The County Diary

Restore NHIF Now! Kalonzo Urges During Embakasi Church Address By MAXIMILLA WAFULA  The COUNTY DIARY NEWS.  Nairobi, 24th November , 2024 - In a passionate speech at the Jesus Teaching Ministry in Embakasi East, Nairobi, People's Loyal Opposition Leader Dr. Kalonzo Musyoka demanded the reinstatement of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), decrying its replacement by the State Health Insurance Fund (SHIF). Accompanied by prominent figures such as former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu, Jubilee Party Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, and Embakasi East MP Julius Mawathe, Dr. Musyoka addressed pressing national issues. He expressed concerns over the contentious Adani deal, proposed reforms at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the urgent need for a comprehensive, inclusive healthcare system. Ending his address with a call for hope and resilience, Dr. Musyoka encouraged Kenyans to...

Police In Mwingi Pursuing Prison Warder Who Attempted To Abduct Media Council Journalist  By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & AGENCIES  DCI sleuths in Mwingi have launched a man-hunt for a notorious prison warder who attempted to abduct a Media Council Journalist allied to Mwingi Central MP Gideon MULYUNGI, media reports said. Details of the abduction saga were scanty as we went to the Press, as the newly deployed Mwingi East DCIO refused to comment on the matter, terming it sensitive. "This matter is going to court. We do not comment on such" he said. Meanwhile the assailant, who was... Vide OB NUMBER

Kenyan Coffee Takes Center Stage at Safari Park Hotel: Market Access Event Showcases Global Potential Principal Secretary  in the Ministry of Co-operatives and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, State Department for Cooperatives Hon. Patrick Kiburi Kilemi with Fairtrade Africa’s Head of Region Eastern and Central Africa, Agapeters Kubasu. By MAXIMILLA WAFULA PATRICK KIMANZI  The County diary News Business Reporters Nairobi, November 22 , 2024 - Safari Park Hotel was abuzz with activity as coffee stakeholders from across the country gathered for the highly anticipated "Market Access: Positioning Kenyan Coffee on the Global Stage" event. The forum brought together smallholder farmers, buyers, exporters, roasters, certification bodies, and development partners to spotlight Kenyan coffee as a premium global commodity. The event tackled critical challenges in the coffee value chain, including fluctuating prices, middlemen exploitation, and the i...

Benevolent Nguni Policeman Gifts Two Young Athletes For Their Prowess In National Arena

  By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI  The COUNTY DIARY NEWS  Nairobi, 15th November 2024 – The Jubilee Party has reaffirmed its commitment to democracy, national progress, and unity, even as it navigates legal challenges and political disputes. In a press briefing held today, senior party officials addressed the nation, providing an update on the state of the party and the broader national outlook. Speaking on behalf of the party, Hon. Sabina Chege, the Jubilee Parliamentary Party Whip, expressed gratitude to the media for their continued efforts to inform and engage the public. She emphasized the party’s dedication to transparency and accountability as essential pillars of democracy. “As a party, we are firmly committed to our principles of justice, unity, and service to the people. We are grateful to the media for ensuring that the Kenyan public is well-informed, as your role is vital in maintaining our nation’s democratic fabric,” Hon. Chege said. Th...

Kalonzo Musyoka Receives Inaugural Peace Ambassador of the Year Award By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI  The COUNTY DIARY NEWS Nairobi, November 13th - 2024. At the SKM Command Centre, a momentous occasion unfolded as former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka was awarded the inaugural Peace Ambassador of the Year Award by the National Community-Based Organizations Council (NCBOC) and the Certified Mediators and Advisory Board (CMAB). The award recognizes Musyoka's outstanding contributions to peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Kenya and across the region. Known for his long-standing efforts in diplomacy and mediation, Musyoka has played a pivotal role in resolving some of Kenya’s most challenging political and social conflicts, including his instrumental involvement in the 2008 post-election peace process. In a brief yet powerful ceremony, Musyoka expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the dedication of peace advocates and organizations that ha...

PS Omollo Launches Regional Programme on Preventing Violent Extremism in Nairobi By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI  The COUNTY DIARY NEWS  Nairobi, Kenya – 13th November 2024 – In a significant move to enhance peace and security across East Africa, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo officially launched a regional programme aimed at preventing violent extremism. The event, held today at Kwetu in Nairobi, marked a major step in strengthening regional cooperation to address one of the region’s most pressing security challenges. The programme, designed to promote peacebuilding and address the root causes of violent extremism, comes at a time of heightened concern over instability in the region. During the launch, Omollo expressed optimism that this initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering a safer, more secure, and stable East Africa. "This initiative is not just a government effort; it is a partnership between governments, regional organization...

