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Government to Launch NYOTA Project Targeting Vulnerable Youth in Kenya

By
Jabling Ochieng
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The government is preparing to launch a new initiative aimed at increasing the participation of Kenyan youth aged 18 to 29 in state programs.

The NYOTA Project will target approximately 810,000 vulnerable youth, including those up to 35 years old with disabilities.

Sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized that the government is driving policy reforms to place youth at the forefront of national development.

“This initiative is specifically focused on those with a Form Four level education or lower, who find themselves at the bottom of the economic and social ladder due to limited access to government programs,” said Murkomen.

The NYOTA Project is designed to improve employability, create job opportunities, support youth savings, and bolster youth employment systems.

The project will be implemented by various government agencies, including the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports, the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), and the National Social Security Fund Board of Trustees (NSSFBT).

Kenya, one of East Africa’s largest and most dynamic economies, is currently facing a severe youth unemployment crisis.

A staggering 80% of the unemployed population is made up of young people, with an estimated 500,000 to 800,000 new job seekers entering the market annually.

This influx has overwhelmed the economy, resulting in a labor force participation rate of just 38% among youth aged 15 to 24, which poses a significant risk to the country’s social and economic stability.

Murkomen also noted that the government is expanding its efforts to boost youth employment and entrepreneurship beyond existing initiatives like the Talanta Hela Initiative, the Youth Fund, and the Annual Presidential Innovation Challenge.

“The National Youth Policy is currently under review to reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities facing young people in Kenya today,” Murkomen added.

Despite Kenya’s overall unemployment rate of 12.7%, the youth unemployment rate among those aged 15 to 34 stands at a staggering 67%.

According to Murkomen, the NYOTA Project is set to launch within the next month and aims to support 110,000 youth-led MSMEs with start-up capital and mentorship.

Atwoli Urges Treasury CS Mbadi to Exercise Caution with IMF Conditions

By
Jabling Ochieng
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0

The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has cautioned the newly appointed National Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi, against blindly adhering to International Monetary Fund (IMF) conditions.

Atwoli expressed concern that the IMF’s conditionalities could have negative consequences for Kenya’s economy if implemented without careful consideration.

“The IMF’s advice has previously led to detrimental effects on citizens when followed without scrutiny,” Atwoli warned.

He emphasized that if the new National Treasury CS strictly implements 100% of the IMF’s economic and financial adjustments, it would likely fail.

“We urge the new National Treasury CS to handle IMF conditions with caution and a deep understanding of their potential impact on ordinary Kenyans. In fact, the further we distance ourselves from the IMF and its associates, the better off this country will be,” he stated.

Atwoli’s remarks follow a meeting between CS Mbadi and IMF Representative Selim Cakir on Wednesday.

The COTU boss also cautioned against policies that could increase the tax burden on Kenyans and lead to social unrest.

“IMF recommendations, if applied without considering the local context, often result in unrest, turmoil, and eventually social upheaval,” he warned.

Atwoli reaffirmed COTU’s commitment to advocating for policies that ensure economic stability while protecting workers’ rights and the welfare of Kenyans.

The IMF has often been criticized for contributing to the high cost of living in Kenya. President William Ruto chose to work with the IMF to help stabilize the economy after taking office in 2022.

How Gachagua’s Political Ambitions Might Be Thwarted by Ruto-Raila New Alliance

By
Jabling Ochieng
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0
How Gachagua's Political Ambitions Be Thwarted by Ruto-Raila New Alliance
How Gachagua's Political Ambitions Be Thwarted by Ruto-Raila New Alliance

The political alliance between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga could jeopardize Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s ambitions, despite solidifying his position as the Mt. Kenya kingpin.

Gachagua aspires to succeed President Ruto in 2032—assuming Ruto is re-elected in 2027—but he faces significant challenges, including the rapidly shifting political landscape.

