African First Ladies have renewed their commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable communities on the continent.
They promised to leverage their unique position as First Ladies to realize the vision of a developed Africa with healthy and empowered children, youth and women.
The commitment was contained in a communiqué read by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at the 23rd General Assembly of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) that ended on Monday in Niamey, Niger.
“We are committed to safeguard and protect mothers, children and the youth of our continent,” read the closing communiqué of the 23rd OAFLAD General Assembly whose theme was ‘Collaborating to Transform Africa, Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Populations’.
The First Ladies cited gender equality, women and youth empowerment as important areas of focus as they work to ensure achievement of sustainable socio-economic development in Africa in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.
Recognizing that Africa Agenda 2063 aspires for a higher standard of living and wellbeing of all citizens including persons with disability, older persons and vulnerable children, the First Ladies committed to fully implement their new strategic plan for the years 2019 to 2023 that addresses the needs of vulnerable populations.
Other areas of focus for OAFLAD include combating non-communicable diseases such as stroke, cancer, diabetes, heart and chronic respiratory diseases that are emerging as leading causes of death in Africa.
Addressing the meeting, President of Niger Mahamadou Issoufou recognized and commended First Lady Sika Bella Kaboré of Burkina Faso and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, the out going President and Vice President of OAFLAD respectively, for their astute leadership that saw the organization register significant achievements.
Other speakers included the incoming OAFLAD President and First Lady of Congo Antoinette Sassou Nguesso and host First Lady Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou. Global Fund executive director Peter Sands and his UNAIDS counterpart Gunilla Carlsson also spoke and assured of their organizations’ continued support and strategic partnerships with OAFLAD in the fight against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta later joined her counterparts on a visit to the Safem Exhibition Centre, an international trade fair, in Niamey where they toured various stands that showcased handicrafts made by women. The exhibition is a women empowerment initiative by Niger’s ministry of tourism.
Two suspects who jumped from a Police Lorry while in lawful custody, arraigned in court
BY PRUDENCE WANZA – Two robbery with violence suspects have been arraigned in court today with charges of escaping lawful custody contrary to the laws of Kenya.
It is alleged that Amos Wanyoike Wanjiru and James Kamau jumped out of a police lorry on Friday and fled before they were rearrested while being driven to Nairobi Area Remand and Allocation Prison in Industrial Area on Friday.
They were each shot and wounded before they were caught near Wakulima market along Haile Selassie Avenue. The two suspects are among 19 suspects facing robbery with violence charges in different courts including Ruiru, Thika and Murang’a.
They have denied the said charges before chief magistrate Martha Mutuku of Milimani law courts. Police constables Michael Njunguna, John Macharia and Zacharia Keya who were escorting the suspects have recorded statements with DCI. Kamukunji DCI sought to have them denied bail stating that they are likely to abscond trial.
Directions were given by the magistrate to have them remanded till 10/7/2019.
The officers investigating the matter will swear an affidavit on Wednesday July 10 to formally oppose releasing the two suspects on bail and bond terms.
Uhuru commissions Bandari Maritime Academy to boost Coastal economic base
SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, HON UHURU KENYATTA, CGH, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA, COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE DEFENCE FORCES, DURING THE COMMISSIONING OF THE BANDARI MARITIME ACADEMY, MOMBASA, ON 8 JULY 2019.
Distinguished Guests,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
It gives me profound pleasure to be in Mombasa once again to continue the journey we started in 2016, a journey to recover a lost dream.
The dream is to rebuild our rich seafaring tradition in fisheries and shipping, and to fully utilise the resources found within our waters to expand our economy, create jobs for our youth and feed our people.
Let me start by thanking Members of Parliament for passing the necessary legislation to support the revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line. Your continued support, for which we are grateful, is critical in ensuring that our country achieves its dream of becoming a strong maritime economy.
We are making good progress on this journey. You will recall, in November last year, I launched the Kenya Coast Guard Service (KCGS), to secure Kenya’s territorial waters and protect the country from threats that emanate from the sea.
