George Omondi
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Articles by George Omondi
Sub-national estimates of visceral leishmaniasis and optimisation of geographical accessibility to treatment centres in Kenya
Abstract Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) remains a major public health challenge in Kenya, disproportionately affecting populations with limited access to timely diagnosis and treatment. National case totals mask local heterogeneity in risk and access. Here we estimate sub-national VL incidence, identify its determinants and optimise geographical placement of treatment centres.
Kenya's Kala-azar challenge: Data-driven precision offers a path to elimination
Kenya is at a critical juncture in its fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), affecting millions primarily in arid and semi-arid lands. Here, poverty, malnutrition, and climate vulnerability converge, with the burden of NTDs extending far beyond health, perpetuating poverty and constraining productivity. Fact-first reporting that puts you at the heart of the newsroom. Subscribe for full access. 🔥 Easter Sale Ends Tonight! Subscribe now and enjoy 50% off monthly and annual plans.
Assessing Temporal Drought Severity in Kenya's Arid and Semi‐Arid Landscape Using Google Earth Engine and the Normalised Difference Drought Index
1 Introduction Drought, “a prolonged dry period in the natural climate cycle resulting from lack of precipitation” (Wilhite 2006), or “abnormally dry weather or an exceptional lack of water compared to normal conditions to constitute a hazard” (Erian et al. 2021), debilitates ecosystem integrity, hydrology, livelihoods, biodiversity, and food security.
UCL: Players to feature for both Barcelona and Barcelona
Barcelona and Inter Milan face each other in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals today Wednesday 30th March at the Camp Nou. Both teams have had a good history in the competition and will be looking to outdo each other for a place in the final and here we take a look at the players who have played for both sides in recent years.
APR retain Rwanda Premier League title
Army side APR FC are the champions of the 2023/2024 Rwanda Premier League. Coach Thierry Froge’s team registered a 1-0 win against Kiyovu Sports FC on Saturday to win their fifth straight League title. After a goalless first half, Gilbert Mugisha netted the lone goal after 51 minutes in a match played at the Kigalui Pele Stadium. Kiyouvu Sports FC tried to push forward to get some goals, but the APR FC goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila kept them at bay.
Goals for Okumu and Anyembe
It was a good weekend for Harambee Stars defenders this weekend as Joseph Okumu and Daniel Anyembe both scored for their clubs. Okumu scored his first goal for Reims since moving to the club in the summer from KAA Gent to help Reims to a 1-1 draw against Lyon in the French Ligue One. Also Read: Monday Best Bet Picks On the same Saturday, striker Ismael Dunga bagged a goal as Sham Shui Po emerged 3-1 winners over HK U23 in the Hong Kong Premier League.
Pumwani win Koth-Biro title after 46 years of trying
Pumwani Sportif have dedicated their Koth Biro title win to legendary club players and fans who fought for the badge since the inception of the tournament 46 years ago. The Majengo-based side beat rivals Kingston from Shauri Moyo 2-0 to clinch the title on Saturday, at Ziwani grounds. The match was played after the morning rains leaving the ground soggy and slippery.
Traders rue heavy losses on banned ferry services Original
Traders on Mfangano Island are incurring heavy losses while others have been forced to shut down their businesses following the move by the government to suspend ferry services in Lake Victoria more than 12 months ago. Mr Charles Odoyo, a dealer in petroleum products, has been forced to close shop after the Kenya Maritime Authority suspended the services of two vessels owned by Mbita Ferry Services, citing safety concerns.
Jubilee goes slow on poll pledge to deliver 5,000MW
Economy Jubilee goes slow on poll pledge to deliver 5,000MW Monday, February 22, 2016 5:00 By GEORGE OMONDI, [email protected] | President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto during the commissioning of a 140 MW Olkaria IV geothermal power plant in 2014. FILE President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration has gone slow on its pledge to generate additional 5,000 megawatts (MW) of power as it falls 99 per cent off the target just 16 months to the next General Elections.
Quiet launch of undersea cable heralds arrival of digital
Technology Quiet launch of undersea cable heralds arrival of digital revolution Tuesday, June 23, 2009 0:00 By George Omondi | President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga (in cap) look on as the Chairman of TEAMs Kenya Limited, Mr Michael Joseph, points at the MV Niwa marine cable ship which had docked at the Fort Jesus seafront to deliver the final section of the TEAMs Kenya Limited Fibre Optic marine cables in Mombasa.
