Thursday, August 12, 2010
CORRUPTION
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CORRUPTION
Nairobi July 22, 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
Kenya has emerged third in the list of most corrupt countries in Eastern Africa, this according to the East Africa Bribery Index (EABI) 2010 by Transparency International (TI) - Kenya.
Burundi relinquished Kenya of its initial top position and its revenue authority has been named as the most corrupt institution.
Kenya recorded a slight improvement in the prevalence of corruption, from a rate of 45 per cent in 2009, to 31.9 per cent this year.
Speaking at a press conference, TI Executive Director, Samuel Kimeu said that this year the index had expanded to Rwanda and Burundi.
“EABI has this year used a higher number of respondents from the five East African countries. The number of respondents was selected based on the respective population size,” he said.
Burundi has been ranked at the top position with a corruption prevalence rate of 36.7 per cent while Rwanda is the least corrupt country in the region with a prevalence rate of 6.6 per cent.
The police force has been ranked the most corrupt in Kenya and third in East Africa, with the Ministry of State for Defence, the Nairobi City Council and the Judiciary in Kenya following in that order.
Some of the institutions have exited the 2010 Kenya Aggregate Index, these are the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the Ministry of Public Works.
However, the corruption perception in Kenya has not changed for the last three years, according to the index. 90 per cent of Kenyans rated the country as being extremely corrupt.
Speaking at the same function, Assistant Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, Alfred Khang’ati said that previous extreme presidential powers were to blame for the perpetual
state of corruption in Kenya.
“We need a new constitution that contains stronger accountability safeguards and it will serve as the gateway for the much needed institutional reforms aimed at curbing incidents of corruption in the public sector,” he said.
The East Africa Bribery Index is a governance tool developed to measure bribery levels in the private and public sectors in the region.
ends......
CORRUPTION
Nairobi July 22, 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
Kenya has emerged third in the list of most corrupt countries in Eastern Africa, this according to the East Africa Bribery Index (EABI) 2010 by Transparency International (TI) - Kenya.
Burundi relinquished Kenya of its initial top position and its revenue authority has been named as the most corrupt institution.
Kenya recorded a slight improvement in the prevalence of corruption, from a rate of 45 per cent in 2009, to 31.9 per cent this year.
Speaking at a press conference, TI Executive Director, Samuel Kimeu said that this year the index had expanded to Rwanda and Burundi.
“EABI has this year used a higher number of respondents from the five East African countries. The number of respondents was selected based on the respective population size,” he said.
Burundi has been ranked at the top position with a corruption prevalence rate of 36.7 per cent while Rwanda is the least corrupt country in the region with a prevalence rate of 6.6 per cent.
The police force has been ranked the most corrupt in Kenya and third in East Africa, with the Ministry of State for Defence, the Nairobi City Council and the Judiciary in Kenya following in that order.
Some of the institutions have exited the 2010 Kenya Aggregate Index, these are the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), and the Ministry of Public Works.
However, the corruption perception in Kenya has not changed for the last three years, according to the index. 90 per cent of Kenyans rated the country as being extremely corrupt.
Speaking at the same function, Assistant Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, Alfred Khang’ati said that previous extreme presidential powers were to blame for the perpetual
state of corruption in Kenya.
“We need a new constitution that contains stronger accountability safeguards and it will serve as the gateway for the much needed institutional reforms aimed at curbing incidents of corruption in the public sector,” he said.
The East Africa Bribery Index is a governance tool developed to measure bribery levels in the private and public sectors in the region.
ends......
ELIMU YETU
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ELIMU YETU
NAIROBI July 2, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu
A former Mp has today lamented over the deteriorating quality of education in the country.
Speaking today during the launch of Elimu Yetu Coalition (EYC) report Prof. Ruth Oniang’o attributed the low quality education on teacher, pupil ratio which she noted that the number of pupils was too high for the teachers to handle.
“I don’t see how 100 students, in one class with one teacher can access quality education with such congestions” she said
She said that the country was importing labour from other countries as a result of poor education it has been providing
.
