By Leonard Murunga

County governments have a role to play in ensuring victims of snake bites are attended to, Access to Medicines Platform Director, Dorothy Okemo says.

Speaking during the International Snake bite Awareness Day (ISBAD) marked at Chirobani Primary School in Shinyalu, Kakamega County this week, Okemo said devolved units should stock anti-venom drugs in level four hospitals, especially in areas where snakes are a common phenomenon.

"We urge the county governments to allocate money for stocking on anti-venom drugs in hospitals so as to manage snakebites,” she said.

“Most of the Counties are no longer putting in the budget to buy anti-venoms,” she added. 

School going children, Okemo said, can be great ambassadors of creating awareness on how to avoid snake bites in communities.

"Children understand faster. The coverage that you will have when talking to school children is so wide, because they will spread messages to remote parts of the community, reaching to many. This will in turn create a behavioural change from cultural beliefs to making sure that victims of snakebites are taken to hospital.”

Catherine Shiechi, Shinyalu Sub-County health officer however said stocking of anti-venom drugs in level four hospitals is a challenge, because of the cost implications.

She advised residents to immediately seek medical attention, upon being bitten by a snake. Shinyalu borders Kakamega forest, putting residents at a higher risk of snake attacks.

"We have directed health facilities surrounding the forest to order anti-venoms from the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority(KEMSA) during their orders so that anyone bitten by a snake is promptly attended to,” she added.

Access to Medicines Platform Director, Dorothy Okemo. Photo/LM

Raydon Imbwaka, a Community Health Promoter (CHP) called on residents to take precautions, by cutting grass surrounding residential areas to prevent snake attacks.

On her part, Chirobani Primary School Headteacher Florence Ludeki heaped praise on the organisers, adding that the awareness opened their eyes in as far as preventing snake bites is concerned.

International Snakebite Awareness Day is marked every September 19.

According to the Institute of Primate Research (IPR) Kenya, about 20,000 people are bitten by snakes annually in Kenya.

Among these cases, an estimated 4,000 result in fatalities, while 7,000 individuals experience paralysis or suffer from various health complications as a consequence of snake bites.

Na Leonard Murunga

Serikali za kaunti zimetakiwa kutenga fedha za kununua dawa za kukabili makali ya sumu ya nyoka, kama njia ya kuokoa maisha ya wanaoumwa na wanyama hao.

Akizungumza wakati wa maadhimisho ya siku ya kimataifa ya kutoa uhamasisho kuhusu kuumwa na nyoka katika eneo bunge la Shinyalu kaunti ya Kakamega juma hili, mkurugenzi wa shirika la Access to Medicines Platform Dorothy Okemo, alisema kuwa pana haja ya kuhakikisha kuwa hospitali zote za mashinani zina dawa za kuwatibu wanaoumwa na nyoka.

“Tunazirai serikali za kaunti hasa maeneo yaliyo na nyoka wengi kutenga fedha ili hospitali zote za mashinani ziwe na dawa za kuwasaidia waathiriwa,” alisema Okemo.

Aidha, amependekeza kuwa wanafunzi watumike kama mabalozi wa kutoa uhamasisho kuhusu kuepuka kuumwa na nyoka katika jamii.

“Mbinu ya kusambaza ujumbe huu ili ufikie watu wengi ni kutumia wanafunzi ambao kuelewa kwao ni haraka mno.”

Kwa upande wake, Catherine Shiechi ambaye ni msimamizi wa huduma za afya katika kaunti ndogo ya Shinyalu, amesema kuwa kuna changamoto ya kuweka dawa za kushughulikia waathiriwa wa mashambulizi ya nyoka kwenye vituo vya afya vya kiwango cha chini, kwa sababu ya gharama yake ya juu.

Amewahimiza wakaazi wawe makini wanapofanya shughuli zao ili kuepuka kuumwa na nyoka, akishauri yeyote atakayeumwa kutafuta matibabu haraka iwezekanavyo.

“Dawa hizi ni vigumu kuhifadhiwa katika vituo vyetu vya afya kwa sababu ya gharama. Kila mmoja anafaa kuchukua tahadhari ili kuzuia kuumwa na nyoka. Waathiriwa wanafaaa kutafuta huduma za matibabu haraka iwezekanavyo,” aliongeza afisa huyo wa afya.

