Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula who oversaw the handing over of his office to the new County Secretary, Lawrence Omuhaka, lauded the governor for the reshuffle, saying the move will enhance service delivery.“The work of the office of the County Secretary, majorly its office work. But now in this ministry, I will be going out to interact with the electorate in the field,” said Dr Okoth. Okoth also promised to work tirelessly to aid the governor in realizing his manifesto to the people of Kakamega County. “Now I’m on the ground and I’m looking forward to helping the governor achieve his manifesto.” Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula who oversaw the handing over of his office to the new County Secretary, Lawrence Omuhaka, lauded the governor for the reshuffle, saying the move will enhance service delivery. Savula however played down the allegations that the outgoing county secretary was coerced to surrender the office to its new occupant. “There are allegations that you put the squeeze on the outgoing county secretary to accept the reshuffle.” asked a journalist. To which Mr. Savula answered: “How can you say that he surrendered the office under duress yet his signature is here?” while pointing at the printed document. Savula defended the governor’s move saying that it is his in his jurisdiction to decide who should work where. “This government belongs to Fernandes Barasa. He can today decide to move anyone from here to there, that’s all okay. Because most of these people are his appointees,” Mr. Savula said. Savula explained that reorganization of government is normal and reminded all the officers who were affected by the changes to quickly adjust and continue rendering the much needed services to the people. In a memo dated September 11, this year, Governor Barasa made the re-organization of the executive which saw several members of his cabinet redeployed. End
Former County Secretary exudes confidence to perform par excellence in his new assignment
By Aggrey Barasa, Kakamega
Former Kakamega County Secretary Boniface Okoth has said that he is happy with his new role as the County Executive Committee Member (Cecm) in charge of Education.
He was reassigned to the new position after Governor Fernandez Barasa reshuffled his cabinet.
Dr Okoth has expressed his gratitude to the governor for what he has termed as ‘a wise decision’ to reassign him to the new position though to many…it was a ‘demotion’ given that as a County Secretary, he was also the Head of the Public Service.
Building a strong brand and staying profitable in business
By Grace Ngina Kuria, Kakamega
In the world of branding, creating a strong and lasting brand identity takes time and resources. Start-ups, especially, invest a lot in building their brand’s image.
Some mid-sized companies focus on brand visibility, while others prioritize making quick money.
So, how can we balance building a brand and making profits in a world where technology and customer preferences keep changing?
In future articles, we’ll discuss steps to help your business create a unique brand and make sure it stays profitable.
Step 1: Planning Your Strategy
Not planning your strategy is like setting your business up for failure. Strategic planning involves setting goals and defining your organization’s future vision. These plans usually cover the next 3 to 5 years or more.
Companies regularly review and adjust their strategies to adapt to changes in the business landscape, industry trends, laws, and regulations.
Involving all stakeholders early in the planning process is key to successful strategy development. When everyone understands their roles, it enhances decision-making and gives a sense of direction.Looking back at past challenges can provide insights for planning ahead. A well-structured plan helps you stay proactive and manage crises effectively. On the positive side, effective strategic planning helps your business stay ahead of the competition and be future-oriented. Step 2: Involving Everyone in Your Organization Creating a sense of importance, inclusion, and open communication within your organization is crucial. Involving all stakeholders early in the planning process is key to successful strategy development. When everyone understands their roles, it enhances decision-making and gives a sense of direction. Step 3: Managing Your Finances for Flexibility To make strategic moves, you need a strong financial foundation. Consistent and outstanding performance is essential.Discipline is crucial to sticking to your strategic plan, ensuring consistent profitability. Middle-market businesses often face distractions, so asking tough questions and following your plan helps you focus on the right initiatives, strengthen profits, and grow your brand. Next Up: “Harnessing Data – The New Strategic Currency for Informed Decision-Making…”
Kakamega First Lady keen to promote menstrual hygiene, end teenage pregnancy
By Aclan Agesa, Kakamega
Kakamega County First Lady Janet Kasilly has vowed to lead from the front to promoting menstrual hygiene and in end teenage pregnancy.
