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Sat & Sun, July 3 - 4 July, 2021

www.mtkenyatimes.co.ke No. 0053 mountkenyatimes themtkenyatimes

Court of Appeal judges, (from left) Fatuma Sichale, Patrick Kiage, Roselyn Nambuye, Daniel Musinga(president), Hannah Okwengu, Gatembu Kairu and Francis Tuiyot in a group photo during a break from
hearing the BBI case. Photo: Judiciary/Kenya
2 | NATIONAL
News >> As of 2018, only 10% of Kenyan land had been put under crop cultivation
PROPER MEASURES NEED TO BE EMPLOYED TO MAKE
AGRICULTURE LUCRATIVE
By: Mwaniki Kariuki
joniniks90@gmail.com
..............................................
Worth Noting:
• Kenya has arable land
that needs to be put under culti-
vation which can help in solving
both the food shortage and as a
result the unemployment crisis.
As of 2018, only 10% of Ken-
yan land had been put under
crop cultivation according to a
Knoema website search results.
This leaves behind close to 7 %
of Kenyan fertile soil underuti-
lized.
• Nonetheless, out of the
10% of arable land put under
cultivation, most farmers rely
on rain to plant crops. It’s when
the rains set in March farmers
from the Rift rush to agrochem-
ical stores to purchase maize
seeds for planting.
Agriculture remains to be the
backbone of Kenya’s economy. It’s
with no doubt that it employs close
to 70 PC of the rural population, and
40 PC of Kenya’s total population
according to KNBS. From the
small- and large-scale farmers,
the casual laborers in the farms,
agronomists, the transporters of the
farm commodities to market places
and factories, the farm commodity
vendors, to the employees in the
processing factories, agriculture
plays a huge role in the economic
development of Kenya.
However, much needs to be done.
Taking oath in his second term
of administration. President Uhuru
Kenyatta unveiled a big four-plan
agenda. Among issues that President
Kenyatta said he would prioritize,
include affordable health care for all,
Affordable Housing, Manufacturing,
and Food Security.
However, much seems not to have
happened. Food security in Kenya
remains to be a pipe dream.
Kenya has arable land that
needs to be put under cultivation
which can help in solving both the
food shortage and as a result the
unemployment crisis. As of 2018,
only 10% of Kenyan land had been
put under crop cultivation according
to a Knoema website search results.
This leaves behind close to 7 % of
Kenyan fertile soil underutilized.
Nonetheless, out of the 10% of
arable land put under cultivation,
most farmers rely on rain to plant
crops. It’s when the rains set in
March farmers from the Rift rush
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
to agrochemical stores to purchase
maize seeds for planting.
It’s at this time that milk production
in Central Kenya increases sharply.
After a while, farmers start lamenting
poor market prices due to the bumper
harvest of farm commodities. Some
farm produce gets wasted. You pass
by in market places and see heaps of
dumped tomato, kales, and cabbage.
It’s this over-reliance on rain-fed
agriculture that makes agriculture
look like an art. The surface runoff
from the rain ends up collecting in
streams, rivers, lakes, and the Indian
ocean. Water that should be stored
for irrigation and other domestic
consumption ends up “wasted.” In
fact, due to poor management of the
rain waters, they end up sweeping
villages, livestock, and crops.
Months after the rainy season
is over, food shortage cripples in.
Prices of food commodities hike. In a
country that ought to be food secure
and export to foreign countries, food
donations. The situation gets dire to
a point that the national government
orders maize import from foreign
countries.
Do Kenyans need to suffer from
malnutrition due to food shortages Traditional Farming.
need to dig deep into our pockets .....................................................................................................................................
to buy that one “Nyonya” at Ksh 10 ............................................................
bob each, that cabbage at Ksh 30 bob Can Kenya borrow a leaf from export the rest.
each? Recent research by the FAO developed countries that practice
titled Africa regional overview of agriculture? For instance, take a
food security and nutrition indicated case example of Israel. It is one of
that most of the population in African those countries in the middle east
countries are not able to put at the that is located in an arid land. This
table nutritious foods such as fruits, country receives very little rainfall
vegetables, and animal proteins due per annum. That notwithstanding,
to high costs- Kenya included. Israel can feed its population and
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Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times 3 | AD
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 Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
4 POLITICS

RAILA DISMISSES PERCEPTION THAT HE DOESN’T LIKE

KIKUYUS
By: Samuel Kimani ODM party leader Raila Odinga
@mountkenyatimes has called on Central Kenya voters
............................................................ to support his presidential bid in
2022 general elections.
Raila who spoke on Friday during
burial of mother of former EALA
MP Mumbi Ng’aru at Kakuret area
in Kieni, Nyeri County reminisced
on how he campaigned for former
President Mwai Kibaki in 2002,
saying it was proof against the
perceptions that he doesn’t like
Kikuyus.
The former premier said stated
when he said ‘Kibaki Tosha’ he
considered the former President
as a Kenyan who could lead, not a
Kikuyu.
Worth Noting: “Didn’t I know Kibaki was Kikuyu
when I was saying Kibaki Tosha,” he
• “By bad luck, he had posed?
“By bad luck, he had an accident
an accident when he was
when he was leaving Kitui county.
leaving Kitui county. I trav-
I travelled the entire country when
elled the entire country when Kibaki was away… I was the one
Kibaki was away… I was the leading the campaign and we won,”
one leading the campaign Raila said.
and we won,” Raila said. “People became worried, but I told
• “People became wor- them that we still had to campaign
ried, but I told them that we regardless of Kibaki being injured,
still had to campaign regard- and we won the elections,” he
less of Kibaki being injured, remembered.
Raila decried the divisions that
and we won the elections,” he
have followed, saying Kenya would
remembered.
have made progress if leaders
• Raila decried the worked together instead of diving ODM party leader Raila Odinga in Kieni, Nyeri county on Friday, July 2, 2021. Image: ODM.
divisions that have followed, Kenyans along tribal lines. .................................................................................................................................................................................................
saying Kenya would have Noting that Kibaki and him came
made progress if leaders up with vision 2030, Raila said it was Kenyans. “She was also a keen promoter of
Politics of the BBI constitutional He at the same time took a swipe harmony in society. May She Rest In
worked together instead of to help Kenya to get out of poverty.
“I have been there to support your review clamour was not left out with at an unnamed leader in government Eternal Peace,” Raila said.
diving Kenyans along tribal said he had derailed President
leaders many of them are my friends the former premier saying that soon She was later nominated MP for
lines. the process sopped by the court will Kenyatta’s development agenda by EALA under the Orange Democratic
• Noting that Kibaki and beside that I know what ails our
economy we planned together vision resume. breading rampant corruption. Movement.
and him came up with vision Raila exuded confidence that the “You cannot meet youths and start Ahead of 2007, she was among
2030 with your son which will turn
2030, Raila said it was to help Building Bridges Initiative will be dishing out millions of shillings the few notable leaders from Central
around this economy,” he said.
Kenya to get out of poverty. The ODM chief said the back on track after the process at the every month. That money could be Kenya who stuck with Raila, with
• “I have been there to government is focused on improving Court of Appeal. around Sh1b from one person who is the fury and indignation of a whole
support your leaders many the economy of this country through The ODM chief said the events not even having a business,” he said. community on her and her family.
of them are my friends and shunning tribal and divisive politics. at the appellate court where those Raila said the country could do Ng’aru, is a longtime Raila
opposed to the BBI put a strong better if there were no incidents of supporter and a former Executive
beside that I know what ails Raila who was accompanied
by Kieni MP Kanini Kega among case against the constitutional corruption saying the monies being Director of LDP.
our economy we planned to- used to lure voters should be in
other leaders from the region urged amendments were similar to the Kieni MP Kanini Kega stated that
gether vision 2030 with your half-time rest in a football match. government coffers. Central Kenya voters will rally their
son which will turn around residents to embrace unity like was
the case in the country during the Raila said the unity bid he is “Kenya needs no new formula support behind Raila Odinga with
this economy,” he said. championing with President Uhuru for development. We have enough the blessing of President Kenyatta.
pre-independence era.
He said the country was united in Kenyatta will continue, revisiting plans of improving the lives of all
the days his father Jaramogi Oginga the times when Kenya was arguably Kenyans from Mama Mboga to the
fought for the release of the first united in the fight against the youths. What is needed is for these
President Jomo Kenyatta. colonial masters. to be implemented.” said ODM chief
The ODM leader decried the “It is on half-time because of the The former premier said it was
divisions that have followed, saying courts but let me assure it will be regrettable that the president has
Kenya would have made progress back as ‘nobody can stop reggae,” no officials to help him achieve his
if leaders worked together without he said. development agenda.
coalescing around their tribal The ODM leader said the BBI was The ODM leader further noted that
kingpins. a product of the reforms agenda that Mama Esther was a hardworking
his team has been championing for person who raised an extensive
Reggae will be back soon over the years to better the lives of family.
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times 5 | AD
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By: Alexander Stanley Nduati

