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  • Duién será Reyes de las Américas?

    by Ben Ayuko

    {image by GOLPERU}

    Who will be the Kings of the Americas?

    That is the question…in question and it will be answered on Saturday night as Argentina face Colombia in the final of the Copa América tournament 2024.

    Argentina, fresh off a World Cup victory in the last international tournament anyone has played in (save for the Africa Cup of Nations scheduled in mid-February, for some reason), will be looking to cap off a period of international success with yet another trophy in their cabinet, retaining the Copa trophy they currently hold. And they will be feeling really confident about doing so because, while Colombia is one of the better sides in the tournament, they were never really classed among the favourites. There is a clear gap in quality in certain areas of the pitch. That, coupled with the fact that La Albiceleste boast, in their ranks, a person whom many consider the greatest footballer who has ever played the game, Captain Lionel Messi, it is looking almost like a formality for Argentina to add to their trophy cabinet.

    The Colombians, though, should not be underestimated as they too have enjoyed a really good tournament. Having gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Brazil and beating other tournament favourites Uruguay with 10-men in the semi-final, they will feel that they definitely have a chance to cause a major upset and lift the coveted trophy themselves. Legendary Star man and captain James Rodrigeuz will be looking to partner with mercurial winger, Luis Diaz, in order to run the Argentina defense ragged and give their team the advantage.

    Both teams will have the chance to double the number of Copas they hold as they have each only won it once before. Therefore, in terms of tournament history, Los Cafeteros have just as much of chance of winning as Argentina.

    It is a classic tale of the underdog, with the backs to the wall, coming up against a Goliath of an opponent.

    Will Argentina add another notch to their metaphorical belt, or will Colombia rise to the occasion and become the pride of a nation?

  • Who Will be the Kings of Europe?

    by Ben Ayuko

    {image by SkySports}

     

    Spain will meet England in the Final of the European Championship 2024. This will be more than just a game of football. It will be a clash of nations, a clash of ideologies, a gauntlet for the whole footballing world to judge.

    La Roja will be looking to cap off their, otherwise perfect, tournament, having reached the final by winning every single game (6) they played while conceding just 3 goals. They have graced the tournament with their classic Spanish flair that reminded of us of their period of dominance in the early 2010s. With veteran Dani Carvajal having served his suspension in the semi-final, their squad will be back to its strongest level, save for Pedri who remains sidelined after his clash with, now retired, Toni Kroos.

    The 3 Lions will be looking to show that they deserve to be victors, especially after they stumbled on penalties in the last Euros Final. They have come through the tournament in direct contrasting fashion to Spain. Whereas Spain have always looked like the assured winners in every game they have played, England have always looked very unsure of how to play their game. Of the 2 sides, Spain definitely had the harder draw, playing the likes of Croatia and Italy in their group stage, and then progressing to the likes of Germany and France in the knockouts. And in every single game, it is only Germany who made them go the distance. England could only manage 1 win in their group stage and very nearly went out in the knockout rounds against Slovenia and then against Switzerland, needing some late heroics in both games, including penalties in the latter, to stay their course.

    If it is a question of who deserves to lift the trophy, the answer, without a shadow of a doubt, is obviously England. Okay I’m joking, but how scandalized were you? No, Spain has, by far and away, been the best team at the tournament thus far. It is rare that a team plays the most entertaining football while also dispatching all of the other tournament favourites so effortlessly. If it came down to vote, it wouldn’t even be close.

    But in life, one rarely gets what they deserve. Therefore, the victor of this tournament will simply be the one who wants it more. The one who is willing to risk losing anything to gain everything.

    It is sure to be a memorable occasion.

  • Le Président Ruto Remanie le Cabinet et Annonce des Réformes Importantes

    By Joe Aura

    contact info: aurajoe6@gmail

    {image par AGENCE FRANCE PRESSE}

     

    Nairobi, Kenya – 11 Juillet 2024:

     

    Dans un geste significatif, le Président William Ruto a annoncé des changements majeurs dans l'exécutif du gouvernement national, invoquant la nécessité d'une
    administration plus légère et plus efficace pour répondre aux attentes élevées du peuple kenyan.

