A group of 20 needy students has significantly advanced their educational pursuits after being granted full scholarships from KCA University.

The University’s CEO and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki, announced that the KCA University Foundation successfully raised Sh17 million during the recent second edition of the VC&CEO cycling tour.

These funds have been allocated to support the education of the selected students.

The cycling tour, which involved collaboration with 27 partners, including the National Transport and Safety Authority, spanned 1,002 kilometers, covering routes from Nairobi to Nakuru, Kapsabet, Chavakali, Kakamega, Kisumu, Kisii, Bomet, Narok, Limuru, and back to Nairobi.

In an interview at the university, Prof. Wakindiki highlighted that many students are experiencing financial hardships that hinder their academic progress, as their parents or guardians face numerous challenges such as extreme poverty, health issues, and substance abuse.

“We have provided 20 full scholarships to students in need, aiming to allow them to focus on their studies and reach their full potential. This initiative is part of our outreach efforts to gather resources to assist students from less privileged backgrounds,” stated Prof. Wakindiki.

According to data from the Commission for University Education (CUE), 60% of university dropouts are linked to the inability to pay tuition fees, a significant barrier that not only affects individual advancement but also hampers national development by leaving a skilled workforce underutilized.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for resource mobilization initiatives by higher education institutions to offer financial assistance, encouragement, and transformative opportunities to underprivileged students, paving the way for a brighter future.

Prof. Wakindiki expressed concern over the high dropout rates among students, attributing this issue primarily to financial difficulties. He emphasized that initiatives and partnerships among higher education institutions can play a crucial role in supporting disadvantaged students and enhancing their prospects for the future.

“This situation necessitates a collective effort among educators and supporters to ensure that financially challenged students remain in school. By extending our support, we can empower those in need,” the Vice Chancellor stated.

Additionally, Prof. Wakindiki urged higher education institutions to assist young innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives in bringing their products to market.

He highlighted the importance of collaboration with industry to help these emerging innovators transform their ideas into viable commercial products.

The professor noted that universities have a significant responsibility in bridging the gap between academia and industry to promote sustainable innovation.

He revealed that KCA University has established a Research Fund aimed at fostering, stimulating, and operationalizing innovations.

“We invite our partners, sponsors, and stakeholders to support KCA University’s initiative to enhance research, innovation, and the commercialization of research outcomes,” he remarked.

Prof. Wakindiki further stated:”We must strive to cultivate an environment that not only promotes academic excellence but also empowers our students to innovate, create, and lead in a landscape that requires new ideas and courageous solutions. Our commitment to fostering a culture of research, innovation, and the commercialization of research outputs remains steadfast.”

The Kenya Meteorological Department has released its weather forecast for the period from December 3 to December 9, 2024.

According to the forecast, many regions across the country are anticipated to see a decline in rainfall.

While several areas will experience lower precipitation levels, some isolated locations are still expected to receive substantial rainfall.

Regions such as the Lake Victoria Basin, the South Rift Valley, the South-Eastern Lowlands, and coastal areas will continue to see sporadic showers.

The department also pointed out the likelihood of extreme temperatures during this timeframe.

Daytime temperatures are projected to exceed 30°C in various parts of the country.

Specifically, coastal regions, northeastern Kenya, and northwestern areas, including Turkana and Lodwar, are likely to experience these elevated temperatures.

Conversely, cooler nights are expected in parts of the Central Highlands and the Central Rift Valley, with temperatures potentially dropping below 10°C in certain areas.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions, particularly regarding hydration during the hot days and ensuring warmth during the cooler nights.

To keep the public informed and prepared, the Kenya Meteorological Department has made various resources accessible.

Detailed weather updates are available on their official website.

For localized alerts and comprehensive maps, citizens can utilize the department’s WhatsApp channel, with links provided in their announcements.

Additionally, the FASTA-Ken app offers a convenient way to monitor weather patterns and receive timely updates, available for download on their official platform.

This weather outlook highlights the importance of preparedness, especially for the agricultural and transportation sectors.

The anticipated reduction in rainfall may affect water availability for crops in certain areas, while regions expecting heavy rainfall could encounter issues such as waterlogging and road disruptions.

A team of anti-narcotics personnel convened for a training session aimed at tackling new and emerging drug trends globally.

The Director of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Mohamed Amin, inaugurated a Drug Identification Training program for 28 officers from the DCI, the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), and the Kenya Coast Guard Services (KCGS) at the Nairobi Safari Club.

This week-long training is designed to enhance the capabilities of anti-drug operators in identifying narcotics and analyzing the behavior of suspects, thereby aiding in the fight against drug use and trafficking of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Amin emphasized the complexity of emerging trends, highlighting the necessity for ongoing training and the exchange of ideas.

During a recent visit to the United States, Amin engaged with senior officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The discussions addressed various urgent issues related to the sale, distribution, and consumption of narcotic drugs, with both parties reaffirming their strong commitment to addressing these challenges, according to a statement.

