The Ministry of Health’s State Department for Medical Services has begun a comprehensive headcount to realign its staff with the recently approved structure by the Public Service Commission.

Principal Secretary Mr. Harry Kimtai, representing Cabinet Secretary Nakhumicha S. Wafula, initiated the initiative today at Afya House, stressing its importance for human resources planning within the department.

PS Kimtai emphasized the need to align staff assignments with the newly established framework, highlighting the importance of technical officers for departmental operations.

The headcount aims to ensure payroll accuracy and eliminate discrepancies through certificate verifications, updating records, and streamlining divisions and directorates accordingly.

The  PS clarified that the exercise is solely for record updating, placing individuals according to their specialties, and aligning heads of divisions and directorates. This reflects the Ministry’s commitment to organizational efficiency and accountability.

The headcount includes staff in counties, with a directive for those on strike to report back to their work stations and submit necessary paperwork. Non-compliance may lead to disciplinary action.

Initial findings revealed discrepancies at Mathari and Spinal facilities, where personnel listed on the payroll were found to be deployed elsewhere.

Kimtai urged all staff to submit paperwork by the 7th to avoid salary disruptions and potential disciplinary measures.

Approximately 250 employees have already had their salary payments suspended, particularly those who failed to declare their wealth. PS Kimtai emphasized the significance of compliance, as non-compliance may result in being deemed absent from duty.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Health, Kenya.

President William Ruto today chaired a Cabinet meeting for the second time this week to deliberate on extra measures to mitigate the devastating effects of flooding, mudslides and landslides in many parts of the country.

The Cabinet noted that more citizens who have been affected by floods, mudslides and landslides are increasingly receiving help with food and non-food items from the government working with other partners.

Noting that flooding, mudslides, landslides and other extreme weather conditions are a result of climate change, Cabinet resolved that the government, from now on, will rally the country in implementing measures, programmes and policies that will mitigate the effects of climate change.

On the Cabinet directive on Tuesday for the people living in riparian reserves to move out, the meeting noted that the people affected had received the news positively.

The Cabinet was briefed on the weather forecast for the next three months, which shows that average to above average rains will continue in all parts of the country.

Consequently, flooding is expected in low-lying areas as are landslides and mudslides.

Crucially, the coastal region is likely to experience Cyclone Hidaya, which will result in heavy rainfall, large waves and strong winds that could affect marine activities in the Indian Ocean.

On the adverse effects of weather conditions on schools, Cabinet was informed that infrastructure, including classrooms, dormitories, halls, toilets, latrines fences and perimeter walls, has been destroyed.

Some schools have been flooded, while others are being occupied by people who have been displaced by mudslides, landslides and floods.

To repair and rehabilitate destroyed school infrastructure, the Cabinet directed that the Ministry of Education works with the National Government Constituency Development.

The Cabinet endorsed the Ministry of Education’s decision to postpone the reopening of schools by one week. Schools will now reopen on May 6.

The ministry was directed to work with the National Government Constituency Development Fund so that funding is made available for repair and rehabilitation of destroyed infrastructure.

The Cabinet also approved the expansion of the Manda Bay Airfield runway in Lamu. This project will enhance Kenya Defence Forces’ capability to defend the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

From 11 to 13 March 2024, the IAEA facilitated a national workshop and a high-level meeting in Kampala to discuss nuclear law and raise awareness among officials. This initiative supports Uganda’s efforts to adhere to the relevant international legal instruments under IAEA auspices and improve its current national legal framework set by the 2008 Atomic Energy Act. Gathering more than 20 officials, the national workshop covered all main areas of national and international nuclear law. Over the course of three days, participants and experts engaged in discussions about the international legal frameworks for nuclear safety, security, safeguards and civil liability for nuclear damage.

“This workshop is very relevant for the national legal framework of Uganda, and it puts us in a safe place” said Honorable Minister Dr Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development. “We feel confident to move forward together with the IAEA”.

This mission helped to generate an exchange between experts and participants, not only on the main areas of nuclear law, but also about the current national legal framework to identify gaps and areas to be strengthened to support a nuclear power programme. This event aimed at informing and raising understanding of the importance of adhering to the relevant international legal instruments and the elements of comprehensive national nuclear legislation, as well as deepening collaboration between the IAEA and Uganda. The mission focused on the Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident, the Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency, the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment, the relevant nuclear liability instruments adopted under IAEA auspices, and the legal framework for IAEA Safeguards.

The meeting gathered high level representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Atomic Energy Council, and the Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

This event was carried out within the framework of the IAEA Legislative Assistance Programme under the Interregional Technical Cooperation project for legislative assistance.

This event was also conducted with the support of the United States through the Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI) Fund, the Nuclear Security Fund, extrabudgetary funds under the project “Promote and Enhance Implementation of the Legal Instruments Relevant to Radioactive Waste and Sources” and the project “Improving the Understanding and Implementation of the Convention on Nuclear Safety”.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

President William Ruto has urged institutions of higher learning to adopt innovation and emerging technologies to enhance access to affordable education.

The President said the government is prepared to support universities offer online and virtual learning.

He said this would not only enrich the country’s human resources but also foster an inclusive knowledge society.

“We must continue striving to meet the ever-growing demand for higher education, focusing on elevating those at the bottom of the social and economic pyramid through access to quality education,” he said.

He noted that the implementation of a 100,000km fibre optic network project countrywide is proceeding well and will support online learning, e-commerce and digital jobs.

The President made the remarks during the charter award ceremony for Tangaza University and Management University of Africa at State House Nairobi.

President Ruto emphasised that institutions of higher learning play a crucial role in the country’s economic transformation.

“Today, we stand united under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, a bold initiative that leverages our human resources to spur rapid economic growth and enhance the productivity of our labour force,” he stated.

With the award of charters to the two private universities, he said, Kenya now has 64 chartered universities, solidifying the country’s status as a regional hub for higher education.

“This reaffirms our commitment to practical applied learning that prepares leaders across all sectors,” he added.

President Ruto said Kenya’s investment in education has produced a globally competitive workforce that attracts investors, supports the country’s robust service sector and sustains an expansive diaspora.

“Education has enabled Kenya to secure global opportunities as evidenced by the record diaspora remittances of KSh671 billion last year, surpassing traditional exports,” he explained.

At the same time, the President directed the Commission for Higher Education to ensure that institutions of higher learning adhere to the highest standards of integrity.

“The Commission for Higher Education has an almost sacrosanct mandate to ensure that our education, a tool for sharpening our most important resource, our human capital, meets the best standards possible,” he asserted.

The President said the government is intensifying efforts to curb fake university degrees and certificates.

“We are going to be firm in ensuring that only the qualifications acquired from recognised institutions will be accepted,” he declared.

The President said the government has developed a new university funding model to address gaps in the government sponsorship programme.

This new model, he explained, ensures that students from vulnerable backgrounds receive the highest scholarship allocation, ensuring that no one is left behind.

“It is the only way we can ensure an inclusive society and equitable sharing of burdens,” he concluded.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said the government is committed to the development of tertiary and university education.

He explained that the Commission for University Education has taken Tangaza University and the Management University of Africa through a rigorous process to ensure they adhere to set standards and regulations.

During the event, Prof Edward Etengu was installed as the Chancellor of Tangaza University, and Dr Reuben Musyoka Mutiso the Chancellor of the Management University of Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.