RELIGIOUS LEADERS VOICE ON CERVICAL CANCER AND MATERNAL HEALTH

Religious and health leaders from across Africa have have gathered in Nairobi for the opening of the Faith in Action Health two days  Conference thats seeks to address misinformations with truth and seek solution for Africa health challenges  accelerating the fight against maternal mortality

and cervical cancer.

The conference is organized by the Africa Health and Economic Transformation Initiative (AHETI), bringing together senior Catholic bishops, Muslim scholars, Hindu and Protestant leaders, Seventh-day Adventist representatives and leading global health experts to chart a collaborative path forward.

Speaking to media during the conference Archbishop of Nairobi Rev Philip Anyolo said the cervical cancer is preventable by HPV vaccination to young girls and women while screening for early diagnosis can save more  lives.“As shepherds of our communities, we must not only preach about dignity and life—we must

protect it. This moment demands more than prayer; it demands action,” said the Archbishop. 

According to statistics Kenya reports 342 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, while cervical cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Kenyan women, claiming over 3,500 lives annually. Despite the availability of the HPV vaccine, national uptake

remains below 30%, hindered by misinformation, stigma, and limitedWith more than 90% of Africa’s population identifying with a faith tradition (Pew

Research Center, 2022), faith leaders are uniquely positioned to influence community attitudes

and promote health education and early intervention.

The convening will be followed by the Faith in Action Medical Camp, scheduled for May

16–17, 2025, at St. Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani, where over 1,000 underserved Nairobi residents are expected to receive free health services, including screenings, consultations, and health education.

AIR FRANCE NEW GM

Air France-KLM has today announced the appointment of Joris Holtus as General Manager for East and Southern Africa, Nigeria and Ghana, effective immediately. Holtus succeeds Marius van der Ham, who held the position for the past three years and played a pivotal role in strengthening the Group’s presence and partnerships across the region.

With over 25 years of senior leadership experience across four continents, Holtus brings deep expertise in commercial strategy, customer experience, and business transformation. He returns to the African continent, having served as General Manager for Southern Africa at Air France-KLM, where, for three years, he held full commercial, operational, and organizational responsibility.

“We are excited to welcome Joris Holtus back to Africa in this critical leadership role,” said Hildabeta Amiani, the Country Sales Manager, Kenya at Air France KLM. “His deep understanding of diverse markets, commitment to transformation, and passion for people make him ideally suited to lead our continued growth in this dynamic region.”

In his most recent role as Vice President Sales Planning & Development at Air France-KLM’s headquarters in Amstelveen, Netherlands and Paris - Roissy-Charles de Gaulle, Holtus led a 100-person team , reshaping the Group’s global sales organization and driving performance through innovation, technology and transformation.

Born in Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands, Holtus holds a Master’s degree in Business Economics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and is fluent in Dutch and English, with working experience in German and Spanish.  

“I am honored to rejoin the region at such an exciting time for aviation in Africa,” he said. “The East, Southern and West African markets are full of opportunity and innovation. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to further enhance connectivity and customer service”.

Holtus assumes leadership of the region as the Air France–KLM Group continues to expand its footprint across East Africa. Recently, Air France launched flights to Kilimanjaro, marking its entry into northern Tanzania and underscoring its commitment to broadening its global network and enhancing connectivity to and from Africa. Air France also operates daily direct flights from Nairobi, Kenya to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, strengthening its presence in the region.

Meanwhile, KLM provides convenient access to Dar es Salaam via Amsterdam with seven weekly flights. The airline also serves Kilimanjaro five times a week and Zanzibar twice a week, offering travellers more flexible options within Tanzania.

ATHLETES FETED AS BingwaFest NATIONAL FINALS ENTERS HOMESTRETCH

 

The BingwaFest National entered the business end with the official opening ceremony on Friday athletes getting rewarded for the exploits on the track 

Titus Kiprotich and Maurine Jepkoech were crowned the 10,000m champions after a good outing at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Stadium, Siaya on Thursday. Following their triumphs, the two walked away KES 400,000 richer to have a share of the KES 12 million prize

 money that was up for grabs in athletics in the multi-discipline sports extravaganza set to culminate this Sunday at Mamboleo Stadium.  

The first and second runners-up over 10,000m pocketed KES 350,000 and KES 300,000, respectively. Athletes who finished fourth and fifth to round off the prize bracket received KES 200,000 and KES 100,000, in that order. 

Betika Brand Manager Eric Mwiti congratulated the winners in athletics while at the same time urging fans to show up in large numbers for the weekend games. 

“Well done to all the winners who triumphed at Siaya on Thursday. It’s an action-packed weekend and we hope to see fans coming out in large numbers to support their teams and cheer them on. Apart from the sports action, we are also having a medical camp that

 is free of charge for all,” Mwiti said. 

Kiprotich kicked hard in the final lap to cut the tape in 28:19.3 and finish first ahead of Ribert Kiprop and Kenneth Kiprono who timed 28:22.2 and 28:24.4, respectively, to seal the podium. 

On her part, Jepkoech stopped the clock at 33:22.8, with Miriam Chebet (33:23.5) and Mercy Cherono (33:24.1) settling for the second and third places respectively. 

In the 5,000m race, Amason Sampao and Loice Chepkemoi emerged victorious in the men's and women's categories, respectively. Sampao's time of 13:36.6 saw him better Victor Kipruto and Nehemia Kirui who were second and third. In the women's race, Chepkemoi (15:30.4)

 was followed by Caren Jebet(15:31.3) and Daisila Cherono (15:31.8). 

The winners over 5,000m took home KES 350,000, while the second and third place finishers won KES 250,000 and KES 200,000, respectively. The fourth and fifth received KES 150,000 and KES 100,000 each. 

Ronald Kipkorir (3:35.9) won the men’s 1,500m followed by Mathew Kipsang and Ngeno Kipngetich while Purity Chepkirui won the women’s race with Miriam Cheprop and Vivian Chebet taking the second and third places respectively. 

Mercy Oketch, who headlines Kenya’s 400m team for the World Athletics Relays in China, stormed to victory in 51.4 followed by Mercy Chebet (51.8) as Gladys Jepkemboi (52.3) took the third place. Zablon Ekwam (44.5) won the men’s race followed by Kelvin Kipkorir

 and David Sanayek. 

Meanwhile, football entered the semis on Friday, as basketball tipped off at the Mamboleo Stadium, and rugby kicked off at the Kisumu Polytechnic as well. 24 rugby teams (16 men, 8 women) and the top 32 basketball teams (16 men and 16 women) will contest for

 the top honors in the two sports. 

Winners in football and rugby, both men and women, will be awarded KES 2.5 million each (KES 1.5 million in cash and KES 1 million in kind to a charity of choice at their region) while the winning teams in the 3×3 basketball will go home KES 750,000 richer

 and receive KES 1 million in kind to a charity of choice at their region as well.  

The first runners-up for football and rugby will be awarded KES 750,000 while the second runners-up are set to receive KES 400,000. In basketball, the teams that finish second and third will take home KES 400,000 and KES 200,000 respectively.  

Apart from the team prizes, there will be individual recognition. The golden boot and golden glove winners will pocket KES 50,000 each while the rugby MVP and top try scorer will receive KES 50,000 each. In basketball, winners in the dunking competition will

 pocket KES 50,000 while those in the 3-point challenge will go home with KES 30,000. 

PWANI OIL SURPASSES 2025 SUSTAINABILITY TARGETS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY AND WATER RECYCLING

Pwani Oil Products Ltd, the manufacturer of leading cooking oil brands such as Fresh Fri, Ushindi homecare range, and Sawa personal care products, has exceeded its 2025 targets on renewable energy use and water recycling—reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability.

Currently, 66% of the energy used across the company’s operations comes from renewable sources, primarily its on-site solar power plant. This achievement surpasses its original 2025 goal by 16%, marking a significant milestone in the company’s green energy journey.

On the water conservation front, Pwani Oil has made even greater strides. The company has exceeded its water recycling target of 70%, reaching an impressive 99%, a testament to its dedication to responsible water management.

Looking ahead to 2030, the company has set even more ambitious sustainability targets which include achieving 100% wastewater recycling, increasing reliance on renewable energy to 70%, eliminating landfill waste entirely and planting one million trees

“These targets fall under our planet pillar, which guides our efforts to reduce environmental impact, manage carbon emissions, and embed sustainable practices across our operations,” said Rajul Malde, Pwani Oil’s Commercial Director.

He made the remarks during the conclusion of a week-long sustainability campaign highlighting Pwani Oil’s eco-friendly manufacturing, responsible sourcing, renewable energy investments, and community-focused initiatives.

Pwani Oil’s commitment to sustainability is further anchored in two other core pillars: People and Prosperity.

Under the People pillar, the company prioritizes the well-being of employees and the communities it serves. It has implemented comprehensive employee wellness and health programs to promote a healthier, more engaged workforce.

The company also supports local development through sustainable sourcing of raw materials and robust recycling initiatives, particularly around plastic packaging.

On this front, Pwani Oil is committed to sourcing up to 30% of its personal protective equipment (PPE) and marketing materials by 2030 from minority-owned organizations.

In line with the Prosperity pillar, Pwani Oil continues to invest in innovation and sustainable infrastructure, promoting inclusive economic growth and long-term value creation.

WHICH WAY UKAMBANI KAWAYA SPEAKS

Mwala legislator perceived as the best bet for Machakos governor in the coming elections Vincent Kawaya has said ukambani development projects have not stalled due to political alienation of ukambani leaders been in opposition but poor leadership of the leaders. 

Kawaya has said he is in the process of starting a Kenya Medical Training college in his constituency and has connected almost all homes with electricity in his area which has not involved the president. The outspoken member of Parliament has said sixty billion has been put to pending bills of contractors to finish the pending projects including the Thwake dam and stalled road projects. 

Speaking in a local television,kawaya has defended the government in the stalled kibwezi kitui mwingi road which stalled past kabati mutonguni area leaving Muthale,Migwani,Musuani areas without tarmac.He has called on all ukambani leaders to come together to pool developments from the government.

A NEW WORSHIP EXPERIENCE AT CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened its doors to public marking a new spiritual journey over decades.Located in the affluent Mountain View area, this sacred place stands as a testament to the unwavering faith of over 80,000 members across seven African nations.

 The temple is the 204th worldwide and  is more than just a place of worship; it represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream for a community that has grown from humble beginnings into a vibrant force of faith and service to reckon.

From April 17 to May 3, 2025, the public will have a rare opportunity to explore the temple during open house tours, offering a glimpse into its serene halls and the sacred practices that define Latter-day Saint worship.

 

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is set to dedicate the temple on May 18, 2025, in a ceremony that will be broadcasted to congregations across the region. Local leaders have expressed profound gratitude, calling the temple a divine gift that will bless not only Church members but the entire community

 This will be a chance to witness firsthand the culmination of a journey that began in the 1960s, when small groups of believers gathered in homes, persevering through legal challenges and societal hurdles. The Church’s deep roots in Kenya were further strengthened by humanitarian efforts, including the Ngirita Water System, funded by member donations during a devastating famine in the 1980s.

Notable figures like Joseph W. Sitati, the first black African General Authority in the Church’s history, played an instrumental role in nurturing the faith amid adversity. After years of dedication, the Church was officially registered in Kenya in 1991, paving the way for expanded missionary work and the establishment of congregations across the country.Currently the church has over 19,200 members in nearly 70 congregations where families can unite for eternity through sacred ordinances.

Elder Thierry Mutombo of the Africa Central Area Presidency reflected, “The house of the Lord is built for worship and eternal covenants. To see it rise in this beautiful land is a witness of God’s love for His children.”

SAUDIA KINGDOM OFFERS COCHLEAR IMPLANTS TO KENYAN CHILDREN

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially launched the electronic cochlear implants for children in Kenya a program made possible through collaboration with king Salman humanitarian Aid and relief centre. 

Speaking during the launch at a Nairobi hotel Health Cabinets secretary Adan Duale has reiterated the government of Kenya commitment to address hearing issues citing completion of hundred and sixty procedures of cochlear implants at Moi teaching and referral hospital, the Newborn hearing and screening at Machakos, Garisa and Kenyatta National Hospital. 

The cabinet secretary has thanked the Saudia government for the partnership with Kenyan government saying the Kenyan government has included the partial coverage for cochlear implants in the SHA benefits package and inclusion of hearing devices in Kenya essential medical supplies list. 

Saudi Arabia kingdom Ambassador HE. Mr . Khalid A. Alsaman present during the launch promised the program will reach many children especially from poor backgrounds across the country giving them an opportunity to hear and learn. 

Data shows 14 out of a thousand children suffer from moderate to severe hearing loss ten times more higher  in Africa than higher income countries. 

ATHLETICS KENYA ENDORSES BARNABA KORIR FOR NOCK VICE PRESIDENT

Pationate Athletics Kenya youth development head Mr Barnaba korir has received endorsement of the Athletics Kenya (AK) to run for the post of vice president of the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOCK).

In a media statement send to newsrooms Athletics Kenya president Rtd. Lt. General Jackson Tuwei has expressed his confidence in Mr Korir highlighting his achievements in helping Kenyan athletes grow and succeed in major competitions in the country and worldwide. 

Barnaba Korir who has served as NOCK executive member for the last four years while accepting the nomination and endorsement has pledged to build on his success in Athletics Kenya to share best practices with other member federations of NOCK.