Naye Raydon Imbwaka ambaye ni afisa wa afya ya jamii, ametoa wito kwa wakazi kukata nyasi karibu na makaazi yao, ili kuzuia uvamizi wa nyoka.

Florence Ludeki, mwalimu mkuu was shule ya msingi ya Chirobani kwa upande wake alipongeza uhamamisho huo, aliosema uliwafumbua macho kuhusu hatua za kuzuia kuumwa na nyoka, kauli iliyoungwa mkono na baadhi ya wananchi waliohudhuria hafla hiyo.

Maadhimisho ya siku ya kimataifa ya kutoa uhamasisho kuhusu kuumwa na nyoka huandaliwa kila Septemba 19. Takwimu zinaonesha kuwa takribani watu 20,000 huumwa na nyoka humu nchini kila mwaka. 4,000 kati yao hufariki.

By Jabali Media

National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang'ula has requested the United Nations International Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to consider including the support of the boy child in the organisation’s advocacy programs.

Wetang'ula said the boy child is an "endangered species,” adding that most organisations championing for the rights of children direct all their efforts towards girls at the expense of boys.

"The boy child in Kenya is suffering in silence. All efforts have been put on uplifting the girl child. UNICEF should intervene because they have the capacity," he stated.

"The boy child has been forgotten in this journey and this might lead to a society that is not balanced."

He made the remarks when he hosted UNICEF Kenya Representative Dr. Shaheen Nilofer, who paid him a courtesy call in his office at Parliament Buildings, Nairobi.

Even in his own Catholic Church during church services, the Speaker said, girls are at the forefront as they take part in liturgical dancing, while boys are left to watch at the periphery.

On her part, Dr. Nilofer pointed out that the National Assembly was a critical wing of government, noting that collaboration was necessary to actualize their agenda.

"UNICEF has worked closely with ministries and other government entities in our work and collaboration by the National Assembly will be a big win for us in our efforts to achieve our goal," she added.

She said UNICEF had stepped up campaigns to promote the rights of children in the country, adding that there was still a lot to be done.

"Kenya has achieved a lot on matters of children rights but it is still worrying that 2.5 million children are out of school because of various reasons," she added.

She committed that UNICEF will continue to support various programs in the agriculture, education and social protection sectors in the country. 

By Claris Charo

Parents and students got a reprieve on Wednesday afternoon, after the Employment and Labour relations court suspended lecturers and university workers’ strike.

The nationwide strike started on Wednesday morning, crippling learning activities in over 30 public universities across the country.  

While issuing the orders, Judge Justice Jacob Gakeri cited the matter as urgent, directing the parties to continue negotiating to resolve the disputed issues. The matter comes up for mention on October 2.

The strike was called by Universities' Academic Staff Union (UASU) and Kenya Universities Staff Union (KUSU) leadership, demanding that the government address their grievances.

They include discriminative medical cover, implementation of the 2021/2025 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), annual salary increments, staff promotions, proper staff placement to appropriate notches and the improvement of poor working conditions.

At Maseno in Kisumu County, university dons assembled at the graduation square before officially commencing the strike.

According to Pius Steven Opiyo, UASU Maseno branch chairman, they will not go back to work unless their issues are acted upon.

“We have come out to remind the government that enough is enough,” he declared.

He added, “We have a CBA cycle that is ending in 2025 yet workers have not enjoyed even a penny.”

His sentiments were echoed by UASU Maseno Chapter Secretary, Dr. Steven Onyango, who maintained that they will only go back to work after the government fully addresses their grievances.

By Jabali Media

The government is ready to roll out the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) from October 1st, with reports indicating that slightly over 1 million have so far registered.

In an engagement with media on the roll out expected in the next 12 days, ministry of health officials said that only 1.2 million Kenyans had registered but were optimistic the numbers would rise before official launch.

Consequently, the ministry and the council of governors are seeking new ways of enticing Kenyans to register, with goodies being proposed as an enticement for those especially in the rural areas to embrace the registration exercise.

