Connect with us

News

VIDEO: Kenya’s Ruto Pushes for End to Raw Exports, Calls for Value Addition in Agriculture

Published

on

Spread the love

Nairobi, Kenya — President William Ruto insists that Kenya must break away from its long-standing dependence on exporting raw agricultural products, urging a shift toward value addition, agro-processing, and agricultural manufacturing.

Delivering his address at the 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park Grounds, the President said transforming agriculture through manufacturing is the surest way of creating wealth, lifting farmer incomes, and powering Kenya’s economic growth.


Ending the Raw Export Model

The Head of State criticized Kenya’s decades-long practice of exporting raw commodities such as tea, coffee, livestock, hides and skins, fish, cotton, and minerals, only for the country to import them back as expensive finished goods.

“This model has consistently denied Kenyan farmers and workers the full rewards of their effort. That era must now come to an end,” he stressed.

By investing in agro-industries, Ruto said, the country will unlock new value chains, build industries across counties, and ensure that wealth remains within Kenya’s borders.


Agro-Industrial Parks and Processing Hubs

The government has rolled out a network of County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs), Special Economic Zones, and common-user processing facilities to help farmers take produce closer to markets and industries.

Already, plans are underway to expand value addition for tea by establishing facilities in Kericho, Nairobi, and Mombasa, with the goal of raising processed tea exports from the current 5% to at least 50% in the medium term.

“These industrial hubs will offer cold storage, warehousing, and processing plants where farmers can deliver produce, eliminate waste, and access both local and export markets without relying on middlemen,” President Ruto explained.

READ ALSO  Absa Bank Kenya’s Profit Dip Signals a More Cautious Banking Environment

Linking Farmers to Bigger Markets

President Ruto underscored that value addition must be paired with broader market access. He pointed to Kenya’s participation in major trade pacts such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the European Union (EU), China, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying these agreements give Kenyan producers direct access to billions of potential consumers.

“With these trade agreements, our farmers will no longer be locked out of global value chains. They will sell not just raw commodities, but quality finished products,” he said.


Agriculture at the Heart of Economic Transformation

Calling agriculture and trade the “twin turbo-engines” of national prosperity, Ruto highlighted reforms already taking shape:

  • Farmer registration: 7.1 million farmers enrolled for targeted support

  • Subsidized inputs: Fertilizer supply expanded nationwide

  • Credit support: Affordable loans to lower production costs

  • Value addition: Increased investments in local processing

The President revealed that the government had distributed 4.5 million bags of fertilizer for the 2024 short rains and will provide an additional 12.5 million bags in 2026, covering all of Kenya’s 1,450 wards.

These efforts, he noted, have already pushed maize production to 67 million bags in 2024, with projections of 70 million bags in 2025, while maize imports have dropped by nearly 70% over the past two years.


Boosting the Tea Sector

The tea industry, one of Kenya’s largest foreign exchange earners, is also set for transformation. The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) has secured a KSh 3.7 billion concessionary loan for Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) farmers.

READ ALSO  VIDEO: Woman Claiming to Be Kenyan Goes Viral After Being Filmed Living in Doghouse in Oregon, USA

The funds will go toward modernizing smallholder factories, reducing costs, and diversifying into Orthodox teas, a growing market segment that could shield farmers from falling global demand for black CTC tea.


Bottom-Up Transformation Agenda

Framing his vision within the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), President Ruto said the government’s interventions are meant to ensure growth that is both inclusive and sustainable.

“Through bold reforms in agriculture and manufacturing, we are ensuring that farmers’ sweat translates into tangible incomes and job opportunities. This is the essence of the bottom-up model,” he said.


Leaders at the Trade Fair

The Head of State was joined by several leaders and stakeholders, including:

  • Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe

  • Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja

  • Agricultural Society of Kenya Chairperson Edith Onzere

The trade fair brought together thousands of local and international exhibitors showcasing innovations in farming, agribusiness investment opportunities, and cutting-edge technologies.


Conclusion: Turning Agriculture into a Wealth Engine

President Ruto’s bold call to end raw exports and expand value addition in agriculture signals a major policy shift. By investing in agro-industrialization, market access, and farmer support, Kenya aims to become not just a leading exporter of raw commodities, but a regional powerhouse in processed agricultural products.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Federal Judge Revokes Citizenship of North Carolina Man Convicted of Child Sex Crimes

Published

on

Spread the love

RALEIGH, N.C. — A federal judge has revoked the U.S. citizenship of a 72-year-old Durham County man who admitted to making false statements during the naturalization process while concealing criminal conduct, federal authorities announced.

