Government's plans to establish ICT hubs

In a bold move towards bolstering digital connectivity and fostering innovation at the grassroots level, the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) has announced plans to establish Digital ICT Hubs in all 1450 wards across the nation. This ambitious initiative was revealed by the Chairman of NGCDF in the National Assembly, Musa Sirma, during a recent visit to Manyatta Constituency.

Chairman NGCDF Musa Sirma (in blue) together with Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji engage members of public during a tour.|MWINGI TIMES

Sirma, accompanied by members of his committee, visited Manyatta constituency to inspect proposed sites for the establishment of these hubs, specifically in Kiriari and Kairuri areas. Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Sirma commended Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji for his proactive efforts in realizing this vision.

MP Gitonga Mukunji echoed Sirma's sentiments, emphasizing the significant impact these ICT hubs will have on addressing unemployment, particularly among recent graduates. With access to digital resources and training, Mukunji said that  those hubs will serve as catalysts for economic empowerment and skill development in local communities.

The establishment of Digital ICT Hubs aligns with the government's broader agenda to bridge the digital divide and harness the transformative power of technology for socio-economic development. By bringing cutting-edge digital infrastructure to the grassroots level, the initiative aims to democratize access to information and opportunities.

The chairman said that the hubs will serve as incubators for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing aspiring tech entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to turn their ideas into viable businesses."This grassroots approach to fostering innovation holds the potential to drive local economic growth and create new avenues for employment," Sirma observed.

In addition to providing access to digital technology and training, the hubs, he said, will also serve as centres for community engagement and collaboration by facilitating knowledge sharing and networking opportunities to promote a culture of collaboration and collective problem-solving within communities.

Manyatta member of Parliament Gitonga Mukunji said within the areas with the ICT hubs will have a public Wifi which will enable the local community within the markets to utilize and market their businesses.

As plans for the establishment of Digital ICT Hubs gather momentum, attention has turned towards ensuring the sustainability and long-term viability of these initiatives. Key considerations include infrastructure development, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure the effective utilization and maintenance of the hubs.

STORY By BRIAN MUSYOKA

Goat prices in Tseikuru market

Large -15000

Medium -7000

Small-5000

Dated: Thursday May 9, 2024

Ngilu seeks another chance as governor

Going by the look of things, these are interesting times as early campaigns for 2027 general elections kick in for the county governor of Kitui. Former governor Charity Ngilu is back to the limelight to recapture her seat. This is after her preferred presidential candidate Raila Odinga lost to President William Ruto. 

Former governor of Kitui County Ms Charity Ngilu.

Ex-governor Ngilu did not campaign hoping to be tapped by Raila Odinga if he won the 2022 presidential polls. She did not even campaign to recapture her seat.However, her name was in the ballot and she got a paltry 2000 votes.

Ngilu took a low profile but has reemerged with a new game plan dismissing governor Dr Julius Malombe who was quoted by sections of the press as angling for a third term. Speaking at ACK church in Kitui Township, Ms Ngilu said that there was no lacuna in the 2010 constitution concerning the gubernatorial term limits.

"I tell you there is no lacuna in the constitution. I was part and parcel of writing the constitution", she said.

The former governor praised Agriculture and Livestock CEC Member Stephen Kimwele describing him as hardworking. She offered to retain him once she is reelected. 

"As his Minister for Agriculture, I really see you are doing very well. Once I return, I will retain you. You are the best. If you are the best, how can I fail to hire you?", said Ms Ngilu.

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT

Light to moderate rainfall expected in most areas of Kitui -Weatherman

The Weatherman, in his latest forecast for Kitui county says that most parts of the vast region are expected to experience light to moderate rainfall of less than 30mm in the next one week commencing today.

Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Mr Daniel Mbithi. He has said most parts of Kitui County are expected to receive light to moderate rainfall of less than 30mm this week.|FILE

Several areas are likely to experience rainfall of more than 30mm. The Met department estimates that this will happen during the early days of the week. The amount is expected to pour up to the weekend. "Several areas are also likely to receive heavy rains for more than 30mm during the early days of the forecast period and the weekend ", said Kitui County Director of Meteorological Services Mr Daniel Mbithi.

The maximum temperature during the forecast period is expected to range between 23°C and 33°C while the minimum temperature will be oscillating between 16°C and 22°C.

Agricultural extension officers from the County Government of Kitui have been tasked with assisting farmers in adopting best farm practices. This is by the farmers consulting the agricultural officers at the ward levels.

STORY By JOHN MUSEMBI

Floods claim the life of a Chief in Kitui

Last night, an assistant chief from Kitui County was swept away by a swollen river. Confirming the incident, Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto called upon members of the public not to cross swollen rivers during this rain season.

"Last night, one of my assistant chiefs for Kasakini sublocation in Kitui West Sub-County perished while crossing a swollen river around his area of jurisdiction and he got drowned", said the county security boss.

A flooded river.|FILE

Ruto added that police were able to retrieve the body of the deceased and took it to Kitui County Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem and burial preparations.

The deceased local administrator is the first person to die during the March-April-May rain season. CC Ruto however added that Tana River broke its swollen banks in Migwani Ward of Mwingi West Sub-County damaging crops like bananas and others.

While passing his condolences to the family of the deceased administrator, Kitui County Commissioner Kipchumba Ruto urged parents to be vigilant and responsible in ensuring their  children do not get near swollen water bodies. This, he said, is a way of fostering risk management especially during a time when flash floods are reported from across the country claiming lives.

STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT