Embu opens up a Tourists' Gateway to the top of Mt. Kenya

Embu CECM for Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization Dr. Jamleck Muturi (standing)  accompanied by Directors in the docket, speaks to young porters recruited for the newly opened up Mt. Kenya East circuit at Camp Ndunda, a tourist attraction site in Embu. 

Embu County Government, KFS trains Guides, Porters to promote Mt Kenya East Tourism Circuit

Embu 17^th February 2020

The County Government of Embu has partnered with the Kenya Forest Service to train tour guides and porters as a way of enhancing tourism in the Mt Kenya East Circuit. 

The twenty youth trained by the county's department of Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization will be acting as guides for domestic and foreign tourists to Mt. Kenya via Embu County. 

The initiative comes after the Embu County government set aside funds to open up a route to the mountain through Embu, Mt. Kenya South Eastern Irangi route. 

The youth will be hired by the county government and other tour companies to market Embu tourist attraction sites and other scenic points along the Mt. Kenya circuit. 

County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, Investment and Industrialization Dr. Jamleck Muturi called on the youth to be in the forefront of marketing the tourist attraction sites available in the region. 

Mt. Kenya peaks as seen from the Embu gateway 

"The main peaks, Lenana and Batian are more visible from this new route and so you will be engaged positively,” Muturi told the youth. 

The CEC said that the youth will also sensitize local communities on how to showcase cultural and Agricultural tourism. 

 "The youth will be mostly based at the entrance of Irangi forest where they will be picking up tourists to help them find their way up the mountain as guides and porters," said the county minister. 

Further, he said that the world was focusing on community-based tourism because of its high sustainability. 

Muturi urged area residents to take advantage and entrench tourism as a source of livelihood.

“Tourists visiting the area will in addition to mountain climbing be able to engage in sport fishing, nature walks and bird watching as well as visiting Mau Mau caves,” he said.

Mt. Kenya deputy park warden, George Ombuki encouraged the youth to take the knowledge earned as a business opportunity to grow themselves.

Ombuki, who is also the mountain search officer at the Mt. Kenya National Park said the youth will also be trained on wilderness first aid skills. 

"This is because they will be the first line of defense with tourist and hence these skills are important for the safety of guests," said Ombuki. 

Embu County set to host Communications Authority for 'Kikao Kikuu' Forum

A Kikao Kikuu setting when the Communications Authority held the forum in Nyandarua County earlier in the year. PHOTO: File 

EMBU: Communications Authority of Kenya's Kikao Kikuu to be held in Embu. 

Areas in Embu that have been facing mobile network challenges are set to get a communication uplift as way of connecting them to the world. 

This comes after Embu County government partnered with the Communication Authority of Kenya to provide mobile network to areas that have been experiencing network issues in the past. 

The authority, together with the Embu County Government, will from 25th to 28th November hold a County ICT Consumer Forum at the University of Embu. 

Through the forum, dubbed 'Kikao Kikuu', the Authority is set to provide platforms of interaction with ICT consumers and service providers among other stakeholders to explore solutions to challenges in communications with the devolved units.

Embu will be the 19th county to host the forum as C.A targets to traverse the 47 counties in Kenya.

The forum’s theme is ‘Using ICT as an enabler of opportunities’.

The regulator whose mandate is to facilitate development of the information and communications sectors including; broadcasting, cybersecurity, multimedia, telecommunications, electronic commerce, postal and courier services, uses Kikao Kikuu forums to create a sustainable link that promotes value in the way consumers interact with systems and processes.

In addition, it helps to bridge the gaps between the policy and legal framework by deepening the awareness and building individual capacity.

CA is charged with safeguarding the interests of consumers of ICT services. This is achieved through the enforcement of consumer regulations as well as educating users of these services on their rights and responsibilities.

In the past, it has carried out consumer education outreach program targeting users of mobile and internet services (“Chukua Hatua: Pata Huduma ya Mawasiliano Unayostahili”), Postal Courier Consumers (Kaa Macho), SIM Card Registration (Pata Ukweli wa Mtambo), Number Portability (Namba Yangu Milele) and Child Online Protection.

