Mess at Machakos L5 Hospital verified

By our Correspondent 

A report by the Committee on Health of the Machakos County Assembly has confirmed the sad status of Machakos L5 Hospital.

The report is the outcome of hospital visits, interviews with hospital staff, Chief Officers anf doctores managing the facility.

The report was tabled on the floor of the assembly and adopted. It amounts to an indictment of the Wavinya Ndeti's approach to provide healthcare to the residents of Machakos County.

The Anchor now presents excerpts of the report verbatim.

"2.0 TERMS OF REFERENCE

8. Honorable Speaker, during a Committee meeting held 12^th February, 2024 it was brought to the attention of the Committee on the public outcry about the poor status of Machakos Level 5 Hospital. This was backed by letters circulated in social media purported to be originating from Doctors and the Medical Superintendent of the said Hospital. (Annexure 1, 2 and 3)

9.        The following was set out as the matters to be considered and investigated on during the site visit and engagement with the Management of Machakos Level 5 Hospit 

3.0 COMMITTEE OBSERVATIONS

3.1 Site Visits

10.  Honorable Speaker, the Committee conducted  impromptu visits  authorized by the Speaker pursuant to Standing Order  162  (Annexure 4 ) to the facility on 15^th  and 20^th  February, 2024 and the following were the observations;

3.1.1        Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

11.  The Committee interrogated the nurse in-charge of the ICU who stated that the bed capacity is six. However as at the time of this visit only four beds were being used because the staffing levels of nurses in the ICU was not enough. The ICU Department has twenty six nurses working in shifts. One patient in ICU is supposed to be manned by six nurses working in shifts.

12.  The Hospital has a two bed capacity High dependency Unit (HDU) which at the time of this visit was not operational because of shortage of nurses. It was further reported that in an ideal situation, a patient in HDU is supposed to be handled by eight nurses working in shifts.

13.  The Committee was informed that when the ICU is overwhelmed with patients, referrals are made to Kenyatta National Hospital or Private Hospitals depending on the patients/kins’ preference.

14.  The nurse in charge of the ICU acknowledged that letter (Annexure 1) was known to him and was the true status of the ICU as at 24^th January, 2024. The ICU had stock-outs of heat and Moisture Exchangers (HME) and bacterial filters, Bacterial filters for the ventilators, catheter mounts, perfusor lines and blood gas analysis. The breathing circuits’ wipes had broken down and needed replacement.  He however stated that new breathing circuits were later traced in the maternity theatre.

15.  It was reported at the time this letter was written, the ICU had stayed for two weeks without supplies with an admission of only one patient. During this time when stock outs were experienced, patients were being referred to other Hospitals.

3.1.3  Status of the Theatre

16.  The Committee had an engagement with the Head of General Surgeons, who confirmed to be the author of letter (Annexure 2) dated 29^th January, 2024. He further confirmed that the contents of the letter addressed to all Heads of Departments and copied to the Medical Superintendent on frequent disruption of essential theatre supplies were known to him and was a true reflection of the status of the theatre as at the time the letter was done.

17.  As at the time of this site visit, the Doctor further highlighted to the Committee that supply of essential theatre commodities was still erratic.

18.  Patients were being told to purchase such theatre supplies from outside the facility whenever they were out of stock. Some would purchase while others would opt to have their patients transferred to private hospitals within the town. Those who could not afford to purchase would wait until restocking is done.

19.  The Doctor reported that the common theatre commodities whose supplies are not consistent were gloves, sterile drapes, sterile gauzes and sutures.

20.  He further acknowledged that laundry for theatre was recently being done from Kangundo Level 4 Hospital since the Laundry Machines at Machakos Level 5 Hospital had broken down.

3.1.4  Availability of Hospital Supplies (Pharmaceutical and non- Pharmaceutical)

21.  The Committee held a discussion with the Head of Pharmacy on hospital supplies especially pharmaceuticals.

22.  He indicated that the facility consumes approximately Kshs. 30M on drugs, Kshs. 30M on laboratory reagents and Kshs. 10M on Imaging Supplies quarterly.

23.  He further reported that during the second quarter of the currently Financial year (October, November and December, 2023) the hospital had ordered supplies from KEMSA worth Kshs. 20M and from MEDS worth Kshs. 10M. Out of this order, a consignment worth Kshs. 15M and Kshs.9M was received from KEMSA and MEDS respectively in the month of January. This is because payments for MEDS are made upfront whereas those for KEMSA are made after delivery. However KEMSA cannot supply until the previous payment has been done.

24.  The Committee was informed that lack of funds occasioned delay of these critical hospital supplies and to bridge the gap, the hospital has been engaging local suppliers who currently were not being promptly paid.

25.  He acknowledged that supply of pharmaceuticals and non- pharmaceuticals in the Hospital wa erratic and this was inconveniencing all the Departments and the patients.

26.  The Committee made visits to the non- pharmaceuticals store and noted that most of the cartons were empty. The nurse in charge reported that most of the commodities were out of stock and more especially clean gloves. Out of an order of one thousand pairs of clean gloves from the outpatient Department, only one hundred pairs were available. This meant that patients will have to buy gloves from outside to supplement the deficit.

27.  The Committee further had an engagement with the Officer, in-charge of Procurement in the Hospital who stated that acquisition of bulk commodities and equipment was done by the Director of Procurement in the entire Department of Health. The In-charge of procurement in the facility reported that she only dealt with emergency commodities of amounts less than Kshs. 50,000 per item per year through requests of quotation from prequalified suppliers. The Hospital has accrued approximately Kshs. 2M pending bills from suppliers of the emergency commodities since last year. She was also charged with the responsibility of receiving delivered commodities and issuance to the user Departments.

3.1.2 Mortuary

28.  The Committee interrogated the Officer in-charge of Public Health in the facility who confirmed that in the month of October, November and Part of December, 2023 the Mortuary at Machakos Level 5 had been closed to pave room for renovations.

29.  The renovations were done on the super structure and not the chambers. This included plastering, partitioning, cold room, Toilets, Offices and Doctors’ rooms. The walls were dilapidated before the renovations and were losing coldness hence compromising the preservation aspect of the mortuary.

30.  Before the closure for renovation, the Public Health Department had made an application to the court to conduct mass burial of thirty one (31) unclaimed bodies which was granted. As at the time of renovations the Mortuary had four bodies. During the renovations, the Hospital wrote a letter to notify the police of non-admission of bodies but a public notice was not done.

31.  The Officer was neither aware whether inspection and acceptance had been done on the renovated part nor handing over of the project. He however confirmed that the contractor had exited the site.

32.  He further brought to the attention of the Committee of the body of a suspected thief who had been burned at Kenya Israel in January and clarified that it was not brought at Machakos Level 5 Mortuary but instead taken directly to Kathiani Level 4 Mortuary.

33.  The Committee visited the mortuary and noted that it was operational with three chambers holding six bodies each; only one chamber was under renovation. A public notice had been placed on the notice board to inform the members of public of resumption of services. The Mortuary has a capacity of twenty four and the occupancy as at the time of the visit was thirteen.

34.  The Public Health officer further notified the Committee that post mortem services were not being offered in the mortuary because of lack of a post mortem kit whose requisition had been raised severally.

3.1.5  Status of the Laundry Unit

35.  The Committee held a discussion with the hospitality Officer in- Charge of the Laundry Unit who confirmed that in the month of December, 2023, the Hospital received four new laundry machines which included; one sluicing machine, two washing machines and one calendar (Ironing machine). These replaced the old machine which would frequently break down and tear linen as it washed. 