Octopizzo vs Khaligraph whats the beef
Summary This beef between the two rappers did not start recently as many think. It stems back to the WAPI days, and though back then it was just two talented rappers flexing their lyrical might, you could see the tension. WAPI was a regular event for artistes organised by the British Council in Nairobi a few years ago. Advertisement By GEORGE OMONDI Unlike other genres of music, rap has always been a competitive art form. It is common for rappers to always want to prove their lyrical superiority.
Anatomy of South Sudan mutiny and the bad blood between Kiir and Machar
Friday, December 20, 2013 — updated on July 04, 2020 President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir (left) with the vice president Riek Machar during a rally at the John Garang Stadium in Juba, Southern Sudan, October 1st, 2010. The dismissal of Dr Machar as vice-president, coupled with the sacking of several ministers following dissolution of the Cabinet and the suspension of SPLM secretary-general Pagan Amum in July this year, gave the strongest indication that SPLM was at war with itself.
Kenya sets terms ahead of trade talks with US
Economy Kenya sets terms ahead of trade talks with US Thursday, June 25, 2020 0:01 By GEORGE OMONDI Trade Secretary Betty Maina. FILE PHOTO | NMG Kenya has moved to fence in its key economic segments as it prepares for the first round of free trade area (FTA) negotiations with the US from July 9 to 17. Under the negotiation objectives released on Tuesday, the Trade ministry says Kenya will initially retain duty on US imports when the FTA takes effect.
Burundi: Nkurunziza Leaves a Mixed Legacy
Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza, who died of a heart attack aged 55 according to an official statement released on Tuesday, has left behind a mixed legacy. Viewed as a pan- Africanist by his East African Community (EAC) peers and as a ruthless dictator by his critics, Nkurunziza was a dominant figure in Burundi's politics in the last 26 years. In life, he always maintained that he had lived part of his youthful years in Kenya, and even mastered the diverse cultures of its people.
Burundi's Nkurunziza leaves a mixed legacy
In Summary In life, he always maintained that he had lived part of his youthful years in Kenya, and even mastered the diverse cultures of its people. Yet he still had a stunning attachment to his native culture. Within the EAC bloc, he will probably be remembered as a leader who advocated for use of the English language in the Francophone state as part of his efforts to speed up cultural integration with other EAC members.
Burundi's Nkurunziza leaves a mixed legacy
Profiles Burundi's Nkurunziza leaves a mixed legacy Friday, June 12, 2020 0:01 By GEORGE OMONDI AND AGENCIES | The late Pierre Nkurunziza. PHOTO | AFP Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza, who died of a heart attack aged 55 according to an official statement released on Tuesday, has left behind a mixed legacy.
America seeks easy access in new trade pact with Kenya
Economy America seeks easy access in new trade pact with Kenya Wednesday, June 3, 2020 0:01 By GEORGE OMONDI Kenya Airways operates direct flights to the US. FILE PHOTO | NMG Government officials are racing to finalise a free trade agreement (FTA) that, if signed, is set to ease the entry of established US companies into the local market.
Kenya predicts 30pc EAC export fall on Covid rules
Economy Kenya predicts 30pc EAC export fall on Covid rules Monday, May 18, 2020 0:02 By GEORGE OMONDI Truck driver Kennedy Kyalo Nzole, displays a travel pass at Malaba border on May 2. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA Kenya is predicting a drop by at least 30 percent of its exports to the East African markets as the public health measures adopted in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak slow cross-border trade.
EAC presidents back SMEs financing schemes in pandemic war
News EAC presidents back SMEs financing schemes in pandemic war Wednesday, May 13, 2020 0:01 By GEORGE OMONDI EAC flags. FILE PHOTO | NMG The East African presidents Tuesday resolved to establish special purpose financing schemes for small and medium enterprises as part of efforts to cushion vulnerable businesses from the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kenya push for US trade talks to stir up EAC again
Economy Kenya push for US trade talks to stir up EAC again Monday, February 3, 2020 0:01 By GEORGE OMONDI EAC member State flags: the customs union protocol requires joint negotiations since 2011. FILE PHOTO | NMG Kenya faces another tough task of convincing its East African Community partners to allow it pursue a trade agreement with the US even as a standoff persists over its duty-and-quota- free deal with Europe.
