A landslide in Papua New Guinea has buried more than 2000 people. This tragedy occurred in a remote village in the country’s mountain area. The residents are using their hands and sticks to remove the bodies from the mud. According to the residents, heavy machines cannot access the area to help in recovery. Furthermore, the damaged roads and the likelihood of more landslides are intricating recovery efforts. The tragedy happened at 3 a.m. in the Northwest of Port Mosby, Enga Province. Simple wood structures, homes, and other buildings were not spared. “It’s really heartbreaking to describe what happened. People are still crying for help; the survivors are still crying for help. It’s almost four days, and the bodies are still buried. It has never happened in the history of the Province.” One of the survivors, Miok Michael, lamented. Residents digging debris Four days after the accident, very few bodies have been retrieved. Different aid agencies are struggling to access the area. Initial UN estimates reported 671 deaths, but the PNG’s disaster agency believes more than 2,000 people are being buried. The ground is still moving, a highway bridge just collapsed, and all these are complicating rescue missions. Justine McMahon, CARE International in PNG. Justine reported that houses were buried up to 26 feet (8 meters), and it would be difficult to reach some of the victims. One hundred fifty houses in the Yambali village are buried, and since the ground is under increased pressure, the rocks are still falling. Of the total affected group, 40% are children who have been deeply traumatized. The exact cause of the landslide is not yet clear, as the area is considered to be receiving considerable rainfall. Papua, New Guinea, has a population of close to 10 million people. Most of the residents of the ill-fated village moved to the area to mine gold in the waste dumps and open pits of the adjacent Porgera gold mine. The nearby villages are wondering what will happen to them as the ground continuously shifts. A provincial administrator in Enga Sandis Tsaka narrated, Every hour you hear rock breaking. It’s like a bomb or gunshot, and the rocks keep falling down. To avoid further loss, the government plans to evacuate close to 8,000 people to prevent another tragedy. Australia’s government has promised to assist. They will provide a package of 2.5 million alongside a specialized team in disaster response. It’s not a rescue mission; it’s a recovery mission. It’s doubtful they will have survived. UNICEF Papua New Guinea’s Niels Kraaier.
Mental Health Issues While in the Diaspora
When you move to a new country where you know no one and your resources are limited there is a high chance that you will suffer from mental health issues. Diaspora depression is a complex condition that affects most people who move from their homeland. The move from people who provide emotional support can intensify emotional distress. The complications include discrimination language barrier and social difficulties. What are the effects of perceived discrimination on mental health? When moving to a new environment at some point you think to yourself about how to deal with discrimination, what an individual mostly doesn’t think about is the extent of the discrimination and racism one might face in the diaspora. A woman with mental health issues The impact of perceived discrimination in the diaspora may be even more catastrophic than in the homeland. Due to the perception of being discriminated and marginalized against an individual may experience more stress, anxiety, and depression. This may rock an individual’s confidence and destroy their self-esteem which in turn may inhibit their ability to assimilate and succeed in the diaspora. However, discrimination and racism may affect not only someone’s mental health but also their perspective of themselves which affects their well-being. How does cultural background affect mental health? Cultural norms, beliefs values, and attitudes towards mental health influence how an individual interprets and reacts towards mental health. In most cases, an individual from Kenya is very reserved toward therapy and mental institutions, thus making it hard for them to deal with their mental health. Acculturation-the process of adjusting to a new culture – may introduce more stress and dilemmas which only complicates mental health more. Cultural influence touches on the help-seeking behavior the coping mechanism availability and mental health services from an individual culture. Cultural conditions like spirituality and family background may either provide protection or aggravate mental health problems. A man struggling with mental health An individual who believes that he is not prone to any mental health issues or mental may be seen as a form of weakness thus making it hard for an individual to seek help considering his support system is not in the same state as his. The cultural factor plays a great part in forming a person’s understanding and consciousness of mental health. In conclusion depression and mental health issues is a broad topic that needs the community to come together to assist the affected. The process aimed at reaching a mutual understanding, respecting, and working towards promoting inclusiveness in the diaspora community to ensure mental stability and well.
Yes, That Single Mom May Be Too Much For You
The internet streets were, at one point, awash with stories about one especially vocal blogger. He seemed to have a particular disdain for single moms, whom he categorically tended to blame for their parenting status. Fast forward, and the gossip mills came alive. The gentleman, it was purported, was actually the product of a single mom. It seems she did not reveal this pertinent information to him, and the man he called father did not share any genetics with him. Whether this story is true or not, is open for discussion. One thing that stands out, though, is the disdain the fellow had for single moms. Now, here is where it gets interesting, he is not an isolated case. A simple stroll down the internet streets will expose you to a barrage of ‘less than nice’ things aimed at these ladies. Many men get unsolicited advice to keep away from pursuing or marrying single moms . Well, this may seem controversial, but that may not be the worst bit of advice. Do you want to know why? Simple response really, she may simply be too much for you. Yes, take a second to read that again. Single Mom Statistics Let’s just throw in some crucial statistics before we go into why she may be too much for you. A Gallup report shows that Sub-Saharan Africa is leading at 32% when it comes to single moms globally. Next on the list is Latin America at 30% and U.S./Canada at 19%. Closer to home, there has been a significant increase in the number of single mothers registering births. In 2021 the figure stood at 13.5%, and within a year reached 13.9%. As you can see, single mom homes are on the rise, and if the trends are anything to go by, will not end any time soon. So what does it mean for the men who may want to pursue them? Woman hugging her son You Will Never Be Number One in Her Life My kids will always come first, says Grace, a single mother of two. That is the first thing I tell any man who shows an interest in me. Unless in very rare cases, the single, committed mom will always place her child/children before anyone else. If you can’t get comfortable with that simple fact, keep it moving. If you want to do anything with her, factor in the kids as well. Expect plenty of cancelled dates, last-minute plan changes, and plenty of compromising, because of those little people. If You Have a Weak Character, She May Emasculate You I dated a single mom and quickly came to the realization that she did not need me. Indeed I felt like that spare tire that is only occasionally used, says George. Men take pride in being protectors and providers. There’s joy in knowing that your family is thriving because of your efforts right? Well, in the case of the single mom, she has been the protector and provider all along. The truth is, she may really not need you at all. If you are not a secure man who sees her strength, she could emasculate you. You could lose friends When I told my family I was dating a single mom, I got instant backlash. What was wrong with me, couldn’t I find some nice young girl to marry? Before long my relationship with them became so strained I started staying away, says John on his experience. Family and friends may subscribe to the prevailing stereotypes around single moms. If you really like her, you may have to cut ties with some of them. Are you ready for that? It would be interesting to know your thoughts on this. Have you dated or are in a relationship with a single mom? What would you tell fellow men out there?
