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Author: KBC Digital

  • Road safety lobbies call for overhaul of NTSA following CS Murkomen’s exit

    Road safety lobbies call for overhaul of NTSA following CS Murkomen’s exit

    The departure of Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen should trigger a comprehensive overhaul of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to address the rampant road accidents that claim lives daily, road safety advocacy groups have urged.

    Welcoming President William Ruto’s dismissal of Murkomen following weeks of intense demonstrations led by Gen-Z, the groups called for the dissolution of the current NTSA board and the establishment of a new management team.

    Kenya Road Safety Association Chairman David Kiarie attributed the surge in road carnage to a lack of commitment to safety and a culture of corruption allegedly tolerated by the dismissed CS.

    Accompanied by Road Safety and Speed Governors Association acting Secretary General John Mutisya, Kiarie emphasized the need for decisive action after previous pleas were ignored.

    The groups also called for the reinstatement of the former NTSA board under Chairman Aden Noor, which Murkomen removed after it initiated a probe into Director General George Njao.

    Murkomen had replaced the board with one led by Manoj Shah of Kingsway Tyres, including new members Johnson Losilian, Paul Posho, and Lilian Mogendi, after revoking the appointments of Omar Haji, Charles Nyabuto, and Simon Kalekem.

    “With Murkomen’s exit, we need a thorough clean-up of NTSA’s management to restore order on our roads and reduce the death toll, which has surpassed 4,000 in just six months,” Kiarie said.

    “All senior directors and management officials, including those at vehicle inspection centres, should be dismissed for incompetence and corruption. We recommend reinstating the previous board headed by Noor.”

    Kiarie added that the next Roads CS should be a professional with a strong commitment to road safety measures, preferably an engineer.

    He also suggested reinstating former NTSA Director General Francis Meja as Principal Secretary, citing his dedication to safety during his tenure.

    Mutisya echoed these sentiments, urging the President to swiftly implement changes at the NTSA.

    “A wind of change is blowing across Kenya, with even the Inspector General resigning. This change should extend to the NTSA, whose management has been complacent as accidents continue to claim lives,” he said.

    Their remarks came after 12 people perished in a road accident along Garissa Road last Friday, just days after another crash near Kenol on the Thika-Nyeri highway killed four people.

    The safety officials warned that the trend would continue unless drastic measures are taken to reverse it.

  • IGAD donates Ksh.20M to Kenya Red Cross to bolster health services of flood victims

    IGAD donates Ksh.20M to Kenya Red Cross to bolster health services of flood victims

    The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has handed over financial support of Ksh20 million to the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) to bolster health services to communities affected by floods.

    In April, the country witnessed devastating floods that wreaked havoc. The floods left more than 200 people, scores injured, and loss of properties and destruction of infrastructures.

    According to IGAD Executive Director (ED) Dr Workneh Gebeyehu the floods wreaked havoc, displacing over 300,000 people, destroying 10,000 homes, and crippling essential services, including healthcare.

    “This immense disaster demands urgent and decisive action. IGAD, in collaboration with our esteemed partners, recognizes the pressing need to address the healthcare challenges the affected communities face,” said Dr Gebeyehu.

    Dr Debeyehu’s speech was delivered by the Director of Administration and Finance Josphat at a Mombasa Hotel.

    The financial support will be channelled towards the enhancement of medical facilities, ensuring the availability of essential medicines and supplies, and providing critical training to healthcare professionals in flood-affected counties.

    The assistance was made possible through contributions of IGAD member states: Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda, development partners to rebuild and strengthen healthcare systems in flood-affected counties.

    Dr Geneyehu extolled the Red Cross for their dedication and effectiveness in responding to humanitarian crises across the country.

    “Over the past year, they have provided emergency assistance to over one million people, showcasing their capability to mobilize resources swiftly and efficiently,” said Dr Geneyehu.

    “Their compassionate actions have delivered life-saving medical care, shelter, clean water, and food to those in dire need, embodying the spirit of solidarity and humanitarian service,” he added.

    The Executive Secretary further commanded the Red Cross for the set up of over 50 temporary health clinics, distributed more than 100,000 hygiene kits, and ensured clean water and sanitation for 200,000 individuals.

    “The contribution is more than a financial transaction; it is a testament to our shared commitment to humanity. It reflects our belief that no community should be left behind, especially in times of crisis,” said Dr Geneyehu.

    He added that the support also underscores IGAD’s dedication to strengthening health systems and building resilient communities capable of withstanding future challenges.

