By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The agribusiness finance solutions provider has intensified its operations across key agricultural counties including Nyeri, Embu, Meru, Kirinyaga, Tharaka Nithi and Laikipia, targeting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that play a crucial role in supporting local economies and Kenya's food production systems.

Despite the region being one of the country's most productive agricultural zones, many agribusinesses continue to face cash-flow challenges that hinder their growth and limit their ability to increase inventory, meet customer demand and maintain strong supplier relationships.

The affected businesses include agrovets, suppliers, manufacturers, processors, aggregators and distributors who rely on adequate working capital to sustain and expand their operations.

To bridge the financing gap, Avenews is rolling out trade-based financing solutions designed to improve liquidity and enable businesses to access stock financing when needed.

Speaking during stakeholder engagements in Nyeri, Avenews Business Development Director Emanuel Murai said timely access to financing is critical in driving the growth of agricultural SMEs. "Agri-SMEs in this region have strong demand and established markets, but liquidity often holds them back. By enabling them to finance stock purchases seamlessly, we are helping businesses grow, strengthen supplier relationships and operate with greater confidence," said Murai.

Under the financing model, businesses can access credit at the point of purchasing stock, allowing them to increase inventory and respond quickly to market opportunities. Once repayments are made, they regain access to credit and can continue borrowing as new opportunities arise.

According to the company, the approach enables distributors, traders and other agribusiness players to secure additional stock during peak seasons without straining their cash flow.

Avenews has also intensified engagements with agribusiness operators in Nyeri, Embu and Meru counties to better understand market needs and raise awareness about financing solutions tailored to agricultural value chains.

The company noted that the Mt Kenya region is serving as a key learning and data hub for refining its embedded trade-based financing model ahead of a wider national rollout.

Insights gathered from the region will help shape Avenews' expansion strategy aimed at scaling working capital solutions across Kenya's major agricultural corridors, strengthening trade systems and supporting sustainable growth among agribusinesses.

The firm expressed confidence that improved access to financing will enable more agricultural enterprises to expand operations, enhance supply chain efficiency and contribute to food security and economic growth across the country.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The launch ceremony was held at Embu Law Courts and brought together members of the Judiciary and other stakeholders in the justice sector.

The Alternative Justice Systems Suite is expected to provide an avenue for members of the public to resolve disputes outside the formal court process.

Speaking during the event, CJ Koome said the initiative will play a key role in reducing the backlog of cases currently pending before courts. She noted that many disputes can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding without necessarily proceeding to lengthy court hearings.

The Chief Justice said the AJS framework promotes peaceful coexistence by encouraging parties to discuss their differences and arrive at acceptable solutions.

According to Koome, the establishment of the registries in Embu, Siakago and Runyenjes will make alternative justice services more accessible to local communities. She added that the Judiciary is committed to ensuring that justice reaches all people regardless of their social or economic status.

Koome described the opening of the AJS Suite as a major achievement in the country's justice system.

By JOSPHINE MWENDE 

The country has witnessed several disturbing incidents involving students in recent years. One of the most tragic was the fire at Utumishi Girls Academy, in which 16 students lost their lives and several others sustained injuries. Preliminary reports indicated that the fire, which led to the deaths, had been deliberately started by some students at the school.

In Kitui County, a number of cases of student unrest have also been reported. Incidents such as the burning of dormitories at Ithangathi Girls Secondary School have left schools counting losses, while others have been forced to close early and send learners home for mid-term breaks.

As these incidents continue to emerge and raise concerns within communities, questions have been directed at parents regarding the apparent erosion of the strict and disciplined upbringing that once characterised many Kenyan families.

Political and religious leaders in Kitui County have therefore, called upon parents to create time for their children by engaging them in meaningful conversations, understanding the challenges they face, and guiding them towards positive behaviour. They noted that such efforts could help prevent children from engaging in activities that may place them on the wrong side of the law, as seen in the ongoing investigations involving some Utumishi Girls students.

Speaking to congregants at a church service in Kitui East, the Group Chief Risk Officer at Safaricom PLC and an aspiring candidate for the Kitui County gubernatorial seat, Mr Nicholas Mulila, emphasised the importance of spiritual guidance in nurturing responsible citizens.

He noted that encouraging children to attend church and participate in religious teachings could help instil positive values and equip them to make sound decisions in life. "As we witness the increasing cases of schools being burnt and destroyed by students, we must ask ourselves as parents: what is happening, and where did we go wrong?" Mulila posed.

He further urged parents not to leave the responsibility of raising children entirely to teachers."Parents, please draw closer to your children and stop the tendency of leaving all responsibilities to teachers. Play your role when these students are at home," he said.

Mulila also encouraged parents to support their children's participation in church activities and follow up on the lessons they learn through religious instruction."Encourage your children to attend church and embrace the teachings they receive there. Such guidance can help them grow into wise, responsible and morally upright individuals," he advised.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

Speaking during a church service at ACK Kiamiatu, Kega in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, Ruku said the initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to equip Kenyan youth with practical skills that match the demands of the job market and drive economic growth.

The CS noted that the harmonization of NYS and TVET institutions will create a seamless pathway for young people to acquire technical skills, vocational training, and hands-on experience, making them more competitive both locally and internationally.

According to Ruku, the government is keen on transforming NYS training centres into modern skill-development hubs that will work closely with TVET institutions to nurture a highly skilled workforce capable of meeting emerging industry demands.

He revealed that plans are underway to expand NYS training facilities across the country to accommodate more youth seeking technical and vocational training opportunities.

"The government wants every young person willing to acquire skills to have an opportunity to do so. By strengthening the relationship between NYS and TVET institutions, we are creating a stronger foundation for employment and self-reliance," said Ruku.

The CS emphasized that the expansion of training opportunities will not only help tackle youth unemployment but also empower young people to venture into entrepreneurship and innovation.

He reiterated that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to investing in human capital development, describing youth empowerment as a critical pillar in the country's economic transformation agenda.

Ruku further assured Kenyans that the government was working tirelessly to improve service delivery and ensure that citizens receive services that meet their expectations.

On disaster preparedness, the CS warned that the country could experience heavy rains associated with the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and urged residents living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to relocate to safer grounds.

He also advised farmers with mature crops ready for harvest to do so early in order to minimize losses that may result from adverse weather conditions.

Defending President William Ruto's frequent international engagements, Ruku said the Head of State's diplomatic missions are strengthening Kenya's global partnerships and attracting investment opportunities that will benefit wananchi through development projects and job creation.

The Cabinet Secretary also took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying his departure from government should not be interpreted as a signal for the people of the Mt Kenya region to abandon the administration. He maintained that the people of Mt Kenya East are charting their own political path and remain focused on development and economic empowerment.

By BRIAN MUSYOKA 

The Grade 10 student was accorded an emotional send-off attended by family members, friends, church leaders, and political figures, who joined together in mourning the young life cut short by the tragedy.

During the funeral service, Utumishi Girls' High School Principal Jocelyn Karanja expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the 16 students, describing the incident as a heartbreaking blow to the school community. She noted that the girls who died were bright, disciplined, and full of promise, making their sudden deaths even more painful for teachers, fellow students, and parents. "We have lost a dedicated student and this has affected us in big way," Mr Karanja said.

The principal said the tragedy had left the school fraternity devastated and struggling to comprehend the immense loss. She appealed for prayers and support for the affected families as they continue to cope with the painful aftermath.

Major Rev. Ndivo, who mentors youth at the military barracks and has been a spiritual guide to Nichole's family, paid tribute to the teenager, describing her as a determined and hopeful young girl with a future full of potential. He also extended his sympathies to the families of the other students who perished in the fire.

Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, who attended the burial, urged parents to maintain close relationships with their children and actively guide them through life's challenges. He stressed the need for stronger family values and open communication between parents and their children.

Speakers at the ceremony called on stakeholders in the education sector to initiate discussions aimed at addressing the growing cases of unrest and insecurity in schools. They emphasized the importance of finding lasting solutions to protect learners and promote a safe learning environment.

The burial ceremony brought together hundreds of mourners who united in paying their final respects to Nichole and remembering the young lives lost in one of the country's most devastating school tragedies.