“Quality education will enable our people to become competitive in the world labour market,” she said.
She further added that every child in the country should have access to quality education regardless of their physical, social, economic, cultural, religious& gender or any other status.
She urged the leaders to implement and honor their pledges during and after campaigns.
She also called upon the EYC to partner with the Media citing that they have the power of the pen all Kenyans and to they should include the right to vote in their future report.
Statistics from the report indicate that the sector has been greatly affected by unresolved issues such as post –election violence, drought and the eminent effect of global economic meltdown. This state of affair was blamed on combination of political indifferences, weak domestic policies and the failure of government across the world to tackle deep and persistence inequalities in education.
EYC has been working for the past ten years in education sector in campaigning for the rights to quality basic Education For All (EFA) and monitoring delivery goal of EFA and targets within the framework of Kenya Education Sector Support Program.
Ends...............................
ELIMU YETU
NAIROBI July 2, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu
A former Mp has today lamented over the deteriorating quality of education in the country.
Speaking today during the launch of Elimu Yetu Coalition (EYC) report Prof. Ruth Oniang’o attributed the low quality education on teacher, pupil ratio which she noted that the number of pupils was too high for the teachers to handle.
“I don’t see how 100 students, in one class with one teacher can access quality education with such congestions” she said
She said that the country was importing labour from other countries as a result of poor education it has been providing
.
“Quality education will enable our people to become competitive in the world labour market,” she said.
She further added that every child in the country should have access to quality education regardless of their physical, social, economic, cultural, religious& gender or any other status.
She urged the leaders to implement and honor their pledges during and after campaigns.
She also called upon the EYC to partner with the Media citing that they have the power of the pen all Kenyans and to they should include the right to vote in their future report.
Statistics from the report indicate that the sector has been greatly affected by unresolved issues such as post –election violence, drought and the eminent effect of global economic meltdown. This state of affair was blamed on combination of political indifferences, weak domestic policies and the failure of government across the world to tackle deep and persistence inequalities in education.
EYC has been working for the past ten years in education sector in campaigning for the rights to quality basic Education For All (EFA) and monitoring delivery goal of EFA and targets within the framework of Kenya Education Sector Support Program.
Ends...............................
Family Planning
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Family Planning
Nairobi June 24, 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
Kenya has been ranked as the leading country in Africa for making progress towards health and development goals, reducing child mortality, lengthening life expectancy and improving the economy.
Speaking at the Kenya Parliamentary Network on Population and Development (KPNPD) meeting on realization of Millenium Development Goals 5 (MDG5) at a Nairobi hotel, Eldoret East MP Margaret Kamar said that the government needs to put up radical measures that would prevent underage and unplanned pregnancies.
She suggested that if such measures are to succeed, higher learning institutions have to be fully involved noting that most unwanted pregnancies are to be found within the college going age bracket.
Kamar also emphasized the need to involve members of parliament in budget making so that they can give financial estimates required in various programmes saying that such a move would help the legislators handle public problems.
Pamela Onduso an official from Pathfinder International of Kenya said that fertility rate remains high at 4.6 births per woman due to the unmet need for family planning leading to more than a million unplanned pregnancies.
Onduso added that there is need to manage population growth for economic growth and to achieve the Vision 2030 goals.
“Family planning is the missing link to achieving these development goals,” said Onduso.
Kenya was an early leader in family planning in Africa, with a program that was comprehensive to reach all communities and had strong political leadership until the mid 1990’s where things started taking an opposite direction.
Ends………..Winnie Ngaluma.
Family Planning
Nairobi June 24, 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
Kenya has been ranked as the leading country in Africa for making progress towards health and development goals, reducing child mortality, lengthening life expectancy and improving the economy.
Speaking at the Kenya Parliamentary Network on Population and Development (KPNPD) meeting on realization of Millenium Development Goals 5 (MDG5) at a Nairobi hotel, Eldoret East MP Margaret Kamar said that the government needs to put up radical measures that would prevent underage and unplanned pregnancies.