Pastor with Lifespring Chapel
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6 FARE THEE WELL
President Kenyatta Joins Other Leaders In Paying
Tribute To Zambia’s Founding President Kaunda
PSCU:
President Uhuru Kenyatta on
Friday joined eight other African
Heads of State and a host of other
foreign dignitaries in paying glowing
tribute to Zambia’s founding
President Kenneth David Kaunda.
In his tribute during the
State Funeral at Lusaka’s main
showground in Zambia, President
Kenyatta described the late President
Kaunda as one of the last great sons
of Africa who committed his entire
life to the service of the people of the
whole African continent.
“Today, we mourn a father and a
man who was willing to sacrifice in
order to ensure that justice prevailed
and stood up for the people of Africa.
“President Kaunda was not just
satisfied with the independence of
Zambia. He committed himself to
ensuring that not only was Zambia
free and able to determine her own
destiny and also committed to
the struggle to ensure many other
countries of this African continent
were able to get justice to determine
their own future,” President Kenyatta
said.
Former President Kaunda, the first
President of Zambia, died on June 17
aged 97 and will be laid to rest on July
7 at the Embassy Park Presidential
Burial site in Lusaka where three
other Zambia’s past Presidents –
Dr Levy Patrick Mwanawasa (third
President), Dr Fredrick Chiluba
(Second President) and Mr Michael
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
Akufo-Addo (Ghana), Emmerson
Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Cyril
Ramaphosa (South Africa),
Mokgweetsi Masisi (Botswana),
Lazarus Chakwera (Malawi) and
Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro of
the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Other speakers were former
Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho
Kikwete, African Union Commission
Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat,
Commonwealth Secretary-General
Patricia Scotland UK Minister
for Africa James Duddridge and
Serbia’s Foreign Affairs Minister
Nikola Selaković.
The leaders eulogized the late
former President Kaunda as an iconic
leader, a Pan-African titan and the
continent’s towering liberation hero
whose legacy will live on for many
generations to come.
“Today is truly the end of an era
in the African continent. President
Kaunda was one of the greatest
freedom fighter, philosopher-king
and independence leader,” said
President Uhuru Kenyatta arrives at the Lusaka Show Grounds for the State Funeral of the First President of the Republic of Ghana’s President Akufo-Addo.
ZambiaFlag of Zambia, Dr Kenneth David Kaunda.. Attendance to the State funeral
................................................................................................................................................................................................. was by invitation only due to the
Covid-19 pandemic with majority
Sata (Fourth President) – were this continent. and other dignitaries was an of Zambian nationals following
buried. “Today I can truly say I have lost affirmation of Dr. Kaunda’s role the proceedings live on Zambia’s
President Kenyatta said Kenya not only a mentor but a person who in the liberation struggle, global national broadcaster ZNBC and
will remember President Kaunda, greatly inspired me as well,” said peace and security agenda as well other local media.
fondly called “KK”, as a great friend President Kenyatta, who is also as sustainable development and President Kenyatta was
and partner of Kenya’s founding the current Chairperson of the East regional integration. accompanied to the state funeral by
father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta. African Community. Other African Heads of State Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary
“I remember fondly the many In his address, host President who spoke at the state funeral were Raychelle Omamo and State House
moments they shared together, Edgar Chagwa Lungu said the Presidents Hage Geingob (Namibia), Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita.
fought and struggled together for attendance of the African leaders Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Nana
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times 7 | NATIONAL
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 Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
8 CELEBRITY CORNER

REGGAE IS MUTUALLY INCLUSIVE

By: Thomas Bosire

............................................................

Worth Noting:

• The “You need

Dreadlocks to be a Reggae
fanatic” is a wrong state-
ment on so many levels.
Morgan Heritage’s song,
‘You don’t haffi dread to be
Rasta’ intensely explains this
perception. There is a com-
mon belief that if one wears
dreadlocks then there is no
doubt that they are Rastafar-
ians. Could that be really the
case? Does one’s hair define
them? Or, is it a prerequisite
for Rastafarians to grow
dreadlocks or can you be
one without them? These
are a few of the questions
that linger in many people’s
minds at the mention of Reggae is a Favorite Genre of In essence, this is a lot of Strength, the Sir Jah through smoking the These are a few of the questions that
Rastafarianism, Reggae and Music for many People in Kenya. power and liberation that revolves herb. Though there is some sort linger in many people’s minds at the
dreadlocks. Mostly Perceived as a meditating around Reggae but over timely it of closeness between Weed and mention of Rastafarianism, Reggae
• There is this notion starter pack as it’s lyrics and beats has developed a set of stereotypes Reggae, this does not necessarily and dreadlocks.
that Reggae is mostly for the bring about a relaxation effect. In that need to debunked. Albeit, make it only accessible to weed There is this notion that Reggae is
Generation Z and the allu- Entertainment joints on Fridays, having such beneficial advantageous smokers. Stereotypes have some mostly for the Generation Z and the
sion with bad acts. I believe blaring over are reggae songs that aforementioned above that reassert bits of truth. But as we all know allusion with bad acts. I believe this
this genre is cut out for all seems to thrill revelers as they the imminent role reggae plays, generalizations are often hasty and genre is cut out for all ages and it one
ages and it one wouldn’t be unwind a tiring week. these are some of the grim grotto often false. Furthermore, Hip-hop wouldn’t be surprised to see an old
Reggae is such a cocktail as you’d perspectives about this genre that and jazz have as much Weed culture man humming Beres Hammond’s
surprised to see an old man
listen to Listen Etana Songs when have it in bad light. as Reggae. The only difference is Rockway Song in a Matatu.
humming Beres Hammond’s you’re seeking to fall in Love, the Reggae is not a Synonym for that we don’t make that association The alluding that maybe reggae is
Rockway Song in a Matatu. cold heart riddim will come in handy Weed. Many at times, you get to more often. for people who commit what society
when your heart has been broken hear the assumption that because of The “You need Dreadlocks to term as bad has to be demystified
and those old roots like UB40 when the Rastafarian nature of reggae, one be a Reggae fanatic” is a wrong since for most Youth joints they
you’re harboring be cajoled to a needs to smoke a spliff in order to statement on so many levels. might be playing reggae music as
place of zero disturbance. It has Listen to this musical genre. You Morgan Heritage’s song, ‘You don’t they identify themselves with it.
helped personalities such as those would not miss to hear a parent haffi dread to be Rasta’ intensely The parting shot however is Reggae
of Turn tablists (DJs) have carved a castigating a Child for listening what explains this perception. There is is beautiful genre that is mutually
niche in through producing some top they term devilish and bhang music, a common belief that if one wears inclusive and people should listen
tier reggae mixes that have helped a mindset that need to be eroded. dreadlocks then there is no doubt more carefully to the socially-
them make a name and earn a living. Rastas, however argue out that that they are Rastafarians. Could that conscious lyrics with an open mind
Homespun local artist has since since Reggae is heavily loaded with be really the case? Does one’s hair and try to relate to something more
released reggae songs that have been religious rhetoric and is considered define them? Or, is it a prerequisite than just the broached held customs.
Trailblazers like the “I remember as being spiritually heightening, for Rastafarians to grow dreadlocks
them days in Nairobi by Dynamyq. hence the need to connect with or can you be one without them?
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times 9 | NATIONAL
News >> The spirit of the constitution requires… why look at the spirit, while the Constitution speaks for itself - Prof Githu Muigai