Top 5 Scholarships for International Students in the U.S. in 2024
Many international students aspire to relocate to the United States for further studies. Reports state that more than 1.7 million foreign scholars enlisted for a masters in a U.S. university. This is a huge improvement compared to the 35,000 international students who enrolled to the country’s universities in the 20th century. Here are five great scholarships for all international students this year. Fulbright Foreign Students Scholarship All American universities offer this scholarship to Masters and Ph. D. students. It has a variable amount and last for at least a year. This program allows artists and budding professionals to conduct in-depth research in the U.S. It is available to students in over 160 countries. The scholarship benefits more than 4,000 international scholars annually. Clark Global Scholarship Program You can apply for this scholarship in at any U.S. university. It is ideal for undergraduate studies and successful applicants get a partial payment of $15,000 to $25,000. The Clark Global Program lasts for four years. However, you cannot get it if you are a transfer student. AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship The scholarship enhances education’s accessibility for international scholars and diversity among them. It attracts people seeking academic success, global engagement and leadership development. AU Emerging Scholarship’s beneficiaries often address social and civic challenges in their home countries once it ends. It is available in any American university, full-funded and applicable to Bachelor and Masters students. Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships Simmons University runs the Gilbert and Marcia Kotzen Scholars Program. It targets international scholars who seek transformative education in the U.S. The university offers the Simmons Study Abroad Award each year. It recognizes students who prosper studying abroad and in research. This fully funded scholarship is for undergraduate degrees. Boston University Trustee Scholarship This is one of the United States’ most prestigious scholarships. Boston University awards it to undergraduate students and it pays their full tuition fee. International and domestic students can apply for it. However, the award is only eligible to individuals who are committed to lead and develop the world. Still, it comprises board and room allowance for four years. The U.S. has expanded its education sector to accommodate millions of international students. Its best scholarships include Fulbright Foreign Students Scholarship, Clark Global Scholarship Program, AU Emerging Global Leader Scholarship, Simmons University Kotzen Scholarships and Boston University Trustee Scholarship. They last for one to four years and are appropriate for Bachelors, Masters and Ph. D. studies.
Labor Agreements Create New Opportunities for Kenyans in the Gulf
A recent report by the International Organization for Travel (IOM) reveals a major shift in travel trends for Kenyans and other Africans. Traditionally, the West, particularly the United Kingdom and the United States, drew a continual stream of migrants seeking better possibilities. However, the tide is turning, and the Gulf region has emerged as a popular destination in recent years. This shift is due to a variety of variables. The Gulf countries provide a plethora of economic opportunities in industries such as hospitality, security, and construction, making them particularly appealing to job seekers from East Africa. The Gulf region’s geographical proximity to Africa also plays an important impact. In comparison to Western nations, lesser distances translate into reduced travel expenses, making these countries more accessible. Bilateral labor agreements between Kenya and many Gulf nations have further facilitated this migrant wave. These agreements serve as a framework for regulating Kenyan workers’ employment and facilitating their integration into the Gulf workforce. The increase in remittances sent back by Kenyan workers in the Gulf demonstrates the favorable impact. Notably, Saudi Arabia has become a major source of remittances to Kenya, surpassing even previously dominating countries such as the United States and Britain. From January to August 2023, Kenyans transferred back an astounding Sh32.3 billion (USD 246 million) to Saudi Arabia alone. A person sighning a contract Another aspect driving this trend is the relative ease of admission into Gulf countries. Western nations’ often tighter admission criteria provide a challenge when compared to the Gulf’s simpler processes. Recruitment firms created in Kenya and other East African countries serve as catalysts, making the relocation process easier for job seekers. However, African migrants in the Gulf region encounter significant hurdles. There have been reports of abuse, including physical and sexual violence, restrictions on movement, and unfair labor conditions. These studies raise severe concerns about the safety of these workers. Recognizing this, the Kenyan government has taken steps to strengthen safety for its nationals working overseas, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Finally, the Kenyan and African migration envision is changing. The economic prospects and accessibility provided by the Gulf region, together with supportive bilateral agreements and expedited processes, are attracting an increasing number of migrants. While issues remain in worker welfare, the Kenyan government’s proactive approach offers some promise for better working circumstances for its residents in the Gulf region.
Over 200 Unretrieved Bodies Still Lie in Mt. Everest: Will Cheruiyot’s Body Be Retrieved?