Prof Kasilly through her menstrual hygiene management and mentorship has maintained that menstruation was a normal and a noble function and therefore no one should be stigmatized or shamed.
“Instead of stigmatizing the girls, lets join the efforts of providing free sanitary pads to keep them in class,” said Kasilly
Kakamega reports about 12,900 teenage pregnancies annually and on average, about one in five (19 percent) of girls , aged 15-19 years (12.3 percent) in the county have begun giving birth according to Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 report.She said that lack of access to sanitary pads by the girls has been among other the biggest contributor to teenage pregnancy in the county, saying they fall prey to those who pose to be helping them in return to sexual favours. Kakamega reports about 12,900 teenage pregnancies annually and on average, about one in five (19 percent) of girls , aged 15-19 years (12.3 percent) in the county have begun giving birth according to Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) 2022 report. The youngest girl to give birth in Kakamega County in 2022 was 13 years old. In 2021, 558 young girls aged between 10-13 years got pregnant in Kakamega. Nationally, the KDHS report shows that 15 per cent of women aged between 15–19 years have ever been pregnant; 12 per cent have had a live birth, one per cent have had a pregnancy loss, and three per cent are currently pregnant.
“Menstruation is a natural process that signifies the reproductive health of girls who menstruate,” said Kasilly, adding ‘by normalizing and destigmatizing menstruation’ we can create a more inclusive and respectful society that supports menstrual hygiene and overall well-being of the girl child.The First Lady was speaking at St. Francis Shiyabo Secondary School while distributing sanitary pads to the learners in Matungu Sub County. She also gifted school girls from St. Christopher Shiyabo Primary and Junior Secondary School with sanitary pads. “Menstruation is a natural process that signifies the reproductive health of girls who menstruate,” said Kasilly, adding ‘by normalizing and destigmatizing menstruation’ we can create a more inclusive and respectful society that supports menstrual hygiene and overall well-being of the girl child. On academic performance, urged learners to concentrate on their studies in order to excel in their exams and achieve their academic goals. “By concentrating on studies, there will be a reduction in vices like teen pregnancy and others. Keeping the young learners engaged in productive activities can also provide them with required knowledge and future-oriented mindset,” said Prof Kasilly At the same time, she called on the boys to be their sisters’ keepers by respecting their boundaries, treating them with kindness and equality and by standing up against any form of harassment or discrimination they may face. She called upon the teachers and parents to be role models to their girls since they have a significant influence on the learners. “By exhibiting positive behavior, values and attributes, they can inspire and guide the learners towards becoming responsible and successful people in the society,” said Kasilly End
Breaking News: Governor Barasa demotes Kakamega County Secretary
By Isaack Mutiso, Kakamega
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has demoted the County Secretary and Head of Public Service Dr Boniface Okoth.
Dr Okoth, a seasoned teacher now becomes the new County Executive Committee Member (CecM) in charge of Education.
In his place, Barasa has appointed the Public Service and Administration (Cecm) Lawrence Omuhaka as the County Secretary and Head of Public Service.
Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula who has been the Cecm in charge of Trade will now coordinate all activities in county ministries and departments.
He has nominated Zaccheus Lutomia Muya as the new Trade, Industrialization and Tourism Cecm but he will have to wait approval by the County Assembly of Kakamega.
Mr Godfrey Owori the Education Cecm will now head the Public Service and Administration docket.
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Wetang’ula asks sugar stakeholders to join hands in reviving ailing sector
By Aggrey Barasa, Kakamega
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has called upon leaders and stakeholders in the sugar industry to join forces in revitalizing sugarcane farming.
Wetang’ula who spoke at the Sugar Sector Conference summit at Masinde Muliro University said that the sector is facing a myriad of challenges that can be solved.