Cyril Domaquik Clemens, a native of Liberia, was sentenced to time served on September 17, 2026, after pleading guilty to naturalization fraud. The court also revoked his naturalized citizenship and ordered him to leave the United States at his own expense, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors said Clemens made false statements under penalty of perjury on his citizenship application and during an interview with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

According to prosecutors, Clemens answered “no” when asked whether he had ever forced or attempted to force someone into sexual contact or committed a crime for which he had not been arrested.

Clemens became a naturalized U.S. citizen in February 2021. Authorities said the criminal conduct at issue began before he applied for citizenship, meaning the information he withheld was relevant to his naturalization proceedings.

Clemens subsequently pleaded guilty to naturalization fraud in federal court in June 2026, acknowledging the false statements that formed the basis of the prosecution.

The federal case followed his earlier guilty plea in Durham County Superior Court in April 2023 to three counts of indecent liberties with a child. According to the Justice Department, the offenses occurred over an extended period, beginning before Clemens submitted his citizenship application.

The state criminal proceedings and the federal fraud case addressed separate offenses. The state case involved the child sex crimes, while the federal prosecution concerned the false statements made during the process of obtaining U.S. citizenship.

READ ALSO  President Ruto Declares 7-Day Mourning, State Funeral for Raila Odinga

The federal judge revoked Clemens’ citizenship after the fraud conviction and ordered him to leave the country at his own expense. The order to depart is a separate consequence from the revocation of his citizenship. The available announcement does not establish whether he has completed his departure from the United States.

Federal law permits the government to seek denaturalization when citizenship was illegally obtained or secured through concealment of a material fact or willful misrepresentation. The legal requirements are outlined in Section 1451 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code.

The investigation involved U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Authorities said the case was pursued as part of Operation False Haven, an initiative targeting immigration fraud involving individuals who allegedly concealed disqualifying criminal histories or other material information.

The case highlights the potential legal consequences of providing false information during the U.S. naturalization process, particularly when the concealed information concerns serious criminal conduct.

For additional details, readers can consult the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, which publishes federal prosecution announcements and information about cases handled in the district.

KSN Media Hub will continue to follow developments involving federal court rulings, immigration enforcement, and public safety.

This report is based on publicly available government announcements and legal information. Allegations and case details are attributed to prosecutors and official records.

Continue Reading

News

Woman Interrupts Church Wedding With Children, Claims Groom Is Her Husband

Published

on

Spread the love

A wedding ceremony was reportedly interrupted after a woman arrived at a church with her children and confronted a groom she claimed was still her husband.

The woman, who was carrying a baby on her back, reportedly approached the altar and called on her other children to stand beside her as she addressed the congregation.

The incident attracted attention online after footage circulated showing the confrontation unfolding in front of the bride, who was dressed in a white wedding gown, and other wedding attendees.

According to an account published by TUKO.co.ke on October 12, the woman claimed that she and the groom had neither divorced nor separated.

The video, attributed to Ripple Effects in the report, ended without revealing how the confrontation was resolved or whether the wedding eventually proceeded.

Woman says she received information about the wedding

According to the woman’s account as reported by TUKO.co.ke, the man had left home earlier that morning, telling her he was travelling upcountry.

She alleged that she later received information suggesting he was preparing to marry another woman.

The tip-off reportedly prompted her to go to the church, where she confronted the groom in front of the congregation.

During the exchange, she maintained that their relationship had not formally ended and called their children forward as she challenged the ceremony.

Her statements formed the centre of the confrontation, although the groom’s response and his account of the relationship were not included in the material available for this report.

Bride caught in an unexpected confrontation

The incident reportedly left the bride and other people attending the ceremony visibly surprised.

READ ALSO  What Kenyan YouTube Creators 5% Deduction Means as Google Moves to Enforce Tax Law

According to the description accompanying the footage, the bride remained near the altar as the woman addressed the congregation. The groom was also present during the exchange, while the priest and other church participants watched.

The available video did not establish whether the ceremony was suspended, cancelled or later continued.

It also did not provide independent confirmation of the woman’s marital status or clarify whether any legal proceedings had taken place before the planned wedding.

Similar incidents have been reported before

Church confrontations involving disputed relationships are not entirely new in news coverage.

In October 2014, The Standard reported a separate incident in Kariobangi South, Nairobi, in which a woman disrupted a church service while alleging that her husband had neglected her and their child.

The circumstances of that earlier incident were different, and there is no evidence linking it to the current video. It nevertheless illustrates how disputes over family responsibilities and relationships can sometimes become public during religious gatherings.

Read The Standard’s 2014 report.

Questions remain unanswered

The latest wedding incident has generated questions about the groom’s relationship with the woman, the bride’s knowledge of the alleged marriage and the eventual outcome of the ceremony.

