President Uhuru launches Shs 4b NHIF cover for students in public secondary schools

April 15, 2018

President Uhuru Kenyatta, his Deputy William Ruto and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta at this year’s Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festival, which took place at the State House, Nairobi. Photo: PSCU

Highlights

–Government to pay a premium of Kshs 1350 per student for 3 million students

–The medical cover set to kick off beginning next term

–President directs health facilities that serve students to be upgraded to the level of NHIF accreditation

President Uhuru Kenyatta launched a Kshs 4.05 billion National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) comprehensive medical cover that will cater for all students in public secondary schools.

Through the NHIF cover, the Government will pay a premium of Kshs 1,350 per student for the 3 million students in public secondary schools as part of the efforts to fulfil one pillar of the Big Four Agenda – provision of affordable health care to all.

Speaking during the launch at State House, Nairobi on April 13, President Kenyatta said the negotiated comprehensive cover is unique as it only caters for the specific students, rather than the usual one that caters for families.

“This will ensure that our students access quality health services and thereby easing the burden from their parents and guardians,” President Kenyatta said, adding that the initiative is expected to have a phenomenal impact in the transformation of the nation.

President Kenyatta directed NHIF and the Ministry of Education to be keen on ensuring that no money is lost through corruption as the scheme is implemented.

The launch came after the final gala of this year’s Kenya Schools and Colleges Drama Festival where winners presented their award winning pieces that included solo verses, cultural and modern dances, oral narratives and feature plays at the State House Concert.

The event was also graced by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto and Nairobi Governor Mike Mbuvi Sonko among other stakeholders.

Great moral lessons, creativity, messages of wisdom and entertainment underlined the eight-day long festivals that were held at Lenana, State House Girls, Dagoretti High and Moi Girls Schools in Nairobi culminating in the State House winners’ concert.

President Kenyatta directed the Ministry of Health to ensure health facilities that serve students are upgraded to the level of NHIF accreditation.

“Since students are expected to be in school most of the time, the provider must ensure that they access medical services close to school,” the Head of State said.

The President also directed NHIF to move with speed and register all learners to enable them access services when schools open for the second term.

He emphasised the importance of accurate data to ensure the health cover for students is realized, saying the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) – which has registered great success even before its formal launch – is addressing the issue.

The comprehensive cover for the students has been negotiated between the Ministry of Education and NHIF, taking into account the uniqueness of the population to be insured.

President Kenyatta expressed optimism that the launch of the health insurance cover for students will encourage parents and guardians who are not members of NHIF to also enrol.

President Kenyatta said Kenya aims at achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) by 2022.

The Head of State affirmed that the Government’s policy on education is aimed at enhancing access, equity and quality at all levels.

“This is guided by the Constitution that provides for basic education as one of the fundamental rights of every Kenyan child. The Government, therefore, endeavours to observe, respect, promote and fulfil these rights,” the President said.

The President commended young people for preaching cohesion and national integration.

President Kenyatta applauded the youth for strongly demonstrating that Kenyans stood to gain more when united and patriotic than when they were divided.

He said every citizen has a role to play for the country to realize the peace, tranquillity and prosperity, which they aspire to have as a nation.

“We have been shown by our learners that no matter how bad a situation may seem, there is hope,” said President Kenyatta.

This year’s top performers included Thika School for the Visually Impaired, Kenyatta University, St. Anne’s, Liganwa Primary School, Matuga Girls and Eregi Teachers Training College.

The theme of this year’s festival was “Enhancing National Integration and Cohesion’’.

The President emphasized on the need for Kenyans to work together in unity so as to enable the country to achieve its desired goal of a prosperous and industrial nation.

“Working together in unity, I have no doubt we will move this nation to join the league of prosperous and industrial nations much sooner than later,” said President Kenyatta.

He said his Administration is committed to providing young people with opportunities to develop their talents and be self-reliant by investing in arts.

Education Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed said the launch of the medical cover was a culmination of extensive consultations between NHIF, and the Ministries of Health and Education.

She said the medical fee factored in the budgeted school capitation will be used to cover the medical insurance for the students.

By PSCU

President Uhuru holds talks with His Highness the Aga Khan

April 15, 2018

President Uhuru Kenyatta and First Lady Margaret Kenyatta welcoming His Highness the Aga Khan at State House, Nairobi on April 13, 2017. Photo: PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday held talks with His Highness the Aga Khan, the 49th hereditary and current Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, at State House, Nairobi.

His Highness the Aga Khan was in Kenya from 12th to 14th April 2018 to commemorate his Diamond Jubilee. President Kenyatta congratulated His Highness the Aga Khan on this diamond Jubilee celebration.

