increase Page 3 Hike attributed to shortage of commodity due to hoarding and closure of state-owned millers Stalemate: Azimio chief says President engaged in double-speak over dialogue by inviting him through social media and only responding when the country’s temperatures rise after demos PG 4 Business Hub >> PG 16 3"*-"
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NFEJB Diplomacy: Visiting a neighbour President William Ruto and his Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu Hassan during the official opening of the Africa Heads of State Human Capital Summit in Dar Es Salaam,Tanzania, yesterday. HIRAM OMONDI/PCS Raila: Ruto isn’t serious on talks

2 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 by Nancy Gitonga @PeopleDailyKe Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha violated the Constitution by promoting 59 junior medical officers to senior management positions in her ministry, Public Service Commission (PSC) told the High Court yesterday. PSC added that the minister usurped the constitutional and statutory powers and functions of the authorised officers at the ministry in making the promotions. “Save for the acting appointment for the position of Director-General for Health Dr Patrick Amoth, the rest of the other appointments done by the CS for Health were never approved by PSC. Further, even in cases where such appointments have been approved, appointments can only be made either by the commission or the authorised officers as may be appropriate,” says the PSC in court papers. Authorised officers In an affidavit filed by Remmy Mulati, Deputy Commission Secretary (Corporate Services), the commission adds that the appointments made by the CS are contrary to the law and the approved staff establishment and organisation structure for the ministry. “The CS has violated the constitution, the PSC Act 2017, PSC regulations 2020 as well as the commission delegations instrument of December 14, 2022 issued to the authorised officers,” Mulati states. He observes that the minister purported to exercise the human resources powers and functions that have been delegated by PSC to the authorised officers in the ministries and State departments contrary to the law. The affidavit is in response to a 1DNKXPLFKDSURPRWLRQV ZHUHXQODZIXOVD\V36& Official tells court Health CS usurped powers and functions of authorised officers to elevate 59 staff +RXVHSUREHVSXUFKDVH RI,QWHJULW\&HQWUH by Mercy Mwai @PeopleDailyKe A House committee has commenced investigations into how Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) acquired the Sh1.5 billion Integrity Centre without proper documentation. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said it is interested in establishing how the commission bought the building without the necessary documents from the seller. At a meeting with EACC Chief Executive Officer (EACC) Twalib Mbarak Mbarak, who had appeared to respond to questions over audit queries relating to the Financial Year 2020/2021, the committee demanded that the commission provides an evaluation report and certificate of official search for the property within the one week for scrutiny. During the sitting that was chaired by Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo, the MPs questioned the urgency behind the Commission’s decision to make payments for the project without obtaining the required documents as mandated by the law. “What was the hurry for...the speed at which money was released for the projects without required documents being availed to the buyer is what has led to the audit query,” expressed Oundo. Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera questioned the involvement of EACC in to questionable transactions yet it is supposed to ensure prudent use of public resources in questionable transactions. But in his response, Mbarak defended the Commission saying that no money was lost in the acquisition of the building. He stated that all the necessary documents were eventually received by the Commission on April 26, 2022, and forwarded to the Public Works department for authentication. He told the Committee that the department confirmed that the building was adequately designed and supervised by competent Structural Engineering and thus advised the Commission to settle the outstanding balance which they did. case filed by a Nakuru based doctor Benjamin Magare Gikenyi who has challenged the appointments made by Nakhumicha through a memo dated April 19, 2023. In the memo, the CS made 59 appointments of the senior management team in the ministry, a move Magare says was in total violation of the constitution and various laws. Magare said that over 50 percent of the appointees are junior officers. In what appears to be in support of the petition, the PSC said that it reviewed the disputed memo dated April 19,2023 by Nakhumicha and established that it was unlawful. “A perusal of the CS for Health as contained in the internal memo reveals that all the offices and positions outlined under the state department of public health and professional standards do not exist as they have not been established and approved by the commission,” Mulati says. He adds that most of the offices and positions outlined under the state department of medical services do not exist. As a result, the appointments are unlawful and unconstitutional, he states. “It is the commission’s position that the actions of the CS through the internal memo are unconstitutional, illegal as they constitute a usurpation of the constitutional and statutory powers of the commission, “ Mulati informed the court. The matter is pending determination before the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nairobi. Health Cabinet Secretary Susan Nakhumicha at a past event. PD/FILE WORLD NEWS Page 19 UN staff among civilians killed in Sudan conflict OPINION Page 11 More preventive options key to victory against TB POINTERS WEATHER TODAY Nairobi 24° Mombasa 27° Kisumu 28° Nyeri 21° Kitui 26° Wajir 33° 7DNHSDUWLQDJULFXOWXUDOLQLWLDWLYHV&KLJJDLXUJHVZRPHQ by Irene Githinji @PeopleDailyKe The President’s Advisor on Women’s Rights, Harriette Ilagona Chiggai yesterday raised concerns over the low number of women participating in agricultural initiatives. Chiggai (pictured), argued that one of the reasons for the low number among women is lack of awareness and capital to venture into the agricultural sector. She assured of the government’s commitment in providing a favourable working environment for women farmers, especially in provision of affordable farm inputs to realise better profits during harvests. “The government is taking legislative, policy and budgetary measures to ensure recognition and economic reward for women involved in agriculture. Other measures the government is exploring to boost women farmers is ensuring participation of women in decision-making at household, community and national levels on matters relevant to agricultural production, value addition and enterprise,” said Chiggai. She made the remarks yesterday during the Kabarak University Law School conference. Chiggai said agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economic pillar contributing 33 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and another 27 per cent of GDP indirectly through linkages with other sectors. She also urged women to embrace agricultural initiatives with the aim of harnessing food security in the country. She also said the Government seeks to enhance access by women to agricultural training through establishment of practical training programmes to ensure women understand how to use farm inputs and equipment effectively. Alleviate poverty She encouraged women to explore agricultural fields, a move she says will help alleviate poverty levels in the country. “I would like to encourage both government and non-government actors to establish more programmes targeting women in agriculture. Women are already heavily engaged in the sector, which acts as a catalyst for economic recovery and the investments made using a gender lens will ensure they become more productive and efficient,” Chiggai said. Kabarak University Law School is collaborating with Hivos to conduct research on gender and agriculture in Kenya. The research project is about studying policies and practices that apply to selected areas of agriculture including governance, land, environment, agricultural methods and inputs, entrepreneurship and labour to assess the extent at which these match the requirements of gender equality and efficient agriculture.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 3 6XJDUSULFHVJRXSDVIDFWRULHV UHPDLQFORVHGIRUILYHPRQWKV by Noel Wandera @NoelWanderah Lack of mature sugarcane for crushing by millers has triggered a country-wide shortage of the commodity, leading to the prices skyrocketing. The trickle-down effect of the move by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) to sanction the closure of sugar factories for five months has now seen traders limiting the quantity of sugar that shoppers can buy at any ago. A spot check by the People Daily yesterday indicated that most supermarkets had increased prices of the essential sweetener with the cheapest going at Sh409 for a twokilogramme packet while the highest retailing at Sh500. All the sugar milling factories in Kenya, were last month forced to temporarily halt its operations due to a shortage of sugarcane. The closure was announced by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) at a meeting held in Kisumu on July 13, requesting all millers in Western Kenya to suspend cane harvesting because they had been harvesting pre-mature cane. Currently, only factories within the Southern Sugar belt comprising Sony Sugar, Sukari and Transmara are milling sugar. Those in the Nyando and Western Sugar belt stopped production mid this month and until September 2023, on the directive of AFA and sugar millers to allow for the cane to regenerate. Sources within the sector told the People Daily that shortage of cane has sparked a price war pitting government and privateowned manufacturers, contributing to the price increase for consumers. “Within the southern sugar belt, farmers are being paid Sh6,000 per tonne by private millers, which is unsustainable. The AFA recommended sugarcane price is Sh5,500 per tonne,” said a source in the sector, who declined to be quoted. A spot check by the People Daily in a numPRICE HIKE Most supermarkets have increased prices of sugar with the cheapest going at Sh409 for a two- kilogramme packet while the highest retailing at Sh500. All the sugar milling factories in Kenya, were last month forced to temporarily halt its operations due to a shortage of sugarcane. ber of supermarkets and retail outlets indicated that the prices of one quarter, a kilogramme and two kilograms of the commodity had increased by at least Sh20. Through a notice posted on their sugar counters, the Naivas Supermarket, apart from directing each buyer to only buy 4kgs, has increased their prices. Acute shortage Naivas packaged 2kg packet is retailing at Sh 409, Kabras Sh 460 , Nshiwa Sh429 and Natrameal Sh 429 for a 2kg packet at the Naivas supermarkets. A source at the giant chain of supermarkets intimated that there is an acute shortage of sugar with suppliers facing difficulties in sourcing for the commodity following the closure of sugar millers. The Kenya National Alliance of Sugarcane farmers Association (KNASFA) chairman Saul Busolo warned that the acute shortage could be as a result of hoarding by some unscrupulous dealers to force the government to allow importation of the commodity. “There seems to be some foul play in the whole saga because the millers only closed last month, and we are already experiencing the shortage. Some people somewhere are obviously pushing for the importation of cheap sugar,” Busolo claimed. In Syokimau, along the Katani road, minisupermarkets had raised the prices of the commodity across board by Sh20, adjusting the price of a quarter, one and 2 kgs to Sh60, Sh120 and Sh480 respectively. Although still producing, Sony, Sukari and Trans Mara Sugar factories are producing below capacity, a factor that may result in further price increments despite the government stepping in to plug the deficit by allowing the importation of 100,000 tonnes of zero-rated sugar to cushion Kenyans from the high prices. “The three factories each have a capacity to produce 150,000 tonnes of sugar per year. But they are currently getting three-quarters of those figures because of the shortage,” our source said. The situation has been compounded by the shortage of sugar in the international markets, with India and Pakistan, big sugar producers responsible for 25 per cent of the global sugar production also experiencing shortages due to poor weather and export restrictions meant to satisfy their domestic demand, factors that have led to an 11 year surge in global sugar prices. Data by the Sugar Directorate indicates that Kenya imported 21,887 tonnes of table sugar in May this year to support the weekly optimal stock of sugar which had dropped by 80 per cent on low production by factories and expensive imports on the global market . Shortage of mature cane led to the closure of mills which has now triggered the hike as traders limit the product Sugar displayed in a Nairobi supermarket with the new prices. PD/JOHN OCHIENG by Alphonce Mung’ahu @PeopleDailyKe A Nairobi Court yesterday issued a warrant of arrest against Keroche CEO Tabitha Karanja (pictured) for failing appear for the hearing of her Sh14.5 billion tax returns case. Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Esther Kimilu issued the arrest warrant against Karanja, who is the current Nakuru senator. Without delay The magistrate also ordered the case to proceed this morning without further delay. Tabitha has denied ten counts of tax evasion after the prosecution amended the charge sheet. This was after the prosecution requested to amend the charges, saying some particulars were missing in the 2019 charge sheet. According to the charge sheet, the accused and the company on diverse dates between February 20, 2015, and January 20, 2016, unlawfully made incorrect statements in their excise duty returns by reducing their duty by Sh1.8 billion. She also made incorrect statements for the January to December 2017 returns, which affected payable excise duty by Sh3.6 billion. Karanja was also accused of under declaring production volumes by 820,601 litres and misapplication of excise duty rates on Vienna Ice by using Sh27.06 instead of Sh175, thereby reducing her excise duty liability by Sh1, 855, 403, 900 payable to the commissioner as required by the Excise Duty Act. Tax procedures Earlier, the senator had informed the court that they were engaged in an out-court settlement. But the prosecution denied having engaged in such an agreement. In line with Section 109 of the Tax Procedures Act, the application should be addressed to the commissioner in writing, the court was told. The magistrate, however, further gave Karanja 45 days to initiate the ADR process failure to which the matter will proceed to full trial. “It’s evident that the defence was not ready. I give them 45 days to initiate the ADR process failure to which no further delay or adjournment will be granted. Court has always been ready,” the magistrate said. In the case, the senator’s husband Joseph Karanja has since been removed from the charges after the DPP withdrew charges against him due to his health condition. :DUUDQWLVVXHGIRUDUUHVWRI1DNXUXVHQDWRULQWD[FDVH by Raphael Muoki @PeopleDailyKe Cigarette manufacturing company, Mastermind Tobacco yesterday raised alarm over the proliferation of counterfeit cigarettes in the Kenyan market. The company said in a statement that currently, the market has been flooded with counterfeit cigarettes bearing the name of its flagship brand Supermatch. The counterfeits, the statement said, are smuggled into the local market from neighbouring Uganda. Illicit cigarettes Mastermind supported assertions by its market partner British American Tobacco which stated that the country is losing up to Sh6.5 billion annually in taxes as a result of the influx of illicit cigarettes into the local market. The company is now asking the government to establish strong border controls measures that will curtail the entry of illicit products in the country. “We are also asking the government to crack down on traders and dealers engaged in the import of illicit cigarettes into the country and take legal action on them. Mastermind Tobacco warned that if not stopped, the industry in the country will be forced to shut down which will lead to a massive loss of jobs. $ODUPRYHU VDOHRIIDNH FLJDUHWWHVLQ WKHPDUNHW

4 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 “My friend @RailaOdinga, I’m off to Tanzania for a human capital meeting to harmonise the expansion of employment opportunities in our continent. I’m back tomorrow evening, and as you have always known, I’m available to meet one on one with you anytime at your convenience. WsR,” Ruto wrote on his Twitter handle. Ruto was reacting after Raila revealed that the President was a no-show in a cease-fire meeting that was to be mediated by Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu who had jetted into the country two days earlier at what the Azimio brigade claimed to be the Kenyan Head of State’s invitation. Mediation talks State House has since denied claims by the Azimio leader that President Ruto invited his Tanzanian counterpart to the country for mediation talks between the government and the Opposition. State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed yesterday said that there was no official documentation to confirm the said visit as per the established protocols guiding any visit by the Head of State. Meanwhile, earlier yesterday the Opposition led by Raila, former Murang’a Governor Mwangi wa Iria, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper’s Kalonzo Musyoka and former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya and a host of legislators visited two major hospitals in Nairobi — Mama Lucy and Kenyatta National Hospital to console victims who have been hospitalised after being injured in the anti-government protests. The visit culminated with keeping vigil and lighting candles at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in honour of protestors who died during the demonstrations during which the names of both the dead and injured protestors were read. So far Azimio estimates that 67 protestors were injured while 36 died from police brutality. However, National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi said that there AT A GLANCE The Odingaled alliance vowed not to back down until the government addresses the high cost of living that Kenyans are currently experiencing. They urged the international community keenly look into the situation that is unfolding in the country and hold relevant government organs to account. $]LPLR·V5DLOD UHMHFWVLQYLWHE\ 5XWRIRUWDONV by Samuel Kariuki @PeopleDailyKe Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga yesterday turned down an invitation by President William Ruto to a discussion table to solve the political impasse witnessed in the country after rounds of anti-government protests called by the Opposition. Raila said the President was not serious about the dialogue adding that the Head of State was playing games about the talks and engaging in public relations exercise. “The President is not being serious. If he wants to meet me, he cannot invite me through Whatsapp or social media (twitter). He knows my address and my phone number,” Raila said. He claimed that the President has constantly frustrated efforts by Azimio to find a truce after protests to push the government to address various issues key among them the high cost of living. “We had agreed to form a joint team to carry out negotiations on the contentious issues. As soon as the temperatures cooled down, they backed off and the talks stalled. I don’t believe Ruto is serious at all,” he said in an interview with Aljazeera. “He is engaging in double speak. On one side when there is tension, he speaks nicely saying that he is ready for talks any time. The other time, when things cool off he claims that Mr Odinga and his group want a handshake so that they can have a share of the cake. And we have said we don’t want any kind of a cake.” In what appeared to be extending an olive branch to the Opposition, the President Ruto tweeted on Tuesday night that he was ready to meet the Raila for talks any time and at his convenience. Opposition leader accuses Head of State of not being serious about dialogue, says the President should contact him directly Azimio party leader Raila Odinga with some of his coprincipals visit some of the protestors who were injured during the antigovernment demos yesterday at Mama Lucy Hospital in Nairobi. PD/ SAMUEL KARIUKI could be more victims who are either dead, injured or missing who are not captured in their statistics. “The names we have published are only for those victims we have been able to document so far. There are a lot more people that have lost their lives in the hands of police whose names we are yet to document,” Wandayi said. “There a lot more people who have been injured and are lying in their homes or in hospitals whose details have not been documented. There are equally a lot more people who remain unaccounted for and in fullness of time we shall have a clearer picture. This is work in progress.” Commit autrocities Wandayi called on President Ruto saying that his regime was the first to commit such atrocities on its citizens after the colonial era. “The kind of cruelty exhibited by people calling themselves state agencies is something that was never witnessed even in the dark moments of our colonial history. No matter how long it takes, those who are responsible for these unfortunate and premature deaths shall be held to account. This warning should go out to President William Ruto and his surrogates that Kenyans shall not rest ease until the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are eventually brought to book,” the Unguja MP said. Likoni MP Mishi Mboko accused the government of what she called disrespecting the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution while dealing with protestors Mboko said it was devastating to see over 50 youth being tortured and gunned down by their fellow Kenyans (police) who are paid with their taxes adding that it was a mockery for elected leaders to hail the police for a job well done-after killing Kenyans. During the vigil, Azimio accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki for orchestrating the police brutality against their supporters who participated in the protests adding that despite calling off the protests, yesterday the police were on high alert to forcefully disperse protestors. “Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof Kithure Kindiki seems to love that brutality and takes pride in it. He had offered more and heavier dose of brutality and gunfire today (yesterday) despite our announcement that we would only be holding vigils in honour of the victims,” Azimio la Umoja said in a statement that was read by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka. The opposition told the government that they will pursue justice for both the injured and the dead protestors. “We will pursue justice locally and internationally for these injured and slain heroes. These people who have been shot in cold blood in cold July are heroes and patriots,” Musyoka said. Azimio claimed that the government plans to keep the plight of the victims in total secrecy so that the actual number of injuries and fatalities is not known. by Reuben Mwambingu @reubenmwambingu State House has denied claims by Azimio leader Raila Odinga that President William Ruto invited his Tanzania counterpart Samia Suluhu to the country for mediation talks between the government and the opposition. Mission aborted On Tuesday, Raila told the International Press Association of East Africa (IPAEA) who had paid him a courtesy call that the Tanzanian leader toured the country two weeks ago at the invitation of president Ruto to mediate but the mission aborted since “she was kept waiting by the government side.” “We were available but the other side was not available. She spent two nights here and it was all in vain,” the opposition leader said. However at a media briefing at Mombasa State House ahead of President Ruto’s five-day working tour of the Coast, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed denied knowledge of any official visit by the Tanzanian Head of State on grounds that there is no official documentation to confirm the said visit as per the established protocols guiding any visit by Head of State. 6WDWHGHQLHVDOOHJDWLRQVRI 6XOXKXYLVLWWZRZHHNVDJR 1\RQJ·RFRQGHPQVSROLFHRYHUEUXWDOLW\ by Noven Owiti and Kepher Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Kisumu leaders yesterday sustained criticism against the police over their actions during the anti-government protest last week. Led by Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o (pictured), they accused the law enforcers of unlawfully assaulting peaceful protesters during the demonstrations. Excessive force Nyong’o took issue with the uniformed officers, claiming they acted in contravention of the law in handling the residents during the protests. He accused them of using excessive force on unarmed citizens. “The police deployed to quell the peaceful protests over the worsening cost of living, unleashed terror on the people of Kisumu. Innocent residents were either killed or maimed in one of the worst police brutalities ever witnessed in this country,” said Nyong’o. Speaking when he led a solidarity parade for the police brutality victims at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Nyong’o claimed that as at July 22, health facilities in Kisumu county had attended to 107 patients who had in one way or the other experienced injuries from the protests, adding that 91 patients recorded a history of police assault resulting in the injuries. The governor announced that his administration had waived medical expenses for the victims admitted in various public hospitals across the county as well as mortuary fees for those killed during the protests.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 5 by George Kebaso @Morarak The family of Galano Hassan Yusuf and human rights group Haki Africa yesterday condemned his killing allegedly by a police officer at a carwash in Kiamaiko, Nairobi, on Tuesday. At the City Mortuary, where the postmortem on the body was conducted, the family appeared to blame his death on recent pronouncements by President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki on police conduct. Yusuf, who ran the carwash, has left a young family. He was 33 years old. The opposition yesterday said at least 50 people were killed in recent demonstrations to protest high cost of living. “This is a clear and open case of extrajudicial killing happening in broad daylight. nNo protests, no chaos, but simply a dispute of the management of the carwash,” Hussein Khalid, Haki Africa Executive Director said at City Mortuary. Khalid said the post-mortem had revealed that Yusuf was felled by a single long range shot, clearly indicating that it was intentional. Dispute The autopsy shows the bullet hit his back and exited through the mouth. “We have witnessed the post-mortem of Galano Hassan Yusuf and Dr Ndegwa has confirmed that he died of a single shot from the back, the bullet exited through the mouth and fractured the base of the skull,” he told the press. Khalid said the deceased was the chairman of a carwash and had been called to arbitrate on a dispute between attendants and a motorcycle rider who had allegedly refused to pay for cleaning services. “Yusuf wasn’t there when the dispute broke out. But the police intentionally followed and shot him dead,” he said. “The use of excessive force is happening all the time in informal settlements,” he added, pointing out that the people being targeted are low income earners. Khalid wondered why President Ruto “was letting the police kill the people he had pledged to uplift during the campaigns”. “On a daily basis, we are at the mortuary doing autopsies of police bullets. This is not right,” he said. Khalid added: “Unfortunately, the pronouncements by the President, the CS Interior and the people close to them are encouraging this kind of impunity because every day, they are commending the police for what they are doing, killing and maiming unarmed Kenyans,” he said. Jobless youth Khalid said most of the police killings in slums took place in broad daylight. “In the last one month or so, over 30 deaths by police bullets have been documented. This is unacceptable. Action must be taken now. Enough is enough with police killings in this country. We are tired as Kenyans,” he said. He called for action to be taken against the police officer who shot Yusuf, saying he was well known. “We want to see that person arrested and arraigned as soon as possible. We don’t want delays and excuses that investigations are being conducted because the evidence is clear. He should be arraigned and justice be served,” he said. According to a family member, Yusuf hired many jobless young people in the slums at the carwash. “Now you have taken him away from the community. What do you expect these young people to do? We are calling for justice for Galano,” Khalid said. Yusuf’s sister-in-law said the incident leaves the family with many unanswered questions. She said her brother-in-law was Haki Africa team lead by the executive director Hussein Khalid condoles with the family of Yusuf Galano who was allegedly shot dead by police in Kiamaiko on Tuesday. PD/JOHN OCHIENG Interior PS Raymond Omollo (left) with Bondo Township chief Walter Omollo in Bondo, yesterday. PD/ERIC OKUMU )DPLO\GHPDQGVMXVWLFHIRUVKRWNLQ Post-mortem revealed that Yusuf was felled by a single bullet at a car wash in Kiamaiko area, Nairobi killed for no reason by the police. “They are killers, in fact they are the real criminals.Why do we have the law if it can’t protect us from these criminals in police uniform?” she posed, and called on the government to ensure justice is delivered. Outering riots She added: “Who are we going to run to if the government which is supposed to protect us is the one killing us? Why are the police killing innocent people who are not armed? Why shoot someone from behind who is innocent?” On Tuesday enraged residents of the Kiamaiko area protested the killing, making Outering Road impassable. Some reports claim Yusuf was killed during an attempt by police to recover a stolen motorbike, resulting in a violent engagement with residents. The day-long clashes saw angry youth light bonfires on the roads blocking motorists and other users for hours, prompting police to redirect traffic to alternative routes. “The man who was killed is my neighbour and a very calm guy. He is the chairman of this carwash. When the cops came he was trying to calm the youth when tensions rose and then the cop shot him,” said Halima Wario, a resident. Social rights activists from the Mathare Social Justice centre also condemned the incident, saying it was a clear case of extrajudicial killing. by George Kebaso @Morarak A Legio Maria clergyman has expressed support for dialogue between President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. Bishop Wycliffe Nyaperah of the Legio Maria Diocese of Lugari said by agreeing to hold talks, the two leaders would be doing a service to millions of Kenyans. He asked the President to also extend an olive branch to his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta. “Let him visit him even in his house. It will be pleasing to see our leaders talking and sitting together as brothers and sisters of the same nation. Peace shall prevail and Kenya shall flourish in unity,” he said in a statement yesterday. He said the latest developments are about peace and the unity in Kenya. “As a clergy who has been advocating for talks between President William Ruto and the Right Honourable Raila Odinga, I am really elated by the recent developments,” he stated. Nyaperah said Ruto’s message that he was willing to talk to Raila was heartwarming. “I was really delighted to see him call Raila ‘my friend’ and further stated that ‘am available to meet one on one with you anytime’.” “The tweet was not about Raila but to millions of Kenyans,” he pointed out, describing Ruto as a statesman and a big win for those who have been advocating for peace talks. 'LDORJXHZLOOEHELJ ZLQIRU.HQ\D²FOHULF :HZLOOQRWWROHUDWHYLROHQW SURWHVWV362PROORZDUQV by Noven Owiti and Eric Juma @PeopleDailyKe The government has yet again warned politicians accused of fueling violent protests. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said security agencies will not spare anyone perpetrating violence and property destruction during protests. Omollo said that while the Constitution guarantees the right to picket, it must be exercised within the confines of the law. He claimed that acts of hooliganism witnessed during recent opposition protests were perpetrated by criminal elements who had taken advantage of the situation. The PS told leaders leading demonstrations to be mindful of the rights of other citizens. “We cannot use the freedom to picket to trample on the rights of the rest of Kenyans who do not want to participate in the demonstrations. It shows the highest level of primitivity and we must move away from it,” he said. Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County, Omollo said the government will not watch anti-government protesters destroy property, torch police vehicles and injure officers. The PS reiterated that the government will not allow any illegal demonstrations, noting that the police must be notified of any planned activities. Chiefs home Omollo said attempts by protesters to break the law will attract the wrath of law enforcers. “We live in a country that is governed by rule of law and as a government we insist that all must follow the law and nobody is above the law. It does not matter how big, small or influential you are ,” said the PS. He visited Bondo a few days after Bondo Township Chief Walter Omollo’s home was looted and torched by irate protesters following the death of Dave Agan, who was allegedly shot by the police. “The due process of the law shall be adhered to protect lives and property as we aim to bring back sanity in the event of any demonstrations,” he said. VICTIM 33-year-old Galano Hassan Yusuf ran a carwash in Kiamaiko, Nairobi. According to a family member, Yusuf hired many jobless young people in the slums at the carwash. Family members said he had been called to arbitrate on a dispute between attendants and a motorcycle rider who had allegedly refused to pay for cleaning services.