She suggested that if such measures are to succeed, higher learning institutions have to be fully involved noting that most unwanted pregnancies are to be found within the college going age bracket.
Kamar also emphasized the need to involve members of parliament in budget making so that they can give financial estimates required in various programmes saying that such a move would help the legislators handle public problems.
Pamela Onduso an official from Pathfinder International of Kenya said that fertility rate remains high at 4.6 births per woman due to the unmet need for family planning leading to more than a million unplanned pregnancies.
Onduso added that there is need to manage population growth for economic growth and to achieve the Vision 2030 goals.
“Family planning is the missing link to achieving these development goals,” said Onduso.
Kenya was an early leader in family planning in Africa, with a program that was comprehensive to reach all communities and had strong political leadership until the mid 1990’s where things started taking an opposite direction.
Ends………..Winnie Ngaluma.
Peace and Security Pact
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Peace and Security Pact
Nairobi July 13, 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
Ministers drawn from seven countries in the framework of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HOAI) have agreed to work together towards attaining sustainable peace and security in the region.
This is part of recommendations made by the HOAI senior officials last year to address the common challenges facing member states.
Speaking today during a meeting convened to approve the recommendations, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said that the region is faced by natural and manmade challenges which can be effectively addressed through a joint effort.
The ministers also agreed to ensure compatibility of the Horn projects with national and regional priorities by supporting the transpiration of related regional commitments into national policies, programs and budgets.
In a joint statement signed by other ministers, Kiraitu said that it will be very difficult to develop if states keep on generating refugees as a result of political conflict. He said there is need to find the root cause of the problems.
He added that power shortage has been a hindrance to development and challenged HOAI member states to explore other ways of generating power apart from hydro like wind power and geothermal power.
Kiraitu said generation of enough of power will enhance regional integration and this can only be achieved through co-operation among member-states.
Speaking in the same function the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Joseph Kinyua said that Kenya will work together with other HOAI member states to exploit the resources available in the region so as to improve transport, water and energy shortage in the region.
During the meeting, the ministers sent their condolences to the Ugandan government and condemned in the strongest terms the shocking attack on the innocent citizens where many lives were lost.
Two bombs exploded in two entertainment centers in Uganda during the World Cup finals between Spain and Netherlands killing over 70 people and injured several. Al Shabaab militia group in Somalia has claimed responsibility of the bomb explosions.
The Ministers agreed that for the initiative to be effectively implemented, it needs to operate on the principle of common ownership, regional cooperation and aid effectiveness by all seven countries.
The meeting was attended by observers from regional organization of the Inter Regional Organizing Committee (IRCC) and from the donor community
The HOAI member-states are Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somali and Sudan.
Ends/Muoka
Peace and Security Pact
Nairobi July 13, 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
Ministers drawn from seven countries in the framework of the Horn of Africa Initiative (HOAI) have agreed to work together towards attaining sustainable peace and security in the region.
This is part of recommendations made by the HOAI senior officials last year to address the common challenges facing member states.
Speaking today during a meeting convened to approve the recommendations, Energy Minister Kiraitu Murungi said that the region is faced by natural and manmade challenges which can be effectively addressed through a joint effort.
The ministers also agreed to ensure compatibility of the Horn projects with national and regional priorities by supporting the transpiration of related regional commitments into national policies, programs and budgets.
In a joint statement signed by other ministers, Kiraitu said that it will be very difficult to develop if states keep on generating refugees as a result of political conflict. He said there is need to find the root cause of the problems.
He added that power shortage has been a hindrance to development and challenged HOAI member states to explore other ways of generating power apart from hydro like wind power and geothermal power.
Kiraitu said generation of enough of power will enhance regional integration and this can only be achieved through co-operation among member-states.
Speaking in the same function the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance, Joseph Kinyua said that Kenya will work together with other HOAI member states to exploit the resources available in the region so as to improve transport, water and energy shortage in the region.
During the meeting, the ministers sent their condolences to the Ugandan government and condemned in the strongest terms the shocking attack on the innocent citizens where many lives were lost.