    Au cours des deux dernières années, le gouvernement s’est concentré sur l’Agenda de Transformation Économique Bottom Up (BETA), la plateforme sur laquelle le Président Ruto a été élu lors des élections générales de 2022. “Nous avons réalisé des progrès significatifs en augmentant la production alimentaire, en stabilisant l'économie et en réduisant le coût de la vie,” a déclaré Ruto, soulignant des réalisations clés telles que la stabilisation des prix du carburant et la réduction de l’inflation.

    Le secteur de l’éducation a connu des changements radicaux, notamment la résolution des incertitudes autour du Programme de Compétence de Base (CBC) et l’introduction d’un nouveau modèle de financement de l’enseignement supérieur centré sur les étudiants. “Nous avons employé 56 000 enseignants pour les écoles primaires et secondaires et 2 000 formateurs pour les institutions de Formation Technique et Professionnelle (TVET),” a indiqué le Président.

    Ruto a également abordé les améliorations dans le bien-être social, en particulier le programme de transfert de fonds pour les Kenyans vulnérables. “Les bénéficiaires reçoivent désormais leurs allocations en même temps que les salaires des fonctionnaires,” a-t-il noté. Le Fonds Hustler, visant à accroître l’inclusion financière, a enregistré 22 millions d’emprunteurs et retiré 7 millions de Kenyans de la liste noire du Bureau de Référence de Crédit.

    Le logement et la fabrication ont également été des priorités. “Notre Programme de Logement Abordable a plus de 100 000 unités en construction à travers le pays, employant 160 000 jeunes,” a annoncé Ruto. De plus, les taxes sur l’importation de clinker et de billettes d’acier ont relancé la fabrication locale, économisant des devises étrangères importantes et créant des emplois.

    L’agenda de transformation numérique progresse, avec 17 000 services gouvernementaux désormais en ligne et 274 hubs numériques opérationnels. Dans le domaine de la santé, 107 000 promoteurs de santé communautaire ont été intégrés, et le Fonds d’Assurance Santé Sociale est prêt à être lancé le 1er octobre 2024.

    Dans une action décisive, le Président Ruto a renvoyé tous les Secrétaires de Cabinet et le Procureur Général, à l’exception du Secrétaire Principal du Cabinet et du Secrétaire du Cabinet pour les Affaires Étrangères et la Diaspora. “Cette décision fait suite à une évaluation holistique de la performance de mon Cabinet,” a expliqué Ruto, soulignant la nécessité d’un gouvernement large pour accélérer les réformes nécessaires.

    Pendant la période de transition, les opérations gouvernementales se poursuivront sous la direction des Secrétaires Principaux et d’autres fonctionnaires. “Je vais m’engager dans des consultations approfondies pour mettre en place un gouvernement capable de traiter efficacement la dette, de créer des emplois et de lutter contre la corruption,” a conclu Ruto.

    D’autres mesures devraient être annoncées prochainement.

  • Rais Ruto Awasimamisha Mawaziri Wote, Atangaza Mabadiliko Makubwa Serikalini

    By Joe Aura

    mawasiliano: aurajoe6@gmail.com

    {picha ya REUTERS}

     

    Nairobi, Kenya – Julai 11, 2024:

    Katika hatua muhimu, Rais William Ruto ametangaza mabadiliko makubwa katika utendaji wa serikali, akieleza haja ya kuwa na serikali nyembamba na yenye ufanisi ili
    kutimiza matarajio makubwa ya Wakenya.

    Katika kipindi cha miaka miwili iliyopita, serikali imekuwa ikilenga Ajenda ya Mageuzi ya Kiuchumi ya Chini Juu (BETA), jukwaa ambalo Rais Ruto alichaguliwa nalo katika Uchaguzi Mkuu wa 2022. “Tumepiga hatua kubwa katika kuongeza uzalishaji wa chakula, kuimarisha uchumi, na kupunguza gharama ya maisha,” alisema Ruto, akisisitiza mafanikio muhimu kama vile kuimarisha bei za mafuta na kupunguza mfumuko wa bei.

