President William Ruto has told doctors to understand that there is a limit to what the government can spend on their salaries and allowances.

Saying the government values the work doctors and interns play in the health sector, the President pointed out that the country cannot continue to live beyond its means.

“The resources we have are only sufficient to pay KSh70,000 for intern doctors. This is not a salary; it is a stipend for only one year. Afterwards, they will be employed,” he said.

The President explained that the government has the funds needed to absorb all the 1,500 doctor interns at KSh70,000 a month.

He made remarks on Sunday during church service at Africa Inland Church (AIC) Fellowship Eldoret, Uasin Gishu county. He was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto.

President Ruto said the government is working towards reducing the country’s wage bill, which currently stands at 47 per cent, to the legal requirement of 35 per cent.

“We are spending KSh1.1 trillion of the KSh2.2 trillion revenue we collect every year to pay salaries and allowances. This is way above what we should be spending on salaries,” he said.

“As a nation, we must agree that we must live within our means. We cannot continue to spend the money we do not have,” he added.

The President announced that Kenya will host a conference to address the nation’s wage bill between April 15 and 17.

President Ruto said reducing the wage bill frees resources for the government to expand opportunities for the youth and adequately fund programmes such as healthcare and education.

He also said the government will reduce its budget from KSh4.2 trillion to KSh3.7 trillion.

The President said Kenyans must honestly discuss the issues affecting the country, promising to lead from the front.

He said the conversation he started on the benefits of subsidising production, and not production as was the case before, has borne fruit.

He said the country now has adequate food, leading to lower prices.

As a result of the government’s prudent decisions, the Kenya shilling has strengthened against the dollar, leading to lower fuel and electricity prices.

“I will continue the path of making the right decisions for the country because you can never be wrong if you make the right decisions even though they may not be popular or easy,” he said.

He also asked farmers to take advantage of the rainy season to grow food and help the country meet its food security goals.

“We intend to grow more food and reduce imports,” he said.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.

On this day in 1994, and for the nearly 100 days that followed, one million Tutsi children, women and men were killed by their fellow Rwandans.

Families turned against families, friends became foes, and a dark spirit of intentional and brutal violence engulfed a nation.

We will never forget the victims of this genocide. Nor will we ever forget the bravery and resilience of those who survived, whose courage and willingness to forgive remain a burst of light and hope amidst this dark chapter in human history. 

This year, we remind ourselves of genocide’s rancid root: hate.

We can draw a straight line between the senseless slaughter of one million Tutsi — as well as some Hutu and others who opposed the genocide — and the decades of hate speech that preceded it, enflamed by ethnic tensions and the long shadow of colonialism.

Today, around the world, the darkest impulses of humanity are being awakened once more by the voices of extremism, division and hate.

To those who would seek to divide us, we must deliver a clear, unequivocal and urgent message: never again.

On this solemn day of remembrance, let’s pledge to stand as one against all forms of hatred and discrimination.

Let’s ensure that the acts that began on April 7, 1994 are never forgotten — and never repeated. Anywhere.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).

As we commemorate World Health Day 2024 themed ‘My health, my right,’ the focus turns to the critical importance of good food and nutrition, particularly in regions like Central and West Africa.

Nutrition is the foundation of human health, influencing every aspect of physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. In these regions, where socio-economic gaps, environmental challenges, and diverse cultural norms converge, the importance of good nutrition becomes even more pronounced.

That is why multinationals like Nestlé are championing affordable and good nutrition for families through its brands while ensuring the sustainable sourcing of raw materials such as coffee, cocoa, soya among other ingredients in its supply chain.

“Nestlé reaffirms its commitment to promoting quality and affordable nutrition, particularly in Central and West Africa. We believe that access to balanced diets, rich in essential nutrients, is vital for maintaining optimal health and well-being. Together, we strive for a future where everyone has access to nutritious diets, ensuring not only physical health but also fostering local communities and prosperous societies,” says Mauricio Alarcón, CEO Nestlé Central and West Africa.

Foundation of Health

In Central and West Africa, numerous health challenges persist, ranging from enduring malnutrition to the rising incidence of diet-related non-communicable diseases. These nutritional deficiencies not only hinder physical growth and development but also weaken immune function, cognitive abilities, and overall disease resilience.

