The Principal Secretary for Public Health and Professional Standards, Ms. Mary Muthoni yesterday appeared before the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), chaired by Butere MP Tindi Mwale, to respond to the Auditor-General’s Report for the Financial Year 2022/2023. In her presentation, the PS addressed audit queries raised by the Office of the Auditor-General, offering detailed clarifications on expenditure items and highlighting measures put in place to enhance accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. She assured the Committee that corrective steps have already been initiated where gaps were identified, including strengthening internal controls and ensuring strict compliance with the Public Finance Management Act.
Ms. Muthoni reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to prudent financial management, efficient use of resources, and aligning spending with national health priorities — noting that these efforts are designed to safeguard public trust while advancing the government’s wider development agenda.
The Ag. County Secretary and CECM for Legal Affairs, Public Service Management and Administration Marius Maranya, alongside Trade, Tourism, and Cooperatives CECM Carol Kaberia, visited Gakoromone Market yesterday to assess its condition and engage with stakeholders. They were accompanied by Meru Municipal Manager Dr. Jotham Kirimi, and members of the market committee. They toured the market and identified several pressing challenges affecting operations and trader welfare. Among the key concerns was the poor state of the access road, which requires murraming to ease the transportation of goods. Drainage was also highlighted as a major issue, with recommendations to install gutters and culverts, as well as unblock existing drainage furrows. The team further raised concerns about environmental pollution from sewage and ongoing land disputes with neighboring property owners, calling for a boundary survey and strengthened environmental management.
Principal Secretary State Department for Social Protection and Senior Citizen Affairs Mr Joseph M Motari yesterday held a consultative meeting with a team from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) led by Dr. Reuben Thuo who is the Principal College of Health Sciences. Opportunities for collaboration in research was explored, legal and policy frameworks, and community-based interventions on ageing.
This partnership will advance the promotion of the rights and well-being of older persons as enshrined in Article 57 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Othaya constituency parliamentary aspirant Antony Gitonga – Antogito (standing in blue jacket) through his charity organisation, Antony Gitonga Foundation organised a successful medical camp exclusively for men. The Othaya Men’s Medical Camp held at Othaya Level IV Hospital attracted over 700 men who received various medical attention across key areas that are associated with that gender including prostate cancer screening, mental health, diabetes, and eye checkups. Gitonga noted that the turnout highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces where men can prioritize their health and access essential medical services. He observed that his foundation remains committed to working with like-minded partners in initiatives that empower and uplift communities. Among the other stakeholders whose efforts he appreciated were the Nyeri County Government, Othaya Level IV Hospital, AMREF Doctors and City Eye Hospital.
Vihiga County Government in partnership with Canadian Nurses For Africa (CNFA), has launched four motorcycle ambulances aimed at improving maternal and child health services across the county.
Speaking during the launch at the county headquarters on Thursday, Governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo commended CNFA for the initiative, describing it as a relief to expectant mothers, particularly those in remote areas. He noted that the ambulances are expected to reduce the county’s maternal mortality rate from 330 per 100,000 to below 200 per 100,000 this year. He announced that the initial four ambulances will be piloted in Sabatia Sub-County and urged CNFA to extend the project to the remaining five sub-counties. The governor further encouraged residents to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to access services such as ultrasound scans and safe delivery care. CNFA President Dr Patti Harbman confirmed the organisation’s commitment to expanding the program to the rest of the county. She lauded the community for their cooperation and emphasized that the initiative would strengthen maternal and child health outcomes.
There are 2,172 private security companies so far registered in Kenya, of which 2,087 are locally owned while 85 are foreign owned, and all registered through the government’s e-Citizen platform. Digitizing their records and securing them centrally was a key point of discussion between Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo and staff of the Private Security Regulatory Authority led by the Director General/CEO, Philip Leakey Okello. The Private Security Regulatory Authority provides the regulatory framework for Kenya’s private security services industry and is establishing a platform for better cooperation between the private security sector and state security agencies through the draft Private Security Regulations, which will soon be subjected to public participation.