36.  Installation of the new machines started in January, 2024 which included mounting, wiring and plumping and was done by the Hospital maintenance team in conjunction with the supplier.

37.  The hospitality Officer reported that disruption of laundry services occurred when the old washing machine was un- installed and replaced with one of the new washing machines. The new washing machine started overheating and the heater had to be removed. Linen was therefore taken to Kangundo for laundry. Laundry services have since resumed at the facility.

38.  The Committee was informed that the Inspection and Acceptance Report had not been done The Committee further interrogated the Bio- Medical Engineer who further stated that the manual book for the laundry machines was in Chinese Language but plans were underway to have an English version availed. He added that the Machines did not have a brand name hence difficult to compare their maintenance with other machines. The hospital staff operating the machines had not been trained.

39.  The Committee visited the laundry unit and was impressed by its operations despite the initial installation challenges. As at the time of this visit all the newly installed machines in the laundry unit were working. The hospital linen was however old, stained and torn.

3.1.6  Status of the Catering Unit

40.  The Committee interrogated the Hospitality Officer in- Charge of the Catering Unit who confirmed that the contents of letter Annexure 3 dated 25^th January, 2024 and signed by the Medical Superintendent was a true reflection of the food stock of the hospital as at that date.  According to the letter, the framework supplier of food stuffs in the hospital was adamant on supplying food owing to delayed payment since September, 2023. She however confirmed that patients have never missed a meal.

41.  She highlighted that orders are done quarterly and forwarded to the Department of Procurement. Approximately Kshs. 9M per month was adequate to cater for perishables, dry foods and cooking fuels.

42.  The Committee was informed that in the month of October and November, 2023 supply of food rations was sufficient and dry stuffs were supplied enough for a month. The supplier would supply perishables every Monday and Friday which are market days for Machakos town Market.

43.  Currently the supplies were unpredictable and there are days she gets to office at 8.00am without food stocks for lunch and dinner meals for that day. On these days, the lunch meals are served at 2.30pm. Diabetic patients were being served with porridge as they wait for the meal. The Committee interrogated some patients and it was confirmed that meals were being delayed.

44.  The Committee also visited the main kitchen and noted that it was under renovation since last year October. A temporary kitchen was being used in the meantime. The scope of works for the renovation of the kitchen included drainage, painting, cold rooms, store, partitioning of washrooms and ceiling. The Committee noted that when the rains came, the roof leaked destroying the already renovated ceiling. As at the time of this visit the contractor was not on site. Works on the stores and cold rooms had not commenced.

45.  The Committee made a check-up of the food store and  the available food was two bales of maize flour, five bales of wheat flour, six cartons of tea leaves and two cartons of blue band. The store had sufficient perishables (fruits and vegetables) but the cereals store was empty.

3.1.7 Revenue Collection in the Facility

46.  On revenue Collection, the Committee was informed that in the month of November, 2023, Kshs. 11,467,000 was collected. This included 61% from outpatient and 39% from inpatient. A breakdown of the outpatient collection showed that Kshs. 2M was collected from Laboratory Services, Kshs. 1.6M from Imaging Services, Kshs. 1.2M from pharmacy and Kshs. 1.6M from consultations. In the month of December, 2023 the hospital collected Kshs. 9.4M which included 56% from Outpatient and 44% from inpatient. These fees and charges are paid through MPESA to the hospital account and later swept to Family Bank Account. The hospital has no authority to spend the monies collected at the facility.

47.  The hospital Admistration reported that during the second quarter of the FY 2023/2024 the facility got a plough back of Kshs. 5M which was received in the month of October, 2023 whereas in the month of January, Kshs. 5.5M was received to cover the third quarter. These funds are utilized in the form of imprest to cater for operations of the hospital. This includes fueling of ambulances and purchase of emergency hospital commodities. The hospital Admistration stated that the monies received as plough back were very little and not able to sustain the hospital.

3.2 Minutes from meeting of Consultants.

48.  Honorable Speaker, the Committee was supplied with copies of minutes from meetings of Consultants which had highlighted various issues (Annexure 5 and 6)The Committee deduced the following from the minutes;

Minutes of 15^th November, 2023

49.  The committee noted from the minutes that the County Government has adopted the facilities improvement financing Act, 2023 that was recently passed by the senate and whose operationalization was to start from 1^st December, 2023.

50.          The Committee noted the FIF collection from 10^th September to 15^th November:

                 i.             Outpatient-Kshs.13,5112,266.68

               ii.            Inpatient- Kshs. 8,212,212.91

             iii.            Total collection  - Kshs. 21,724,383.59

51.    On average outpatient revenue collection accounted for was at 62.2% of total revenue collection while inpatient accounted for 37.8%.The committee observed that the consultants had unanimously agreed that the hospital was not reaching its full potential in revenue collection.

52.    That the malfunctioning of the Laundry Unit, poor state of linen and lack of key supplies had been discussed during this consultants meeting.

Minutes of 17^th January, 2024

53.  The Committee appreciated that there was automation of health records-launch of new Health Information Management system for both inpatient and outpatient services which was a great boost to service delivery.

54.  The Committee noted the following challenges as discussed by the consultants;

                                  i.             Staff exodus resulting in acute staff shortage especially nursing 

                               ii.            Security lapses in the vicinity of the hospital.

                             iii.            Low staff morale due to lack of implementation of collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and public service policies.

                              iv.            Shortage of electronic infrastructure like computers

                                v.            Under equipped departments like dental which has resulted in increased referrals to Kenyatta National Hospital

                              vi.            General poor and old buildings with inadequate space to accommodate expansion of services.

55.  The committee noted from the minutes  that the hospital level of operation was at 10% mainly because critical Departments such as laboratory, radiology, ICU, renal and pharmacy departments were still struggling with commodity stock outs causing demotivation and lethargy of staff.

3.3 Meeting with the Chief Officer, Medical Services

56.  Honorable Speaker, Article 195 (1) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 stipulates that “A County assembly or any of its Committees has power to summon any person to appear before it for the purpose of giving evidence or providing information.

57.  Section 39(2) of the County Governments Act, 2012 states that “A committee of the county assembly may require a member of the executive committee to—

(a) Attend or appear before the committee; and

(b) Answer any question relating to the member’s responsibilities.

58.  Further Section 18 (1) of the County Assemblies Powers and Privileges Act, 2017 states that “a County Assembly or its Committees may invite or summon any person to appear before it for the purpose of giving evidence or providing any information, paper, book, record or document in the possession or under the control of that person and, in this respect, a County Assembly and its Committees shall have the same powers as the High Court as specified under Article 195 of the Constitution.

59.  The Health and Emergency Services Committee invited the Chief Officer, Medical Services for a meeting on 6^th March, 2024 through a letter Reference No. (MKSCA/ PCS/CMM/HES/VOL.13/25) dated 26^th February, 2024. The Chief Officer stated the following in regard to the status of Machakos Level 5 Hospital;

60.  That supplies of pharmaceuticals, non- Pharmaceuticals and food rations is inconsistent in Machakos Level 5 hospital and across all hospitals in the County. This is occasioned by inadequate budget allocation on vote lines of such supplies. For instance in the current FY the budget for purchase of pharmaceuticals and non- Pharmaceuticals in all Hospitals in the County is at Kshs. 236M. As at the time of this meeting, the Chief Officer reported the budget had been exhausted and had put forth a request to have an additional Kshs. 123M in the second supplementary budget.

