Wednesday, August 31, 2011
NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA TOURS LANGATA AT 10.30
The Prime Minister will this morning make extensive tour of South C, in his Langata Constituency to inspect roads and also meet constituents. The PM will begin his tour at Nairobi West Shopping Centre at 10.30 am. He will go through Muthaiti Avenue, Sumba Road, Msufi Road, Gandhi Avenue-Langata Road, Mai Mahiu Road, Muhoho Avenue and later attend a meeting with constituents at the MOW Club in South C.
DENNIS ONYANGO.
SEPTEMBER 1, 2011.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA MEETS MAASAI ELDERS
PMPS 29th August 2011.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has directed the Ministry of Lands to investigate how a public land that Maasai herdsmen temporarily handed over to the government for livestock development changed hands and became a private property of few individuals.
He ordered the Ministry of Lands to recover the land and revert it to the Maasai community if it is established that the land was acquired illegally by individuals.
Odinga said the disputed land, measuring 2,912 acres attracted private developers after the purpose for which the herdsmen had donated it to the government expired.
The PM was speaking at his offices when he hosted elders from the community who presented him with a memorandum protesting against allocation and forceful eviction of locals from the disputed land.
The elders said the land was meant to hold Sheep and Goat for slaughter at the Kenya Meat Commission.
The then Ministry of Livestock Marketing Department initiated the sheep and goat multiplication project, paddocked the land and fenced it, thereby displacing the community in the process.
The elders’ delegation presented the memorandum on behalf of the Kitengela Ilparakuo Land Owners Association.
According to the elders, the Sheep and Goat Multiplication Project stalled in the late 1980s and the land was surrendered back to the government and the community was allowed to continue living on it.
They said a small portion measuring about 101.2 hectares was excised from the land and transferred to a private company without the knowledge of the initial owners, although the company purported to represent the Maasai community.
They petitioned the government to authorize a survey on the land to establish all its boundaries, adding that the community was willing and able to meet the cost of such survey.
The PM said land remains a thorny issue that the new constitution plans to address comprehensively, adding that some cases of grabbing were obvious and could be dealt with immediately.
At the same time, the PM asked the Maasai community to start shopping for credible female politicians who could take up the special slots for women under the new constitution.
He told the elders that new constitution allocates a specific number of seats that must be occupied by women.
“Women interested in politics of 2012 should start taking up their places ahead of the polls, and you have a duty to support them to fill the slots that the constitution grants them,” the PM said.
Ends……….
Prime Minister Raila Odinga has directed the Ministry of Lands to investigate how a public land that Maasai herdsmen temporarily handed over to the government for livestock development changed hands and became a private property of few individuals.
He ordered the Ministry of Lands to recover the land and revert it to the Maasai community if it is established that the land was acquired illegally by individuals.
Odinga said the disputed land, measuring 2,912 acres attracted private developers after the purpose for which the herdsmen had donated it to the government expired.
The PM was speaking at his offices when he hosted elders from the community who presented him with a memorandum protesting against allocation and forceful eviction of locals from the disputed land.
The elders said the land was meant to hold Sheep and Goat for slaughter at the Kenya Meat Commission.
The then Ministry of Livestock Marketing Department initiated the sheep and goat multiplication project, paddocked the land and fenced it, thereby displacing the community in the process.
The elders’ delegation presented the memorandum on behalf of the Kitengela Ilparakuo Land Owners Association.
According to the elders, the Sheep and Goat Multiplication Project stalled in the late 1980s and the land was surrendered back to the government and the community was allowed to continue living on it.
They said a small portion measuring about 101.2 hectares was excised from the land and transferred to a private company without the knowledge of the initial owners, although the company purported to represent the Maasai community.
They petitioned the government to authorize a survey on the land to establish all its boundaries, adding that the community was willing and able to meet the cost of such survey.
The PM said land remains a thorny issue that the new constitution plans to address comprehensively, adding that some cases of grabbing were obvious and could be dealt with immediately.
At the same time, the PM asked the Maasai community to start shopping for credible female politicians who could take up the special slots for women under the new constitution.
He told the elders that new constitution allocates a specific number of seats that must be occupied by women.
“Women interested in politics of 2012 should start taking up their places ahead of the polls, and you have a duty to support them to fill the slots that the constitution grants them,” the PM said.
Ends……….
NAIROBI: NEWS RELEASE-EID MESSAGES
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta and his family has sent a message of goodwill to Muslims as they end Ramadhan, saying this years festivities of Eid-Ul-Fitr should encourage deepened interactions among different faiths in Kenya.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is a great moment of reflection for Muslims all over the world, but all of us should celebrate the things that unite us as members of different religions and work to ensure we help each other to collectively reach for those dreams as a nation,” said Uhuru.
While wishing Muslims Eid Mubarak, Uhuru urged Kenyans to embrace the ideals of “ compassion and self sacrifice as demonstrated by Muslim faithfuls across the world during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.”
Uhuru lauded Kenyan Muslims for the enormous contributions to the Kenyan Society especially in the fields of Education, Health and business.
“You have my best wishes and I look forward top even deeper and meaningful interaction and engagement with each of you in future,” Uhuru said.
“Eid-ul-Fitr is a great moment of reflection for Muslims all over the world, but all of us should celebrate the things that unite us as members of different religions and work to ensure we help each other to collectively reach for those dreams as a nation,” said Uhuru.
While wishing Muslims Eid Mubarak, Uhuru urged Kenyans to embrace the ideals of “ compassion and self sacrifice as demonstrated by Muslim faithfuls across the world during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.”
Uhuru lauded Kenyan Muslims for the enormous contributions to the Kenyan Society especially in the fields of Education, Health and business.
“You have my best wishes and I look forward top even deeper and meaningful interaction and engagement with each of you in future,” Uhuru said.
NAIROBI: REPUBLIC OF KENYA : IDD MESSAGE TO MUSLIMS
On behalf of the people of Kenya and on my own behalf, I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters in Kenya and around the world as they end the month of Ramadhan and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr.
I congratulate all those who have gone through the 30 days and nights of devotion to the Creator.