The death of Cheruiyot Kirui, a mountaineer who took the challenge of climbing Mount Everest without supplementary oxygen has got Kenyans talking for days. There was even a video shared on social media alleging that Cheruiyot’s body was being retrieved from the mountain. The video, however, turned out to be fake as the body did not belong to Cheruiyot and it was shared Mountain.trekking Instagram page weeks before his death. According to a post on X by Goddie, it’s extremely dangerous, torturous, and expensive to retrieve a dead body from Mount Everest. The cost of retrieving a body in Mount Everest can go up to Ksh.9 million, together with a fatal price. Since many families who lost their loved ones in such a thrilling adventure don’t dare to spend so much, over 200 bodies lie unretrieved on Mt. Everest. Due to the extreme temperatures, the bodies remain intact for several years without decomposing. According to Ultimate Kilimanjaro, the high altitude and extreme weather conditions have made it hard to retrieve dead, frozen bodies from the mountain. They add that frozen bodies can be quite heavy weighing over 136 kg. While Helicopters can come in handy for the retrieval of bodies, they can only land at Camp 2, 6,400 meters. The air density on the upper slopes cannot allow helicopters to go past Camp 2. Cheruiyot’s selfie on Mt. Everest While this is a tragedy that remains printed in the minds of the affected families, all they can do is hold memorial services at home leaving their loved ones to rest on the mountain. The highest rescue done on Mt. Everest using a helicopter was up to 7,800 meters and that was only possible because the weather was calm. Given these obstacles, is it still possible to bring back the body of the Kenyan Mountaineer, Cheruiyot who died at the summit of the mountain 8,000 meters away? Will Cheruiyot’s Body Be Retrieved? Out of 300 deaths that occur on Everest, 200 of them were irretrievable due to the high costs and unfavorable conditions. With this in mind, there’s little hope of Cheruiyot’s body being retrieved from the mountain. However, the family and friends of the dedicated mountaineer are not losing hope in bringing their kin home. While they agree that they don’t have enough information yet, one of Cheruiyot’s friends says there’s a plan in place to figure out how to bring their kin back home. According to the family, they’re figuring out two factors that will make them decide whether to bring the body home or not. One of the factors is cost since they understand how expensive it can be to retrieve a dead body from the mountain. Another factor they have to consider is the weather which has to be conducive for the retrieval of the body. With this information, there’s still hope that Cheruiyot will be one of the few heroes whose bodies make it home to burial. As of now, all we can do is wait for the family to speak about their final decision.
Stock Your Tokens Before June 3rd, Kenya Power Announces
Kenya Power and Lighting Company announced on Tuesday that the Prepaid vending system will be interrupted for 24 hours. The interruptions will take effect from Sunday at 10 p.m. on June 2nd to Monday at 10 p.m. on June 3rd. During this period, customers who relied on prepaid systems, also known as tokens, will not be able to make any payments to Kenya Power. Kenya Power customers will not buy tokens from Mpesa Paybill numbers, Kenya Power offices, Airtel money, and other banking channels. Part of the statement delivered by Kenya Power reads; During this 24-hour period, customers will be unable to purchase electricity tokens from all vending points, including Kenya Power offices, M-PESA Paybill number 888880, Airtel Money, and banking channels. The company will initiate this interruption to facilitate a planned system network upgrade that will improve its efficiency and reliability. To avoid inconveniences during the 24 hours, Kenya Power advises customers who depend on prepaid tokens to stock up enough before the said dates. This directive is likely to affect over 6.8 million prepaid customers that the company currently serves. The utility company had earlier indicated that it serves over 2.1 million postpaid customers throughout the country. These customers help the company earn over Ksh120 billion, which is 63 percent of its total revenue. Kenya Power Prepaid tokens kit Despite the huge earnings, KPLC announced that it intended to migrate all its postpaid customers to the prepaid system. The majority of the customers using the postpaid option prefer it over the prepaid and will likely suffer a huge hit when the migration happens. The scheduled maintenance could also be a response to the technical glitch that occurred in January, causing a 15-hour power interruption. The company blamed the glitch on the mobile money transfer system and stated that it affected customers who rely on the prepaid system. The interruption is part of moves by Kenya Power to ensure the efficiency and reliability of its power distribution system. The company aims to implement important improvements that it believes will benefit the customer. The move is also part of the company’s efforts to streamline operations and modernize its infrastructure. The aim is to meet customers’ ever-evolving needs while ensuring the efficiency and reliability of their services. While customers are urged to ensure they have enough tokens before the date of the upgrade, the company assures the public of continuous updates. The company also assures its customers of minimal interruptions and a smooth transition through effective communication.