Two bombs exploded in two entertainment centers in Uganda during the World Cup finals between Spain and Netherlands killing over 70 people and injured several. Al Shabaab militia group in Somalia has claimed responsibility of the bomb explosions.
The Ministers agreed that for the initiative to be effectively implemented, it needs to operate on the principle of common ownership, regional cooperation and aid effectiveness by all seven countries.
The meeting was attended by observers from regional organization of the Inter Regional Organizing Committee (IRCC) and from the donor community
The HOAI member-states are Kenya, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Uganda, Somali and Sudan.
Ends/Muoka
SIM- REGISTRATION
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Nairobi Office
SIM- REGISTRATION
JUNE 30TH 2010 BY Naliston Kibuthu
mobile phone related crime will soon go down fo come into action after a bill that has been tabled before the cabinet on implementation of the Data Protection is approved.
The bill will see data collected by operators being used by the police force to investigate fraud, kidnappings and hatespeech perpetration that are mobile phone related crimes.
Although the move comes at a time when there is a high rate of insecurity in the country, Kenyans have however raised concerns over the deadline of the registration of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) exercise saying that the timeframe given will not allow the mobile operators to capture every information hence reducing insecurity in the country will not be a thing of the past.
According to Nderitu Gachage a tutor at Consolata Institute of Mass Communication the exercise is a right move but there must be a timeframe within which it is to be carried out in order to achieve its intended objective,adding that the deadline should be extended to about six months to enable every individual to register.
Mwangi Githai a newspaper vendor in Koinange street applauds the government’s move in registering the SIM saying that months ago he was a victim after certain people called him demanding for sh. 350,000 or risk being beheaded.
“ I feel that the timeframe should be extended to at least six months so as to allow all people to register as a short timeframe will lead to congestion that will discourage many from registering” He added
But according to Peninah Mwihaki a ticket vendor with Charity Sweepstake the registration will not reduce the insecurity in the country since the mobile operator already have detalied information of every sim holder and nothing has been done.
Further Karani Njoroge a taxi driver on Kijabe street on the other hand feels that the exercise will help curb crime adding this will help increase there income.
Ends..........joyce lutomia
Nairobi Office
SIM- REGISTRATION
JUNE 30TH 2010 BY Naliston Kibuthu
mobile phone related crime will soon go down fo come into action after a bill that has been tabled before the cabinet on implementation of the Data Protection is approved.
The bill will see data collected by operators being used by the police force to investigate fraud, kidnappings and hatespeech perpetration that are mobile phone related crimes.
Although the move comes at a time when there is a high rate of insecurity in the country, Kenyans have however raised concerns over the deadline of the registration of Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) exercise saying that the timeframe given will not allow the mobile operators to capture every information hence reducing insecurity in the country will not be a thing of the past.
According to Nderitu Gachage a tutor at Consolata Institute of Mass Communication the exercise is a right move but there must be a timeframe within which it is to be carried out in order to achieve its intended objective,adding that the deadline should be extended to about six months to enable every individual to register.
Mwangi Githai a newspaper vendor in Koinange street applauds the government’s move in registering the SIM saying that months ago he was a victim after certain people called him demanding for sh. 350,000 or risk being beheaded.
“ I feel that the timeframe should be extended to at least six months so as to allow all people to register as a short timeframe will lead to congestion that will discourage many from registering” He added
But according to Peninah Mwihaki a ticket vendor with Charity Sweepstake the registration will not reduce the insecurity in the country since the mobile operator already have detalied information of every sim holder and nothing has been done.
Further Karani Njoroge a taxi driver on Kijabe street on the other hand feels that the exercise will help curb crime adding this will help increase there income.
Ends..........joyce lutomia
Yes Team Defended Over Claims
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Yes Team Defended Over Claims
Nairobi, 16th July 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
A civil society group today lashed out at the No campaign team for claiming that the US government is rooting for Yes in the forthcoming referendum and has been supporting the Yes team financially.
International Center for Policy and Conflict Executive Director Ndung’u Wanaina said the Yes team has not received any funds from the US government.