However, the available footage and published account do not answer those questions conclusively.

KSNMediaHub.com could not establish an independent report confirming the identities of those involved, the location of the church or the legal status of the relationship.

The woman’s statements should therefore be understood as allegations rather than established findings. A response from the groom, the bride or other people directly involved could provide additional context.

Continue Reading

News

Fred Machoka Breaks Silence Over Golden Jubilee Rhumba Concert Drama Involving His Niece, Gloria Owoba

Published

on

Spread the love

Veteran Kenyan broadcaster Fred Machoka has expressed gratitude following his Golden Jubilee Rhumba concert, reflecting on the concerns that surrounded the event before it brought together celebrated musicians from Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The landmark celebration attracted Rhumba enthusiasts eager to watch established performers, including Congolese music star Koffi Olomide, legendary singer Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika.

However, the concert also generated online discussion following separate incidents involving Koffi Olomide and former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, drawing attention away from some of the evening’s musical highlights.

In a post-event message cited by TUKO.co.ke, Machoka opened up about the uncertainty the organising team faced before the concert, including concerns about weather conditions and fears that an Ebola-related scare might affect attendance.

Despite those worries, the veteran broadcaster expressed relief that the event went ahead as planned.

Fred Machoka reflects on concerns before the concert

Machoka said the organising team had been anxious about whether external circumstances would disrupt the celebrations, particularly the possibility of rain affecting the event.

He also recalled concerns about whether Ebola-related fears might discourage people from attending.

In his post, Machoka credited God for helping the organisers overcome their worries and deliver the celebration.

His remarks offered a glimpse into the pressures associated with organising a major live music event featuring internationally recognised performers and a large audience.

The broadcaster also thanked fans who turned up to support the concert, praising their enthusiasm and the reception given to the musicians.

Koffi Olomide delivers an extended performance

Koffi Olomide was among the evening’s headline performers, with Machoka praising the Congolese star for entertaining fans during an extended set.

READ ALSO  VIDEO: Woman Claiming to Be Kenyan Goes Viral After Being Filmed Living in Doghouse in Oregon, USA

According to the remarks quoted by TUKO.co.ke, Koffi performed for approximately two hours, while his wife, Cindy Le Cœur, and other musicians also contributed to the programme.

Mbilia Bel, Them Mushrooms and Les Wanyika were among the established acts associated with the concert, which celebrated the enduring popularity of Rhumba music across East Africa.

The event highlighted the genre’s continued appeal among audiences who appreciate its distinctive guitar arrangements, harmonies and dance rhythms.

Machoka also recognised the contribution of the event’s presenters and hosts, including Jeff Koinange, Mwalimu Churchill, Eric Latiff, Dee and Patrick Igunza.

He thanked those involved in making the programme possible and indicated that another edition could be considered in the future.

Gloria Orwoba incident draws attention

Despite the music performances, the event attracted controversy after former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba reportedly encountered a difficult moment on stage.

TUKO.co.ke reported that Orwoba was asked to leave the stage amid chants from some members of the audience.

The incident generated discussion online, with attention also directed at her relationship with Machoka, who is her uncle.

However, the circumstances surrounding the exchange and the motivations of individual audience members should not be assumed beyond what can be established from verified footage and accounts.

The episode added a political dimension to an event primarily organised to celebrate music and Machoka’s milestone.

Disagreement involving Koffi Olomide also discussed

A separate incident involving Machoka and Koffi Olomide also attracted attention after footage and accounts of an apparent disagreement circulated on social media.

The exchange became another talking point following the concert, prompting discussion about what had happened between the veteran broadcaster and the Congolese musician.

READ ALSO  Uganda Is Targeting Cash Dependency at the Structural Level

The available account does not, on its own, establish the full circumstances of the disagreement or either man’s complete perspective on the incident.

Further details should therefore be attributed to verified footage or direct statements from the individuals involved rather than speculation.

Machoka focuses on gratitude and the possibility of another concert

Despite the controversies, Machoka’s post-event message emphasised appreciation for the fans, musicians, presenters and other people who contributed to the celebration.

His remarks suggested that he regarded the event as an important milestone, notwithstanding the challenges and public discussion surrounding it.

He also left open the possibility of organising another edition, while acknowledging that a repeat event was not guaranteed.

The Golden Jubilee celebration brought together generations of Rhumba performers and audiences, underlining the genre’s lasting place in Kenya’s entertainment scene.

For Machoka, the response from music lovers appeared to be a central part of the experience, even as the incidents involving Orwoba and Koffi continued to generate debate after the final performances.

Continue Reading

Trending