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Author: Eric Biegon

  • Mudavadi defends proposals in Finance Bill 2023, says KK will fix economy

    Mudavadi defends proposals in Finance Bill 2023, says KK will fix economy

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenyans to stop politicizing the Finance Bill 2023 saying it is part of fixing the sorry state of the economy.

    Mudavadi made the remarks as he stated the Government has to make tough decisions and that it will take time to remedy the economic situation in the country.

    “We are working towards tightening the loose ends and sealing the loop-holes in procurement processes and procedures. The Finance Bill 2023 is proposing some fundamental measures that will help in addressing the bottle-necks that have been riddled by outrageous procurement processes where what you think has been procured cheaply turns to be very expensive in the long run.” He said

    Citing his previous experiences in government, Mudavadi said the question of Value Added Tax (VAT) has been mis-conceptualized and that the proposals made in the Finance Bill 2023, which has attracted mixed responses, should cure the problem once and for all.

    “The Government has shifted its subsidy policy from consumption to production. The few beneficiaries on the consumption side are crying out loud. For the Government, the principle of majority beneficiary applies, and through the Finance Bill, the Government proposes to provide exemptions under the VAT Act for fertilizers and inputs or raw materials locally purchased or imported by manufacturers of fertilizers. This will lower the cost of fertilizer, which will in turn lower the cost of production,” explained Mudavadi.

    The Prime CS reiterated that President William Ruto’s administration has taken a bold step towards broadening the tax base in order for the nation to be able to boost its revenue.

    “This is the only way we will be able to boost agricultural sector operations, enhance food production and create jobs for us to stir the economic growth,” he said Mudavadi.

    He made the remarks in Mombasa when he presided over the 40th Annual seminar for the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK).

    Mudavadi urged Kenyans to remain steadfast as the government is burning the midnight oil to ensure it corrects the drain, pain, and strain on the citizen’s livelihoods.

    “I have continuously cautioned Kenyans to gird themselves for hard times now and in the near future.  As a government, we do not want to lie and give false hope and promises. I am being pragmatic, realistic, and forthright in my assessment, that resuscitation of the economy will take at least two years or thereabout,” said Mudavadi.

    “We all know things went bad before Kenya Kwanza took over and are still bad as we speak today. This experience should prompt us to work together to mitigate the dire situation,” said Mudavadi.

    According to Mudavadi, the Government is deploying all the measures within its power to address the challenges and foster a resilient and inclusive economic recovery process.

    “As a government, we are not sleeping on the job. The commitment to prioritize the lives and livelihoods of Kenyans above all else is our key priority,” he affirmed

  • Claims of Chinese hacking Kenya government networks baseless –  Chinese Embassy

    Claims of Chinese hacking Kenya government networks baseless –  Chinese Embassy

    The Chinese embassy in Nairobi has dismissed reports alleging that a group of Chinese hackers attacked networks belonging to the Kenyan government terming them mere falsehoods.

    While vehemently refuting the claims, the spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Wednesday described the latest claims as “groundless, far-fetched and sheer nonsense,” for the reason that those who have made the allegations are yet to corroborate them.

    “It is a highly sensitive political issue to pin the label of cyber-attack to a certain government without solid evidence,” said the spokesperson

    The spokesperson said hacking is a common threat to all countries and China is also a victim of cyber-attack but was quick to point out that China has no business infiltrating either Kenyan or any other government’s systems.

    “China consistently and firmly opposes and combats cyber-attacks and cyber theft in all forms. Tracing the source of cyber-attacks is a complex technical issue,” the spokesperson said in a statement

    The spokesperson maintains that “China and Kenya are good friends, good partners, and good brothers,” and efforts should not be made to drive a wedge between the two countries.

    “Any attempt to sow discord between China and Kenya is doomed to failure and will only disgrace oneself,”

    “Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 60 years ago, especially since the founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, the partnership of equals between China and Kenya has been developing robustly, with deepening political mutual trust and fruitful practical cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to both sides,” said the spokesperson

    The response from the Chinese Embassy comes in the wake of a report published by the Reuters news agency. The embassy says the international news outlet ought to be careful not to publish claims that cannot be justified.

    “The relevant media should adopt a professional and responsible attitude and underscore the importance to have enough evidence when conducting reports, rather than make groundless assumptions and accusations,” said the embassy spokesperson

  • HIV Positive Mother: I wouldn’t have contracted virus if I had right information on condoms

    HIV Positive Mother: I wouldn’t have contracted virus if I had right information on condoms

    A 26-year-old mother of two is regretting not having adequate information on condoms at the time she contracted HIV/AIDS.

    ‘I was impregnated and infected with HIV at the age of 20, immediately after high school.’ says Virginia Kotia from the Mathare area of Nairobi.