Speaking while releasing a report on the proposed constitution, Wanaina challenged the No team to provide evidence to support their claims.
In the past few days the No team lead by High Education Minster William Ruto has been accusing the Yes side of receiving financial support from US government through Ambassador Michael Rannerberger.
On MPs pay hike, Wainaina said that MPs do not deserve salary increment. He said that it is civil servants who promptly pay taxes whose their meager salaries should be increased.
The report analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed constitution and outlines the benefits Kenyans will reap if it is passed at the referendum.
Wainaina said the proposed constitution is a key to introducing crucial institutional, electoral reforms and starting a genuine national process of reconstruction, reconciliation and social cohesion.
“We are on the verge of realizing the fruit of our struggle to democratize our country and we cannot accord those who have erected road blocks to disrupt the completion of the constitutional reforms,’ he said
He added that it is necessary to get a new constitutional dispensation in order to begin in earnest the genuine national restoration and reconciliation.
Wainaina urged Kenyans and international friends to work with the Committee of Experts (CoE) and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) in carrying out effective civic and voter education to ensure productive and peaceful referendum.
The report singled out some of the weaknesses of the proposed law as the retaining of the presidential system though it has check and balances and the limited role of the senate of addressing issues affecting counties and presidential impeachment.
He said that they are working in collaboration with IIEC and CoE to monitor and prevent hate speeches to avoid the recurrence of 2007 post election violence.
Wainaina further urged the religious and political leaders to exercise restraint in their political rhetoric in order to build the necessary bridges for uniting the country towards and after referendum
Ends/Muoka
Yes Team Defended Over Claims
Nairobi, 16th July 2010 By Naliston Kibuthu
A civil society group today lashed out at the No campaign team for claiming that the US government is rooting for Yes in the forthcoming referendum and has been supporting the Yes team financially.
International Center for Policy and Conflict Executive Director Ndung’u Wanaina said the Yes team has not received any funds from the US government.
Speaking while releasing a report on the proposed constitution, Wanaina challenged the No team to provide evidence to support their claims.
In the past few days the No team lead by High Education Minster William Ruto has been accusing the Yes side of receiving financial support from US government through Ambassador Michael Rannerberger.
On MPs pay hike, Wainaina said that MPs do not deserve salary increment. He said that it is civil servants who promptly pay taxes whose their meager salaries should be increased.
The report analyses the strengths and weaknesses of the proposed constitution and outlines the benefits Kenyans will reap if it is passed at the referendum.
Wainaina said the proposed constitution is a key to introducing crucial institutional, electoral reforms and starting a genuine national process of reconstruction, reconciliation and social cohesion.
“We are on the verge of realizing the fruit of our struggle to democratize our country and we cannot accord those who have erected road blocks to disrupt the completion of the constitutional reforms,’ he said
He added that it is necessary to get a new constitutional dispensation in order to begin in earnest the genuine national restoration and reconciliation.
Wainaina urged Kenyans and international friends to work with the Committee of Experts (CoE) and the Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) in carrying out effective civic and voter education to ensure productive and peaceful referendum.
The report singled out some of the weaknesses of the proposed law as the retaining of the presidential system though it has check and balances and the limited role of the senate of addressing issues affecting counties and presidential impeachment.
He said that they are working in collaboration with IIEC and CoE to monitor and prevent hate speeches to avoid the recurrence of 2007 post election violence.
Wainaina further urged the religious and political leaders to exercise restraint in their political rhetoric in order to build the necessary bridges for uniting the country towards and after referendum
Ends/Muoka
PRICE CONTROL
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PRICE CONTROL
NAIROBI June 29, 2010 BY Naliston Kibuthu
The Kenyan economy has become a challenge to the common man who depends on low income and hopes to put in place price control measures will be a reprieve to most Kenyans.
A section of Kenyans have expressed optimisms that the re-introduction of the price control bill will improve their living standards but some are against this move which seems to be a joy to many.