61.  He stated that 70% of these hospital supplies go to level 3 and 2 hospitals which do not collect much revenue. He further stated that the ideal budget for pharmaceuticals and non- Pharmaceuticals in all Hospitals across the County in Financial year should be Kshs. 800M. As at the time of this meeting, the Chief Officer confirmed that most of the supplies in the hospital were out of stock.

62.  On revenue collected in Machakos Level 5, the Chief Officer highlighted that during the first half of FY 2023/2024 the hospital collected Kshs. 106M even when all the Departments were not operating optimally. He informed the Committee that if this amount was to be utilized within the facility as provided for in the Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2023 much pressure on supplies would be relieved.

63.  All the revenue collected at the hospital was banked via MPESA paybill to family bank. He however reported that he was not a signatory of the account and had no access to the funds collected.

64.  NHIF claims for Machakos Level 5 Hospital according to the Chief Officer goes to the County Revenue Account (CRF).

65.  On staffing of the hospital, the Chief Officer acknowledged that shortage of staff across all cadres was a big challenge affecting service delivery in Machakos Level 5 Hospital and all other hospitals in the County. This had been occasioned for mass exodus of nurses in pursuit of greener pastures outside the Country and non- replacement of medical personnel who exited service due to natural attrition. He however informed the Committee that recently an advertisement had been made to fill ninety one (91) positions which were still not enough.

66.  On the status of the mortuary, the Chief Officer appreciated that most of the cooling machinery were old and inefficient. This meant that routine maintenance had to be done and was expensive since some spare parts of such old machinery were not locally available. He proposed that the County can consider building a modern funeral home.

67.  He further stated that the current mortuary at Machakos Level 5 Hospital did not have space to accommodate post mortem services and such can be considered when proposing for a modern funeral home. He also acknowledged that public notice was not done when the mortuary was closed during renovation which was an oversight on the Administration of the Hospital.

68.  On the Laundry Unit, he confirmed that it was operational. He stated that when the Committee visited the facility, personnel working in the laundry unit had not been trained on operations of the Machines and used to overload the machines hence the overheating. He however confirmed that the supplier had since trained them and availed an English version manual. Handing over of the machines was yet to be done and was planned to take place after the biomedical engineers had been inducted on the use of the machines. The Chief Officer acknowledged that the hospital linen was torn and old hence the need to have it replaced. A budget of Kshs. 30M would be ideal to cater for linen and patients’ gowns in Machakos Level 5 Hospital and all Level 4 Hospitals.

69.  On the food rations, the Chief Officer stated that the supplies were erratic owing to delayed payments of the suppliers and exchequer releases. He however highlighted that patients at the hospital have never lacked a meal.

70.  On renovations works on the main kitchen of the hospital, the informed the committee that the scope of works did not include roofing of the kitchen and no payment had been paid on the works. Works were ongoing according to the Chief Officer.

71.  On why the hospital did not have a medical superintendent, the Chief Officer stated that there was a proposal to have a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) managing the Hospital. Currently the hospital was being manned by Deputy Medical superintendent Officer.

4.0 COMMITTEE FINDINGS

72.  Honorable Speaker, from the above observations drawn from the site visit, minutes of hospital consultants and discussion with the Chief Officer, Medical Services, the Committee made the following findings;

73.  That Machakos Level 5 Hospital has an acute shortage of staff across all the cadres. This has led to service delivery at the facility being poor. Some critical Departments like the ICU and HDU have had to scale down on their admissions because of shortage of nurses. This has also greatly affected the quality and promptness of medical care.

74.  There is no functional and competent County Directorate of health as provided for in the Health Act 2017. Most directors are in acting capacity and the substantive ones had been transferred to other areas under unclear circumstances.

75.  Supply of pharmaceuticals and non- pharmaceuticals in Machakos Level 5 Hospital is very erratic despite it being the referral Hospital of the County. This was affecting the less fortunate especially who those who required theatre services and could not afford to purchase the much needed theatre commodities from outside the hospital or get transferred to private hospitals. The hospital can operate smoothly with a budget of Kshs. 70M per quarter to cater for drugs, imaging and laboratory commodities.

76.  When renovations were being done at the Machakos Level 5 Hospital Mortuary, closure was done without informing members of public. As at the time of the site visit, the mortuary had been re-opened. The capacity and standards of the Mortuary however do not meet the current market demand of funeral homes. Post mortem services were not being conducted at the mortuary because there was no post mortem kit. All of deaths with police cases requiring post mortem services had to be transferred to private funeral parlors. This in itself was a loss of revenue.

77.  The new Laundry Unit is working well despite the initial installation challenges. However the laundry Machines are being used even before the inspection and acceptance report has been done and commissioned. This poses a risk especially on who is responsible incase a breakdown happens.

78.  That the hospital linen and patients’ gowns are old and torn. Besides not having replacement of the linen done in the recent past, the old washing machine had contributed in worsening the state of the hospital linen.

79.  The supply of food rations is inconsistent and there is a high risk of patients missing meals. The hospital can comfortably operate with a budget of Kshs. 27M per quarter on perishables, dry stuffs and cooking gas.

80.  The renovations works of the main kitchen seems to have stalled with the contractor not being on site. The roof of the kitchen is leaking. Priority has to be given to the roof before repairing the ceiling. 

81.  The amount ploughed back to the hospital is way too low compared to the amount collected in the hospital. The ratio of the amount ploughed back to the amount collected can be equated as 0.2:1. If the hospital can collect an approximate of Kshs. 10M per month with the current inconsistent supplies is a clear indication that when all supplies are well stocked, a double output on revenue can be realized.

82.  The Department of Health and Emergency Services has never operationalized the Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2023 enacted by the senate which provides for collection, management and Administration of charges and monies collected in hospitals.

5.0 COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

83.  Honorable Speaker, based on the above findings, the Committee makes the following recommendations;

84.   The County Government should consider apportioning some additional funds to start a phased program of recruiting medical personnel in the Department of Health and Emergency Services. The County Public Service Board should prioritize recruitment process for any pending advertisement in the shortest time possible.

85.   Sufficient budget should be allocated for the purchase of pharmaceutical and non- pharmaceutical supplies. Lack of these basic and very essential commodities entirely impact negatively on service delivery in the hospital and ultimately affect residents of the County who cannot afford medical services in private hospitals. At least Kshs. 70M should be allocated to the Hospital per quarter to cater for drugs, imaging and laboratory commodities.

86.  In future when the Department of Health and Emergency Services intends to close certain units in the Machakos Level 5 Hospital or any other public hospital within its jurisdiction a public notice should be issued on such disruption of services through the Kenya gazette and other media platforms. Reopening and resumption of such services should also be notified to the public.

87.  The County Should also set aside funds for construction of a modern state of art funeral home with a 100 body capacity well equipped with a post mortem kit and a chapel. Further, the non- functional chambers in the current mortuary should be operationalized and modernized to cater for the police cases and unclaimed bodies. 

88.   Training of biomedical engineers and handing over of the Laundry unit to the Hospital should be fast tracked the soonest. This is in line with the Public Procurement and Disposal Act.

89.  Kshs. 30M should be factored in the budget for the FY 2024/2025 for purchase of hospital linen and gowns. This linen and gowns will specifically be for Machakos Level 5 and all the level 4 hospitals in the County.

90.  Accrued debts of the food rations suppliers should be paid within the next thirty days (30). Since the County is in the budget making process according to the Public Finance Management regulations, sufficient budget should be allocated for purchase of food rations in the hospital. At least Kshs. 27M should be allocated per quarter on perishables, dry stuffs and cooking gas for Machakos Level 5 Hospital.