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY NEWS BEAT 7 -LJJHUVGLVUXSW OHDUQLQJLQ %XWHUHVFKRROV by Dennis Lumiti @PeopleDailyKe Jiggers have infested a number of schools in Butere constituency, Kakamega county adversely affecting academic standards. Teachers from the various schools, mostly primary, said learners were skipping classes and dropping out altogether as they were unable to walk or focus on learning. Spot-checks by the People Daily established that many of the affected schools had earthen floors. “Jigger infestation has been a big headache for us in the past few years which is taking a toll on our academic performance because of chronic absenteeism,” said Joan Kweya, the deputy head teacher of Buyoka Primary School. The school managers said smearing the classrooms with cow-dung had become a major challenge because it was unavailable. “We always rely on the pupils to bring in cow-dung for maintenance of the classrooms but many say they can no longer find it in their homes. So we just sprinkle water and sweep. But this has not remedied the situation,” said Barbra Nandwa, the deputy head teacher of Shitsitswi Primary School. The schools said they had made several appeals to the area Constituency Development Fund committee to help by cementing the floors in vain. Butere MP Tindi Mwale was not available for comment as his phone went unanswered. He did not also reply to our text messages. by Irene Githinji @gitshee A proposal has now been made to have a consistent body that looks into education reforms in the country. Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Director, Prof Charles Ong’ondo on Tuesday proposed the need to form a Council that brings a broad spectrum of stakeholders and practitioners, instead of having to establish task forces and Commission over time to look into education reforms. “The suggestion is that we have a more or less consistent body, it does not have to be permanent. It could be a body that we call once in a while as long as we know who is represented, which continually thinks about things like our curricula and offers suggestions on how we can improve education going forward. I think then they will consistently have in mind what other bodies have thought about, where we are as a country and where we are going,” said Ong’ondo, during the ongoing African Curriculum Association (ACA) conference being held at KICD. Curriculum development The Director explained that KICD is a facilitator of curriculum development processes and members of the board are mostly educators. But with a Council in place, he said it would bring a bigger body that can then feed in a safe environment into KICD, whose day to day is facilitation of curriculum development processes. Should that kind be conceptualised, Ong’ondo said the country can also think about other roles it should be given and one of them could be funding models for higher education and resource mobilisation for implementation of education. The proposal is premised on the fact that the country has had close to 10 or more Commissions, task forces or presidential working parties on education in the country, which have all done a good job. These include the Ominde Commission of 1964, Gachathi Commission of 1976, Kamunge Commission of 1988, Koech Commission in 1999, Douglas Odhiambo taskforce in 2012, Fatuma Chege taskforce learner has a future. At the same time, Ong’ondo called for the need to have a consistent curriculum development framework in Africa. “The real reason for that is that the vision for curriculum development across Africa is shared and our vision is to catch up with the rest of the world,” he said. The Director noted the need to provide flexible curriculum where no learner is left behind, saying it is essential for Africa to create a system whereby as people move from one country to another in the continent because of work, culture and relatives, learning can continue. He also said a framework is required because right now, the East Africa has one that guides curriculum development and implementation in the region and so does West and Southern Africa. “It is now time to harness this so that we are able to move together. Kenya is one of the few countries that have a Basic Education Curriculum Framework so we are telling leaders in their countries to come up with their own,” he said If an African Curriculum Development Framework is to be developed, it means harnessing what other countries have and Kenya will take leadership by showing what it has been able to produce. .,&'ZDQWVFRXQFLOIRUPHGWR VWUHDPOLQHHGXFDWLRQUHIRUPV The director says the platform will bring together stakeholders instead of establishing task forces of 2019 and now there is the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms “When you read all these taskforce reports keenly, and I have taken time to analyse their objectives and key recommendations, you find a bit of consistency. Incidentally the consistency is towards Competency Based Curriculum. It says we should have a curriculum that is flexible, gives every learner an opportunity and values and to that extent we are consistent,” he explained. He however said there are some variations in terms of their suggestions on content, pedagogical approaches and suggestions on resources as well structure of basic education “Because of that, it means every time recommendations come, the country is geared towards how to implement and before you have settled another commission report comes up. Even as we talk now, the current working party has come up with recommendations and I do not think it will be the last,” he stated. Fully briefed Ong’ondo said one of the reasons that CBC has survived is because the President was fully briefed about the system and he believes in a curriculum where every KICD director Charles Ong’ondo speaks during the 4th African Curriculum Association (ACA) conference on Tuesday at theKenya Institute of Curriculum Development offices. PD/COURTESY COUNCIL Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) Director, Prof Charles Ong’ondo on Tuesday proposed the need to form a Council that brings a broad spectrum of stakeholders and practitioners A Council, he said would bring a bigger body that can then feed in a safe environment into KICD, whose day to day is facilitation of curriculum development processes. Embu parent bites headteacher in scuffle There was drama at Kirigi Primary School in Embu yesterday when a parent went berserk and assaulted the head teacher and two students. Lincoln Kithaka, chief Gandori South location, said Charity Wanja had been summoned by the teacher to the school after her son failed to complete his assignment only for the mother to turn violent on reaching the school. She allegedly bit the head teacher’s finger and attacked two Class Eight pupils who tried to rescue the teacher. Kithaka said the parent has since been arrested and detained at Kirigi police post as investigations commence. The victims recorded statements at the same station before proceeding to Embu Level Five hospital for treatment. – Brian Malila
 0LQLVWU\VHHNVVXSSRUWWRDGGUHVVVFKRROVXQUHVW Ministry of Education officials in Western region have raised concern over the upsurge of school unrest in Bungoma county. Western Regional Director of Education (RDE) Jared Obiero (pictured) says this year alone, 32 schools in Bungoma County have gone on the rampage, destroying property worth millions of shillings. Speaking in his office yesterday, Obiero said ministry officials have called for a stakeholder meeting starting tomorrow in all sub counties, which will culminate in a regional forum to address the issue. The RDE said the forums will bring together the respective schools’ Boards of Management (BOMs), parent Associations, and Members of Parliament, Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), sponsors and National Government (NGAO) officials, among others. Stakeholders meetings “We have organised stakeholders’ meetings, starting this Friday in Tongaren Sub County, to help find a lasting solution to this vice,” he added. Obiero regretted that at Maliki Boys’ Secondary School, the students destroyed and even carried away school property worth more than Sh20 million.Other schools that went on the rampage include Namwela, Kamusinde and Cheptais boys’ secondary schools. “Schools in Kakamega, Busia and Vihiga counties have, however, remained peaceful and the schools’ calendar is running smoothly in those areas,” he added. The education official blamed the unrest on political and local community interference.

8 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 6HQDWHWRVODSPLQLVWHUVZLWK 6KPIRUVNLSSLQJVXPPRQV by Rawlings Otieno @PeopleDailyKe Senators yesterday threatened to surcharge a Sh500,000 fine for Cabinet Secretaries who fail to appear before the plenary to answer questions. This is after two CSs Alfred Mutua (Foreign and Diaspora Affairs) and Susan Nakhumicha (Health) failed to appear before the plenary to respond to questions on their dockets raised by the lawmakers. The duo while failing to appear, wrote to the Senate just hours before the sitting citing they had travelled outside the country on official business, a response that irked the senators. Senate Speaker Amason Kingi led his troops in castigating the CSs, terming their behaviour as ‘disrespectful and contemptuous’. “We as an institution, we are not going to tolerate this kind of behaviour. If indeed a CS, is unable to attend the session, courtesy demands that the CS makes communication in good time so that the Senate can re-arrange its business. Writing to the Senate a few hours, to its sitting shows discourteous, and certainly as institution we are not going to tolerate that,” said Kingi. Appearance in Parliament Senate Majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho) said that appearance before Parliament is not a privilege, adding that the excuse of travel they had given was not satisfactory. “This is a conduct that is unbecoming on part of the two Cabinet Secretaries. What the two CSs have done is gross misconduct and they must be told so in no unequal terms. You cannot write to an institution barely a few hours before their sitting to inform them of a travel I do not know to which part of the world. We were CSs Alfred Mutua and Nakhumicha wrote to excuse themselves from meeting at the last minute not calling the CSs to have an idle talk,” said Cheruiyot. He went on: “Nakhumicha and Mutua did not just realize that they were going to travel. They knew it for weeks. To write to this House barely 12 hours because you are globetrotting cannot be taken kindly. This is totally unacceptable. They are grossly out of order. Parliament does not work out of idleness.” His Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) however, proposed that any CS who does not honour the invitation of the House will lose business from their ministries being processed in parliament until such a time they convince us that they are apologetic. Priority on trips “There are so many Kenyans who are dying to be ministers in this country. We cannot have people who take trips as a priority than people transacting government business in the House,” said Khalwale. William Cheptumo (Baringo) while contributing to the debate said that when a CS displays contempt to this House, that CS is directly challenging the sovereign power of the people. “This is the moment that this House should put strict measures on failing to appear. What is the redress for Kenyan people who are suffering if the CSs cannot appear? We should impose a fine of Sh500,000 for the CS who fails to appear. In the chamber, they don’t appear and in committees, they don’t appear,” said Cheptumo. Hillary Sigei (Bomet) on his part called for summoning of the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, charging that he should take responsibility for the CSs that fail to appear. “This is a show of disrespect to the House. Failure to appear and giving an excuse is disrespect. We need to call them and censure them. Such individuals can be surcharged using their own resources. The Prime Cabinet Secretary must also be summoned so that he also takes responsibility for ministers who fail to come. Some CSs fail to come before committees. This house needs to stamp its authority.” CSs Kithure Kindiki (Interior), Zacharia Njeru (Lands), Salim Mvurya (Blue Economy), Rebecca Miano (East Africa), Moses Kuria (Trade), Davis Chirchir (Energy) and Ezekiel Machogu (Education) have appeared to answer the questions. The Kenyan Senate in session PD/ KENNA CLAUDE 36RQUHFHLYLQJHQGRYHU6WDWHIDLOXUHWRJUDQWDXWRQRP\ by Emmanuel Mutai @PeopleDailyKe The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards Mary Muthoni (pictured) on Tuesday found herself on the receiving end from MPs over the government failure to grant some State agencies autonomy. The MPs questioned why the government has denied nine state agencies under the Ministry of Health autonomy almost 10 years down the line since Parliament enacted their respective Acts. This failure by the government, the lawmakers observed, has made the agencies unable to account for their financial expenditures despite having been made autonomous under their respective Acts of Parliament. Appearing before the Public Investments Committee on Social Services Administration and Agriculture, the PS instead asked the committee to allow her more time to source for all the information required by the committee regarding the expenditures of the agencies in question in the last 10 years. Ms Muthoni made the request after her assertions that the agencies have been operating independently and that plans were underway to fully operationalise those still depending on the Ministry of Health were disputed by committee chairman Emmanuel Wangwe (Nabakholo) and member Mary Wamaua (Maragua). “Madam PS, our mandate is to look at what happened in the past and to find out if the 8"."6"

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Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 9 SUNDAY 30TH JULY, 2023 ffl30 ffl30 $021*7+(:25/'¬6 0267628*+7$)7(5 &2))(( FOCUS ON ARABICA COFFEE FARMING

10 PEOPLE SPEAK PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 The terms ‘professional’, and ‘professionalism’, are the most contested words in human resources. Apparently, lack of the two HR requirements in achieving desired results in the workplace have been blamed for falling standards, from top management to the lowest cadres. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a profession as, ‘a calling requiring specialised knowledge, and often long and intensive academic preparation’. Professionalism, therefore, becomes the adherence of the foregoing principles in undertaking tasks that have predetermined outcomes. After recruiters establish a candidate’s potential for excellent performance, they may buttress the technical knowledge of a position’s terms of reference with soft skills comprising emotional intelligence. This incorporates soft skills like love and empathy, among other human values. A professional is a master of the game! He knows his art backwards. He pushes boundaries by seeking to know more and do more. He constantly acquires and applies his knowledge to inform the solutions he offers in addressing various challenges. Due to the ingrained culture of corruption in all sectors, there is a growing dearth of professionalism in Kenya. The situation is so bad that the society of professionals organised the first Inter-Professionals Summit a couple of years ago to address the fast falling standards across the board. The theme of the summit held in Mombasa was, “The Future of Professionals”. If the current trend continues, professionals will have no future on this side of the world. Indeed, no professions have been spared by influx of the so called quacks. What are some of the factors destroying professionalism here? First is poor remuneration of professionals in public service, and wide discrepancies among those doing the same job in the private sector and civil society. Employment is about livelihoods, not sacrifice. Sour grapes aside, no one can deny the fact that the old boys club, and ‘tall uncles’, are facts of life in apportioning opportunities and favours globally. Unfortunately, our version actually shuns brilliance through nepotism, cronyism, ethnicity, and outright corruption. Now, imagine both the attitude and performance of the person who unethically assumes a position. Of course, the result is a deadly mixture of incompetence and mediocrity. That is why customer service has become so crude, and delivery of services even worse. Once someone takes a job through the ‘back door’, he or she is not motivated to excel. Survival to keep the undeserved job becomes his or her preoccupation. Think of our politicians, who bribe their way to electoral office. The result is the grand corruption, misgovernance and general malaise we are suffering. We have also sacrificed capability and capacity on the altar of representation. For instance, unreasonable quota dictates for gender and regions have spawned a cadre of employees that pays homage exclusively to patronage. These form the backbone of notorious cartels running amok. Those who have been victims of mediocrity know what I am talking about! Ingenuity and creativity count for nothing. Blind loyalty overrides everything else, no matter the opportunity cost. To remedy this situation and strive for merit requires a bold human resource regime that is blind and impersonal to extraneous factors that add no value to performance. It is a tough call in a world where image seems to be everything, but there is no other means to organisational development. Meanwhile , I recently had a conversation about the current state of politics with close friends. My opinion was that we should avoid being fanatics of politicians because the day they close ranks, we will be left holding the baby. The Wednesday message by President William Ruto to Opposition leader Raila Odinga as the former left for Tanzania should have been a red flag to those who think they know politicians. We are out here fighting in the streets, while these guys (sic) are simply sparring, like we see in the American choreographed wrestling matches. — The writer is a PhD student in International Relations ‡
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SFDPHOJUJPO Review of ownership in firms welcome A policy shift that saw the Cabinet review the minimum threshold for local shareholding in the Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) sector is a move in the right direction. The bold move could help ease the cost of doing business and attract foreign investments in the technology sector. Considered an important sector in the country’s thrust towards the information technology revolution, the decision will come in handy in the expansion of the digital economy and transfer. It reverses a 2021 policy in which Kenya raised the minimum local shareholding for ICT firms to encourage more domestic ownership in the rapidly growing industry. The changes are likely the reasons behind reduced competitiveness, limited job creation, lower innovation and overall slow progress in what is otherwise expanding digital world. With the new policy review, the government is acknowledging the potential benefits of increased foreign investments in driving technology adoption, innovation and economic growth. By allowing greater foreign ownership in ICT companies, the government intends to attract tech firms and other international investors who can bring expertise, capital and cutting-edge technologies into the country. If this comes to pass, this move will not only spur innovation and create job opportunities but will also go a long way towards enhancing the overall competitiveness of the local digital economy, which will help Kenya reap huge dividends from the industry. Attracting foreign investments in the technology sector can lead to expanded access to digital services, bridge the digital divide, and empower businesses and individuals to fully participate in the digital economy. Furthermore, the move further aims to promote inclusive growth and socioeconomic development across all sectors of the economy, leveraging telcos for growth in every important sector. The approval of this review signifies the government’s commitment to embracing the digital revolution and driving sustainable economic growth in the digital age. Reaping fruits from this development will, however, depend on whether the government will continue to maintain a conducive environment for both local and international businesses to thrive. By recognising the potential benefits of investing in ICT, the State must now strategically allocate resources to foster technological advancements and digital transformation. How mediocrity has gradually killed professionalism 5)06()5
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/(0/%* K A PUBLICATION OF MEDIAMAX NETWORK LIMITED KEN NGARUIYA: Group Chief Executive Officer MBUGUA NG’ANG’A: Managing Editor People Daily is published by MEDIAMAX NETWORK LIMITED at DSM Place, Kijabe Street, P.O. Box 24943, 00100 - Nairobi Tel: 0730144100; 0709824000; 0204944100 E-mail: [email protected] © Copyright 2023