BBI RULING SET FOR AUGUST 20

these are the things that annoy me as
a Kenyan.”
The respondents, including the
Law Society of Kenya, Linda
Katiba, Third Way Alliance, Kenya
By: Kamande Muchiri
Human Rights Commission, and
@mountkenyatimes Kituo cha Sheria, argue that the
............................................................
Bill is flawed and that its creation
was unconstitutional, urging the
appellate court to uphold the High
Court’s decision.
Senior Counsel John Khaminwa
urged the seven-judge-bench to
dismiss President Uhuru Kenyatta’s
application, on grounds that he had
shown disrespect to the court by
failing to appoint the six judges
nominated by the Judicial Service
Commission.
Court of Appeal judges, (from left) Fatuma Sichale, Patrick Kiage, Roselyn Nambuye, Daniel Musinga(president), Hannah Ok- NARC Kenya party leader Martha
wengu, Gatembu Kairu and Francis Tuiyot in a group photo during a break from hearing the BBI case. Photo: Judiciary/Kenya. Karua has implored the Court of
................................................................................................................................................................................................. Appeal to safeguard and protect the
The Court of Appeal will deliver High Court have determined whether dismiss the submissions that were Constitution against the political
Worth Noting:
its judgment on the Building Bridges or not the President was acting within made citing otherwise. elite.
Initiative (BBI) appeal case on or outside the Constitution? In my “President Kenyatta has not According to Karua, politicians
• “At what point in have demonstrated that they cannot
August 20, 2021. humble submission, this should have come to the court with clean hands,
time should the High Court The court has, since Tuesday, been been done at the onset and not the therefore the court must refuse to be trusted with the Constitution
have determined whether hearing submissions by proponents final judgment,” he stated. hear him for deliberately refusing to since independence. Instead, she
or not the President was and opponents in the case, who Odinga through his lawyer James swear in the six judges,” he said. argues that they will tamper with it
acting within or outside the are seeking to have High Court’s Orengo maintained that the BBI Arbiter Isaac Aluochier told the for their own expedience.
Constitution? In my humble judgment that nullified the BBI process is a popular initiative and Appellate Judges that his displeasure The former Justice and
submission, this should have overturned or upheld. asked the Court to allow the will of over what he termed President Uhuru Constitutional Affairs Minister says
been done at the onset and Court of Appeal President the people to reign. Kenyatta’s contempt of court is the Kenyans must be apprehensive
Daniel Musinga who heard the “If the President can do these main reason for suing the President when politicians champion changes
not the final judgment,” he
cases alongside Justices Hannah ordinary things including being a over his role in the Constitution in the law of the land, noting that
stated.
Okwengu, Patrick Kiage, Fatuma voter, I don’t see why he cannot be amendment process. “while pretending to observe the
• Odinga through his Constitution, the political elite will
Sichale, Gatembu Kairu, Roselyne a promoter (of BBI). But we are not He cited President Kenyatta’s
lawyer James Orengo main- Nambuye and Francis Tuyyoit said saying in this instance that he was speech during the Madaraka Day use amendment and constitutional
tained that the BBI process the judge-bench will take 49 day the promoter,” Orengo said. celebrations in Kisumu, where amendments to ensure they extend
is a popular initiative and to ready the ruling after declining a Prof Githu Muigai said the Appeal Aluochier said the President used their stay in power and concentrate
asked the Court to allow the request to give an early date. Court was reduced to a philosophical the event to find the best way of power in their hands,”
will of the people to reign. Nine issues among them public arena in regard to the basic structure attacking the Judiciary after stopping On Thursday, Tharaka Nithi
• “If the President can participation, IEBC quorum and role doctrine the High Court declared BBI process Senator Kindiki Kithure had
do these ordinary things in- of BBI promoters and initiators were The former AG who appeared for illegal. submitted that the push for
at the heart of the hearing that saw IEBC termed the basic doctrinal “I was enjoying my quiet life of Constitutional change was not a
cluding being a voter, I don’t
the country’s crème de crème legal as the challenge in installing farming in Rongo. But when you popular initiative as claimed by
see why he cannot be a pro-
minds treat Kenyans to a legal face- Constitutionalism in the country. see the country’s foundational law the proponents, but a presidential
moter (of BBI). But we are initiative.
off. “I have been in these corridors being mutilated, I had to come up
not saying in this instance Prof Githu Muigai, representing for over 3 decades. I have never and defend the Constitution … we “The President has no right to
that he was the promoter,” the Independent Electoral and seen a case like this. We don’t seem are not paid by anyone, we are just initiate a popular initiative because
Orengo said. Boundaries Commission, had to agree on anything. Not what the Kenyans who love this country,” this avenue of the popular initiative
• Prof Githu Muigai pleaded with the court to give an early facts were, not what the law is, not said the Arbiter is reserved for private citizens
said the Appeal Court was date citing strict election timelines what the concepts are, not what the President Kenyatta ignited a war including civil society, and is not
reduced to a philosophical amid concerns a referendum would words mean, who the people are,” between the Executive and the available to State organs or State
arena in regard to the basic no longer be tenable. said Prof Muigai. Judiciary when he said that the recent officers,” the lawyer said.
Musinga said the seven-judge- He faulted the argument by the judgment overturned the people’s Lawyers for the BBI Secretariat
structure doctrine
bench that heard the case had made Thirdway Alliance Party, who will, diminished their power, and told the court that the promoters
careful deliberations as the four-day stated that the BBI proposals were stifled efforts to fix ills that have of the popular initiative were Co-
hearing comes to a close. an attempt to enact the constitution bedeviled the country. Chairs Junet Mohammed and Dennis
“We deliberated on this date, afresh. Aluochier added: “We just wanted Waweru and not President Uhuru, as
looking at the nature of the matter According to him, 90 percent to drive on one point, appellant had been ruled in the High Court
and volumes before us,” he said. of the Constitution is going to Uhuru, as the President of this judgment.
The matter was filed by among remain intact, and therefore it is an country, please obey the law. Stop “Against all uncontroverted
others; the State, President Uhuru amendment and not a re-enactment disregarding this Katiba of ours, evidence, the promoters of this
Kenyatta, former Prime Minister “If you ever want to know a weak especially when you are the number initiative were Dennis Waweru and
Raila Odinga and IEBC. lawyer, they start with, “The spirit of one citizen of this country.” Junet Mohamed. The court insists
President Kenyatta in his final the constitution requires… why look “You took the oath to obey, on finding President Kenyatta as the
submission through lawyer Kimani at the spirit, while the Constitution respect, uphold, and defend this promoter. Anyone can support the
Kiragu pleaded with the court to speaks for itself?” he said. Constitution of Kenya. And you are initiative,” Lawyer Otiende Amollo
invalidate the High Court ruling that Paul Nyamodi, on his part, noted not doing it. Instead, you are the one argued.
shot down the BBI process. that the Constitution can indeed be leading the process of amending and
“At what point in time should the amended and asked the Court to tearing apart this Katiba of ours, and
10 | INSPIRATION
President Kenyatta Decries Surge In Gender Based Violence In Africa
(PSCU)-President Uhuru Kenyatta
has decried the rising cases of
Gender Based Violence (GBV)
in Africa saying the situation had
reached global emergency levels.
He said Covid-19 had exacerbated
the already dire global GBV
situation and called for urgent
corrective action by the international
community.
“Covid-19 pandemic has
exacerbated the situation, and turned
Gender Based Violence into a global
emergency. Emerging data indicates
a surge of at least 25% in violence
against women around the world,”
President Kenyatta said.
The Kenyan Head of State spoke on
Wednesday evening during a panel
discussion at the opening session of
Generation Equality Forum (GEF)
in Paris, France. GEF is a global
gender equality gathering convened
by UN Women and co-hosted by
Mexico and France.
President Kenyatta, who is
accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries
Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs),
James Macharia (Infrastructure),
and Prof Margaret Kobia (Gender),
is in Paris on a two-day Official Visit
during which he is scheduled to
hold bilateral talks with his French
counterpart Emmanuel Macron.
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Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
budgetary allocation to 50 million that a key outcome of the GEF will
USD by 2026. The investment will be a significant increase in funding
include an annual 1 million USD from international partners to boost
research fund and a GBV survivors domestic efforts to eliminate GBV,”
kitty. President Kenyatta said.
Further, President Kenyatta US Vice President Kamala Harris,
announced Kenya’s elaborate plans EU Commission President Ursula
to introduce data supported policies von der Leyen and South African
in its anti-GBV efforts including President Cyril Ramaphosa as
a specific module in next year’s well as German Chancellor Angela
annual demographic health survey, Merkel also addressed the opening
roll out of an electronic information session of the three-day global
management system, and integration conference.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday morning met his French host of GBV in the country’s ambitious Other notable speakers were
@EmmanuelMacron at Elysee Palace in Paris. universal health coverage program. Prime Minister of Finland Sanna
.................................................................................................................................. On enforcement of GBV laws and Marin, President of Mexico
policies, President Kenyatta said Andres Obrador and his Argentina
President Kenyatta noted that GBV the year 2030 saying, the country Kenya will implement an integrated counterpart Alberto Fernandez
is a global challenge affecting over will continue tightening its anti- national police service response as well as former US Secretary
36 percent of women aged between GBV policies by adopting relevant mechanism dubbed ‘policare’ as of State Hillary Clinton, Melinda
15 and 49 years and pointed out international treaties including the well as establish GBV recovery Gates of the Bill and Melinda
that Africa had recorded a spike in ILO Convention 190. centres in all of its 47 counties. Gates Foundation, and President
gender related violence in the last “Kenya has made significant At the session hosted by President of the African Development Bank
one year. progress in addressing Gender Emmanuel Macron and attended Akinwumi Adesina.
He said Cameroon (35%), South Based Violence. I have made a by several global leaders among In their speeches, Prime Minister
Africa (37%), Central African personal commitment to end Female them UN Secretary General Antonio Marin and Mrs Gates announced
Republic (50%), Liberia (50%), and Genital Mutilation during my tenure Guteress and EU Council President financial commitments of 150
Kenya (50%) had recorded some of and to end all forms of Gender Based Charles Michel, President Kenyatta million Euros and 2.1 billion US
the highest increases or GBVon the Violence by 2030 as envisioned rallied the international community Dollars in new funding for the
African continent in the last twelve in the Sustainable Development to commit more financial resources global gender equality agenda.
months. Goals,” he said. to the global fight against GBV.
Once again, President Kenyatta He said Kenya will invest over 23 “To meaningfully deliver on
reiterated Kenya’s commitment million USD in GBV prevention these commitments will require
to ending all forms of GBV by programmes by 2022, and increase substantial funding. It is my hope
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times 11 | NATIONAL
News >> In a joint statement released on Friday, CS Yatani said Kshs. 28.5 billion have already been released to counties as Conditional Grants.

TREASURY RELEASES OUTSTANDING ALLOCATION FOR

COUNTIES
By: Shadrack Wanyama
@mountkenyatimes
............................................................

Worth Noting:

