by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | education, environmentalism, local news, politics, schools
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A dispute is arising over a contentious 10-acre section of publicly owned land situated within a 240-acre floral cultivation area in Timau, Meru County.
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The plot initially designated for an educational facility has raised worries about students’ potential contact with toxic substances employed in floriculture.
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Nonetheless, the operation has encountered bureaucratic obstacles due to the fact that the flower farm hires numerous local residents.
Meru County has been given a two-week ultimatum by the National Lands Commission (NLC) to provide a comprehensive report regarding a contentious 10-acre section of public land located inside a 240-acre floral plantation in Timau.
The plot initially designated for an educational facility has raised worries about potential contamination of students due to the pesticides employed in nearby floriculture activities.
Original concept for a 10-acre plot of land
The Ngusishi community and TimaFlor flower farm had earlier consented to moving the specified educational facility to an alternative location.
Based on a video that was sent to
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The intention was to keep the school separate from the farm to protect the students’ well-being.
Nevertheless, the procedure has encountered bureaucratic obstacles.
Peter Mbai, who leads the Lands Department for Meru County, stressed that any choice about public land should include the recently inaugurated Governor Isaac Mutuma.
Why contentious land is inappropriate for a school site?
He highlighted the significance of adopting a collaborative method, making sure every stakeholder participates in the conversations.
Patrick Mutuma, a local Member of County Assembly (MCA), mentioned that the community agreed to permit TimaFlor to find another site for the facility.
He contended that the initial location was not appropriate for students because of possible chemical contamination risks, yet he recognized how crucial the floriculture industry is economically, as it provides jobs for numerous locals.
Ndumba Murishia, the chairman of the Ngusishi community, voiced similar opinions, endorsing the move for the educational institution.
Path ahead for contentious Meru land issues?
The TimaFlor leadership team has restated their dedication to collaborating with the community in finding an appropriate alternate location for establishing a technical and vocational education training (TVET) facility that caters to the needs of the local residents.
The NLC Deputy Chairman, Gertrude Nguku, has instructed the Meru County administration to submit a detailed report regarding the contested property within fourteen days.
The commission will subsequently reach a conclusive decision regarding the case, guaranteeing that students are protected from harmful agricultural chemicals while also considering the financial well-being of the community.
This situation highlights the subtle equilibrium required between advancing industry and safeguarding public well-being, with all parties striving to maintain both economic prospects and student safety within the area.
Tim Wanyonyi prevents private investor from constructing nearby school
It isn’t the first time Kenya has seen controversy arise from land designated for a school being reallocated for business use.
In another incident, Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi thwarted a developer trying to encroach upon a parcel of public land.
Supported by local community members, Wanyonyi successfully prevented a foreign investor from attempting to seize land owned by Westlands Primary School.
The legislator criticized Governor Johnson Sakaja’s government for approving buildings improperly and witnessing an upsurge in instances of land grabbing.
by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Everyone’s attention is focused on General Prawit Wongsuwon, the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP), who is reportedly planning to bring in ruling Pheu Thai Party Member of Parliament Police Captain Chalerm Ubumrung for the questioning of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the censure motion on Monday. These individuals are anticipated to present possibly incriminating accusations against the administration.
The Secretary-General of the PPRP, Paiboon Nititawan, stated that Gen Prawit will address the meeting following an opening speech by opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut at the House of Representatives.
General Prawit plans to initiate an assault against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who stands as the only subject of criticism, addressing various matters such as the Alpine temple property dispute, the proposed casino-entertainment center development, and the MoU 44 territory disagreement with Cambodia.
The detention of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is being held in a comfortable section of the Police General Hospital instead of prison, is also anticipated to face scrutiny.
Thaksin, who is reportedly the real head of the Pheu Thai Party, is Miss Paetongtarn’s dad. Despite the detention being targeted at Thaksin, it essentially concerns the entire Shinawatra clan, according to Mr Paiboon.
However, the secretary-general of the PPRP was tight-lipped regarding the two additional accusations anticipated from General Prawit. “These will involve fresh matters pertaining to the prime minister. That’s all I can disclose for now,” he stated.
In the meantime, one source indicated that Pol Capt Chalerm, a renowned star debater who harbors a grudge against his own party, might have shared crucial details regarding Thaksin’s detainment before the confrontation.
Earlier, Gen Prawit met with Pol Capt Chalerm, who conveyed his enthusiasm about being part of the PPRP’s group of debaters, as per the source.