“I fondly recall a time when each sugarcane farmer could enjoy substantial financial gains from their efforts in cane farming, both in their hands and within their bank accounts,” said Wetang’ula
However, ‘I can’t help but lament the lack of commitment’ from leaders, who, in my perspective, have made minimal efforts to breathe life back into this crucial sector.
I squarely place blame on those entrusted with the oversight and regulation of the sugar industry, and I earnestly implore them to step forward and collaborate with us in finding a sustainable solution.
“Whenever I pass by Mumias, tears engulf me when I stop to watch the ruins of Mumias Sugar factory,” he said
The speaker further attributed the turmoil in the sugar sector to the abolition of the Sugar Act.
In 2013, the Kenya Sugar Board, Coffee Board of Kenya, Tea Board of Kenya, Coconut Development Authority, Cotton Development Authority, Sisal Board of Kenya, Pyrethrum Board of Kenya, and Horticultural Crops Development Authority were merged into Directorates under AFA following the enactment of the Crops Act, 2013.“Abolition of the Sugar Act is where the rains started beating the sector.” he opined. His sentiments were however echoed by Kakamega Deputy Governor, Ayub Savula who admitted that it is the disbandment of the sugar board that led to all the trepidations that the sugar sector is struggling with. “We are sorry to you (farmers) for disbanding KSB and abolishing the Sugar Development Levy (SDL). The problems being experienced in the sugar sub-sector were caused by the eleventh parliament,” argued Savula. Savula who served as the Parliamentary Agriculture Committee chairman then said it was a big mistake to disband the defunct Kenya Sugar Board (KSB) and have its functions moved to the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA). In 2013, the Kenya Sugar Board, Coffee Board of Kenya, Tea Board of Kenya, Coconut Development Authority, Cotton Development Authority, Sisal Board of Kenya, Pyrethrum Board of Kenya, and Horticultural Crops Development Authority were merged into Directorates under AFA following the enactment of the Crops Act, 2013. “We want to have KSB brought back. Let’s enrich the sugar Bill before parliament by today’s deliberations in order to resolve the problems and get a long lasting solution,” said Savula The commercial sugar industry was first introduced in Kenya in 1922. Mumias Sugar Company Limited being the largest economy in the East African Community was founded in 1971. Before its failure, it was the largest sugar manufacturer in Kenya, producing about 250,000 metric tonnes (42 per cent) of the estimated 600,000 metric tonnes of annual national output. According to the 2019 sugar report, sugar contributed 15 per cent to the country’s GDP. End
Raila to Ruto : ‘Tame you tongue Mr President’
By Aggrey Barasa, Kakamega
Azimio leader Raila Odinga has slammed President William Ruto over remarks on sugar cartels.
President Ruto said “You have three choices: leave Kenya, face jail, or go to heaven,”
These remarks are the ones that Raila has termed reckless.
Raila accused President Ruto of ‘pretending’ to restore sanity in the sugar sector because of his selfish interests.
“You tell people I’m going to solve this problem, yet you have your own people, the ones you want to put there (in the sugar industry).” Raila said
Raila further said that Ruto’s threats to the investors was uncalled-for, saying that the statement was not supposed to come from a someone of his stature.
“What kind of talk is that?” he posed. “Is that what a Head of State should say?
Raila also faulted Ruto’s understanding of the rule of law, arguing that it is not right to promise to take someone to jail without trial. “If you say that you can jail someone without trial, what kind of a country are we living in?”.
The president while on a five day tour in western Kenya had warned sugar cartels over their interference in the revival of mumias sugar company.
“That company belongs to the people of Kenya. We shall not entertain any cases over the company.” The president said while referring to Mumias sugar company
“I have ordered them to withdraw the cases from the court, and I have also ordered them to leave!” President Ruto said sternly in reference to the Rai brothers.
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Wangamati disowns DAP-K makes U- turn, joins Ruto’s UDA party
By Isaac Mutiso, Bungoma
Former Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati has said that he joined President William Ruto’s led Kenya Kwanza wing after he received a call from him (Ruto) requesting whether they could work together.