Mradi Gas Explosion Victims Sue State in Demand for Compensation
A section of victims in the Mradi area gas explosion has gone to court to sue the state for negligence. The victims want compensation for injuries, loss of life, and environmental degradation from several state agencies. The gas explosion that occurred in Embakasi East Constituency on February 2, 2024, caused severe burns, property damage, and loss of lives. Up to 12 people lost their lives in the explosion, with scores suffering injuries and property damage. The victims (Newton Mwaka, Samuel Owino, Kennedy Kyalo, Kennedy Otieno, Geoffrey Obegi, and Alvin Mwendwa), who are residents of the Mradi area in Embakasi, now demand compensation for all the damages. The Victims have sued several parties, including the cabinet secretary for Energy and Petroleum, David Chirchir and the cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, Soipan Tuya. They’re also suing the County Government of Nairobi, Attorney General Justin Muturi, and the owner of the gas tanker, Mwangi Nguyo. According to the petitioners, NEMA admitted guilt when it publicly declared that its officials irregularly issued the plant an environmental impact assessment license. Embakasi gas explosion fire While EPRA stated that they rejected the gas plant’s application for construction, they still failed to ensure that the rejection was enforced and that no plant was constructed. This also puts them on the victims’ list of negligent parties. EPRA and The Cabinet Secretary for Energy failed to inform NEMA, the Ministry of Environment, and other state agencies of the rejection of the application by Derdlos Petroleum Ltd. Pearlyne Omamo of ADRA LLP Advocates filed the petition on behalf of the six victims before Justice Chacha Mwita. The victims claim that the parties violated their Fundamental Rights and Freedoms. They seek compensation for the damage to their health, loss of lives, and environmental damage. In his ruling, Justice Mwita ordered that the relevant agencies be served immediately and a response be filed within 14 days. The petitioners will then have another 14 days after the filing of the response to serve a supplementary affidavit. Even though the owner of the gas refilling company, Derrick Kimathi, has been released on bail after being arrested, the victims are yet to get justice. The victims are left to fend for themselves after losing their loved ones, suffering severe burn injuries, and losing their sources of livelihood. Their only hope is that the court will give an order for compensation for the damages they incurred.
No More Muguka in Mombasa as Nassir Takes Action
The governor of Mombasa County, H. E Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, has banned the sale, consumption, and supply of muguka. The governor issued orders to block all motor vehicles carrying khat from entering the county. He also directs the closure of all outlets including retail and wholesale selling and distributing muguka in Mombasa. According to Nassir, muguka traders have disregarded laws safeguarding the sale of this drug to minors. The county executive claims that some traders even sell khat to minors at a cheap cost, exposing them to health risks. Nassir says that they have tried to regulate the use of muguka to ensure users and the larger community can coexist but the traders have yet to follow the regulations. The move comes a week after the county banned the sale of Miraa and muguka near schools. The governor confirms that he initiated the ban after legal consultation, which found the move to be in order. The consultation with the National Authority for the Campaign for Drug Abuse (Nacada) gave a green light to the move to ban muguka in the county. In his speech at Port Reitz Hospital, the governor highlights the health effects of muguka among consumers. The basis is that the levels of cathine and cathinone in muguka is very high level. An average of about 20 leaves is enough to make someone have toxic imaginations. Imagine a child consuming this during school hours, Nassir. His statement adds that the consumption of this drug is likely to cause mental health issues and disability. A person chewing Muguka Leads to devastating health, social, economic and environmental consequences and places burdens on minors, families, the poor and county health systems, the statement reads. The Ban on muguka is a huge relief to some MCAs in the county who have been pushing for it since 2018. The Mombasa Woman Representative, Zamzam Mohamed Chimba, is also among politicians who had vowed to have muguka banned and Miraa strictly regulated to protect the children and youth in the county. Other bodies including Mombasa clergy and Muslim scholars have also been at the forefront of pushing for the ban of this stimulant. Muguka’s ban in Mombasa is no doubt a big blow to traders who have been pushing for better terms for the sale of the drug. The traders went ahead to sue the county governor for what they termed as ‘unfair’ tax laws. The court, however, declined to suspend the levies imposed on them.
