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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale Inspects Balambala Hospital Project.

By
Newton Ingui
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The Cabinet Secretary for Health, Aden Duale, has visited Balambala Sub-County in Garissa to inspect the construction progress of the Balambala Sub-County Hospital, which is expected to boost healthcare services in the region.

The 150-bed capacity hospital is currently 70% complete and is expected to alleviate the burden on residents who previously had to travel long distances to seek medical treatment.

Speaking during the tour, CS Duale announced that the facility will be upgraded to a Level 5 Hospital upon completion.

The hospital will offer a wide range of services, including outpatient and inpatient care, surgeries, maternal and neonatal services, as well as diagnostic services.

The CS emphasized that the project is part of the government’s commitment to ensuring accessible, quality healthcare for all citizens, contributing to the realization of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda.

Garissa Education Officer urges parents to prioritize children’s basic needs and hygiene

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Garissa Township Sub-County Principal Education Officer Nasteha Ali

Garissa Township Sub-County Principal Education Officer Nasteha Ali has called on parents in the area to take responsibility for meeting their children’s basic needs, including proper upbringing and teaching them the importance of hygiene from an early age.

Speaking during celebrations to mark the Day of the African Child at Iftin Primary School in Garissa Township, Ali emphasized the need for children to have access to clean and safe water both at home and in school to help reduce the spread of diseases caused by unsafe water.

She also appealed to the national government, the Garissa County Government, and development partners to support efforts aimed at ensuring a reliable water supply in all schools across Garissa County. According to Ali, access to water is essential in creating a conducive learning environment for students.

Meanwhile, her remarks were echoed by County Children’s Officer Benjamin Kinyua, who noted that some learners have been forced to discontinue their education due to water shortages in certain parts of Garissa.

The officials stressed that improving access to clean water and promoting proper hygiene practices are key steps toward safeguarding children’s health and enhancing educational outcomes in the region.

Stakeholders convene in Kalobeyei for peace dialogue ahead of world refugee day

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Damaris Lokoel representative from UNHCR

KALOBEYEI. In a proactive move to foster unity ahead of World Refugee Day, key stakeholders converged in Kalobeyei Village 1, Turkana West Constituency, for a high-level peace dialogue aimed at cementing social cohesion and harmony between refugee and host communities.

The strategic gathering brought together representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Turkana County Government, the Kenya Police Service, local Kalobeyei leaders, and residents from both communities.

Held under the banner of this year’s upcoming World Refugee Day theme, “Until Everyone Is Safe,” the forum provided an open platform for participants to candidly air their perspectives, address emerging local security concerns, and map out practical paths toward deeper mutual understanding.

UNHCR representative Damaris Lokoel opened the floor by stressing that inclusive engagement is the bedrock of any lasting peace initiative.

“Peaceful coexistence is the foundation for protection and dignity,” Lokoel noted. “When refugee and host communities come together to listen and understand one another, they create stronger and safer communities for everyone.”

On security, the area OCS from Kakuma police station Kevin Odera representing the Kenya Police Service, urged residents to look at safety as a collaborative effort rather than a purely administrative duty.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” OCS Odera reiterated. “By fostering trust and open communication among communities, we can build a safer environment for all.”

Community elders and leaders from both sides echoed the sentiment, welcoming the structured talks. They highlighted that regular, face-to-face dialogues are essential for nipping everyday misunderstandings in the bud before they can escalate into larger conflicts.

The dialogue comes at a crucial time as the global community prepares to mark World Refugee Day on June 20. Organizers concluded the event by stating that the day’s raw and productive discussions proved that sustainable peace is never passive it begins with active dialogue and collective responsibility to ensure no one is left behind.

Muslims across the world mark the beginning of Islamic new year 1448 AH

By
Binti Wangila
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Muslims around the world have officially begun the Islamic New Year 1448 AH following the sighting of the Muharram crescent moon.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar and other countries confirmed that Tuesday, June 16, marked the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the new Hijri year.

The Islamic calendar consists of twelve months and is based on lunar cycles, making it approximately eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar.

The Hijri calendar began with the migration of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a significant event that led to the establishment of the first Muslim community.

Muharram is one of the four sacred months in Islam, during which believers are encouraged to increase worship, engage in spiritual reflection and support those in need.

Unlike the Gregorian New Year celebrations, many Muslims observe the Islamic New Year through prayers, religious sermons and personal reflection.

The month of Muharram also leads to the observance of Ashura on the tenth day of the month, which this year is expected to fall on June 25.

Mombasa Governor orders audit of school feeding programme amid fee complaints

By
Binti Wangila
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Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has ordered a comprehensive audit of the county’s school feeding programme for day secondary school students following concerns over its effectiveness in reducing the financial burden on parents.

The decision comes after several parents complained that they are still being required to pay high school fees despite the county government’s intervention, with hundreds of students reportedly continuing to be sent home due to unpaid fees.

Governor Nassir has directed county officials to begin an extensive assessment of the programme by engaging parents, students, teachers and school administrators to establish whether it is being implemented as intended and whether it is achieving its objective of making secondary education more affordable.