    On his part, Red Cross Secretary General Dr Ahmed Idriss said the IGAD region has experienced a cyclic pattern of emergencies in recent times.

    He noted that there is 83 per cent of climate change-induced disasters globally as a result of climate change.

    “We are moving from a cycle of drought to floods and now floods to floods. It is only during this rainy season of October-December that we had to respond to the el-nino-induced flooding period. Just before communities resettled to their homes in February they were displaced by another flood season of March-April season,” explained Dr Idriss.

    As a result of the unpredictable weather pattern Dr Idriss noted that the capacity of communities to withstand emergencies is being reduced by each emergency, the recovery period is short, and drought has a massive impact by reversing gains on infrastructures.

    “In the last flood period about 73 health facilities were completely under water losing medication and equipment. Even after floods, we have to make investments back to the facilities to make them operational,” said Dr Idriss.

  • Investigations launched after human remains found at Mukuru dumpsite

    Investigations launched after human remains found at Mukuru dumpsite

    Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have launched investigations after the discovery of human remains at a dumpsite in Mukuru kwa Njenga in Embakasi, DCI boss Mohamed Amin has said

    At least six severely mutilated bodies, all female, were discovered by members of the public at an abandoned quarry that is currently filled with water in the area.

    The bodies, at various stages of decomposition, were wrapped in nylon papers.

    “Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) personnel from Embakasi quickly arrived at the scene, retrieving the bodies and documenting the area. Preliminary investigations suggest a similar mode of killing for the deceased,” confirmed the DCI Director

    The recovered bodies have since been transported to the City Mortuary, where they await postmortem examinations.

    “Homicide detectives and officers from the Forensics Division of the DCI are currently analyzing samples to identify the bodies. The area has been cordoned off and designated as a crime scene as the investigation continues,” said Amin in a statement

    At the moment, the victims remain unknown and when their bodies were dumped in the area is also a mystery.

  • ‘Grand Little Lie’ begins streaming on Netflix

    ‘Grand Little Lie’ begins streaming on Netflix

    Written and directed by Abel Mutua and Philip Karanja respectively, Kenyan movie ‘Grand Little Lie’ has made its debut on the international streaming platform Netflix.

    The film, which originally premiered in 2021, stars Michael Munyoki, Mercy Mutisya, Bilal Mwaura, Catherine Kamau, Nyokabi Macharia, and Sauti Sol singer Bien.

    Released on Mr Karanja’s website Phil-It Productions, the film made KSh.4M, according to Abel Mutua, during its Kenyan debut before screening in select cinemas across Nairobi.

    Revolving around the character played by Micheal Munyoki, the film tells the story of a desperate, people-pleasing man trying to keep his girlfriend happy, who tells his boss a seemingly harmless lie that spirals wildly out of control.

  • World Class champion says she’s “overwhelmed with joy”

    World Class champion says she’s “overwhelmed with joy”

    Annette Mulama, has been crowned the World Class Kenya Bartender Champion 2024.

    Annette, who works at the Hero Bar at the Trademark Hotel, emerged victorious in the national finals held at the EABL Headquarters, Nairobi.

    This comes after an intense final round against four other finalists.

    She will now represent Kenya at the global finals in Shanghai, China in September.

    “I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” said Annette after receiving her award.

    “This journey has been an incredible two years of hard work and dedication to my craft and to see it culminate in this victory is a dream come true.

    “I am honoured to represent Kenya on the global stage in Shanghai.

    “I hope to not only display my passion and skills but to also inspire other bartenders in the country to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination.”

    The World Class Kenya Bartender Competition began in April with 278 participants facing off in online challenges, including the “Johnnie Walker Beyond a Night Cap” challenge.

    This was followed by the “Singleton at the Disco” challenge in May, narrowing the field to 18.

    In June, these top contenders engaged in studio sessions before the Tanqueray Ten live challenge semifinals on July 4th.

    Five finalists emerged to compete for the national title on July 5th in the ‘Don Julio Classics of the Future’ live challenge.

    While announcing the winner Joel Kamau, Commercial Director EABL said, “I would like to congratulate all the participants on their considerable effort to make this competition a success.

    “At EABL, we are all about celebrating Life.

    “Our finalists have not only displayed their amazing skills but have also showed their deep understanding on how to captivate our consumers whose tastes and preferences continue to evolve. “

    The World Class Global finals will take place between September 9 and 13, 2024 in Shanghai, China.

