Ngong town climate smart solar lighting project faces threat from vandalism

adminelveza2 years ago2 years ago04 mins

By Amy Moyi Residents of Ngong town in Kajiado North sub-county have decried the vandalism and theft of solar panels that powered street lights within the town. The solar energy street lighting project by the Kajiado county government aimed at utilising sustainable and renewable green energy through the use of solar panels to generate electricity. The solar energy street lighting project was implemented as an alternative to electricity powered streetlights to provide a clean energy and low cost source of electricity in line with sustainable development goal seven of ensuring access to sustainable renewable energy. According to John Mulwa a resident of Ngong town, the solar panels street lights eradicated the frequent blackouts experienced with the electricity powered street lights because of disconnection as a result of defaulting electricity bills by the Kajiado County government. “The solar street lights helped to improve security by providing a constant and reliable source of light. Now insecurity is rampant because they have been stolen to be sold at a throw away price. The streetlights that use electricity do not help because they are disconnected permanently afterwards being in use for only six months because electricity bills are not paid.” Mulwa has lamented that the theft of the solar panels on the streetlights that cost the county government approximately two hundred thousand Kenyan shillings per panel is a huge financial loss to residents. “When the solar panels are stolen it is a big loss to residents because the project is funded by the taxpayer. The county government should look for a better way to install the street lights to prevent theft because they are not properly installed.” Benson Kimani a resident of Umoja area in Ngong town has said that the benefits of the solar street lights as a measure to curb insecurity in the area was short lived because they were vandalised soon after they were installed. “The solar street lights really helped to improve security but after a short period they were vandalised. Now residents are afraid to be out after dark or leave early because of fear for their safety which is an inconvenience because many people go to work early.” Kimani has called on the intervention by the Kajiado county government to replace the vandalised solar street lights citing their significance towards the development of the town and an increase in insecurity in Ngong town since they were vandalised. “We would like to have the solar street lights replaced. We are very saddened because we woke up one day the solar panels on the street lights were gone. They did not last long.From that day, insecurity has increased. I cannot tell who stole them.” According to Kanai a resident of Ngong town,protecting national resources like solar panels is crucial for the development of the country citing that vandalism of development projects should be thwarted. “Residents should protect development resources constructed for them at the grassroot level because they are the ones who benefit from these resources. In areas like Lami Safi there is no solar panel left because all of them have been vandalised. The theft of these solar panels takes us backwards.” Kanai has called or residents to collaborate with national government administrative officers and law enforcement officers to help in protecting national resources for their benefit. Over thirty solar powered street lights that had been erected in Ngong town in the first phase of the solar project in response to the surge in insecurity in the town have been vandalised. Solar street lights have gained significant popularity in recent years as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional street lighting. These lights rely on photovoltaic cells to convert the energy from the sun into electricity, which is then used to power the lights during the night. The Kenyan government through its Vision 2030 development agenda aims to promote development of renewable energy like solar, wind and biogas as an alternative source of energy. Increasing the renewable and clean energy sources is a key building block to reaching the goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and becoming a climate-neutral continent by 2050. However, obstacles like theft and vandalism of national resources like solar panels if not addressed could be a huge barrier towards realising this development agenda in Kenya.

Read Full News

Man who want to change the lives of those living with disability

adminelveza2 years ago2 years ago02 mins

Ken Saota, a resident of Athi River yesterday wowed many in Nairobi CBD with his locally built vehicle named KENYA ONE. Saota had travelled to Nairobi following an invitation by a man described by many online, as the most hardworking chief officer in Kenya, Geoffrey Mosiria. The no nonsense chief officer for environment, Nairobi county. Saota who is a married father of two, is a self taught engineer who wants to change the lives of those living with disability.”I have an elderly friend who is disabled. He is suffering alot because, he can’t move around and being poor makes things even more harder for him.” Saota said Saota has ambitions to start manufacturing motorized vehicles in Kenya purposely for those living with disability. “With funding, I can build small motorized vehicles which can make life a bit easier for those living with disability. They will be able to move easily without depending on others.” Saota said Apart from Kenya one, Saota has assembled a helicopter prototype which he confirmed did not make it to the airspace because of the stringent regulations and lack of finances. During the meeting, Mosiria expressed his admiration for Saota’s ambitions to power KENYA ONE using solar energy. Mosiria said a solar powered KENYA ONE can be a part of the solution by Nairobi county in countering air pollution. The vehicle is currently fitted with a motorcycle engine. According to Saota, KENYA ONE uses approximately 400 shillings worth of fuel from Athi river to Nairobi and back. The three wheeled vehicle which has so far costed 400,000 shillings weighs 450kgs and has a top speed of 120km per hour.