The month of Ramadhan found our country in the middle of a devastating drought and food shortage. All the same, our Muslim faithful, undeterred by the unfortunate events, went on to carry out their obligations to the poor and the less fortunate and shared the little food they had as demanded by their faith.
I note that even in the middle of biting scarcity, our Muslim brothers and sisters and Islamic organizations went out of their way and donated food and other essentials to fellow Kenyans, including those who do not share the Islamic faith.
I congratulate you most sincerely on this gesture. It is my hope and my prayer that this spirit of caring and generosity be a permanent one among our people, regardless of race, tribe or faith.
The end of Ramadhan has come with some blessings, even though it began with dark clouds of hunger and drought. It comes as the country celebrates one year of the coming of the new constitution, which Muslims voted for overwhelmingly last year.
The people of Kenya and I join you in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. We also join you in celebrating the one year of the new constitution.
As you celebrate, I urge you to join other Kenyans, in committing to safeguard the gains that we have attained in the new constitution and keep watch over the document to ensure its faithful implementation in word, spirit and letter. Let us remember this is one of the greatest gains the country has made since independence. We must join hands in guarding it.
I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and people of goodwill the Blessings of Allah. Idd Ul Hajj.
RAILA A. ODINGA
AUGUST 30, 2011.
I congratulate all those who have gone through the 30 days and nights of devotion to the Creator.
The month of Ramadhan found our country in the middle of a devastating drought and food shortage. All the same, our Muslim faithful, undeterred by the unfortunate events, went on to carry out their obligations to the poor and the less fortunate and shared the little food they had as demanded by their faith.
I note that even in the middle of biting scarcity, our Muslim brothers and sisters and Islamic organizations went out of their way and donated food and other essentials to fellow Kenyans, including those who do not share the Islamic faith.
I congratulate you most sincerely on this gesture. It is my hope and my prayer that this spirit of caring and generosity be a permanent one among our people, regardless of race, tribe or faith.
The end of Ramadhan has come with some blessings, even though it began with dark clouds of hunger and drought. It comes as the country celebrates one year of the coming of the new constitution, which Muslims voted for overwhelmingly last year.
The people of Kenya and I join you in celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr. We also join you in celebrating the one year of the new constitution.
As you celebrate, I urge you to join other Kenyans, in committing to safeguard the gains that we have attained in the new constitution and keep watch over the document to ensure its faithful implementation in word, spirit and letter. Let us remember this is one of the greatest gains the country has made since independence. We must join hands in guarding it.
I wish our Muslim brothers and sisters, and people of goodwill the Blessings of Allah. Idd Ul Hajj.
RAILA A. ODINGA
AUGUST 30, 2011.
Friday, August 26, 2011
NAIROBI: BREAKING NEWS: COURT NULLIFIES PARLIAMENTARY SEAT
GATUNDU NORTH MP Clement Waibara loses his parliamentary seat after a court nullifies his election over 2007 poll irregularities....
Thursday, August 25, 2011
KAJIADO: PRESS RELEASE: KENYA LAUNCHES FIREST LAND USE MASTER PLAN:
On 26 August 2011 a Land Use Master Plan for the wider Kitengela area will be officially launched.
The launch of this historic plan will be led by the Chairman of the County Council of Olkejuado (CCO), the District Commissioner, Area Chiefs and other local leaders in Isinya. The 20-year Land Use Master Plan was formally adopted by the Ministry of Lands in February 2010 and by the CCO in June 2010.
The Kitengela-Isinya-Kipeto Land Use Plan is the first community-based land use plan to be approved by the Government of Kenya; thus setting a historical precedent for the Country.
“We strongly endorse this plan because it demonstrates that economic development can happen simultaneously with the protection of open space for pastoralism and wildlife” said Daniel ole Tenaai, Chairman of the Kajiado Pastoralist Forum, a grassroots forum that has provided support and leadership in this region.
The Kitengela-Isinya-Kipeto region, just south of Nairobi National Park, has been subject to a rapid rate of uncoordinated subdivisions, land sales and land conversion, which are severely threatening the future of pastoralism and wildlife. Development and sub-division is encroaching in the wildlife habitats and dispersal areas; increasing human/wildlife conflicts, environmental degradation and diminishing grazing lands; with detrimental effects on the people, livestock and wildlife.
Nairobi National Park, one of Kenya’s greatest assets, is dependent upon this area for wildlife. The change in land use and habitat fragmentation has put the Park at great risk and wildlife numbers are plummeting.
This rapid change and land use led to the initiation of the LUMP.
At the request of the County Council of Olkejuado, the Department of Physical Planning (DPP) embarked on a planning process in 2004, working closely with the community amongst other stakeholders.
The LUMP was prepared within the legal framework of the Physical Planning Act Cap 286, which empowers local authorities to control, guide and prohibit developments, while recognizing individual stakeholders and community participation.
The LUMP was done to balance economic development and rangeland conservation; promote sustainable use of natural resources; provide a plan for urban development, wildlife conservation and pastoralism; and stem the runaway urban sprawl and land fragmentation; while allowing participation of all stakeholders in planning.
“As a community member, I am very optimistic about this plan and was pleased to be involved in its development,” said Ogeli Makui, a resident in Kitengela. “Life for the Maasai is getting more difficult and we hope that this plan will help curb the threats to pastoralism and wildlife conservation.”
Chair, Kajiado Pastoralists Forum (KPF)
Moblie 0736222877
The launch of this historic plan will be led by the Chairman of the County Council of Olkejuado (CCO), the District Commissioner, Area Chiefs and other local leaders in Isinya. The 20-year Land Use Master Plan was formally adopted by the Ministry of Lands in February 2010 and by the CCO in June 2010.
The Kitengela-Isinya-Kipeto Land Use Plan is the first community-based land use plan to be approved by the Government of Kenya; thus setting a historical precedent for the Country.
“We strongly endorse this plan because it demonstrates that economic development can happen simultaneously with the protection of open space for pastoralism and wildlife” said Daniel ole Tenaai, Chairman of the Kajiado Pastoralist Forum, a grassroots forum that has provided support and leadership in this region.