In an exclusive interview with the Kenya News agency, Linda Auma a Makongeni resident said “I think this will control the greedy traders who are out to exploit the common wananchi”.
In contrary, Paul Kuria a hawker at Muthurwa said that he is against the price control because he does not find it practical.
“I have to set my own price which will enable me to make profits and also meet daily basic needs,” he added.
Michael Mutua, a fruit vendor said that it is a welcoming move but it should be applied to both perishable and non-perishable products especially fuel price which keep going up.
If the president endorses the bill it might be both advantageous and disadvantageous to the Kenyans.
ENDS……………..Joyce lutomia
PRICE CONTROL
NAIROBI June 29, 2010 BY Naliston Kibuthu
The Kenyan economy has become a challenge to the common man who depends on low income and hopes to put in place price control measures will be a reprieve to most Kenyans.
A section of Kenyans have expressed optimisms that the re-introduction of the price control bill will improve their living standards but some are against this move which seems to be a joy to many.
In an exclusive interview with the Kenya News agency, Linda Auma a Makongeni resident said “I think this will control the greedy traders who are out to exploit the common wananchi”.
In contrary, Paul Kuria a hawker at Muthurwa said that he is against the price control because he does not find it practical.
“I have to set my own price which will enable me to make profits and also meet daily basic needs,” he added.
Michael Mutua, a fruit vendor said that it is a welcoming move but it should be applied to both perishable and non-perishable products especially fuel price which keep going up.
If the president endorses the bill it might be both advantageous and disadvantageous to the Kenyans.
ENDS……………..Joyce lutomia
Zain Challenge Awards
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Zain Challenge Awards
Nairobi July 28, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu/ Eunice Wanza
The winners of the Zain Africa Challenge were today awarded according to their performances during a ceremony graced by the various participants of the challenge as well as their coaches, the presenters and the school representatives.
Sibi Okumu the host of the show and a renowned teacher said that Kenya has outdone itself this season by acquiring the best positions in the challenge.
“We are extremely talented as Kenyans and very smart, and as soon as one is good in Kenya’s tough competition, the international challenges become easier,” he said.
Among the institutions awarded were Egerton University which held the top position, Nazarene University and Jomo Kenyatta University which held the second and third positions respectively.
The Vice Chancellor Egerton University James Tuitoek said that he was amazed by the outcome since this was the third time that the institution had scooped the best position.
“The challenge is a good way of nurturing the potential in our very own students since it fastens their thinking and at the end they are awarded and encouraged to keep up the good work,” said Tuitoek.
The leading institution Egerton University was awarded a grant of four million shillings, 57 laptops and modems, and their representatives were given a total off 400,000 as grant and Zain airtime.
Nazarene University was awarded two million shillings, 40 laptops and modems, and the participants were awarded a grant of 280,000 shillings and Zain airtime.
Jomo Kenyatta University got a total of two million shillings, 30 laptops and modems and the participants were given a grant of Ksh 200000 each.
The chosen players of the week during last seasons challenge were also awarded 80,000 shillings each and a medal.
the commission of higher education has partnered with Zain to cultivate competitive educational interaction between universities in Africa.
Ends…………edited by Joyce Lutomia
Zain Challenge Awards
Nairobi July 28, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu/ Eunice Wanza
The winners of the Zain Africa Challenge were today awarded according to their performances during a ceremony graced by the various participants of the challenge as well as their coaches, the presenters and the school representatives.
Sibi Okumu the host of the show and a renowned teacher said that Kenya has outdone itself this season by acquiring the best positions in the challenge.
“We are extremely talented as Kenyans and very smart, and as soon as one is good in Kenya’s tough competition, the international challenges become easier,” he said.
Among the institutions awarded were Egerton University which held the top position, Nazarene University and Jomo Kenyatta University which held the second and third positions respectively.
The Vice Chancellor Egerton University James Tuitoek said that he was amazed by the outcome since this was the third time that the institution had scooped the best position.
“The challenge is a good way of nurturing the potential in our very own students since it fastens their thinking and at the end they are awarded and encouraged to keep up the good work,” said Tuitoek.