Kenyan Refugee Becomes the First Black Mayor in Northern Ireland
Lilian Seenoi-Barr who is 42 years old was born in Kenya and grew up in Narok in a family of 14 siblings their father was a doctor while their mother ran a business. She is a Maasai and in her early years she recalled having to fight against early marriage and female genital mutilation What is FGM? | End FGM. Lilian moved to Northern Ireland in 2010 as a refugee where she married a local Irish Man, and has a son, who is autistic. She was elected to the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) which she first ran as a counselor and lost in 2019 and was later co-opted in 2021 and held her seat in the 2023 local elections. Her party nominated her as a mayor under a rotating system with other parties in Northern Ireland’s second city. Lilian and her husband Before she joined politics Lilian founded and ran an advocacy network, North West Migrants Forum, where she remains the director and it has since grown to 6 members of staff and more than 50 volunteers. Her election as a mayor has been welcomed by many people and she has been viewed as a symbol of progressive politics, and tolerance of cultural diversity. However, it has also created significant backlash and racism against immigrants and refugees by her opponents who claim Northern Ireland is being taken over by foreigners and asylum seekers. Racist groups in America such as the conspiracy theorist Alex Jones have used Lilian’s success to spread hate and conspiracy towards people of colour in Northern Ireland leaving many afraid of potential racist attacks.
Election Preparations: Uhuru Kenyatta in South Africa
Uhuru Kenyatta, the former president of Kenya, is currently in South Africa to oversee the country’s upcoming general elections on May 29, 2024. In a statement released on Sunday, May 26 2024, Uhuru noted that he was greeted in Johannesburg by officials from the African Union (AU) and High Commissioner Jane Ndurumo. Uhuru arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday evening, ahead of the elections which are scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2024. Kenyatta, who was nominated by the African Union Commission (AUC) will guide the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) in overseeing the elections. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has agreed to send a short-term AUEOM to South Africa to assess and document the conduct of this election, following invitations extended by the South African government and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa. The AU stated that the mission will interact with state authorities, the Independent Electoral Commission, political parties, the media, civil society organizations, and international representatives during the upcoming 2024 elections. Made up of 60 short-term observers (STOs), the AUEOM consists of officials from election management bodies, ambassadors recognized by the African Union, and individuals from African civil society organizations. It also consists of specialists in human rights, gender matters, African election experts, and media affairs, alongside representatives from youth groups. people queuing to vote Observers come from 24 nations which include Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo (Kinshasa), Egypt, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Sudan, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In a statement from the office of the former president, it was mentioned that this appointment represents the continent’s shared efforts to improve the clarity, reliability, and fairness of voting systems across its nations. Election monitoring is very important in protecting voting system integrity by making recommendations and unbiased judgments. The AUEOM will evaluate using the laws guiding elections in South Africa and the OAU/AU Declaration on Democratic Election Principles, the rules from the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and the International Declaration of Principles (DoP) for International Election Observation, among other guidelines. The Mission will collaborate with government representatives, the Independent Electoral Commission, political organizations, journalists, grassroots groups, and international delegates. The Mission will also engage with other election monitoring teams sent to oversee the 2024 General Elections in South Africa. The Mission will announce its early findings and advice on the management of the elections on May 31, 2024, in a press event held in Johannesburg, South Africa. Kenyans reacted to Uhuru’s South Africa visit and wondered why every leader was leaving the country. The curiosity of Kenyans comes after President William Ruto and Azimio leader, Raila Odinga, were also on a visit earlier this week. Ruto was on a state visit to the U.S., where he met with President Joe Bidden and First Lady, Jill Biden. Together, they discussed how to strengthen bilateral relations. They focused on security, trade, technology, economic development, and climate change. Ruto was accompanied by Kenyan comedians like Eddie Butita, cabinet secretaries, governors, and the First Lady, Racheal Ruto. Ruto came back to the country on Friday, May 24, 2024. On the other hand, Azimio Leader, Raila Odinga, left for the UK on Thursday, May 24, 2024. Raila was going to give a lecture at the University of Oxford, where he was to tackle the theme of “Forging Africa’s Future: An Expedition of Resilience and Renewal.” Odinga, who was also accompanied by Sifuna, was also set to attend an inauguration ceremony of Lilian Seenoi. Seenoi is a Kenyan politician based in Ireland and was elected as the new mayor of Derry.