The Ismaili community has, and continues to be, a part of the Kenyan history with investments and development to Kenya spanning over 100 years. Under the leadership of His Highness the Agha Khan, a number of institutions have been established that have made significant contribution to Kenyan development, and achievement of Kenya abroad.

In this regard, the Friday’s discussion touched on various sectors of engagement and investment by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Kenya including Media, Economic, Tourism, Cultural, Health and Education sectors.

The President commended the commitment of His Highness the Aga Khan to strengthening Kenya’s higher education system, including through major investment in the expansion of the Aga Khan University campus in Nairobi.

The discussion also focused on the Government’s Big Four priorities and shared objectives in this regard. They agreed that the AKDN will continue to contribute towards addressing current national development priorities.

They also discussed enhancing the quality of life of Nairobi residents by increasing the green spaces in the city through a project to restore Nairobi City Park to its original glory as the “Green Jewel of Nairobi” as quickly as the enabling conditions and instruments to conclude this partnership can be achieved.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the visit by His Highness the Aga Khan to Kenya to commemorate the diamond Jubilee (60) years and agreed to work on the modalities for concluding outstanding issues.

By PSCU

President Uhuru meets ACP-EU legislators.

April 13, 2018

President Uhuru Kenyatta with a delegation of ACP-EU led by Mr Joseph Owona Kono, the President of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly who doubles as the Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Michele Rivasi, a Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly at State House, Nairobi on April 12, 2018.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized the need for the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group of countries to be accorded increased access to the European Union (EU) market.

The President said such arrangements like the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) should recognise each country’s level of development so that no country feels disadvantaged.

President Kenyatta observed that the ACP countries were at different levels of development and can only reap maximum benefit from the EPAs if their individual levels of economic development are taken into consideration.

The President spoke on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, when he met a delegation of ACP-EU led by Mr Joseph Owona Kono, the President of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly who doubles as the Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly and Michele Rivasi, a Co-President of the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly.

The President said Kenya is pushing for Africa to forge a more integrated approach that will give the continent a stronger voice in its negotiations with organizations like the EU while at the same time taking cognisance of each country’s level of economic development.

President Kenyatta pointed out that Africa should negotiate as a continent and not as a region but cautioned against actions that undermine integration.

He expressed the need to develop a flexible mechanism that would allow member states that are ready to take up EPAs to do so even as others address their individual concerns.

Speaking during discussions on the East Africa Community-European Economic Partnership Agreements in Kampala in February, President Kenyatta said member states should take actions that would ensure no member country is affected negatively by actions of the other.

The President called on the Summit to agree on a resolution allowing the application of ‘variable geometry’ in the implementation of the EPAs.

The Head of State is optimistic that the Economic Partnership Agreements between the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific group of states have the potential of accelerating economic development but the concerns of individual member countries have also to be addressed.

In the meeting, President Kenyatta also called for the fully involvement of Cuba in the ACP discussions, saying the country was a key member of the group.

Addressing ACP ambassadors during his State visit to Cuba last month, President Kenyatta called for direct engagement amongst African-Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries to achieve common historical aspirations.

The President noted that despite the impact of cooperation between the ACP nations, the three regions could forge a more direct common engagement among themselves for the benefit of their citizens.

He expressed concern that despite the ACP countries having a long common history, they have always depended on the European nations to interact with each other.

Governor Awiti receives mobility devices for persons with disabilities.

April 13, 2018

Homa Bay County Governor Cyprian Awiti speaking to the press after receiving mobility devices from Crutches4Africa, an international organization from Colorado, USA at County headquarters.

Homa Bay County Governor Cyprian Awiti on Thursday received mobility devices from Crutches4Africa, an international organization from Colorado, USA.

Speaking during a press briefing at the county headquarters, the Governor commended Mr. Tablot for their important cause to help persons with disabilities in Homa Bay county.

“We welcome Crutches4Africa as partners because there is need to support people with physical challenges in Homa Bay,” he said.

Crutches4Africa founder, David Talbot said their mission is to collect, ship and distribute mobility devices to developing countries.

“We collect surplus mobility devices, ship them to developing countries in need of support for people with mobility challenges regardless of their race, gender, tribe, age or religion,’’ he said.

He added that they have so far distributed the mobility devices that include crutches, wheelchairs among other mobility devices to 16 African countries for free.

Governor Awiti said the mobility devices will be disbursed to all the sub-county hospitals to help people with physical challenges.

County Health Chief executive Prof. Richard Muga noted that the department had identified persons with mobility challenges and said they will receive the equipment free-of-charge.