91.  Scope of works for renovation of the main kitchen should be revised to include repair of the roof. The contractor should also be urged to hasten the renovations works because hygiene of the makeshift kitchen is not to the required WHO standards.

92.  The Health Department should be restructured by establishing the directorates as described in Health Act, 2017 and the posts in acting capacity to be filled competitively to provide the necessary technical advice required. Mandatory Directorates that should be established are; medical services, nursing, pharmaceutical services, public health and administrative services.

93.  Machakos level 5 Hospital to be converted to a co-operate headed by a Chief Executive Officer  competitively sourced by County Public Service Board  and a fully functional hospital board of management with such powers and responsibilities as outlined in the recently enacted Facility Improvement Financing Act,2023. Machakos level 5 Hospital to be considered as a procuring entity with end to end procuring rights to arrest the lengthy procedures which comes with delays and that for the purpose of budgeting Machakos Level 5 Hospital should be budgeted independently.

94.  Implementation of the Facility Improvement Financing Act, 2023 is bestowed with the CECM, Department of Health and Emergency Services. This Act will ensure monies collected in all county hospitals are banked and managed within such hospitals. It will also facilitate creation of hospital boards and Facility Committees to oversee management of monies collected in hospitals. The Committee directs the CECM to formulate regulations and forward them to the Assembly for consideration and approval. The Committee further directs that the CECM appraises this house with the implementation status of the said act fourteen days from the approval of the said regulations.

6.0 CONCLUSION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

95.  Honorable Speaker, allow me to acknowledge the Department of Health and Emergency Services for the response given and proposals given for the management of Machakos Level 5 Hospital. I wish to appreciate the Health and Emergency Services Committee members for their dedication during site visits, committee sittings and compiling of this report. Honorable Speaker, the Committee expresses gratitude to the Office of the Speaker and that of the Clerk to the County Assembly for the continuous and relentless support received as it discharged its oversight mandate. It is therefore my duty, on behalf of the Health and Emergency Services Committee to table this report and recommend it to this honorable house for consideration and adoption.

Thank you Honorable Speaker."

Malombe,Wavinya and Mutula demand swift action on projects

By Agencies

The South Eastern Kenya Economic Bloc (SEKEB) through has resolved to stand united and robustly engage the National Government in order to improve the livelihoods of the residents of the region.

Speaking in Wote, Makueni, Governors Julius Malombe (Kitui), Mutula Kilonzo Junior (Makueni) and Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos) said their purpose is to see the region reap maximum benefits from both the National and County Governments.

They pointed out that the Constitution of Kenya 2010 envisages a situation where the two levels of government work together and complement each other.

The three Governors asked the National Government to expedite completion of the Thwake Multipurpose Dam, whose completion is behind schedule in order to arrest the biting water insecurity in the Lower Eastern region.

The completion of the project will herald a new beginning for water and food security in the region as well as for electricity generation.

The leaders revealed that the Kitui County Government had secured 30 acres as part of its contribution to the implementation of the High Grand Falls Dam, which shall serve the SEKEB Bloc and beyond.

The governors also appealed for quick completion of Umaa dam in Kitui, a national government project. They also called for expansion of the Masinga Dam intake to provide more water to residents of Kitui and Machakos.

 The SEKEB leadership regretted the long standing pollution of Athi River, being regional a key water source,saying it poses a serious threat to the health of residents of the three  counties.

The Governors urged government  to reign in on the polluters and compel them to pay reparations for the damages caused to area residents.

On Agriculture, the governors revealed their plan to develop aggregation centres and storage facilities to help farmers reduce post harvest losses and discourage exploitive middlemen.

On infrastructure, the SEKEB leadership promised to lobby the National Government to support regional priority infrastructure projects such as key interlinking road networks to spur socio economic development within the bloc.

They also mooted the idea of a regional airport and a rail connectivity to Kitui County.

The governors further said that they are operationalizing the County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) based on their competitive and comparative advantages. Each County will consider prioritizing its major value chain in order to ensure sufficient supply of produce to all the CAIPS.

Each of the Three counties also resolved to invest in specialized health services at the main hospitals with Kitui establishing a Renal Centre, while Cancer and Trauma Centres will be built in Machakos and Makueni Counties, respectively.

This will enable people’s access to specialized services within their vicinity within the Bloc.

The bloc is also prioritizing investments in security installations along border points to complement the National Government’s efforts in securing the region.

Kitui County, is collaborating the National Police Service in the constructiion of eight police stations along its historically troubled border with Tana River County. Already Mandongoi and Kona Kaliti police stations have been completed and staffed. This has drastically reduced incidents of banditry and insecurity in the areas. Construction works for other police stations is currently underway.

Lastly, the SEKEB leadership called for equitable sharing of revenues earned from National Parks and game reserves found within the bloc among them Tsavo East, Chyulu Hills and Ol Donyo Sabuk National Parks as well as Mwingi North Game Reserve, South Kitui National Reserve and Kanyonyoo Wildlife Conservancy.

The Governors said there is need for a clearly defined revenue-sharing formula that will benefit the neighbouring Counties of Kitui, Makueni, Taita Taveta and Kwale. The Counties are also working with KWS to avert human – wildlife conflicts.

Police Station where officers spend more time on water than crime

Kitui

Police officers at Mangongoi Police Station spend more time looking for water than in local patrols to fight banditry. 

According to the officer in charge of the station Mr. Emanuel Mbita, lack of water and poor network connectivity in the area are some of the major hurdles faced by the officers manning the facility.

Mbita told visiting MCAs from the Kitui County Assembly  "Due to lack of water a lot of our time is wasted as officers have to look for water instead of conducting security operations, " Mr. Mbita's lamentation came out as the County Assembly Committee on Implementation visited the Station on routine oversight role of inspecting the status of the police posts being constructed by the county government.

Shock for  Kitui MCAs as they inspect Mandongoi Police Station

The team's visit entered day three as  The Committee,  led by Chuluni ward MCA Mr.Mathew Vuthi visited Mandongoi police post in Ngomeni ward, Mwingi North Sub -County to establish the progress of the facility.

The Station is one of the five stations being established by the county government in a bid to end perennial banditry and insecurity along the porous  Kitui-Tana River border. 

The team established that the station has been erected where the national government had earmarked for a General Service Unit (GSU) camp of the Kenya Police Service.

 It also noted that the station is already operational, where GSU officers are already deployed to carry out operations along the volatile border which is about 15 km from the station. 

The 11- member Committee observed that an office block which hosts, reporting area, offices,  police cells and an armoury, among others, has already been constructed and handled over to the GSU officers.  The building however is not connected to the water supply and the solar lighting system is yet to be installed. 

The Committee also observed that an ablution block was already in place. The Members however, noted with concern that some finishing works were poor, especially the paint which has already started peeling off.  The lawmakers also observed the water tanks were improperly installed and called for the contractor to rectify the affected areas. 

The team further noted  that key infrastructure in the facility were yet to  be constructed. They include  fencing and gate, staff quarters and drilling of an already earmarked borehole to bolster water supply in the security facility.

Kibwana's 17 point reply to Kalonzo

Musyoka's funeral speech triggers Kivutha's take on future of Akamba

By Kivutha Kibwana

Recently at a burial in Kaiti, Makueni County,  Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka ( The Standard, March 29, 2024:8) was reported as taking " a swipe on Ukambani leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza government asking them to stop swaying locals with government goodies".