Essential nutrients found in a balanced diet, including vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, are the building blocks of health. Ensuring adequate nutrition during critical life stages, such as pregnancy, infancy, and early childhood, is vital for optimal growth, development, and long-term health outcomes.

Preventing Non-Communicable Diseases

In recent years, Africa has seen an increase in the rate of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. This rise mirrors global trends but is amplified by unique regional dynamics. While infectious diseases remain significant, lifestyle factors, like diet and physical activity, drive much of this burden.

A balanced diet is paramount in promoting overall health and preventing chronic diseases. A balanced diet encompasses a diverse range of nutrient-rich foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.  This dietary approach not only supports physical well-being but also aids in weight management and reduces the risk of obesity and associated health issues.

Access to a diverse and balanced diet, rich in essential nutrients is not only a basic human necessity but also a prerequisite for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to health, well-being, and poverty alleviation (https://apo-opa.co/4alNe79).

Empowering Communities Through Education

Empowering communities through education on nutrition is a powerful tool in the fight against malnutrition. Providing knowledge about healthy eating habits and balanced diets through initiatives in schools, community centers, and healthcare facilities can help dispel myths and empower people to make informed dietary choices.

Fortified Essentials for Balanced Nutrition

Some companies, like Nestlé, recognizes the importance of nutrition and quality in their product offerings. For instance, Nestlé’s R&D center in Côte d’Ivoire (https://apo-opa.co/49tbpiL) employs scientists and food technologists dedicated to developing affordable nutrition solutions for the region. They consider local dietary preferences and nutritional needs, integrating regionally sourced cereals and plant protein sources into formulations. These products are fortified with essential micronutrients like iron, iodine, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals ensuring optimal nutritional value.

Additionally, these experts have access to Nestlé’s global network of experts, advanced analytical equipment, labs, and pilot plants across all company R&D locations.

Products like Maggi (https://apo-opa.co/3VJdeop), widely recognized across the continent, are fortified with essential micronutrients such as iron and iodine, meeting local preferences while boosting nutritional intake. Likewise, Cerelac (https://apo-opa.co/49wX6JQ), enriched with iron, and Nido (https://apo-opa.co/3VJd8x3), fortified with calcium, provide vital nutrients essential for children’s growth and development.

In Nigeria, the company recently introduced Nido Milk&Soya (https://apo-opa.co/3VQ3PeS), a product that integrates locally sourced soybeans. This initiative offers a budget-friendly option for nutritious consumption, while providing healthy nutrition among consumers.

Harnessing the Power of Collaboration

The path to improved nutrition in Central and West Africa necessitates collaborative efforts across sectors and stakeholders. By partnering with governments, civil society organizations, academia, and the private sector, we can combine resources, expertise, and innovations to drive meaningful change in the region.

Nestlé reaffirms its commitment to being a force for good by tackling the root causes of malnutrition, advocating for food security policies, and empowering individuals and communities with knowledge and resources for informed dietary choices. This in the long term creates a future where everyone experiences the highest standard of health and well-being.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nestlé.

His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, met with His Excellency Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, transitional President of the Republic of Chad, in the capital, N’Djamena, where the two sides discussed ways to develop bilateral relations between the UAE and Chad across various fields of common interest.

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, to H.E. Déby Into and their wishes for his country and people for further progress and prosperity.

For his part, His Excellency Déby Into conveyed his greetings to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and his wishes to the government and people of the UAE for further development and growth.

The two sides discussed ways to promote cooperation in all areas and affirmed the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral relations, and expressed their keenness to work jointly to reinforce the partnership between the two nations to achieve mutual benefit.

During the meeting, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan underscored that relations between the UAE and the Republic of Chad are constantly developing.

His Excellency Sheikh  Shakhboot bin Nahyan also met with His Excellency Mohamed Saleh Al Nadif, the Republic of Chad’s Minister of State, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Chadians Abroad and International Cooperation, where memorandums of understanding were signed to establish a joint committee and diplomatic training.

This visit is part of a tour conducted by H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan and his accompanying delegation to several countries in the African continent, aiming to strengthen the close ties between the UAE and the countries of Africa, and discuss ways of development while creating new partnerships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs&International Cooperation.