SEND YOUR OPED TO: [email protected] Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPEAK 11 Kenya is grappling with the escalating costs of Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) and traditional fuel sources, putting a significant strain on the nation’s and household budgets. It may be time to consider viable alternatives that provide relief from energy costs and pave the way for a sustainable future. For years, Kenya, has heavily relied on conventional fossil fuels for energy generation and cooking needs. As of 2007, biomass energy resources contributed to 70 per cent of the country’s fuel energy demand. According to the 2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census, 55 per cent of households use firewood while 23 per cent use LPG. Urban and rural schools continue to rely on firewood as their main source of energy. The consequences of the price fluctuations leave consumers struggling to keep up with the everincreasing expenses. In contrast, renewable solutions such as solar, wind and biogas have emerged as sustainable, costeffective and climate-friendly alternatives. Biogas, in particular, has proven to be an energy source whose price is gradually falling. The remarkable aspect of biogas is its potential to harness locally available resources and transform them into usable forms of energy. This decentralised approach to energy generation not only mitigates the country’s dependency on expensive fuel imports but also empowers rural communities to become selfsufficient energy producers. Biogas plants can effectively address energy poverty by providing affordable and reliable energy to remote regions. One of the most compelling aspects of biogas is its declining production cost. The price of setting up a biogas plant has significantly decreased from Sh84,000 to Sh60,000. The advantages of biogas extend beyond just financial benefits. The environmental impact of using biogas is substantially lower compared to fossil fuels. Biogas production not only curtails greenhouse gas emissions by capturing methane, a potent greenhouse gas but also reduces the reliance on fossil fuels that contribute to climate change and environmental degradation. As Kenya strives to meet its commitments under international climate agreements made in 2018 to generate 100 per cent of energy from renewable energy sources, using biogas would be a major step in the right direction. To achieve this goal, it is imperative that the government takes a proactive approach in encouraging citizens to choose renewable, climate-friendly and cheaper sources of energy. By doing so, the government can pave the way for a sustainable and greener future while setting an example for the younger generation. First, the government should initiate a comprehensive campaign targeting schools. Educators and administrators should highlight the numerous benefits of biogas . The campaign should emphasise how biogas can significantly reduce energy expenses for schools, freeing up resources to be redirected towards improving learning facilities. Collaboration between the government, private sector and non-governmental organizations is crucial for establishing partnerships that offer technical expertise and guidance on biogas plants installations and maintenance. Policymakers must prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and create an enabling environment that encourages investment in biogas technology. Incentives, subsidies, and favorable regulations can act as catalysts in promoting the adoption of biogas. By actively embracing biogas and investing in its development, Kenya can reduce its dependence on costly fuel imports, alleviate energy poverty, and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future. The time to embrace biogas as a renewable energy solution is now. — The writer is head of sales, Sistema Bio Kenya More preventive options key to victory against TB Biogas is the solution to Kenya’s rising energy costs Before Covid-19, the two most lethal infectious diseases were HIV and tuberculosis (TB). Even though HIV still lingers, with 1.5 million people contracting the infection every year, epidemiologists point to the availability of many HIV prevention options as a primary reason for the decreasing caseload. According to WHO, over the past two decades, new HIV infections decreased by 49 per cent, deaths decreased by 61 per cent and an estimated 18.6 million lives were saved because of new treatments that minimise infection and prevent its spread. We have so many options for HIV prevention at our disposal, including the dapivirine vaginal ring, oral PreExposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), harm reduction for people who use drugs, condoms for both men and women, voluntary medical male circumcision and the recently approved long-acting cabotegravir, with other options in development. We do not have this many options for TB prevention, but the world needs to adapt to embrace choice if we are to meet the globally agreedupon goal of reducing TB deaths by 90 per cent by 2030—referred to as the “End TB targets.” The urgency of the need is clear: an estimated 1.6 million people lost their lives to the disease in 2021, the second consecutive year the death toll went up after 14 years of progress. In Africa, an estimated 2.5 million people contracted the disease in 2021, one million of which were never diagnosed and treated. Yet there are glimmers of good news. Estimates of TB incidence have slowly declined over the past few years in Angola, Ethiopia, Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia—all countries with high burdens of TB. There is no effective vaccine to prevent TB in adults: the BCG vaccine only prevents severe TB in children. However, there are ways to prevent TB when someone is potentially exposed. In the workplace or when a family member becomes sick, for example, prevention starts with masking. The other ways work through prophylactic regimens. For TB, we initially only had isoniazid that could be taken for six, nine, 12 or 36 months, but now we have shorter regimens that allow for choice. These options include regimens lasting one (1HP) and three months (3HP), with different combinations of the antibiotic drugs rifapentine and isoniazid, all with vitamin B6 supplements to help counter some of the side effects of treatment. There is also a three-month regimen of rifampicin and isoniazid (often given to children and adolescents) and a four-month regimen of rifampicin alone. Longer courses of isoniazid taken for 6–36 months are also options, though most people are eligible to take a shorter rifapentine - or rifampicin - based regimen and should be given the choice to do so. We need to do a better job of making sure that people at risk of TB have access to the full range of prevention options. A recent peer-reviewed study underlines this point, estimating that tracing the personal contacts of people diagnosed with TB and providing them with prevention treatment would save the lives of 700,000 children under the age of 15 and 150,000 adults by 2035. Even the financial benefits of the prevention programme, in terms of increased economic productivity, would outweigh the costs. We also need to collect more data to differentiate which prevention regimens are best for each patient type to ensure success. The WHO guidelines for preventive TB treatment create the possibility of choice among TB preventive treatments by not ranking the regimens by preference or effectiveness. But health care facilities and outreach programmes need to embrace that range of options and make sure that a choice exists in practice. Supply chains may limit choice initially, but if there is no demand for more options from providers, there is no impetus to expand supply chains. The progress made in HIV prevention is nothing short of a global success story. It took a combination of scientific ingenuity and innovation, combined with an intensive dedication of resources that made a range of preventive options available around the world. It is time that TB caught up to HIV. Medicine is simply too advanced for us to tolerate how one disease can be beaten back yet another continues to flourish. —The writer is an Adjunct Associate Professor and Chief Specialist Scientist at the Aurum Institute "%".4
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&%*503 / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily K 3ULVRQHUVVWDJH 6KDZVKDQNVW\OH MDLOEUHDNLQ86 A prisoner is on the run in the US after he and three other inmates staged a Shawshank Redemptionstyle jailbreak. The four, who were being held at Bent County Jail in southeast Colorado, reportedly pushed through a dry wall ceiling in their cell, which used to serve as a kitchen, and used bundled blankets to make it seem as if they were actually in their beds. From there, the inmates got through the roof of an adjoining bathroom, US news agency, KOAA said, citing Bent County Sheriff Jake Six. One of them, Mark Fox, 46, is still on the run, while two others have been captured and the fourth found dead from a suspected drug overdose, Sheriff Six said on Tuesday. Benjamin Valdez, 34, was found dead in nearby Pueblo, according to the Bent County Emergency Management Agency. The other two unnamed inmates who escaped were recaptured when they called for an ambulance for an overdose early on Tuesday. The quartet’s escape has echoes of that in the film, Shawshank Redemption and the Stephen King book it is based on. In the movie, a prisoner knocks through a wall, covering his escape hole with a poster of film star Rita Hayworth before breaking out via a sewage pipe, leaving clothes in his bed to make it appear he was still there. All of southeast Colorado’s law enforcement personnel are “actively searching for Mr Fox” and US marshals have been called and will shortly be helping in the hunt, Sheriff Six said on Tuesday. —Agencies ODDLY ENOUGH TRUTHIS: Kneeling keeps us in good standing with God. How riots start @jumaf3: Did you see how peaceful the people of Kisii were today? Just songs and dance, no throwing of stones, no destroying businesses. But if the police would have turned up, things would have gone South! Fake pan-Africanism @wmnjoya: When I said pan-Africanism from above is not about us, people started giving me sermons from the 60s on how our leaders are uniting to protect us from Europe. No please. African leaders are protecting themselves from the African people. We have no duty to obey an unjust law. Unga-matics @moneyacademyKE: Cheaper imported maize won’t lead to a big drop in maize prices due to high electricity costs. Prices may only go down by Sh10-20 after selling current stock Road less travelled @BrianJaysins: Rao needs to employ Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent approach to political change. Both Raila and Ruto should agree on the issues affecting the common person and not their selfish interests.

12 NEWS BEAT PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 Police officers in Baringo Central have arrested two people found stealing assorted drugs and medical supplies of unknown value from Baringo County Referral Hospital in Kabarnet town. The suspects, an officer and an accomplice, were nabbed by security guards manning the referral hospital on Monday at around midnight while trying to stuff drugs into one of their bags. The County Referral Medical Superintendent, Dr Gerishom Abakalwa, who confirmed the incident, said that the hospital management had set a trap for them after receiving numerous reports of missing drugs at the facility, especially at night. Abakalwa said for the past one week, they have been surveying the hospital day and night following reports some staff were colluding with strangers to steal drugs. - KNA Two arrested over Baringo drug theft
 by Reuben Mwambingu @PeopleDailyKe President William Ruto is today expected to kick-off a five-day working tour of the Coast region, covering Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Tana River counties in which he will inaugurate a range of projects that align with the government’s bottomup economic agenda. State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said as part of the tour, President Ruto will focus on inspecting projects in the Blue Economy and Fisheries sector, specifically in areas of Mukowe, Lamu County, Ngao, Tana River county, Ukunda, Kwale county and Mombasa county. “The President will issue grants to common interest groups in the four counties, amounting to over Sh552 million, beginning with Lamu county on Thursday. You will recall that the President had previously issued grants worth Sh320 million earlier this year, and later this year, he will issue another round of grants worth Sh621 million to fishing groups in the region,” Mohamed said while addressing the press at Mombasa State House yesterday. The spokesperson at the same time detailed out a breakdown on the government’s hustler fund status stating that so far, Sh32.8 billion worth of loans have been disbursed. Empowering access “In the six counties of the Coast region, 1,641,991 have subscribed to the fund, borrowing a total of about Sh2.78 billion... This is part of the President’s pledge to empower people to access affordable credit, end the exclusion of many Kenyans from crucial financial services, and free them from the bondage of predatory lenders,” he stated in Mombasa yesterday. Concerning the government’s Affordable Housing Programme, Mohamed noted that several projects are earmarked for development in the entire region through the 200 units per constituency programme. “The planned projects in Kilifi county total 800 units, distributed as follows: Kaloleni (Mariakani 200), Kilifi North (Civil Servants Housing Scheme 100), Kilifi North (off Bofa road 100), Kilifi South (Chonyi 200), and Malindi (200) constituencies. In Kwale, preliminary designs for 980 units across four constituencies are underway. These constituencies are Kinango (GSU Mackinon – 200), Kwale Town 180, Matuga (Kwale County Housing Scheme (100), Matuga (Women’s prison land 100), Msambweni (Kwale-Mabokoni 200), and Msambweni (Ukunda White House 200),” he noted adding, in Mombasa 400 units are set to be constructed in Kisauni con stituency, with 200 units undergoing preliminary designs and another 200 in Mwatamba awaiting suitable designs. Another 200 units he said, are earmarked for Lamu East and Lamu West constituencies, with another 200 units in Bura Tana River county. Housing pillar “As the President emphasizes, the housing pillar aims not only to uplift people and dignify their lives but also serves as an economic stimulus for enterprises and job creation. For every housing unit built, three to five new direct jobs and up to eight indirect jobs are created,” the spokesman reckoned adding that since assuming office, the head of state has initiated the construction of 36,092 new units in various parts of the country, generating a significant number of jobs. He envisioned that in total, 200,000 housing units a year will create between 600,000 and one million jobs every year. President Ruto is also expected to commission a fish landing site in Kilifi county, in a project that is expected to advance the development of the Blue Economy and Fisheries Value Chain. Today, the president is expected to tour the Ngao area in Tana River County, to commission the rehabilitated Sailoni headworks and rubber dam. According to Mohamed, the President will also inspect the ongoing rehabilitation of water delivery systems and farm restoration works at the Tana Delta Irrigation project (TDIP). “This project, undertaken under a Public Private Partnership, (PPP) framework, will open up 12,000ha of land for rice irrigation, with an expected production capacity of 84,000 MT of rice per year. It will significantly reduce rice imports by 35 per cent, bolster the government’s food security agenda, and generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for over 8,000 locals,” he said. Tomorrow, the president is scheduled to issue Identification documents to members of the Pemba Community who have remained stateless for decades now. “You will further recall that during the 2022 Jamhuri Day celebrations, the President pledged to address the status of the Pemba community in Kenya. On Friday the President will fulfill that pledge by issuing identification documents to members of the Pemba community, providing a lasting solution after years of waiting and previous administrations’ failure to decisively address the matter. Additionally, he will issue title deeds in Kilifi County,” he told the press in Mombasa. 5XWRNLFNVRIIILYHGD\WRXURI FRDVWUHJLRQWRODXQFKSURMHFWV President expected to inaugurate several programmes across region’s five counties by Alphonce Mungahu @PeopleDailyKe The High Court yesterday dismissed an appeal filed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking to overturn a decision by a lower court that declined to admit some documentary evidence in support of the Sh586 millioncorruption case facing former Kiambu Governor Ferdiand Waititu (pictured). Justice Nixon Sifuna dismissed the application by the DPP saying such applications are what delay the conclusion of cases. The DPP wanted the judge to revise a decision by trial magistrate Thomas Nzyuki of Anti-Corruption Court who declined to admit documentary evidence which prosecution had sought to produce as exhibits in the graft case. The court heard that out of the 17 documents, 10 of them were public documents emanating from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) while the other seven were letters from the county government of Kiambu, the commission supposedly seized from the accused. Nzyuki rejected their production because they were photocopies. They could not be produced without being certified. Others were rejected because the prosecution failed to prove the chain of custody. Aggrieved, the DPP moved to the High Court seeking orders to overturn the lower court decision. Waititu’s lawyer John Swaka opposed the revision saying the DPP in establishing the chain of custody, should have by evidence established how the EACC obtained those documents or how it received them. The matter was handled by Justice Sifuna who said the application by the DPP is an ‘interlocutory appeal’ disguised as a revision. “To such, the high court has to always be vigilant , and not only decline them, but discourage them as well,” he said. The judge said he will not delve into determining whether under the evidence act, the said documents are admissible. He said it will be undesirable for the court to descend into ‘evidentiary admissibility’ contests in proceedings that are pending or ongoing in subordinate courts. &RXUWGLVPLVVHVDSSHDOWRRYHUWXUQ:DLWLWXFDVHGRFXPHQWV RUTO COASTAL TOUR President Ruto will focus on inspecting projects in the Blue Economy and Fisheries sector, specifically in areas of Mukowe, Lamu County, Ngao, Tana River county, Ukunda, Kwale county and Mombasa county. In Mombasa 400 units are set to be constructed in Kisauni constituency, with 200 units undergoing by Harrison Kivisu @PeopleDailyKe More than 2,000 squatters at the Mbuyu wa Chapa area in Miritini, Mombasa County are on the verge of eviction from a 200-acre land parcel earmarked for the construction of a marshalling yard by the county government. Irate residents yesterday held a peaceful demonstration to protest the eviction notice served to them by the county government. The squatters led by Samson Marua, now want Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s administration to allocate to them a separate land- block no 431R which they say is not among the five blocks earmarked for redevelopment by the county. While noting that they are not opposed to development, they read mischief in the county government’s plan which they claim is being done without public participation. They claim they are living on ancestral land and want the government to shelve its plan. Yesterday, Lands Executive Mohamed Hussein Mohamed could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered. “We have seen people doing survey work here, saying they want to develop it, this is a plan to evict us, we are asking where we will go and we have graves of our grandparents and permanent structures here,” said Marua. They now want the National Land Commission (NLC) and Nassir to come to their rescue. The area has fresh graves, and has a pipeline that passes through and has electricity connectivity. 6TXDWWHUVVHHN WRVWRSFRXQW\ PRYHWRHYLFW WKHPIURPODQG

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 13

Natural gas has potential to bring down charges of power generation by Mbugua Ng’ang’a @PeopleDailyKe in St Petersburg, Russia Kenya has the potential of striking modest amounts of natural gas in the Lamu Basin in the coastal region and Anza Basin in northern Kenya. For the deposits to be explored, however, private firms must be licensed by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum to undertake exploration activities in the designated blocks. Sources indicate that Africa Oil Corporation, a Canadian oil and gas exploration company, discovered substantial gas deposits while drilling Sala-I well in Block 9 in 2014. The block is in the northern part of Kenya. The find notwithstanding, there is still room for further exploration which is likely to yield commercially viable natural gas. A document seen by People Daily titled “The Least Cost Power Development Plan (2017-2037)”, forecasts the increased role of gas in power generation in Kenya from the current zero to 7.6 per cent by 2037. Until this potential is exploited, Kenya has to continue relying on the steam from its geothermal plants, mostly in Olkaria, to produce geothermal power for domestic and industrial use. Tanzania tops Data indicates that geothermal accounts for about 33 per cent of Kenya’s electricity production, which is higher than hydro (28 per cent), wind (16 per cent), thermal (13 per cent) and solar at only three per cent. In addition, the country imports seven per cent to satisfy its electricity needs. That means, not even one megawatt of power is generated from natural gas. As such, there is room to explore this source of energy the same way other countries in Africa like Tanzania have done. Today, Tanzania is one of the top ten gas producers in Africa and is set to start exporting to Kenya in Part Two There is room to explore the crucial source of energy the same way other countries in Africa like Tanzania have done II. This notwithstanding, the country continued to experience power rationing, largely because the main source of electricity was hydropower. That meant every time there was drought, there would be power shortages – and resultant blackouts. These disrupted industrial production in addition to destroying food in people’s homes every time refrigerators went without power for days on end. Now, however, thanks to geothermal, the problem of power rationing has become a thing of the past and the discussion now has focused shifted to cost. Drop in ocean This is an important point to note because gas has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of power generation, especially if left in the hands of parastatals like KenGen, which is what Russia has done with Gazprom (More details on this in your People Daily tomorrow). Like Russia’s, Kenya’s electricity story is interesting and needs a little revisiting for context. By 1933, the country was producing a meagre 6.4 Megawatts of power; four from Tana, two from Ndula and 0.4MW from Mesco hydropower plants. By 1957, this capacity had grown threefold to 21.7 Megawatts, partly because production had gone up at Tana, and additional production started in Wanji (7.4MW) Sagana (1.5MW), and Gogo (2MW). This, however, was less than a drop in the ocean given that the country’s population had grown, and the system of government had become more complex, requiring investments in energy to keep the bureaucracy running. By 1978, one new dam – Kindaruma – was producing more power than all sources before independence combined. By the time of the Jomo Kenyatta succession, the country was producing 279 Megawatts, the bulk of it – 145 MW – coming from Gitaru alone. Kamburu (94.2 MW) and Kindaruma (40 MW) were second and third respectively, meaning that the earlier dams were overshadowed on the hydro production map. To his credit, and the controversy around his work in Turkwel notwithstanding, Kenya’s second President, Daniel arap Moi, nearly doubled electricity production the foreseeable future. At present, the total geothermal output in the country stands at 950MW. Of these, 799MW is produced by the Kenya Electricity Generating Company (KenGen), and the remaining 150MW by independent power producers. By contrast, one plant in Russia, such as the Izmeron factory, which is part of the Bronka Group Holding, produces 360MW, just less than half of KenGen’s total geothermal capacity. That one plant alone is bigger than any power plant or field in Kenya, yet it occupies a small fragment of real estate that is basically a system of pipes and turbines that turn natural gas into electricity. Coal potential Whereas KenGen has to drill approximately 3,000 meters into the earth’s sub-surface to extract steam that turns the turbines to generate power, in Russia, gas deposits are about 1,700 meters below the surface, meaning Gazprom rigs only need to drill half the distance to reach reservoirs. Notably, natural gas accounts for 43 percent of power production in Russia. If policymakers in African countries, particularly Kenya, are looking for that light bulb moment to transform their energy sector, this is the time to evaluate and learn from Russian companies like Gazprom, which has already expressed interest in working with various African governments to harness their gas and coal potential. Kenya could soon join the ranks of these countries if recent trends in African countries are anything to go by. Kenya has been engaged in exploration of geothermal power since 1952 but it was not until 1981 that it made the milestone achievement of installing the first geothermal unit at Olkaria I, after 29 years of experimenting. Even then, it would only do a maximum of 45MW. It was until the Kibaki administration in 2003 commissioned the first 35MW of Olkaria 14 SPECIAL REPORT Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY Alternative Energy Journalists and gas experts from African countries view a model of a gas extraction plant in Bovanenkovskoye, in the Arctic region of Russia. The station produces hundreds of millions of gas every year for industrial and domestic use and for export. PHOTO/MBUGUA NG’ANG’A from where his predecessor left, thanks to his decision to build the Turkwel Hydroelectric Power Station despite the hue and cry around the viability of the project. It is, however, tragic that Turkwel to this day, still operates way below its capacity due to water scarcity caused by various factors, including diversion for private use. By the end of President Mwai Kibaki’s first term in office, Kenya was comfortably generating 434.5MW following the commissioning of the Kiambere (144 MW) and Sondu (60MW) power stations. Still, power rationing persisted because, like Kenya’s rain-fed agriculture, its energy sector was weather dependent. South Africa crisis In 2008, while President Kibaki was touring the KenGen site in OlKaria, Naivasha, an energy honcho happened to mention to him that geothermal had the potential to address the power shortages that had become an alltoo-common occurrence in the country. This had routinely led to the deaths of children in hospital incubators every time supply to key installations was disrupted. “Why is this not being done?” Kibaki asked his State House Comptroller. “Can a budget be allocated for this?” If policymakers in the energy sector blinked that year, they missed the turning point that has made the difference between Kenya and South Africa today. Whereas Kenya, a relatively smaller economy compared to South Africa has electricity supply throughout the year, SA has to contend with regular “load shedding” as power rationing is called there. On average, an area can go for up to eight hours a day without power during rationing and residents have to protests in the streets to get reconnected. “This is reducing our capacity to create jobs and transform our society because industries cannot rely on unstable power and have to keep shutting down,” said a journalist from Johannesburg. In the first year of the turning point, the government of Kenya allocated money to expand geothermal wells drilling in Olkaria. Seven wells were drilled in 2008 and these increased to 12 the following year. In 2013, when Uhuru Kenyatta was taking over the reins of power, KenGen drilled 35 wells, following this up with 35 in 2014. The golden era ended in 2015 when it drilled a record 37 wells. Despite the current decline in drilling activities, the entire area from the lower tip of Lake Turkana – in the Barrier and Namarunu fields – all the way to Suswa and Shompole on the shores of Lake Magadi, Kenya’s geothermal potential is lying in waiting for the day the government will unlock the magic that will not only make the country self-sufficient in electricity generation but also a net exporter of power. At present, Kenya still imports power from Uganda and Ethiopia from time to time in addition to relying on thermal power producers who have pushed up the cost of electricity. Although they play a critical role in stabilising supply, they also increase consumer prices reflected in the monthly bill or every time one buys tokens because they generate power from diesel, which Kenya has to import every 30 days and which has now been slapped with a 16 per cent Value Added Tax that has increased further the retail cost of electricity. This explains why prices remain high even when KenGen is selling electricity to Kenya Power at an average of Sh6 per kilowatt hour, compared to Independent Power Producers who sell the same at an average of Sh25, five times more. Series continues tomorrow