• CS Yatani said the

release of the monies will
enable counties to meet their
obligation to the private
sector and spur economic
activity at the county level, as
part of the ongoing econom-
ic recovery programme.
• He added that the
Treasury shall give County
Governments adequate time .................................................................................................................................................................................................
to process and transmit pay-
ments through the Integrat- The National Treasury yesterday
ed Financial Management cleared the outstanding balance of
Information System (IFMIS). Sh26.9 billion owed to counties for
• “The National the financial year 2020/2021 which
Treasury and leadership of ended on June 30.
The disbursement of the sum
the Council of Governors
will see Treasury clear in full the
further agreed that County Sh316.5 billion revenue allocation
Governments will prioritize set in 2020.
settlement of pending bills The latest comes after the Treasury
with the resources that have reached an agreement with Council
been released for Financial of Governors (CoG) to prioritize
Year 2020/21,” he said. clearance of pending bills owed to
• This, Yatani noted, various suppliers.
will enable counties to meet In a joint statement released on
their important obligation Friday, CS Yatani said Kshs. 28.5
billion have already been released to
to the private sector and
counties as Conditional Grants.
spur economic activity at the CS Yatani said the release of the
county-level as part of the monies will enable counties to meet
ongoing an inclusive Eco- their obligation to the private sector
nomic Recovery Programme. and spur economic activity at the
county level, as part of the ongoing
economic recovery programme.
He added that the Treasury shall
give County Governments adequate
time to process and transmit
payments through the Integrated
Financial Management Information
System (IFMIS).
“The National Treasury and
leadership of the Council of
Governors further agreed that
County Governments will prioritize
National treasury CS Ukur Yatani.
settlement of pending bills with the delayed approval of the Division of
resources that have been released for COG Chair Martin Wambora on Revenue Act (DoRA) and County
Financial Year 2020/21,” he said. Tuesday while delivering the 8th Allocation of Revenue Act (CARA)
This, Yatani noted, will enable annual devolution address said that 2020 by both the Senate and the
counties to meet their important failure by the National Treasury National Assembly.
obligation to the private sector to release the equitable share to The Embu Governor also decried
and spur economic activity at the counties in good time has contributed several pieces of legislation that
county-level as part of the ongoing to a myriad of challenges facing the came into effect in the last year,
an inclusive Economic Recovery devolved units of governance. which he claimed clawback on
Programme. “Non-compliance of County devolution.
The CS further said that Governments regarding timely “Tea Act, 2021, that establishes
conditional grants amounting to payment of employees’ salaries and the Tea Board of Kenya, which
Sh28.5 billion had also been released remittance of County employees’ will undertake regulatory functions
to the devolved units. statutory deductions.” said the Embu meant for Counties under the
The Council of Governors had governor. Constitution.” He pointed out.
warned of possible suspension of Wambora lamented that the delay According to the CoG chair,
operations without the finances has occasioned deferred settlement Education, Trade, Tourism and
which were due for disbursement in of eligible pending bills besides Agriculture are some of the sectors
June. salary issues. adversely affected by COVID-19
During the meeting held on Friday Further, he noted that delayed restrictions while ICT, Energy
morning and which was attended by disbursement of funds derailed and natural resource management
National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Counties’ response measures to registered marked improvement.
Ukur Yatani, CoG Chairman covid-19 pandemic, noting that He also singled out the Business
Governor Martin Wambora and CoG dealing with other emergencies such Laws (Amendment) Act No. 1 of
Vice Chairman Governor James as droughts, floods, and the locust 2020, which amends the Land Act,
Ongwae, the two sides also struck invasion became an uphill task as a 2012 and Land Registration Act,
a deal to continues consulting and result of the delay. 2012 by removing the requirement
cooperating on issues regarding The COG chair said that the of obtaining certificates of payment
public finance management in Treasury is not exclusively to be of land rates or rent from the county
order to ensure continuity in service blame for this state of affairs, noting governments, a key source of
delivery. that the County Governments revenue for counties.
had been forced to wait for long
WAMBORA DECRY FUNDS before receiving their allocation of
DELAY the shareable revenue because of
 Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times

12 LIFESTYLE Motivation
ASKING WHY QUESTION AND ITS IMPORTANCE BEFORE
REJECTING AN IDEA
By: N. George
@mountkenyatimes
............................................................

Worth Noting:

In mid1980’s a gastroenterol-
ogist from Western Australia
Dr Barry Marshall argued that
ulcers were not caused by spicy
foods, excess acid or stress
rather bacteria. His discovery
was met with scepticism and
to illustrate that he was correct
he underwent a gastric biopsy
himself. In 2005, he was award- ...................................................................................................................................
ed the Nobel Peace Prize for his .................................................................................................................................................................................................

discovery.
• By blending botany with
Every society throughout the
mathematics which were seen as
world have its own way of living.
separate disciplines then Gregor It has its set of rules and regulation
Mendel hereditary laws findings that govern its members, whether
in 1865 experimented on plants, written or unwritten. The culture is
mice and bees were ridiculed. In a part of the customs of the society
his findings, he demonstrated and determine the dos and don’ts.
When coming up with laws, some
that the traits from each parent
of these customs are incorporated
were averaged together in off- while others are abandoned. The
spring. laws must be able to control the
• To his critics a simple human behaviours, recognized by
monk from a provincial town the society as binding and must be
could not be in a position to enforceable. Contravention of these
laws attracts punishment.
understand and interpret com-
The freedoms of human beings,
plex scientific issues as he did. the rights and obligations in
The criticism of his work did contracts between people as well as
not last forever, as 16 years after what we cannot do are some aspects
his death and 35 years after he we should consider when coming up
presented his findings, his laws with any law.
When think about every custom,
were accepted.
we need to dig deeper and establish
the prevailing conditions that led to
its establishment.
In 1773 horse riders, coachmen
and people taking their vegetables
to market who were carrying swords
were encouraged to drive on the left-
hand side of the road by the British
general highways act while in1835
the British government passed the
highway act that made left-hand maternity ward in Vienna in the mid-
traffic a compulsory practice. 19th century came up with the idea
The practice is believed to have of handwashing antiseptic which he
started in ancient Rome where argued that if it is used by doctors
Romans steered their carts on the left in obstetric clinics to disinfect their
side of the road so that they could hands after autopsies, it would
use their right hand to whip their reduce puerperal fever mortality
horses and leave the right-hand side rates.
free to enable them to effectively use The medical community rejected
weapons in case of enemy attack as his idea, unhappy with the conduct
most people were right-handed. of his colleagues Semmelweis
Some countries use right-hand started to criticize his colleagues
drive as an opposition to their British by writing open letters which led
colonial masters who use left-hand to his admission at Viennese insane
drive, for example USA. Napoleon asylum where he was thoroughly
a French ruler choice of driving beaten only to die two weeks later.
side was right, and he advocated all In some clinics where his policy was
his colonies to follow suit the other accepted and implemented, the rates
notable influencer of right-hand of puerperal fever mortality dropped
drive was Henry for an American car by 90 percent.
manufacturer who put the steering of In the mid1980’s
his vehicles to the left advancing the gastroenterologist from Western
idea of the right-hand drive. Australia Dr Barry Marshall argued
When he observed an apple falling, that ulcers were not caused by spicy
renown scientist Isaac Newton asked foods, excess acid or stress, rather
the why question and upon research, bacteria. His discovery was met with
he discovered that there is a force skepticism and to illustrate that he
that is pulling the fruit from its rest was correct he underwent a gastric
position and named it the force of biopsy himself. In 2005, he was
gravity. awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for
A Hungarian physician Ignaz his discovery.
Semmelweis who worked in By blending botany with
mathematics which were seen as
separate disciplines then Gregor
Mendel hereditary laws findings
in 1865 experimented on plants,
mice and bees were ridiculed. In
his findings, he demonstrated that
the traits from each parent were
averaged together in offsprings.
To his critics, a simple monk from
a provincial town could not be in a
position to understand and interpret
complex scientific issues as he did.
The criticism of his work did not last
forever, as 16 years after his death
and 35 years after he presented his
findings, his laws were accepted.
A look at global giants like
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
you will realise that they started as
insurgent which many people easily
a belittled only to gain much attraction
with time.
Before you go ahead to discredit
any new idea introduced by
someone, it should be your duty to
do due diligence to avoid shame and
confusion in future. It is obviously
simple to reject something without
providing any reason for a below
average minded person or anyone
whose thinking is questionable.
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
POINTS TO CONSIDER WHEN ENROLLING YOUR CHILD
FOR PRE-SCHOOL
As the world is grappling with the
COVID-19 pandemic and has rav-
By: Brian Kharis aged the education system and has
@mountkenyatimes made so many learners to stay home.
............................................................ Many will soon return since gov-
ernments are getting on track while
vaccinating their citizens. These are
tips you can put into consideration
as you prepare your child back to
school after along stay at home.
There is something you look out for
when choosing a pre-primary school
Worth Noting:
for your
children whom you may know
• The school should have
won’t affect you as a parent and also
a good sanitation mechanism
your child. There are parents who
and devise a proper way of col- stay long hours at work and come
lecting and depositing rubbish back late at home whereas there are
to make the school clean and other schools not considerable for
free from flies. The latrine or the well-being of your child, there-
toilets are supposed to be kept fore a lot of questions run into our
clean and washed to prevent or minds before enrolling our children
avoid diseases at school. to these pre- schools, kindergarten,
nursery or call them early child de-
• Children are very
velopment centres. These are some
sensitive beings who don’t need
of the considerations you should
to play in a dirty environment.
For example, dirty classrooms take seriously;
How caring and understanding are
have dust in them that can cause
the teachers and staff
respiratory infections of a child
There are schools that are located
at a tender age. Diseases like
near the main road and therefore
asthma, flue, sinuses and cough these calls for maximum moni-
can be contracted through raise toring and care for the children to
of dust. Structures are also avoid accidents or being in a risk of
supposed to be strong, clean being knocked down. Kids are vul-
and well maintained to elude nerable and therefore need a lot of
a good learning environment. care around and inside school for
Poor structures can fall on the accidents to be avoided. Caring also
makes them not hurt themselves as
children, which is dangerous.
they play like with dangerous ob-
• Schools are supposed
jects or even bad games that may
to have all teaching equipment
and materials needed for a hurt them which requires monitor-
ing.
child`s learning. Materials like
Parents should do some survey
charts and reading books such
about the care of children in those
as story books are supposed
pre-schools before taking their
to be available for reading. children in them. There are some
Children are also not supposed schools that won’t allow your chil-
to be beaten heavy strokes/canes dren as long as you have fully paid
as a way of punishment be- fees or school dues; watch out for
cause it turns them off to go to such schools if you can’t clear all
school and even make them hate the fees for your child in time need-
school. Corporal punishment ed and look for schools that can buy
your plea when you are still broke.
should be banished at school.
You should also take to know what
measures the school is taking to curb
the spread of coronavirus and if their
teachers and staff got vaccinated.
Qualification of staff
In order to impact a lot in to a child,
teachers who play the vital role in
teaching children are supposed to
be qualified and have enough skills
in early child development in order
to produce quality and good child
performance. Good nursery or child
development teachers are supposed
to be trained and qualified and also
have skills in child development
from a recognized institution of
learning. This will enable early de-
velopment skills such as social, in-
teractive, cognitive, psycho motor
and learning to be imparted in the
child well from trained personnel.
Balanced diet and nutritious food
There are schools that give chil-
dren what to eat during break or past
break time during free resting hours
like porridge and bananas at school
sometimes. Take a step to find out if
when and what is given to children
is nutritious; for example if milk is
mixed in the porridge and if the ba-
nanas are good (some bananas some-
times are given to children from bad
stock from what teachers have left,
so you have to know what is given
to your child). If found good, such
foods are healthy for children and
also relieves children; and act as a
persuasion factor that helps children
love school. Good diet is necessary
for a child’s growth and if you find
such foods are given, then it is ideal
to take your child to such a school
School fees
In this economy of recovery and
many have been damaged badly be-
cause of the pandemic, find out the
status of the school and how much
they charge in order to get the right
school to take your child to. You may
be having little money, look for those
schools that provide quality services
but with affordable fees structures
that suits your pocket and means for
your child to stay in school.
Do not rush for schools that you
cannot afford. Some of those schools
are business oriented, they charge
exorbitant to drain money from par-
ents yet there are some schools that
offer good education at a reasonable
price not to malice your pocket. Do
not be driven by the world by tak-
ing your child to expensive schools
that may cost you much and drive
you to economic crisis or lower your
incomes.
Outdoor space
There should be at least enough
space or compound for children
to freely play. A room for play-
ing should also be catered for and
the classrooms should also be rea-
sonably big and not too small like
a house with rooms turned into a
school with tiny rooms that don’t
have breathing and playing space.
Without play, Peter is a dull boy, so
lookout for a school with enough
space for your child to play, have
fun at school and be active. Plays
also make children learn skills such
as thinking, body coordination and
social skills among others
Sanitation
The school should have a good sani-
tation mechanism and devise a prop-
er way of collecting and depositing
rubbish to make the school clean and
free from flies. The latrine or toilets
are supposed to be kept clean and
washed to prevent or avoid diseases
at school.
Good and clean structures and
classrooms
Children are very sensitive beings
who don’t need to play in a dirty
environment. For example, dirty
classrooms have dust in them that
can cause respiratory infections of a
child at a tender age. Diseases like
asthma, flue, sinuses and cough can
be contracted through raise of dust.
Structures are also supposed to be
strong, clean and well maintained to
elude a good learning environment.
Poor structures can fall on the chil-
dren, which is dangerous.
Teaching materials and a good
teaching system
Schools are supposed to have all
teaching equipment and materials
needed for a child`s learning. Ma-
terials like charts and reading books
such as story books are supposed to
be available for reading. Children
are also not supposed to be beat-
en heavy strokes/canes as a way of
punishment because it turns them off
to go to school and even make them
hate school. Corporal punishment
should be banished at school.
Distance and means of going to
school and back home
The distance matters a lot because
there are some schools that are far
from home and a mechanism of a
shuttle to be providing transport for
the children can be a possible solu-
tion. Parents are supposed to devise
a way of their children going to
school and coming back home. If
they are always busy, they can get
someone to keep taking and collect-
ing them back from school. Also
consider taking your child to either a
boarding or day school due to regu-
EDUCATION 13
lations by some governments. There
are some schools where children
sleep in school and are picked for
weekend on Friday; this avoids them
to contract the virus while they are
in communities going back at home
Choose a school with your child
Two heads are better than one.
Your Child has preference, as you
do. Walk along with your child to
the schools that they may choose.
There are schools of their choice
which they may like, though you as
a parent you make the ultimate deci-
sion. Their decision may be as best
as yours. The reason you should take
your child to choose a school for
him or herself is to teach them how
to make choices and be independent
both in decision making and what to
do.
Security
It is good to know the safety of
your children at school. There are
a number of cases that have been
registered about child rape, sacrifice
and kidnap. Choose wisely on that
school to avoid issues that may arise
that your child is lost or announced
missing. Schools should have a
good stringent security measure and
should know all parents or anybody
else who collect the children. In fact,
they should all register before pick-
ing a child to avoid such issues out
lined above; and the person picking
the child should be known.
School regulations, rules and the
fear of God
A good school is one which has
policies, regulations and rules put in
place. This instils values and princi-
ples into a child to follow and adhere
to; thus strengthening their mor-
als, discipline and demeanour. This
makes a child grow in to an up right
person with the fear of God too
Brian Kharis
Brian is an information specialist,
activist and founder Raising Em-
powered Foundation in Uganda.
Twitter @BrianKharis
 Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times