Nonetheless, Rangsiman Rome, the deputy leader of the opposition People’s Party (PP), stated on Saturday that the list of participants for the debate remains unconfirmed. He explained that it’s currently unclear whether Police Captain Chalerm meets the criteria to take part.
“Even if Colonel Pol Capt Chalerm requested to participate, senior members of PP would still need to be consulted beforehand,” Mr. Rangsiman said additionally.
Mr. Rangsiman stated that ‘There are no slots open for government MPs within the opposition.’
The debate for censure will take place on Monday and Tuesday, during which the opposition will have 28 hours to interrogate the prime minister, whereas the government and cabinet will be granted seven hours to address inquiries.
The disagreement between Pol Captain Chalerm and Thaksin began following an incident where both he and his son, ex-MP Wan Ubumrung, participated in a meeting hosted by a competing candidate in Pathum Thani shortly after local elections took place. Following this event, Mr. Wan stepped down from Pheu Thai and transferred his allegiance to the PPRP.
Police Captain Chalerm has warned of his intention to reveal confidential information regarding Thaksin and mentioned that he is contemplating running as an independent member of parliament.
Meanwhile, Ms Paetongtarn appeared relaxed during a dinner she hosted for coalition parties on Friday.
In her Instagram post at @INGSHIN21, Ms. Paetongtarn characterized the meeting as casual and mentioned that various party leaders joined her in sharing anecdotes about previous instances where they were criticized during parliamentary discussions.
‘It was enjoyable and truly a morale booster,’ she wrote.
Meanwhile, Anutin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, said the coalition was ready to rally around the prime minister and prepare for any allegations that implicate them.
Even though the no-confidence motion was filed solely against Ms Paetongtarn, it is tantamount to a motion against the entire cabinet, said Mr Anutin who is also deputy prime minister and interior minister.
He added that he believed in Ms Paetongtarn’s competence, despite the pressure of this being her first censure debate.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | asia, business, energy sector, politics, u.s. china relations
The “regressive policy shifts” implemented by US President Donald Trump concerning China’s solar industry may inadvertently damage America’s clean energy sector by prompting Chinese companies to divert their investments elsewhere, as stated in a recent report.
Chinese solar firms had committed to constructing multiple facilities for producing photovoltaic solar components in the U.S., with plans totaling more than 20 GW expected to become operational by late 2025. However, future initiatives could face challenges because of policy changes under the Trump administration, according to an analysis of worldwide solar manufacturing developments published on Monday by the Sydney-based research group Climate Energy Finance.
Since resuming his role in the administration, Trump has
raised tariffs
For all Chinese products, the tax breaks established under the Inflation Reduction Act to motivate companies to move their manufacturing to the United States were put on hold, along with Department of Energy loans being suspended. This has made Chinese solar businesses hesitant when considering investments in the U.S. market.
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“Import taxes can shield local producers, yet this comes with the drawback of higher expenses for domestic buyers,” stated Harry Martin, an analyst from the research institute.
Instead, Chinese companies will
accelerate their expansion
Into Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where authorities must rapidly increase solar power capabilities to address escalating energy needs.
“Other policymakers should pay attention: erecting trade barriers against China will merely divert investments to other areas ready to capitalize on its tech supremacy,” Martin stated.
China is the energy boon of this century – why lock the stable door? Numerous countries are already securing their positions with attractive incentives.
Last year, China’s outward investment in clean technology “turned into a major rush,” with Chinese firms pouring approximately US$140 billion into overseas projects since 2023, according to the report.
Before Trump’s presidency, Chinese firms had been actively seeking investment opportunities in the U.S. As highlighted in the report, in 2024, China-based LONGi teamed up with American clean energy firm Invenergy to launch a 5 GW photovoltaic (PV) solar panel plant in Ohio. Additionally, Jiangsu Runergy inaugurated a 2 GW PV module facility in Alabama as per the same document.
However, China’s solar sector is now redirecting its focus to other markets. The report forecasts that by 2030, Chinese firms will dominate the module manufacturing capacity in the Middle East and North Africa — just as they currently do in Southeast Asia.
In 2024, China favored forming strategic partnerships and undertaking extensive multi-phase initiatives in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and the broader Global South, according to Climate Energy Finance.
The report stated that government-set renewable energy goals, utility-led auctions, incentive programs, and extended power purchasing contracts were the factors attracting Chinese firms to invest in these areas.