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 15

E-mobility revolution near reality in Kenya by John Otini @PeopleDailyKe Kenya has unveiled a state-ofthe-art motorcycle assembly facility with an impressive capacity of 50,000 units per year, boosting the nascent sector leveraging promises of tax cuts. It comes as a major boost to the country’s efforts in embracing sustainable mobility solutions and reducing carbon emissions from traditional petrol-powered vehicles. The new motorcycle assembly facility, represents a collaborative effort between the government and private sector to accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly transport options in Kenya. The facility’s annual production capacity of 50,000 units signals the intent to meet the growing demand for greener two-wheeler options in the country. Electric vehicle manufacturer Roam which has also been distributing electric buses is doubling down on the sector at a time when high fuel prices are pushing consumers to alternative transport including LPG conversion of cars. Speaking during the inauguration ceremony President William Ruto emphasised the importance of transitioning to cleaner and more affordable modes of transport to address the pressing challenges of rising pollution and fuel costs. “This motorcycle assembly facility stands as a testament to our commitment to building a more sustainable and green future for Kenya,” President Ruto stated during his address. “By producing 50,000 units of eco-friendly motorcycles annually, TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS President Ruto’s inauguration of the motorcycle assembly facility and other such actions have injected fresh momentum into Kenya’s quest for greener and more affordable transport solutions. As the demand for green and affordable transportation options continues to rise, these initiatives are likely to attract further investments . we are taking a major step towards reducing our carbon footprint and promoting affordable transportation for our citizens.” An e-bike will cost Sh300,000 according to CEO Philip Lovstrim, and estimates that Kenya will have produced 200,000 units by the end of next year worth about Sh60 billion. Other players driving the sector include Basigo that has secured hundreds of millions in funding to bankroll their rollout of emobility vehicles. Kiri Ev is a public charging infrastructure company which produces charging ports but also assembles ebikes. Charging station Naivasha-based Electric Go Company which sells electric cars launched their first charging station in Naivasha where Managing director Eve Maina announced a plan to roll out 300 more stations countrywide in one year. “We intend to champion the adoption of e-transport in the country and help move away from fossil fuels,” she said. The assembly facility’s establishment is expected to have several positive impacts on the local economy. The project is likely to create numerous direct and indirect job opportunities, contributing to the country’s employment sector and fostering skill development in the automotive industry. In line with this push towards greener transport options, the recent partnership between the KCB Foundation and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITA) has garnered significant attention. The joint effort aims to finance the purchase of 100,000 electric bikes (e-bikes) within the span of one year. The initiative seeks to provide an accessible and eco-friendly transportation solution to a broad segment of the population. E-bikes have gained popularity worldwide as a cleaner alternative to conventional motorcycles and are known for their affordability and efficiency. By partnering with UNITA, a renowned institution focused on sustainable development, the KCB Foundation aims to leverage their expertise and resources to accelerate the adoption of e-bikes across various regions in Kenya. Roam’s state-of-theart electric motorcycle assembly plant shows determination to change urban mobilit Government is accelerating the adoption of eco-friendly transport options in the country. PD/FILE Chinese-owned video streaming app TikTok says it will offer text-only posts as competition between social media giants heats up. The platform says the new feature gives users “another way to express themselves”. Earlier this month, TikTok launched a new music streaming service to rival platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. And on Monday, Elon Musk’s Twitter ditched its famous blue bird logo and switched to a black and white X. TikTok users will now be offered three options on the app - whether to post photos, videos or text. They will also be able to customise posts by adding sound, location or Duets, which are video reactions to posts by other TikTok users. “These features make it so your text posts are just as dynamic and interactive as any video or photo post,” TikTok said. TikTok, which is owned by China’s ByteDance, recently launched a new music streaming service, TikTok Music, in Brazil and Indonesia. Last week, the company also rolled out a beta version of the service in Singapore, Mexico and Australia. A spokesman said it would allow users to “listen, share and download the music they have discovered on TikTok, as well as share their favourite tracks and artists with their TikTok community”. New landscape The app is testing other features including a new landscape mode with select users around the world. In 2021, TikTok became the world’s most popular online destination as it had more hits than US search engine giant Google. That year, the app also said it had more than one billion active users globally. Competition between rival social media firms - such as Instagram owner Meta and X, Musk’s rebranded Twitter platform - have heated up in recent weeks. This month, Meta’s new Threads platform went live on Apple and Android app stores in 100 countries, including the UK. Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg later said his company’s Threads platform had signed up more than 100 million users in less than five days. Also this week, the blue bird branding on social network Twitter was replaced by a logo featuring a white X on a black background. – BBC TikTok adds text-only posts as social media battle escalates FARMING Government will sanction importation of two million bags of wheat in the next one month to supplement local production, Ministry of Agriculture confirmed yesterday. Agriculture Principal Secretary Kello Harsama (pictured) said harvesting by local farmers is ongoing in various counties and millers are purchasing at agreed prices. “We have agreed with millers to ensure they have purchased all the wheat being harvested in growing counties. Farmers are currently selling 90 kilogramme bags of Grade I at Sh5, 200 and Grade 2 at Sh5,100,” he said. The ministry is working on logistics to ensure the current harvest is well managed before allowing importation, said Harsama. Under the EAC Common External Tariff, wheat imports attract a duty of 35 percent. However, Harsama said millers will be allowed to ship in the grain at a levy of 10 per cent under the Duty Remission Scheme approved by the Ministry of Agriculture. He added that production projections stand at 1.2 million bags this year and once the entire yield is fully purchased by the millers, the government will allow importation of another two million bags to ensure the country is stable. Harsama pointed out that Ukraine’s invasion by Russia has since last year disrupted importation of wheat in the country leading to skyrocketing prices. Early this week, National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) opened stores to allow farmers to dry their produce as part of managing post-harvest losses. Quality standards Joseph Kimote, NCPB managing director said the agency will open up the warehouses to help wheat farmers enjoy and maintain good wheat quality standards, and enhance food safety. “Wheat farmers who are currently harvesting in Narok county and other pockets are invited to utilize NCPB facilities to access affordable and professional services in wheat drying, cleaning, grading, silos storage, and weighing,” he said. Wheat farmers in Narok which is the major producer of wheat in the country are currently harvesting and also in a few pockets of Nakuru, Laikipia and Meru counties. To prevent post-harvest losses, NCPB is encouraging farmers to use storage infrastructure in various counties in the county at affordable charges for the drying services. – Nichiolas Waitathu Government to allow importation of wheat as NCPB open stores 16 BUSINESS HUB FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke Thursday, July 27, 2023

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY BUSINESS HUB 17 House prices drop 0.5pc in Q2 on economic uncertainty PROPERTY: Average property prices in the country dropped by 0.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2023 and 1.8 per cent over the year running up to Q2 2023, indicating a slowdown in price appreciation as the market adjusts to the uncertainty in the economic environment. This revelation by the Hass Property Index comes at a time when businesses in the country are reeling from several days of disruption following demonstrations called by the opposition to protest against the high cost of living. Semi-detached houses experienced the highest drop with prices decreasing by 1.2 per cent in Q2 2023 and by eight per cent in the year running up to Q2 2023. Similarly, detached houses experienced a 0.6 per cent decrease in prices in Q2 2023, a 0.1 per cent decrease in the year running up to Q2 this year. Apartment prices, however, went up by 1.3 per cent over the quarter, a 0.4 per cent increase over the year to Q2 2023. “Economic uncertainty pegged to rising costs, prospects of higher taxation and a higher cost of financing has resulted in reduced consumer confidence stalling speculative demand on real estate,” says the report. During the same period, average property rental pricing went up marginally by 0.1 per cent in the quarter. This was backed by a renewed demand for rental apartments, that sustained their growth trend on affordability going up 1.8 per cent in the quarter. Highest increase For property on sale, apartments in Ngong registered the highest increase in sales price over the quarter (4.2 per cent) while houses in Ngong registered the highest increase in sales price over the year to Q2 2023 at 18 per cent. Apartments in Thika registered the lowest increase in sales price over the quarter (-2.5 per cent) while apartments in Upperhill registered the lowest sales price increase over the year at -13.5 per cent. For rental properties, apartments in Kitengela experienced the highest rental price increase over the quarter (7.1 per cent) while houses in Ongata Rongai had the highest annual rental price increase at 22 per cent. Houses in Kiambu had the lowest rental price increase over the quarter (-3.5 per cent) while apartments in Upperhill had the lowest increase in rental prices at -12.6 per cent. “While the market showed subdued performance across both sale and rental pricing with only some hotspots of growth, areas like Ngong, Langata and Ongata Rongai showed bullish returns on all fronts. – Lewis Njoka REVENUE:Kenya’s air travel industry earned $556 million (about Sh79.09 billion) in the first six months of 2023, an industry expert has said. The sector is experiencing a rebound from the slowdown during the Covid pandemic when travel restrictions were imposed as part of prevention and control measures, said Joseph Kithitu, chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents, at a forum in Nairobi. The East African country earned about $600 million in 2022 from the air travel sector. “As an industry, we project to generate about $1 billion in revenues in 2023 based on the performance of the first six months of this year,” Kithitu said, noting that the sector is expected to fully recover to pre-epidemic level in 2024. He said leisure travel is the key driver for the growth as more foreigners visit Kenya’s beaches and wildlife attractions. The statement comes even as Kenya Revenue Authority reaped big from the rebounding aviation and hospitality sectors which generated more revenue from increased taxes. The Taxman’s Customs and Border Control Department registered a revenue collection growth of 10.12 per cent at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the 2022/23 financial year. KRA’s collection of air navigation service charges, rose to Sh5.38 billion against a target of Sh4.8 billion. – PD Reporter/Xinhua Air travel industry rebounds driven by leisure travelling BRIEFLY Old Mutual bets on new app to improve service delivery by Steve Umidha @UmidhaSteve Microinsurance remains a hard sell among poor households despite the increasing number of firms offering such products in the local market, a new study shows. Unlike micro-lending – the betterknown side of micro finance which has a total asset base of more than 250 billion as of December 2021 - micro insurance has been slow to take off. An analysis by the Association of Kenya Insurers (AKI) dubbed the state of Microinsurance in Kenya cites various reasons for the slow uptake including price undercutting by insurance firms, low profitability, fraud and sales agents prioritising on products that have higher premiums among others. Other reasons given by the association are intermediaries who don’t have a good grasp of the products and claim procedures. ““For microinsurance to work, we need to partner with a wider variety of institutions including development partners, insuretechs and technology partners, government and other business associations and aggregator groups such as Saccos, churches and others,” said AKI Chief executive Tom Gichuhi. He noted the fact that microinsurance regulations allow for insurance distributors to be non-insurance players. Microinsurance provides access to the formal insurance market by creating unique products and distribution systems to address their needs and covers smaller coverage and relatively or proportionally attract smaller benefits. The AKI survey carried out earlier this year found that the number of microinsurance products in the market had shot to more than 55 compared to 32 in 2015 despite a low insurance penetration rate in the country of below three per cent. Agriculture, last expense and health microinsurance products rose from two to five, four to six and six to nine respectively. Data from AKI also highlights the number of micro-insurance underwriters has grown from 11 in 2015 to 18 in 2022, imMicroinsurance uptake is still low in Kenya - report New survey cites various reasons for the slow penetration including price undercutting by insurance firms and low profitability plying growth potential. Microinsurance products have increased both in numbers, and types during the period even though a number of brokers had also lessened. Available Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) data show that the number of registered insurance brokers had dropped from 225 by end of last year to just 204 as of June 30. The regulator had in July last year delisted some 38 insurance brokerage firms for non-compliance including failure to remit premiums on time. Personal accident Health insurance, personal accident, and last expense were noted in the AKI report to be the most popular microinsurance products demanded by consumers and that have the potential to grow and cover a wider section of the population – but that is yet to be felt across the insurance segment. These products include crop insurance and livestock or cattle insurance, which are increasingly sold as index-based insurance, covering theft or fire, death insurance, disability, and natural disasters. Those targeted by microinsurance include Jua Kali sector, farmers, farm workers and house helps among others. It followed the 2020 issuance of microinsurance regulations by IRA, requiring microinsurance underwriters to register a separate business away from conventional insurance. The regulations also clearly define the parameters of a microinsurance product to be not longer than 12 months (renewable), premium should not exceed Sh40 per day and the sum assured should not exceed Sh500,000. According to AKI, there are key barriers that limit the growth of the microinsurance industry whose report found that “some aspects of the regulations are not well comprehended. Existing underwriters prefer to implement the microinsurance within the preexisting conventional insurance business license.” Further, AKI notes that “It is perceived that the insurance companies should be allowed to innovate products without having to obtain new approvals from the IRA.” “It is perceived that clients should be notified and no further need to get approval by the IRA – driven by particular needs in the current situation so as not to limit innovation. Perhaps have flexible (bracket features) that allow innovation whilst protecting policy holders,” reads the report in part. Unlike micro-lending which had asset base of more than 250 billion as of December 2021, microinsurance has been slow to take off despite showing growth potential. SOLUTION: Old Mutual East Africa Group has rolled out a self-service mobile app to improve customer experience for their customers. The app is part of digital solutions that the group will be offering to customers and partners this year, informed by its transformation agenda. On the app, customers will have a single view of their solutions which they have with the group and which will enable them to plan and execute their lifetime financial goals better. Old Mutual’s East Africa Group Chief Operating Officer Isaac Nzyoka said that too often, the financial industry has focused on products rather than considering the customer and their different financial needs at different life stages. “Our customer experience strategy, which is aimed at an Integrated Financial Services model, considers the customers short term, mid-term and long-term goals and the tools that they will need to meet them,” he noted. He added: When a customer is clear about their financial journey, they can achieve more across multiple facets of their life.” Andrew Mwithiga Head of Digital and Data, Old Mutual Group said the company has embraced customer-centric digital transformation, prioritised the financial wellness of its customers and are focusing its innovation effort towards enhancing their journey. “It is not about how advanced our technology tools are, but how meaningful it is to the users. This app is only a start, our approach is to improve customer experiences seamlessly through multiple channels,” he added. Christine Sogomo, Head of Customer Experience said app aims to offer first touch resolution across multiple platforms that are convenient for our customers.” – Mathew Ndung’u