Wangamati served as the Bungoma governor between 2017- 2022.
In 2022 elections, Wangamati vied for Bungoma County gubernatorial seat on former CS Wamalwa’s led DAP-K party but he was floored by the current governor Kenneth Lusaka of Ford Kenya.
The appearance of the former county boss in a photo with President Ruto and UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala this week has ensued questions from Bungoma Ford Kenya MP’s and MCA’s where some have criticized former governor meeting President Ruto yet he was on the forefront to fight Wetang’ula.
Wangamati was among the coup plotters who wanted Wetang’ula out of Ford Kenya.
Others who supported the Ford Kenya coup were former Tongaren MP Dr. Eseli Simiyu and DAK-P deputy party leader and former Kanduyi MP Wafula Wamunyinyi.
“We don’t want a handshake here in Bungoma the same way we have maintained at the national level, those who ditched Ford Kenya and planned coups should not be accepted back in the house,” said Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi.
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has also announced to run for Bungoma gubernatorial race in 2027 on Ford Kenya party.
Recently, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has endorsed MP Barasa to run for the position, Barasa hinted at ditching UDA and joining Ford Kenya.
Speaking at a funeral service of Albert Wesonga in Bumula over the weekend, Wangamati said that he has no problem with those who were elected on the Kenya Kwanza affiliated parties noting that the President reached out to him requesting if they could work together.
“When I didn’t make to retain the Bungoma gubernatorial seat in the last elections (2022) I went to Nairobi to do my own things but the president reached out at me asking me if I could work with him, I accepted and went, we had a candid meeting with him over our working modalities,” Wangamati stated.
Wangamati noted that he has accepted to work with the President as he prepares to make a comeback in 2027.
He added, “My meeting with the President was not to sacrifice anybody but to discuss how we can work together to develop Bungoma and the Country,”
“I accepted the results outcome as it was announced by the IEBC that Kenneth Lusaka is the governor, I handed over power to Lusaka whom I have left and given him time to work for the people of Bungoma, May God give us life to plan for 2027,” he added.
In addition, Wangamati praised President Ruto for steering developments in the Country noting that Ruto delivered when he was the Minister for Agriculture.
“Ruto’s scorecard is known, you remember when he was the minister for Agriculture that tells you that he will still deliver as the President of the republic of Kenya,” he said.
Roots Party leader George Wajackoyah who was at the same funeral in Bumula slammed Wangamati for ditching Azimio for Kenya Kwanza saying that he is a coward
“I and former CS Eugene Wamalwa are very strong in Azimio. We are ready to be arrested but we shall stand to fight for the local mwananchi,” he said.
Wajackoyah called on the Luhya leaders who are in the government to support the region’s growth.
He also castigated the deputy president Rigathi Gachagua for telling the Western region that it has attained 30 percent that was promised by President Ruto.
In his reply, Wangamati told Wajackoyah that he had not visited the state house because the President had asked him that they meet.
“Please my friend Wajackoyah, don’t blame me so much I know in the event that Ruto calls to visit him at the state house you will go very fast, I went to see Ruto not that I’m a coward as you have referred but because it was my own wish,” Wangamati noted.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa who was present at the funeral did not comment on the issue.
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It’s all systems go as Sh10million Governor’s cup tournament kicks off
By Isaac Mutiso, Kakamega
The much awaited Governor Barasa cup tournament has kicked off.
More than 1500 teams will take part in the second edition of the 2023 Governor’s cup which will take place from September 2023 to January 2024.
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said the competitions will begin from the ward level, to the sub county and finally the county bonanza which will be held in December and January.
“This Governors cup we invite all scouts from National super league, Premier league and across board because we want our players to exercise their best capabilities,” Barasa said.
Barasa was speaking when he launched the Governors 2023 edition at Bushiri primary school in Navakholo constituency.
The competition will involve football and volleyball which will be played by both men and women while, rugby (men) and netball (women).
“This tournament will be a platform to allow our young men and women showcase their talents across the county. This will also be an opportunity to reduce youth unemployment,” he added.
