Wednesday 31 January 2018

GOVERNOR Tunai gives a Strategic Tourism Masterplan For Counties To CS BALALA

Narok Governor Samuel Ole Tunai who is also the Chairman of Tourism and wildlife commitee in the Council of governors receiving a strategic tourism masterplan from CS Tourism Najib Balala that will help profile, brand and position tourism products and tourist destinations across the 47 counties.

Kudos My able Governor.

Monday 29 January 2018

Something must be done on our schools, we must act- Governor Tunai

Narok Governor Samuel ole Tunai has ordered the formation of an education taskforce to establish why schools in the county perform poorly in national examinations. The governor has expressed his displeasure with the results posted in 2017 KCSE and KCPE exams by schools across the county. The decision to form the taskforce was reached during a one-day education stakeholders’ meeting at the Maasai Mara University where boards of management, headteachers, parents’ representatives, directors of education, county representatives of the Teachers Service Commission, CEC for Education and leading practitioners in the education sector agreed to improve performance in the county. “We have to do whatever it takes to turn around performance in national examinations. The future of our children depends on education so we cannot take chances with academic excellence,” said Mr Tunai. MAJOR PROBLEM He added that the results point to a major problem in the sector because even those schools that used to be academic giants have sharply declined in performance. The 10-person taskforce was mandated to carry out a quarterly assessment of schools, make sure all schools enhance accountability of teachers and students, recommend modalities of benchmarking, approaches for motivation of teachers and students as well as a needs analysis of schools. UNIVERSITY GRADES Governor Tunai expressed dissatisfaction that 459 students (7.71 percent) out of the 6,479 students who sat KCSE exams in 2017 qualified to go to university. An analytical presentation of the 2017 KCSE exam scores by the County Quality Assurance Officer Moseti indicated that no student attained an A grade, with 5,012 which represents 77.8 percent scoring grade D+ and below. In the proportionate percentages, he said, 292 out of the 3,783 Boys (7.7%) and 170 out of the 2,655 girls (6.4%) passed their exams. NEGATIVE DEVIATION From the 2017 exam results, the county recorded a negative deviation from 3.16 to 3.0. “All the sub-counties recorded a negative deviation except Transmara East that recorded a marginal improvement of 0.004 and 63 schools recorded a positive deviation while 66 declined,” said Mr Moseti, adding that no school had recorded a positive deviation in the last three years. Narok Senator Ladema ole Kina called on all stakeholders in the education sector to help transform students and pupils in the county. “We are worried [by] the high percentage of failures in our villages and (this) might soon be a security threat,” said the senator. Nominated MP David ole Sankok caused laughter when he called on the Education Cabinet secretary to transfer all high school teachers in the county, terming them as the source of the dismal performance in national examinations.

Appoint Isaac Ruto, Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso urge President Uhuru.

Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso has urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to appoint her predecessor Isaac Ruto to the Cabinet.

Dr Laboso drummed up support for Mr Ruto, saying “he is young, vibrant and a capable worker.”

She was speaking on Sunday in Mr Ruto’s constituency, Chepalungu, where she joined congregants at African Gospel Church, Siongiroi Sinai.

“Find something at least for him. We are not selfish people, we are not sadists to wish that anyone perishes. We want as many of Bomet people to get an opportunity wherever they can,” said the governor.

She was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer for Education Juliana Yegon and area MCA Leonard Kirui.

Sunday 28 January 2018

GOVERNOR TUNAI ATTENDS ORDINATION OF BISHOP PETER NAKOLA AT OLOLULUNGA

Governor Samuel ole Tunai was among the dignitaries who graced the ordination of new Full Golpel Church Bishop Rev Peter Nakola yesterday.  The colourful and well attended event took place at Ololulunga Full Gospel Church.

Governor congratulated the new Bishop and asked the Church to continue praying for the county.

County boss was pleased to join Rev. Peter Nakola on his ordination as Bishop, at a church service presided over by Full Gospel Church Overseer Bishop Dr. Samuel Kathitta.

Governor addressed the congregation and asked all to seek the face of God, and build harmony county to county, and stand united as a country.

Governor took occasion to commend H. E President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto for considering Maasai professionals and including them in the Jubilee Administration.