The leading institution Egerton University was awarded a grant of four million shillings, 57 laptops and modems, and their representatives were given a total off 400,000 as grant and Zain airtime.
Nazarene University was awarded two million shillings, 40 laptops and modems, and the participants were awarded a grant of 280,000 shillings and Zain airtime.
Jomo Kenyatta University got a total of two million shillings, 30 laptops and modems and the participants were given a grant of Ksh 200000 each.
The chosen players of the week during last seasons challenge were also awarded 80,000 shillings each and a medal.
the commission of higher education has partnered with Zain to cultivate competitive educational interaction between universities in Africa.
Ends…………edited by Joyce Lutomia
Violence Survivors
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Violence Survivors
Nairobi July 15, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu
AON MINET Insurance Broker LTD today donated hospital facilities worth 400,000 shillings to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to aid in the upkeep of the Patient Support Center which cares for the victims of domestic violence and gives them hope to overcome the stigma caused by their past experiences.
The Patient Support Centre was launched in May 2008 and has offered services to approximately 1800 survivors from different parts of the country, its youngest being a two month victim of sexual violence.
Speaking during the event, Chief Executive Officer KNH Dr, J.N Micheni said that the challenges facing the center included lack of finances to support both the outpatients and inpatient services for the survivors, limited legal presentations, stigma and threats that prevent clients from giving appropriate information as well as safe accommodation for survivors.
“It is in this view that we seek partnership from individuals, corporate institutions and non-governmental organizations from both local and international so as to make this most needed service accessible to the violence survivors,” he added.
Micheni also said that noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it.
Elizabeth Mukhisa a nurse in the center said that it was not an easy task to deal with the patients, it takes one to be courageous to avoid being affected by the pressure that comes along with the counseling.
“To affectively deal with the patients you need to observe, listen, and remain non judgmental, be survivor friendly and maintain confidentiality,” she said.
The survivors whose names were withheld to avoid future occurrences to them gave their testimonies which ranged from rape cases, battering and other cases of domestic violence that led them to the Patient Support Center for treatment and counseling.
The center offers holistic and comprehensive medical, psychological and psychiatric services to survivors of sexual violence which involves six months counseling, legal assistance and advice for their safety where necessary.
Ends……………….. Edited by Wangari Ndirangu
Violence Survivors
Nairobi July 15, 2010 by Naliston Kibuthu
AON MINET Insurance Broker LTD today donated hospital facilities worth 400,000 shillings to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) to aid in the upkeep of the Patient Support Center which cares for the victims of domestic violence and gives them hope to overcome the stigma caused by their past experiences.
The Patient Support Centre was launched in May 2008 and has offered services to approximately 1800 survivors from different parts of the country, its youngest being a two month victim of sexual violence.
Speaking during the event, Chief Executive Officer KNH Dr, J.N Micheni said that the challenges facing the center included lack of finances to support both the outpatients and inpatient services for the survivors, limited legal presentations, stigma and threats that prevent clients from giving appropriate information as well as safe accommodation for survivors.
“It is in this view that we seek partnership from individuals, corporate institutions and non-governmental organizations from both local and international so as to make this most needed service accessible to the violence survivors,” he added.
Micheni also said that noticing and acknowledging the warning signs and symptoms of domestic violence and abuse is the first step to ending it.
Elizabeth Mukhisa a nurse in the center said that it was not an easy task to deal with the patients, it takes one to be courageous to avoid being affected by the pressure that comes along with the counseling.
“To affectively deal with the patients you need to observe, listen, and remain non judgmental, be survivor friendly and maintain confidentiality,” she said.
The survivors whose names were withheld to avoid future occurrences to them gave their testimonies which ranged from rape cases, battering and other cases of domestic violence that led them to the Patient Support Center for treatment and counseling.
The center offers holistic and comprehensive medical, psychological and psychiatric services to survivors of sexual violence which involves six months counseling, legal assistance and advice for their safety where necessary.
Ends……………….. Edited by Wangari Ndirangu
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