 Further "he said the few who joined the government should be voted out." He "put on notice Ukambani politicians who have aligned with Kenya Kwanza government."

Also the former Vice President promised that a political storm similar to Kenya's of 1963 and 2002 as well as the recent Senegalese Faye/Sonko tornado is brewing and he, Stephen, "will make William Ruto a one term president for the sake of this country because he even acknowledges I will be facing him."

I wish  to respectively point out the following as a response to Stephen's recent strident message to his community.

In a democratic society once leaders - from the ruling group and the opposition -  are elected, it is their constitutional mandate  to engage the ruling  government so that it can efficiently deliver public services to the leaders' constituencies. The government and the opposition are not meant to be at war.

Parliamentarians and county governments from Ukambani and Kenya in general must lobby and work diligently with the government of the day to guarantee development equity to any region and the country at large. This principle is basic in political theory and practice. 

 It is not the legitimate function of an opposition to block a national government from accessing any area of a country or the leaders thereof for developmental engagement. This would be tantamount to partial secession. 

Since Stephen has worked closely with  Raila Odinga ( And I believe Odinga will be a valuable asset for Africa at AUC), he must have noticed that even as leader of the Opposition the former Prime Minister worked, even under heavy criticism, with Moi, Kibaki, Uhuru and now Ruto for purposes of, inter alia, ensuring the government of the day had no reason to allege it had no access to areas politically controlled by him. 

Since Azimio has conceded that William Ruto is the President until 2027, that means all Azimio leaders should not appear to block him from doing development in any part of the country. If he fails to deliver by 2027, it must be crystal clear he failed without any political impediment from the opposition. 

Ukambani's population is one tenth of Kenya's inhabitants. Historically it continues to be one of the country's most marginalised regions. Even North Eastern and the Coast are now surpassing it ( And I wish them the progress they are making and  deserve). The two mega projects in Ukambani i.e. Konza & Thwake have been in gestation for decades.  Major roads in the region remain unpaved. The numbers of senior public servants are dwindling by the day etc etc. The region is atrophing politically, socially, culturally,  economically and I dare say spiritually. The youth, absent any advocacy, are wallowing and wasting in the cheap drug muguka. 

Due to the deficiency of the negotiation skills of Ukambani leadership from the times of Ngei, Mulu and now Kalonzo ( including all other key leaders), the community's profile and development dividend  have been gravely compromised. 

As a leader of Wiper Party, Stephen should free all his elected and party leaders to work closely with the government of the day so that they are not encumbered by intimidation and manipulation. These leaders must also subject the same national government to strict accountability as demanded by the constitution. 

The South Eastern Kenya people deserve compensatory and luxuriant public services and goods from the national government just like the same government makes available ( as well as to other retirees)  pension, health benefits, home support,  transport, office space and security services to Stephen Musyoka Kalonzo as a former MP and Vice Persident. 

Stephen is on record affirming that the national government makes available funds to counties including those his Umbrella Party controls. The Wiper Party must also be held accountable, just like other parties countrywide, for the performance of the counties they control. All those who are elected from both government and opposition parties who don't deliver must be voted out  within the context of a  democratic election in 2027. Hence if elected leaders are prevented from working with the government thereby occassioning a shortfall in development, they personally risk losing their positions due to  non delivery. 

In 2027 every Kenyan has a right to choose their political path. Working with the government of the day to facilitate smooth  delivery of services does not mean that a leader will be forced to  change  his/her political affiliation. Stephen as a co-leader of the NADCO process recommended the position of leader of official opposition. He must be knowledgeable about how an opposion should perform in a democratic system. 

The Kamba community must introspect and ultimately insist on a change of course to end its self isolationary culture. Her professionals, intelligentsia,  civil society, faith and business leaders, senior public bureaucracy, the general middle class, the youth etc must work towards re-orienting the community towards a new political ethos, ideology and direction in which the community ( just like the rest of Kenya) agitates for a plump stake in national development. An examination of the country's budgets beginning 1963/1964  to 2023/2024 will reveal  Kenya owes the community a lot. 

A soul searching conversation of regional leaders who are both in the national government and the current opposition is an important starting point; indeed a point of departure. 

Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has an inalienable right to vie for the presidency in 2027 just like any other Kenyan who meets the constitutional and legal threshold. Usually a contender does not warn opponents way in advance that he will reduce them to mincemeat  unless the message is simply directed to one's community voters. An aspirant diligently prepares for the political wave so that ultimately opponents are caught unawares and thrown off balance as recently happened in Senegal.But this is a minor point.

The major point is; If Azimio splinters into two or three parts: a) Oparanya/Joho/ Wandayi/ Wanjigi group;  b) Kalonzo/Wamalwa duo; & c) The Mt Kenya leaders, William Ruto's 2027 victory, especially with the likely exit of Raila Odinga's candidature, will be near certain absent unforseen circumstances. Hence any serious Azimio presidential hopeful must work hard to assure the Coalition's unity. Fights with Karua are unnecessary energy sapping.

One of Stephen's endemic problems is that he is yet to garner significant support outside Ukambani. Many times he has said he will seriously traverse all over Kenya and that fails to happen. How does one earnestly remedy that? In 2022 Stephen did not clinch the Azimio deputy presidency slot due to such actuality. Perhaps if Stephen freed his Wiper elected and non elected  leaders to mingle with other leaders across the country, this would be an important strategy for gaining national aroma  and hence momentum. The more Stephen emphasises language of isolating his backyard from the rest of Kenya, the more a trust deficit regarding his leadership will germinate countrywide. 

Stephen should consider going back home to plot for  a genuine community dialogue  (including with  those he has partially 'destroyed' over the years since 1985)  about the way forward as 2027 and beyond beckon. How will the community be integrated into the rest of Kenya? What does Stephen want to be his Legacy? 

Nairobi, March 30, 2024.

Why Wiper replaced its Kitui Majority Leader

By our Correspondent 

Kitui Speaker Kevin Kinengo has announced changes in the Majority Party side.

Mr. Kinengo

Kinengo said Mr. Munyoki Mwinzi and Mr. Daniel Ngoima Kimanzi  assumed office as the new Majority Leader and Majority Party Whip of the House respectively. 

They replace Mr.Harrison Maluki Mawia and Mr. Bonface Mukwate Katula who served as Majority Leader and Majority Party Whip.

In his communication during the afternoon sitting, the Speaker conveyed to the House the court’s ruling that the Leader of Majority Party and the Majority Party Whip are Mr

 Mwinzi and Mr

 Ngoima respectively. 

Wiper removed the former leaders,accusing them of misplaced loyalty. " They are seen to smell and behave like UDA allies" said a Wiper party stalwart who did not want to be identified.

It remains to be seen what impact the Wiper changes will bring to the assembly. Besides the ousted pair, Wiper has endlessly accused the Speaker for leaning towards former Kitui Governor Kaluki Ngilu- highliting the underlying tensions in Kitui politics.

This comes after a legal battle over the leadership of the Majority Party. 

The Speaker  congratulated the two on assuming their new roles while assuring them of his support as they transition into their new leadership positions. He also urged all members of the County Assembly to extend their full support and cooperation to them as they resume their duties in their leadership capacity.

The Speaker also appreciated the outgoing Majority Leader and the  Majority Party Whip for their dedicated service and leadership. “Your commitment, diligent efforts and your contributions will be remembered with gratitude” reiterated Speaker Kinengo.

World Bank project steeped in grand scandal

 Pressure mounts as county
 defies orders, grants tender 

By Martin Masai,
Editor and Publisher

MACHAKOS Chief Officer for  Housing and Urban Development Collins Adipo is in a class of his own, given his level of defying lawful orders.