Governor Tunai was joined by a slate of County leaders including the area MP Hon. Korei Lemein, Narok County Senator Hon. Ledama Ole Kina, Narok East MP Hon. Ken Aramat, Narok North MP Hon. Moitalel Kenta, Narok West MP Hon. Gabriel Tongoyo, former Senator Stephen Ole Ntutu, County Assembly Speaker Hon. Nkoidila Lankas and the Chief Administrative Secretary nominee Hon. Patrick Ntutu among others.

Saturday 27 January 2018

One Man injured, lorry burned after two community clash in Isinya

By KURGAT MARINDANY

A 'little' quarrel between two people at Isinya town, Kajiado on Saturday blew up into a fully-fledged battle leaving several people injured and property destroyed.

Trouble started after a local disagreed with the owner of an agrovet shop over the price of an item.

Peter Leken, who was nearby, said the shop owner, whom he only named as Hillary, slashed the customer on the head with a machete. When the customer called for help from passersby, Hillary is said to have dashed off and ran towards Insinya police station.

He was rescued by police officers on patrol who took him to the police station. After some thirty minutes, more than 100 Maasai morans descended into the town and demanded to be handed over the suspect so they could discipline him. The police blocked them from accessing the station. The morans later went to the suspect's shop and set his truck which was full of hay on fire. They also burned down the shop into ashes as others burned hay stocks placed on the roadside along the Isinya/Kiserian route.

The irate morans engaged police in a fight in their quest to have the suspect released to them for lynching. Others went to the town’s slaughter house to smoke out the trader's community members accusing them of disrespecting the natives. Police officers led by Isinya OCPD Stephen Weda contained the situation. Kajiado acting county commissioner David Kipkemei urged the residents to desist from violence and handle their differences using the right channels.

Area MCA Joshua Olowuasa said: "That was a difference between two individuals who should carry their own cross." "The person who was injured should have reported the matter to the police so the suspect can be charged in a court of law."

US call South Sudan president Salva Kiir "Unfit Partner"

By KEVIN J. KELLEY

The United States signalled a sharp shift in its South Sudan policy on Wednesday as Washington's United Nations envoy denounced the country's president as “an unfit partner.”

UN Ambassador Nikki Haley also abandoned the gentle cajolery previously employed by the US in its appeals to neighbouring states to facilitate an end to South Sudan's civil war.

“It is past time for the leaders of Uganda and Kenya to get involved and put pressure on President Kiir,” Ambassador Haley declared in a stinging speech to the UN Security Council.

“They are key players in the success of a true peace process.” Decrying frequent violations of a December 21 ceasefire agreement, the Trump administration's UN representative warned, “It’s not just a lack of forward momentum; things are going backwards in South Sudan.”

INVESTEMENT

Ambassador Haley's comments serve to distance the US from the government of a country whose birth in 2011 had been midwifed by Washington. Successive US administrations — Republican and Democratic alike — had aided South Sudan's fight for independence and had financed its attempts at political and economic development.

Ambassador Haley noted in her speech that the US has “invested well over $11 billion in South Sudan and the government of President Kiir.”

“We have treated the Kiir government as a partner in this effort, and we have assumed that the best interests of the people were its priority,” the US envoy recounted. But through its recent actions, “the government of South Sudan is increasingly proving itself to be an unfit partner for this Council and any country seeking peace and security for the people of South Sudan,”
Ambassador Haley declared.

She cited continued moves by the government to block deliveries of humanitarian aid. These include imposing fees of up to $7.6 million on aid groups, Ambassador Haley said, suggesting that this money should be used to shelter two million internally displaced persons or to feed some of the six million South Sudanese facing famine.

“Our attempts to ease the suffering of the people of South Sudan aren’t working,” she continued.

“And what’s worse, we’re failing; not despite the leadership of South Sudan, but because of it.

The time has come to acknowledge the hard reality that the leaders of South Sudan are not just failing their people, they are betraying them.” The envoy reiterated the Obama administration's calls for an arms embargo on all sides in South Sudan's conflict.

But while the United Kingdom voiced support for that action on Wednesday, two of the Security Council's other veto-wielding members —China and Russia — did not endorse an arms embargo. France, the fifth veto power, has supported an arms embargo in the past. Despite her explicit condemnation of the South Sudan government, Ambassador Haley vowed on Wednesday that “the United States will never give up on this effort” to make peace.

UN diplomats were left to wonder what new actions the Trump administration might take as it revises US policy on South Sudan.