Speculation suggests that President Ruto might sideline Gachagua even before the 2027 re-election bid, with Raila’s growing influence within the government reinforcing the notion of Gachagua’s isolation.

Further complicating his position, Gachagua is dealing with internal divisions in his Mt. Kenya political base, as key figures in the region question his leadership and doubt his dominance as the area’s kingpin.

A meeting is reportedly being organized by some of Gachagua’s critics within Mt. Kenya to determine the region’s political direction.

Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, who also leads The Service Party, a member of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance, is leading the anti-Gachagua faction. He has called for a retreat in the coming days to discuss the way forward for Mt. Kenya.

Kiunjuri recently criticized Gachagua, branding him a dictator, after the Deputy President had previously labeled Kiunjuri a traitor.

“There’s nothing that will stop us from uniting against what isn’t beneficial to our region. When 69 out of 75 elected leaders share the same view, it’s for a valid reason,” Kiunjuri remarked.

Concerns are growing that these regional divisions could weaken Mt. Kenya’s political influence ahead of the 2027 elections, potentially diminishing its bargaining power and opening the door for President Ruto to consider alternative running mates.

Some political analysts, however, believe that the Ruto-Raila pact has, in fact, strengthened Gachagua’s standing in Mt. Kenya, further securing his role as the region’s political figurehead.

During a recent joint tour of the region, President Ruto faced no hostility, with Gachagua using the opportunity to ease tensions and rally support for the Kenya Kwanza government.

However, Mt. Kenya-based political analyst Mwangi Muriuki warned that Gachagua’s political future remains uncertain in light of the Ruto-Raila deal.

“When you carefully assess the politics of Mt. Kenya, it becomes clear that although Gachagua is the region’s highest-ranking political leader, he’s not universally regarded as the kingpin. Many people don’t follow his lead,” Muriuki noted.

He added that former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s influence still looms large over the region, with several leaders remaining loyal to him despite his retirement in 2022.

“That’s why Gachagua has taken the approach of defending Uhuru against political attacks to win him over and reduce the animosity he faces,” Muriuki explained.

In a recent interview with local Mt. Kenya radio stations, Gachagua admitted that he had reconciled with Uhuru and pledged not to let any politician undermine the former president.

7 Proven Ways to Make Money Online

By
admin
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0

In today’s digital age, making money online has become an accessible and appealing option for beginners. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time income, the internet offers a wealth of opportunities that can be tailored to your skills and interests. Here are the seven best ways for beginners to make money online, each offering a unique path to financial independence.

1. Freelancing

Freelancing is one of the most popular ways to earn money online, especially for those with specific skills like writing, graphic design, programming, or digital marketing. Platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer connect freelancers with clients looking for various services. As a freelancer, you have the freedom to choose your projects, set your rates, and work from anywhere. Beginners can start by offering services at competitive prices and gradually increase their rates as they gain experience and build a portfolio.

2. Starting an E-commerce Store

The rise of e-commerce has opened up a world of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy, you can easily set up an online store and sell products. Whether you’re interested in dropshipping, creating handmade goods, or sourcing unique items, e-commerce allows you to reach a global audience. Beginners can start small by identifying a niche market, sourcing or creating products, and marketing their store through social media and SEO strategies.

3. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is an excellent way for beginners to make money online by promoting products or services from other companies. As an affiliate marketer, you earn a commission for every sale made through your referral link. This method is particularly effective for bloggers, social media influencers, or anyone with a website or online presence. To get started, join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or Commission Junction, and begin promoting products that align with your audience’s interests.

4. Creating and Selling Online Courses

If you have expertise in a particular field, creating and selling online courses can be a lucrative venture. Platforms like Teachable, Udemy, and Skillshare make it easy to design and sell courses on a wide range of topics, from cooking to coding. Online learning has surged in popularity, and people are willing to pay for high-quality, well-structured courses that provide real value. Beginners can start by identifying a niche topic, planning their course content, and using these platforms to reach a global audience.