In one sweep, Adipo has defied orders of both a High Court  and Public Procurement Authority and usurped the role of his Municipal Manager to issue a Kes 88 million tender for the stalled World Bank upgrade project in Machakos Town.

The tender was initially won by Seluk Investment Limited in May last year but the Accounting Officer- Mr. Adipo declined to write a Letter of Award to the Winner. Seluk then petitioned the Public Procurements Authority for intervention who ruled in its favour. 

On-going works at Wholesale Market

Seluk then escalated the matter to the High Court via Judicial Review Applications against the actions of Mr Adipo where Justice Kayola Olel , sitting in Machakos, restrained both Mr Adipo and the County Government of Machakos in a 9-point order pending full hearing. Nevertheless, Adipo defied the orders.

The tender in question is GMC/KUSP/MKS MU /01/2023-2024 for upgrading of whole sale and Retail Market loop roads in Machakos Municipality KUSP 2023-2024.

Adipo, conferred the tender in a later drafted a day after the illegal process closed. It closed on February 20. The next day- February 21, he wrote a letter of award of the multi million project that has seen the stalling of a world Bank project under the Kenya Urban Support Program. The WB has been pressing for the use of funds to enable them provide a new grant  of Kes 2 b that is shared between the Machakos, Mavoko and Tala- Kangundo Municipalities.

Letter of Award

By granting the tender to two firms- Hayaty Enterprises Limited and Mashteck Limited, who share the same Nairobi Address and belong to Mr Ali Guliye, Adipo placed the firms where they truly belong- the Tenderers of Choice for Governor Wavinya Ndeti. Either by hook or crook, these firms have been winning tenders like no other- especially in the water sector of the county where a man claimed to be his brother- Yunis Guliye is Chief Officer.

Sources say that the twin firms were awarded the tender and instructed to swing into action at once and ensure the works are completed in record time. And immediately the award was granted, the firms. without erecting billboards on the sites as is required, begun excavating the Retail-Wholesale market section.

This comes as Machakos County continued to  miss out on World Bank funds for two years running- first being 2022, the last year under former Governor Alfred Mutua and second in 2023, being the first year under current Governor Wavinya Ndeti.

At the centre of the funding fiasco is Kes 89m that the Machakos Municipalities Board earmarked for the project. The Board is chaired by Mr Malcom Kateta. It had allocated the initial tender but Mr Adipo has since edged out the Board in the latest tender award.  The board, sources say, is on edge as it fights for autonomy to be able to run its programmes without interference from Central or the County government. 

Tired of this administrative dithering,  the World Bank has given an altimatum to recall the Kes 89m that has remained unused and pull out of funding the needy Municipalities of Machakos County. 

WB donates Kes 1b annually to Machakos County under the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP) to be shared between Machakos,Mavoko and Tala / Kangundo urban areas.The programme targets improvement of Urban roads to bitumen standards to make the Municipalities dust free and boost standards of living.

The award comes hot on the heals of a finding by PPARB  that stated “the board finds that the procuring entity’s 2nd tender as published in its website and subsequent procurement processes such as opening of submitted tenders. Evaluation of submitted tenders issuance of the professional opinion in 2nd tender and notification of award dated 7th December 2023 is unlawful thus null and void.”

“The upshot of our findings therefore is that the instant Request for review succeeds in terms of following  FINAL ORDERS

In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 173 of the public procurement and asset Disposal Act No. 33 of 2015, the Board makes the following orders in Request for review dated 10th January 2024 and filed on 11th January 2024:

A. The letter of notification of intention to award dated 7th December 2023 issued by the 1st Respondent with respect to tender No. GMC/KUSP/MKS MU /01/2023-2024 for upgrading of whole sale and Retail Market loop roads in Machakos Municipality KUSP 2023-2024 and hereby nullified and set aside.

B. The decisions by 1st Respondent to advertising and publish tender No. GMC/KUSP/MKS MU /01/2023-2024  for upgrading of wholesale and Retail Market loop Roads , St. Mary’s Girls Primary School to KWFT  link roads, St Municipality KUSP FY 2023-2024 including the subsequent procurement processes undertaken with respect to the said tender such as opening of submitted tenders, evaluation of submitted tenders, issuance of professional Opinion dated 22nd November 2023 and issuance of letters of notification of intention to award dated 7th December 2023 be and is hereby annulled and set aside.

C. The tender validity period tender No. GMC/KUSP/MKS MU /01/2023-2024  negotiations No. 1300044-2022-2023 for upgrading of whole sale and Retail Market loop Roads,  St  Mary’s Girls  Primary School to KWFT  link road in Machakos  Municipality KUSP FY 2022-2023 be and hereby extended for period of 148 days from 9th October 2023 to 4th March 2024.   

D. Further to order No.  C above the 1 Respondent is hereby directed to issue written notification to tenderer in tender No. GMC/KUSP/MKS MUN/01/2022-2023  negotiation No. 1300044-2023 for upgrading of whole sale and retail Market loop Roads, St Mary’s Girls Primary School to KWFT link road in Machakos Municipality KUSP FY 2022-2023 notifying them of extension of the tender validity period from 9th October 2023 to 4th March 2024.

E. The 1st Respondent is hereby ordered to ensure that the procurement proceeding of tender No. GMC/KUSP/MKS  MUN/01/2022-2023 negotiations no. 1300044-2022-2023 for upgrading of wholesale and retail market loop roads St. Mary’s Girl Primary School to KWFT  link road in Machakos Municipality KUSP FY 2022-2023 proceeds to its lawful and logical conclusion taking  into consideration the board’s finding herein, the provisions of the Tender Documents, the Act and constitutions.

F. Further to order E above the 1st Respondent is hereby ordered to submit a report to the public procurement regulatory Authority on compliance of the orders issued herein within twenty one (21) days from the date of this decision.

G. That the acting board secretary do immediately serve this decision upon the Director General, Public procurement Regulatory Authority to exercise its mandate under section 9(1) of the act with respect to procurement proceeding in tender  No. GMC/KUSP/MKS/MKS MUN /01/2022-2023 negotiation Retail Market loop Roads in Machakos Municipality KUSP FY 2022-2023 as ordered herein.

H. In view of the board’s findings and orders above, each party shall bear its own costs in the request for review.

Dated at Nairobi this 2nd Day of February 2024."

             

Machakos Hospital bosses record statements at EACC

By The Anchor Reporter

TOP past and present Medical Superintendents from Machakos County have been making a bee line to the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission offices in Machakos to record statements over a controversial Afia One Billing System deployed by Governor Wavinya Ndeti's administration.

The inquiry has also ropped in Medical Services Chief Officer Dr. Miyienda and procurement officers mentioned by whistle blowers.

Miyienda led the team to trigger the recording of statements on Sunday, a very unusual day for investigators to record statements.

Summons initially went out to Medsups from Kathiani, Athi-River and Mwala. The Anchor was unable to establish the exact number of officials under summons.

The officers- commonly known as Medsups, have been visiting the offices in turns since yesterday morning to record statements over what they know about the procurement procedures of the system. It has been alleged that  officials manipulated procurement procedures and secured a troublesome system that has been a headache to the patient management system.

EACC Boss  in Machakos Mr Japheth Baithalu said the Medsups have been requested to appear before designated commission officers to ' clarify allegations that have been made about the procurement of the billing software. They are not coming as suspects. They are only providing the information that they know so that we make conclusions once we analyze the information we get from them. Mr.Baithalu said the process will end on Wednesday.