    Sekta ya elimu imeona mabadiliko makubwa, ikiwa ni pamoja na kutatua matatizo yanayohusiana na Mtaala wa Msingi wa Ujuzi (CBC) na kuanzishwa kwa mfumo mpya wa ufadhili wa elimu ya juu unaolenga wanafunzi. “Tumewaajiri walimu 56,000 kwa shule za msingi na sekondari na wakufunzi 2,000 kwa taasisi za Ufundi na Mafunzo ya Ufundi Stadi (TVET),” alisema Rais.

    Ruto pia alizungumzia maboresho katika ustawi wa jamii, hususan mpango wa uhawilishaji fedha kwaWakenya wanyonge. “Walengwa sasa wanapokea fedha zao sawia na mishahara ya watumishi wa umma,” alibainisha. Hazina ya Hustler, inayolenga kuongeza ushirikishwaji wa kifedha, imewasajili wakopaji milioni 22 na kuwaondoa Wakenya milioni 7 kwenye orodha ya Wakala wa Marejeleo ya Mikopo.

    Makazi na viwanda pia yamekuwa maeneo ya kipaumbele. “Mpango wetu wa Makazi Nafuu una zaidi ya vitengo 100,000 vya ujenzi kote nchini, ukiwaajiri vijana 160,000,” alitangaza Ruto. Aidha, ushuru uliowekwa kwenye uagizaji wa klinka na nondo umefufua viwanda vya ndani, kuokoa fedha za kigeni na kuunda ajira.

    Ajenda ya mabadiliko ya kidijitali inaendelea vizuri, na huduma 17,000 za serikali sasa zikiwa mtandaoni na vituo vya kidijitali 274 vikifanya kazi. Katika afya, waelimishaji afya wa jamii 107,000 wameajiriwa, na Mfuko wa Bima ya Afya ya Jamii unatarajiwa kuzinduliwa Oktoba 1, 2024.

    Katika hatua ya uamuzi, Rais Ruto amewafuta kazi Mawaziri wote na Mwanasheria Mkuu, isipokuwa Waziri Mkuu wa Baraza na Waziri wa Mambo ya Nje na Diaspora. “Uamuzi huu unafuatia tathmini ya jumla ya utendaji wa Baraza langu la Mawaziri,” alieleza Ruto, akisisitiza haja ya kuwa na serikali ya upana ili kuharakisha mageuzi muhimu.

    Katika kipindi cha mpito, shughuli za serikali zitaendelea chini ya uongozi wa Makatibu Wakuu na maafisa wengine. “Nitaendelea na mashauriano ya kina kuunda serikali itakayoweza kushughulikia madeni, kuunda ajira, na kupambana na ufisadi kwa ufanisi,” alihitimisha Ruto.

    Hatua zaidi zinatarajiwa kutangazwa hivi karibuni.

  • President Ruto Reshuffles Cabinet Amidst Major Reforms

    by Joe Aura

    contact info: aurajoe6@gmail

    {image by REUTERS}

     

    Nairobi, Kenya – July 11, 2024:

    In a significant move, President William Ruto announced sweeping changes to the national government executive, citing the need for a leaner, more efficient administration to meet the high expectations of the Kenyan people.

    Over the past two years, the government has focused on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the platform upon which President Ruto was elected in the 2022 General Election. “We have made significant progress in increasing food production, stabilizing the economy, and lowering the cost of living,” stated Ruto, highlighting key achievements such as stabilizing fuel prices and reducing inflation.

    The education sector has seen radical changes, including the resolution of uncertainties around the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) and the introduction of a new student-focused higher education funding model. “We have employed 56,000 teachers for primary and secondary schools and 2,000 tutors for Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions,” said the President.

    Ruto also addressed improvements in social welfare, particularly the cash transfer program for vulnerable Kenyans. “Beneficiaries now receive their stipends simultaneously with public servants’ salaries,” he noted. The Hustler Fund, aimed at increasing financial inclusion, has registered 22 million borrowers and removed 7million Kenyans from the Credit Reference Bureau blacklist.

