Category: News

By Tracy kavai, nyaberakavai@gmail.com

Thousands of students hoping to start university in September for their higher education are currently facing uncertainty due to the ongoing confusion surrounding the new university funding model.

Chief justice Martha Koome, one of the high -ranking government official, has expressed concerns about the fairness of the new model, fearing that it will widen inequality within higher education institutions and has called for a comprehensive review of the entire structure.

The Ministry of Education utilized the Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to assess the financial support each student is eligible for based on self-reported family background information, including monthly income. However, the disparity and perceived unfairness resulting from the categorization system may prevent financially needy students from accessing higher education. Koome highlighted the distress of students who, despite qualifying for university, find themselves unable to afford it due to being placed in a higher band than they should be.

The Chief Justice suggested that consolidating all bursaries into a single fund to finance education for all could effectively manage education funding.

The New Higher Education Funding Model, introduced by President William Ruto on May 3, 2023, aims to tackle the challenges faced by public universities and Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) institutions resulting from a surge in enrollment and insufficient funding. This new funding framework replaces the previously used Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) for university financing. The model prioritizes a student’s financial need and separates placement from funding. Under this model, universities and TVET institutions will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation. Instead, students will be supported through scholarships, loans, and household contributions. Consequently, students will have access to scholarships and loans to finance their higher education.

The Universities Fund will provide scholarships to students, ranging from 30% to 70% based on their level of need. Any remaining funding gap will be covered through household contributions and loans.

Nearly 10,000 distressed students have on Friday 2rd August registered appeals through the Higher Education Fund (HEF) portal, challenging the new university funding model.

Geoffrey Monari, Chief Executive Officer of the Universities Fund, disclosed that the review process is already underway, with students expected to receive updates on the status of their appeals within three weeks of their application date.

“We have received over 10,000 appeals, and this process is ongoing. Our goal is to identify where these needy students are so we can place them in the appropriate funding band,” Monari stated. “Once the appeals are processed, we will notify universities to review the household fees for these students. This information will also be updated on the HEF portal, and students will receive an SMS alert to inform them,” he added.

The government has processed 127,591 student loan applications and categorized them into five bands under the new, controversial Higher Education Funding model. Monari also revealed that Ksh.5.2 billion has been released to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for tuition and upkeep loans, with Ksh.2.8 billion allocated to the Universities Fund for scholarships.

“This money will be disbursed to students next week, with the process already underway. We will prioritize the release of loans to address students’ daily needs,” Monari assured, adding that scholarship funds would be released to universities a week later.

The new model places students to funding bands based on their financial needs, ranging from band one to band five, depending on their family’s economic status.

In a statement on Friday, Education CS Julius Ogamba emphasized that the ministry is working diligently to disburse the necessary funds to students by August 30, 2024. He also announced that the deadline for applying for funding has been extended from August 15, 2024, to December 31, 2024.

The CS urged students to provide accurate information when filling out applications to ensure proper placement in the funding categories.

By Tracy Kavai

Nairobi Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Moisria on Thursday night revealed that city residents now risk arrest for spitting saliva, chewing gum and littering.

The County official, while addressing questions from the media, stated that Nairobi residents have become notorious in littering the city and are not aware that there exist bylaws governing the maintenance of hygiene levels.

He also explained that the county government will implement the directive by strategically positioning county askaris to ensure its enforcement.

“We will put our officers on every corner and on every street of Nairobi to ensure no one urinates, spits saliva or litters the city anyhow,” he stated.

The officer, who has been very strict with enforcement of the hygiene standards, revealed that an intense operation was in the works to ensure the directive works.

“We want to put all our bylaws into use. We cannot continue as if we don’t have any laws. It is you citizens who make laws through the choice of leaders to implement these laws.” the environment chief added.

According to Nairobi County Nuisance Act, it is an offense to deposit any type of material or waste on the streets. The law also stipulates that spitting on any footpath or blowing the nose aimlessly other than into any suitable cloth or tissue is an offense.

The offense of blowing your nose without a handkerchief or tissue risks fines Ksh10,000 or an imprisonment term of between 6 months and 12 months.

A Nairobi Court on Monday August 19 directed some 30 offenders who were caught urinating on the streets to clean the Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly, the City Mortuary.