According to Kenya’s Digital Economy Blueprint, digital skills are a prerequisite for benefiting from any technology, across all sectors of the economy, and at all levels of the skills spectrum. 

“Digital skills will enable every Kenyan to have access to digital technology, having the literacy and know-how to use this technology, and being able to participate in and create with this technology,” reads part of the digital skills pillar that is focused on developing digital skills for its citizens [Mostly ICT professionals] to meet the competencies and expertise required for the digital economy.

The Blueprint identifies the five pillars of the digital economy, that are described under the headings, Digital Government, Digital Business, Infrastructure, Innovation-Driven Entrepreneurship, and Digital Skills and Values

600 Embu farmer groups to benefit from a Sh80 million NARIGP project

Agriculture CECM Anne Nyaga (holding flag) flags off the NARIGP roadshow truck at the Department headquarters in Embu. PHOTO: Martin Fundi

EMBU: Sh80 Million Grants for NARIGP Project

By Jeremiah Mutuanga

600 farmer groups in Embu are set to benefit from a Sh80 million National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project. 

The project lies under the Embu County government's ministry of agriculture. 

County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Anne Nyaga said that the project will benefit farmer groups in 20 wards across the county. 

While addressing the media, Nyaga revealed that more than 50 percent of the targeted groups had already applied for the Agricultural grant. 

 

The CECM speaks at the event venue

“Already 340 groups have done proposals and have been trained on conservation agriculture," she said as she encouraged more groups to apply.

The agriculture minister said that the project encourages and sensitizes youth to take up agribusiness. 

Further, speaking in the same event, County Executive Committee Member for Water, Richard Mbogo called on residents to find ways of harvesting rain water for Agricultural use. 

“There cannot be agriculture without water, the government has constructed water pans so that we can be able to harvest rain water for irrigation and other domestic use," said Mbogo. 

 

Young dancers hired for publicity of dramatize the gains of agribusiness through dance, before the flag off.

NARIGP is a World Bank-funded program that has been rolled out in 20 other counties in the country. 

The Project Development Objective is to increase agriculture productivity and profitability in the region as a way of averting future cases of drought and hunger. 

Earlier this year Governor Martin Wambora launched a Youth in Agribusiness Strategy through the county's ministry of agriculture. 

Speaking during the launch that happened in February 2019, agriculture CEC Anne Nyaga said that the strategy focused on four value chains. 

"The four value chains are dairy cows, indigenous chicken, green grams and mangoes," she said. 

(Edited by Martin Fundi)

MWEA GAME RESERVE; EMBU’S UNDISCOVERED GEM

Rothschild giraffes briskly walking at Mwea Game  Reserve

An alpha male baboon makes a low pitched bark, watching protectively at his troop made up of squealing young-lings. Heaving his bulk off a dead tree trunk, he adopts a war like stance, barking aggressively.

In a split second, the entire troop melts in the thick undergrowth. Amidst the cacophony of chirping birds, two Rothschild giraffes hop gracefully from a watering point, their long necks swaying sideways as if in slow motion. Welcome to Mwea National Reserve.

The game reserve, located 30 kilometers from Embu town offers breathtaking vistas beckoning to be explored. It is home to more than 125 elephants, 200 buffaloes, baboons, hippos, warthogs, Thomson’s gazelles, dik diks and an array of avian species including quails, guinea fowls and ducks making it a paradise for bird lovers. 

Photo of a male elephant scampering from the tourists.
PHOTO/ Robert Ndwiga

“We are popularizing Mwea Game Reserve as one of hidden gems in Embu County. Our strategy is multi-pronged including school tours, picnics and even camping” says Embu County Director of Tourism Virginia Warue Ngugi.

Already, according to the director, school tours have recorded phenomenal success with at least 500 students having visited the facility in the month of July 2019.

The Director of Tourism in Embu County Ms Virginia Warue (seated) takes the students and teachers of two Secondary Schools on a tour of Mwea Game Reserve. Accompanying them (with gun) is the JJ, the Tour Guide/ Ranger

“We are now gearing for increasing visitor numbers at the reserve especially those who love camping in the open, the experience is out of this world” Virginia says. 