  • Experience magic of Bollywood at Sayari: Music, food, and fun

    Experience magic of Bollywood at Sayari: Music, food, and fun

    Sayari Restaurant will host Bollywood Night Saturday 13th July 2024.

    Guests are set to enjoy incredible entertainment and mouth watering cuisine.

    Located at PrideInn Westlands Hotel on Westlands Road, Sayari Restaurant will offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, complete with a complimentary soft drink.

    The Saturday menu is packed with delectable options to satisfy every palate.

    The main courses include Mutton Rara, Chicken Do Pyaza, Fish Masala, Paneer Dilruba, Dal Tadka, Assorted Naans, and Jeera Rice.

    Special features include a live tandoori station where you can watch your favorite tandoori dishes being prepared fresh right before your eyes, and a salad bar offering a variety of fresh salads such as beet roots, lettuce, avocado citrus salad, cucumber, kachumbari, carrot salad, and onion rings.

    Dressings and condiments available are cocktail sauce, olive oil, blue cheese dressing, vinaigrette, balsamic vinegar, sweet mustard mayo, tartar sauce, black olives, capers, croutons, local nuts, and chili paste.

    The pricing for the event is Ksh 4,000 per person for adults and Ksh 2,000 per person for kids.

    The night will also feature live music performances by the talented Sodi Singh, Shay Ramji, and Money Sondh, who will bring the best of Bollywood music to life.

     

  • “I’m not part of the Kenyan delegation to Paris,” says Azziad

    “I’m not part of the Kenyan delegation to Paris,” says Azziad

    Ms Nasenya’s statement comes as pressure continues to mount online for the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports.

    Media personality and content creator, Azziad Nasenya, is distancing herself from what she calls “false allegations” and “rumours”.

    In a statement seen by KBC Digital, Ms Nasenya began by saying she was not part of Kenya’s delegation to Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

    The Olympics are set to take place on July 26 to August 11 in Paris, France but the event has been mired in controversy since the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports unveiled Kenya’s official Olympic kit which sparked calls for accountability.

    Many of the rumours swirling online about the Ministry’s mismanagement have insinuated Ms Nasenya’s involvement.

    “First of all, I am not part of the Kenya delegation to the Paris Olympics 2024. It is unfortunate that someone would come up with false allegations on such a matter,” She said.

    “My involvement with the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy, and Sports was centred around the Creatives Technical Committee of the Talanta Hela Council, headed by Daniel Ndambuki AKA Churchill.

    “I was selected and mandated to represent the younger population in the Creatives Technical Committee. However, the committee was disbanded in June 2023. I’ve not involved myself since.”

    She further went ahead to dispel more pervasive rumours about her trip to Dubai in 2023.

    “Secondly, I would also like to make it clear that my travel to Dubai and other places have been financed by myself, clients, or family, and never, as numerously claimed, by the Government of Kenya.

    “There were allegations that I travelled to Dubai using money meant for renovating a stadium.

    “At the time, I was in Dubai recording content for the #VisitDubai campaign, a trip that was fully funded by the client.

    “The receipts are on my socials-smart people can confirm instead of believing rumours.”

    Over the past month, Azziad, like many Kenyan celebrities has been a participant of the protests calling for good governance sparked by the #RejectFinanceBill campaign.

    She referenced the continued calls for change within government saying she was proud to be part of the change.

    “Finally, as a Gen Z, I am proud of all that we have accomplished in addressing government accountability in the last few days.

    “My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones while we fought for the future of our country.

    “I have lent and will continue to lend my voice and my platform to support positive change in the country.”

    Meanwhile, a contingent of Kenyans online led by former Rugby player Dennis Ombachi continues to ask the Ministry through Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba for accountability.

    Given the history of the ministry, Kenyans want the list of attendees unveiled and made public.

    “You see I have been part of the system before you joined so you can’t fool us, I know what happens and what you are trying to do,” Mr Ombachi wrote. “You won’t misappropriate athletes’ (taxpayers’) funds on our watch. Stop the sideshows and publish your list of delegates.”

    The CS through a letter addressed to the National Olympics Committee, seen by KBC and shared publicly, has asked NOCK to share the list of attendees publicly.

    “Do further note that in line with the Government’s transparency and accountability policy, the full Team Kenya delegation should be made public by NOCK,” said Mr Namwamba.