Since then, the Coast Guard Service has maintained daily patrols of Kenya’s waters to guard against Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing, provide safety to seafarers, and prevent drug smuggling and other illegal movement of people and goods.
As part of the efforts to revive the coastal region and expand its economic base, we are rebuilding and upgrading the fishing infrastructure. I am very pleased to note that even before the rehabilitation of the Liwatoni Fisheries Complex is completed, there are already 12 Kenyan flagged fishing vessels that are utilizing the facility.
And more exciting is that close to 400,000 metric tonnes of fish have landed since the facility was re-opened in November. This may appear small but it is a significant step towards the recovery of thousands of jobs for our fishermen.
To boost the fishing industry, we have provided additional resources and approved an attractive set of incentives. These measures will support the development of designated fishing ports at the coast, facilitate landing of fish by deep sea fishing vessels and finance aquaculture technology and innovation transfers.
As part of this effort, and to ensure that we can land at least 30 percent of fish caught in our waters, all gazetted fish landing sites in our waters are being recovered and secured for the benefit of the fishing community.
In addition, construction works have commenced on five fish landing sites, notably: Kichwa cha Kati, Ngomeni (Kilifi County) and Gazi, Kibuyuni, and Vanga (Kwale County) and two fish markets at Malindi (Kilifi County) and Likoni (Mombasa County).
Our vision is to position our country globally as a nation that is harnessing its, ocean resources in a sustainable manner, to benefit current and future generations. We are, indeed, emerging in the world as a rising maritime nation.
You will recall we hosted the Blue Economy global conference in Nairobi in November last year. In furtherance of our vision, we will be co-hosting the UN World Ocean Conference with Portugal, in Lisbon, in June 2020.
Among the many benefits of such global events is the opportunity to establish new investment and partnership opportunities.
Today we take two major steps towards recovering our lost dream. The first is the revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line. The shareholding agreement we have signed today, marks the beginning of our well thought out plan to transform the Kenya National Shipping Line into a world class shipping line, over the next ten years.
Kenya has always aspired to establish domestic shipping and maritime capacity. In 1966, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia formed the East African National Shipping Line, which, at its highest throughput held a market share of approximately 11 percent. It was dissolved in 1980.
The Kenya National Shipping Line (KNSL) was established in 1987 as the National Carrier to handle containerized exports and imports freight cargo, to and from the ports of Kenya.
For various reasons, however, the Kenya National Shipping Line failed to grow into an effective national carrier.
We are here to revive that vision. The revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line will enable Kenya to benefit from the regional and global maritime transport value chain. About 90 percent of Kenya’s foreign trade is dependent on maritime transport.
Taking part in our own maritime transport services will enhance the contribution of the sector to the national economy and, and make the cost of our goods more competitive.
The Mediterranean Shipping Company has been a strategic partner of the Kenya National Shipping Line since 1997. The Agreement we have just signed will, thus, deepen this partnership and enable Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), to more effectively support the revival of the Kenya National Shipping Line.
Ladies and Gentlemen,The Mediterranean Shipping Company is the second largest shipping company in the world; and the only one that owns both cargo and cruise ships. We are, therefore, fortunate that, through this reinvigorated partnership, we can quickly grow our shipping capacity by riding on its wings.
The Agreement we have signed is expected to facilitate growth of traffic throughput at Container Terminal 2 to over 1 million TEUs, create 2,000 seafarer jobs and 1,500 sea-time training opportunities annually. The bulk of these seafarer jobs will be generated through cruise shipping.
While there are huge opportunities for Kenyans to serve in foreign ships, they have lacked opportunities to get sea time, a pre requisite for serving on ships. The Mediterrenean Shipping Company has committed to create training opportunities for our youth and to provide about 3,000 jobs per year; and provide 1,500 sea time slots for Kenyan youth. The seafarers we are flagging off are the second lot under that commitment.