The Kitengela-Isinya-Kipeto region, just south of Nairobi National Park, has been subject to a rapid rate of uncoordinated subdivisions, land sales and land conversion, which are severely threatening the future of pastoralism and wildlife. Development and sub-division is encroaching in the wildlife habitats and dispersal areas; increasing human/wildlife conflicts, environmental degradation and diminishing grazing lands; with detrimental effects on the people, livestock and wildlife.
Nairobi National Park, one of Kenya’s greatest assets, is dependent upon this area for wildlife. The change in land use and habitat fragmentation has put the Park at great risk and wildlife numbers are plummeting.
This rapid change and land use led to the initiation of the LUMP.
At the request of the County Council of Olkejuado, the Department of Physical Planning (DPP) embarked on a planning process in 2004, working closely with the community amongst other stakeholders.
The LUMP was prepared within the legal framework of the Physical Planning Act Cap 286, which empowers local authorities to control, guide and prohibit developments, while recognizing individual stakeholders and community participation.
The LUMP was done to balance economic development and rangeland conservation; promote sustainable use of natural resources; provide a plan for urban development, wildlife conservation and pastoralism; and stem the runaway urban sprawl and land fragmentation; while allowing participation of all stakeholders in planning.
“As a community member, I am very optimistic about this plan and was pleased to be involved in its development,” said Ogeli Makui, a resident in Kitengela. “Life for the Maasai is getting more difficult and we hope that this plan will help curb the threats to pastoralism and wildlife conservation.”
Chair, Kajiado Pastoralists Forum (KPF)
Moblie 0736222877
NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA IS A HEAVY WEIGHT POLITICIAN
The Prime Minister is currently on his way to Meru, where he will attend a funeral mass at Magundu Primary School in Nithi Constituency and return to Nairobi later this evening.
FRIDAY:
Tomorrow, August 26th, 2011, he will travel to the South Rift for mass at the the Litein Catholic Church for accident victims. Later in the afternoon tomorrow, the PM will travel to Budalangi for burial of the mother of Regional Development Minister Mr Fred Gumo.
The visit to Budalangi will mark the beginning of the PM's three day intensive tour of Western Kenya, which includes various activities on Saturday and Sunday.
SATURDAY:
On Saturday, the PM will visit the home of the late Masinde Muliro in Cherangany for memorial celebrations. He will also address a public rally at Matunda, later that day.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, August 28, 2011, the PM will attend a prayer service at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tongaren and later attend a memorial of the late Elijah Masinde in Kamukuywa village, Kimilili.
The Pm will wind up his visit to Western with a public rally in Bungoma on Sunday afternoon.
DENNIS ONYANGO.
FRIDAY:
Tomorrow, August 26th, 2011, he will travel to the South Rift for mass at the the Litein Catholic Church for accident victims. Later in the afternoon tomorrow, the PM will travel to Budalangi for burial of the mother of Regional Development Minister Mr Fred Gumo.
The visit to Budalangi will mark the beginning of the PM's three day intensive tour of Western Kenya, which includes various activities on Saturday and Sunday.
SATURDAY:
On Saturday, the PM will visit the home of the late Masinde Muliro in Cherangany for memorial celebrations. He will also address a public rally at Matunda, later that day.
SUNDAY
On Sunday, August 28, 2011, the PM will attend a prayer service at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Tongaren and later attend a memorial of the late Elijah Masinde in Kamukuywa village, Kimilili.
The Pm will wind up his visit to Western with a public rally in Bungoma on Sunday afternoon.
DENNIS ONYANGO.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
NAIROBI: BREAKING NEWS: CABINET RESHUFFLE
Following consultations between His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki and the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Raila Odinga, His Excellency the President has made the following changes and appointments in the Cabinet :-
1. Hon. Prof. Margaret Kamar to be Minister for Higher Education, Science
& Technology;
2. Hon. Musa Sirma to be Minister for East African Community;
3. Hon. Dan Mwazo to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Livestock
Development;
4. Hon. Mohamed Gabbaw to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Special
Programmes;
5. Hon. Manson Nyamweya to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Trade;
6. Hon. William Murgor to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.
Meanwhile, Hon. Moses Wentang’ula has been recalled to resume his assignment as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
These decisions take effect immediately.
Source: President’s Press Service
1. Hon. Prof. Margaret Kamar to be Minister for Higher Education, Science
& Technology;
2. Hon. Musa Sirma to be Minister for East African Community;
3. Hon. Dan Mwazo to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Livestock
Development;
4. Hon. Mohamed Gabbaw to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Special
Programmes;
5. Hon. Manson Nyamweya to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Trade;
6. Hon. William Murgor to be Assistant Minister, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources.
Meanwhile, Hon. Moses Wentang’ula has been recalled to resume his assignment as the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
These decisions take effect immediately.
Source: President’s Press Service
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
NAIROBI: TWO CONSTITUTIONAL BILLS PASSED ON August 23, 2011
Cabinet this morning approved the last two constitutional implementation Bills which are required to have been passed within a year, since promulgation of the constitution on 27th August 2010. The Bills are:
1. The Contingencies Fund and County Emergencies Bill 2011. The Bill gives effect to the implementation of article 208 of the Constitution and establishes a contingency fund whose operation will be in accordance with an act of Parliament. The national government is required to seek the approval of Parliament of any spending from the contingency fund. Furthermore the bill creates an emergency fund under the county governments and gives effect to the disaster management which is one of the functions apportioned to the county governments.
2. National Government Loans Guarantee Bill 2011. The Bill seeks to give effect to articles 212 and 213 of the Constitution. It allows for the national government to provide loan guarantees in a transparent, prudent and equitable manner. In that regard it provides for a period of publication of guarantees to all loans guaranteed and also provides for the manner in which the national government can take responsibility in the event of default.