India High Commissioner courtesy call to Gov. Tunai

Earlier in the week, India High Commissioner Ms. Suchitra Durai met Governor of Narok County H.E. Mr. Samuel K. Tunai accompanied by Mr. Mahesh Punia, Adviser to the Governor on #Investments and discussed issues of bilateral interests between the county government of narok and Kenya at large with the Government of India.

Among other things the two leaders talked of a possible healthcare partnership and factories to boast employment and productivity through value addition in both farming and agricultural sector.

Friday 26 January 2018

More Education forum, Infrastructure development key in improving education standards in the county says Governor Tunai.

Last week Narok county Government led by Governor Tunai held a consultative Education forum with other stakeholders at Maasai Mara University. The form is aimed at improving education standards in the county. Those In attendance included: Deputy Governor Evalyn Aruasa, Senator Ledama ole Kina, Hon. David Sankok, Prof Mary Walingo among others.

DEMOLISH all buildings along waterways in Narok town- Gov. Tunai has Ordered.

Narok County Governor Samuel ole Tunai has ordered the demolition of all buildings along waterways in Narok town as the county government explores the best ways of dealing with the perennial problem of flooding that usually leave many residents displaced.

Two men facing life imprisonment for being in possession of elephant tusks


By Robert Kiplagat | Thursday, Jan 25th 2018 at 13:53

Two Maasai Morans fined Sh20 Million each or serve life imprisonment by a Narok Court after they were found guilty of being in possession of two elephant tusks weighing 10 Kilograms valued at Sh1 Million.

The duo Ndare Ole Koshal and Julius Kituber Sopia were arrested by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials on January 7, 2015 at Impiro village in Loita area Narok South Sub County while hiding in a Manyatta.

Narok Chief Magistrate Wilbroda Juma found the two guilty after the State Counsel produced three witnesses while the accused through their advocate also produced three witnesses in defense.

KWS officer who testified told the court that on the material day, the officers got information from the members of the public that an elephant had been killed in the area prompting eight officers to respond immediately.

Upon reaching the scene, the officers found a carcass of an elephant with both tusks chopped off.

The members of the public led the officers to the huts where the suspects were hiding and when they arrived, one of the suspects, ole Koshal, came out of the hut and threw a spear targeting one of the officers but fortunately missed the target.

When the officers entered in the manyatta, they found the second suspect whereby the two were arrested and taken to Narok Police station.

A search conducted in the house netted two elephant tusk each weighing five kilograms, 10 arrows, two spears, three bows and two maasai swords believed to have been used by the two to hunt down the jumbo.

But while giving their defense, the accused persons said at the material day, they were not in the said manyatta as they had relocated to another area.

In her judgement, Ms. Juma said the prosecution evidence was very consistent and is believable that the two accused persons were in the same house.

“There is no doubt that the accused persons were found in possession of the tasks as evidence given by the second accused wife (Sopia) shows that he was in the said house at the time of arrest,” he said.

In mitigation, the accused persons said they have young families and that they are the bread winners of their extended families praying to the court to pardon them. The magistrate said she take into consideration that the two are first offenders, they have dependents but the law treats the offence very serious and the set minimum term is life imprisonment.

However, she reminded them of their right to appeal in 14 days.

Narok women Rep. Hon Soipan joins other leaders in finding a solutions on wrangles between SGR and Narok East residents.

Narok able women representative joined other elected leaders at Suswa to discuss and find lasting solutions to a myriad of issues between the residents of Suswa in Narok East and the China Road and Bridge Corporation(CRBC).

The SGR project is a flagship of the Jubilee Government expected and indeed intended to raise the livelihood standards of all Kenyans and even more, those Kenyans whose lands the SGR will cut through...it is therefore outrageous and unexpected for CRBC to want to confine these local communities in Narok to the back burner in matters of employment,tendering and coordination of the project.

The countless benefits of the SGR must be maximized and shared equitably within local communities and the relationship between thecommunity and CRBC should be one of collaboration,trust, and respect to avoid effects of adversarial confrontations like the recent loss of life of a young man in a demonstration: the Police and administration should be facilitators and not an impediment.

It is incumbent on all actors to work together as a team and embrace the SGR project which will undoubtedly be of immense value to the people of Narok County once completed.