It is also important to note that because of the partnership with the Mediterranean Shipping Company, the Kenya National Shipping Line will gain access to more than 500 ports across the world.
Moreover, that partnership will enable our Shipping Line to strengthen the cruise shipping sector, jump start tourism and, indeed, coastal agriculture and agro-processing.
The second step we are taking today is the commissioning of the Bandari Maritime Academy. The Academy has been identified for accelerated development into a Centre of Excellence in maritime training, research and skill development in the blue economy.
The Academy is expected to become a top supplier of world class seafarers for shipping lines all over the world.
To enhance skills and ensure they meet the highest possible standards, the Bandari Maritime Academy will partner with the Kenya Utalii College, the Kisumu Maritime Center and establish twinning arrangements with the Mediterranean Shipping Company Training Academy in Naples, Italy.
I am confident that the enhanced training will bring out the best in our talented young people.
As we were informed earlier, the sixteen (16) seafarers we flagged off last November have become a source of pride for Kenya. Well done, Elizabeth and your fellow seafarers. Kenya is proud of you!
Today we flag off sixty two (62) seafarers out of the One hundred and nineteen (119) that have been recruited by Mediterranean Shipping Company. I am very pleased to note that fourty (40) of them have already been assigned a ship, by the Mediterranean Shipping Company.
Our coastal people should be happy to know that twenty two (22) of them are from this region.
For the seafarers we are flagging off today, I urge you to emulate the first cohort. You are Kenya’s ambassadors in the sea, we need you to help re-establish the reputation of Kenyan seafarers, as professional, trustworthy and hardworking. Such a reputation will attract more companies to recruit from Kenya.
For the new Bandari Maritime Academy Board of Management, I want you to know, you are charged with a heavy and important responsibility. Kenyans expect you to build the Kenyan Seafarer Brand, with a vision of placing a Kenyan on every shipping vessel sailing around the world. We have confidence in you; and I assure you of my personal support and that of my Administration.
In closing, let me thank most sincerely the Management of the Mediterranean Shipping Company for accepting to walk this journey with us. This will, no doubt, transform the lives of many, many Kenyans.
I also want to thank all Kenyans from the Coast and from across the entire country for your continued support of the plan to revitalize our blue economy. We will make every effort to ensure this programme to transform the coastal region, is a success.
I promise to be back here in a few months’ time to flag off the first ship and send more young people to sea.
Kibera man accused of Sodomizing a 14 Year old in Kibera, released on Free bond
BY LYNN KYALO – One man has been charged with Sodomy at the Kibera Law Courts today.
The accused is alleged to have sodomized a young boy aged 14 years at Kibera on 2nd February 2019.
The doctor’s report recorded at the court indicates that Kelvin- the complainant had sustained injuries in the anus a sign that he must have been asaulted. The boy is also said to be epileptic and suffered converlsions severally.
The accused is said to have been a watchman. David Kitima the accused denied the charges before chief magistrate Hon.Joyce Gandani
He was released on a free bond
The case will have a further hearing on 5th Nov 2019.
Kenya retains her position on OAFLAD’s Steering Committee
Kenya retained her seat in the steering committee of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) for a period of two years representing the East African region for the third time.
The 23rd OAFLAD General Assembly meeting that was co-chaired by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta and First Lady Sika Bella Kaboré of Burkina Faso also nominated Rwanda from East Africa, Burundi and Congo to represent Central Africa region, Mozambique and Namibia for Southern African while Niger and Sierra Leone will represent West Africa.
Members of the steering committee drive the mandate of the organization and oversee it affairs. They represent OAFLA and ensure its promotion in their respective regions. The steering committee is also in charge of implementing the decisions of the General Assembly.
The meeting in Niamey, Niger, also saw the election of First Lady Antoinette Sassou Nguesso of Congo as the new President of OAFLA, taking over from First Lady Sika Bella Kaboré while First Lady Margaret Kenyatta handed over the position of Vice President to First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
The theme of the 23rd OAFLAD General Assembly is ‘Collaborating to Transform Africa, Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Populations’.