Today's meeting that was chaired by President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, commended all persons and institutions within the public service and all stakeholders for working extremely hard to finalize Bills within the times stipulated in the Constitution
1. The Contingencies Fund and County Emergencies Bill 2011. The Bill gives effect to the implementation of article 208 of the Constitution and establishes a contingency fund whose operation will be in accordance with an act of Parliament. The national government is required to seek the approval of Parliament of any spending from the contingency fund. Furthermore the bill creates an emergency fund under the county governments and gives effect to the disaster management which is one of the functions apportioned to the county governments.
2. National Government Loans Guarantee Bill 2011. The Bill seeks to give effect to articles 212 and 213 of the Constitution. It allows for the national government to provide loan guarantees in a transparent, prudent and equitable manner. In that regard it provides for a period of publication of guarantees to all loans guaranteed and also provides for the manner in which the national government can take responsibility in the event of default.
Today's meeting that was chaired by President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi, commended all persons and institutions within the public service and all stakeholders for working extremely hard to finalize Bills within the times stipulated in the Constitution
NAIROBI: PROF. GITHU MUIGAI NOMINATED FOR THE POSITION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki after consultation with the Rt. Hon Prime Minister Hon Raila Odinga has nominated Prof Githu Muigai for the position of Attorney General.
His name has now been forwarded to the national assembly for approval.
His name has now been forwarded to the national assembly for approval.
NAIROBI: PM BRIEFING SESSION WITH DIPLOMATS
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will tomorrow, August 24, 2011, hold a session with ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Kenya to brief them on the upcoming Conference on Horn of Africa Crisis.
The conference is an initiative of the Government of Kenya and is tentatively scheduled to take place September 8-9th 2011, in Nairobi.
The September conference will be attended by Heads of State and Government. It seeks to come up with long-term strategy to mitigate the effects of prolonged drought and food shortage in the Horn of Africa in the future.
it also seeks to address the especially complex and difficult component of the Horn of Africa’s humanitarian crisis, which is the high number of Somali refugees flowing into both Ethiopia and Kenya as a result of extreme climate-induced drought,the absence of a functioning central government in Somalia for over two decades and the presence of the anti-Western terrorist organization Al-Shabaab in south central Somalia.
The briefing session tomorrow will take place in the Office of the Prime Minister from 3PM. It will be followed by a media briefing by the PM and the ambassadors and high commissioners in attendance at 4 pm.
DENNIS ONYANGO
The conference is an initiative of the Government of Kenya and is tentatively scheduled to take place September 8-9th 2011, in Nairobi.
The September conference will be attended by Heads of State and Government. It seeks to come up with long-term strategy to mitigate the effects of prolonged drought and food shortage in the Horn of Africa in the future.
it also seeks to address the especially complex and difficult component of the Horn of Africa’s humanitarian crisis, which is the high number of Somali refugees flowing into both Ethiopia and Kenya as a result of extreme climate-induced drought,the absence of a functioning central government in Somalia for over two decades and the presence of the anti-Western terrorist organization Al-Shabaab in south central Somalia.
The briefing session tomorrow will take place in the Office of the Prime Minister from 3PM. It will be followed by a media briefing by the PM and the ambassadors and high commissioners in attendance at 4 pm.
DENNIS ONYANGO
Monday, August 22, 2011
NAIROBI: PM TO OPEN CONFERENCE ON NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
The Prime Minister will shortly preside at the official inauguration of the first
National Non-Communicable Diseases Conference at the Laico Regency Hotel where he is at 10am.
At 3.30 PM, he will deliver a lecture on the one year of the new constitution at the Strathmore University.
DENNIS ONYANGO
National Non-Communicable Diseases Conference at the Laico Regency Hotel where he is at 10am.
At 3.30 PM, he will deliver a lecture on the one year of the new constitution at the Strathmore University.
DENNIS ONYANGO
NAIROBI: MEDIA ALERT
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will this weekend join Kenyans in marking one year since the country’s new constitution was promulgated on the 27th of August last year.
Mr. Odinga who is also the Orange Democratic Movement – ODM Party leader will celebrate the day by attending a memorial service for the Late Masinde Muliro in Cherang’any Constituency on Saturday 27th August 2011. The Late Muliro was among the politicians who tirelessly fought for the country’s 2nd Liberation and the PM will use the occasion which coincides with the date of the promulgation of the new constitution to pay tribute to him.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will address a public rally at the Kitale Showground to mark the first anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution.
On Sunday 28th August, the Premier will address a roadside rally in Tongaren on his way to Elijah Masinde’s home for a Memorial Service. He will thereafter address another roasdside rally at Sirisia Market before addressing a major rally at the Bungoma Stadium.
ODM kindly requests your media house to cover these events
Regards
22/8/11
Orange Democratic Movement,
ODM Orange House Kilimani
Mr. Odinga who is also the Orange Democratic Movement – ODM Party leader will celebrate the day by attending a memorial service for the Late Masinde Muliro in Cherang’any Constituency on Saturday 27th August 2011. The Late Muliro was among the politicians who tirelessly fought for the country’s 2nd Liberation and the PM will use the occasion which coincides with the date of the promulgation of the new constitution to pay tribute to him.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister will address a public rally at the Kitale Showground to mark the first anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution.
On Sunday 28th August, the Premier will address a roadside rally in Tongaren on his way to Elijah Masinde’s home for a Memorial Service. He will thereafter address another roasdside rally at Sirisia Market before addressing a major rally at the Bungoma Stadium.
ODM kindly requests your media house to cover these events
Regards
22/8/11
Orange Democratic Movement,
ODM Orange House Kilimani
NAIROBI: PUBLIC FINANCE BILL
AUGUST 22, 2011;
The Cabinet Committee on the Implementation of the Constitution today agreed to narrow down on two Acts on Public Finance which the Constitution requires to be implemented within a year.
The two Acts are on Contingencies Fund and that for loan guarantees by national government.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who chaired the Committee early today, said because of outstanding issues between Treasury and the Ministry of Local Government over the Public Finance Management Bill, the committee needed to focus on the two Acts whose implementation is urgent.
Prime minister noted that the Constitution actually gave four years for the enactment of the six Acts on Public Finance.
The Act to implement the Contingencies Fund and that for loan guarantees by national government needed to be done within one year of the promulgation of the constitution.