18 BUSINESS HUB PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 by John Otini @PeopleDailyKe The government has unveiled the proposed Carbon Trading Bill 2023 in bid to address the pressing challenges of climate change and its impact on the environment. The bill aims to establish the Carbon Trading And Benefits Authority (CTBA) and the Carbon Trading Tribunal (CTT) to regulate and facilitate carbon trading within the country. “This is a new legislative proposal that seeks to provide for the establishment of a regulatory framework for the trading of carbon credits,” the draft proposal reads. Under the new framework, businesses and industries will be required to obtain carbon trading permits at a nominal cost of Sh1000 each, with the authority projecting to earn an estimated Sh65 million in annual revenues. “The authority therefore will generate revenue through issuance of carbon trading permits to a person or company that intends to carry out carbon trading business in Kenya,” said the Bill drafted by MP Joseph Lekuton. Massive potential Despite the market being estimated to be worth Sh70 billion by 2030, unfortunately, last year Kenya issued carbon permits for a mere 4.3 tonnes of carbon worth Sh87 million. The Bill therefore comes as a proactive response to the escalating concerns surrounding greenhouse gas emissions and their detrimental effects on the environment. The bill aligns with the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement, striving to reduce carbon emissions and transition towards a lowcarbon economy. Its key functions will include the issuance and monitoring of carbon trading permits, setting emission limits for businesses, and enforcing compliance with carbon reduction targets. Revenue from the sale of these permits will be channeled towards funding green by John Otini @PeopleDailyKe The mergers and accusations market got a major boost after the Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) gave the green light to the acquisition of a 75 per cent stake in Healthlink Management Ltd, the controlling entity of Nairobi Women’s Hospital, by its founder, Dr. Sam Maina Thenya, from American private equity (PE) fund, Evacare. The much anticipated acquisition which was subject to rigorous scrutiny by the authority to ensure compliance with regulations and safeguard fair competition. “The hospital which is one of the largest in the country has 1000 employees. This approval has been granted based on the finding that the transaction is unlikely to negatively impact competition in the health care market,” said the authority. Evaluation report After evaluation, the authority says to have concluded that the acquisition meets all necessary legal requirements, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare landscape in the region. Dr. Thenya, the entrepreneur and medical professional behind Nairobi Women’s Hospital, expressed his gratitude upon receiving the regulatory approval. “This acquisition represents a significant milestone for both Nairobi Women’s Hospital and the broader healthcare community in Kenya. It will enable us to further our mission of providing high-quality and accessible healthcare services to women while also expanding our offerings to benefit an even larger patient base,” he said. The hospital was started after Thenya pitched the idea of an institution dedicated to women following increase in gender based violence to his employer, who however rejected it, and told him to open his own hospital and take the idea there. This triggered his decision to start the hospital at the age 31, breaking away from formal employment to start his own private hospital. The Nairobi Women’s Hospital went on to establish itself as an institution that primarily focuses on women’s health and wellness. With a network of branches across the country, it has been catering to the medical needs of women of all ages for over two decades now. Evacare, the American private equity fund that initially held the 75 per cent stake in Healthlink Management Ltd, had played a crucial role in supporting the hospital’s growth and development over the years. However, with this latest acquisition, Dr. Thenya will regain a controlling interest, aligning the hospital’s management with his long-term vision for the institution. New carbon law set to regulate Kenya mart Equity Group (EQTY) stock price devalued by 8.6 per cent yesterday at the end of trading on the Nairobi Security Exchange (NSE). The lender closed the day yesterday being priced at Sh41 per share compared to the previous value of Sh44.9 per unit on Tuesday. The devaluation however attracted a dip in traded volumes compared to previous days as small-scale investors hope the stock prices will rise in the coming months. It closed the day with just 320,300 shares exchanging hands. Equity stock has shed off about 4.16 per cent since the year began but is among companies that have remained stable despite investors’ flight. EQTY has traded a total volume of 59.8 million shares in 4,399 deals valued at sh2.4 billion over the past three months. - Herald Aloo STOCK OF THE DAY Equity sheds 8.6pc on NSE Thenya buys back hospital from PE fund CAK gave nod to deal after ensuring compliance to fair competition and other safeguards MARKET WATCH NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE SECTOR VWAP PREVIOUS TOTAL HIGH LOW AGRICULTURAL PRICES SHARES NSE ALL SHARE INDEX: DOWN 2.36points to close at 105.16 NSE 20-SHARE INDEX: DOWN 7.81 points to close at 1590.07 NSE 25-SHARE INDEX: DOWN 53.22 points to close at 2769.62 14.50 10.00 Eaagads Ltd Ord 1.2 14.00 450.00 240.00 Kakuzi Plc Ord.5.00 382.00 382.50 600 225.00 81.00 Kapchorva Tea Kenya Plc Ord Ord 5.00 205.00 510.00 320.00 The Limuru Tea Ca. Plc Ord 20.00 420.00 31.40 17.90 Sasini Plc Ord 1.00 25.80 250.00 120.00 Williamson Tea Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 236.00 234.75 600 AUTOMOBILES & ACCESSORIES 49.75 24.30 Car & General (K) Ltd Ord 5.00 29.05 BANKING 13.00 9.02 ABSA Bank Kenya Plc Ord 0.50 1220 1220 201,000 36.95 26.50 BK Group Plc Ord 0.80 35.00 35.00 1,000 57.00 43.75 Diamond Trust Bonk Kenya Ltd Ord 4.00 47.75 47.55 3,100 53.50 35,00 Equity Group Holdings Plc Ord 0.50 42.65 44.90 420,300 5.10 2.80 HP Group Plc Ord 5.00 4.66 4.65 2,000 21.50 15.80 I&M Group Plc Ord 1.00 18.85 19.00 10,900 44.00 28.05 KCB Group Plc Ord 1.00 28.70 29.00 739,700 41.00 23.30 NCBA Group Plc Ord 5.00 38.25 38.15 16,700 132.00 90.00 Stanbic Holdings Plc ard.5.00 120.00 119.00 755,900 172.50 121.00 Standard Chartered Bank Kenya Ltd Ord 5.00 166.00 166.00 295,500 14.00 10.30 The Co-operative Bank of Kenya Ltd Ord 1.00 11.90 11.95 181,800 COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES 0.45 0,45 Deacons (East Af rico) Plc Ord 2.50 0.45 1.88 0.59 Eveready East Af rico Ltd Ord 1.00 1.56 1.55 1,900 5.40 2.70 Express Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 3.83 4.66 4.66 Homeboyz Entertainment Plc 0.50 4.66 3.83 3.83 Kenya Airways Ltd Ord 1.00 3.83 4.30 2.00 Longhorn Publishers Plc Ord 1.00 2.30 - 5.12 2.50 Nairobi Business Ventures Plc Ord. 0.50 3.22 3.20 10,700 23.00 14.00 Nation Media Group Plc Ord. 2.50 20.00 20.05 7,200 4.38 1,80 Sameer Africa Plc Ord 5.00 2.60 2.50 200 14.75 8.14 Standard Group Plc Ord 5.00 8.46 18.00 10.85 TPS Eastern Africa Ltd Ord 1.00 12.00 12.00 100 0.29 0.16 Uchumi Supermarket Plc Ord 5.00 0.25 0.25 5,800 423 2.60 WPP Scangroup Plc Ord 1.00 2.87 2.90 9,800 CONSTRUCTION & ALLIED 5.55 5.55 ARM Cement Plc Ord 1.00 5.55 39.50 22,40 Bamburi Cement Plc Ord 5,00 26.05 26.00 900 46.00 31.75 Crown Paints Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 42.00 40.00 100 1.32 0.72 E.A.Cables Ltd Ord 0.50 0.94 0.95 26,200 8.80 538 E.A.Portland Cement Co. Ltd Ord 5.00 6.52 ENERGY & PETROLEUM 3.88 2.00 KenGen Co. Plc Ord. 2.50 2.39 2.40 155,000 2.11 1.30 Kenya Power & Lighting Co Plc Ord 2.50 1.51 1.50 546,600 4.11 4.10 Kenya Power & Lighting Plc 4% Pref 20.00 4.11 6.00 6.00 Kenya Power & Lighting Plc 7% Pref 20.00 6.00 26.40 17.30 TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 18.65 18.75 3,100 18.00 6,30 Umeme Ltd Ord 0.50 13.10 13.20 12,800 INSURANCE 7.50 4.01 Britam Holdings Plc Ord 0.10 4.94 5.02 16,600 2.30 1.60 CIC Insurance Group Ltd Ord.1.00 2.10 2.18 26,400 273.00 142,00 Jubilee Holdings Ltd Ord 5.00 186.00 2.30 1.50 Kenya Re Insurance Corporation Ltd Ord 2.50 1.79 1.81 126,300 7.48 3.60 Liberty Kenya Holdings Ltd Ord. 1.00 4.11 3.95 800 15.00 7.20 Sanlam Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 7.38 7.86 5,300 INVESTMENT 12.80 7.60 Centum Investment Co Plc Ord 0.50 9.00 9.00 15,200 0.41 0.27 Hame Afrika Ltd Ord 1.00 0.32 0.32 102,400 1500.00 1,500.00 Kurwitu Ventures Ltd Ord 100.00 1,500.00 5.60 1.91 Olympia Capital Holdings Ltd Ord 5.00 5.16 1.35 0,52 Trans-Century Plc Ord 0.50 0.53 0.54 21,600 INVESTMENT SERVICES 8.50 5.50 Nairobi Securities Exchange Plc Ord 4.00 6.40 6.02 23,400 MANUFACTURING & ALLIED 85.00 65.00 B.0.C Kenya Plc Ord 5.00 72.00 490.00 400.00 British American Tobacco Kenya Plc Ord 10.00 420.75 435.00 93,300 16.90 10.30 Carbacid Investments Plc Ord 1.00 16.70 16.00 28,900 190.00 110.00 East African Breweries Plc Ord 2.00 161.75 161.75 1,500 1.54 0.90 Flame Tree Group Holdings Ltd Ord 0.825 125 1.34 51,300 15.00 10.40 Kenya Orchards Ltd Ord 5.00 15.00 0.27 0.27 Mumias Sugar Co. Ltd Ord 2.00 0.27 35.00 15.00 Unga Group Ltd Ord 5.00 16.95 TELECOMMUNICATION 34.00 12.70 Safaricom Plc Ord 0.05 16.15 16.80 6,423,200 REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST 7.30 5.00 ILAM FAHARI I-REIT Ord.20.00 6.20 6.38 16,000 20.00 20.00 LAPTRUST IMARA I-REIT Ord.20.00 20.00 EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS 2560.00 1880.00 ABSA New Gold ETF 2500i 2530.00 CBK KEY RATES CURRENCY MEAN BUY SELL US DOLLAR 142.1176 142.0176 142.2176 SW KRONER 13.6509 13.6394 13.6624 STG POUND 182.3826 182.2300 182.5353 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 106.9398 106.8445 107.0352 SAUDI RIYAL 37.8885 37.8472 37.9298 SA RAND 8.0709 8.0638 8.0779 S FRANC 163.9094 163.7846 164.0342 NOR KRONER 14.0573 14.0442 14.0704 KES / USHS 25.6619 25.6086 25.7151 KES / TSHS 17.2041 17.1568 17.2514 KES / RWF 8.2573 8.1785 8.3361 KES / BIF 19.9273 19.7459 20.1086 JPY (100) 100.5822 100.5079 100.6566 IND RUPEE 1.7355 1.7341 1.7369 HONGKONG DOLLAR 18.1906 18.1778 18.2034 EURO 156.8671 156.7347 156.9994 DAN KRONER 21.0323 21.0163 21.0484 CHINESE YUAN 19.9177 19.9002 19.9352 CAN $ 107.7016 107.6054 107.7978 AUSTRALIAN $ 96.3345 96.2312 96.4378 AE DIRHAM 38.6915 38.6590 38.7240 Central Bank Rate 10.50% 26/06/2023 Inter-Bank Rate 12.40% 25/07/2023 CBK Discount Window 16.50% 26/06/2023 91-Day T-Bill 12.233% 24/07/2023 REPO 8.43% 06/07/2023 Inflation Rate 7.88% June,2023 Lending Rate 13.21% May,2023 Savings Rate 3.55% May,2023 Deposit Rate 7.7% May,2023 KBRR 8.9% 27/07/2016 KEY CBK INDICATIVE EXCHANGE RATES 26/7/2023

Ghana parliament to abolish death penalty Over 1,800 ‘terrorist attacks’ in W Africa Dakar defends lifting Sonko security terms Ghana’s parliament on Tuesday voted to abolish the death penalty, making the country the latest of several African nations that have moved to repeal capital punishment in recent years. No one has been executed in Ghana since 1993, although 176 people were on death row as of last year, according to the Ghana prisons service. According to a parliamentary committee report, the new bill will amend the state’s Criminal Offences Act to substitute life imprisonment for the death penalty. President Nana AkufoAddo (below) still has to assent for the law to take effect. “This is a great advancement of the human rights record of Ghana,” said Francis-Xavier Sosu, the parliamentarian who tabled the bill. - Africanews West Africa recorded more than 1,800 attacks in the first six months of the year resulting in nearly 4,600 deaths with dire humanitarian consequences, which according to a top regional official is just “a snippet of the horrendous impact of insecurity”. Omar Touray told the UNSC on Tuesday that half a million people in the 15-nation Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) are refugees and nearly 6.2 million are internally displaced. Without adequate international response to the 30 million people in need of food in the region, that number could increase to 42 million by the end of August, he added. Touray, who is president of the Ecowas Commission. - Xinhua Senegal’s government on Tuesday justified the lifting of security around the Dakar home of Opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, saying “the risk does not exist”. Government spokesperson Abdou Karim Fofana said that the measures had been lifted because, “today, there are no more calls for insurrection, there’s no risk of disturbing public order, so there’s no reason to restrict traffic in the Cite Keur Gorgui neighbourhood.” The opposition figure had been blocked by security forces in his home since May 28 for “public order and national security” reasons, with Sonko saying he was being “illegally held” there. The police barriers in front of his home were removed Monday. - Al Jazeera BRIEFLY Niamey, Wednesday Niger presidential guards are holding President Mohamed Bazoum inside the presidential palace in the capital, which has been blocked off by military vehicles since Wednesday morning, security sources have told Reuters news agency. Ministries next to the palace have also been blocked off, and staff inside the palace have not been able to access their offices, presidency and security sources said. But there was calm elsewhere in the capital, Niamey. An official in the presidency said staff inside the palace did not have access to their offices. It was not immediately clear whether Bazoum was inside or what was happening but Niger’s presidency said in a statement on Wednesday that Bazoum and his family were well. The presidency added that some “elements of the presidential guard” had started an “anti-republican” movement “in vain” and that the army and national guard were ready to attack them if the attempted mutiny did not end. Bazoum was elected president in a 2021 election that was the first democratic transition of power in a state that has witnessed four military coups since independence from France in 1960. - Xinhua Niger’s President held by soldiers in palace, reports say Recovery mission The number of people confirmed to have died when a four-storey building collapsed in Cameroon’s economic capital of Douala on Sunday has risen to 34, according to local authorities. More than 50 others have been confirmed injured and are receiving medical treatment, including five who are in a critical condition. The apartment building, which officials estimated housed about 160 people, fell onto a smaller residential block with 60 inhabitants. - COURTESY Khartoum,Wednesday In an appeal to spare civilians, the UN humanitarian co-ordinator in Sudan reported that 18 aid workers were killed in 100 days of conflict, a UN spokesman said on Tuesday. Clementine Nkweta-Salami reported that among the thousands of civilians killed and injured, at least 18 aid workers were killed and many more injured, said Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Haq said more than two dozen humanitarian personnel were detained, and some remain unaccounted for. At least 50 humanitarian warehouses were looted, more than 80 offices were ransacked, and more than 200 vehicles were stolen. “The humanitarian coordinator strongly condemned these attacks, which strike at the heart of our ongoing efforts to deliver essential aid to those in need,” he said. “She reminded all of the parties to the conflict in Sudan of their obligations under international humanitarian and huFamilies being separated by private contractors offering transport out of Sudan. PLAN INTERNATIONAL UN personnel among civilians killed, injured in Sudan conflict Country’s pro-democracy bloc discusses initiatives to end war that’s displaced millions to other countries man rights law.” The spokesman also said the World Health Organization warns of increasing reports of attacks on healthcare in Sudan, with more than 80 percent of the country’s hospitals out of service because of the conflict. Fighting between two military factions broke out in Sudan on April 15. A Sudanese pro-democracy bloc on Tuesday called for an end to the conflict in the country and rejected the presence of multiple armies in Sudan. Speaking to reporters in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, the bloc, known as the Forces for the Declaration of Freedom and Change, outlined their desire that a solution to end the conflict would lead to the creation of a “Sudanese state free from wars and the building of an armed forces that serve the Sudanese people based on principles and values”. “We are against the multiple armies,” Yasir Arman, executive office member of the bloc said. Arman also said the bloc did not object to the entry of forces from East Africa (IGAD) and the international community into the country to monitor any ceasefire and an end to the fighting. “There should be preparation for the deployment of these forces to monitor the final ceasefire as part of the process to end the war, not to occupy Sudan,” he stressed. Sudan has plunged into chaos since mid-April when monthslong tensions between the military and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere across the northeastern African nation. The conflict its Sudan’s army general against RSF paramilitary commander has killed thousands and displaced over 2 million people. Horrors of the conflict include rapes and attacks on hospitals. Representatives of the FFC, an alliance which combines several political parties and militants called for accountability. - Xinhua SUDAN CRISIS Thousands of civilians killed and injured, at least 18 aid workers were killed and many more injured since the Sudan crisis erupted Fighting between two military factions broke out in Sudan on April 15 19 WORLD NEWS FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke Thursday, July 27, 2023

Clique & Clicks Get Spotted 20 PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 GETTING THE FOOTHOLD by Alex Mburu Consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Zutari launched its operations in Kenya. Headquartered in South Africa, it has been involved in a couple of projects in the country including the Two Rivers Mall and Kenya Water Security and Climate Resilience Project. The firm aims to grow its presence in the country through engagements with government agencies such as the Kenya National Highways Agency (Kenha), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) in the improvement of transport infrastructure in Kenya. Zutari CEO Teddy Daka said East Africa had long been identified as a growth area for the company, with Kenya at the centre of their expansion initiatives into the region. PD/ALEX MBURU by Alex Mburu NCBA recently opened its newest branch at Kahawa Sukari, further bolstering its presence in Kiambu region. This strategic expansion aligns with the bank’s commitment to enhancing its retail business and providing convenient financial services to customers. The new branch brings to three the total number of NCBA branches opened this year and 90th countrywide. NCBA Group retail banking director Tirus Mwithiga said the latest branch would be key in supporting local businesses in the area, as it will be offering personalised banking solutions. PD/ALEX MBURU Ruiru MP Simon King’ara with NCBA Kahawa Sukari branch manager Bernard Methu. Engineers Board of Kenya CEO Margaret Ogai. Triad Architects MD Charles Ndung’u with Zutari chairperson Dr Lulu Gwagwa. NCBA branch business deputy director Jane Ng’ang’a. Reverend Timina Charles of ACK Kahawa Sukari. Making its presence felt NCBA Group retail banking director Tirus Mwithiga, NCBA Kahawa Sukari GM Kimungu Mbugua and the bank’s Kahawa Sukari branch manager Bernard Methu. Zutari senior graphic designer Nilton De Caires, the firm’s marketing and communication manager Malebusa Sebatane and its transport MD Vishaal Lutchman. Zutari senior graphic designer Nilton De Caires, the firm’s Mechanical and electrical engineers Liz Mubari and Winnie Isanda. Kahawa Sukari MCA Kennedy Odhiambo. Mace YMR Africa director Simon Herd with Turner and Townsend MD John Rogers. Zutari CEO Teddy Daka.

Get vaccinated Vaccination against Hepatitis is the only way to ensuring that you protect yourself from some variants of Hepatitis. Dr Graciela Diap, HCV Access Project Leader says safe and effective vaccines are available to prevent Hepatitis A and B. Hepatitis B vaccines also provide protection from Hepatitis D infections, and although effective vaccines to prevent Hepatitis E have been developed they are not widely available. This type of vaccine is recommended for people of all ages including infants, children and adolescents aged below 19 years. Adults above 60 years with no any pre-existing conditions can undertake the jab. Practise safe sex Type A and B of this disease are linked to human sexual activities, either penetrative or orally. Studies shows that Hepatitis B is spread through semen, vaginal fl uid, blood and urine and the only way to protect oneself from this virus is through the use of condoms. Also, scientists recommends avoding oral sexual activities. Frequent hepatitis testing is also one way of keeping safe. Avoid sharing needles One of the ways one can be infected is by coming into contact with surfaces, equipment and even objects that have been contaminated with infectious blood. Needles and syringes are also a transmitter. According to Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, people who get infected by Hepatitis C can develop a chronic or lifelong infection leading to serious liver damage, liver failure and even liver cancer. However, they say that avoiding sharing needles can be one of the prevention of Hepatitis C. Proper good hygiene The Hepatitis A virus is transmitted primarily by the faecal-oral route; when an uninfected person ingests food or water that has been contaminated .This might happen when an infected person prepares food without washing their hands, thereby contaminating the food. The World Health Organistion says one of the ways to combat Hepatitis A is through improved sanitation and food safety. This can be done with adequate supply of clean and safe drinking water, proper disposal of sewage within communities, personal hygiene practices such as regular handwashing before meals and after going to the bathrooms and general Limit alcohol consumption Alcoholic hepatitis is another type of the disease that is majorly caused by drinking alcohol. This is most common among heavy alcohol drinkers whose consumption has been high for years. However, the relationship between drinking and alcoholic hepatitis is complex. Not all heavy drinkers develop alcoholic hepatitis but the same can happen to people who drink moderately. Scientists are yet to determine the quantity of alcohol that puts one at a risk of alcohol hepatitis. Most people with the condition have a history of drinking more than seven glasses of wine, beers or seven shots of spirits — daily for at least 20 years, according to a study conducted by Mayo clinic. Therefore, drinking in moderation is the only way towards treating alcoholic hepatitis. Maintain a healthy weight People with hepatitis need to follow a healthy lifestyle to minimize damage to your body organs especially the liver. Start protecting yourself by paying more attention to your diet and nutrition especially on what you consume on the daily basis. Make sure your plate is well balanced. Experts recommends the diet to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains such as oats, brown rice, barley, lean protein such as fi sh, skinless chicken and healthy fats like those in nuts, and olive oil. This is because obesity and fatty liver disease can exacerbate liver damage. Maintainining a healthy weight through regular exercise and balanced diet would be the only way to prevent further damage to your liver. Avoid non-prescribed drugs While the use of medication especially during pain management might be necessary, experts says that some medications, including certain painkillers and herbal supplements, can be harmful to the liver,thereby increasing the risks of hepatitis infections. Majority of the over-the-counter cold and headache medicines , under different names may contain acetaminophen, a drug component that is cited to raise the risks of liver infections. No herbal treatment has been proven to improve outcomes in people with hepatitis B while some can cause serious liver toxicity. Herbal treatments are not recommended for anyone with Hepatitis B. Regular liver health monitoring For individuals previously diagnosed with liver diseases like hepatitis, regular monitoring helps track the progression of the disease. This allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans and medications accordingly, minimising further liver damage. Regular monitoring involves routine blood tests, such as liver function tests, which can detect abnormalities in liver enzymes and other markers. These tests can identify liver diseases at an early stage, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. If you have hepatitis, it’s important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your liver function and discuss any necessary treatment options. Cut or stop smoking cigarretes Research has found a strong associations between chronic hepatitis B and C with cigarrete smoking. This then inceases risks of more serious diseases such as liver cancer especially for people who have other risk factors. Smoking can also enhance the toxic effects that some medications (such as paracetamol) have on the liver. Also, smokers are at risk of sharing cigars among themselves, rising the risks of trasnmitting hepatitis among themselves. Take supplements for Hepatitis Under doctor’s guidance, patients are advised to partake multivitamins which help in securing the liver by increasing its immunity. If you are being treated for Hepatitis B Vaccination, you may want to discuss the potential benefi ts of adding vitamin D to your current therapy. It has also been shown to benefi t hepatitis C patients undergoing treatment. Compiled by: SANDRA WEKESA Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY TOP SHELF FACTS 21 Ten As the world marks World Hepatitis Day, a disease described as inflamation of the liver, scientists recommends precautious measures to prevent further damages to the liver 01 02 03 05 07 08 09 10 06 04 Healthy ways to protect your liver