To strengthen the operations of OAFLAD, the First Ladies agreed that approved strategies regarding collection of membership fee arrears should be strictly implemented to give the organization a strong financial base.
Previously, the First Ladies organisation was called Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) with the objective of providing a united voice for Africa’s most vulnerable groups living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.
It rebranded to OAFLAD early this year, expanding its scope of work to incorporate a broader range of development issues affecting the continent including non-communicable diseases, gender equality, women’s and youth empowerment, maternal and Child health among other issues.
First Ladies Aïssata Issoufou Mahamadou (Niger), Fatima Maada Bio (Sierra Leon), Monica Geingos (Namibia), Keïta Aminata Maiga (Mali), Hinda Déby Itno (Chad) and Isaura Nyusi (Mozambique) were among those who attended the daylong meeting.
The First Ladies’ meeting is held on the sidelines of the 12th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Africa Union (AU).
President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, who is the chairman of AU, opened the Summit that will discuss the implementation of the historic African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Sisi emphasized that the launch of the AfCFTA marks an important achievement for Africa, adding that the economic bloc will help unlock the continent’s economic potential by boosting intra-regional trade, strengthening supply chains and spreading expertise.
President Kenyatta mourns laywer Karanja Kabage
President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to the family, friends and relatives of lawyer, politician and businessman Karanja Kabage.
The President described the late Kabage as a resourceful person who was always willing and ready to offer legal aid to those who sought his help.
The late Kabage who had a distinguished career in the insurance sector before joining business and politics died in a grisly road accident in Nairobi.
“It is painful to lose a great friend at a time like this. I pray that God will give the family, friends and relatives comfort and fortitude at this trying moment,” the President said.
President Kenyatta who is out of the country on a private visit to Tanzania said Karanja Kabage’s invaluable contribution to the growth of the insurance sector will always be an inspiration to many who serve in the sector and that he will continue to be remembered for generations to come for his great work.
“Indeed Karanja Kabage was a resourceful person whose great ideas helped grow our insurance sector to what it is today. We have truly lost a great son of Kenya,” said the President.
Kenya has lost a Legend, President Kenyatta mourns Kadenge
President Uhuru Kenyatta has described Joe Kadenge as a sports legend and a sublime footballer who applied his talent fully in the service of his country.
In a message of condolence and comfort to the family, friends and relatives of the fallen football great, the President said Joe Kadenge was an icon of Kenyan football.
“Joe Kadenge represented the best of our football. He was the icon of the sport in our country. It is sad that the hand of death has robbed us of a man who gave his all for the glory of our country,” the President said.
Joe Kadenge, 84, who died today at a Nairobi hospital after a long struggle with illness is arguably the best striker Kenya has ever produced.
The famous term ‘Kadenge na mpira’ was coined by football commentators to honour his great exploits on the field during his hey days.
Two years ago, the President and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta visited the ailing Joe Kadenge at his Mariakani estate home in Nairobi to wish him well.
“Joe was my friend. He had great words of wisdom for me when First Lady Margaret and I visited him,” the President recalled.
“He had great love for his country and held big dreams for Kenyan football. We will surely miss him,” he continued.
Joe Kadenge was a highly gifted footballer who played for the national football team, Harambee Stars for a record 14 years starting in the 1960’s.
After hanging his playing boots, Joe went into football management where he distinguished himself and rose to become Harambee Stars coach in 2002.
President Kenyatta prayed God to grant the family, friends, relatives and the entire football fraternity in the country the serenity and fortitude to bear with the loss.
African First Ladies call for increased resources in the fight against cancer
First Lady Margaret Kenyatta on Saturday evening joined other African First Ladies in appealing for increased resources in the fight against cancer on the continent.
The call to action against cancer was made by the First Ladies at a meeting that explored ways of addressing the burden of the disease in Africa held in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
The Kenyan First Lady, who is in Niamey for the 23rd Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) General Assembly that kicks off today, attended the meeting in her capacity as the Vice President of OAFLAD at the invitation of Dr. Lalla Malika Issoufou Mahamadou, the First Lady of Niger and host of the meeting.