Ms. Maureen Akinyi, a 30year old victim from Kanam location, Mainuga beach in karachuonyo got a wheelchair to aid her mobility, having survived a crocodile attack.

Crutches4Africa promised to work with the county government to enable people with physical challenges have the ease of movement.

By Homa Bay County Press Unit

Multichoice promises unmatched 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia viewing experience on Dstv and Gotv

April 12, 2018

GOtv General Manager, Simon Kariithi (L) and MultiChoice Managing Director, Eric Odipo present a world cup football jersey to Ministry of Sports & Heritage Director of Administration, Wesnlaus Ongayo during the MultiChoice Kenya World Cup Stakeholders Launch.

Highlights;

Two exciting pop-up channels launched as part of the tournament build-up
All 64 LIVE matches available on DStv and GOtv
Swahili commentary available on live football matches
World Cup games available in HD and on mobile devices via DStv Now app

MultiChoice has promised its customers an unmatched front-row viewing to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. From 14 June 2018 to 15 July 2018, DStv and GOtv will showcase all 64 matches live on SuperSport to thousands of football fans across the country. MultiChoice will deliver great value to its customers with an unmatched viewing experience on TV and mobile devices for the biggest and best moments of the World Cup from Russia.

Speaking at the official launch of their football viewing experience to its stakeholders, MultiChoice Kenya Managing Director Eric Odipo said, “MultiChoice’s key priority is to put customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to deliver value through the best football tournament experience on TV to our customers live and in HD glory on SuperSport. Both DStv and GOtv Max and Plus customers will get to enjoy the games from the comfort of their homes, only on our platforms will viewers enjoy additional benefits such as Swahili commentary and on-the-go viewing via the DStv Now and SuperSport apps for an enhanced viewing experience.”

Active DStv customers on all packages (Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access) will watch all 64 games of the World Cup live and in full HD glory on three dedicated SuperSport channels. Two new DStv pop-up channels: History of Football and SuperSport 14 (SS14) will be dedicated to legacy content, highlights, documentaries, FIFA films, classic matches, warm-up matches and interviews until the World Cup begins on 14 June 2018. Thereafter, SS14 will be dedicated entirely to the tournament with live match commentary options in Swahili language. News updates will be available throughout the tournament on the SS Blitz Channel.

GOtv customers will also experience a complete World Cup experience with all 64 games available to active GOtv Max and GOtv Plus customers, at no extra cost. A special pop-up channel FIFA (GOtv Channel 36) will carry World Cup legacy content for GOtv Max and Plus customers on between 25 April 2018 and Monday 11 June 2018. The complete tournament experience will be available on GOtv Max on Select 4 with live games, full highlights, build-ups, interviews, analysis and magazine shows. GOtv Plus customers will watch the live games and magazine shows on Select 1 and Select 2. All build ups to the tournament will be available on Select 1 and Select 4. GOtv Value customers will also enjoy a significant number of games while GOtv Lite customers will enjoy a select number of games available on FTA channels.

“We constantly strive to deliver value for money to our customers by offering them a little something extra to their viewing including a wide variety of the best local and international content available from around the world with the 2018 FIFA World Cup being one of them. We also make sure to deliver this exciting content through leading-edge technology that will take our customers viewing experience to the next level and match their constantly evolving lifestyles,” added Odipo.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup will also be available to DStv Customers via DStv Now and the SuperSport apps which are available for download via the Android and iOs mobile stores.

A Kenyan first as Rafiki movie is set to premiere at the Cannes film Festival

April 12, 2018

RAFIKI film has been invited to Cannes Film Festival. It is the first Kenyan feature film to be invited to the festival and is a true testament of the work, skill, craft, of the Kenyan cast and crew. It acknowledges Kenya as an emerging film economy worthy of attention and its role in African cinema.

The film joins the lineage of films shown at the festival by filmmakers like Sembene Ousmane, Haile Gerima, Abderrahmane Sissako and more recently African female filmmakers like Rungano Nyoni, among others. It also adds to the variety of Kenyan films that have recently been celebrated and awarded internationally like Nairobi Half Life, Super Modo, Kati Kati, Stories of Our Lives and others.

Inspired by the 2007 Caine Prize Winning short story “Jambula Tree” by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko, RAFIKI is a witty, playful and touching portrait of a community affected by a relationship that blossoms between two young women. This politically timely film celebrates love and asks whether it’s safer being invisible or it’s better to defy conservative rules, while discovering your identity and destiny through love.