  • Mzungu Kichaa arrives in Nairobi to promote new album

    Mzungu Kichaa arrives in Nairobi to promote new album

    Danish singer-songwriter Mzungu Kichaa who found prominence in Tanzania, released is promoting his third studio ‘Fade Away’.

    Kichaa is in Nairobi to promote the new album that carries and ignites East Africa’s live music sound.

    Mirroring his dynamic stage and acoustic performances, his new album embodies live instrumentation, adding an authentic layer to his music and love for a raw musical experience.

    The album focuses on having a deeper connection with nature and the importance of being present, content and free from materialistic baggage.

    Mzungu Kichaa’s latest music video “Fade Away” features fellow Danish artist Wafande.

    Shot in Sweden, Denmark, Bornholm and Holland, the video displays a heartfelt collaboration that brings home the song’s message of unconditional love of life.

    Mzungu Kichaa’s ongoing Kenyan media tour to promote the new album comes four years after his last trip to Nairobi.

    He says, “During this period of unrest in Kenya, my message to the youth is to stay positive, loyal to their visions and keep hold of their freedom of speech.

    “The track “Uhuru” off my album is about the importance of this right and the most important line in the song is that without freedom, even the birds will not sing and by that I mean the whistleblowers and change-makers within the society will not have a voice.”

    Love, loss, gratitude, spiritual progression and the complexities of navigating life’s challenges are among the album’s themes, creating a multifaceted storyline and inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences and aspirations.

    Mzungu Kichaa delivers a powerful album with love songs such as “Fade Away”, “Fall in Love” and “London Town”, to more political songs such as “Uhuru” which touches on freedom of speech.

    The exploration of mental health and the interpretation of how we navigate life’s uncertainties adds a layer of introspection as seen in songs like “Sleepy”.

    With an infusion of adventure and confidence, ‘Fade Away’ champions the pursuit of dreams without compromising on freedom of expression.

    Mzungu Kichaa says, “It’s important to be real and vulnerable and this album allowed me to free my inhibitions and the fear of sharing a true voice,” adding, “ I also released a few acoustic versions recorded late at night in one take using vocals and guitar with imperfections.

    “It doesn’t always need to be polished and decorated and I hope my listeners will appreciate this more raw sound.”

  • Africa to dilate its energy labour market

    Africa to dilate its energy labour market

    More and more countries on the African continent are interested in cooperation within the BRICS. The only African country in the Union was South Africa recently, but Egypt and Ethiopia joined the list in January 2024 turning BRICS into BRICS+.

    Africa plays an important role in BRICS’s global strategy, and its engagement in the association continues to gain momentum. It is now imperative to define the configuration of future relations between BRICS and Africa and to present a strategic view on how BRICS-Africa relations should develop in the long term.

    One of the key topics of cooperation is the development of energy sector labour market. Official delegations from South Africa, Russia, the UAE, Brazil, China and Egypt met to exchange ideas within the international seminar on human resource development. The event took place in Obninsk, the first science city in Russia and the place, where national nuclear power was discovered in 1954. The seminar was organised with the support of the Russian Ministry of Energy and Rosatom.

    “It is obvious that the BRICS countries have different energy balances and different access levels to energy resources. At this point, the staff training needs for the energy industry are different in each country. At the same time, the BRICS countries have many similar goals and difficulties in the labour market development and staff training areas, and this opens up the potential of our cooperation extension. I am confident that together we can achieve significant success in any direction,” Deputy Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Anastasia Bondarenko noted.

    Project Manager of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) Nelisiwe Nhlapo stated that the BRICS countries are world leaders in the workers quantity in all energy sectors. They are 50% of all employees in the renewable energy sector (RES) and 80% of employees in the coal sector. At the same time, the main challenges that the BRICS countries face today are the aging of working staff in the traditional energy sector, difficulties in transferring experience to the younger generation, the need to develop specialised skills among young people. It is of great significance to unite countries in the scientific research, standardizing qualifications, and disseminating exchange programmes for students and teachers, creating mutual programmes in energy education.

    BRICS delegations also presented their national strategies for skills development in the energy sector. The South African delegation dwelled on the experience of the sectoral education system: more than 20 educational institutions of various industrial sectors have been created in the country in order to develop specific hard and soft skills.

    The UAE delegation outlined the main areas of education that are in demand in the context of the energy transition. This includes expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, engineering and design, digital skills, project management, regulatory frameworks, research and development, public education, and specialized technical skills.

    The Egyptian delegation presented the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources experience programmes for mid-level and senior managers in the energy sector, a leadership development programme and an energy efficiency training programme.