    Housing and manufacturing have also been focal points. “Our Affordable Housing Programme has over 100,000 units under construction, employing 160,000 young people,” Ruto announced. Additionally, levies on imported clinker and steel billets have revived local manufacturing, saving significant foreign exchange and creating jobs.

    The digital transformation agenda is progressing, with 17,000 government services now online and 274 digital hubs operational. In healthcare, 107,000 community health promoters have been onboarded, and the Social Health Insurance Fund is set for launch on October 1, 2024.

    In a decisive action, President Ruto dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General, except the Prime Cabinet Secretary and the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. “This decision follows a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet,” Ruto explained emphasizing the need for a broad-based government to expedite necessary reforms.

    During the transitional period, government operations will continue under the guidance of Principal Secretaries and other officials. “I will engage in extensive consultations to set up a government that can effectively address debt, job creation, and corruption,” concluded Ruto.

    Further measures are expected to be announced in due course.

  • Courageous Colombians Confound Wayward Uruguay

    by Ben Ayuko

    {image by Getty Images}

     

    Colombia survived a second half siege from Uruguay to book themselves a place in the Copa Final.

    Uruguay met Colombia, in what promised to be an interesting matchup, to fight for a place in the Copa Final against World Cup winners Argentina. It was a clash of ideologies with Colombia being a more physical side and Uruguay having more technical players.

    Uruguay peppered the Colombia goal with chance after chance in the first half, majority of which fell to their new star man, Darwin Núñez. Núñez, unfortunately, could not find the finishing touch as majority of these chances were wayward efforts that he should really have done better with. Colombia was thriving playing on the counterattack with players like captain, James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, in particular, showcasing their talents in quick transition. It was one such transition that saw Los Cafeteros travel up the pitch and earn themselves a corner-kick. James Rodríguez lifted the ball into the penalty box and Jefferson Lerma rose highest to head Colombia into the lead. 1-0 to Colombia into the break which would have rounded off the perfect first half performance for their, or really any, manager. were it not for a moment of madness from right-back Daniel Muñoz.

    Muñoz got himself into a tussle with Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, which ended with him shoving his elbow into Ugarte’s face and the referee, subsequently, shoving a red card into his face, much to the dismay of the Colombia contingent. 1-0 up and 1 man down into the half-time break, they seemingly had to prepare for war by the time they came back out.

    And that seems to have been the gist of the team talk they received because, that 10-man Colombia team became heroes, in the face of adversity, for their nation. They played with even more energy. They were even more unrelenting, forcing Uruguay into situations they did not want to be in. Even a legendary substitute appearance by Luis Suárez wasn’t enough to ebb the flow of the game away from Colombia. Of course, it didn’t help that La Celeste had abandoned all footballing principle, resorting to the tried and tested method of simply “having a go“, but it would be difficult to say the Colombians didn’t deserve that final result.

    1-0 it ended as Uruguay crashed out of the tournament and Colombia booked their ticket to Florida for the Final.

  • Watkins Wonder Strike Wins it for England

    by Ben Ayuko

    {images by AP}

     

    England managed to eke out a cheeky 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the European Championship semi-finals.

    And it was all thanks to Ollie Watkins. He couldn’t have written himself a better script at the start of the season. He was probably growing angsty on the substitutes bench, wondering when he would get his chance to show himself to the world. And when the chance came to him, he wasted no time at all.

    It was a very explosive start to the game as after just 6minutes, Xavi Simmons eased Declan Rice off the ball, took a touch and left England goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, floundering helplessly as he rifled the ball straight into the top corner. 1-0 to the Oranje, who looked primed and ready to meet La Roja in the final.

    England’s response to the early setback was quite positive as they ended up having what many people consider their ‘best half of football’ in the tournament thus far. They peppered the Dutch goal with chance after chance, keeping Dutch goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, relatively busy without troubling him too much. Indeed, England needed some extra help once they were inside the box. And some would say they got it.