14 POEMS

A gift from God Black Coffee

Mr Danson Mwangi By Jomo David
Is a gift from God My black favour
Bless him O’ Lord In a white cup In smiles all time
A black foam formed When roosters crows
He works so tirelessly With bubbles golden brown When sun heats overhead
Making sure Mt Kenya Times is Steam rising When crickets noises
published so effortlessly Like the morning sun And frogs calling their mates
Regaling the readers with interesting My favoured flavour
stories, endlessly It is warm in taste Is right there
Sweat on throat Smiling to my heart.
He is the founder When it kisses my lips
And we are prouder My tongue runs to check �Joweda
Let’s applaud him, louder If it’s honey.

He is so humble
He never grumbles
But his work resonates in Africa for it
rumbles

O’ hail Mr Danson Mwangi

His words are lakker and “mnandi”
He is a great man so handy

@ Abigirl Phiri
Words are forever

................... ...................
............................... ...............................
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times

BOOKS 15

LAW ON CAMPAIGN FINANCES WILL BE PUT IN FORCE

NEXT YEAR – IEBC
By: Rashid Abubakar nomination expenses and election
@mountkenyatimes campaign expenses of candidates
............................................................ and political parties.
Lastly, the commission said
all expenditure reports shall be
The Independent Electoral and
submitted to it within 21 days of
Boundaries Commission (IEBC)
the political party nomination and
has said the campaign financing act
within three months after elections.
2013 that was suspended for the
The commission, in the last
2017 elections will be in force for
General Election, capped spending
the purposes of the 2022 elections.
for campaigns to Sh15 billion, in
IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati
a bid to control high spenders who
in a statement Friday, listed
deploy wealth to tilt the playing
requirements for political parties and
field.
independent candidates, as it looks
Presidential candidates were
to monitor expenses and campaign
limited to no more than Sh5.2 billion.
financiers in next year’s poll slated
The Chebukati led commission
for August 9, 2022.
in 2017 said anyone who defied the
The law requires candidates vying
ceilings in the expenditure period of
for various political posts to unveil
six months to the General Election
their campaign teams and file bank
risked a fine not exceeding Sh2
accounts.
million or a term of imprisonment
The act requires all political
not exceeding five years, or both.
parties and candidates contesting in
the 2022 election to open campaign
financing accounts at least two
months before the elections.
The aspiring candidates should IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
also establish a campaign financing .................................................................................................................................................................................................
expenditure committee and appoint
authorized persons who will manage
the campaign funds.
“All political parties and
candidates contesting to establish an
expenditure committee comprising
of persons nominated by the
governing council of the political
party or by the independent candidate
as the case may be,” said Chebukati.
“Further to the provisions of
Sections 6, 7, and 8 of the Act, the
following requirements apply,” he
added.
First, all political parties and
candidates contesting in the 2022
Elections to establish Expenditure
Committees comprising persons
nominated by the governing council
of the political party or by the
independent candidate, as the case
may be.
Second, all political parties,
candidates to submit names of
persons authorized to manage their
accounts being either the candidate,
candidate’s agent, or member of the
party Expenditure Committee.
Third, all authorized persons shall
be required at registration to open
campaign financing bank accounts
where contributions by a candidate,
political party, or contributions
received from a lawful source will
be received and submit the details of
the accounts to the Commission.
Fourth, the Commission shall Raila Odinga’s ODM party campaign in 2017.
monitor and investigate all .................................................................................................................................................................................................
information relating to party
 16 ECONOMY
Tourism
TSAVO NATIONAL PARK IN KENYA
By: Perpetual Nyambura
perpetual@mtkenyatimes.co.ke
..............................................
Worth Noting:
• Mudanda Rock
which is a 1.6km inselberg of
stratified rock that acts as a
water catchment that sup-
plies a natural dam below. It
offers an excellent vantage
point for the hundreds of
elephants and other wildlife
that come to drink during
the dry season.
• Yatta plateau which
is the world’s longest lava
flow runs along the west-
ern boundary of the park
above the Athi River. Its 290
km length was formed by
lava from Ol Doinyo Sabuk
Mountain.
• Lugard Falls named
after Fredrick Lugard, is a
series of white-water rapids
on the Galana River where
crocodiles love to bath.
• Aruba Dam which
was built in 1952 across the
Voi River. The reservoir
created by the dam attracts
many animals and water
birds.
Split into two parks covering the
East and West, the combined area
of Tsavo National Park represents
one of Africa’s most vast tracts
of wilderness and at a gargantuan
21,000 square kilometers is Kenya’s
biggest national park. Being one
of the largest national parks in the
world, it covers a massive 4% of
Kenya’s total land area. Such a large
area is inevitably characterized by
huge contrasts in its topography, with
soaring volcanic hills, open savannah
plains, rolling grasslands and shrub-
land offering a vast and rugged area
of exploration. It is somewhere you
can enjoy seeing wildlife in its most
pure and unhurried, and in relative
solitude.
Tsavo west covers 9,000 square
kilometers, bearing the scars of
volcanic activity such as outcrops
and lava flows, of which shaitana
meaning ‘devil’ in Swahili is the
most significant despite being the
smaller of the two parks, it is visited
more and is most famous for its
Mzima springs; a network of four
unfeasibly clear natural springs that
take the Chyulu hills as the main
source. Mzima is also famous for
underwater hippo observation, as
well as crocodiles and barbells. The
Chaimu volcanic crater is another
area of interest especially for birders
who can witness eagles, buzzards
and falcons, and interestingly it may
be explored on foot through some
excellent hiking trails. You might
encounter wildlife such as elephants,
buffalo, lion, cheetah, rhino, leopard,
giraffe and zebra. The scenery has an
instant appeal, with a mountainous
backdrop and picturesque Lake Jipe
on its Tanzanian edge.
Tsavo East National Park is one
of the oldest and largest African
safari parks in Kenya. It is situated
in a semi-arid area previously
known as the Taru Desert located
near the town of Voi in the Taita-
Taveta County of the former Coast
Province. The Park is 333 km south-
east of Nairobi, and 173 km north-
west of Mombasa. It was established
in April 1948 and covers 11,747 km
squares, although it is not fully open
to the public. Some areas in the park
are designated as remote animal
wilderness for the Kenyan animals,
but there is still a massive area for
visitors to tour around and enjoy
viewing the Kenyan Wildlife.
Long before its formation, mane-
less male lions attacked and killed
more than a hundred railway workers
who were building the Kenya Uganda
railway from Mombasa. Tsavo East
National Park is inhabited by huge
families of Gazelles, Buffaloes,
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
Elephants, duikers, hares, hyenas,
impalas, mongoose, waterbucks,
squirrels, warthogs, black faced
velvet monkeys, black rhinoceros,
Lions, Rhinos, Leopards, and Zebras
among other wild cats and bird-life.
The area is dry covered with thorny
bushes and swamps that sustain the
life of the wildlife found there.
Inside Tsavo East National Park,
the Athi and Tsavo rivers converge
to form the Galana River. Most of the
park consists of semi-arid grasslands
and savanna. It is considered one of
the world’s biodiversity strongholds,
and its popularity is mostly due to the
vast amounts of diverse wildlife that
can be seen, including the famous
‘big five’ consisting of lion, black
rhino, cape buffalo, elephant and
leopard. The park is also home to a
great variety of bird life such as the
black kite, crowned crane, lovebird
and the sacred ibis. Tsavo East
National Park is generally flat, with
dry plains across which the Galana
River flows. Other features include
the Yatta Plateau and Lugard Falls.
The major attractions are:
• Mudanda Rock which is
a 1.6km inselberg of stratified rock
that acts as a water catchment that
supplies a natural dam below. It
offers an excellent vantage point for
the hundreds of elephants and other
wildlife that come to drink during
the dry season.
• Yatta plateau which is the
world’s longest lava flow runs along
the western boundary of the park
above the Athi River. Its 290 km
length was formed by lava from Ol
Doinyo Sabuk Mountain.
• Lugard Falls named after
Fredrick Lugard, is a series of white-
water rapids on the Galana River
where crocodiles love to bath.
• Aruba Dam which was built
in 1952 across the Voi River. The
reservoir created by the dam attracts
many animals and water birds.
• Bird watching which is best
between October and January, with
many migratory birds including:
African skimmers, red and yellow
bishops, goshawks, buffalo weavers
and palm nut vultures, to name but
a few. Over 500 birds’ species have
been recorded in this park, including
ostriches, kestrels, buzzards,
starlings, weaverbirds, kingfishers,
hornbills, secretary birds and herons.
The sight of dust-red elephant
wallowing, rolling and spraying each
other with the midnight blue waters
of palm-shaded Galana River is also
one of the most evocative images in
Africa and Tsavo East national park
in particular.
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
DETECTIVES PROBING GACHAGUA OVER SH12BN
TENDER SHOULDN’T CAVE IN TO HIS POLITICAL TRICKS
By: Joseph Mutua Ndonga
mutuandonga@yahoo.com
..............................................
Worth Noting:
• I have previous-
ly argued in this column
that Kenya is not a banana
republic. So, cases of corrup-
tion cannot be prosecuted
at funerals, political rallies,
in church pulpits and other
social gatherings. The due
process of law must be fol-
lowed to the letter and spirit.
• I remember that
in various occasions, the
President would reiterate
this, stating. Stop politiciz-
ing the war on corruption.
If you have evidence linking
Uhuru Kenyatta or a member