    Gulnara Bikkulova, Deputy General Director of the International Initiatives and Partnerships Block of the Rosatom Corporate Academy, shared the experience of the Russian nuclear industry. She gave a snapshot of the Russian energy sector with 2.6 million working staff. The average age of employees is 42 years, women account for 26% of total personnel. Rosatom is doing a lot of work within the human resources development ecosystem to improve these indicators. Inter alia, company involves the youth into the industry by cooperating with 250 Rosatom schools and 21 partner universities. The special attention is paid to issues of gender balance: The Corporate Academy has launched the Invisible Force women’s leadership programme and is assisting schools in teaching technical disciplines to female students.

    BRICS cooperation provides tangible benefits for Africa in the fields of research and innovation, energy, health, and education cooperation. As Africa moves towards a low-carbon development path that is inclusive and sustainable, BRICS membership will give the country access to policy and technical expertise of partner economies to accelerate Africa’s industrialisation and meet Fourth Industrial Revolution aspirations.

    Obninsk is the first science city in Russia and a large scientific and technical cluster. The world’s first nuclear power plant (Obninsk NPP) was launched here on June 26, 1954, and gave rise to the era of peaceful use of atomic energy. The station’s reactor operated efficiently and safely for 48 years. On April 29, 2002, the station’s reactor was shut down and work began to decommission it. In September 2002, the last fuel assembly was unloaded from the reactor.

  • Cheer as Chinese building materials manufacturer sister company opens business in Machakos 

    Cheer as Chinese building materials manufacturer sister company opens business in Machakos 

    Sinoma Roofing Systems, a subsidiary of the China National Building Material Group Corporation (CNBM), a leading global building materials manufacturer, has set up a roofing factory in Lukenya, Machakos County.

    The plant will provide reliable and cost-effective roofing products to Kenya and the East Africa Community countries. The factory is also expected to provide much-needed jobs to the locals.

    Sinoma Roofing Systems Kenya Company Limited, General Manager Wu Shuang said the factory established last year is committed to improving Kenya’s manufacturing level through localized and integrated solutions to provide high-quality roofing system products and services to the local market.

    Wu noted that the factory will produce four million stone-coated roofing tiles and three million metres of iron sheets in a year.

    “The factory has also created close to 200 job opportunities for Kenyans,” he said during the official opening of the factory

    The general manager added that besides manufacturing, the factory will also offer training to students to equip to them with technical skills and knowledge of innovative roofing systems.

    “The factory will be a learning center for advanced technologies used in manufacturing of roofing products,” said Wu

    He pointed the factory’s roofing tiles are top-of-the-range products with a long span of close to 60 years with the ability to withstand strong winds and other natural disasters.

    “They are also easy to install and the materials used can be recycled hence protecting the environment,” said the general manager.

    Wu reiterated the company’s commitment to partnering with local businesses to provide a comprehensive and full-value chain service to consumers through the manufacturing, construction, and maintenance of roofing products.

    “Sinoma Roofing Systems is currently operating in 10 countries and we chose to invest in Kenya due to the country’s social and political stability,” he said.

    Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti said the construction industry in the country has grown exponentially and factories will plug in the gaps in the roofing sector.

    “The roofing sector has in the recent past been flooded with innovative products to meet the growing need for unique roofing systems. This factory is therefore timely for the huge untapped market out there,” said Ndeti

    The governor noted that the roofing industry will remain a key economic drive that will create jobs, especially for the youth and hailed Sinoma Roofing Systems for setting up the factory in Machakos.

    “We are glad that the company chose to invest in Machakos. As a government, we shall provide a vibrant and friendly business ecosystem that will give investors a proper latitude to thrive in their ventures,” she said.

    Wavinya assured investors, both local and international, that her government will put in place policies that will support investment and make Machakos the most attractive innovation destination in the country.

    The governor noted that the factory’s location is well served with good transport infrastructure including the SGR that will give it a competitive advantage to transport products to various destinations in the country and across the East Africa Community.

    She called on the factory to come up with customized products that fit well with the climatic and environmental conditions across different parts of the country.

    “The current global warming needs cutting-edge technologies that will create a good environment for various house designs hence the need for continuous scientific research,” noted the governor.

    She also called on the factory to create sustainable and safe products to protect both the people and the environment.

    “Sustainability and safety is key and we urge all players in the roofing sector to adhere to the provided environmental guidelines,” said the County boss