The fight against cancer forms a key area of focus in First Lady Margaret Kenyatta’s second Beyond Zero Strategic Plan for the period 2018 to 2022 where influencing investment for decentralized services for breast and cervical cancer prevention, treatment and management features prominently alongside fistula treatment.
In a communiqué read by First Lady Sika Bella Kaboré of Burkina Faso, the First Ladies resolved to join hands and urged all stakeholders to back the initiative in the fight against cancer.
“We, the First Ladies of Africa, would like to make an appeal to the international community, to the African Union, to regional and sub-regional organizations, civil societies, governments and all stakeholders to support this initiative to curb non-communicable disease including the prevention and treatment of cancer,” the communiqué read in part.
The Niamey cancer meeting held on the margins of the 12th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of African Union was also addressed by Presidents Mahamadou Issoufou (Niger), Idriss Déby (Chad) and Roch Marc Christian Kaboré (Burkina Faso) who committed their support in the fight against the disease that is fast becoming a major cause of death in Africa.
Earlier, the Kenyan First Lady attended the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) steering committee meeting that discussed the recommendations of OAFLAD’s technical advisors.
The steering committee meeting deliberated on OAFLAD’s secretariat’s report for the first half of 2019 and the financial statement for January to May 2019.
It also discussed the high-level event on gender-based violence at the forthcoming 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) that will be held in collaboration with UNFPA as well as the high-level event on gender equality and women empowerment at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later in the year.
Safari Rally ready to recover global status as President Kenyatta flags off 66th Edition
Kenya’s legendary Safari Rally today inched closer to rejoining the prestigious World Rally Championships (WRC) next year when President Uhuru Kenyatta flagged off the 66th edition at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The WRC candidate event has attracted 49 elite drivers from across Africa who will cover over 796 kilometres in three days.
President Kenyatta said Kenya was proud to host the candidate event saying the journey to re-enter the WRC series began in 2013 when the Jubilee Administration took over leadership.
“Today, the journey we began in 2013 to return the most iconic of motoring events, the Safari Rally, to the International Automobile Federation-World Rally Championship Series, has scaled to greater heights as we proudly host this World Rally Championship Candidate Event,” the President said.
He assured motorsport stakeholders and enthusiasts that the government is fully committed to supporting the rally and expressed optimism that the Safari Rally project in Kenya will become a full series event.
“Like so many Kenyans, I am confident that not only will this Safari Rally be a full series event, but also the Kenyan Flag will feature on the winning podium in a number of events,” said the President.
The Head of State acknowledged the support from FIA through its President Jean Todt in the ongoing efforts to ensure Kenya returns to the WRC.
“The logistical and technical support that we have received from the International Automobile Federation has not only made this event possible, but also deepened Kenya’s capacity to deliver world class rallying experiences,” said the President.
He assured the world motorsport’s body of Kenya’s keenness to meet all FIA regulations, standards and requirements so that Kenya is re-admmitted to the WRC.
The President handed over a government sponsorship cheque of Shs 449 million to the Kenya Motorsports Federation for use in the development of motorsport activities in the country.
The money was drawn from the National Sports Fund which has been supporting national teams representing the country in international sporting activities including Harambee Stars during their recent AFCON football competitions in Cairo.
President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the Safari Rally he flagged off today will restore the immense love for motorsports among Kenyans as he recalled memorable Safari Rally events of the 1970s and 80s.
The President said the Safari Rally should inspire many Kenyans to move forward in life with enthusiastic hearts and with a clear sense of whole.
He said the Safari Rallly and other sports for which Kenya is known for embodies the spirit of possibility, a spirit that conquers and defies all odds.
After flagging off today’s 4 kilometre super stage around Kasarani, President Kenyatta joined spectators to watch the rally starters warming up ahead of a grueling competition.