of my family to graft, please
present it to the independent
relevant arms of govern-
ments, which are created by
the constitution. I promise
you that action will be taken.
Many reasoned Uhuru failed
come out strongly because
of fear of losing the second
term presidential polls. He
did not want to go down in
history as a one-term presi-
dent.
OPINION 17
Since the probe started, Gachagua
has been using political tricks in
book to denounce the investigations.
In response, many people would
aver. Gachugua is a propagandist, a
sellout and political opportunist.
He is playing the same card. Look,
I am being persecuted by Uhuru
administration for political reasons.
Supporting the DP is my only crime.
I will not stop doing this. Kenya is a
democratic country and it governed
by rule of law, so, every Kenyan has
a right to support a candidate of his
choice.
To justify this, I would cite the
provisions of 2010 constitution. His
allies from Mt Kenya amplified this
when they met DP a few days ago.
This is what I want to tell him.
Chapter six of the same constitution
which focuses on leadership and
integrity has clear provisions to
deal with those involved in criminal
offences. Corruption, money laundry
and economy sabotage are topping
the list.
I have no reason to doubt the
detectives’ commitment to pursue
this matter. If guilty, I would not
expect the courts to spare him.
Joseph Mutua Ndonga is a
Political Analyst and Blogger
Mathira MP Rigathi Gachugua.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
I have following with keen walk the talk in dealing a blow to because of fear of losing the second
interest the pull and push pitting the this vice would encounter numerous term presidential polls. He did not
detectives and politicians associated challenges. Some of those implicated want to go down in history as a one-
with mega corruption scandals and would drag his name, selected term president.
other criminal offences. members of his family as well as As we know, those linked to
The second term of President perceived cronies. When challenged mega corruption had won the 2013
Uhuru Kenyatta’s presidency would to prove their claims, they won’t do elections and continued to call the
draw much of my attention. Why? that. shots as they enjoyed the support of
This period the politicians would I have previously argued in this majority of Kenyans.
take advantage of fallout between column that Kenya is not a banana At the beginning of this term, he
the President and his deputy to republic. So, cases of corruption changed the tack. It all started with
grossly interfere, politicize the cannot be prosecuted at funerals, his shaking of hands with his main
investigations and play the victim. political rallies, in church pulpits competitor, Raila Odinga of ODM.
This did not happen during first and other social gatherings. The due He has since reached out to the other
term because the duo enjoyed a process of law must be followed to like-minds with a view to forming a
cordial relationship and, in fact, the letter and spirit. formidable political vehicle that will
we used to refer them as twins I remember that in various take over when he retires in 2022.
conjoined in the hip. Pointedly, this occasions, the President would Mathira MP Rigathi Gachugua, a
is the time mega cases of corruption reiterate this, stating. Stop diehard supporter of DP Ruto, is one
were exposed and documented. politicizing the war on corruption. of the politicians lately on the radar
Attempts to pursue those If you have evidence linking Uhuru of detectives from anti-graft bodies.
adversely mentioned won’t bore Kenyatta or a member of my He is being pursued in connection
fruits. Reason? All shared one thing family to graft, please present it to to Sh12 billion tenders. The
in common. They were comrades in the independent relevant arms of detectives have revealed that they
the same crime and had perfected the governments, which are created by have gathered sufficient evidence to
art of protecting and covering each the constitution. I promise you that charge him. We have built a water-
other. action will be taken. Many reasoned tight case against him and we will
President Kenyatta’s promise to Uhuru failed come out strongly soon arraign him in court.
 18 ECONOMY
By: Abigirl Phiri,
abigirlphiri@gmail.com
Zimbabwe
..............................................
Worth Noting:
• Some have gone to the
extent of losing their bearings
on what to do next in life and
which road to turn to. Indeed,
this is the much talked about
“depths of despair” that will
have you close to tears just at
the mere thought that will this
drama ever end. However, as
hard as this is to cope up with,
we have to hope that we will sail
through this trying time.
• Remember there is
someone greater than us mere
mortals, who is the father,
creator and giver of life, the
Almighty God. He will never
forsake nor leave us, so let’s join
hands and pray that he will see
us through this whole ordeal.
Allow me to say hope moves
mountains because it has a
direct link with faith.
• Consequently, in
whatever life-threatening and
heart-wrenching situation you
are in, just know that there is
still hope. In fact, as long as
there is still a breath of life
inside you, there is hope. Thus,
do not let anyone tell you oth-
erwise. It is noteworthy to state
any situation you are in can
change just at the blink of an
eye.
THERE IS STILL HOPE
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
Have you ever felt like you are all
alone in the world? Have you ever felt
like you are facing insurmountable
odds? Have you ever felt like
anything that you do always doesn’t
work out to your expectations? Have
you ever felt that you are a failure at
life? Nonetheless, treasured readers
perish that thought for you are not
alone.
It’s human to feel like you are at
the end of a tight rope or that you
are treading on thin ice. Although
life is full of ups and downs, brave
yourself, bearing in mind that these
mishaps are just but a passing wind
or a tempest. When the storm is over,
you will take leave of the thoughts
that you were once lamenting non-
stop whilst at the deep end.
Hope is the one that drives people
to have a positive outlook at life
situations. Without it, you would
be left bereft, riddled with doubts
and insecurities, of which this is a
formula for disaster. Always hope
against hope that the situation that
you are in right now is not permanent,
for it is a temporary, passing phase.
Rise above hate, trauma and
hopelessness amongst other
enervating life tests. Be like a
phoenix that rises from its ashes that
is literally from nothing. Stay strong
and resolute in all your pursuits.
Preach the gospel of hope after all
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
sage advice, but now l know better.
Similarly, for you my treasured
readers, think through what you can
do remarkably well, be it gardening,
sports or cracking codes inter alia.
After doing that, give it a rest
thinking the worst of yourself
and turn your mind into doing
something productive. For your own
information you will feel content
for you would have finally placed
the missing piece of the puzzle.
Everything will fall in place and start
to make sense.
Nobody ever said life would
be easy. In addition, we were
never given that guarantee ever.
Consequently, try by all your might
to make something out of your life.
Also, always hope for the best in
your life and allow God to do the
rest. Live a simple life by your own
rules. Having said that, remember,
we all have a purpose on this face
of earth. For that reason, give it your
all, have a care for others, desist
from thinking bad thoughts and most
importantly have great hope that all
will be well. On that note l say, stay
Hope safe for hope is our salvation. What
say you, my treasured reader?
sharing is tantamount to caring. Take there is still a breath of life inside Poem Title: Hope is our salvation
to mind that there are people in your you, there is hope. Thus, do not
current state that would like to hear a let anyone tell you otherwise. It is Grope
friendly word of hope from you, for noteworthy to state any situation you For hope
them to believe that they still have a are in can change just at the blink of Like in a soap opera
chance at life. an eye.
We are living in dangerous times In the same vein, just stay positive Drop
with Covid-19 global pandemic because being a pessimist doesn’t All pretense and hope
still at large to the regrets of many become anyone. Instead, it just That you will cope
people. Some of us have lost their worsens the situation, in so doing at
jobs and worse our loved ones due to the end of the day you will be feeling Hop
this global menace that have brought weary like a deflated balloon. Do not As if in a game, hoping against
down distraught to the masses. turn to drugs or alcohol to dull the hope
Some have gone to the extent of pricking pain. Interestingly, embark That you will come out the winner,
losing their bearings on what to do on a road to self-discovery. It is whoop
next in life and which road to turn during these debilitating episodes
to. Indeed, this is the much talked that other people have come out with Top spot
about “depths of despair” that will the best ideas ever. Is a ranking for the Pope who is a
have you close to tears just at the Take it this way, if you are feeling fountain of hope
mere thought that will this drama like a cornered animal, you have no Guided by grace and not ropes of
ever end. However, as hard as this is option but to think of an alternative muscles, nope
to cope up with, we have to hope that way to extricate yourself. It’s either
we will sail through this trying time. a do-or-die situation. Henceforth, Don’t flop
Remember there is someone think outside the box and come up Instead have hope and stop being a
greater than us mere mortals, who is with something that will bring you watering pot, mopping around
the father, creator and giver of life, joy. We all have innate talents within You have what it takes to make it
the Almighty God. He will never us which are just waiting for you to in life, you are not Dopey
forsake nor leave us so let’s join unlock them and live a happy life.
hands and pray that he will see us Personally speaking, due to being
through this whole ordeal. Allow left to my own devices, l have had
me to say hope moves mountains the chance to acknowledge l have
because it has a direct link with faith. a love for writing and since then l
Consequently, in whatever life- haven’t stopped doing my part.
threatening and heart-wrenching Someone close to me told me that
situation you are in, just know that opportunities are always around you.
there is still hope. In fact, as long as By then l didn’t take it to heart this
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times AD 19