Through expansion into Southeast Asia, Chinese firms have the potential to serve Western energy markets by bypassing trade barriers via solar photovoltaic production primarily situated in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia, as mentioned in the report.
The report mentioned that in late 2024, the United States introduced anti-dumping and countervailing duties as high as 271 percent on panels coming from specific Southeast Asian countries. This action impacted Chinese initiatives within the area.
These additional responsibilities have imposed significant financial strain on Chinese producers and led to reduced output and idle facilities in nations such as Vietnam.
However, Chinese manufacturers have countered by relocating their production to countries like Indonesia and Laos that are exempt from these tariffs, according to Martin.
According to the report, Chinese firms are making significant advances in the Middle East and North Africa, drawn by factors such as free trade zones, reasonably priced land, exemption from tariffs, substantial governmental backing, increasing domestic consumption, and their pivotal role for accessing both burgeoning and European-American markets.
“Saudi Arabia
is leading the region
In terms of luring investments from Chinese solar photovoltaic firms, the area is witnessing multibillion-dollar commitments from these enterprises,” stated Martin.
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The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | africa, community, culture, diversity, politics
On March 22, 2025, Addis Ababa — Ministers from East African nations emphasized during an event in Addis Ababa that the abundant cultural diversity within the region stands not just as a matter of great pride but also functions as a potent binding agent, fostering unity among communities throughout both their own area and the broader expanse of Africa.
Through communal dancing and indigenous musical traditions to distinctive creative forms, cultural heritage connects countries, promoting increased collaboration and unity across East Africa and further afield.
The recently launched second edition of the East Africa Art and Culture Festival took place at the Addis International Convention Center in Addis Ababa, offering an energetic stage to demonstrate this sense of unity.
The festival with the theme “Art and Culture for Regional Unity” highlighted the shared cultural elements that connect East African countries and showcased their individual customs as well.
The event included an extensive array of activities such as conferences, symposiums, cultural displays, circus acts, traditional dishes, fashion presentations, musical performances, movie screenings, theatrical productions, and book expos.
The event was designed not just to display the vibrant artistic legacy of East African countries but also to foster regional collaboration and solidarity.
Notable among those present was Burundi’s Minister for Youth, Sports, and Culture, Ambassador Gervais Abayeho, who highlighted how cultural diversity can promote solidarity.
He stated to the Ethiopian News Agency, “Our cultural heritage’s diversity actually serves as a unifying element for the people of East Africa and across the continent.”
The Minister pointed out the resemblances in cultural dances among various nations, mentioning that Ethiopian dance forms, for instance, have shared characteristics with those found in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and as far as South Africa.
Ambassador Abayeho also highlighted the distinctive nature of Burundi’s cultural legacy, notably its renowned drums, acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage.
“He stated that this is something we can take pride in,” noting that cultural expressions such as dance and music act as connectors between East Africa and regions further afield.
Lucy Atto, who serves as the Assistant Commissioner at Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, voiced comparable views, highlighting the common cultural traditions found throughout various countries in Africa.
“African cultures are quite similar. We maintain borders more out of necessity than anything else, yet our dances, musical instruments, and overall essence remain alike. It serves as a reminder of our common heritage,” she stated.
The South Sudanese Minister of Culture, Museums, and National Heritage, Dr. Nadia Arop Dudi, likewise conveyed her appreciation to Ethiopia for organizing the festival, noting that this was a crucial occasion for East Africa.
She stated that this event has motivated them to recognize that East Africa, and indeed the entire continent of Africa, possess a distinctive culture characterized by an abundant cultural diversity which stands unparalleled across the globe.
Ngabo Braive, who serves as the Permanent Secretary at Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Culture, highlighted the significance of these festivals for promoting cross-cultural exchanges both regionally and internationally.
“This festival is vital as it enables us to showcase our culture and simultaneously fortifies our bonds, emphasizing the commonalities among our various traditions,” he stated.
He also urged for an increase in the number of festivals throughout East Africa, with the ultimate aim of hosting them internationally to showcase East African cultures on a global scale.
The East Africa Art and Culture Festival, launched in 2022, keeps playing an essential part in showcasing the area’s rich arts and culture scene as well as promoting regional unity.
This occasion serves as an example of how cultural variety can be a strong catalyst for unity and collaboration throughout the region.
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by admin | Mar 24, 2025 | news, political parties, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The Enugu State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the party’s authority over its internal management.