Ministers, MPs defy President Uhuru Kenyatta’s order on luxury spending
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Tough call as Yatani spells out economic roadmap
Economy Tough call as Yatani spells out economic roadmap Wednesday, January 15, 2020 22:00 By GEORGE OMONDI Treasury Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yatani. FILE PHOTO | NMG The newly confirmed Treasury boss Ukur Yatani has outlined an ambitious economic roadmap that revolves around putting money back in pockets and taxing it heavily to finance increased government expenditure.
Somalia, South Sudan likely to join EAC this year
Somalia, South Sudan likely to join EAC this year Eastern Africa hotspots Somalia and South Sudan could be admitted to the East African Community later this year after the bloc's council of ministers put the ascensions top of the 2014 agenda.
World Bank to increase Africa staff as businesses eye continent
Economy World Bank to increase Africa staff as businesses eye continent Monday, August 24, 2015 21:12 By GEORGE OMONDI | The World Bank Group is set to grow its African workforce significantly as the global attention shifts to investment in the continent’s one billion people. The bank, which launched “a massive recruitment for sub-Saharan African professionals” at the beginning of July, said it would continue to accept applications up to Monday before it starts selections.
How your free personal data helps companies mint cash
advertisement By GEORGE OMONDI More by this Author Summary Kenyans easily share out personal information to obtain loyalty cards at retail outlets. advertisement advertisement Economy How your free personal data helps companies mint cash Tuesday, September 17, 2019 22:00 By GEORGE OMONDI Bright Mawudor, head of cyber security services at Internet Solutions Kenya.
State lender to take over bank mortgages
Economy State lender to take over bank mortgages Sunday, August 25, 2019 21:29 By GEORGE OMONDI A construction site. FILE PHOTO | NMG Secondary lender Kenya Mortgage Refinance Company (KMRC) is set to complete its review of housing loans held by banks this week, paving the way for transfer of middle-income groups to its fold. Interim chief executive officer Johnstone Oltetia said a consultant hired to review existing mortgage portfolios is on course to submit a report by end of August.
Uhuru taps Hague defence lawyer for NLC chair job
Economy Uhuru taps Hague defence lawyer for NLC chair job Monday, August 19, 2019 21:26 By GEORGE OMONDI Advocate Gershom Otachi Bw'Omanwa of Ogetto,Otachi & Company Advocates. PHOTO | LIZ MUTHONI | NMG President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated a former member of the International Criminal Court (ICC) defence team as the new National Land Commission chairperson.
Rwanda tea fetches higher price at auction
Rwanda tea fetches higher price at auction Thursday August 15 2019 A farmer picks tea leaves. FILE PHOTO Advertisement By GEORGE OMONDI Rwanda’s tea is selling at premium rates at the Mombasa Tea Auction, overshadowing price offers from other East African countries. Weekly price offers for Rwandan tea have been on the rise in the last three months, outshining produce from Kenya Tea Development Agency outlets.
Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction
Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction Monday August 12 2019 Kenya accounts for three quarter of the produce traded at the Mombasa Tea Auction. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary Kenya’s tea is shedding its attractiveness even as factories in Rwanda work to improve the quality for export market.
Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction
Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction Sunday August 11 2019 Kenya accounts for three quarter of the produce traded at the Mombasa auction. FILE PHOTO | NMG In Summary Kenya’s tea is shedding its attractiveness even as factories in Rwanda work to improve the quality for export market. Advertisement By GEORGE OMONDI More by this Author Rwanda’s tea is selling at premium rates at the Mombasa Tea Auction, overshadowing price offers on Kenyan produce as international buyers focus on quality.
Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction
Economy Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction Sunday, August 11, 2019 14:14 By GEORGE OMONDI Kenya accounts for three quarter of the produce traded at the Mombasa auction. FILE PHOTO | NMG Rwanda’s tea is selling at premium rates at the Mombasa Tea Auction, overshadowing price offers on Kenyan produce as international buyers focus on quality.
Rwanda tea price higher than Kenya’s at auction
By GEORGE OMONDI More by this Author In Summary Kenya’s tea is shedding its attractiveness even as factories in Rwanda work to improve the quality for export market. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Rwanda’s tea is selling at premium rates at the Mombasa Tea Auction, overshadowing price offers on Kenyan produce as international buyers focus on quality.