The decision was taken after the Chairman of the Constitution Implementation Commission Mr Charles Nyachae said the CIC had not seen the draft Public Finance Management Bill that had been presented by Finance Minister Uhruru Kenyatta.
Mr Nyachae also said that if Cabinet adopted a draft without participation of the CIC, and presented it to Parliament, it would constitute breach of the constitutional requirements.
The Chairman of the Commission on Revenue Allocations Mr Micah Cheserem equally stated that the Constitution requires consultation with the CRA before the Bill was presented to Parliament. He said that the CRA had not seen the draft, and therefore he was not in a position to comment on it.
The Committee agreed to proceed to go over the two urgent drafts and formally transmit them to the CIC and the CRA this afternoon through the Office of the Attorney-General.
The Committee expects to receive comments from the CIC and the CRA this evening, then the drafts will be submitted to Cabinet tomorrow morning.
The Minister for Local Government Mr Musalia Mudavadi said he wanted to be satisfied that the distinctiveness between the County and Central Governments is taken into account in the Public Finance Bill, in line with the constitution.
On CIC’s proposal that the Cabinet seeks an extension of the deadline for adoption of the Public Financial Management Act, the committee said that even if the extension was sought, there was no guarantee that Parliament would grant it.
Ministers said the proposal would require a two-third majority to sail through Parliament.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Otieno Kajwang, Amos Kimunya, James Orengo, Kiraitu Murungi, Uhuru Kenyatta, Musalia Mudavadi, Mutula Kilonzo and Dalmas Otieno.
The Cabinet Committee on the Implementation of the Constitution today agreed to narrow down on two Acts on Public Finance which the Constitution requires to be implemented within a year.
The two Acts are on Contingencies Fund and that for loan guarantees by national government.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who chaired the Committee early today, said because of outstanding issues between Treasury and the Ministry of Local Government over the Public Finance Management Bill, the committee needed to focus on the two Acts whose implementation is urgent.
Prime minister noted that the Constitution actually gave four years for the enactment of the six Acts on Public Finance.
The Act to implement the Contingencies Fund and that for loan guarantees by national government needed to be done within one year of the promulgation of the constitution.
The decision was taken after the Chairman of the Constitution Implementation Commission Mr Charles Nyachae said the CIC had not seen the draft Public Finance Management Bill that had been presented by Finance Minister Uhruru Kenyatta.
Mr Nyachae also said that if Cabinet adopted a draft without participation of the CIC, and presented it to Parliament, it would constitute breach of the constitutional requirements.
The Chairman of the Commission on Revenue Allocations Mr Micah Cheserem equally stated that the Constitution requires consultation with the CRA before the Bill was presented to Parliament. He said that the CRA had not seen the draft, and therefore he was not in a position to comment on it.
The Committee agreed to proceed to go over the two urgent drafts and formally transmit them to the CIC and the CRA this afternoon through the Office of the Attorney-General.
The Committee expects to receive comments from the CIC and the CRA this evening, then the drafts will be submitted to Cabinet tomorrow morning.
The Minister for Local Government Mr Musalia Mudavadi said he wanted to be satisfied that the distinctiveness between the County and Central Governments is taken into account in the Public Finance Bill, in line with the constitution.
On CIC’s proposal that the Cabinet seeks an extension of the deadline for adoption of the Public Financial Management Act, the committee said that even if the extension was sought, there was no guarantee that Parliament would grant it.
Ministers said the proposal would require a two-third majority to sail through Parliament.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Otieno Kajwang, Amos Kimunya, James Orengo, Kiraitu Murungi, Uhuru Kenyatta, Musalia Mudavadi, Mutula Kilonzo and Dalmas Otieno.
NAIROBI: REPUBLIC OF KENYA OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER STAR REPORT ON CONTROLLER OF BUDGET:
The process of picking the Controller of Budget, like the one that picked the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice and a number of other officers appointed so far in line with the new constitution, is independent and free of political interventions.
The process is being driven by a panel comprising officers from the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Treasury, the Attorney General’s office and the private sector.
The Prime Minister wishes that the process remains independent and professional to enable the best persons take up every position that is up for filling under the new laws.
In this regard, the PM takes great exceptions to the report appearing in today’s edition of the Star, with regard to the picking of the Controller of Budget.
The PM views the report, which states the picking of the Controller of Budget as a political contest, as irresponsible, reckless and malicious.
The report betrays a culture of impunity and disrespect for the constitution where politicians and reckless journalism conspire to assign some non-existent political contest to a professional and independent process.
The Prime Minister is yet to get recommendations from the panel on who should be the Controller of Budget.
The PM urges politicians to respect the new constitution by allowing its stipulations to take off without their interference.
He also wishes to assure the public that the Executive will respect the recommendations of the panel, as has been the case with other appointments.
DENNIS ONYANGO:
Communication Secretary,
Office of the Prime Minister,
August 22, 2011.
The process is being driven by a panel comprising officers from the Office of the President, Office of the Prime Minister, Treasury, the Attorney General’s office and the private sector.
The Prime Minister wishes that the process remains independent and professional to enable the best persons take up every position that is up for filling under the new laws.
In this regard, the PM takes great exceptions to the report appearing in today’s edition of the Star, with regard to the picking of the Controller of Budget.
The PM views the report, which states the picking of the Controller of Budget as a political contest, as irresponsible, reckless and malicious.
The report betrays a culture of impunity and disrespect for the constitution where politicians and reckless journalism conspire to assign some non-existent political contest to a professional and independent process.
The Prime Minister is yet to get recommendations from the panel on who should be the Controller of Budget.
The PM urges politicians to respect the new constitution by allowing its stipulations to take off without their interference.
He also wishes to assure the public that the Executive will respect the recommendations of the panel, as has been the case with other appointments.
DENNIS ONYANGO:
Communication Secretary,
Office of the Prime Minister,
August 22, 2011.
Friday, August 19, 2011
NAIROBI: A PEEP INTO THE COUNTY OF TURKANA
Turkana County is located in north western Kenya bordering Marsabit county to the east, Samburu county to the south east, and Baringo and West Pokot county to the south, to the South-west.