A breathtaking view of the Masinga Dam Spillway, a very large water body within the Reserve and home to innumerable crocodiles, hippos, ducks and fish among other aquatic creatures. PHOTO: Robert Ndwiga

Official Swearing in of Embu County Public Service Board

Group photo of the newly appointed Embu County Public Service Board with the County Secretary (left) and CECM Public Service, Administration and Devolution Mr David Kariuki (right)

Official Swearing in of Embu County Public Service Board

E

mbu County government has sworn in a new Public Service Board, following successful vetting by the County assembly. The Board will be chaired by Mr. Alfred Kamau Mugai, with Ms Jane Marigu Wachira as the CEO cum Secretary. This was after the expiry of the former Board officials’ six year term. The ceremony, hosted by the County Secretary Mr. Johnson N. Nyaga, took place at the Governor’s boardroom on 31 July 2019.  

Board Chairman takes oath

The oath of office was administered by Mr. David N Njoroge, an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya and witnessed by the County Executive Committee member in charge of Public Service, Administration and Devolution Mr. David Kariuki. The officers were appointed by the Governor through a competitive process then vetted and approved by the county Assembly of Embu.

 

CEO Jane Wachira takes oath of office

The Board was sworn in to office according to Article 232 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010 and the Public Service Code of Conduct. Swearing that Section 3 of the Official Secrets Act Cap 187 Laws of Kenya had been explained to them, the public officers committed to serve with diligence, faithfulness and justice to all. They vowed to discharge their duties with confidentiality, decorum and professionalism.

Three additional members; Ms. Poline Rwamba, Mr. Peter Kathiga Njeru and Ms. Rose Evelyne Njoki Njagi were also sworn into office to join Mr. Peterson Muthathai and Mr. Jesse Njeru Kithaka who were also present. Ms Poline Rwamba was unanimously appointed the Vice chair. Addressing the Board, the County Secretary quoted the Holy Bible in the book of Luke 12:41-48, urging the officers to consider themselves stewards in service to the people on behalf of their master. In his closing remarks, CECM Kariuki echoed the County Secretary’s words and reminded all to observe Chapter 6 of the Constitution, on the Ethics and Integrity Act, emphasizing on observance of corporate responsibility and governance.

For other job opportunities, visit https://www.myjobmag.co.ke/

NATURAL DELICACY in the Land of Opportunities

A plateful of the delicious insects

Natural Delicacy in the Land of Opportunities

By Martin Fundi and 
Jeremiah Mutuanga

During one of our story-hunting trips, we met this elderly couple setting up small structure on the roadside; children jumping up and down with excitement as the couple covered the bowed stick structure with old blankets and banana leaves.

It was one afternoon, along Runyenjes-Ugweri road, and there were all signs of rain - the sky was heavy. Some kilometers further, we came across a middle aged man guarded by an army of toddlers surrounding a structure similar to the one we had seen earlier.

Curious to get informed, we stopped and engaged the man. This is what we learned:

Black bellied, winged edible termites have been a permanent cuisine in Embu county, where it is the first ready delicacy available immediately the rains fall. it is this 'Manna' that the people were collecting.

"Rains come with instant food. And we don't have to farm or feed it. We trap it and it's easy," said Dickson Gichovi.

Rainfall pushes the termites out of the ground to the surface where locals wait and trap the fluttering dish.

"When the soldier termites come out, we use banana leaves to make small tents around the holes they come out through," he said.

They make small holes on the corners to trap the termites, which are directed by small sticks placed inside the tent.

Alex Mugendi, a 43 year old farmer said that he has always seen residents trap the termites when it rains.

"The rains fall when our food stocks are almost depleted and almost all we have left is seed. The termites are like instant tea," he said.

Termites come from the ground when it rains but one has to make a dark trapping structure for them to come out in large numbers.

A man prepares the hunting ground for termites

"We use sticks that are bent into an oval structure and cover them with banana leaves and blankets to make a trapping structure," said Susan Wanja.

However,  there has to be thunderstorms for the termites to come out in plenty and if there are no thunderstorms, harvesters beat the ground with sticks to.