Read Full News

UK Coroner’s court rules suicide was the cause of death of a Kenyan born woman

adminelveza2 years ago2 years ago11 mins

A Coroner’s Court in Oxford, UK, last month on 26 September 2024, ruled that the cause of death of a research scientist in Offord, Uk as suicide after a full inquest was held over the death. The body of 28 yr old Miss Achia who was born in Kenya, was discovered early in the morning by a member of the public at Shotover Country Park in Old Road in Headington, Oxford on 21 March 2024. A post-mortem results showed Miss Achia died from hanging. The initial statement by the local police had indicated they were investigating an unexplained death, prompting for the park to be closed temporarily. Specially trained police officers were also dispatched to inform and support the deceased next of kin. May her soul rest in peace. Photo: Humphris Funerals

Read Full News

Rotary Club donates laboratory equipment at Gataka Health Centre

adminelveza2 years ago2 years ago02 mins

By Amy Moyi The Rotary Club of Ongata Rongai East has donated laboratory equipment at Gataka Health Centre in Nkaimurunya ward as part of the club corporate social responsibility(CSR) initiative. The level three facility has received a microscope, centrifuge, diagnostic sets, consumables and furniture equipment. According to the project champion Rotarian Dismus Wakla, the laboratory equipment was the most urgently needed by the facility to facilitate doctors with accurate diagnosis. “Every treatment must be ascertained through screening for the doctors to have proper diagnosis of what the patient is suffering from. It has been a challenge for the doctors here due to lack of the proper equipment resulting in referrals of patients to other hospitals.” said Wakla. The Rotary District Governor Joe Kamau has said the organization is committed to development initiatives in the community through member donations grants and donor funding. He has appealed to donors for resources to fund future initiatives. “With a presence in more than two hundred countries, and 1.4 voluntary members, health intervention is one of the key priorities of rotary club. I am happy for today’s program and we aspire to do more in the next phase including medical camps as we have been undertaking in other parts of the country.” said Kamau. The Rotary club president Ongata Rongai Mr. Marcillus Otieno identified other needs to be addressed at the facility in future including the need for mental health counseling, equipping with advanced medical equipment and community engagement. The doctors at the facility cited lack of water as a key challenge in service delivery especially for the childbirth and incubation care because the centre is largely dependent on a the neighbouring school for water supply. Other challenges cited by the doctors include lack of sufficient human resources and funding. The facility lacks a pharmacist, a health records officer and receives funding by the county government twice a year. The facility started as a dispensary but has now advanced to a level three hospital which provides antenatal services. Since 2022,there have been 56 successful child deliveries and the workload has increased.