The film is a combination of struggle and the power to dream and love. The love story resonated with Wanuri Kahiu, who had the vision to change the setting to Kenya and place the film in a vibrant, present-day urban environment. Kahiu worked with co-writer Jenna Bass and together they added further elements to the screenplay that speak to the present-day concerns and conflicts affecting people like Kena and Ziki even in young, vibrant, millennial Nairobi.

The film marks the powerful acting and screen debut of Samantha Mugatsia, enigmatic drummer, visual artist, and member of Nairobi’s electric underground band Yellow Light Machine who stars as Kena, alongside the charismatic, raw talent of young actress Sheila Munyiva as Ziki. The young actresses are supported by renowned Kenyan talent like Jimmi Gathu, Nini Wacera, Patricia Amira and Dennis Musyoka.

Set in a Nairobi neighbourhood, RAFIKI celebrates music and fashion of Nairobi. With Costume Designer Wambui Thimba pulling from local clothes brands like Peperuka and redesigning clothes for each character, Thimba created a look that speaks to the vibrancy, fun and playfulness of Nairobi.

RAFIKI is complimented by the joyous, independent feel of the soundtrack which acts as a sweet testimony to the creative energy of young, vibrant, millennial Nairobi. The score is by all-African, all-female musicians including Afro-electro award-winning powerhouse Muthoni Drummer Queen “MDQ” and newcomers Njoki Karu and Mumbi Kasumba.

Merck Foundation Announce the Call for Application for Merck Hypertension and Diabetes Awards 2018

April 12, 2018

Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards winners 2017 receiving their awards at Merck Asia Africa Luminary at Cairo, Egypt: https://youtu.be/Q7gj32Oo7XE

Merck Foundation, the Philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the Call for application for Merck Diabetes and Hypertension awards 2018, across the African and Asian Universities through its Merck Capacity Advancement Program with the aim to building a platform for diabetes and hypertension experts across the globe.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMAUp-EtSRE

The CEO of Merck Foundation, Dr. Rasha Kelej said, “I am very proud to see our newly established platform of Diabetes and Hypertension Experts has grown in one year. This encourages us to continue and expand 2018 Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards to universities in more countries in Africa and Asia such as Senegal, Cameroon, Gabon, Guinea, Niger, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to join our mission to improve access to quality Diabetes and hypertension care in the two continents . “

She further added, “All Merck Diabetes and Hypertension awards winners have Joined Merck Foundation Alumni with our oncology and Fertility scholars and fellows from different countries to exchange experience & knowledge and network, this is a very important initiative for us. I personally oversee this platform to ensure success of its interaction and sustainability. “

Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards 2018 will be rolled out in many African and Asian Universities in more than 30 countries, as a part of Merck Foundation’s commitment to build Diabetes and Hypertension healthcare capacity and improving access to quality and sustainable healthcare solutions in developing countries.

The theme for Merck Diabetes Award 2018 is ‘Every day is a Diabetes Day,’ and the theme for Merck Hypertension Award is ‘What a Healthy Heart Needs.’ All medical postgraduates and final year undergraduates are invited to apply for the awards. The participants need to submit a one-page concept paper about:

How to improve the awareness about Diabetes Early Detection and Hypertension Control and Prevention in your country.
How to encourage your society, scientific community, local authorities, media and relevant stakeholders to Think and Act on Diabetes Every Day and Think and act on Hypertension Every Day.

The scientific committee will review the submissions, and the winners of Merck Diabetes and Hypertension awards will receive on-line one-year postgraduate online diploma in Diabetes Management and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine from the University of South Wales, UK. The deadline for the submission is 31st July 2018.

For French speaking countries, the winners will receive on- line three month Diabetes foundation diploma in French and accredited by Royal colleague of General Practitioners, UK.

Interested students can submit the concept papers at:

submit@merckdiabetesaward.com
submit@MerckHypertensionAward.com

Watch the testimonies of medical students from Africa and Asia on the importance of Merck Diabetes and Hypertension Awards

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWBqHFe34RI&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbXjHpJteBY&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFRcSEC6fRU&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjerMIFVHHA&feature=youtu.be

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heX-FZjg-fA

By Lizbeth Kariuki – LinkPrKenya

Environmentalists advocate for alternative sources of energy

April 12, 2018

Environmentalists are now advocating for alternative sources of energy at the household levels following the ongoing ban on logging in the country.

Dr George Mwaniki from the National Environment Trust Fund (NETFUND) said the country is facing a looming energy crisis as a result of the ban.

Dr Mwaniki said the country has been heavily dependent on charcoal and wood which has now been greatly affected by the ban which has led to sky rocketing of charcoal prices.