22 PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 Travel Wise Get set... go! MEET AND GREET Thomas Simonnet, General Manager While others marvelled at the scenery below, others could not stop praying for their safe arrival to the top of the mountain BY FAITH KYOUMUKAMA @martkinel by Malemba Mkongo @PeopleDailyKe B eijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are the most popular cities of China among Africans, maybe because they are the major cities. Talking to most Africans, one would realise their perception of China and its citizens is purely due to their interaction with few of them. However, my recent visit to this country gave me an opportunity to explore other parts of China, and to be specifi c, the unexplored Southern-side of the country, the Hunan Province. Prior to my trip, I made efforts to learn some basic Mandarin, but words failed me when it came to using it. My efforts seemed to have been in vain, as I had forgotten every word I had mastered. That aside, after close to 18 hours of fl ying and layovers, and connecting fl ights, our fl ight fi nally landed at Changsha Airport. To think that this was China’s 10th busiest and biggest airport, I could only imagine how the top three were. And it was evident that Kenya had a long way to go getting to where China is. The moving and collection of luggage was well coordinated and soon enough, I and two of my colleagues were walking out of the vast airport where we met our driver and despite our urge to communicate with him, it was impossible due to language barrier. Clean city, warm reception Driving through the beautiful streets of Changsha district in the middle of the night, the city portrayed itself as a calm and less populated place. But this was proven wrong a few days later when we went out for a city tour, which coincidentally corresponded with the Chinese Dragon Boat festival that is marked with boat races and eating sticky rice dumplings. For your information, Hunan Province has a population of close to 100 million people and with Changsha being its capital city, it prides itself in a population of close to 10 million people and with this population, one can only imagine how densely populated the city is. But despite its high population, it is impossible not to marvel at the city due to its clean streets, as well as warm and receptive people. I was in China on an invite by China’s Ministry of Commerce through Hunan International Business Vocational College. I was among 20 participants drawn from African countries to attend a seminar on resumption of trade and industries for African countries. Days after the offi cial opening of the seminar by Hunan’s top leadership, it was time to hit the ground and enjoy the beautiful scenes of Southern China and so, we made our way to Zhangjiajie, a city in the North Western of Hunan Province. It’s home to the famed Wulingyuan scenic area, which is a protected zone due to its thousands jagged quartzite sandstone columns, many of which rise over 200 metres, as well as caves fi lled with stalactites and stalagmites. Wulingyuan also encompasses forests, rivers, waterfalls and two large natural land bridges, as well as endangered plant and animal species. Travelling 321 kilometres away, we took the fast electric bullet train, which only took us two hours to our destination. Compared to Kenya, that would be from Nairobi to Kisumu. Ideally, this is the train that the majority of Kenyans expected during the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and I could not stop imagining how great it would have been if Kenya had a similar train. Just staring at the outside world from the train, one could tell that government systems here worked tirelessly to improve the lives of its citizens. Despite this being the interior parts of the country, its development in terms of road networks and housing was worth noting. Two hours later, and we were leaving the train station and taking a bus for our fi rst tour, and since this area was popular for its spicy foods, our tour guide Alice could not welcome us in any better way than allowing us to have the taste of the famous spicy foods. Served in the typical Chinese traditional way, which involves placing dishes of eight to 10 types of foods on a rotating round table and guests are just to stretch their hands and serve whatever they want. The food lived to its popularity of being hot, chilly and spicy, but above all, tasty. Immediately after lunch, it was time to start our exploration and our fi rst stop was the Baofeng Lake, a naturally calm lake in a basin created by the terrain in the middle of the mountainous area, surrounded by lush green trees and stone peaks of various shapes. Taking a boat ride here is a leisurely experience, as you calmly row on the clear waters, see the refl ection of the marvelous stone peaks and trees, and enjoy entertainment by the local minority people as they sing their traditional songs. After the exciting ride, all the body wanted was another relaxing sightseeing within the lake area. And as the darkness knocked after a long tedious day, it was time to check into the hotel. Walking through the streets gave Mombasa’s Old Town vibes; a deserted place with zero activities and countable people. Our host Alice urged us to take a walk in the night and see the transformation and true to her word, the town was not anything close to what we had seen during daytime. It was a buzz of activities starting from street foods to the buzzing bars and open markets where tourists bought souvenirs. Being a tourist town, locals preferred remaining closed since the majority of the tourists who Could you provide some insights into your establishment as a destination and the range of offerings for esteemed guests We are an economy hotel brand owned by Accor; each ibis Styles has its own unique design, theme and personality. Creative and urban brand, our eclectic hotel offers warm services and a stylish comfort. Each hotel reflects the spirit of its location; our theme being African arts with a musical touch. Given its an affordable and budget friendly brand it gives us a strong position in a city, such as Nairobi. You are celebrating seven years anniversary in Kenya, what do those years mean to you? And what has set you apart from other hotel brands in the same category? The seven years have seen Amazing sights, local delights and unforgettable experiences that is China MAIN: A ride on a cable car from Zhangjiajie downtown to the mountain top gives tourists a panorama view of the amazing natural surroundings. LEFT: The writer with a friend Ruben Guilerme on a boat ride on Baofeng Lake. BELOW: Taking a relaxing boat ride in the peaceful atmosphere of Baofeng Lake in Zhangjiajie. COURTESY Participants of the Resumption of Trade and Industry for African countries, stand infront of a statue at the National Forest Park.COURTESY During a recent visit of the country’s ninth largest economy, Hunan, our writer Malemba Mkongo got to experience the province’s incredible beauty, exceptional cuisine, an exceptional cultural heritage, and more breathtaking landscapes

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY TRAVEL WISE 23 FORK &LIFE This eatery off Parklands Road, Nairobi, offers a hospitable and warm atmosphere, with heavy emphasis of French and Afro-Asian dishes, allowing one to enjoy a whole new genre of cuisines all at the same time al Manager, ibis Styles by Faith Kyoumukama @PeopleDailyKe T aking a delightful hiatus from my usual foodie trotting adventures, I recently embarked on an exceptional dining sojourn at a hidden gem nestled within the chic confi nes of Skynest by Food Library in the heart of Nairobi. This culinary oasis, Slate Restaurant, proved to be a resplendent haven, treating me to one of the most memorable nights I’ve had in quite some time, as I embarked on an exquisite culinary journey that left an indelible mark on my taste buds and heart. The stars aligned when “Jollof,” the word of the day, made an unexpected appearance during this extraordinary dining escapade. The dish, deeply rooted in West African culinary traditions, holds a special place in my heart, evoking cherished memories of my visit to Lagos, Nigeria a couple of years ago. During that unforgettable journey, I was affectionately given the name “Ayomide,” meaning Joy, which I wholeheartedly embraced, attributing it to my love for the rich and diverse fl avours of West African-inspired dishes. Magical combination Choosing to forgo the starter, I dived straight into the heart of the culinary experience, where the menu unveiled the masterpiece known as Crispy Chicken Supreme. This classic French delight was a revelation of fl avours, boasting a pan-fried supreme of chicken adorned with a crispy, golden, and expertly seasoned skin, generously embraced by a creamy sauce infused with a delightful mushroom medley. With the magical combination of sun-dried porcini, @martkinel A sumptuous Jollof rice experience mushrooms butter, truffl ed potato cream, and chicken porcini emulsion, every succulent bite transported me to a realm of sheer culinary delight. The harmonious marriage of fl avours tantalised my taste buds, leaving an irresistible craving to relish more. However, my dining adventure took a different turn as I laid eyes upon my friend’s plate adorned with an alluring Jollof rice creation. Unable to resist curiosity, I playfully asked for a single bite, and in an instant, I was sold. The menu aptly dubbed it “Jollof Rice Our Way,” an exceptional stir-fried rice infused with an enticing blend of jollof spices, subtle hints of chillies and soy, and crowned with ajowan seedsfl avoured pumpkin paneer cheese blanquette. The rice’s sweet undertones acted as a delightful prelude to the symphony of fl avours that the sauce composed. Each spoonful was a revelation, a masterful dance of tastes and textures that ignited a captivating symphony on my palate. With each indulgent mouthful, my only wish was for more prawns to amplify the culinary adventure. Nevertheless, it was the uniqueness of this particular Jollof rice that left an enduring impression. The ingenious infusion of pumpkin endowed the blanquette white sauce with a mesmerising yellowish hue, a delightful touch that set this rendition apart from the traditional. are their customers were out of town centre, visiting the scenery areas and they only come down in the evening thus the buzz of activities. The following day, the team was charged-up and ready for the other wonders of the great China. Early in the morning, we set out for the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for a tour of the mountains and my excitement was knowing I would be stepping at the Halleluya Avatar mountain among many others. Our journey started with climbing hundreds of steps to reach the cable car station where only six people are allowed per car. Longest outdoor elevator The cars transverse through the forest to our destination. While others marvelled at the scenery below, others could not stop praying for their safe arrival to the top of the mountain. Aside from the Halleluya mountains, we got the opportunity to visit the Thianzi and Yuanjiajie mountains whose scenes were also spectacular. We were also able to take a ride on the 172-metre Bailong elevator, the longest outdoor elevator in the world. One thing that stood out for me in all these sites we visited, was the fact that members of the communities living around these sites were the top benefi ciaries of all this tourism. They have been able to establish businesses around the sites and majority of those employed to work within these sites are members of the community. And while they earn from these resources, their main duty is to protect and preserve these national resources. We spent our last day in Zhangjiajie, visiting a once-poor village, but transformed under the Poverty Alleviation Programme by the Chinese government by implementing policies and investing resources in areas, such as agriculture, education, industries, among others to stimulate economic growth of the poverty stricken areas. This visit gave us an idea of how it is possible to elevate lives of the underprivileged communities without burdening them with taxes. Later, we took a train back to Changsha City. Our stay in this great city would not have been complete without a city tour and visiting the markets. One thing that stood out was the availability of all types of markets, where one could shop according to the weight of their pockets. Being a true child of the Kenyan soil, my favourite market was Gaoqiao grand market where there were varieties of affordable things to buy. Here, one could bargain for anything they wanted at the prices they could afford. Being a curious traveller, I also managed to taste some of Changsha’s street foods and just to be safe, I only stuck to foods, which looked or sounded familiar. How would I claim I fully enjoyed this city without tasting Chinese beers or having a glimpse of their nightlife? I enjoyed their Tsingtao beer and Riesling dry wine, not to forget their night clubs. And as my time in China came to an end, one thing I came back home with was that Kenya has a lot to learn from China. us go through numerous ups and downs and this celebration is a testament to the dedication, hard work and resilience of every single team member who has helped us reach the milestone. We have great quality, offer value for money and give our guests more than hospitality. We believe that we have the power to unlock a better tomorrow that’s why we support and empower communities around us and protect the planet through a greener hospitality experience. Tell us about the other markets you worked in and how that compares to your current role? I have been lucky to work in different markets and every market is different because the economic situation is diverse. The markets adapt to the reality of the situation in different countries. I can’t compare the people I have come across and work with, but the Kenyan market is very dynamic. You just have to see how many hotels are opening. This is a great economical trend for a country. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge that the hospitality industry faces? The main one is the recovery after the Covid-19 pandemic, not just in Kenya or Africa, but around the world. We had to reinvent our services and what we offer the guests. This break reminded us of human touch and connecting face to face with people. It is still a challenge paused and it’s a teaching lesson that in case there is yet another pandemic we can be able to navigate through it, so we are still in recovery. What gives you the passion to perform your role as a general manager in hospitality? Working with people. If you want to learn about a country, it’s the people and culture that will help you navigate through this country. The richness of a country is the people. Here at the hotel, I learn so much about people and their trends and that’s the most exciting part of my career , socialising and networking. MAIN: Jollof rice looking all sumptious. BELOW: 1. Salmon on abed of Raviollli. 2.Chicken served on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes and mushroom sauce. 3. Glazed chicken wings.PD/FAITH KYOUMUKAMA sion to perform your role as a general manager in hospiWorking with people. If you want to learn about a country, richness of a country is the learn so much about people the most exciting part of my career , socialising and nettruffl ed potato succulent bite transported me to a realm of sheer culinary delight. The harmonious marriage of fl avours tantalised my taste buds, leaving an irresistible craving to relish more. However, my dining adventure took a different turn as I laid eyes upon my friend’s plate adorned with an alluring fl avoured pumpkin paneer cheese blanquette. The rice’s sweet undertones acted as a delightful prelude to the symphony of fl avours that the sauce composed. Each spoonful was a revelation, a masterful dance of tastes and textures that ignited a captivating symphony on my palate. With each indulgent mouthful, my only wish was for more prawns to amplify the culinary less, it was the uniqueness of this particular Jollof rice that left an enduring impression. The ingenious infusion of pumpkin endowed the blanquette white sauce with a mesmerising yellowish hue, a delightful touch that set this rendition apart from the traditional. aking a delightful hiatus from my usual foodie trotting adventures, I recently embarked on an exceptional dining sojourn at a hidden gem nestled within the chic confi nes of Skynest by Food This culinary oasis, Slate Ressite culinary journey that left an indelible The stars aligned when “Jollof,” the word of the day, made an unexpected appearance during this extraordinary dining escapade. The dish, deeply rooted in West African culinary traditions, holds a special place in my heart, evoking cherished memories of my visit to Lagos, Nigeria a couple of years ago. During mushrooms butter, A sumptuous Jollof rice experience Jollof rice creation. Unable to resist curiosity, I playand in an instant, I was sold. The menu aptly dubbed it “Jollof Rice Our Way,” an exceptional stir-fried rice infused with an enticing blend of jollof spices, subtle hints of chillies and soy, and crowned with ajowan seedsfl avoured pumpkin paneer cheese mushroom sauce. 3. Glazed chicken wings. KYOUMUKAMA fl avoured pumpkin paneer cheese 2 1 3

24 PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 by Muthoki Kithanze @muthokijoann H ave you ever tasted a whole maize meal (ugali) that’s blended with cassava and groundnuts? Perhaps not. Mary Mumbi, 37, is on a mission to popularise this flour by promoting it as a healthy alternative to sifted corn flour and consequently ease the pressure off maize. In 2019, Mary curiously observed that supermarket shelves stocked sifted maize flour in abundance. The other option was finger millet (wimbi) flour. She explains an announcement by the government the preceding year urging citizens to seek other carbohydrate options in light of a maize shortage might have subconsciously inspired her research. The mother of three began to comb her mind for a substitute that was drought resistant. She settled for cassava and groundnuts. The next task was establishing the perfect ratios to produce a palatable ugali. This took her nearly a year to achieve. “I would prepare small portions of the blended ugali for my family for a whole year looking for the right ratio, taste, and consistency. Eventually, I found one, and I started to mill the flour in 2020. The best thing about this ugali is that I have not removed any part of the maize grain, therefore, retaining all the nutritional components,” she explains. The process The rising entrepreneur sources her products from local retailers after which she sorts, and dries them at home. She then takes the raw materials to a posho mill near her residence for milling. The last leg of her production process is packaging, which until recently would happen in her house. “I am currently doing everything from a shared production facility called Somo in Githurai, Nairobi. The facility has all the machinery I need to make my flour. Those who use the facility are charged a minimal fee of Sh7 to mill a kilogramme of grain,” she says. In a day, Mary makes between 10 and 20 two-kilogramme packets of the flour, which she sells within her locality for Sh280 each. She intimates that people living with diabetes make a majority of her clientele. “I started to use this unga some two years ago, because I have diabetes. Since Try my ‘unga’, it slaps differently People Plus Tell your Story Triggered by the observation that supermarkets mostly stocked sifted maize flours, fledging entrepreneur Mary Mumbi was hit by an idea to make a different type of flour then, I have observed my blood sugar levels stabilise and I think it is largely because of the flour,” says Samuel Mwaura, a resident of Juja and Mary’s repeat customer. He asserts that finding the appropriate food for his health requirements can be a daunting expendition. He adds, “This flour has a subtle sweetness because of the groundnuts. Most of the time, people have to buy different flour and mix them to get what they want, but this one is already well balanced.” Maize overreliance Mary says her venture tackles the problem of overreliance on maize as a staple food and addresses the effects of climate change, such as low yields. On the back of grain shortage and soaring prices, the Ministry of Agriculture last year permitted millers to import duty-free maize. Local millers were allowed to import 900,000 tonnes of white maize and 600,000 tonnes of milled white rice from February till August, 2023. Despite the directive, the prices of maize flour have remained high retailing in the north of Sh250 for a two-kilogramme packet, while a A 90-kilogramme bag of maize is retailing at Sh6,200. In March this year, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi urged Kenyans to consume rice and other foods as alternatives for maize, signalling the country’s inability to satisfy domestic maize requirements. “We are trying to look for maize out there, but the truth of the matter is that it’s not there… I, therefore, urge Kenyans to embrace rice, potatoes, and other food substitutes. We have already brought tonnes of rice and we are bringing more next week,” he said before the National Assembly Committee on Agriculture. However, swaying Kenyans to abandon a historical staple food is more complicated than it may seem. In this context blending maize meal appears to be a practical opportunity for dealing with depressed supply, as well as enhancing nutrition value, says Mary. Just like any other venture, Mary has had to wade through some roadblocks one of the major ones being access to credit facilities. “Banks ask you for collateral, which I do not have. Other facilities, such as the Hustler Fund do not offer a viable amount for an individual who does not want to take a group loan. It’s circumstances, such as these that stifle your growth. The demand outstrips what I can supply. I know I can do more and even employ people, but because of cash constraints, I am not able to. Presently, I work alone,” says the Momix Enterprises founder. She is also concerned about the amount of aflatoxins in cereals, which she says dent her pocket. “I buy maize and groundnuts from retailers, which sometimes present aflatoxins. I end up disposing them, amounting to losses,” Mary says. Tried and tested Nevertheless, she lauds her blended maize flour saying it has all the micronutrients fortified in ordinary sifted corn flour. “Some of these flours on our shelves lack the minerals and micronutrients they advertise in their nutritional information label, but my product is tried and tested,” she asserts. Food fortification is the practice of deliberately increasing the content of one or more micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in food or condiment to improve the nutritional quality of the food supply and provide a public health benefit with minimal health risk. It is among the World Health Organisation-recommended strategies for dealing with micronutrient deficiency. The law requires food producers to fortify milled maize and wheat flours with zinc and iron. Producers of salt and oils are also required to fortify their foods. Mary, who looks up to Keroche Breweries proprietor and Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja hopes to acquire her own maize-milling machine to avoid contamination of her flour through sharing the mill. “I see Tabitha as a diligent and innovative woman. I hope to reach her level of success and that’s why I am happy to start with what I have,” says a jovial Mary in ending. MARY I know I can do more and even employ people, but because of cash constraints, I am not able to. IN HINDSIGHT In 2019, Mary Mumbi curiously observed that supermarket shelves stocked sifted maize meal in abundance. She made it her mission to make and popularise a whole maize flour that’s blended with cassava and groundnuts. Her next task was establishing the perfect ratios to produce a palatable ugali, a process that took her nearly a year to achieve. Eventually, she found the ratios and started to mill the blended flour in 2020. Mary sources her products from local retailers after which she sorts, dries and then takes the raw materials to a posho mill. In a day, she makes between 10 and 20 two-kilogramme packets of the flour, which she sells within her locality for Sh280 per packet. Momix Enterprises founder Mary Mumbi at a shared production facility. PD/MUTHOKI KITHANZE