Area (Km 2): 68,680.3 Km 2
Climate/Weather: Warm and hot climate, unreliable rainfall pattern ranging between 300mm and 400mm per annum
Road Network: Bitumen Surface (319.2 Km), Gravel Surface (296.7 Km), Earth Surface (2030.5 Km)
Key National Monument(s): Lake Turkana National Park
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POPULATION
POPULATION
Population: 855,399 (Male – 52 %, Female – 48 %)
Population Density: 6.9 people per Km 2
National Percentage: 2.2 %
Annual Growth Rate: Not Available
Age Distribution: 0-14 years (46.0%), 15-64 years (51.6 %), 65+ years (2.4%)
Number of Households: 123,192
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GOVERNMENT
GOVERNMENT
County Capital: Lodwar Town (proposed)
Number of Constituencies (2010): 3 (Turkana North, Turkana Central, and Turkana South)
Registered Voters: 116,816
National percentage: 1.0 %
Number of Districts (2009): 6 (Turkana Central, Turkana North, Turkana South, Turkana West, Turkana East, Loima)
Number of Local Authorities (2010): 2 (Municipal council of Lodwar, County Council of Turkana)
———————
ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS
Poverty Level: 95% of population live below poverty line
Age Dependency Ratio: 89.4
Resources: Natural (gemstones and saltlicks, gold – dormant, wildlife, Lake Turkana, Turkwell Dam)
Tourist Attractions: Lake Turkana National Park, Loiyangalani Desert Museum
Financial Services: 3 Commercial Banks, 2 Micro-finance Institutions
Main Economic Activities/industries: Livestock farming and trade, fishing, weaving, and tourism
Agricultural products: Sorghum, Maize
———————-
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
Number of Institutions (2007): Primary (202), Secondary (19)
Primary: Enrolment (122,883)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1: 51
Secondary: Enrolment (48,004)
Teacher to Pupil Ratio: 1: 27.7 (Public Schools)
Tertiary: At least 2 Institutions
Adult Literacy Classes: Enrolment (562)
———————-
HEALTH
HEALTH
Health Facilities: District Hospitals (3), Sub-District Hospitals (2), Dispensaries (91), Health Centres (6), Medical Clinics (19), Health Programs (3) Others (3)
Doctor to Population Ratio: 1:52,434
Infant Mortality Rates: 60/1000
Under Five Mortality Rates: 12/1000
Prevalent Diseases: Malnutrition
Notable Hospitals: Lodwar, Katilu, and Lokitaung District Hospitals
Prominent People from Turukana county.
Pauline Akai Lokuruka … holds an MA in International Development from Cornell University, USA, and currently lectures at the Institute of Women, Gender and Development Studies at Egerton University.
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A Bachelor of Education graduate of the University of Nairobi, Ms Lokuruka has more than 20 years’ experience and involvement in women’s and girls’ development and education and is a board member of various learning institution and state corporations.
Joyce Akai Emanikor … is chairwoman of the Kerio Valley Development Authority and has been instrumental in championing for educational rights of Turkana children, especially girls, and for beating poverty through work.
Ms Emanikor, who is experienced in social policy analysis and training for empowerment is undertaking a doctorate in environmental planning and management at Moi University, Eldoret.
Christopher Nekuleu … a former member of the East African Community Legislative Assembly from the Turkana North area, is a graduate of Moi University and a former teacher.
He has championed the rights of Turkana people, particularly in the accountability of public funding in their behalf (for example use of Constituency Development Fund) before being appointed to the assembly.
Samson Akoru … general secretary of the Reformed Church of East Africa, whose headquarters is in Eldoret, is respected among the Turkana for helping to broker peace with the Pokot.
The Rev Akoru, from Turkana South, has also been at the forefront of the fight against poverty and illiteracy and of irrigation in the Kainuk area, and in arguing for equal education opportunities.
Daniel Nanok … served as a principal of Lodwar High school before entering politics. He contested Turkana North in 2007 but lost to Mr Munyes and is now advocating transparency in using CDF cash, and championing education and poverty eradication.
Ekuru Aukot … the lawyer was a member of the Committee of Experts on the new Constitution and one of the most respected Turkana professionals. He has also served as director of Kituo Cha Sheria.
Patrick Nachok … began his footballing career in Kitale before joining Eldoret KCC and finally the national team, Harambee stars. A computer expert, his ambition is to run football in Kenya.
Joseph Kalei … the renowned marathon runner joined athletics having looked after livestock and has become a role model to Turkana youth.
Paul Ereng … is a former 800 metres champion who was among the first Turkana to take up athletics and is now a noted coach.
Joseph Ebuya … is another athlete who encourages Turkana youths to take up sport. He won last year’s world cross country championships.
Source : http://www.noric.co.ke/
Thursday, August 18, 2011
NAIROBI: KAMKUNJI OOYEE, VOTE PEACEFULLY
Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Ali-Founder-theafricanvoices
It has been discovered here in Kenya, that people who attained 18 years of age and above prefer to either sit at their various homes and watch people vote or they prefer to sell their voting power all because of unworthy gratification. It is pertinent at this point that people who don’t vote may be moved to do so if they have a better understanding of how their votes count.
The importance of voting can only be understood by making it personal, giving concrete examples of how votes affect them and their country. The Ballot or the Bullet, the name of the speech given by human right activist Malcolm X delivered on April 3, 1964 at Cory Methodist Church in Cleveland, Ohio, Malcolm advised African-Americans to judiciously exercise their right to vote.
I appeal to Kamkunji residents to turn out and cast their votes in large numbers. Let us do so peacefully. Let us also embrace one another as brothers and sisters even after the outcome. God placed us in a beautiful country, Kenya. Let us remain united and focused on the work ahead. As we recite from our National Anthem "may we dwell in unity, peace and liberty, Let us all play our role in creating a great Kenyan nation, at peace with itself and respected among the greater family of nations.