    In what it is one of the most controversial decisions of the tournament, the referee awarded England an incredibly soft penalty. Denzel Dumfries, the defender in question, raised his foot to block the ball and from England Captain, Harry Kane’s, strike. This resulted in an England penalty. Reprieve for England as Kane dispatched the spot kick and drew them back level.

    It was a tale 2 strikers in the 2nd half as Wout Weghorst’s introduction off the bench indeed had an impact on how his team played. With his large frame and deft footwork, he allowed a more direct kind of play that helped to set up Netherlands nicely, seeing more of the ball and putting more pressure on the England goal. It was, however, his opposite number Ollie Watkins who would steal the headlines today.

    Running into space and latching onto a through-pass by fellow substitute Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins executed what is quickly starting to look like his signature finishing move. From the tightest of angles, he used his first touch to set himself up and his second to laser the ball right through defender, Stefan de Vrij’s legs, past Verbruggen and into the bottom corner. A 90th minute winner to end all 90th minute winners. Using the little time, he was afforded to live the childhood dream of every single football fan. And it showed, with the effulgence of joy emanating from his face. What a way to realize your dreams, doing it for your nation.

    Thanks to him, the 3 lions now have a date with Spain at the Euro Finals in what is promising to be a blockbuster of a game.

  • The Great Millet Quest: Fostering Innovation, Nutrition, and Employment Opportunities

    By Joe Aura

    contact info: aurajoe6@gmail.com

    {image by Getty Images}

     

    In Kenya, the current conversation is dominated by discussions on the Finance Bill and its underlying implications on unemployment and agriculture. Recent protests highlight the frustration in economic instability among the youth, exacerbated by job scarcity, low incomes, and high taxes. Amidst this backdrop, initiatives like Unilever’s Great Millet Quest present opportunities for addressing these challenges by engaging young minds in innovative, millet-based projects that promote sustainable agriculture and job creation.

    The Great Millet Quest, organized by Unilever in collaboration with Farm to Market Alliance (FtMA) and the University of Nairobi, offers innovative solutions to Kenya’s pressing issues of youth unemployment and sustainable agriculture. This article explores how the competition aligns with the current conversation around the Finance Bill and its underlying issues of unemployment and agriculture.

    The Current Conversation on Finance Bill, Unemployment, and Agriculture

    Recent protests in Kenya have shed light on the state of unemployment, job scarcity, low incomes, and high taxes. High unemployment rates and job scarcity can lead to frustration and economic instability among young people, including Gen Z. When job opportunities are limited, especially for youth, it can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and dissatisfaction. Protests may emerge as a way for young people to express their grievances and demand better employment prospects.

    To put this into context- during its 43rd graduation ceremony in November 2020, Daystar University awarded diplomas and conferred degrees to 934 undergraduates and postgraduate students. Nairobi boasts 25 officially recognized universities, each contributing to Kenya’s vibrant higher education landscape. Moreover, Kenya is home to 63 officially recognized universities and colleges. With these statistics we can do the math of just how many students graduate in a year. But one thing we as a country have struggled with is how to fix these young, fresh and brilliant minds into a Jon market that is already overflowing with jobless youth.

    Low wages and income inequality are significant concerns globally. Young people often face precarious employment, temporary contracts, and low-paying jobs. The struggle to make ends meet can contribute to social discontent and motivate protest participation. Tax policies can impact disposable income. If taxes are disproportionately high, especially for low-income earners, it can exacerbate financial strain. In some cases, perceived unfairness in tax distribution can fuel social unrest.

    The Great Millet Quest: A Beacon of Opportunity

    Against this backdrop, the Great Millet Quest stands out as a commendable initiative that actively engages university students to develop innovative millet-based products. This initiative not only promotes sustainable agriculture but also offers a pathway to economic empowerment for the youth. The initiative can be seen as a successful example of addressing youth unemployment by engaging university students to develop innovative millet-based products.