Tharaka Nithi governor Muthomi Njuki who doubles up as chairman of the health committee in the Council of Governors, says Community Health Promoters (CHP) lack the ability to register over 44 million Kenyans still not in the Social Health Authority (SHA) bracket.

He challenged the government to now come up with innovative ideas that will drive a call to action. As the ministry prepares for the roll out, a court case challenging implementation continues to hover around, with a ruling expected on Friday, September 20, 2024.

According to medical services PS Harry Kimutai, the outcome of the case may alter implementation.

“We are banking on a window that allows the government to go back to Parliament in the event the Friday outcome does not go our way,” he said.

County governments have also called on the national government to critically rethink health financing, cautioning that delays in disbursement of funds as has always been the case under the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), would cripple SHA.

Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Deborah Barasa wants Kenyans to focus their energies into registering for SHA, arguing it would be the way out of health problems that have led to numerous harambees.

By Leonard Murunga

Over 20 patients from Nyanza and Western initially with spinal cord and vascular complications have a reason to smile, after undergoing life-saving surgeries, during the neurosurgical camp at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH).

The camp which commenced on September 09 before curtains came down on Tuesday, September 17, has been a mainstay at the referral facility since 2017, courtesy of the partnership between JOOTRH, Dokis Advice and the Kisumu Neuroscience Initiative.

Kisumu governor Anyang Nyong’o underwent a successful spinal surgery during the July 2023 camp, making him one of the high-profile patients to have benefited from the venture.

Beneficiaries of the latest camp, such as Mary Atieno and Jackline Akoth did not hide their happiness after successfully undergoing surgery. They both had nerve complications.

“I can now sit after a successful operation. I really appreciate, the doctors were so loving and kind throughout the entire process,” said Atieno.

“After the surgery, I am now better. Initially, I could now fold my hand and my legs could not stretch. I can now use my hand to eat even though they are still not flexible but I am okay. This is a miracle,” added Akoth.

Jackline Akoth after the surgery. Photo/Leonard Murunga.

The camp also serves as a training ground for local medical officers, as a sure way of neurosurgeons based in the US giving back to the Kisumu community and beyond.  

Addressing the press, Dr. Bethwel Raore, the lead neurosurgeon said they keep coming back because there is a high demand for them to continue doing so.     

“The Kisumu neuroscience initiative started back in 2017. Myself and four others decided to start this camp here so as to help as many people as possible. Our goal was to make neurosurgery a daily occurrence,” he stated.

On his part, doctor Lee Ogutha, a lecturer at Maseno University School of Medicine said during the camp, they were able to assist patients with spinal, nerve and brain complications.

“Neurosurgery is intensive in terms of costs because of the manpower and equipment involved. After surgery, physiotherapy sessions are still needed.”

Kenyatta University, Dr Ogutha added, is training neurosurgeons hence no need for Kenyans to go abroad for their studies.

By PCS

President William Ruto chaired the first meeting of the newly constituted Cabinet at State House Nairobi on Tuesday.

The President told Cabinet members to participate not only in issues related to their ministries but also in matters of national importance.

He also said Cabinet meetings and committees must take precedence over any other engagements.

At the meeting, the Cabinet was informed that progress had been made on the issues that the President had committed to the country when he appointed the Cabinet, including digitisation of public procurement to make it transparent, and digitisation of the government payroll to eliminate incidences of ghost workers.

The President also pledged to ensure an accountable government and a robust fight against corruption.

On these issues, the Cabinet was informed that the digitisation of government procurement has registered positive progress and is expected to be rolled out early next year.

On cleaning up the government payroll through digitisation, the Cabinet was told that the human resource development plan has been developed and discussion on it will begin shortly.

On the various Bills aimed at strengthening accountability in government and the fight against corruption, the meeting was informed that the Attorney-General was taking action to ensure that the necessary amendments are made and taken to Parliament.

The Cabinet was briefed on the roll-out of the Universal Health Coverage, a key government program aimed at ensuring that all Kenyans have access to fully paid healthcare.

The meeting was informed that UHC will be rolled out on October 1, 2024, and that registration is going on. Already, 1.2 million Kenyans have registered, while nine million members of the National Health Insurance Fund will transition to the new Social Health Authority.