P-SEGMENT: What’s Hot in Counties

..............................

.....

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 20 PUNCHY SEGMENT
P-SEGMENT:
Health workers reveal rot in Meru health sector
By: Rugendo Antony
araneeto@gmail.com
..............................................
Worth Noting:
• They accused the
Members of Meru County
of remaining silent despite
patients and health workers
grappling with poor services
and poverty respectively.
• “In all these our
MCAs are just silent. Kindly
we ask them to wake up and
tell us where our salaries
for the month of January,
February and March 2021
amounting to almost 150
million went? Was there
any supplementary budget
request at the county assem-
bly to redirect these funds or
someone just chose to spend
them? Was there any bud-
getary allocation for buying
drugs this year or ‘ama watu
wa Meru County walipona ni
sisi hatujui’ (people of Meru
have been healed without our
notice)? We wish to inform
members of the public that
all orders have been done
every quarter as directed to
facility in-charges with no
single delivery done for the
whole year,” the union lead-
ers added.
What’s Hot in Counties
The Health Sector in Meru County
remains in the Intensive Care Unit
as health workers grapple with poor
working conditions with no solutions
in sight.
This was revealed on Thursday
in a press statement by Meru health
workers’ union leaders.
In a statement released by
Kenya National Union of Nurses
(KNUN), Kenya National Union
of Pharmaceutical Technologist
(KNUPT), Kenya Union of Clinical
Officers (KUCO), Kenya Medical
Practitioners Pharmacists and
Dentist Union (KMPDU) and Kenya
Health Professional Society (KHPS)
noted that hospitals have been
lacking drugs including emergency
drugs.
“We are faced by a situation
where no medical supplies have
been done in the financial year of
2020/2021. No drugs in hospitals
including emergency drugs. Simply
we say if you know you have to
visit any public hospital today, just
buy gloves, drugs, needles or any
other commodities we may need to
attend to you with,” the Meru health
worker’s leaders noted.
They noted that no single delivery
of drugs and other medical equipment
has been done despite health
facilities officers in-charge ordering
as directed by the government.
The worker’s Unions also raised
concern over the high rate of
resignation of specialized medical
staff in the County.
“We are equally disturbed by
the high rate of resignation of our
specialized medical staff with the
recent resignation of a resident
oncologist. Currently there is no
health care giver with specialty in
Meru County,” the health workers
added
They accused the Members of
Meru County of remaining silent
despite patients and health workers
grappling with poor services and
poverty respectively.
“In all these our MCAs are just
silent. Kindly we ask them to wake
up and tell us where our salaries for
the month of January, February and
March 2021 amounting to almost
150 million went? Was there any
supplementary budget request at the
county assembly to redirect these
funds or someone just chose to spend
them? Was there any budgetary
allocation for buying drugs this
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
Kenya Union of Clinical Officers (KUCO) Meru region Secretary General Moses Baiyenia reads the health workers’ statement on
Thursday at the Union’s office in Meru town. Photo/ Courtesy.
.................................................................................................................................................................................................
year or ‘ama watu wa Meru County from class were employed in job County government and County
walipona ni sisi hatujui’ (people of group “L” in complete disregard Assembly premises to air their
Meru have been healed without our of officers who were already in grievances if unfulfilled within
notice)? We wish to inform members service and in lower job groups. The 21days.
of the public that all orders have officers employed by then have even “In three weeks’, time (21 days)
been done every quarter as directed qualified for promotion and some from date there in, the workers
to facility in-charges with no single of them promoted yet most of the affected shall be coming to county
delivery done for the whole year,” officers who were serving before offices to have an audience with
the union leaders added. their employment have been denied county officials and at the county
They also accused the government promotion,” the union leaders said in assembly to ask them why they are
the statement. letting their people die for lack of
of failing to adjust the salaries of the
common cadre workers who have Health workers also accused the essential commodities in hospitals”
been issued with promotion letters Kiraitu led government of failing to they said.
as it was agreed during a meeting to remit statutory deductions as agreed. Efforts to Contact the Meru
resolve conflicts between the County “The government has mastered County Health department for a
government and health workers. a habit of deducting money from reply were unsuccessful by the time
The union also accused the County workers but never remits to we went to press.
government of denying the majority respective institutions. Today no
of health workers promotions financial institution can lend money
despite successfully applying and to Meru employees. All those with
shortlisting for interviews. loans are now on “CRB’,” the health
workers’ leaders noted.
“Advertisement done after
creation of vacancy by the county Health workers’ leaders also
public service board as per the accused the government of
schedule and some received letters intimidation, salaries withholding,
of promotions in the month of May arbitrary transfers and verbal threats
2021. Most of the officers were left for participating in a strike.
out despite successfully applying, They called on the government
shortlisted for interview, attended to implement all its promises to
for interviews, others never attended the health workers, to supply drugs
due to COVID 19 infections they immediately to avoid suffering of
had been confirmed with and this patients.
begs the big question should one The workers additionally called on
be denied promotion because he Mr Kiraitu to rescue the Meru Health
was sick? Secondly this advert for sector asserting that the department
promotion was met to cure injustice had failed to resolve problems in the
done in 2017 and 2018 when few health sector.
higher diploma holders directly They threatened to march to the
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times WORLD 21

Cheers And Hugs As Rebels Take Back Tigray Capital

Celebrations erupted on the streets

of the capital of Ethiopia’s Tigray
region this week when rebel fighters
took over the city, a pivotal moment
in a brutal eight-month long conflict.
Crowds of jubilant locals waving
the red and yellow Tigrayan flag
cheered, clapped and danced in
Mekele as they welcomed the
returning Tigray Defence Force
(TDF) soldiers.
The rebels marched into the city
on Monday after local officials and
federal government troops pulled
out, and the government of Prime
Minister Abiy Ahmed later declared
a unilateral ceasefire.
Supporters carried the victorious
gun-toting TDF fighters — both men
and women — aloft to the sound
of tooting car and motorbike horns, Women soldiers from the Tigray Defence Force celebrate as they return to Mekele.
while beaming women embraced .................................................................................................................................................................................................
their returning menfolk.
Local residents lined the streets as
the rebels moved through on foot or
piled onto trucks, some reaching out
to touch them from passing buses.
It was a far cry from the
atmosphere of Mekele under federal
forces, which had imposed a strict
curfew that left the city’s normally
bustling streets dead quiet.
“Everybody is out of their house.
Everybody is excited and they have
music on the streets,” one Mekele
resident told AFP as the first TDF
fighters trickled in.
“Everybody has their flags out and
music is playing. Everybody, I don’t
know how they got it, but everybody
has fireworks.”
Since marching on Mekele, People on a bus reach out to the returning rebels in Mekele © AFP / Yasuyoshi Jubilant supporters hold the returning fighters aloft as they march through the streets
the TDF has seized more control Chiba. of Mekele © AFP / Yasuyoshi Chiba.
of territory in Tigray, Ethiopia’s ..................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................
northernmost region, and vowed to ............................................................ ............................................................
drive out all its “enemies” — federal
served as camps for the displaced.
soldiers and their allies, notably from
Its paediatric wards teem with
neighbouring Eritrea and Ethiopia’s
children nursing bullet and shrapnel
Amhara region.
wounds, some of whom have had
The government in Addis Ababa The Tigray Defence Force
limbs blown off.
has for its part called on the rebels has vowed to drive its “en-
And some women walk the streets
to adhere to its unilateral ceasefire, emies” out of the region ©
wearing black as news of dead
with the foreign ministry spokesman AFP / Yasuyoshi Chiba
relatives trickles in from rural areas
saying on Thursday “it needs two to
that remain inaccessible.
tango”.
But there are heightened fears for
the plight of hundreds of thousands
of people in the region enduring
famine conditions, with two critical
access roads destroyed this week.
Though Mekele has undoubtedly
fared better than more remote parts
of Tigray, the city still bears the scars
of a conflict marked by stark civilian
suffering.
Many of the city’s schools have
22 SPORTS Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times

Sports >> *Roberto Mancini hailed Italy’s “extraordinary” performance after a 2-1 quarterfinal win over
Belgium on Friday set up a Euro 2020 last-four clash with Spain.