Abdirahman Mohamed Ali
Founder-Theafricanvoices
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
NAIROBI: PM DINNER FOR SECOND LIBERATION GROUP
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will tomorrow, August 18, 2011, host a dinner for two groups of politicians; the Wazalendo Group and the Second Liberation Group.
The Wazalendo group comprises those who were in the late 1960s through 1970s struggle in opposing the political direction the country was taking. This group coalesced around a team that came to be named the Seven Bearded Sisters of James Orengo, Chelagat Mutai, Abuya Abuya, Koigi Wamwere, Lawrence Sifuna and Mwashengu wa Mwachofi, among others.
The Second Liberation Group is largely associated with the 1980s through 1990s struggle for political liberalisation and democratisation.
The function will be in celebration of the one year of the passage of the new constitution. It will be held at the Hotel Intercontinental, beginning 6.30 PM tomorrow. The celebration will be in honour of the passage on August 4, as opposed to promulgation of the new constitution on August 27.
A number of long lost politicians and civil society activists will be present at this event. They will also be available for some quick interviews. This is largely a celebration of the country's history and not a partisan political event. We will have a brief presentation by one seasoned journalist on the path Kenya has traveled this far.
The Wazalendo group comprises those who were in the late 1960s through 1970s struggle in opposing the political direction the country was taking. This group coalesced around a team that came to be named the Seven Bearded Sisters of James Orengo, Chelagat Mutai, Abuya Abuya, Koigi Wamwere, Lawrence Sifuna and Mwashengu wa Mwachofi, among others.
The Second Liberation Group is largely associated with the 1980s through 1990s struggle for political liberalisation and democratisation.
The function will be in celebration of the one year of the passage of the new constitution. It will be held at the Hotel Intercontinental, beginning 6.30 PM tomorrow. The celebration will be in honour of the passage on August 4, as opposed to promulgation of the new constitution on August 27.
A number of long lost politicians and civil society activists will be present at this event. They will also be available for some quick interviews. This is largely a celebration of the country's history and not a partisan political event. We will have a brief presentation by one seasoned journalist on the path Kenya has traveled this far.
For purposes of planning, I attach part of the confirmed guest list.
A number of the guests will make brief speeches. However, key speakers will be:
Prof Kivutha Kibwana.
Dr Richard Leakey.
Koigi Wamwere.
Dr David Gitari
Mwashengu wa Mwachofi/ Abuya Abuya
Betty Murungi.
Thank You.
DENNIS ONYANGO
A number of the guests will make brief speeches. However, key speakers will be:
Prof Kivutha Kibwana.
Dr Richard Leakey.
Koigi Wamwere.
Dr David Gitari
Mwashengu wa Mwachofi/ Abuya Abuya
Betty Murungi.
Thank You.
DENNIS ONYANGO
NAIROBI: Strategic Insight –Press Release Kamkunji By-Election: A political Survey
Nairobi—16 August, 2011: Ahead of 18 August by-election, the battle for Kamukunji constituency is a three horse race pitting the PNU Alliance candidate Yusuf Hassan Abdi, ODM candidate Ibrahim Ahmed “Johnny” and Narc Kenya Brian Weke, says a poll released today.
Kamukunji By-Election: A Political Survey by Strategic Insight indicates that Yusuf Hassan Abdi leads with 37% against 30% of ODM’s Ibrahim Ahmed. Brian Otieno Weke of NARC-Kenya comes third with 18% while Catherine Muthoni of GNU follows with 7%. Other candidates jointly share 5% while 3% of the voters are undecided.
The survey gauges the general mood of respondents; the popularity of aspirants and competing parties; the factors guiding voters’ choice of potential aspirants and the qualities voters want for the candidate. Methodologically, it covered a sample size of 500 respondents drawn from all the seven Kamukunji wards, 51% of them males and 49% females with the bulk of the voters (67%) being young people aged below 39 years.
PNU Alliance is the most popular party with 41%, followed by ODM at 34%. NARC-K is third with 14% while GNU is behind with 5%. Other parties share 6%. The key issues affecting the electorate include roads and infrastructure (38%), security (18%), employment (16%), housing (14%), education (8%) and water & sanitation 6%.
Despite Kamukunji’s urban character, majority of the respondents will base their decision on ethnicity/ region of origin and clan affiliation. 63% of Somalis from North Eastern will vote for Yusuf and 31 % for Ibrahim. 49% of Muthoni’s supporters come from central while 22% of Weke’s supporters are from the Nyanza region. Consequently, the entry of Muthoni in Kamukunji race has weakened PNU’s and Yusuf’s support from the vote-rich GEMA community while Weke has weakened ODM’s and Ibrahim’s support from the Nyanza region.
Although PNU’s Yusuf Hassan has respectable command in Kamukunji, fortunes can turn in favour of either of the candidates if the “Kamba” swinging vote is well mobilized. Expected poor voter turn-out on the part of Central Kenya, increased vote for Otieno Weke and Muthoni as well as weak strategies to get the vote out and protect it will guarantee victory for the ODM candidate Ibrahim Ahmed. But PNU top leadership can also turn the tide in favour of PNU’s Yussuf by countering voter apathy among the section of Central Kenya (Kikuyu) vote apprehensive of lack of a strong Kikuyu candidate.
The survey reveals that the by-election is framed by the evolving battle for political supremacy in the 2012 election between PNU and ODM. This explains the line-up of candidates especially the choice of two candidates from the Somali Community by the rival parties viewed as efforts to win the hearts and minds of minority groups.
______________________________________________________________________
Full Report: www strategicinsightafrica.org
For more information contact: Mahamed Fazul (Nairobi) +254 727 543 232
Monday, August 15, 2011
NAIROBI: PM IN KU WITH EQUITY BANK SCHOLARSHIP BENEFICIARIES
The Prime Minister will this afternoon address some 3,200 young Kenyans who have benefited from Equity Bank's Scholarship Programme.
The interactive even on Leadership and Development will take place at Kenyatta University where the PM is expected at 12.00 today, August 15, 2011.
The interactive even on Leadership and Development will take place at Kenyatta University where the PM is expected at 12.00 today, August 15, 2011.