The Ministry of Interior was directed to help in public education on registration and health benefits through the National Government Administration Officers.

On the Hustler Fund, a key government program on financial inclusion of the people at the bottom of the pyramid, the Cabinet was informed that 250,000 beneficiaries have grown their personal loan limit and are now able to borrow KSh50,000.

In addition, the Cabinet was told that two million people faithfully borrow from the Hustler Fund every day. As a result, the Ministry of Cooperatives and MSMEs plans to graduate them to an SME loan by the end of the year.

The meeting was also informed that 522,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser have been procured and distributed for the short rains season in Central, Eastern and Western Kenya regions.

Additionally, plans are in place to ensure that fertiliser will also be available on time for the long rains season next year.

Na Jabali Media

Wahudumu wa bodaboda kote nchini, wamehimizwa kushirikiana na maafisa wa polisi ili kuzima visa visa vya wizi wa pikipiki, vinavyoendelea kutia doa kwenye sekta hiyo inayotoa ajira kwa wakenya zaidi ya milioni moja.

Akizungumza jijini Kisumu hii leo wakati wa uzinduzi wa mkakati wa kukabili wizi wa pikipiki katika kanda ya Nyanza, rais wa chama cha wahudumu wa bodaboda nchini (BAK) Kevin Mubadi ameelezea masikitiko kutokana na kile alichosema ni ongezeko la visa vya wizi wa pikipiki.

“Hizi pikipiki ndio jembe letu. Baadhi yetu tumefanya kazi kwa bidii kuzinunua huku wengine wakinunua kupitia mikopo. Lazima tuhakikishe kwamba tunazilinda dhidi ya magenge ya wahalifu,” alisema Mubadi.

Mubadi amesema kuwa lazima wana-bodaboda washirikiane bega kwa bega na walinda usalama, ili kuhakikisha kuwa washukiwa wa uhalifu kwenye sekta hiyo wanatiwa mbaroni na kukabiliwa kisheria.

Hivi maajuzi, Mubadi alisema, polisi mjini Kitale kaunti ya Trans Nzoia walinasa pikipiki 60 zinazoshukiwa kuwa za wizi, akitoa wito kwa mwana-bodaboda yeyote aliyepoteza pikipiki, kushirikiana na viongozi wa bodaboda kwenye kaunti yake, ili ahakikishe kama yake ni miongoni mwa 60 zilizo Kitale.

Aidha, amewarai kujiunga na bima mpya ya afya (SHIF), itakayochukua nafasi ya bima ya kitaifa ya afya (NHIF).

“Ningependa muwe mabalozi wa SHIF,” akaongeza Mubadi.

Amesema kuwa kutokana na kazi yao, wahudumu wa bodaboda wanakabiliwa na hatari kubwa ya kuhusika kwenye ajali, akiongeza kuwa itakuwa rahisi kupokea matibabu wakati wakihusika kwenye ajali, ikiwa watajiunga na SHIF.

Chama cha wahudumu wa bodaboda nchini kinashirikiana na wadau mbali mbali ikiwemo Maamlaka ya Usafiri na Usalama Barabarani (NTSA) na Kampuni ya Watu Credit, ili kuhakikisha usalama kwenye sekta hiyo.

Len Opiyo Ogolla, Meneja wa Mauzo wa Watu Credit katika eneo la Nyanza. Picha/Leonard Murunga. 

Len Opiyo Ogolla, ambaye ni Meneja wa Mauzo wa Watu Credit katika eneo la Nyanza, amesema kwamba ushirikiano wao na wana-bodaboda unazidi kuwa dhabiti.

“Hawa ndio washikadau wetu wakubwa,” alisema Opiyo.

Amewaonya wahudumu hao dhidi ya kupeana pikipiki zao kwa vijana mitaani almaarufu ‘watu wa squad,’ amabo ‘mwishowe hutoweka na pikipiki au kuzitumia kutekeleza uhalifu majira ya usiku.’

“Tutaendelea na juhudi zetu za kuwahamasisha wana-bodaboda,” akaongeza.

Kwa upande wake, naibu Kaunti Kamishna wa Kisumu ya Kati Bosek Lagat, amewataka wahudumu hao kuunda vikiundi, kujiunga na vyama vya ushirika na kuvalia sare rasmi wakiwa kazini, kama njia moja ya kuhakikisha kuwa wanatambuliwa kwa urahisi.