SPORTS Mancini hails ‘extraordinary’ Italy win

over Belgium

NEWS PHOTOS
SCORES
OPINIONS
STATISTICS
SCHEDULES
BREAKING NEWS

Roberto Mancini © Getty Images.

.................................................................................................................................................................................

Roberto Mancini hailed Italy’s

the win over the world’s “We suffered in the last he said.
“extraordinary” performance
top-ranked team, who 10 minutes because we “Let’s enjoy this victory,
after a 2-1 quarterfinal win over
were without injured cap-
Belgium on Friday set up a Euro
were really tired. Maybe we’ll see. Congratulations
tain Eden Hazard.
2020 last-four clash with Spain. we could have even scored to the guys who have been
Nicolo Barella and Loren- The Azzurri will face Spain more goals.” very good.”
zo Insigne scored first-half at Wembley on Tuesday in Italy are hoping to be
goals in Munich as the Ital- a repeat of the Euro 2012 crowned European cham- Supersports
ians extended their nation- final. pions for the first time
al record unbeaten streak “We fully deserved this since 1968, but Mancini
to 32 games. victory. My players were tempered the growing ex-
Romelu Lukaku converted extraordinary,” Italy coach pectations.
a penalty to give Belgium Mancini told broadcaster “Our road is still long, we
hope, but Italy deserved RAI. still have two games to go,”
Sat & Sun, July 3-4, 2021 | The Mt. Kenya Times
Sports >> *World champion Lewis Hamilton bounced back from a poor morning session to set the fastest
time in second free practice for the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg on Friday.
Hamilton outpaces Verstappen in prac-
tice for Austrian GP
....................................................................................................................................................................................
World champion Lewis Ham-
ilton bounced back from a poor
morning session to set the fastest
time in second free practice for
the Austrian Grand Prix in Spiel-
berg on Friday.
Hamilton clocked a quickest
lap of 1min 04.523sec which
was 0.189sec up on his Mer-
cedes teammate Valtteri Bottas
with championship leader Max
Verstappen in third 0.217sec
back.
The Red Bull driver, who is
looking for an Austrian double
after winning last weekend’s
Styrian Grand Prix on the same
circuit, was over half a second
quicker than Hamilton in the
opening session with the Briton
running only seventh.
Hamilton trails Verstappen by
18 points in the title race, with
in-form Red Bull aiming for a
SPORTS 23
SPORTS
NEWS
PHOTOS
SCORES
OPINIONS
STATISTICS
SCHEDULES
BREAKING NEWS
Lewis Hamilton © Gallo Images.
fifth consecutive win on Sunday. ably not going to change much closest in the morning but he and
His name at the top of the af- except the tiniest of tweaks.” teammate Carlos Sainz, who had
ternoon time sheets will give The first practice was faster been third, dropped right off the
Mercedes hope they can stop than the corresponding session pace in the afternoon.
Verstappen pulling further ahead last week thanks to cooler tem- The final practice session takes
in the drivers’ standings. peratures in the Austrian moun- place on Saturday at 1000 GMT
But the seven-time world tains and a switch to softer tyres. with qualifying due to start at
champion is wary of reading The second practice followed 1300 GMT.
too much into Friday’s positive suit until rain intervened in the
showing by the two Silver Ar- last half hour. Not enough to re- Supersports
rows. ally wet the track, but enough to
“They (Red Bull) have defi- hamper the drivers.
nitely got some extra in their Hamilton spun off into the
bag, I already know that. We gravel on the last corner, without
have made some small progress doing any damage while Lance
today but I think they still had Stroll also left the track several
the 0.2secs (last weekend’s gap), times.
or maybe 0.15secs. Stroll and his Aston Martin
“We have definitely made teammate Sebastian Vettel were
some small steps forward but fourth and fifth fastest, followed
not enough. Over a single lap, by the Alpha Tauris of Yuki Tsu-
that felt pretty good. noda and Pierre Gasly.
“I’m generally happy with It was the Ferrari of Charles
where the car is and I’m prob- Leclerc who ran Verstappen
 The
ART, Culture & Books MT. KENYA TIMES

Backpage
........................

Euro 2020: Tournament under fire for helping spread

Covid-19

The Euro 2020 soccer tournament was

on Thursday blamed for a surge in
coronavirus cases as fans have flocked
to stadiums, bars and spectator zones
across Europe to watch the action while
the pandemic still raged.
Germany’s interior minister called
European soccer’s governing body
UEFA “utterly irresponsible” for
allowing big crowds at the tournament.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
said the mixing of crowds in Euro 2020
host cities, travel and easing of social
restrictions had driven up the number of
new cases rose by 10%.
A 10-week decline in new infections
across Europe had come to an end and
a new wave is inevitable if football fans
and others drop their guard, WHO senior
emergency officer Catherine Smallwood
said in Copenhagen.
“We need to look much beyond just Football - Euro 2020 - Round of 16 - Netherlands v Czech Republic - Puskas Arena, Budapest, Hungary - June 27, 2021. Czech Republic players celebrate with the fans
the stadiums themselves,” Smallwood after the match. [REUTERS/Attila Kisbenedek/File Photo]
told reporters. “We need to look at how
people get there, are they travelling in
“I cannot explain why UEFA is not Petersburg is due to host a quarter- stadio Olimpico in Rome,” it said Switzerland’s national soccer team
large crowded convoys of buses? And
being sensible...I suspect it is due final on Friday, with 50% capacity in a statement. plays Spain in St. Petersburg on
when they leave the stadiums, are they
to commercialism,” he told a news allowed in a stadium that would Checks are expected as people Friday and more than 1,000 Swiss
going into crowded bars and pubs to
conference. usually hold 68,000 people. enter the stadium. Anyone found are expected to travel to the Russian
watch the matches?
Seehofer said a match with 60,000 COVID’S COMING HOME? to have ignored general quarantine city to watch the game.
These events were driving the spread of
spectators - such as Hungary’s Italy has warned any fans from rules face a fine of up to 3,000 euros Swiss Health Minister Alain Berset
the virus, she said.
Puskas Arena and also planned England not to try to use loopholes ($3,555), the health ministry said. warned travellers that it would be
With COVID-19 restrictions varying
for the semi-finals and final at in COVID-19 travel restrictions to UEFA has said 16,000 fans will be foolhardy to go without first having
from nation to nation, crowd sizes have
London’s Wembley stadium - sneak into the quarter-finals Euro let into Saturday’s game - 25% of been vaccinated with a COVID-19
ranged from completely full, such as
would inevitably promote the 2020 clash between England and its total capacity. shot.
60,000 in Budapest, to 25-45 percent
spread of COVID-19. Ukraine in Rome on Saturday even The English Football Association “Things are exploding with
capacity in other venues where there
While Europeans have been loving if they have a ticket. said it would not sell any tickets the Delta variant,” Berset said.
have often been around 10-15,000
watching the tournament, concern In an effort to prevent the spread via the England Supporters Travel “Without being vaccinated, I
spectators.
over the potential health knock-on of the highly contagious Delta Club for the fixture due to the travel wouldn’t go. I wouldn’t. And if
UEFA said it was fully aligned with
has been rising. coronavirus variant, Rome last restrictions. you’re vaccinated, you can go. But
local health authorities’ guidelines at
Scotland’s health authority said month introduced a five-day Britain is battling a surge in it’s associated with multiple risks.
every venue.
1,991 people had been identified as quarantine for anyone coming to infections caused by the Delta You have to watch out.”
“The final decisions with regards to the
attending a Euro 2020 event while Italy who had been to Britain in the variant, which was first detected UEFA’s Euro 2020 medical advisor
number of fans attending matches and
infectious, of whom 1,294 had previous two weeks. in India, reporting 26,068 new Daniel Koch said vaccinations and
the entry requirements to any of the host
travelled to London and 397 gone It made an exception for short cases on Wednesday. Italy, by border controls would prevent a big
countries and host stadiums fall under
to Wembley where England played business trips and visitors in transit, comparison, registered just 776 new wave.
the responsibility of the competent
Scotland. but on Thursday the Italian embassy daily cases. The Delta variant Events and gatherings could lead
local authorities, and UEFA strictly
Finland said more than 300 in London said anyone in the is now spreading rapidly across to some increase in the number of
follows any such measures,” it said in a
nationals were infected while country under these circumstances Europe. cases, he said, but this would apply
statement.
supporting their team. will not be let into the stadium. “The concern of an autumn surge is to all sorts of other situations, not
But German Interior Minister Horst
And Russia’s deputy prime minister “Fans based in the UK should still there, but what we see now is just soccer.
Seehofer said UEFA’s position was
has called for a ban on gatherings therefore not travel to Italy to that it might come even earlier,” the
“utterly irresponsible”.
of more than 500 people. St attend the match on Saturday at the WHO’s Smallwood said.

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