Kalonzo Musyoka Stands Firm Against Adani Group's Takeover of JKIA By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI  The COUNTY DIARY News  November 11, 2024 – A significant legal battle over the takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by the Adani Group took a new turn today as a petition filed against the deal was postponed until November 27, 2024. Speaking to the media outside the Milimani High Court in Nairobi, Senior Counsel HE Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, who is representing the petitioners, emphasized the critical importance of the matter, which he argued was shrouded in secrecy. Kalonzo, accompanied by fellow lawyers Hon. Eugene Wamalwa and David Adoli, expressed grave concerns over the deal, which he believes threatens not only the security of Kenya’s national infrastructure but also its long-term interests. “This is not just about Jomo Kenyatta International Airport,” Kalonzo said. “We are dealing with key national assets—SHA/SHIF and KETRACO—tha...

Kalonzo Demands Accountability Over Police Involvement in Abductions By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI  The COUNTY DIARY News  Nairobi, November 9th, 2024 – The recent denials by Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Douglas Kanja, that the police are involved in the abductions, disappearances, and killings of young Kenyans have drawn sharp criticism from the opposition. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Party, and Hon. Kenneth Marende during the burial service of Baba Mwalimu Cllr. Eliud in Vihiga County. Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, Leader of the People’s Loyal Opposition, lashed out at Kanja’s statements, urging him to "stop misleading Kenyans" and calling for immediate action and accountability for the disturbing trend of abductions and extrajudicial killings. Kalonzo insisted that police officers implicated in such crimes must face arrest and prosecution without delay. The remarks were made at the burial of Baba Mwalimu Cllr. Eliud...

Time for Less Talk, More Action on Climate Change, Says Avid Environmentalist Collins Lugongo.  By MAXIMILLA WAFULA  The COUNTY DIARY NEWS  As the world continues to grapple with the devastating impacts of climate change, all eyes will be on Baku, Azerbaijan, when it hosts the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from December 11th-22nd, 2024. The summit comes at a critical juncture, when the planet’s ecosystems and communities are reeling from extreme weather patterns, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation. In the lead-up to the conference, Collins Lugongo, a passionate environmentalist and youth leader from Kenya, is calling for less rhetoric and more concrete actions. Lugongo, who has long been an advocate for sustainable practices and climate justice, believes that COP29 offers a vital opportunity for global leaders to transition from words to real-world solutions in the figh...

Cultivating Hope: Launching the One Acre SMART Agriculture Initiative By MAXIMILLA WAFULA & PATRICK KIMANZI  The COUNTY DIARY NEWS Reporter Wiper Democratic Movement Party Leader Dr. Stephen Kalonzo at the Launch of the One Acre SMART Agriculture Initiative November 1, 2024 - In the crisp morning air of Yatta, the sun rose slowly, casting a golden hue over the CIM World Empowerment Centre.  Today was a pivotal moment for the community, as the long-awaited One Acre SMART Agriculture Initiative was about to be launched. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, mingling with the scents of earth and fresh foliage. Dr. Stephen Kalonzo, the leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, stood confidently at the podium, flanked by influential leaders and community members. His voice resonated with hope and determination as he addressed the crowd. “This initiative represents not just an agricultural program, but a transformation of lives and communities.” Bishop...

How Use of Unique Identifiers Root Out Rogue Riders to Enhance Road Safety in Nairobi By JOYCE CHIMBI Derived from border-to-border to depict transportation of goods between Uganda and Kenya, boda-boda riders (motorcycle taxis), once the only option in rural, remote Kenya, are today the transport lifeline of Nairobi’s busy life. Accessible, convenient, reliable, and affordable – rain or sunshine, you will find a boda-boda to get you there.  Night boda riders can still be heard in the dark, silent nights long after the matatus (public service vehicles) have called it a day.  The zero-rating of motorcycles up to 250cc in 2008 led to an explosion in the number of boda-boda taxis in the transport sector, which preceded the establishment of control and regulation measures for this unusual public transport system. Lurking in the dark, waylaying their victims, or riding up and down central and access roads in search of their prey - criminal elements and dangerous predator...