Tribe43 The Sheng Republic Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY 25 MANUSCRIBES By Manuel Ntoyai SHENGPEDIA By Rodgers Ndegwa @tribe43shengmag TRIBE 43- Sheng Republik 1 2 By Nafsi Huru TAMBULIKA TOKAJIKONI By Nafsi Huru MULIKWA WITH MWANGI ALBERTO URADI By Nafsi Huru Kusababisha - Balling Origin - Ng’ondo Example - After kukanjwa mshande, cuzo wa mine alisababisha kuruka. Kuingiza para - To pretend Origin - Mwihoko Example - After kucheki mavedi tukiwa base jana ilibidi kila mtu aingize para. H akuna kitu poa kwa any human being kama kuwa na uhai na health poa. Manze ukirauka ngware kama huumwi na place yoyote kwa body yasako, give thank to Sir Jah juu hio ndio ile blessing bwaku kuruka. You know unaweza ona kama ni nguvu zasako huwa zinakupeleka mbele, but ni God hutupea uwezo wa kudo everything enye sisi hudo. So, usijipige kifua ujione wewe champ; be humble, shukuru Mungu, love and live. Kwenye hio line, hanaku kitu tifi kwa any country kama peace. Bila amani kwa nchi, hakuna ata maendeleo inaweza endelea. So, ni kitu poa vile Kenya imetulia. Hakujakuwa na ile Kimbi Kimbi Festival kama ya last week. Mbio Wakenya wamekimbizwa in the last month ni hatari. Ilikuwa something poa vile leader wa Azimio Raila Odinga alisema hakuna demos week dis, na wananchi wameenjoy hiyo peace. Ukicheki hasapo miaka ya manyu, utaget vile watu world over waliuana juu ya issues hanaku. Petty issues zenye zingekuwa solved bila kushed blood manze. On April 6, 1994, kwa mfano, Rwanda ilikuwa a peaceful country. Wananchi walikuwa wanachapa shugli zao za daily bila was. But by jioni ya the following day, April 7, damu ya mraiya ilikuwa inaflow kama mto kizee. Leo tumebanja na ALPHONCE MUTUNGA mzito ametambulika kundonyo na kununua magold na masilver zile fyam. Biz inajiita Red Stone Jewellery pale Tom Mboya Street ya Kanairo Ilikuaje ukajipata kwa hii mradi? Mi ni msee nimependa bling kutoka tenee, na back in 2011 nikishikana movies hapa tu tao nilikuaga nawauzia mabling zikiwa kwa shingo nikaona hii inaeza kua fom nikaekelea machwaa kwa stock kiasi and the rest is history vile wao hudai. Achievements nazo ni gani? Hi mboka imenirembeshea maswala kinyama. I am grateful ju mtitaz ryeng ilikuaga fucha na ju hii mkazi nilieza kusomesha siblings pande yangu siko kambunja na mambo inasonga. Challenges hazikosagi. Zako ni niga? Mboka ya bling ni capital intense mbaya na bado kuna utiriri ya mamwera maswali haziishagi. Unaovercome aje hizo swara? Fom ni kupiga biashara safi; mali yangu yote ni ya kuimport na niko na makaratasi zake, so wakimuok wananipata niko seti hatusumbuani. Pia tu kupiga biz safi inafanya unamaintain clientele na mdogo mdogo, capital inajitosha kupanua empire. 1. Good To Me - Nyashinski 2. My Sugar - Otile Brown & Nadia Mukami 3. The Plan- Musa Kiama ft Iddi Singer4. 4. Grim Ripper – Jodye Faneto 5. Lost Cause Freestyle – Asum Garvey 6. I Share – Robah Mwenyeji 7. Kesho - Mkubwa Faza ft Tope Mc 8. Reflections – Izo Anyanga 9. Turn Me Up – V Trap 10. Waste Cost Freestyle – Virusi Mbaya Kama kuna rapper anadeserve attention yako na support kutoka 254 basi ni Don Tha Buoy. Master of his craft, Don anaeza rap deadly, lyricism ni top notch na issues anaaddress kwa doba sio average. Youtman aliblesiwa na talanta na hajalalisha ni kuzoza ile serious. Alizaliwa Meru county na mapero wakamwita Eric John Gikundi. Husuko ndio interest yake ya doba iligrow na akakua msee anafatilia tenje na mbulu kwa sana. Don alianza kujitambua kiunisaa tenee, lakini 2015 ndio aliingia booth mara ya fao akanyuria track ilijiita Slow Flow, produced na Meru-based sound engineer YT na ilikubalika kwa streets viproper. Reception ya hio track ilimjengea confidence na kummotivate aifanye hadi apenye. Aliamua kujoin forces na fellow bad man pon de mic anaitwa Shimoli na wakazoza mixtape moja mwenda iliitwa Tushadondoka. Ilikua imebeba hits kama Ushalambwa. Don hakusimamia poha na amekua akidunda doba zake dolo akipea mafans single after single hadi collabo na Wanaija na jeshi ya Australia. From The Hood ndio single ametii na yenye ilimpea milage kwa industry. Hasapo 2022 alidrop bonge la EP inaitwa Woza na ni uzito haijuani featuring kina Don Munga Mkadinali na wengine wabyaad. Ngoma anatesa nayo sahii ni Siko Sawa ft Shimoli na Kev Mamba. This week tumekuwa pale Alliance High na mbogi ya mtaa kadhaa hapa Kanairo, service week ikiwa shughuli ni kufanya cleaning kwa hiyo system. Pia mzee mzima Pete Ouko, biggy pale CSP ni alumni wa husuko. Ikifika ni service to the community, most of us hudhania lazima ukanjwe ndio ufanye kitu inabenefit raia na kama hakuna kakitu, utaona wasee wengi wakijichuja. Shughuli ya kuvolunteer huleta bidii kwa wanjanjez, but kama wewe ni mbleina, utabaki ukizusha ati mara ooh kuna msee ananitumia vibaya. Kitu wasee wengi hawamesei ni kuwa hizi ndio places msee hufanya networking na kujiuza ama kuuza ability na service anaeza offer. Kuna time nifla tulikuwa na kina Jemo tukifanya shughuli ya kusambaza sanitary pads na disposable nappies. Hiyo wikendi tulikuwa tumechara, but akina Kush Tracey juu ni mabeshte, tukajitolea tu. So, huyo mdosi wa marketing alipenda vibe za Jemoh na wakaanza kubonga. Vile morio alichapiana anafanya mboka ya peng, huyo bosi alibambika ajaab. Akauliza kama Jemo hufanya delivery, juu ako na space ya kuchora msee wa delivery kwa offeh, but juu morio wetu ni janjez, ikabidi amejirusha kwa hiyo opportunity. So, kwa hii life, usiwai ona shughuli na ulenge. Peace, love and unity ndio injili Clients wako unapataga aje? Wasee wengi ni kutoka mneti; niko na pages zangu pale Red Stone Jewellery na mi husponsor ads kwa hizi platforms kila siku napata customer mpya. Pia nimekua biz mvua most, sa niko na raiya wangu tumekua nao over the years ndio bado wanamuok na referrals kama kawa. Unajiona wapi ndani ya mvua ngovo? Ntakua mtu tofauti sana naamini kwa hii uradi ya jewellery. Advice kwa yout anadai kuingia hii mkazu? Ni mboka tamu sana ukiicheza safi. Usiwai kua mkora na jaribu kumaintain customer na utakua sawa. Na hio ndio ilikuwa the beginning ya genocide enye ililast 100 days na kuclaim lives ya wasee between 500,000 and one million, juu ya kitu inaitwa lack of peace. Country’s mob around the world kama Afghanistan, Somalia, some parts za Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq na sasa Ukraine, watu wanalive kwa the mercies of God juu peace imevurugwa. Sisi kama Wakenya hatuwezi taka kucheki country yetu ichukue such a direction, na hapo ndio tunaurge our leaders waembrace dialogue ndio hii injili ya peace, love and unity iendelee kuelevate out beloved nation kwa map ya dunia. Kenya inajulikananga kama an i sland of peace, so tusiwache izo sifa zipotelee tu ivyo. Usilenge shughuli DON THA BUOY NYASHINSKI

PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 26 ENTERTAINMENT ARIES (MAR. 21- APRIL 20) You need to do something energetic and different. Caustic language may cause you to want to get out of the house. Electrical problems may be an issue. TAURUS (APR. 21- MAY 21) You are best to do your research before taking on such a venture. Your disciplined attention to jobs will enhance your position. GEMINI (MAY 22-JUNE 21) Financial gains can be made through wise investments. Your intellectual charm will win hearts and bring opportunities that you least expect. CANCER (JUNE 22-JULY 22) Your time, not your cash, will do a lot more for your relationship. Beware of colleagues who don’t have your best interests in mind. LEO (JULY 23-AUG 22) Do not let them blow situations out of proportion. You need a change and you need to earn more cash. Your self conidence will attract members of the opposite sex VIRGO (AUG. 23 -SEPT. 23) Stop telling others about your problems. Your unique approach to life will interest others. Money problems will get worse if your partner hasn’t been playing by the rules. LIBRA (SEPT. 24 -OCT. 23) It won’t take much to upset your lover. Be professional, and you will advance much more quickly. You may ind yourself mixed up in a triangle of sorts. SCORPIO (OCT. 24 - NOV. 22) Work quietly behind the scenes. Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realize. Look before you leap. SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 23 -DEC. 21) Get domestic chores out of the way early. Snap out of it. Move forward if you want to turn your life around. CAPRICORN (DEC 22.- JAN. 20) Confronting a situation will only result in indignation and misunderstandings. Do not trust others with important information. Do a little shopping. AQUARIUS (JAN. 21 -FEB. 19) Heed the advice given by family or old reliable friends. Your home may be in an uproar and you are best to stay out of the line of ire if at all possible. PISCES (FEB. 20-MAR. 20) Take the day to relax and pamper yourself. Talk to superiors about problems that you feel are getting out of hand. Get back to the comforts of cottage or home. HOROSCOPES LIFE’S LIKE THAT! | BY TUM Sudoku The aim is to ill the grid so that each row, column and every 3x3 shaded box contains only one of the digits 1-9. You need to reason out where to place the missing numbers by using the numbers given in the grid and a process of elimination. It is a game of logic not mathematical ability. YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION ACROSS 1. Humble 3. Mexico 6. Dieppe 7. Trivet 8. Eerie 10. Marconi 14. Superficial 17. Shelter 19. Swell 20. Upkeep 21. Quartz 22. Escudo 23. Clever DOWN 1. Hidden 2. Lapse 4. Error 5. Outfit 9. Rouse 11. Acid 12. Orate 13. Tree 15. Astute 16. Blazer 18. Tweed 19. Skull ACROSS 1. Type of code (5) 7. Actress, ___ Routledge (8) 8. French aviator, ___ Bleriot (5) 10. Presenter of TV’s Through the Keyhole (5,5) 12. Puny person (8) 14. Baton (4) 16. Japanese drink (4) 17. On a diet (8) 20. Wiped out (10) 23. Picture-puzzle (5) 24. Washington’s American football team (8) 25. Aggravate (5) DOWN 1. Ripe (6) 2. Spoke (4) 3. Cab (4) 4. Move aimlessly (5) 5. I coat crab [anag] (9) 6. Tangled (6) 9. Gracie Fields’ theme song (5) 11. In reverse (9) 13. Nought (3) 15. Fossilised resin (5) 16. Clippers (6) 18. Gruesome (6) 19. Dangerous (5) 21. Actress, ___ Massey (4) 22. College supervisor (4) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 3 6 7 9 5 8 2 7 1 1 3 7 3 2 1 9 5 8 4 2 8 4 3 6 5 6 9 5 8 1 4 5 8 9 6 3 2 7 9 6 7 1 3 2 8 5 4 8 3 2 7 4 5 1 6 9 3 5 8 9 2 4 7 1 6 2 7 4 6 5 1 9 3 8 6 1 9 3 7 8 5 4 2 5 8 6 4 1 9 2 7 3 7 9 1 2 6 3 4 8 5 4 2 3 5 8 7 6 9 1 5:00 France 24 5:30 Gear Up 6:00 Good Morning Kenya 9:00 Lay’d Back 10:00 Raggs 11:00 Spirou 12:00 Worship Experience 1:00 News Desk 1:30 Business Defined 2:00 Disco Funk 2:30 Daytime Movie 3:00 Animation 5:30 Club 1 6:30 Drama 7:00 Taarifa 7:30 Maza 8:00 I Dare You To Leave 9:00 KBC Channel 1 News 10:30 The Rave 11:00 CGTN 12:30 France 24 5.00 Password Plus 6.00 Am Live 8.00 Better Living 9.00 On The Wings Of Love 10.00 Wild Skin 11.00 Ntv Today 1.00 Ntv at 1 1.30 Health Diary 3.00 Bllod Sisters 3.30 The Three Sides Of Ana - Rpt 4.00 NTV At 4 4.15 Password Plus 5.00 The Heat 6.00 Asintado 7.00 NTV Jioni 7.30 Wicked Edition 8.00 Along Came Love 9.00 NTV Tonight 10.00 Road To Russia 11.00 The Heat 12.00 CNN 06:00 Aljazeera Documentary 06:30 Command Your Morning 07:00 Afrimaxx 09:00 Tendereza 09:30 News Hour 10:00 Jin’s HappyFamily 10:30 Friday Chat- Rpt 12:00 Amplify 12:30 The killer Bride 1:00 News Desk 2:00 Mea Culpa 3:30 Christmas Movie 4:00 Mbiu Ya KTN 4:10 Winx Club 6:00 Prima Donnas 7:00 KTN Leo 7:30 The Real House Helps Of Kawangware 8:00 Whats your story 9:00 KTN Friday Briefing 10:21 Movie 10:30 Movie 11:00 Bseline 1.00 Aljazeera 4:00 Pambazuka 05:30 PE At Home 06:00 Day Break 09:00 Cartoons Animation 10:00 Sema Na Citizen 15:00 Afrosinema 11:00 Sema Na Citizen 11:15 Afrosinema 12:15 Afrosinema 13:00 Sema Na Citizen 14:00 Mseto Africa 15:00 The Neighbour 15:54 Supa Sema 16:00 News Brief 16:15 PE At Home 17:30 Rubi 18:30 Machachari 19:00 Nipashe 19:30 Sultana 20:00 Vencer El Desamor 21:00 JK Live 23:05 Mis Fortuna El Marte 00:00 Afrosinema 01:00 News Night KTN CITIZEN NTV 5.00 Ime Ria Ruciini 6.00 Rikiratha 10.00 Kurekereria Kodi- Live 12.00 Ndurumeni Maturaini 1.00 Mohoro Gitau-Live 1.30 Kayu Ka Ruriri- Rpt 2.00 Thiririka 3.00 Riri Na Ugima- Rpt 4.00 Ririmbuka- Live 6.00 Maisha Bure- Rpt 6.30 Magerio- Rpt 7.00 Kameme Maturaini- Live 7.30 Njungwa Ya Muthee Kihenjo 8.30 Maisha Bure 9.00 Mutamburuko Wa Mohoro-Live 10.00 Thenema 12.30 DW 5.00 Inuka 6.00 New Dawn 8.00 K24 This Morning 9.55 Wisdom Moments 10.05 Inuka 11.00 Mchipuko 1.00 K24 News Cut 1.30 Jungu La Spoti 2.00 Bongo Movie 3.00 Ubongo Kids 3.30 Akili & Me 4.00 K24 Mashinani 4.30 Mchipuko Extra 5.00 Beat Box 6.00 Tangled Hearts 7.00 K24 Saa Moja 7.30 Aap Ke Aa Jane Se 8.00 Brazil Avenue 8.30 BBC- Focus On Africa 9.00 K24 Evening Edition 10.00 BBC- Dira Ya Dunia 10.30 Riddim Vybes 12.30 Al Jazeera Timeout Sudoku solutions 8.30PM BBC- FOCUS ON AFRICA KBC

Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY CLASSIFIEDS / NOTICES 27 Email us on: [email protected] FORM PLUPA/DC/3 (r.3(3)(xi) THE PHYSICAL AND LAND USE PLANNING ACT (NO. 13 OF 2019) NOTIFICATION FOR PROPOSED CHANGE OF USE The registered owner of this Plot Title. No: Nairobi/ Block 263/2855 located off Outer Ring Road in Pipeline area within Nairobi City County, proposes to change its use from Single Dwelling Unit to Multi Dwelling Units (Apartments) subject to approval by Nairobi City County. Individuals, Institutions, Organizations etc. with objections or comments to the proposal are requested to forward the same in writing within 14 days of publication of this notice to: CECM: Built Environment and Urban Planning, Nairobi City County P.O. Box 30075- 00100, Nairobi. Name of registered Planner: Silas Mbaabu Gichuru Reg. No. 0249

by Lucky Oluoch @PeopleDailyKe The National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOCK) yesterday joined the global Olympic family and the entire Olympic movement across the globe to mark 365 days until the 33rd Olympics in Paris France. NOCK Secretary General Francis Mutuku said that in less than 365 days, the world’s most prestigious sporting event, the Paris Olympics, will echo Kenyan warriors’ footsteps, whose passion, perseverance, and raw talent have carved a path of triumph on the international stage. He said Kenyan athletes had repeatedly showed that greatness knows no barriers when fueled by a lion’s heart and a Maasai warrior’s soul. “Our athletes, the torchbearers of hope and inspiration, have dedicated their lives to honing their skills, sacrificing their sweat, and overcoming every obstacle in pursuit of Olympic glory. Their stories are etched into the very fabric of our nation and it continues to be a journey sometimes with challenges. The journey provides great moments of celebration and triumph,” Mutuku said. He added: “Today, we wholeheartedly embrace the clarion call of the IOC president, to become stronger, run faster, and reach higher in all our endeavors in life but most importantly to build a better world through sports. NAIROBI: Herbert Mensah, the recently elected president of Rugby Africa, the governing body of rugby in Africa, arrived in the country yesterday for a five-day visit to Kenya. Mensah will serve as the official representative of World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont at the ongoing World Rugby U20 Trophy tournament. “The World Rugby U20 Trophy not only showcases Kenya’s capability as a world-class sporting destination but also represents the collective spirit and passion for rugby that resonates across Africa. Together, we stand united in celebrating Africa’s presence on the global rugby stage,” said Mensah. The World Rugby U20 Trophy is an international rugby union competition organized by World Rugby. This tournament features men’s junior national teams, with players under the age of 20 showcasing their skills and passion for the sport. All 16 matches of the World Rugby U20 Trophy are currently taking place at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, following its commencement on July 15. It is the second time Kenya is hosting the U20 Trophy, having done so in 2009 when the tournament was known as the Junior World Rugby Trophy. Besides the silverware, the eight competing teams have been competing for a spot in the World Rugby U20 Championship next year in South Africa. The winners will be promoted to the U20 Championship replacing Japan who finished bottom in that competition. Herbert Mensah’s presence during the Trophy reflects the significance of this event and his representation of World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont symbolizes the strong collaboration between Rugby Africa and the global rugby community. -Webster Nyandika RUGBY Rugby Africa president Herbert Mensah arrives for World Rugby U20 Trophy by Shadrack Andenga @PeopleDailyKe Tennis Kenya (TK) Executive Officer Nancy Nduku has confirmed that the thrilling Kenya Open tennis Championships will be staged at the Nairobi Club, August 7-13. Nduku noted with concern the few number of active tennis players currently in the country adding that she hopes Angela Okutoyi’s exploits on the global scene is something that can serve as a catalyst to promote the game among school going children as the tournament was last held in 2018. “We are expecting a good turnout locally and internationally. Some pro players from across Africa and some from Europe are expected too,” Nduku said optimistically, adding that hosting such global events in the country not only markets Kenya, but also develops future talents. According to Nduku, top players from South Africa, Egypt, Algeria, Zimbabwe and European nations have already confirmed their participation. The global event will feature five categories that has also seen the inclusion of persons with disabilities who will compete in the wheelchair singles for both men and women. Other categories include singles (men and women), doubles, mixed doubles and finally the seniors’ categories involving athletes who are 50 years and above to compete in the doubles and mixed doubles for both men and women. Local olympic body joins other Ollympic movements globally to mark one year to the Paris Summer Games 365 days to go Kenya’s top tennis star Angela Okutoyi in action at a past local tennis event. PD/ PHILLIP KAMAKYA Kenya Open tennis to make a comeback after four NAIROBI: World governing body FIFA is set to launch the Football for Schools (F4S) program, an initiative set to benefit Kenyan primary schools. The program, a joint initiative with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), will be launched in Kakamega on Sunday, July 30, 2023. FKF President Nick Mwendwa will grace the occasion alongside the FIFA delegation, Fatimata Sidibé – Football for Schools Director, Antonio Buenaño - Football for Schools Manager, and Melvin Mendy - FIFA Football for Schools trainee. Through the program, FIFA aims at impacting over 700 million children, both boys and girls, across the globe. The program has been designed to promote targeted life skills and competencies through football and contribute to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other priorities. In Kenya, the program is set to directly benefit over 2,000 schools across the country. “Youth and women’s football remain key in FKF’s football development agenda. Since children spend most of their time in school, we believe that we can directly impact them through capacity building of our teachers with coaching education and provision of football equipment,” said Michael Amenga, FKF’s Head of Technical. The program kicks off tomorrow with a three-day football and life skills training session for 50 coach educators. -Edwin Otienio FOOTBALL FIFA to launch Football for Schools Program targeting Primary Schools 28 PEOPLE SPORT FOR MORE NEWS VISIT: www.pd.co.ke / www.epaper. pd.co.ke THE ONE-STOP SPORT SHOP Thursday, July 27, 2023 We know as we celebrate this day several athletes and teams are out of the country participating in qualifying competitions. National Women’s Volleyball Team Malkia Strikers have just arrived in the FIVB Challenger Cup that spikes off on Thursday in France, The U23 3x3 Nations League Basketball male and female are on the way to Algeria to get the points needed for qualifications, Bronze medalist at the 2022 Tae Kwon Do International Championships One Tae Kwon Do Sharon Wakoli, is in Senegal for a ranking competition.” Two-times Olympic Champion, Eliud Kipchoge aims to make history to be the first man to win the Olympic Marathon three times in a row, he said: “The only way to live longer is to enjoy sports and I continue to inspire my fellow athletes in this journey.” Alexandra Ndolo, a shining star ranked 6th in the world will represent #teamkenya for the very first time. MUTUKU Today, we embrace the clarion call of the IOC president, to become stronger, run faster, and reach higher in all our endeavors in life.