Medical Superintendents are normally medical doctors who lead the team of  staff in  Level 4  hospitals. That role is also performed by Senior Clinical Officers in lower level hospitals. There are about 12 Medsups in Machakos County.

Trouble for the Afya One system begun when users discovered that it was not use friendly for the management of patients. " It was not focused on the client's health management. Indeed, it is better focused on raising revenue for the hospital rather than managing the patient. I can say without doubt that the system was not patient oriented. It was money oriented." said a doctor who would not want to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The doctor said one glaring feature of the system was billing patients for utilities that they had bought with her own money- especially in the maternity unit. " When a mother is asked to buy gloves, she eventually finds it billed. The system caused problems by billing patients for what they buy", the doctor added.

Once it was procured, managers of the health  department did not make follow ups on the support system for Afya One such as number of computers required and requisite training. "They even never responded to issues raised by system users", said the doctor adding that though most nurses were trained on how to use it, most doctors did not undergo the training.

" From the time it was installed, Afya One is always facing one challenge or another- from internet outage, missing firewall and endless hanging- resulting in a pretty bad experience. The system was steeped toward mischief from  inception. It would show that the pharmacy had dispensed medicine worth Kes 30,000 even when it had a stock base of Kes. 2m.", the medic added.

Man,65, charged with infringing on girl's rights

By Robert Muuo 
in Makindu 

 The 65 year old man who allegedly defiled  a minor  from Kambu Sub County was finally  arraigned in a Makindu court, where he was charged with 6 counts under the Children's Act.

Peter Mutuku Alias Ngiti, the well-known Parents Teachers Association chairman from Kyaani Secondary School, was charged with interfering with the right of a 15 year old minor contrary to section 8 of the Children's Act.

Prosecutor Melorene Njoki told the court that the accused on different dates last year and this year had sexual intercourse with the minor , impregnating her ,forcing her to abort, which led to the death of an unborn child. It is also alleged that the accused administered drugs to the minor's body without her consent, which led to serious health injuries to the girl.

Peter Mutuku alias Ngiti

It's said that the old man had offered to sponsor the girl's education because she had no one to pay her fees, whereupon he took advantage of her,  hosted her in his family house, where he started abusing the minor sexually.

Ngiti appeared before Makindu Principal Magistrate Mr. Evans Mbicha and denied the charges, one after another, as they were read out to him. He then requested to be released on bond, which was declined.

The prosecution contended that since the matter was in the public domain, the accuse may be harmed by the public. Moreover, she added that he could interfere with  witnesses.

Ngiti, who has been on the run, might disappear again if given the bond the court was petitioned.

Ngiti was the chairman of PTA of the girls' school and has been hiding since January 19 this year when his criminal exploits exploded in the media.

 He was arrested last Saturday night by DCI officers at Tasia, Embakasi, in Nairobi, where he was preparing for a flight to Mombasa.

His co-accused Benjamin Muthoka-a a senior nurse at Makindu Sub County Hospital who allegedly administered drugs to the girl for the abortion was arreigned in court and is out with bond of Kes. 500,000. 

The case comes up for hearing on April 16, 2024.The case comes up for hearing on April 16, 2024.

No let up as Maeke is axed from assembly committees

A section of Machakos MCAs opposed to Governor Wavinya Ndeti have been removed from County Assembly committees. 

A communique  from the Majority Leader Mr Nicholas Nzioka showed recently assaulted MCA Boniface Maeke was removed from 5 of the 11 committees.

Another casualty of the purge wad Independent MCA for Kyeleni Ward Grace Bahati.

The reconstitution of assembly committees is a routine procedural matter but it also provides the majority side to shove those it deems to be unduly critical to the government. 

Mua Ward MCA Francis Ngunga termed the move by the Majority leader and the deputy speaker as unwise noting that political differences should not be brought into the house and MCAs being moved from committees as a way of punishing MCAs.

Why weak politicians seek endorsements to clinch power

OPINION

By Musili Kauta

Kalonzo Musyoka and his Ukambani foot soldiers  running for gubernatorial seats  in Machakos, Kitui and Makueni  desperately need the Azimio and Wiper endorsements to make any significant show in the election campaigns.

Mr Musyoka 

That is why  the likees of Makali Mulu, Senator Kiio Wambua, and Kitui Women Representative Kasalu- the list is long- cannot make any speech without repeatedly uttering the name of KalonzAwaiting endorsement o Musyoka in every sentence. 

Without such mentions, these leaders fear that they will lose relevance and risk not being listened to by their audience. They have perfected this to psychophantic levels that who fail to do the same become instant enemies.

Truth be told.Great leaders don't rely on other leaders' endorsements. The only endorsement one needs is that of voters. 

A great leader will  runs always on his own record of achievements and accomplishments. 

This is what Kalonzo Musyoka and his teaming number of Wiper puppets can't show.

Kalonzo Musyoka has no track record at home or wherever to strengthen his presidential campaign.

Like the prodigal son, he squandered his opportunity to work for Ukambani and Kenyan people when he served in government from 1985 to 2013.

He mistakenly believes that his only obstacle for running for the presidency is the endorsements - setting him running arround in circles waiting to be endorsed.

Rather than mobilize resources and ravage the entire Kenyan territory to build bonds with Kenyan voters, Kalonzo hops from Kitui, Machakos and Makueni, and sometimes Nairobi, then hibernates.

Endorsements are inconsequential especially when voters have information about the candidates. Kenyan voters already see Kalonzo as a weakling, indecisive, and a pushover,  who no amount of endorsement would whitewash him to the presidency. 

That he has ran with Raila Odinga several bids is not reason enough to merit,let alone deserve an endorsement  an it it time that Kalonzo abandoned looking for endorsements.

Those who try find it very difficult explaining to Kalonzo Musyoka's  supporters that he can't make it to the presidency. 

They are more brainwashed than Pastor Mackenzie's followers into believing that Kalonzo Musyoka will be the 6th President of Kenya in 2027.  

Brainwashing happens in all fields of life.Kalonzo wanted to run for the presidency in 2002. He hoped that President Moi would endorse him as the longest high-ranking public servant and loyal KANU supporter but Moi went for the influential and greenhorn Uhuru Kenyatta.

He then angrily joined Kibaki secretly at the 11th hour as Jonny came lately to split the Kamba vote and won the trophy of Vice President, a feat that haunts him todate.

Kalonzo yearned for  Raila, Ruto and Musalia's endorsement in 2007 to run for presidency. When ODM Kenya split, he ran a botched presidential campaign and came a distant third. 

In 2013, Kalonzo falsely, and with a deep sense of entitlement,  hoped to get President Kibaki's endorsement. When things went south, he opted to be Raila's running mate.

Up to date, Kalonzo is desperately looking for endorsement. I really sympathize with his few followers who think he is serious about the 2027 presidential elections. 

The man can't be serious unless he gets some endorsements. His followers will be frustrated. Just give him time to look for someone to endorse him.

Kalonzo has an inferiority complex disposition. He likes working for others. He professed to be President Uhuru's mtu wa Mkono. When Raila was looking for someone to represent him in Bipartisan Talks, he fronted him to negotiate with boys like Kimani Ichungwa. Kalonzo must wake up and surrender the Ukambani kingpin to people like me!

New Kitui agribusiness project

Kitui County, Kenya.

The Kenya Agricultural Business Development Project (KABDP) is set for launch in Kitui.

The project  aims at  enhancing business and link farmers to markets, which has been identified as a gap in agricultural value chains.

