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NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30...Cabinet Secretary for Health, Dr. Deborah Mlongo Barasa, flagged off essential health products and commodities today in preparation for the Social Health Authority (SHA) rollout on 1st October 2024.  Dr. Barasa commended the efforts of the Ministry of Health, KEMSA, and healthcare workers in improving access to healthcare across the country. "The flagged-off products will play a crucial role in addressing key health issues, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and non-communicable diseases". Said Dr. Baraza. Dr. Barasa emphasized the importance of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) in reducing healthcare costs and ensuring universal health coverage for all Kenyans. She urged Kenyans to register for SHA services and promote health-seeking behavior in their communities to build a healthier nation.  The Cabinet Secretary for was accompanied by PS Health Kimtai Harry, KEMSA Board Chair Samuel Tunai, CEO Dr. W. Ejersa,

PHOTO: Archbishop Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit, addressing the media during a briefing at All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi.  NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 27... The Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) led by Rev. Dr. Jackson Ole Sapit says that they reject Religious Organizations bill 2024 before the senate seeking to regulate churches in the country. "The mission of the church is clearly spelled out by respective religious organization's constitution and any attempts to enact a law that interferes with the operations of church is unacceptable". Said Rev. Jackson Ole Sapit. Similarly the Anglican Church of Kenya has reiterated that it rejects the bill and has demanded immediate withdrawal. In addition they stated that the introduction of taxes to churches, NGOs and the agricultural sector are disincentives and will not provide revenue to the government as envisaged. "We demand that the government review such taxes and recognizes these institutions as providers of services that wo

PHOTO: CS Labour Dr. Alfred Mutua, PS Higher Education and Research Dr. Betrice Inyangala with UASU and KUSU officials after signing return to work formula at Ministry's headquarters. NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 27..The Nationwide strike, involving university lecturers, non-teaching staff and various workers’ unions, was resolved after a day-long meeting at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection headquarters led by CS Dr. Alfred Mutua, Labour PS Shadrack Mwadime, Higher Education and Research PS Dr. Beatrice Inyangala among other senior government officials. The agreement was brokered between the Inter-Public Universities Councils Consultative Forum (IPUCCF), Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE), Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) and Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions, Hospitals, and Allied Workers (KUDHEIHA).  "As part of the return-to-work formula signed with UASU, the strike has been called off im

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 25...Ahead of Social Health Authority (SHA) roll out in October 1 2024, Government says its BETA Agenda prioritizes Universal Health Coverage for all Kenyans regardless of their financial status. The Government Spokesman Dr. Isaac Mwaura says there have been a challenge under the National Health Insurance fund (NHIF) which primarily relies on contributions of employed individuals adding that the process has hindered broader health financing which is essential for providing equitable healthcare services to all kenyans. "Social Health Authority (SHA) aims to include all kenyans in contributing to a sustainable fund that covers a wide range of health services unlike NHIF which mostly required additional community fundraising efforts, SHA ensures every citizen can access quality healthcare through enhanced government financing" said Government Spokesman, Dr. Mwaura.   Subsequently the shift from NHIF to SHA aims to provide comprehensive, quality an

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 24... The staff from University Academic Staff Union (UASU) and the Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) have vowed to continue with their strike despite orders by Employment and Labor relations courts temporarily suspending it. UASU National Secretary General Constantine Wasonga expressed his frustration to the Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba of not taking them seriously and addressing them. "We don't want any promises, we made our proposal on September 4 2020 and we are civil servants and we want 7-10 per cent that other civil servants have been given to". Said Dr. Wasonga. Furthermore University staff grievances include low and delayed salaries, non-remittance of statutory deduction and government failure to implement a comprehensive medical scheme. UASU and KUSU had earlier threatened to down their tools over non implementation of the 2021-2025 Collective Bergaining Agreement (CBA). "The 7-day notice which lapsed, we had

PHOTO: During the COP29 press conference in Nairobi. NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 19...Ahead of COP29 in Azerbaijan, African negotiators have been urged to seize the moment to secure equitable climate finance for the continent. The Greenpeace Africa and climate justice movements have presented a document to the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) demanding a push for an ambitious, needs-based climate finance framework. Among the key demands presented to African negotiators are calls for a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) that prioritizes increased public climate finance, backed by a Climate Damages Tax (CDT) on fossil fuel extraction to generate the necessary funds. The campaigners further demanded for public and debt-free financing which would avoid further burdening Africa and economies while rejecting support for fossil fuel production and other dangerous distractions that prolong the climate crisis. Amos Wemanya, Responsive Campaigns Lead at Greenpeace Africa, said “Climate negotiations

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 18...The Labour court has issued a temporary orders stopping the University Academic Staff Union (UASU) from calling or inciting others to take part in any strike. Employment and Labor Judge Justice Jacob Gakeri issued the order following an application filed by inter-public universities councils consultative forum of the Federation of Kenya Employers. Subsequently the Judge certified the matter as urgent and directed the parties to continue negotiating to resolve the disputed issues. "Application is to be served on the union and interested parties in the case and be responded to within seven days" The matter will be mentioned on October 2 for further directions.