The Ministry Of Health (MOH) Experiences Vaccine Shortage in the Country
Harry Kimtai, medical services PS, has stated that the country is facing a vaccine crisis. Kimtai pointed out that there’s currently a scarcity of vital vaccines, with less than a two-month supply available across the country for common vaccines like the BCG Vaccine, Oral Polio Vaccine, and Measles Rubella Vaccine. The PS admitted that the low vaccine supply is a danger to children and vulnerable groups as they are likely to experience possible outbreaks. Yet, he blamed the national treasury, linking the scarcity to outstanding payments totaling Ksh.3.6 billion to suppliers. Parents of the affected counties now have to seek the vaccination services in their neighbours. Siaya, Baringo, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nyamira, Kilifi, and Migori are part of the group of ten most affected counties. On Tuesday, the national treasury issued Ksh.1 billion to MOH and also added Ksh 1 billion for the vaccines. However, the current ongoing fund facility, overseen by UNICEF and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, requires another 1.6 billion Ksh to restart vaccine distribution. Kimtai mentioned that they have an ongoing fund which if it empties, the supply abruptly stops. He also said that they are lacking 750 million Ksh, which they need to pay for to fix the vaccine shortage. Kimtai predicted that the vaccine shortfall crisis is likely to intensify unless the required funds are paid by early June. He stated that upon settling the situation vaccines are expected to commence entering the country. “We are currently struggling to pay for vaccines. Our bill now stands at 3.6 billion Ksh, plus an extra 750 million. We have to give UNICEF and the Global Alliance of Vaccine Immunization 2 billion Ksh. Even after that, we’ll still owe 1.6 billion Ksh, a payment we can’t avoid,” Kimtai said. Kimtai, the medical services PS The vaccine shortage in the country is due to reduction of the vaccine budget by 750 million in the financial year 2023/2024. The 2024/2025 finance bill, which has already faced criticism from Okiya Omtatah, is expected to allocate more funds to the immunization programmes. “We need an extra 750 million Ksh to cover our vaccine needs. At first, we aimed for 1.2 billion Ksh, but we realized we needed another 750 million. Thereafter, there was a reduction of 750 million Ksh in the budget,” said the Medical Services PS. Despite the shortage, MOH reassured that there are strategies already put in place to ensure no child misses on the vaccines. Strategies such as redistributing vaccines to demand areas, fast tracking of paid orders by UNICEF and convincing the National Treasury to add the funds for the immunization programmes in this financial year. A weak immune system which is caused by lack of vaccines exposes the children to future outbreaks. This can lead to respiratory disorders, death and paralysis especially if one fails to receive the Polio vaccine. Parents are encouraged to follow nutritional advice to boost their children’s immunity. President William Ruto, who is on a state visit to the U.S., is yet to address the vaccine shortage situation in the country.