Ex-KRA boss John Njiraini quits race for Land Commission chairmanship
Ex-KRA boss John Njiraini quits race for Land Commission chairmanship Thursday August 8 2019 Former KRA Commissioner-General John Njiraini. He has has withdrawn his candidature for National Land Commission chairperson. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary Former KRA chief John Njiraini cites personal reasons for withdrawing his candidature. Njiraini was among 11 candidates shortlisted for that post after the exit of embattled Muhammad Swazuri.
Njiraini pulls out of race for Land Commission chairman job
News Njiraini pulls out of race for Land Commission chairman job Thursday, August 8, 2019 9:44 By GEORGE OMONDI Former Kenya Revenue Authority Commissioner-General John Njiraini. FILE PHOTO | NMG Former Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) commissioner-general John Njiraini has dropped his quest to chair the National Land Commission (NLC), just one week after he was shortlisted and interviewed for the job.
EABL parent puts Sh22bn in clean energy, water at its Kenya,
News EABL parent puts Sh22bn in clean energy, water at its Kenya, Uganda plants Tuesday, August 6, 2019 21:11 By GEORGE OMONDI EABL’s Group CEO Andrew Cowan. FILE PHOTO | NMG East African Breweries Limited’s parent firm Diageo has announced a Sh22 billion investment on solar energy, biomass power and water recovery at its three plants in Kenya and Uganda.
Inflation hits three-month high on costly food, drinks
News Inflation hits three-month high on costly food, drinks Wednesday, July 31, 2019 21:02 By GEORGE OMONDI Traders at Kongowea Market in Mombasa. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NMG Kenya’s year-on-year inflation rose to a three-month high of 6.27 per cent in July, driven mainly by jump in the prices of food, drinks and transport costs. The cost of living measure, which is higher than 4.35 percent recorded in July last year, ranks second highest this year since 6.58 percent was recorded in April.
Inflation hits three-month high on costly food, drinks
Inflation hits three-month high on costly food, drinks Wednesday July 31 2019 Traders at Kongowea Market in Mombasa. PHOTO | LABAN WALLOGA | NMG Advertisement By GEORGE OMONDI More by this Author Kenya’s year-on-year inflation rose to a three-month high of 6.27 per cent in July, driven mainly by jump in the prices of food, drinks and transport costs.
Dam scandal muddies water for Treasury's 'gentleman'
Profiles Dam scandal muddies water for Treasury's 'gentleman' Thursday, July 25, 2019 17:06 By GEORGE OMONDI Former Treasury PS Kamau Thugge. FILE PHOTO | NMG This week will certainly stick in Kamau Thugge’s memory for a very long time if not forever. In under 72 hours he had moved from the comfort of the office of Principal Secretary in-charge of National Treasury, spent a night in a demeaning police cell and later whisked to court as economic crimes suspect.
Uhuru names Ukur Yattani acting Treasury CS to replace Rotich
News Uhuru names Ukur Yattani acting Treasury CS to replace Rotich Wednesday, July 24, 2019 15:14 By GEORGE OMONDI Labour Cabinet Secretary Ukur Yattani during Labour Day celebrations at Uhuru Park in Nairobi on May 1, 2019. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP President Uhuru Kenya has appointed Mr Ukur Yatani as acting National Treasury and Planning Secretary, replacing Mr Henry Rotich who is currently battling corruption charges.
Kenya: PSC to Hire Pas, Gardeners, Cooks for Kibaki and Moi
By George Omondi Former presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki have lost the power to hire personal staff in a raft of changes made in the public service appointments. Under the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulations, 2019, staff of ex-presidents, among them cooks, personal assistants and gardeners will now be appointed by the PSC. FREE TO HIRE The employer will also provide the ex-presidents with health fitness instructors, housekeepers and other support staff.
Deputy governor, 269 MPs’ jobs at risk
Economy Deputy governor, 269 MPs’ jobs at risk as group meets referendum threshold Thursday, July 18, 2019 20:54 By GEORGE OMONDI Thirdway Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL The proposal to cut the number of MPs and abolish deputy governors position has met the threshold for constitutional change, the electoral agency has ruled, laying ground for a referendum.