By Jabali Media

Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Karambu Koome is ‘up in arms against the powers that be,’ on the backdrop of withdrawal of High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi’s security.

Addressing the press on Monday, Koome said Mugambi’s security was withdrawn over the weekend.

On Friday, the judge handed Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police Gilbert Masengeli a 6-month sentence, after finding him guilty of contempt of court.  

Koome said the action by the National Police Service (NPS) which she termed as retaliatory was uncalled for.

“Retaliatory measures against a judicial officer are called for. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) calls for the national police service to restore the security of Hon. Justice Mugambi,” she maintained.

She added, “It is crucial to remember that judicial independence is not a privilege for Judges; it is the cornerstone of justice for all citizens. Judges must be free to make decisions solely based on law, without fear of retribution of interference.”

The CJ urged NPS to immediately restore Mugambi’s security. Masengeli failed to appear in court for over five times.

He was required to appear and explain the whereabouts of three Kenyans, who were reportedly abducted by people believed to be police officers, in Kitengela, Kajiado County mid-August.

His lawyers have already filed for an appeal against the sentence.

By Presidential Communication Service (PCS)

Kenya and Germany have signed the much-anticipated agreement on sharing of labour, talent and mobility.

The purpose of the comprehensive agreement is to provide a framework for cooperation and information exchange on labour mobility, apprenticeships, student training, labour market needs, employment, welfare of employees and readmission and return of workers.

The signing ceremony, which was held at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, was witnessed by President William Ruto and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi of Kenya and German Minister for Interior and Homeland Nancy Faeler signed the historic deal.

Kenya and Germany undertook to cooperate in promoting the fair mobility of skilled workers, students and apprentices, promoting temporary migration for reasons of vocational education and training and gainful employment, including exploring possibilities for seasonal work.

Other undertakings are promoting residence in Germany for gainful employment, including temporary residence for people seeking work, and collaborating in skills development and training,

The two governments also resolved to work together to ensure fair and ethical recruitment practices, provide labour market information and cooperate in providing consular services for skilled workers, students and apprentices.

They also committed to preventing and combating irregular migration, smuggling of people, forced labour, exploitation of labour, human trafficking as well as protecting victims, among others.

Additionally, the agreement will facilitate the placement of Kenyans in opportunities in Germany, alleviate German labour shortages, promote mobility of skilled workers, apprentices and students for training, vocational education and employment, including in temporary jobs.

In the agreement, Kenya and Germany also agreed to provide each other with mutual assistance in the application and interpretation of this deal. To this end, a Joint Implementation Committee, with representatives from the two countries, will be set up.

The committee shall convene at least once a year at the request of either of the two countries or when necessary.

The Joint Implementation Committee shall consist of representatives from the ministries responsible for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Labour, Immigration, Education and any other ministry or agency as may be necessary.

Addressing a media conference with Chancellor Sholz after the signing ceremony, President Ruto welcomed the agreement, saying it would create many job opportunities for Kenyans.

"The signing of the Comprehensive Labour Mobility Agreement will go a long way in providing job opportunities to Kenyans and also strengthen our relations with Germany," he said.

The President urged Germany to take advantage of the best human capital Kenya has, saying it was among the best in the world.

"We have the best human resource capital which is young, energetic, creative, hardworking and innovative," President Ruto said.

He told German investors to explore the many investment opportunities in Kenya.

On his part, Chancellor Scholz said the mutual trust between Kenya and Germany would be an opportunity to identify areas where the two countries "can make a difference together".

He said the agreement will enable the two nations to exploit opportunities for the benefit of their citizens.

Earlier, President Ruto said Kenya is keen on new collaboration in digital innovation with German companies. He cited opportunities in the exchange of digital and research skills and knowledge generation.

"Together, we are keen on promoting good labour practices, skills and technology transfer, job creation and infrastructural support for digital jobs," he said.

The President said Kenya has the best human resource, pointing out that it is talented, young, creative and hardworking. He urged Germany to take advantage of the situation to bridge its labour shortages.