Read Full News

The desperate plight of the neglected elderly persons in Mathare

adminelveza2 years ago2 years ago05 mins

By Amy Moyi In Mathare, an informal settlement area of Ngong town, there is an increase in the number of neglected elderly persons. Most of these elderly persons live alone and have little to no contact with their families. This neglect by their family members including their children who have migrated to urban areas has a great negative impact on their quality of life. As a result of their advanced age and low economic status, living in isolation exposes these vulnerable elderly persons to risk and at the mercy of well wishers to fend for their basic needs. John Thiga ,a resident of Mathare who is over eighty years old has said he barely keeps in touch with his children who migrated to the United States of America. In his old age, he has to endure financial and health challenges. “Children sometimes abandon their parents when they go abroad. Sometimes they help and sometimes they do not. Life has been very hard because of financial problems because I cannot work anymore. I depend on help from well wishers and a little help sometimes from the children. As old people we also suffer from diseases because immunity is low. I suffer from high blood pressure.” Seventy two year old Florence Wangu lives in Mathare with her forty nine year old son who developed a mental health condition while in third year at university. She is unable to afford proper housing, food as well as medication for her son and herself. “I have arthritis and I cannot afford treatment or medication. I am the caregiver of my only child who depends on me since his father died. When I die he will have no one to care for him. The house is too small for me and my son. Food is too expensive, I rely on the church for food and well wishers to help me fetch water.” Seventy eight year old Wambui Kamitha from Mathare has had to raise her two grandchildren after their parents died. She has said that access to food is a challenge because her grandchildren have not been able to get jobs. “My grand children who are now grown up rely on casual jobs. When they are able to get work they have to feed their children first. I am their mother, father and grandmother. Sometimes we used to sleep hungry. At times a well wisher will give me a hundred shillings and then I will buy food. If the elderly persons here told you their stories you would shed tears.” Seventy two year old Peter Kareri still has to work as a watchman to fend to himself and his wife. He has said he can only retire after he is able to get enough capital to pay off his debts, start a business for himself and his wife and build a small home. “The price of milk, sugar, cooking oil and bread is too high. I have to pay a debt of seventy thousand Kenya shillings so I work twenty four hours. I would like to buy a cart and donkey and start a business so I can provide for my family at home. I would also like to build a four room house.” Regina Wambui started Umoja Elderly Emporment Programme with the aim of assisting the vulnerable elderly persons in the community after witnessing their desperate plight. She has said that most of the elderly persons have been abandoned by their children who do not have stable jobs. “I would visit an elderly person and find they have no food to it and no one to assist them. I have Seventy four elderly persons under this programme four of whom are bedridden and five who walk with a cane. Their children have left and sometimes leave them with grandchildren to care for so I assist them with help from well wishers.” Wambui has emphasized the importance of involvement by family members and the community in taking care of elderly persons at a stage in life when they are most vulnerable. “Elderly persons need to be cared for. Their children have forgotten them and will only come back to bury them but right now they have no interest in their parents. We are really burdened but when they come together it help to prevent depression.” Thiga has reiterated that elderly persons do not require much to be content but sometimes they lack even enough resources to meet their basic needs which can sometimes result in death. “All we need as elderly people is peace. If we have food, shelter, somewhere peaceful to stay and and a little money for medication that is enough. Things are very expensive right now and many old people die because of hunger if they do not have assistance from their families because most elderly people especially men are abandoned by young people.” Ageing has fundamental impacts on sustainable development efforts to eradicate poverty, achieve food security. The United Nations introduced the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the year 2016 which outlined seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), that aim to eradicate poverty and hunger. Kenya’s Vision 2030 envisions that older persons have access to quality health care, social care and support through community- based care and long-term care policies, infrastructure, resources and programs.

Read Full News

Bondeni Murder Suspect Was Working As A Construction Worker

adminelveza2 years ago11 months ago02 mins

The arrest of the main suspect of the brutal murder of two children and attempted murder of their young auntie on 13 September 2024 in Bondeni, Ngong is a wake up call for landlords, employers and parents. The 35 yr old suspect who was arrested in a family home next to Olkeri primary school this week was being hosted by a secondary school student. The revelation that the secondary school student was hosting the murder suspect has left many people in the village asking what would a 35 yr old murder suspect have in common with a secondary school student. It has now been revealed that the suspect was working as a construction worker in Karen and also within Olkeri. To avoid being seen, he would leave for work at 6am and come back after dark according to our source. During the day of arrest, the most hated man in Bondeni village right now for committing the the most foul crime of killing innocent children, was found together with his host drinking alcohol and chewing ‘muguka’. He did not resist arrest. A community elder who wished to remain anonymous urged Parents to put effort in knowing more about their children friends. “If your son or daughter brings a friend to your home, ask questions, especially if they are strangers and your gut feeling tells you to be concerned.” The elder said Patrick Gitonga who is a resident of Olkeri has also urged landlords and employers to ask for identity cards from anyone seeking employment. “Imagine if the murder suspect had engaged in an argument with another worker! if he can kill children, then killing an adult would be an easy job” Gitonga said

Read Full News

Hope For Parents Who Had Given Up After NACADA Opens Branch In Ngong

adminelveza2 years ago2 years ago01 mins

There is hope for parents who had given up on their sons and daughters who are addicted to drugs and illegal substances, after The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse NACADA opened an office in Ngong Town. NACADA was established through a Gazette Notice dated April 26, 2001, to undertake public education and awareness campaign against drug abuse, especially among youth in schools and other institutions of higher learning. Some of the key functions of NACADA include carrying out public education on alcohol and drug abuse, and coordinating and facilitating public participation in the control of alcohol and drug abuse within communities. NACADA offices will be located at the Deputy County Commissioner’s complex in Ngong town. Click here to know more about NACADA https://nacada.go.ke