    University of Nairobi’s Team Nexus emerged as the winner, highlighting their product: Milcracks. These healthy, probiotic-infused crackers made of millet and essential seeds can be served as a standalone snack or breakfast. Milcracks aim to combat micronutrient deficiencies and secured the top prize of Kshs. 500,000/=. The first runners-up, Team Kalmi, developed a precooked, ready-to-eat puffed millet product, millet-meal, earning them Kshs. 250,000/=, while the second runners-up, Team SoyMill, created Soy Mill Noodles and were awarded Kshs. 100,000/=

    While sharing a heartfelt and uplifting moment with one of the competitors, The Master of Crestwood Marketing and Communication Chairman, Mr. David Osiany, highlighted that all teams were winners due to their innovative successes.

    Youth Engagement and Creativity

    The competition actively engaged young minds by challenging university students to develop innovative millet-based products. Encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship among students can lead to job creation and economic empowerment. Programs like Unilever’s Great Millet Quest empower the youth to shape a healthier, more resilient future. As a Beacon of Sustainability, millet’s adaptability, rich nutritional content, and minimal resource requirements position it as a valuable crop for smallholder farmers.

    Unilever CEO Luck Ochieng on LinkedIn said, “Calling All Youth to Embrace Millet Farming for a Sustainable Future! 🌾 The United Nations declared 2023 the Year of Millet, highlighting its multiple benefits. Programs like Unilever’s Great Millet Quest seek to empower the youth to shape a healthier, more resilient future.”

    “…Youth involvement in innovation is crucial for a sustainable future, and this initiative empowers them to protect and shape it,” said Dexter Adeola, Africa Platform Lead.

    Promoting Climate-Resilient Crops

    At its 75th session in March 2021, The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as the lead agency. This is due to its drought resistant properties and nutritional value amidst the devastating change in climate.

    Millet, a drought-resistant grain, is ideal for smallholder farmers facing climate challenges. The Great Millet Quest promotes sustainable agriculture and contributes to national food security. By focusing on millet, the competition aligns with broader goals of environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

    Millet’s environmental benefits are well-documented. Its ability to thrive in arid conditions makes it an ideal crop for regions facing water scarcity. Studies have shown that millet requires less water than other major cereals, reducing the strain on water resources and promoting sustainable farming practices.

    Nutrition and Health Impact

    Milcracks, the winning product, addresses micronutrient deficiencies through healthy, millet-based snacks. Such innovations can improve overall health and well-being, demonstrating the multifaceted benefits of promoting millet.

    Millet-based products can significantly impact nutrition and health. Millet is rich in essential nutrients, including iron, calcium, and protein. It is also high in antioxidants and dietary fiber, contributing to overall health. By incorporating millet into their diets, consumers can address micronutrient deficiencies and improve their well-being.

    “Changing the food ecosystem requires creating demand for sustainable ingredients like millet. This will require exciting marketing, collaboration, and tenacity. Unilever’s Great Millet Quest project embodies this effort. Partnering with FtMA, we have trained over 800 farmers in regenerative agriculture, aligning with Unilever’s Net Zero pathway…” said Dexter Adeola, Africa Platform Lead, Nutrition to further underscore the importance of millet in promoting health and sustainability.

    Economic Opportunities

    The tangible rewards, such as the top prize of Kshs. 500,000/= awarded to Team Nexus, demonstrate the potential for economic opportunities. Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting millet-based ventures can create employment opportunities and foster inclusive growth.

    Millet-based ventures have the potential to create numerous economic opportunities. By supporting innovative projects like Milcracks, we can foster entrepreneurship and stimulate economic growth. Team Nexus, for example, not only won a significant cash prize but also gained the opportunity to collaborate with Unilever and other organizations to bring their product to market. Such initiatives can transform the food landscape in Kenya and provide sustainable employment opportunities.

    Team Nexus shared their excitement and passion for the project stating, “Developing our millet crackers fortified with probiotics has been an incredible journey. We’re not just excited about this win, we’re passionate about the opportunity it presents to innovate and make a real difference in Kenya’s food landscape. We’re eager to collaborate with Unilever and the wider organization to bring our millet crackers to market. We believe this product has the potential to revolutionize snacking in Kenya, offering a nutritious and sustainable option for everyone,” Team Nexus said after their win.

    Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    The Great Millet Quest aligns with SDG Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting nutritious food sources and SDG Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.

    The Year of Millet aligns with “Zero Hunger” by promoting nutritious food sources. It also contributes indirectly to “Decent Work and Economic Growth” by fostering entrepreneurship. On sustainability, Unilever CEO Luck Ochieng said, “Millet is a nutritional powerhouse, resilient to adverse climatic conditions, making it ideal for smallholder farmers. These student innovations demonstrate millet’s potential for creating a healthier, more sustainable future. We are committed to supporting these ideas, driving sustainable growth, and making a lasting impact on our communities and environment.”

    President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Regime

    Then Deputy President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza manifesto, anchored on the bottom-up economic model, prioritizes agriculture and sustainable development goals. The manifesto outlines six core pillars, one of them being Agriculture, aiming to allocate Ksh. 250 billion between 2023 and 2027 to transform farming, raise productivity, and reduce food imports. Another one that is quite relevant to job opportunities is “Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Economy” which aims to Support small businesses and foster inclusive growth.

    Ruto’s vision emphasizes job creation, cost of living reduction, and foreign exchange balance improvement. His policies align with SDGs and aim to benefit the majority of Kenyans.

    However Kenyan sentiments toward President William Ruto’s regime have been mixed, with dissatisfaction stemming from several key issues. Ruto’s controversial tax reforms, which faced public opposition and led to violent mass protests resulting in 23 deaths, were rolled back amid widespread discontent (Al Jazeera, 2024). Economic challenges have persisted during his tenure, with the “hustler fund” failing to stimulate the economy and new taxes, including a doubled VAT on fuel, eroding citizens’ purchasing power (VOA, 2024). Additionally, Ruto’s tough-on-security stance and perceived insensitivity, especially following police actions during protests, have drawn significant criticism (Al Jazeera, 2024). Allegations of his involvement in electoral violence, despite his legitimacy in Western countries, have also fueled public discontent (Al Jazeera, 2024).

    Albeit it is important to note that opinions vary, and some may still support his leadership, reflecting a complex and divided national sentiment (BBC, 2024).

    Challenges and Solutions

    Millet-based products, such as flour, cereals, snacks, noodles, bread, porridges, pastries, cookies, pasta, and flakes, offer diverse and nutritious options that cater to various culinary preferences. These products are known for their unique nutty flavor and health benefits, making them a valuable addition to sustainable diets.

    Scaling up millet production presents several challenges that need to be addressed for sustainable growth. Key obstacles include low productivity, supply chain disruptions, shelf-life concerns, lack of standards and grades, technical know-how gaps, awareness and branding issues, market access difficulties, water stress, high input costs, and the need for policy support.

    Addressing these challenges involves improving agronomic practices, ensuring efficient supply chain management, researching preservation techniques, establishing quality standards, providing farmer training, launching awareness campaigns, creating market linkages, implementing efficient irrigation practices, offering affordable inputs and credit, and incentivizing millet cultivation through subsidies and favorable regulations. Overcoming these obstacles will contribute to the successful growth of millet production, benefiting both farmers and consumers.

  • THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

    By Mercy Mwaniki

    contact info: Mercyjesca123@gmail.com

    {image by Getty Images}

     

    Kenya is leading the propagation of Eastern Africa’s digital landscape, according to the “2023 Eastern Africa Youth Digital Readiness Index”, and it shows.

    For years now, protests have always been about physically showing up in large numbers due to politics and rallies held by opposing parties; at least for the ones that have happened in the past 22 years. But we cannot forget about movements like “The Young Kavirondo Association“ that was started by students under the leadership of Jonathan Okwiri. They had several demands, including but not limited to abolition of the Kipande system and reduction of hut tax. With the recent protests, Gen Z’s have showed up and utilized social media to advocate for their rights and express their views.