DENNIS ONYANGO.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Nairobi, August 12, 2011 – KENYA’s DEPUTY Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Uhuru Kenyatta is challenging politicians and policy makers globally to embrace ideas by the Youth, instead of prescribing programmes and interventions without their involvement.
In a speech to mark International Youth Day, released through his Face book and Twitter accounts, Uhuru opined that the problems facing the youth over the years have been sparked by refusal to integrate their participation in formulation of policy and design of programmes.
“We in the world and we in Kenya must strive to pay greater attention to our youth. We do our nations a great disservice when we choose to aggravate rather than support young people and when we choose to tell them how its done rather than listen to how it could be done. We do our youth a great disservice when we choose to sideline them and push them into complacency rather than demand the excellence we know them to be capable of,” Uhuru noted.
Adding that, “We must hear them and allow the words that they say to affect the deepest parts of our rational conscience and emotional intellect. We must allow ourselves to be surprised by the vast extent of their wit, creativity, and innovative ability, to empathize with their challenges and to understand their lives.”
“We must stop looking at the youth as an issue to be dealt with and begin to see them as a formidable force to be reckoned with, “ Uhuru challenged, saying the youthful generation is a group “of able-minded, creative, hopeful people with ambitions that we should encourage and opinions that we must listen to.”
Uhuru, who addressed his speech to youth worldwide, but at times focused on Kenyan
Youth regretted that whereas Economic experts had pointed out that the youth were the main drivers of wealth creation, the group was still burdened by day to day survival instead of being given space to dream, create aspirations and hope.
“It is so sad, to witness the radiance, the hope and the idealism of our youth be snuffed out by hardships that we could help to ease and disillusion that we have had a part in causing,” Uhuru admitted.
The Kenyan Finance Minister however challenged the youth not go sit back and wait for handouts saying, “I applaud every young person who has attempted to in anyway rise above their situation and pursue a passion, or help their community or even help their family.”
Adding, “I cannot begin to express the admiration I have for your resilience. For as long as you continue in the same spirit- you cannot fail. You are great beacons of hope to our country and it is my prayer that we would be more like you.”
Uhuru said that global leaders should be willing to sacrifice personal comfort for youth development arguing, “I am convinced we will be able and more than willing to take the practical steps towards supporting the youth regardless of the cost to our own personal comfort.”
Opining that investing in youth was one of the ways, to stop them from, “becoming stereotype breakers, community shapers and, eventually, world changers”
The speech marked was released to mark the 25th anniversary of the International Youth Day.
ENDS…
NAIROBI: PM TO CLOSE AMBASSADOR’s CONFERENCE
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will this evening host dinner for the country's ambassador's and high commissioners who have been attending the 16th biennial conference and later close the conference.
The dinner will kick off at 7PM at the Hotel Intercontinental Nairobi.
The dinner will kick off at 7PM at the Hotel Intercontinental Nairobi.
DENNIS ONYANGO
NAIROBI: ANOTHER MP LOSES SEAT
Kitutu Masaba MP Walter Nyambati has lost his seat after a court nullified his election over irregularities Friday.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
NAIROBI: PRIME MINISTER RAILA ODINGA AT YOUTH CONFERENCE
The Prime Minister will this afternoon address youth gathering organised by the International Youth Fellowship 2011.
The event will take place at the GBS complex outside the USIU campus, to the left.
The PM will arrive at the venue at 2.30 PM.
DENNIS ONYANGO.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
NAIROBI: REPUBLIC OF KENYA THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF KENYA PRIME MINISTER’S TIME: STANDING ORDER NO. 40
STATEMENT ON GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOODS
Mr. Speaker,
In line with your ruling yesterday that the Government issues a Statement on Genetically Modified Foods, in particular on the importation and consumption of Genetically Modified Maize, I rise to make the following Statement:
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines GMOs as organisms in which the genetic material, otherwise known as deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, is artificially altered in a way that does not occur naturally. This technology, sometimes called biotechnology or gene technology or genetic engineering allows the selection and transfer of individual genes from one organism into another.
With regard to foods, gene technology has been used to improve durability and nutritional value of crops, improve on crop resistance against plant diseases, increase crop yields, generate seeds that mature faster with little rain and generally reduce the use of herbicides or insecticides in agricultural production.
Mr. Speaker,
With regard to the safety of GMO foods, WHO has opined as follows:
“GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. In addition, no effects on human health have been shown as a result of the consumption of such foods by the general population in the countries where they have been approved. Continuous use of risk assessments based on the Codex principles and, where appropriate, including post market monitoring, should form the basis for evaluating the safety of GM foods.”
WHO lists maize, soy bean, squash, potato, oilseed rape and chicory as GM crops currently on the international market. These crops are traded in Argentina, Canada, South Africa, United States and EU countries.
(I table WHO Answers to 20 Frequently Asked Questions on GM Foods)
The Government, informed by the shortage of non-GM maize in the international market, has authorized the importation of GM maize during this drought crisis on the following conditions:
1. That all importations, marketing, transportation and/or exportation of any GM maize be done by registered millers only and with the written approval of the National Biosafety Authority issued under Sections 20, 21, 22 and 23 of the Biosafety Act, Act No.2 of 2009 as enacted by this House;
2. That all applications for the importation, marketing, transportation and/or exportation of any GM maize be made by millers to the National Biosafety Authority;
3. That all quantities of imported GM maize be handled by registered millers only and be milled into flour with none being distributed as seeds; and
4. That any flour made from GM maize be labelled as such to give full information to the consumer at the time of purchase;
Mr. Speaker,
While several millers have made inquiries from the National Biosafety Authority on the procedure for the importation of GM maize, no miller has actually made an application for licence to import GM maize. This is because the necessary Biosafety Regulations outlining the procedure for importation of GM foods are with the Government Printer waiting publication.
All the maize that has been imported by the millers have been certified GMO free by the Kenya Bureau of Standards and Inspection Agencies such as Intertek.
(I hereby table the necessary supporting documents from these Agencies)
Rt. Hon. Raila A. Odinga, EGH, MP
PRIME MINISTER
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