Construction of Narok east Level 4 Hospital on progress. Good job Gov. Tunai

In its committed effort to improve health care accross the county narok County Government under his able leadership of governor Tunai, is embarking on a serious and vigorous construction of all subcouties Level 4 Hospitals at Narok County.

In addition, construction of a twin theater  a radiology centre is near completion and
several wards are also coming up.

The county has already started a modern construction of narok east sub-county level for hospital based in Nairagie Enkare.

See photoes

Narok among 14 poorest counties to share kes 7.7 bilion equalization Fund

National government has identified Narok County as amongst the fourteen poorest counties to benefit from the approved 8.4Billions from equalization funds starting from 2018/2019 budget.

Its our civil duty to transform Narok Town for better - Governor Tunai

Governor Tunai on an Impromptu assessment visit at the construction site of the new bridge in Narok town. He urged residents and business community that his government is committed to transform Narok for the better.
"No letting up, we will transform this county for the better " he said

KANU disappointed as Uhuru nominates Gideon Moi’s rival for top job.

Has KANU been shortchanged in Uhuru's cabinet appointments?

Gideon Moi and his Kenya African National Union must have been left disappointed after president Uhuru Kenyatta failed to name his allies in his Cabinet on Friday.

The president instead picked Moi’s rival Simon Chelugui, giving him a Cabinet slot to head the ministry of Water and Sanitation.

Chelugui who ran on a Jubilee party ticket gave Gideon Moi a run for his money in the Baringo senatorial race with their supporters clashing repeatedly.

Although Moi emerged victorious in the race, Chelugui who is a close ally to Deputy William Ruto commands massive following and should he endorse Ruto for 2022 then Moi will lose significant support in his Baringo home turf.

Earlier on, KANU Secretary General Nick Salat admitted to a local Newspaper that the party had indeed submitted a list of nominees to the president to be considered for slots in the Cabinet.

The list reportedly included Nick Salat, Kiprono Kitony among others who are affiliated to the Baringo Senator.

KANU was eyeing slots after entering a pre-election pact with Jubilee party that saw the party support Uhuru Kenyatta’s reelection bid.

Media reports also indicated that nomination of cabinet secretaries was threatening to tear Jubilee Party apart with William Ruto’s allies strongly opposed to the inclusion of politicians/people allied to KANU in the new cabinet.

Both Moi and Ruto have expressed interest in the 2022 presidential race and are consolidating their support in readiness for 2022.

Relieve to residents as ENSDA launches two major water projects in Kajiado county; Women have a reason to smile.

Kajiado residents can now sigh with relief following the launch of water projects by Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority (ENSDA).

More than 2000 households in the drought ravaged county will benefit from clean water after the commissioning of two water projects in the area on Saturday.

Speaking during the launch of the projects ENSDA CEO Mr. Sammy Naporos, said that the projects in Kajiado will help women who have been traveling for long distance in search of water.

“ENSDA is working under the Ministry of Devolution and Planning and it’s a good move by the government because the projects will solve the perennial water problems in Kajiado and will boost other investment activities, so far thousands of households and livestock are benefiting from the projects,” he said.

The projects built in the semi-arid Sub locations of  Kuku, Ltilal, and Olorika have started operating.

Kajiado South Mp Kato Ole Metito said he is closely working with ENSDA and other government authorises to mitigate the effects of prolonged drought in the semi-arid constituency.

He said the objective is to ensure area residents had access to safe and clean water for human consumption and their livestock.

“For many years women in the Kajiado rural areas especially Olorika and Kuku locations have been trekking for over 20 kilometers to fetch water, a trend which slowly changing with the launch of search projects”.

Mr Naporos urged the people to embrace the water projects since the boreholes were sustainable in terms of maintenance and operation costs adding that ENSDA will build more boreholes to help residents access clean water for both livestock and domestic use.

“Women in Kajiado had always spent a lot of time looking for water which they could have utilized on other activities to improve their livelihoods, these projects are a big relief for them."

Relieve to residents as ENSDA launches two major water projects in Kajiado county; Women have a reason to smile.

Kajiado residents can now sigh with relief following the launch of water projects by Ewaso Ngiro South Development Authority (ENSDA).

More than 2000 households in the drought ravaged county will benefit from clean water after the commissioning of two water projects in the area on Saturday.