CBK licence hitch hits Sh35bn cheap State-backed mortgage
Economy CBK licence hitch hits Sh35bn cheap State-backed mortgage Thursday, July 18, 2019 20:53 By GEORGE OMONDI Construction site for affordable housing programme in Ngara on Kinshasa Road in Nairobi on May 28. PHOTO | EVANS HABIL | NMG A licence hitch has delayed the take-off of State-backed firm that was meant to boost the access to cheaper mortgage through making it easier for banks to access long-term finance for home loans.
PSC to hire PAs, gardeners, cooks for Kibaki and Moi
PSC to hire PAs, gardeners, cooks for Kibaki and Moi Thursday July 18 2019 Former Kenyan presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki. PHOTO | FILE | NATION MEDIA GROUP In Summary The employer will also provide the ex-presidents with health fitness instructors, housekeepers and other support staff. Official data indicates that the cost of staff attached to Mr Kibaki and Mr Moi has for the first time crossed the Sh100 million mark in the 2019/20 spending plan.
PSC to hire PAs, gardeners, cooks for Kibaki and Moi
Economy PSC to hire PAs, gardeners, cooks for Kibaki and Moi Wednesday, July 17, 2019 21:06 By GEORGE OMONDI Retired President Daniel arap Moi. FILE PHOTO | NMG Former presidents Daniel arap Moi and Mwai Kibaki have lost the power to hire personal staff in a raft of changes made in the public service appointments. Under the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulations, 2019, staff of ex-presidents, among them cooks, personal assistants and gardeners will now be appointed by the PSC.
Uhuru faulted on access to cash without revenue law
Economy Uhuru faulted on access to cash without revenue law Wednesday, July 17, 2019 21:08 By DAVID MWEREBy GEORGE OMONDI President Uhuru Kenyatta. FILE PHOTO | NMG The budget unit at State House has questioned the legality of an order issued by President Uhuru Kenyatta permitting withdrawal of cash from the government account for ministries without the law allocating counties budget money.
Washington envoy offices works tender advertised
Economy Washington envoy offices works tender advertised Tuesday, July 16, 2019 21:16 By GEORGE OMONDI Foreign Affairs ministry spent Sh1.9 billion on rent abroad in the nine months to March. FILE PHOTO | NMG Foreign Affairs ministry has issued tenders for renovation of diplomats’ dilapidated offices and residences in Washington as envoys blow millions in leasing space.
Kenya: Uhuru's Naivasha Dry Ports Deal Triggers Debate
By George Omondi President Uhuru Kenyatta's decision to allow landlocked countries build dry ports in Naivasha has triggered debate on how Kenya will benefit from the deal. While shippers say the decision would help secure Kenya's transit business, analysts insist the agreement should be carefully crafted.
Uhuru’s Naivasha dry ports deal triggers debate
Uhuru’s Naivasha dry ports deal triggers debate Sunday July 14 2019 South Sudan President Salva Kiir (right) in Olkaria, Naivasha, on July 2. The government has set aside 10 acres for South Sudan in Naivasha. FILE PHOTO | NMG In Summary Land allocation to landlocked neighbours has triggered debate on how Kenya will benefit from the deal. While shippers say the decision would help secure Kenya’s transit business, analysts insist the agreement should be carefully crafted.
Uhuru’s Naivasha dry ports deal triggers debate
News Uhuru’s Naivasha dry ports deal triggers debate Sunday, July 14, 2019 17:02 By GEORGE OMONDI South Sudan President Salva Kiir (right) in Olkaria, Naivasha, on July 2. The government has set aside 10 acres for South Sudan in Naivasha. FILE PHOTO | NMG President Uhuru Kenyatta’s decision to allow landlocked countries build dry ports in Naivasha has triggered debate on how Kenya will benefit from the deal.
MCAs sitting perks double to Sh1.5bn
MCAs sitting perks double to Sh1.5bn Thursday July 11 2019 Controller of Budget Agnes Odhiambo. FILE PHOTO | NMG Advertisement By GEORGE OMONDI More by this Author Members of County Assembly (MCAs) sitting allowance for the nine months to March more than doubled to Sh1.54 billion after the High Court scrapped the Salaries and Remuneration Commission’s (SRC) cut on State officers’ benefits.
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