The Chief Officer led the exercise where he thanked the magistrate for delivering the punishment saying that it stood to serve as an example to others with such behaviours.

Nairobi residents have therefore been urged to use handkerchiefs in case they intend to spit.

By Tracy kavai, nyaberakavai@gmail.com

On Friday, August 23, the Ministry of Health confirmed a second case of monkeypox infection following a laboratory test on a driver at the Malaba One Stop Border Post in Busia County.

According to Health Cabinet Secretary Debra Barasa, the driver had symptoms associated with the sickness and had previously travelled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the disease first emerged.

Barasa stated that the patient had already been separated and was being actively managed at one of the county’s health institutions.

The CS also indicated that the Ministry has increased its surveillance for suspected cases across all counties to guarantee that the disease’s spread was contained. She further stated that a total of 42 samples had already been submitted to government laboratories for testing, of which 40 of them tested positive for the disease.

“In addition, we have screened a total of 426,438 travellers at our various ports of entry across the country,” CS Barasa noted.

“Our health facilities are adequately staffed and well-equipped to diagnose and manage this disease and therefore its identification should not be a cause for alarm.”

The Ministry of Health has therefore directed Kenyans to remain vigilant and observe public health measures to ensure their safety and well-being.

Among the recommendations made by the ministry included regularly washing hands with soap and running water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Kenyans were also urged to practice good hygiene and avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting Mpox-like symptoms.

By Joe Aura,

(aurajoe6@gmail.com)

Have you ever wondered where most flowers during Mother’s Day come from and where they go afterward? Most flowers for export in Kenya are grown around Lake Naivasha, which is estimated to have 1200 hectares under flower cultivation. Of this area, 70% is dedicated to roses alone. Other regions where flowers are grown include the Mount Kenya region, Nairobi, Athi River, Kitale, Thika, Nakuru, Kericho, Kiambu, Nyandarua, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Eastern Kenya.

The Kenyan climate, abundant water supply, and hardworking workforce contribute to Kenya’s success as a top flower producer. These flowers are primarily exported to the European Union (EU), with significant markets in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and other EU countries.

This Mother’s day, Kenya faced a severe blow to its floral industry following recent catastrophic floods. The sector, pivotal to the nation’s economy, reels under the impact of damaged infrastructure, disrupted supply chains, and price hikes. Roses, emblematic of Kenya’s horticultural prowess, stand as the primary revenue driver, fetching a substantial $560 million last year alone [Fast Company | Business News, Innovation, Technology, Work Life and Design]. Cultivated in vast greenhouses and farms encircling Nairobi, these blooms constitute a cornerstone of Kenya’s export economy.

However, the recent deluge wreaked havoc on the industry. Floodwaters ravaged greenhouses, hampered transportation networks, and severely curtailed flower production [Deadly Floods Threaten East Africa’s Crucial Flower Industry]. As Mother’s Day approached, a critical peak period for exports, the damage dealt a significant blow to Kenya’s capacity to meet international demand.

During periods like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, Nairobi becomes a bustling hub of floral activity, with millions of flowers destined for European markets [Fresh Cut Flowers From Kenya – Supplying Florists – Aisha Flowers]. Yet, this year, the deluge has stymied these efforts, leading to diminished supplies and potential price escalations in European markets.

While the United States may not directly rely on Kenyan flower imports—preferring sources primarily from South America—the ramifications of such climate-related calamities reverberate across global supply chains. Extreme weather events like these underscore the vulnerability of interconnected markets, with disruptions in one region cascading to impact prices worldwide.

For Kenya, the challenge lies not only in immediate recovery but also in fortifying its resilience against future climate-induced crises. The floral industry, a vital lifeline for countless livelihoods, calls for concerted efforts in bolstering infrastructure, implementing sustainable practices, and diversifying risk to mitigate the impacts of such disasters. As the floodwaters recede and Kenya endeavors to rebuild cognizant of the broader implications for global trade and the imperative of safeguarding against the ravages of climate change, remember to gift flowers whenever you can to promote businesses and bring a smile.