He said many poor households and communities’ majority of who rely on wood are now stranded and as a result need cheaper alternative sources of energy.

Speaking in Kisumu, Dr Mwaniki said the drive to increase the forest cover is in top gear adding that policy makers and stakeholders must now quickly offer alternative sources of energy to families.

He said NETFUND is working with various groups that have such alternatives like making briskets from agricultural wastes and also bio fuel from the water hyacinth.

Medical Centre Commisioned in Kondele, Kisumu.

April 12, 2018

Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili addressing KMTC students during the commissioning of a dispensary at the KMTC Centre at Kondele, Kisumu.

The Kenya Medical Training College in an effort to integrate medical training and community service, has commissioned a dispensary at the KMTC Centre at Kondele within Kisumu Central Sub county in a ceremony officiated by Kisumu County Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili.

The opening of this facility, besides living to the institution’s new strategic plan of opening facilities within the colleges to serve the communities, was also informed by the fact that there is not a single public health facility within Kondele Ward and the residents here are forced to seek medical services from the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

Dr. Mathew Owili gracing this occasion on behalf of the Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o expressed his pleasure at this development maintaining that health remains one of the priority areas for the County Government of Kisumu.

Dr. Owili who was accompanied by the CEC for Health Dr. Rosemary Obara assured KMTC of full support from the County Government in managing the facility by way of provision of the necessary supplies and personnel, noting that this new facility, besides serving the people leaving within Kondele Ward and the surrounding, is also going to ease pressure on Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Referral hospital for such cases that can be handled at this level.

The School Principal Dr. Kelly Oluoch assured the county team that the newly refurbished and developed clinic is primed to be a centre of excellence of medical services while also delivering world class medical services to the residents.

Dr. Obara committed to ensure that the County facilitates the institution in acquiring the title deed which has hindered attractions of support from bilateral partners overtime.

By Kisumu County press unit

M-Net Movies Creates Magic with Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel on DStv ahead of Avengers; Infinity War

April 11, 2018

The heroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are assembling on a DStv screen near you, with fifteen epic blockbusters!

DStv Premium customers will experience an unprecedented cinematic journey with the M-Net Movies Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel. This super-powered channel, which will be added to the already existing six M-Net Movies channels on DStv, will be available for ten days only on Channel 109 and will feature 15 of the most pulsating films from the massively popular Marvel Studios franchise.

During these ten days, the M-Net Movies Marvel Studios Pop-Up Channel will run from 06:00 to 00:00 daily. On each day of the ten days, a film from a franchise with overlapping story lines will be screened in chronological order (according to how the films were released in cinema). Starting with 2008’s Iron Man, viewers can revisit the stories of their beloved heroes all the way through to Spiderman: Homecoming, which will close the channel on Sunday 22, April.

“This channel is a special treat for the legions of Marvel fans—both old and new—who have enjoyed the live-action exploits of favourite Marvel Superheroes in films that express the unique vision and creativity of their filmmakers, and deliver thrilling action and visual spectacles with relatable characters,” says M-Net’s Head of Publicity, Lani Lombard.

“The timing of our M-Net Movies Marvels Studios Pop-Up Channel is also absolutely perfect with the franchise currently creating an incredible buzz worldwide” The recent release of Black Panther movie became the biggest film of all time in East, West and South Africa, showing that Marvel Studios is at the forefront of the comic-book-turned-action-pop-culture phenomenon.

While the M-Net Movies Marvel Pop-Up channel will give DStv viewers the opportunity to enjoy more gems of the franchise, which has been ten years in the making, it also serves as a lead-up to the much-anticipated Avengers: Infinity War which hits cinemas this year, with the world premiere set for 23 April 2018.

Behind-the-scenes and documentaries

On top of the 15 feature films there will also be programming linked to the behind the scenes of the movies, such as: United We Stand, Divided We Fall; The Making of Captain America: Civil War; Guide to The Galaxy with James Gunn and more.

Additionally, avid fans of the blockbuster franchise will be treated to a range of documentaries offering incredible insight into the history of Marvel.

These include: Marvel 75 Years From Pulp to Pop; From Asgard To Earth (Thor); Marvel’s Captain America: 75 Heroic Years; Ultimate Iron Man: The Making of Iron Man 2 Rebuilding the Suit; Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe just to mention a few!

The fifteen Marvel Studios blockbusters on the channel are:

Iron Man (2008)

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Thor (2011)

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Marvel’s The Avengers (2012)

Iron Man 3 (2013)

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Avenges: Age of Ultron (2015)

Ant-Man (2015)

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Doctor Strange (2016)

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

1...283284285 Page 284 of 285