5. Blogging and Monetizing Content

Blogging remains a viable option for making money online, especially if you enjoy writing and have a passion for a particular subject. By creating valuable content and building a loyal readership, you can monetize your blog through various methods such as display advertising, sponsored posts, and affiliate marketing. Platforms like WordPress and Medium make it easy to start a blog, and tools like Google AdSense help you monetize your traffic. While blogging requires consistency and patience, it can become a steady source of income over time.

6. Print on Demand

Print on demand (POD) is a creative and low-risk way to make money online by selling custom-designed products. With POD services like Printful, Redbubble, and Teespring, you can create designs for items like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, and have them printed and shipped only when orders are placed. This model eliminates the need for inventory and upfront costs, making it ideal for beginners. To succeed, focus on creating unique and appealing designs, and promote your products through social media and other channels.

7. YouTube and Content Creation

YouTube has become a powerful platform for content creators to make money online through ad revenue, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. If you enjoy creating videos and have a unique perspective or skill to share, starting a YouTube channel can be a great way to build an audience and earn income. Beginners should focus on creating high-quality, engaging content that resonates with their target audience. Consistency is key, as well as understanding YouTube’s algorithms and monetization policies.

Making money online offers flexibility and the potential for significant income, but it’s important to approach these opportunities with realistic expectations and a willingness to learn. Each of these methods requires time, effort, and persistence, but with the right strategy and dedication, beginners can find success and build a sustainable online income.

Whether you’re freelancing, selling products, or creating content, the internet provides endless possibilities to explore and profit from your passions. Start with what resonates most with you, and gradually expand your efforts as you gain experience and confidence in the online world.

Shadows Behind NHIF Scandal: Duale’s Ally Abdul Galgalo Munishram at the Heart of it

By
admin
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0

Last year, the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) was embroiled in a significant scandal involving the misappropriation of nearly KSh 2 billion.

The controversy centered on the implementation of a biometric system intended to streamline healthcare services for Kenyans. At the heart of this scandal was Abdul Galgalo Munishram, a businessman and close associate of Majority Leader Aden Duale.

NHIF had embarked on an ambitious project to introduce a fully biometric system aimed at enhancing the efficiency of healthcare services across the country. The plan involved registering all civil servants into a centralized database and equipping 1,370 hospitals with biometric kits as part of a pilot program.

The objective was to enable Kenyans to access medical services without the need for physical NHIF cards, relying instead on biometric identification.

Abdul Galgalo Munishram, through his company, Munshiram International Business System, was contracted by NHIF to develop and implement the biometric system. His company specializes in payment systems, management systems, card-based systems, and system integrations.

Munishram’s close ties with political figures, including Aden Duale, raised concerns about the transparency and integrity of the contract award process.

Reports indicated that Abdul Galgalo Munishram was introduced to a senior Rift Valley politician at an exclusive residence in Karen, Nairobi. This connection suggested potential political influence in the awarding of the NHIF contract.

Additionally, Munishram’s association with Aden Duale, a prominent political figure, further fueled suspicions of undue influence in the procurement process.

The deal metamorphosed into a multi-billion scandal after ‘powerful’ people in Government demanded a Sh400 million from Abdul Galgalo. The businessman agreed but on a condition that NHIF make advance payments to facilitate importation of the biometrics.

Despite NHIF making full payments for the supply and installation of the biometrics across the country, only four hospitals were fitted. Abdul Galgalo is said to have disappeared in thin air after being prodded severally by the CEO to honour the tender and make the supplies.

The scandal prompted investigations by various authorities, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).

Later, NHIF CEO Geoffrey Gitau Mwangi and Acting Finance Director Wilbert Kiplangat Kurgat were arrested and charged with conspiracy to defeat justice and disobedience of a lawful order. They were released on a KSh 1 million bond each.

However, no charges were brought against them regarding the alleged misappropriation of funds. This omission led to questions about who was responsible for the nearly KSh 2 billion that went missing.

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