Mr. Kimwele(C)in a group picture with other officials after the meeting

The Project is funded by the National Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in partnership with the County Government of Kitui and the Swedish Government and will cover all the fourty wards in Kitui county. 

This revelation was made during the quarterly meeting of the County Agricultural Sector Steering Committee (CASSCOM). Kitui CECM for Agriculture and Livestock Dr. Stephen Kimwele Mbaya  chaired the meeting that was also attended by Chief officers Gladys Kivoto(Agriculture), Jonathan Kyambi(Livestock) David Soi(Environment, Climate change and senior  forestry  and Agriculture officers. 

The Director Caritas Kitui Florence Ndeti and representatives from Anglican Development Services Eastern(ADSE) among other stakeholders were also in attendance.

The meeting, held in Mutomo,also attracted staff from financial institutions, value chain actors, and Non-governmental organizations.

CASSCOM, whose aim is to enhance agricultural productivity also plays a key role in providing a comprehensive framework to consolidate the efforts of numerous agricultural initiatives, programs and projects at county levels.

 

Group targets Climate Action

Chyulu International Development Foundation  has partnered with Makueni University Students' Association (Musa),and Makueni County Government to

impart knowledge and skills against drug abuse and Climate change.

The Foundation  assembled  a congregation of learners from 5 secondary schools' within Mbuvo zone in Kibwezi, who represent the future.

The Foundation strives to inspire the future through moulding the upcoming generation.

Chyulu International Development Foundation  is focused on fostering Education, a guaranteed Food Security and committed to Climate Action.

MPs' dooms day message for democracy

By John Bosco Muia
in Machakos 

Raila Odinga's bid for Africa Union Chairmanship has triggered a plethora of theories and wish lists that are exposing perverted minds of  Kenyan politicians.

To many local politicians affiliated to the Wiper Democratic Movement of Kalonzo Musyoka, Odinga's accession to AU leaves no one else to benefit other than Kalonzo.

Those affiliated to the ruling Kenya Kwanza are equally blinded that Raila's absence from local politics would essentially benefit President William Ruto.

Such theories, misplaced or truthful as they eventually may become, is  tragically,the menu that Kenyans, afflicted by a high cost of living, are being served with.

It was no surprise that six MPs affiliated to Kenya Kwanza unashamedly predicted that the appointment of Raila Odinga to OAU would mark the end of opposition in Kenya, a very sad situation for Kenya's democracy. 

They had attended an event hosted by Machakos town constituency MP Caleb Mule.

Without evidence, the legislators alleged the move would pave the way for the election of President William Ruto without hitch come 2027.

They supported President Ruto's alleged initiative of pushing for Raila's election to OAU. They claimed that the alleged move may somewhat mend Ruto's and Raila's  past political differences. 

The event was the launch of Mutituni Market that was built under the Economic Stimulous Programme. It would have been the ideal place and time to expound on their legislative plans to revive the economy and people's livelihoods, rather than delivering dooms day messages for democracy. 

The host, Caleb Mule, who was elected under Maendeleo Chap Chap that campained under Raila- led Azimio La Umoja coalition, made the most astonishing call- that all leaders in the ukambani region, irrespective of their political affiliations, should to join the Kenya Kwanza band wagon which, he alleged, would rule beyond 2032!

The MPs included Mukunji Gitonga (Manyatta), Johana Ng'eno (Emurrua Dikirr), Jane Kagiri (Woman Rep. Laikipia), Fabian Kyule (Kangundo) and Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga).

In a country that holds elections every five years, Mr Gitonga gloated ..." Now that opposition is done, it is high time the akamba led by Kalonzo join the Government for prosperity." What pretence, coming from an MP whose region was in opposition for much of the 24 years the late Daniel Arap Moi was in power!

Another crazy idea came from Johana Ngeno, who mockingly proposed that after Raila joins AU, Kalonzo should seek the non existing East African Regional leadership to 'match' Raila and then Ruto remains the man in charge of Kenya.

Another jibe came from the Laikipia's Woman Representative Jane Gitau, who said "it is high time  Musyoka  joins Ruto's Government since without Raila Odinga  opposition will not be vibrant and kambas will gain nothing out of it"

Observers are questioning what exactly is driving the minds of the representatives of Kenyan people.

None of the six MPs spoke about high taxation, spiralling cost of living, cost of education, or provision of health care.

Updates: Katangi crash toll hits 11

In figures: 11 dead,37 injured, 

30×70Kgs bags of Charcoal

By Martin Masai

Two more have died in the Katangi Matatu tragedy,bring the number to 11.

The aftermath: Scene of accident 

Hospital sources say the two are adult males who were admitted to Ward 5 of Machakos Level five hospital soon after the accident early this week. 

Names of the latest victims could not be made public till next of kin are informed. This comes as most of the victims of the Katangi matatu accident  have been identified.

They include a  54 year old South East Kenya University lecturer Dr Redempta Mukui Kyalo, who boarded the ill fated death trap christed ' By Faith' at Kwa Vonza. Others are Jacinta Kanini Musangi (18), Esther Mwikali Kyalo (50), Dickson Nzuki Kisovi (48), and Richard Kiema Susa (39).

A police signal said yesterday that two male adults still remain unidentified. Their bodies are lying at the Kitui Level 4 hospital mortuary. 

According to police tally, the ill fated matatu, with a passenger capacity of 42, had at least 46 people on board. It originated its trip to Nairobi, plying via Machakos, from Mbitini market in Kitui Central.

The number may well hit 50 given that some may have escaped without injuries and may not have gone to hospital and remain undocumented.

Official police figures provided by Mwala Traffic Sub Base in Machakos County shows 37 passengers are undergoing treatment in Machakos Level five hospital and Kenyatta National Hospital and 9 fatal cases. Mysteriously,  all the dead including the driver Mr Musyoka Mulaki-who was pronounced dead on arrival at Machakos Level five hospital were taken for preservation at the Kitui Level 4 hospital mortuary. 

Though police did not explain their action, it is believed that they took the victims to Kitui due to the controversial dysfunctional status of Machakos mortuary that is mostly unable to accommodate the dead.The  Anchor will establish if the bodies of the latest victims will be taken to Kitui.

By the time of going to press, no one has been prosecuted over the accident, notwithstanding the fact that NTSA officials confirmed that its Speed Governor had been tempered with. Neither had its sacco- Umoa Sacco- been sanctioned. This is even as Machakos County Commander quipped that there were no traffic police officers on the Machakos section of the road when the accident happened. 

The police signal did not mention that the matatu had 30 (70 Kg) bags of charcoal strapped on its roof carrier, undermining the vehicle's stability. 

Police named the following as victims of the accident.

 A 10 month old child Monica Ngeni is among the dead. Those injured are; Jeremiah James ,18, James Kitonga, Daniel Kinyamasio, Kenedy Kase, 24,

Paul Musyoka, 35 Yrs, Jane Mueni Mbuvi, 40, Doreen Mulwa, 31, Patience Ndulu, 3, 

Gift Muinde 9, Abednego Musembi, 52 year old

Mutinda Nthenge, Kula Mulwa, 24, Aron James,10, Isaac Maundu 28,

Tito Katua,50,Mulinge Mulwa 40,

Kitheka Kalungu, 44, James Katuu, 52, Gilbert Kamala,

Winfred Kenyatta, 22,Malonza Peter,32, Titus Mwania 54, Mulyugi Masiwa,28,Joseph Kanya, 32,  and Queen Mutunga, 19.