President Ruto made the remarks when he witnessed the signing of an MoU with the German city of Hamburg and Kenya's State Department of Diaspora Affairs in Berlin.

He explained that Kenya has become an important global player in the technology industry, adding that technological advances in Kenya are broadening "our reach and changing the way we connect with the global community".

German Parliamentary Secretary Daniela Kluckert said it was evident that Kenya has emerged as a leading investment destination in Africa

"Growing demand for skilled workers in Germany requires collaboration with Kenya as part of our effort to address labour shortages in Germany," she said.

Present were Mr Mudavadi and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

By Jabali Media

Kenneth Adiara Mbalanya has pledged to effect far reaching changes, if elected the 6th General Superintendent (GS), of the Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) Kenya Church.

If elected, Adiara said he will focus on building the church’s new prayer centre, away from PAG’s Nyang’ori Mission headquarters.

“Our plan is to buy land somewhere for construction of a prayer centre,” said Adiara, during an Interview on Vihiga FM, on Thursday morning.

“There are a lot of things going on at the Nyang’ori Mission. There is a bible school, every now and then people are coming for various issues. We want a place where people will have an ample time to seek for the face of the Lord,” he added.

Currently, Adiara indicated, the Nyang’ori Mission hosts prayer conferences after a while, which may not be enough in terms of time available for one to earnestly seek for God through prayers.

“Prayer conferences normally come after a while. We want a place where people will be coming, our members and members of other churches,” he emphasised.

Adiara has been touted as one of the front-runners for the Church’s GS position.

During last month’s nominations, the PAG Church Kawangware District Overseer emerged winner after garnering 1,670 votes, against Dr Christopher Kilasi’s 1,288.

The incumbent GS, Dr Patrick Lihanda got 1,040 ahead of the main election scheduled for the course of this month.   

He vowed to fully implement the Church’s constitution, if elected. In the event that he loses the hotly contested polls, Adiara said he will accept results.

“If I am not elected, I will accept the results. This is the work of God, and leadership comes from God. If I am not elected, I will support the winner so that the Church moves ahead. It is not a matter of do or die.”    

Elections will be held either on September 20 or October 01, 2024, with Adiara, Lihanda and Kilasi facing off. 

By Jabali Media

Pentecostal Assemblies of God (PAG) church, Kenya brethren are mourning the death of one of their own.

Reverend Wellington Avushi died after being involved in a road accident while travelling back from a crusade. He was on motorcycle with his wife, Shanice, who is in critical condition.

The accident happened after a mechanic who was doing a car road test hit them. They were rushed to hospital where the Reverend succumbed to injuries. The body was moved to a Kakamega morgue.

Until his demise on Wednesday night, Reverend Avushi was serving as the Pastor in charge of the Golden PAG church, in Walodeya district. 

Those who knew him say he was a man after God’s heart, dedicating his time and resources to spreading the word of God, far and wide.

His faith and service, they say, touched many lives.

Members of the PAG church across the country have taken to social media to mourn him, as they wish his widow a quick recovery. Here is a sample:

Shanniz Hopegal: Can't stop crying. Rev Willington Avushi, Man of God you advised me a lot. I used to call you my Bishop, now you’re no more. You told me to join Pentecostal Bible College (PBC) to become a pastor, I responded I will go when the right time comes.

Erick Asanga: It is really a sad morning waking up with sad news that Rev Willington Avushi has rested. We pray for his wife’s quick recovery. Rest in peace soldier, you really served God with a true spirit.

Justinee Omweno Nzeyii: You mentored me as a praise and worship. You made me a vessel of worshipping. You worked out the praise and worship in me. You've been a father, a mentor. Surely may your soul rest in peace papa Willington Avushi. Man of God, it was early for you.

Henry Mwanje: Oh my God! What happened to Rev Willington Avushi? A man who helped me to minister in youth conferences, a man who knew how to reach out to the youth. It’s so difficult to believe that our friend is no longer with us. Rest well man of God.

He is survived by his wife, and a child. 

His shocking death comes at a time PAG church members are preparing for the elections of a new General Superintendent.

Incumbent Patrick Lihanda is facing off with Keneth Adiara and Christopher Kilasi in the elections expected in the course of this month.