Under the programme, students in day secondary schools receive meals funded by the Mombasa County Government, with the initiative expected to lower annual school fees from KSh 22,000 to KSh 12,000.

The audit, expected to begin this week, will also examine the challenges affecting the programme and identify possible areas for improvement.

Governor Nassir has called on parents and all education stakeholders to cooperate with county officials and provide honest feedback to ensure the programme meets the needs of learners and delivers the intended benefits to families across the county.

President Ruto Attends G7 Summit In France

By
Binti Wangila
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President William Ruto has arrived in Evian, France, to participate in the G7 Summit, where he is expected to represent Africa and present the continent’s development priorities before leaders of the world’s largest economies.

The President is accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.

Ruto is attending the summit at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron and is expected to use the platform to advocate for stronger partnerships between Africa and major global economies in areas such as trade, investment and sustainable development.

During the summit, the President will present Africa’s common position agreed upon at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi last month. The agenda focuses on economic transformation, reforms to the global financial system, climate action and accelerating digital development across the continent. Kenya’s participation in the summit is seen as an important opportunity to advance Africa’s interests and strengthen international cooperation in addressing global economic and development challenges.

Women Leaders Rally Behind Ruto

By
Binti Wangila
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A group of women leaders has called on Kenyans to support President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, citing what they described as his strong development record and commitment to inclusive governance.

Led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, the leaders spoke during a women empowerment event hosted by Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika in Taita Taveta County.

The leaders praised President Ruto’s development initiatives, saying his administration has demonstrated fairness in the distribution of national resources and inclusivity in government appointments. They argued that ongoing development projects across the country are evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving livelihoods.

Waiguru dismissed claims that the Mt Kenya region had abandoned President Ruto and urged residents to continue supporting government-led development initiatives.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika echoed the sentiments, saying the President has shown commitment to empowering women leaders and promoting equitable development nationwide.

During the event, households and community groups received tents, wheelchairs, water tanks, cooking pots, and handcarts as part of the empowerment programme.

Flood victims in Tana River receive relief aid

By
Binti Wangila
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Families affected by recent flooding in Tana River County have received relief assistance from the government as efforts to support vulnerable communities and strengthen disaster preparedness continue.

Principal Secretary for the State Department for Special Programmes, Ismail Maalim Madey, visited Kitere and Samicha villages in Garsen Constituency, where he led the distribution of food and other essential supplies to affected households.

During the visit, the PS met residents, listened to their concerns, and inspected flood-affected areas where livelihoods have been disrupted by rising waters.

Madey assured residents that the government remains committed to providing timely support while implementing measures aimed at reducing the impact of future weather-related disasters. He urged residents living in flood-prone areas to remain vigilant and follow advisories issued by relevant authorities as the country prepares for the possibility of enhanced rainfall associated with El Niño.

The relief supplies are expected to help affected families recover and rebuild their livelihoods following the floods.

Governor Mwadime warns illegal herders in Taita Taveta County

By
Edgar Kalimbo
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Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime has issued a stern warning to outside herders illegally bringing livestock, including camels and cattle, into the region and destroying local crops.

Governor Mwadime emphasized that the county government will no longer tolerate livestock entering the region outside the confines of the law.

“These are warnings. We have seen camels and cows coming this way, and many residents have come to my office crying because their crops have been destroyed by these animals. We will take action. I want to make it clear that the people of Taita Taveta are not cowards,” Governor Mwadime stated.

The Governor urged herders who have legitimate grazing agreements with local ranchers to ensure their livestock remain strictly within the boundaries of those private ranches.

To address the issue long-term, Governor Mwadime revealed that his administration is amending local laws to penalize complicit landowners and regulate influxes. The proposed legislation will introduce strict levies on ranchers who host livestock from neighboring counties.

“We are submitting a bill to the County Assembly, and a committee is already reviewing the issue. We want to impose a tax on all animals brought here from outside the county,” he added.

Garissa Gets New Blood Transfusion Centre

By
Binti Wangila
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Residents of Kenya’s North eastern and parts of the Eastern region are set to benefit from improved access to blood transfusion services following the official opening of the Garissa Regional Blood Transfusion Centre.

Previously, blood collected in the region had to be transported to Nairobi for testing and screening, a process that often-caused delays, especially during emergencies when timely access to safe blood was critical.

Speaking during the commissioning of the facility, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale described the centre as a major milestone in strengthening healthcare services in the region. He said the facility would significantly reduce turnaround times, improve emergency response, and enhance patient outcomes.

Duale reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no life is lost due to a lack of access to safe blood for transfusion.

The centre has the capacity to store more than 600 units of blood and is expected to strengthen regional preparedness while ensuring a reliable supply for hospitals and emergency situations.

Garissa Governor Nathif Jama welcomed the development, noting that the facility will improve blood collection, testing, storage, and distribution across the region. He also called for increased voluntary blood donation campaigns to prevent shortages that could put lives at risk.

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