The county boss added that the competition will see four teams battle out to win a total of Sh10million which will be divided among the winning teams.”For the first time we will have rugby, volleyball and netball and we have registered more than 1500 teams in the four games,” he said.
County Executive Committee member in charge of Social Services, Sports, Youth, Gender and Culture Mophat Mandela said the finals will be held towards the end of the year.
“We will have football finals on January 1, 2024, volleyball finals will take place on the December 30, Rugby on December 31,” Mandela said.
The first game played at the Bushiri grounds was between Bushiri all stars and Umri football team who are the defending champions.
The rise and fall of Sugar Oligarch – Jaswant Singh Rai
Jaswant Rai to pay Butali Sugar Sh980 million after the court ruling whereas Kenya Sugar Board will pay Sh420 million for losses incurred when Butali sugar’s license was cancelled in a zoning battle.
By Isaac Mutiso and Aggrey Barasa, Kakamega
It all started with the abduction of sugar baron, Jaswant Singh Rai, who even after his release, it remains a mystery and that belongs to the ‘Rai’ family.
The business mogul who has been controlling nearly half of the sugar sector. He owns West Kenya sugar, Naitiri sugar, Sukari and Olepito sugar spread across Western and Nyanza regions.
But when it comes to the problems bedeviling the industry, its impossible to miss Rai family name in between the lines as part of the problems in the sector.
Rai has fought everybody in the sugar sector and at one point he opposed the setting up of Butali sugar company as well as the revival of Mumias sugar company.
Jaswant Rai, and brother Sarbjit Singh Rai of Uganda’s Sarrai Group have been fighting for control of Mumias Sugar.
Sarbjit managed the sugar mill about one year ago, but Rai contested the lease arrangement in court and moved to court until President William Ruto waded into the war and insisted that he (Ruto) will not allow the Rai brothers to hinder efforts to revive the factory.
“You have three choices: leave Kenya, face jail, or go to heaven,” said Ruto and ordered anyone who had filed a case against the miller to withdraw it.
“We shall not entertain any court case again,” said Ruto during his tour of Western region.
Vartox Resources Inc, based in Dubai and Rai have since withdrawn the cases they had filed against Mumias sugar.
Rai opted out of Mumias Sugar lease cases both at the Commercial Court and the Court of Appeal,
From abduction to his mysterious release to the withdrawal of court cases against Mumias- it was not over for Rai.
“On the totality of the evidence on record, the plaintiff has proved its case on a balance of probability. Judgement is entered for the plaintiff against the 1st defendant for Ksh.507,799,612. The first defendant is entitled to indemnity against the second defendant to the tune of 30 per cent on the damages,” the ruling reads in part.The High Court has dealt him another huge blow after Justice Alfred Mabeya ordered the sugar baron to pay Butali Sugar Limited over Ksh.507 million in damages. In the case, Butali Sugar Mills Limited filed a case against West Kenya Sugar and Kenya Sugar Board in 2007 over sugarcane zoning. Butali sugar sought Sh590 million being losses incurred over unlawful interference with smooth running of its business. Justice Alfred Mabeya in his ruling said that Butali Sugar Mills Limited had proved its case on a balance of probability. “On the totality of the evidence on record, the plaintiff has proved its case on a balance of probability. Judgement is entered for the plaintiff against the 1st defendant for Ksh.507,799,612. The first defendant is entitled to indemnity against the second defendant to the tune of 30 per cent on the damages,” the ruling reads in part. “Butali sugar is entitled to damages of Sh507,799,612 as damages for the loss suffered as a result of interference of its business,” ordered Justice Mabeya Judge Mabeya ruled that the amount shall attract an interest of 12 per cent per annum from the date the suit was filed on March 30, 2007. In total, Rai will pay Butali sugar Sh980 million and Kenya Sugar Board will pay Sh420 million for the losses incurred when Butali sugar license was cancelled in a zoning battle. End