Specific areas of collaboration included enhancing forensic capabilities, providing training for local law enforcement, and implementing educational outreach initiatives aimed at youth and vulnerable communities.

In his remarks in Nairobi, Amin stated that drug identification is crucial for saving lives.

“Training in drug identification goes beyond merely recognizing substances; it is fundamentally about protecting lives,” Amin asserted.

“Accurate identification helps prevent misuse, ensures appropriate medical treatment, and bolsters law enforcement efforts. This skill is vital for healthcare professionals, law enforcement officers, and educators alike.”

He expressed appreciation to the DEA and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for their support in facilitating and equipping the training.

NACADA CEO Dr. Anthony Omerikwa emphasized that the challenges of illicit drug cultivation, trafficking, and abuse extend beyond Kenya, representing a significant global issue.

“It resembles an unwelcome visitor who enters without knocking and creates chaos in your home,” he remarked. Col. Boru Kula was also in attendance, representing Bruno Shioso, the Director General of the Kenya Coast Guard Services (KCGS), along with Samuel Laboso, the Director of Anti-Narcotics at the DCI.

Despite ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, the problem remains prevalent both in the country and the broader region.

Various teams have been conducting operations aimed at apprehending mules and barons involved in the trade.

Traffickers often utilize roads, airports, and ports to smuggle narcotics.

The most commonly trafficked substances include heroin and cocaine.

A medical professional stationed at the Kisii Training and Referral Hospital and his partner were discovered deceased in a residence located in the Nyamataro area of Kisii County.

It is suspected that the man may have taken the life of the woman before subsequently committing suicide within the premises.

According to police reports, the couple was found embracing each other on the bed at the time the bodies were located.

The woman had traveled to Kisii for a brief holiday, as she resided in the United States with her family, friends, and relatives indicated.

The apartment where the bodies were found had been secured from the inside.

The discovery occurred on Friday, November 29, with the woman’s body showing signs of decomposition, suggesting she had passed away earlier than the man.

Authorities noted that the man’s body appeared to be in a more recent state.

Used syringes were located beside the bed, indicating the possibility that they may have succumbed to an injection of a lethal substance.

The man was identified as Vincent, a medic at KTRH, while the woman was identified as Moraa, 29, who had been living in the USA.

The motive behind this tragic incident remains unclear. Police have requested the assistance of pathologists to examine the scene and ascertain the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

“The pathologists will ascertain the cause of death for both individuals. The woman’s body exhibited significant decomposition, while the man’s appeared relatively fresh,” stated a police officer present at the scene.

Additional reports suggested that there had been prior domestic disputes between the couple, potentially related to financial issues.

The bodies are currently at the local mortuary awaiting autopsy. Murder and suicide rank among the leading causes of death in the nation.

Authorities have expressed concern over the rising trend of suicides, with reports indicating that up to two cases occur daily.

Approximately eight murder cases are reported each day.

The World Health Organization attributes such incidents to factors including unemployment, bereavement, academic pressures, legal and financial challenges, as well as bullying, previous suicide attempts, familial history of suicide, substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The government has issued flood warnings for the North Eastern, South Eastern, Coastal, Central, and South Rift Valley regions.

According to the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, storms are forecasted for these areas over the weekend, with conditions expected to improve next week.

The ministry reported that the previous week saw significant rainfall in counties within the Lake Victoria Basin and North Western regions, leading to sporadic flooding incidents.

“Evacuations are currently underway in locations such as Kapuothe, Nanga, Lower Katuoro, Wigwa, and parts of Dunga in Kisumu Central Sub-county, where approximately 200 households have been impacted and around 100 acres of crops have been destroyed,” the ministry stated in a communication to the media.

It further indicated that 47 households are being accommodated at Nanga Primary School, receiving humanitarian assistance from the State Department for Special Programmes, the Red Cross, and other organizations.

“In Kisumu East Sub-county, floods have affected 140 households, with the impacted villages including Onjweru, Kanyawade, Kaloo, Kodie, Awuor Ajwang’, Kodeyo, Alara, Kowuore, Kabuong Kanyawade, Kamiendi, and parts of Kachola,” the statement continued.

The ministry emphasized that disaster response teams, coordinated by National Government Administration officers, are actively monitoring the situation across various regions and providing aid to those in need.

Residents in flood-prone areas who may need to be temporarily relocated for their safety are urged to cooperate with the response teams.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has predicted ongoing rainfall in several parts of the country for the next five days starting Friday.

Kenya Met Director General David Gikungu announced that rainfall is anticipated to persist over the Highlands East region, the western Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, the southeastern lowlands, the Coastal region, as well as in North-western and North-eastern Kenya.

Gikungu indicated that certain areas within these regions were likely to experience isolated heavy rainfall events during the initial half of the forecast period.

He emphasized that the rainfall distribution was anticipated to be intense, characterized by sporadic thunderstorms.