Read Full News

A Father’s Blessing is Important

adminelveza2 years ago11 months ago01 mins

According to psychologists, blessing of a father over his children is critical in shaping their independent life. Olkeri community elder Nicholas Ndung’u Njoroge did not hesitate to bless his daughter Mary Wanjiru when she recently paid him a visit. Experts also affirms that it is a father’s blessing that empowers the son or daughter to stand in their own gender with confidence.

Read Full News

The Future of Transport is Here!

adminelveza2 years ago02 mins

Ngong road commuters will benefit from Rapid Bus Transport (BRT) services starting November 2024 if plans by The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the county government of Kajiado succeeds. The BRT Pilot project will see 40 buses from 10 operators plying a route named CHUI which will serve Ngong road commuters to Nairobi enroute to Tala, Njiru and Dandora through Juja road once the whole project is complete. Bus terminals will be established in Ngong town, karen, junction mall, prestige, Kenyatta hospital and Nairobi CBD for the initial pilot project. The buses which are are expected to be available to commuters every 5 minutes during peak hours and every 10 minutes during off peak hours will operate from 4am to 9pm every day. Drivers, conductors and stage managers will be trained on operations, hospitality and safety. The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NaMATA) was established by an Executive Order through Legal Notice No.18 of 17 February 2017 with the main mandate of overseeing the establishment of an integrated, efficient, effective and sustainable public transport system within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area (NMA). The NMA is made up of Kajiado, Kiambu, Machakos, Murang’a and Nairobi City counties. Photo: BRT project in Dar-esalaam Tanzania.

Read Full News

Political Sponsored Smear Campaigns are an Attack On Our Democracy.

adminelveza2 years ago03 mins

For decades, politicians have used the ‘loudest of all in the village’ to heckle opponents during political rallies and shamelessly during funerals. The loudest hecklers are slowly being replaced by a youthful, educated and digital literate online political bloggers who are doing it purposely to make money. The political bloggers engage in publicity, information manipulation and smear campaigns against anyone who dares to speak the truth, challenge or question the actions of their sponsors who are usually political actors. Most of political bloggers will focus their campaigns on winning the next election for their sponsors. Elveza Media interviewed several youthful political bloggers who blamed lack of employment opportunities for their choice of work. “I’m doing it purposely to make money” Dennis (not his real name) who has been blogging for the last two years told Elveza Media. Even though Dennis refused to disclose how much he is paid, it is estimated most bloggers earn between 100 and 300 shillings per assignment. Those with direct links to their sponsors keep most of the money for themselves and then subcontract upcoming bloggers. “Some politicians in low level positions receive funds from politicians who are higher in leadership hierarchy for publicity purposes and end up keeping a huge chunk of the money for themselves and their close allies. It’s a very exploitative working environment but less risky than stealing” Dennis said One interesting observation from our team during the interview is that Dennis was not aware some of the activities he had been engaging in, such as smear campaigns, are outright criminal activities. Smear campaigns which are mostly ordered by political actors or by their close allies, use various tactics including spreading false information, launching personal attacks, or attempting to damage an opponent’s reputation through misleading or character assassination. Journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents who refuse to be ‘bought’ are regular targets by smear campaigners. Tactics used by political bloggers include propaganda, trolling, misinformation, Malinformation and disinformation. A research conducted in Austria in 2020, found that perceived dirty campaigning increases anger, frustration, and disgust towards campaigns. Over time, it increased distrust towards politicians and decreased trust in democracy. “This method of campaigning is just noise, lies and deceit by politicians who don’t want to articulate what they have done for the people and also don’t want to have a responsibility to come up with real practical ideas that will solve problems affecting their electorates. It is an attack on our democracy and it is sad to see those who we entrusted with our votes to protect democracy are the ones funding this corrupt and unethical business model.” Agnes Wanjira who is human rights activist and a resident of Ngong told Elveza Media. What everyone we interviewed agreed is that, civic education must be made available to educate electorates on the new emerging trends being used by politicians to influence elections outcome.

Read Full News