At Runyenjes town, i sampled a plate of the mouth watering delicacy served with ugali in a popular hotel where a glass was sold at Sh70. (The delicacy is normally meted out in glasses as the standard measure)

The hotel owner who sought anonymity said she had seen youth hawking fried termites in the streets of Runyenjes and thought of adding them to her menu.

"I observed how the youth made sales, people in the market used to buy and devour the termites with so much excitement. I saw a business opportunity," she said.

To make the dish more real, she serves dish on a piece of a banana leave which she says attracts more customers, as it reminds them of their culture (in olden days, banana leaves served as plates)

"It's natural and customers are enjoying the termites on banana leaves, even ladies and teachers say they like them on the leaves," she added.

Sospeter Njeru claimed that one would make a smart business if they knew how to farm and produce the termites en-mass. Njeru said that innovative members of the community are making hundreds of shillings daily, selling termites to area residents.

He said that termites are usually fried and served as accompaniment to other food.

Joseph Nthiga, a youth from Gikuuri village said he is making more than Sh 500 a day hawking the termites from Gikuuri shopping centre to Runyenjes town.

"Elderly women are my customers, they even call me for orders and it is proving to be a booming business," said Nthiga.

Nthiga said that he moves around different villages within Runyenjes constituency that are said to be rich in termites.

"I walk from place to place in search of the insects, once I identify where they are, I set up a trapping structure after asking for permission from the land owners if they are found to be in ones land," he said.

At the entrance and exit of Runyenjes bus park, you will find a group of men selling the termites to those traveling to different places. They said that they have not done this for long since they had not known that area residents can buy the flying insects.


"I never thought any one would buy termites until when I read somewhere that termites are a delicacy, we tried it and we are making money out of it," said John Ndereva.

Cathlyn Wanja and Bessy Wawira, both teachers said that they have been eating termites since they were young. They said they frequent a hotel in Runyenjes that serves termites. They even offered to buy us some two glasses.

Teacher Wanja said that they are natural and have no side effects since they are not prone to any chemicals.

"They are good and easy to make, you just fry them and you are good to go. My children like them with rice and ugali," she said.

Leading Organizations Recognized for their Support in Healthcare Provision

BRIDGING THE GAP IN HEALTHCARE PROVISION

Embu County Government, through its Department of Health - headed by Health Minister Dr. Jamleck Muturi - has since the month of April 2018, held five free medical camps covering the four sub counties. This noble endeavor was executed in collaboration with the undersigned stakeholders. It is with much gratitude that the organizations below are recognized:

(Here below are the websites of some of the esteemed Organizations, courtesy of 'Raslimali Embu', an Online Marketing Newsletter. Through the links provided alongside each corporation, thousands of people will learn more about the respective services offered by each and possibly get into contact. Through this platform, the online visibility of your brand is enhanced, leading to more awareness hence wider markets)
 

Imara MediPlus Hospital

Website: https://imaramed.org/

WINAS SACCO Limited

Website: http://www.winassacco.com/

Githunguri Diaries

Website:  https://www.fresha.co.ke/

Embu Children Hospital (TENRI)

Website: http://tenrihospital.org/

Wimwaro FM

To listen to the radio channel online, you can use this link: https://www.liveonlineradio.net/kenya/wimwaro-fm.htm

Kenya Medical Supplies Authority

Website: http://www.kemsa.co.ke/

 

 Caritas Kenya

https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/africa/kenya/

MSF - Belgium

Website (Kenya): https://www.msf.org/kenya

Other organizations whose contribution is of equal importance are: 

Cuban Doctors

NSSF

Kenya Red Cross

St. John Ambulance

NHIF

County Medical Hospital

Consolata Hospital Kyeni

Daima Sacco

Collo Rescue Team

Medical Training College (MTC) – Embu

University of Embu

 

The combined effort saw a total of 20,160 patients get free medical care. The feat was aimed at improving healthcare coverage by reaching out to those segments of society which may have failed to access medical care hitherto.

You like our marketing strategy? Contact us on 0729801581. 

Regards.