BY Esther Nalotwesha

In a surprising turn of events, Felix Ochieng’ has emerged victorious in the highly anticipated Daystar University presidential elections. Ochieng’, alongside his deputy Valarie Nyamancha, defied the odds and secured a resounding win, leaving the presumed front-runners, Stephen Rob Halkano, alias “Bokore,” Henry Wanjiru and Andrew Sakawa Ombengi, in their wake.

The political season at Daystar University has been nothing short of hectic, with emotions running high and alliances shifting at every turn. Initially, Ochieng’s candidacy was thrown into doubt when he was disqualified from the race, a decision that sent shockwaves through the student body.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, Ochieng’ successfully appealed the decision, paving the way for his unlikely triumph. His reinstatement in the race was met with mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a victory for due process, while others questioned the integrity of the electoral process.

“This is a testament to the resilience of our democratic principles,” Ochieng’ declared in his acceptance speech. “We have proven that no obstacle is insurmountable when we stand united in our pursuit of progress.”

The real competition was widely expected to be between the charismatic Stephen Rob Halkano, known as “Bokore,” and the enigmatic Andrew Sakawa Ombengi. Both candidates had amassed sizable followings and garnered significant support from various students across both campuses.

Halkano, in particular, had positioned himself as the voice of the disenchanted, promising sweeping reforms and a radical departure from the status quo. Leading the Radiance Alliance Party, he was termed as ‘’Baba Lao’’

On the other hand, Ombengi presented himself as a pragmatic and experienced leader, touting his record of accomplishment of successfully navigating his loss during the previous year’s election. His slogan, “Sakawa cares” appealed to those seeking stability and continuity.

As the results trickled in, it became evident that Ochieng’ had managed to capture the hearts and minds of the student body, securing a decisive victory that left many pundits and political analysts scratching their heads.

In his victory speech, Ochieng’ extended an olive branch to his opponents, calling for unity and cooperation in addressing the pressing issues facing the university. “Today, we put aside our differences and come together as one Daystar community,” he declared, drawing thunderous applause from his supporters.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial for the newly elected administration as they navigate the complex landscape of student governance. However, one thing is certain: the students of Daystar University have spoken, and a new chapter in the university’s history has begun.

As the dust settles and the campaign banners are taken down, the entire Daystar community eagerly awaits the unfolding of Ochieng’s presidency, hoping that his unexpected triumph will usher in an era of positive change and progress for the esteemed institution.

By Joe Aura,

(aurajoe6@gmail.com)

April 27, 2024

In the wake of the recent devastating floods that have swept through various parts of Kenya, claiming lives and displacing thousands, urgent safety measures have been issued to ensure the well-being of citizens, including students and locals.
According to the Mathare Social Justice Center, over 40 Kenyans tragically lost their lives due to the floods in Mathare alone, with many more left homeless and in desperate need of support. The heavy rains have wreaked havoc on communities, causing significant loss of livelihoods, damaging homes, farmland, and businesses.
The Kenya Red Cross Society reports that over 100,000 people from nearly 21,000 households have been impacted by the floods, with over 40,000 individuals displaced from their homes. In Nairobi County, informal settlements such as Kibra, Viwandani, and Mukuru Kwa Njenga have borne the brunt of the flooding, highlighting the vulnerability of those living in marginalized areas.
In response to the crisis, authorities have issued crucial safety tips to mitigate the risks posed by the ongoing floods:
Safety Tips During Floods:
1. Evacuate immediately to elevated areas: If flooding occurs, seek higher ground immediately to ensure your safety.
2. Beware of moving water: Just 6 inches of moving water can be enough to knock you off your feet. Avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.
3. Switch off electricity: If your house is flooded, switch off the electricity at the main switch to avoid the risk of electrocution.
4. Avoid rivers and streams: Do not park, drive, or conduct activities along rivers or streams during floods, as 1 foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
5. Watch out for downed power lines: Stay away from downed power lines and muddy waters where power lines may have fallen. Use a stick to test the depth of flooded areas.
6. Do not drive over flooded bridges: It’s crucial to avoid driving over bridges that are flooded, as they may be structurally compromised.
7. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest weather forecasts and flood warnings by listening to radio or TV stations.
These safety measures are vital for protecting lives and minimizing the risk of further casualties during this challenging time. Let us all remain vigilant, support those affected, and prioritize safety above all else.