“We applaud the Supreme Court for endorsing the concept of party supremacy in handling internal matters,” stated Chief Uche Obute, the public relations officer for the Enugu chapter of the PDP, in an announcement provided to our correspondent.
“This choice truly marks a triumph for democracy within the nation,” he observed.
In its latest ruling, the Supreme Court stated that issues concerning party leadership roles, such as the position of national secretary, were strictly matters for the party itself. The court emphasized that these decisions were solely within the purview of the party’s own processes and thus did not fall under judicial authority.
The party highlighted that Hon. Udeh Okoye was properly nominated, supported, and approved as the official national secretary of the PPD via the party’s internal processes, adhering to the guidelines set forth in the PDP Constitution (amended in 2017).
The statement indicated that Okoye had returned to his duties as the national secretary of the party. It also mentioned that he was recently present in Enugu for the PDP zonal congress held at Okpara Square in Enugu, an event deemed peaceful, transparent, and successful by both the South-East PDP National Congress Committee and INEC.
The State Working Committee encourages all party members to stay unified and collaborate to propel the party ahead.
“We express our gratitude to the NWC, the PDP Board of Trustees, and the PDP Governors’ Forum for their outstanding leadership and contributions towards resolving internal party matters,” stated Obute.
The committee likewise applauded Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who leads the party in the South-East Zone, for the Supreme Court’s decision.
“In summary, the State Working Committee of PDP in Enugu State, skillfully headed by Chairman Dr. Martin Chukwunweike, would like to express gratitude to the National Working Committee of the party for their outstanding leadership and persistence. Additionally, they extend thanks to the PDP Board of Trustees for their paternal guidance in addressing internal disputes within the party,” he concluded.
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by admin | Mar 23, 2025 | culture, indonesia, politics, religion, world
BANGKOK, Lifehack My ID
Thailand pada dasarnya adalah negara di mana sebagian besar populasi beragama Buddha.
Di kawasan Sathorn, Bangkok, terdapat sebuah masjid dengan nama Masjid Jawa.
Berdasarkan namanya, masjid tersebut tampaknya mempunyai hubungan dengan Pulau Jawa di Indonesia.
ternyata Masjid Jawa ini adalah sebuah masjid yang didirikan oleh seorang pedagang asal Jawa.
Menurut Ketua Pengurus Masjid, Permsak Sutthichat, struktur masjid itu didirikan oleh Haji Muhammad Saleh, seorang pedagang dari Jawa.
Haji Muhammad Saleh saat berada di Thailand menemukan negeri tersebut kaya dan dipimpin oleh seorang raja yang murah hati.
Selain itu, dia mengatakan bahwa Thailand juga memberikan kemerdekaan beragama serta peluang ekonomi.
Permsak menyatakan bahwa Haji Muhammad Saleh setelah itu mendorong semakin banyak warga Indonesia untuk pergi ke Thailand, termasuk juga para teknisi.
“Mereka setelah itu memilih tinggal di komunitas tersebut. Haji Muhammad Saleh pun menyumbangkan lahan untuk konstruksi Masjid Jawa. Di samping itu, dana untuk membangun masjid ini juga terkumpul dari warga lokal,” jelasnya.
Warga Jawa telah berdatangan ke Thailand cukup lama, sejak masa Kesultanan Ayutthaya.
Selama masa pemerintahan Raja Rama V, ketika Masjid Jawa didirikan, sebagian besar pendatang Jawa hadir sebagai ahli teknik dan petani kebun.
Sutthichat menyebutkan bahwa Masjid Jawa sudah berumur 130 tahun, tetapi baru tercatat secara resmi kira-kira 120 tahun yang lalu, tepatnya di tahun 1905.
Dia menyebutkan bahwa Masjid Jawa bukan hanya dirintis oleh masyarakat Jawa, melainkan juga mendapatkan bantuan dari kelompok Melayu.
Walaupun demikian, desain bangunan masjid masih menampilkan ciri khas Jawa sebagai wujud penghargaan kepada tempat asal mereka lahir.
Sutthichat menyebutkan bahwa relasi di antara warga Indonesia dengan penduduk setempat sudah terjadi sejak dulu lewat proses pertemuan sosial, tukar-menukar informasi, serta perjalanan saling kembali.
Komunitas Masjid Jawa mendapatkan bantuan terus-menerus dari KBRI di Thailand.