    Virginia narrates how her dreams to become a doctor were cut short after realizing she was pregnant and infected with HIV at a young age. She had no source of income, felt frustrated, and pressure soon got up and she resorted to moving in with the man who impregnated her.

    Virginia says life was not easy, she developed low self-esteem.

    ‘The man started looking down on me, so I moved back to my mom’s house. Thank God my mom embraced me, took me to a clinic – AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Mathare where tests confirmed I was HIV positive and was immediately enlisted for Anti-Retroviral drugs (ARVs),” she said

    “After going through the recommended care during pregnancy, I gave birth to an HIV-negative baby.’ disclosed Virginia.

    The single mum, who also adopted a son, is now ‘living positively’ and has gone public about her HIV status.

    Ms. Kotia with KBC Digital Producer Ruth Were (Left) after the Interview at AIDS Healthcare Foundation Clinic in Mathare, Nairobi. Photo/Selestus Mayira

    Virginia, however, regrets that her situation would most likely have turned out differently if she had accessed information on condom use much earlier. She says she always thought condoms were just ‘mere papers’ and didn’t fully understand their use.

    Virginia also admits that staying single is lonely and wishes to have a partner, but it’s not easy getting a partner, considering her present status.

    ‘It is a challenge getting a partner when you’re HIV positive. I’ve tried joining online dating sites but the moment you disclose your status to a man, they immediately vanish. Yes I regret because if I had information on condom use, I would be on the safer side, every man would want to date me,’ she says

    As the World marks Condom Day, just a day before the much-publicized Valentine’s Day, the young mother advises the youth to embrace condom use to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies, HIV, and other STIs.

    ‘Most young people are more afraid of getting pregnant than HIV. Yes the Postinor-2, P2 will protect you against pregnancy, but not HIV or other STI’s. If I had knowledge about #InternationalCondomDay I’d be empowered to negotiate condom use with my partner. But I never knew such a day existed,’ she avers

    The day which is marked on 13th February annually is an innovative way of reminding people that wearing a condom prevents unwanted pregnancies, STIs, and HIV. People are reminded on this day to practice safety when being intimate with their partners. Each year, a theme is picked for the day, this year’s theme being ‘Yours, Mine, and Ours’. This is a reminder that it is everyone’s responsibility to practice safer sex.

    Kenya Medical Research Institute KEMRI reported a sharp rise of the drug-resistant super gonorrhea that hit Nairobi County, after Christmas Celebrations, perhaps a clear indication that people are practicing unprotected sex. As you prepare for Valentine’s Day celebrations on the 14th of February, keep safe. Embrace the condom because it’s everyone’s responsibility to practice safe sex and protect their loved ones.

  • Chinese doors for cooperation with Kenya always open, Ambassador says

    Chinese doors for cooperation with Kenya always open, Ambassador says

    Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingijian emphasized Friday that Beijing remains open to enhance and expand cooperation with Nairobi for the benefit of the people.

    The top diplomat who spoke during the award of scholarships to 25 Kenyan university students described Kenya and China as very good friends and important partners who need each other at all times. Amongst other avenues, Ambassador Zhou noted that China will continue to support Kenya’s education sector.

    “We are simply one family. At the embassy, it’s only natural for us find ways to show our friendship. The embassy started the scholarship program ten years happy that we can play a small part in rewarding the Kenyan students,” he said

    The ambassador said education is the gateway to any meaningful economic development, citing the latest technologies and know-how that have helped catapult China from being a poor country to an economic powerhouse.

    “Deep in the Chinese culture, education is important. We believe here in Kenya we also appreciate the importance and significance of education. Actually, Education is one of the priority areas of our bilateral cooperation.”

    The envoy noted that over the years, China and Kenya have enjoyed very strong and warm relations, and expressed satisfaction that a lot has been achieved through the existing bilateral cooperation.

    As the two countries prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of China-Kenya diplomatic relations, the diplomat expressed optimism that Nairobi and Beijing will build on past achievements to do a lot more in the coming years to ensure mutually beneficial cooperation, especially through exchanges in the education sector.

    “For us, it is a natural thing to do and we will try to do even more. What I can assure you is that our doors are always open to students, universities, government officials, and all Kenyans,” he said

    University of Nairobi Dean of Students Johnson Ireri Kinyua, who represented the institution’s Vice Chancellor at the ceremony, thanked the embassy for the scholarships saying the awards will have a huge impact on Kenya’s education.

    “As you know, the country will never grow without the aspect of education, skills, and competence of its manpower. This contributes toward the development of the manpower that the country is gearing to achieve so that we can achieve our vision 2030 as well as the African Union Agenda 2063 as we look forward to being a part of the global community over achieving the SDGs,” he said

    Some of the University of Nairobi students who received the scholarships include Lucy Mwihaki and Apwacho Erastus Amega.

    Mwihaki, from Murang’a County and a Second-Year Student studying Bachelor of Science in Agriculture indicated that she first got assistance from well-wishers who assisted her in joining the university, settling her fees for the first year. She had expected that she would get bursaries for the second year but she wasn’t successful. Mwihaki then heard about the Chinese scholarship which she applied for and got.

    “I can say I am grateful to the Chinese ambassador for giving me this chance to be able to pursue and realize my dreams. I know in future, I am on going to be somewhere (better) in this country, will be able to give back to the community,” Lucy Mwihaki said after receiving the scholarship

    Her colleague Amega hails from Mukuru kwa Reuben informal settlements in Nairobi where he grew up, in poverty.  He went to a local primary school and in his third year, dropped out and was enrolled in a nearby Children’s center where he met someone to support him through primary school.

    When he got to class eight, he says the person supporting him left the country, an act that left him stranded. Luckily, he got a scholarship from the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation which ensured that he finished High school, where he scored an A (plain) and was admitted to the University of Nairobi to study Medicine and Surgery. He, however, needed support to study at the University.

    “The alumni of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation scholarship contributed and paid my first-year school fees and in my second year I was challenged and that’s where after this scholarship was advertised, I applied and got. I am very thankful for this opportunity.” He said

    “These are the few of the 113 recipients of Chinese ambassador scholarships, and on behalf of the vice chancellor I can say that this is the best thing that has ever happened,” their Dean, Mr. Kinyua said

    The Chinese ambassador scholarship program has been running for the last ten years and 344 University students from various public universities in Kenya have benefitted. The ceremony coincided with celebrations to mark Chinese National Day starting October 1st where Chinese commemorate 73 years since the People’s Republic of China was founded under the Communist Party of China.

  • Beijing will continue supporting Kenya’s development agenda, Chinese envoy says

    Beijing will continue supporting Kenya’s development agenda, Chinese envoy says

    Chinese ambassador to Kenya Zhou Pingjian has reiterated his country’s readiness to, at all times, rally behind Kenya’s development agenda.

    As the new administration led by President William Ruto begins its five-year tenure in office, the diplomat indicated that President Xi Jinping’s government will be at hand to offer support to Nairobi and work hand in hand with leaders for the benefit of Kenyans.

    For instance, Ambassador Zhou indicated that China will continue to cooperate with Kenya towards the realization of the food security agenda. Speaking during a visit to Egerton University in Nakuru County, the Ambassador described Kenya as “a good ground to invest in projects like agro-processing to increase food security in the country,”

    He commended the country’s institutions of higher learning such as Egerton for offering agricultural courses noting that they have the ability to propel Kenya to self-sufficiency as far as food is concerned.  He gave the example of his country, which he said gave a strong focus to agriculture especially by adopting new technologies to improve the sector, citing this as the backbone of its fast-paced development. With the help of China, Ambassador Zhou expressed confidence Kenya can achieve similar milestones.

    “In our childhood, we could go hungry. Most people do not know how difficult it was in your younger days. But we worked hard and grew our economy to 18% of the global GDP,” he said

    The ambassador who also issued a number of Chinese scholarships to Kenyan students, said his nation’s success since the founding of the People’s Republic of China should motivate Kenyans to give their best to the country in order to attain the nation’s development aspirations.

    “As Chinese, we are very proud of our country. The Chinese National Day is around the corner. It’s happening in the next two weeks, on October 1st…..What the Chinese have been doing since 1949, is almost the same efforts like our Kenyans brothers and sisters have been doing since independence in 1963, to fight poverty, disease, and ignorance,” he said as he promised to also continue channeling support to the country’s education sector.

    “What have we achieved since then?  Starting with education, this year alone the number of college students who are seeking jobs is 11 million. These are graduates seeking jobs after graduation. Back in 1949, all across China, there were only 117,000 graduates. You can see the great strides we have made in education,” he added

    Zhou spoke as former Chinese top diplomat to Nairobi Wu Peng also reiterated that his country’s relations with Kenya will not waver promising to ensure that the existing cooperation guarantees good tidings to all citizens.

    “China stands ready to work closely with the Kenyan side to promote bilateral cooperation in all areas and advance our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership,” said Wu Peng who is now the director-general in charge of African affairs at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Egerton University Vice-Chancellor Professor Isaac Kibwage appreciated the Scholarships that were awarded to the institution’s students and Staff by the Chinese envoy.

    Apart from the agro-innovation park, the ambassador also visited Ksh. 100 Million Belt and Road Molecular Laboratory as well as the Confucius Institute.

    The Agro-innovation Park’s main goal is to entrench the need to develop education, science, technology, and innovation thus contributing to knowledge-based economic development of the country.