Speaking during the launch of the projects ENSDA CEO Mr. Sammy Naporos, said that the projects in Kajiado will help women who have been traveling for long distance in search of water.

“ENSDA is working under the Ministry of Devolution and Planning and it’s a good move by the government because the projects will solve the perennial water problems in Kajiado and will boost other investment activities, so far thousands of households and livestock are benefiting from the projects,” he said.

The projects built in the semi-arid Sub locations of  Kuku, Ltilal, and Olorika have started operating.

Kajiado South Mp Kato Ole Metito said he is closely working with ENSDA and other government authorises to mitigate the effects of prolonged drought in the semi-arid constituency.

He said the objective is to ensure area residents had access to safe and clean water for human consumption and their livestock.

“For many years women in the Kajiado rural areas especially Olorika and Kuku locations have been trekking for over 20 kilometers to fetch water, a trend which slowly changing with the launch of search projects”.

Mr Naporos urged the people to embrace the water projects since the boreholes were sustainable in terms of maintenance and operation costs adding that ENSDA will build more boreholes to help residents access clean water for both livestock and domestic use.

“Women in Kajiado had always spent a lot of time looking for water which they could have utilized on other activities to improve their livelihoods, these projects are a big relief for them."

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai & Senator steps in to help in solving Transmara sugar company tussle with the locals

Narok county Governor Hon. Samuel Ole Tunai & Senator Ledama Ole Kina has today travelled to kilgoris to resolve the dispute between the youths, employee of Transmara sugar company, farmers and Transmara Sugar Company management.

The leaders in unison made it clear that The Maasai youth must be given 70% priority in Employment. They also urged the Residents to Respect the rules of TSC as a private Entity.

All the Employees and those yet to be Employed to follow and adhere to the latter the set Company Rules for Smooth operation and cooperation.

The leaders urged the locals  to respect the investors and appreciate them, they also asked the investors to set up training facilities to train locals for management jobs.

Uhuru Appoints Ex- Ministers as Envoys

Ambassadors:

1. Judy Wakhungu - France
2. Kiema Kilonzo - Uganda
3. Dan Kazungu - Tanzania
4. Lazarus Amayo - United Nations
5. Phyllis Kandie - Belgium
6. Willy Bett - India
7. Jacob Kaimenyi - UNEP

Uhuru kenyatta appoints Keriako Tobiko CS environment and Retain Mr. Charles Sunkuli as PS. Patrick Ntutu also appointed CAS.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced creation of position of Chief Administrative Secretary in all ministries.

The president also named more Cabinet secretaries.

Veteran journalist Farida Karoney was named CS Ministry of Lands, Prof Margaret Kobia is the nominee for Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs, while Mr John Munyes was named CS Petroleum and Mining.

EDUCATION

Ms Monica Juma was appointed to replace Ms Amina Mohamed as Foreign Affairs CS.

Former Budalang'i MP Ababu Namwamba will be Ms Juma's Chief Administrative Secretary and Macharia Kamau the Principal Secretary.

Ms Mohamed was moved to head the Education Ministry.

Former Meru Governor Peter Munya was appointed East Africa Community CS, Mr Rashid Mohammed will be Sports and Heritage CS and Mr Simon Chelugui (Water and Sanitation).

Former Water CS Eugene Wamalwa was moved to Devolution Ministry while former Director of Public Prosecution Keriako Tobiko was appointed Environment CS.
Cecily Kariuki was moved from Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs to head the Health Ministry.

Jubilee Party Secretary-General Raphael Tuju was named a CS without a portfolio.

President Kenyatta retained James Macharia as Transport CS, Joe Mucheru at Ministry of ICT and Adan Mohammed as head of Industrialisation docket.

Former Nairobi Woman Representative Rachel Shebesh was appointed Chief Administrative Secretary in the Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs Ministry.

AMBASSADORS

Former Environment CS Judi Wakhungu was named Kenya envoy to France, Mr Dan Kazungu to head to Tanzania, Ms Phyllis Kandie (Belgium), Mr Willy Bett (India) and Hassan Wario to Austria.

Mr Jacob Kaimenyi who was Land’s CS was made Kenya’s envoy to Unesco, while former Health CS Cleopa Mailu has been appointed Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva.

Other appointees are Mr Kiema Kilonzo who was named Kenya’s ambassador to Ghana while Mr Lazarus Amayo was appointed to head Kenya's UN mission in New York City.