by Benson Mbare @PeopleDailyKe Kenya U20 head coach Curtis Olago says he is impressed by his charges’ resurgence after securing third place in pool B of the World Rugby U20 Rugby Trophy with a 22-16 win over Hong Kong China in a match played at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday evening. Olago said the win for his charges is yet another evidence that the youngsters are growing in leaps and bounds as far as rugby is concerned. He, however, took the opportunity to challenge his team to “keep working” and “not to stop” after Chipu Olago praised his team’s all-round play both in offensive and attacking situations, which earned his side a place in the fifth place playoff clash this Sunday against fellow African side Zimbabwe, who finished third in Pool A. “When we play well, the scoreboard always takes care of itself, we are not looking at the result but at the growth of Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPORT 29 Head coach Olago impressed by his team, tips side to win its remaining fixtures KCB ace Moim to lead Malkia Strikers’ hunt in France for women’s volleyball challenge Chipu muster guts Kenya’s Chipu players celebrate after scoring a try against Spain at the Nyayo National stadium last week. PD/ ALEX NJUE the game, are we improving in terms of games management and structure? The result is a bonus…when you play well, the scoreboard always takes care of itself. We are looking to play well, both in defence and in the attack,” Olago said. The next assignment for Olago will be the much-awaited tie on Sunday against African champions Zimbabwe in their fifth-place playoff match at the same venue. Both teams are familiar with each other, having met in the final of the Under 20 Barthes Cup in May this year, where the Junior Sables won 28-7 in front of a partisan Kenyan crowd at Nyayo Stadium. In their first opening ties, Chipu lost 34-25 to two-time champions Samoa on Saturday before falling 48-18 to Spain, last Thursday. A win for the Olago-coached side against Zimbabwe will see them clinch the fifth position in the ongoing Junior Rugby World Cup. Olago on his part insists the match will be another opportunity for his charges to showcase their worth and hopefully record a win. “We all know what happened in the Barthes Cup. Our game against Zimbabwe is an opportunity as a technical bench to see how far we have improved since then. From the time that we played them, can we see an improvement in the attack, defence, and maturity of the game? It’s not about the result, it is all about growth,” he said. On his part Captain Michael Wamalwa’s expressed gratitude for their first victory in the tournament, acknowledging that constant improvement in each game was the key to their triumph. PAUL BITOK We have adequately prepared for this competition, and we will try as much as possible to minimize errors equately prepared for this competition, and we will try as much as possible to minimize errors,” said Malkia Striker’s Coach, Paul Bitok. The other teams in the tournament are Mexico, Vietnam, France, Colombia , Sweden, Ukraine and Croatia. by Charles Thuku @PeopleDailyKe KCB’s veteran player Mercy Moim (pictured) will captain Malkia Striker’s in the upcoming International Volleyball Federation Challenger Cup scheduled for June 27th -30th in Laval, France. Middle-Blocker Moim will be joined by four other KCB teammates- Setter Immaculate Nekesa, Middle blockers Belinda Barasa, and Edith Wisa, as well as Outside hitter Juliana Namutira. The 14-member squad has been camping in Morocco for the past 3 weeks sharpening their skills ahead of the international outing. They managed two thrash Morocco in the two friendly matches the team participated in against the North-African side. “I am always happy to be called upon to represent my country on a global stage. This is indeed a good challenge for us as we prepare even for the 2024 Paris Olympics. We want to give our all and ensure that we put Kenya on the map. This squad is more than ready to participate against the best of the best in the world. The blend of young and experienced players will make this outing intriguing,” said Malkia striker’s captain, Mercy Moim. The Kenyan team will kick off its campaign against Colombia on tomorrow in the quarterfinals before the semis at the same venue. Under the tutelage of experienced coach Paul Bitok, the team will be looking to also to strengthen its vault ahead of the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon. “I am more than ready with the squad for this challenge. We are banking on the entire squad because we believe in their potential. We have ad-

by Edwin Otieno and Agencies @PeopleDailyKe Organisers of this year’s Bank of America Chicago Marathon have announced the full elite field for the World Athletics Elite Platinum Label road race on October 8. A regular podium finisher in major marathons over the past two years, Benson Kipruto of Kenya will defend his title in the men’s race. Kipruto won last year in 2:04:24, the fourth fastest time ever in Chicago. Fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum – the second-fastest man in history – will make his US marathon debut in Chicago. Kiptum won this year’s London Marathon, only his second marathon ever, in 2:01:25, just 16 seconds shy of the world record. Ethiopia’s Seifu Tura – winner in Chicago in 2021 and runner-up last year – will return for the third consecutive year, looking for another podium finish. Belgium’s world and Olympic bronze medallist Bashir Abdi – winner of this year’s Rotterdam Marathon – is also in the line-up. Conner Mantz and Galen Rupp lead the US elite entries. Mantz will be chasing the Olympic qualifying standard of 2:08:10, just six seconds faster than his finishing time last year. Rupp, the 2017 Chicago Marathon champion and 2021 runner-up, is the second fastest US marathon runner of all time. Ethiopia’s Dawit Wolde, Brazil’s Daniel Do Nascimento and Kenya’s John Korir are among the other notable entries. As announced last month, defending champion Ruth Chepngetich will take on London Marathon champion Sifan Hassan and US recordholder Emily Sisson in the women’s race. But that trio is just the tip of the iceberg. Joyc i l i n e Je p k o s g e i , winner of the 2021 London Marathon and 2019 New York City Marathon, will make her Chicago debut, as will Genzebe Dibaba of Ethiopia. Dibaba – who has broken several world records on the track, indoors and out – made her marathon debut in Amsterdam last year, clocking 2:18:05. The US contingency also features Olympic bronze medallist Molly Seidel, 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden, 2021 Chicago runner-up Emma Bates, and Aliphine Tuliamuk, winner of the 2020 US Olympic Trials. Other notable competitors in the women’s field include Ethiopia’s Ababel Yesheneh and US duo Nell Rojas, Sara Vaughn.-Additional reporting by Worl Athletics LONDON: Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has pleaded for calm as he looks to strike the right balance with the Gunners’ new-look midfield. Summer signings Declan Rice and Kai Havertz played alongside captain Martin Odegaard in Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Saturday night, and the loss sparked plenty of debate around the Gunners’ midfield. Despite the defeat, Arteta was encouraged by the performance but, after the game, said defeat to their Premier League rivals proved Arsenal, who sold Granit Xhaka to Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer, have a lot to improve before the season gets underway. Speaking ahead of his side’s clash against Barcelona in LA on Thursday morning, Arteta once again called for patience, saying it will take time for his side to strike the right balance in midfield. He said: “We have to find the right balance but a year ago Granit (Xhaka) could never play as an attacking midfielder. “Let’s try to do the work. “It’s the first time (against Man Utd) we played with four players inside and three of them had never played together, ever. -Sky Sports Wellington, Wednesday @PeopleDailyKe Jenni Hermoso and Alba Redondo scored twice as Spain underlined their credentials as potential Fifa Women’s World Cup winners by thrashing Zambia to progress to the last 16 with a game to spare. The Spanish opened their Group C campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win against Costa Rica last week, having a total of 46 shots on goal. They picked up where they left off against Zambia, racing into a ninth-minute lead when Teresa Abelleira drove in a stunning strike from distance. Hermoso doubled the lead just four minutes later, heading home a cross on her 100th appearance for her country. Redondo then rounded the goalkeeper in the second half before Hermoso scored her 50th international goal late on after a lengthy video assistant referee check. Hermoso almost had a hat-trick soon after but her shot was pushed on to the crossbar, but Spain got their fifth when Redondo drove home in the final few minutes. The victory also ensured Japan - who beat Costa Rica 2-0 earlier on Thursday - also progress and the two sides will meet in a battle for first place on Monday, 31 July (08:00 BST). Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas was named on the bench in Spain’s opener against Costa Rica after working her way back to full fitness following a long-term injury, but she was handed a start against Women’s World Cup debutants Zambia.-BBC Spainish players celebrate after scoring the fourth goal against Zambia in the on going Women World Cup. COURTESY/ TWITTER Spain progress to knock-outs after win over Zambia 30 PEOPLE SPORT PEOPLE DAILY / Thursday, July 27, 2023 INSIDE Sport FOOTBALL pagE 31 Ababu promises to deliver AFCON Stadiums by 2025. ATHLETICS pagE 32 Omanyala tipped by Johnson to be irst African sprinter to win World Athletics Championships gold 1-3 MAN UNITED Jurado 45+6’ International Friendlies WREXHAM Lee 29’ Hayden 36’ Daiby 69’ NAIROBI: Kenya suffered a humbling by a superior Namibia side yesterday, in the ongoing ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup Africa Qualifier in a match played at the University of Dar es Salaam Grounds,Tanzania. This coming barely 24 hours had won their first match Tuesday against Sierra Leone by four wickets. In the game against Namibia,Kenya who won the toss selecting to bat were all out for 64 on the board with Stian Smith (21 runs off 60 balls) emerging top-scorer from number four on the batting order. The Namibian bowling attack in the opening innings was great and flourishing with Morris Kariata (3 wickets in 10 runs) and Alex Volschenk (2 wickets in 1 over) leading the charge perfectly. Kenya had three players dismissed for ducks in their overs as Namibia ensured the opponents were all out in 30.4 overs. -Barry Silah NAIROBI: The Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) has named 10 men and five women boxers to represent the country in the 2023 Africa boxing championships from July 25 to August 6 in Cameroon. Speaking to People Sports after the release of the final squad on Tuesday, the federation’s Communications Director Duncan Kuria expressed confidence that Kenya will also qualify boxers for the 2024 Paris Olympics. “This is a good platform for our boxers to prepare for the Olympics and also make good money if they win. They will also return to their usual weight categories when we name the boxers who will be named for the Olympic qualifiers,” said Kuria. The championships slated for Yaoundé will stick to the International Boxing Association (IBA) rules and boxer quotas where the boxers will fight in their respective weight categories.-Shadrack Andenga CRICKET Kenya crumble to Namibia by seven wickets in qualifier BOXING Local boxing federation names 15 for Africa Championships in Yaunde FOOTBALL Arteta pleads for calm on Arsenal midfield debate, Tierney in plans Giants set to clash Ruth Chepngetich wades throug a flooded part of the course on her way to finishing third at a past National Cross Country trials at the Ngong Rescourse in Nairobi. PD/ DAVID NDOLO Defending champions Kipruto and Chepngetich to face strong fields in Chicago

briEfLY FOOTBALL: Former AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Odera is among seven players released by FKF Premier League side Nairobi City Stars. Apart from Odera, the Simba wa Nairobi confirmed on Tuesday they had parted ways with Herit Mungai, Kennedy Onyango, Anthony Kimani, who had retired before the end of last season, goalkeeper Steve Njunge, Jacob Osano, and Abdallah Salim. “Go and shine, thank you for everything, and good luck in your next chapter,” read a statement on City Stars’ social media pages. Odera and Abdallah are currently serving an indefinite ban from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) pending investigations into their alleged involvement in match manipulation. The two individuals are supposed to appear before the FKF Integrity Department, where a thorough inquiry into the matter will take place. City Stars are rebuilding their squad in readiness for the new campaign and will hope to better their performance from last season when they finished 15th on the 18-team with 34 points from 34 matches, just two places below the relegation zone.-Dennis Mabuka Veteran Odera among seven released by Nairobi City Stars TBT Then Now with WEBSTER NYANDIKA Thursday, July 27, 2023 / PEOPLE DAILY PEOPLE SPORT 31 FOOTBALL: Russian and African football legends are to feature in a gala match at the Gazprom Arena, St. Petersburg, Russia, as a side event organised by the Russian Football Union (RFU) during the Russia-Africa Summit 2023. Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the president of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the organising committee of the events for Russia–Africa 2023 Summit, said this in a statement released on Friday in St. Petersburg. He said teams from Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali as well as school teams would participate in the Russia–Africa international football tournament. He explained that the sports programme would also feature a diplomats’ match, where employees from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African embassies will compete. The events are supported by the general partners of the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum: Gazprom, Gazprombank, Rosatom, Uralchem, and Uralkali. Rosseti is strategic partner of the event; Lukoil, partner; while Novatek and Sberbank are national partners. Other partners are: Avtovaz, African Export-Import Bank and Russian Export Centre. “Uniting people is one of the fundamental missions of sport, and it should remain so.” -News Agency of Nigeria Football legends to grace RussiaAfrica summit at St. Petersburg FOOTBALL: Gor Mahia goalkeeper Gad Mathews has hinted he may have featured for the last time for the FKF Premier League champions with further reports indicating he was on his way out. Mathews, who joined K’Ogalo in 2021 from Kisumu All Stars, delivered a cryptic message on his Facebook page which left Gor Mahia faithful with question marks. “Great team, worthy fight, a group to remember and a team to remember,” Mathews posted on Facebook. In a previous interview before the post on social media, Mathews confirmed he had received offers from top clubs in the country and abroad, who are interested for his services but he was yet to make up his mind. “I’ve already received calls from top tier clubs who expressed genuine interest in securing my signature,” he said, adding: “Other offers have come from as far as Sweden, but to be honest I don’t want to make a rash decision which I might regret later.” -Dennis Mabuka Gad Mathews hints at Gor Mahia exit as Omondi arrives from Sofapaka Name: Declan Rice Ages: 24 years Nickname: Lighthouse Sport: Football Previous Clubs: Chelsea, West Ham Current Club: Arsenal Position: Midfielder Nationality: English Accolades: UEFA Europa Conference League (2023), Republic of Ireland Under 17 player of the year (2016). Hails from: Kingston upon Thames, Serbia No room for error by Vincent Voiyoh @PeopleDailyKe Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba yesterday promised to deliver the selected stadiums by 2025 in the race against time to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations. His pleddge came as a delegation of CAF inspectors set foot in the capital to check on Kenya’s infrastructure, needed for the hosting of Africa’s top football competition in four yearstime. Ababu was speaking after the first CAF inspection yesterday at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, reassuring the government’s commitment to bring home the continental extravaganza. “I would like to give the assurance that Kenya is very ready in terms of the plan to host the 2027 AFCON. We have a solid, robust,coherent and a well thought plan and if the award was to be to based on the plan alone then I think we have a fantastic plan.We have very clear timelines.Among the things that determines the success of a bid is the timelines,everything has to be time bound and we have figured out everything coherently and succinctly and we believe that we are good to go.We expect that by 2025 most of the targets we have set should be complete by that period,” a confident Namwamba said. After spending time at Kasarani and Nyayo Stadium yesterday,the CAF inspection team is expected to land in Eldoret today afternoon to see the current state of the Kipchoge Keino Stadium as well as the given plan. On July 18th, Sports Kenya announced the commencement of tendering process for the rehabilitation of the proposed match day venues,that is Kasarani, Nyayo and Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret to global standards as recommended by Confederations of African Football. The facilities needing a facelift are expected to be closed for an unspecified period for the renovations. However,the Ministry of Sports and the Football Kenya Federation are sketching a framework that will see Harambee Stars and Kakamega Homeboyz utilize Nyayo Stadium for international assignments should the venue be given a green bill of health by CAF. Harambee Stars is set for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in November while Kakamega Homeboyz have a duty to do for the country in the CAF Confederations Cup begining in September. Moreover, training facilities, hosp itality,security,medical,communica tion and transport networks will be put to scrutiny by the CAF Inspectors before releasing a report on the hits and misses thus far, giving further instructions on what will be required and the timelines. Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Nick Mwendwa noted that of importance is Kenya to be ready on time or even before the set timelines. “I just want us to be ready.We are competing with big nations,the inspectors are coming from Algeria and then they head to Botswana and other countries,therefore we just need to play our part of ensuring that we are set by attaining given recommendations on time,that is the most important thing,” Mwendwa commented. East Afr ican nations of Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda in its bid dubbed ‘Pamoja Bid’ are facing stiff competition in their quest to stage the continent’s most coveted tourney for the first time. The zealous regional bid has been openly and strongly supported by all the three presidents,giving local football ultras the motivation to believe that AFCON is coming closer. Established football countries of Egypt and Algeria are loudly drumming with big ambitions for the 2027 hosting rights. Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba (centre) addresses journalists at Kasarani during a joint inspection with CAF officials yesterday. He is flanked by Sports Principal Secretary Peter Tum and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa. PD/ SPORTPICHA Minister promises to deliver AFCON Stadiums by 2025

both the NBA and NFL. Jaylen Brown has signed the richest deal in NBA history, agreeing a $304m (£236.8m) contract to remain at Boston Celtics, according to reports. Meanwhile, Justin Herbert’s new five-year, $262.5m (£203.6m) extension with the Los Angeles Chargers will make him the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback by annual salary, insiders say. Brown’s five-year Celtics contract exceeds reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic’s $264m (£204.9m) deal at Denver Nuggets, which he signed last summer.-BBC Thursday, July 27, 2023 / / / @PeopleDailyKe / / / People Daily Download QR Code app on Google Play and scan this QR code with your smart phone for pictures, videos and more stories People Daily is published by Mediamax Network Limited at DSM Place, Kijabe Street, P.O. Box 24943, 00100 - Nairobi, Tel: 0730144100; 0709824000; 0204944100 Fax: 2228503 Nairobi and printed at our Printing Division on Mombasa Road, Tel: 04522641. Circulation: Union Towers, 1st Floor, Moi Avenue. Tel: 2519168. Advertising 2227693, 2228493. E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Copyright 2023. All rights reserved. Brown signs richest NBA contract, Herbert now highest-paid in MIAMI: Kylian Mbappe may be about to become the most expensive footballer of all time - but in the United States two financial records have just been smashed. While we await the outcome of Al-Hilal’s world record £259m bid for Paris StGermain forward Mbappe, lucrative contracts have been agreed in KAKAMEGA: Former AFC Leopards players yesterday lauded the appointment of Tom Juma and Fred Ambani as the team’s tacticians. Led by Gerald Asibwa, the legends said they had confidence in the abilities of the two who are also former football players. “I want to wish legend TJ and legend Fred Ambani all the best in their new roles of steering our club to greater heights. This is the beginning of the end of FIFA bans that the club has lately been engulfed in,” said Asibwa. Another legend, Nick Yakhama, said he believed that the team was in safe hands under Juma as coach and Ambani as his assistant. “These are professionals who understand the dynamics of our local and continental football and I trust that they will help Ingwe end the trophy drought,” he said. They said other local premier league teams should take a cue and have confidence in coaches from the country. The legends also hailed Leopards for picking two students of Musingu Boys High School. “We should trust our local talent and develop it. The Ingwe management and technical bench should, thus, count on our support,” they said. -Dennis Lumiti Former AFC Leopards players laud naming of Juma, Ambani as team’s new tacticians Michael Johnson predicts Omanyala will be first African to win gold at World Championship, when action goes down in Budapest Ferdinand Omurwa Omanyala celebrates after winning in the 100-metre men race during the Kenya national trials for World Athletics Championships 2023 at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on July 8, 2023. PD/ RODGERS NDEGWA Tipped for greatness Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez. PD/ FILE by Dennis Mabuka @PeopleDailyKe Former World 100m and 200m record holder, American sprinter Michael Johnson has tipped Kenyan star Ferdinand Omanyala to become the first African to win gold medal at the World Athletics Championship. The 55-year-old Johnson, who retired after winning four Olympic gold medals and eight World Championship gold medals in the span of his career, believes the Kenyan sensation has what it takes to conquer the world in the 100m race. With Kenya preparing for the World Athletics championship set for Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27, the 27-year-old Omanyala is among the athletes who will be expected to lead medal hunts for the East African nation. His recent performances during African championship and Diamond League, have caught the attention of Johnson, who took to his Twitter handle to predict that the Kenyan super star could write history in the competition in the near future. “Said it before. I believe Omanyala will be the first African to win a 100m World Champs medal,” Johnson, who held the world and Olympic records in the 200m and 400m, as well as the world record in the indoor 400m, wrote, adding: “His muscular structure provides tremendous power but do any coaches or sport science experts out there think it could become a limiting factor in his ability to sprint efficiently?” On July 21, Omanyala made history becoming the first Kenyan to win the 100m race at the Monaco Diamond League after clocking 9.92 seconds. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo finished second with 9.93 in the closely contested race. The historic win in Monaco came after he had managed to defend his national crown after posting a sub-10 at the National Athletics Championships held at the Nyayo Stadium on Saturday, June 24, 2023. During the race, the Commonwealth Games champion recorded a 9.96-second display but was able to defend the men’s 100-meter title. Omanyala outsprinted Meshack Babu of the Kenya Defence Forces, who clocked 10.50, while Hesbon Ochieng of the Kenya Prisons finished third after running for 10.58. Speaking after the race, a confident Omanyala said with eyes on Budapest: “I already qualified for Budapest a long time ago, but it feels nice to have run 9.85 here. It was a surprise, but the focus is on Budapest, and I feel better prepared than I was for Oregon 2022.”