    The past three weeks have had not only large numbers of young people showing up physically in Nairobi, but also in different parts of the country. They have been voicing their opinions loud enough that the world has had its eyes on Kenya, waiting to see the next step. They have gone ahead to clearly draw the line between what has been in the past and what will be in future if certain changes are made.

    They have gone ahead and even made plans for “seven days of justice“ for the innocent lives lost during peaceful protest. This has reminded people of the Saba Saba movement that took place on 7th July 1990. Demanding for free elections, some of the leaders like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia were arrested before the protest day while others were beaten and detained by the police. History has repeated itself as there have been arrests and abductions of people who have been very vocal during the protests. We have also seen many a person hurt in the hands of the police.

    Before, the youths were called social media addicts, among other terms, to describe their obsession namely, always using their smart phones. This time they have proved that social media can also be used as a weapon. Tribe-less, party-less and fearless they have united with a common objective.

    All communication- on meeting points, where to get help if injured or arrested, places to avoid and even how to help others- has been done via various social media platforms. The young people have expressed themselves so eloquently, that their actions have become a motivating factor to everyone watching. So much has happened, lives have been lost and many injured, but we’ve also seen the “M -CHANGA initiative” where Kenyans country-wide have raised millions to help those who got hurt in one way or another during the protest.

    So, it’s no longer a surprise to see how much can be achieved via social media accounts. Just a tap and information is shared widely. We saw businesses close, but others become a safe haven for those seeking refuge. We saw people using their platforms to teach how to do first aid if one is shot or severely injured by the tear gas. We saw young people making a change and fighting for it. A generation that went ahead to pass their message even through vernacular languages.

    We have also seen how people have been encouraged to take a break from all the negative news for the sake of their mental health and also to breathe. So many disturbing and heart-breaking videos and images have been circulating. Different organisations have used social media to reach out to those who have been severely impacted by the current state of the country and do not know how to go about it. So, as they use it for their rights, they have also used it to advocate for mental health stability.

    As the young people fight for their future, we are again reminded of adapting to changes and using it for a good cause. The young people have settled on the future they want and will not give up. The Gen Z ‘s have fully utilized their social media platforms for a better tomorrow. They have clearly communicated and hopefully they will be heard, the path has been set, and the journey has begun.

     

     

  • Argentina overcome resilient Canada to book Finals spot

    by Ben Ayuko

    {image by Getty images}

    Argentina secured their spot in the Copa América final after a comprehensive 2-0 victory over a stubborn Canadian side.

    It always felt as though La Albiceleste would have too much quality for the Canadian side, and it didn’t really take long for us to see it. It was in the 22nd minute when Argentina midfielder, Rodrigo de Paul, received the ball on a swivel in midfield before playing an inch-perfect through pass onto the feet of the running Julian Alvarez. The Centre-forward took it expertly with his first touch and eloquently finished it right through the goalkeeper’s legs with his second to give Argentina the 1-0 lead.

    Canada tried to put up a fight, with touted Chelsea signing, Jonathan David, in particular latching onto a long throw in by right-back Alistair Johnston and trying to tuck it into the near post of the Argentina goal. Argentina goalkeeper, Emi Martinez, however, was on hand to make a good save and deny them the opportunity. 1-0 into the break with Argentina 45minutes away from securing progression into the final.

    The 2nd half promised to offer more of the same action as Les Rouges seemed determined to take the game to Argentina. There being only a goal in it, Argentina needed to make sure they put the game to bed before they found themselves in yet another penalty shoot-out. And so, no sooner had the 2nd half kicked off than Argentina doubled their lead. It was in the 51st minute when some brilliant work from Lionel Messi down the right wing opened the opportunity for Enzo Fernandes to have a shot at goal. Messi, who had made the pass and kept running toward goal, found himself right in the path of the effort, electing to get a touch on it and deflect it away from the diving Maxime Crépeau, making it a more difficult chance to save.

    2-0 to the good, Argentina saw out the game expertly and booked themselves a spot in the finals, awaiting their opponent who would dare challenge them for the cup of the Américas.