President William Ruto left the country for a three-day visit to the Union of Comoros and the Republic of Congo.
President Ruto will Thursday, July 6, grace the 48th anniversary of the Independence Day of the Union of Comoros, where he is the chief guest at the invitation of President Azali Assoumani.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, the visit aims to significantly strengthen the bilateral ties between the two countries.
On Friday, July 7, President Ruto will commence a two-day State visit to the Republic of Congo.
He will hold bilateral talks with President Dennis Sassou Nguesso focusing on Kenya-Congo strategic cooperation.
The Heads of State will also witness the signing of legal instruments on various bilateral agreements.
Kenya and Congo enjoy warm and cordial ties built on longstanding friendship and cooperation at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels.
The State visit follows the inaugural session of the Kenya-Congo Joint Commission for Cooperation, which was held by officials from both countries between June 25 and June 27, 2023.
The High Court has extended conservatory orders suspending the implementation of the Finance Act 2023.
Justice Mugure Thande said the orders remain in force until she delivers a substantive ruling on July 10, 2023.
Last week, the court temporarily suspended the operationalization of the Finance Act 2023 pending a case filed in court by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
In a suit filed under a certificate of urgency last Friday, Omtatah faults the Executive for usurping the roles of both the taxman and the two Houses of Parliament.
He argues that President William Ruto is forcing the passage of the Bill which he says amounts to coercing Kenyans to pay tax irregularly.
The Senator has enlisted over 30 articles of the Constitution that risk being violated if the Bill is passed.
The case came up for mention Wednesday. The government through Treasury CS is challenging the orders arguing if they are not aside there will be a budgetary crisis that will affect government operations.
Mombasa Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have been given the green light by police to hold processions to mark the Saba Saba Day on Friday.
The activists under the banner of Coast Civil Society Movement were upbeat after a meeting with the Mombasa central police officer commanding station saying they will hold a peaceful match from the Elephant Tusks on Moi Avenue and end up at the Treasury Square.
They said they had agreed with the police to take responsibility for any chaos, saying that they will have their own security guards in place.
If allowed, this will be the most serious demonstration in Coast since the Kenya Kwanza administration came to office. Unlike Nairobi and Kisumu, Mombasa has not embraced the Azimio-led rallies against Kenya Kwanza.
Mr Oginga Randiki, a Coast grassroots advisor to Azimio leader Raila Odinga said they will use the Saba Saba procession and gathering to protest against the high cost of living and the Public Finance Act that raised taxes to the already suffering Kenyans.
“This is the beginning of protests to force the government to ease the burden on Kenyans. We are not going to relent until this government listens to the voices of suffering Kenyans,” he said after emerging from the meeting with the OCS.
Concern Citizens executive director Mr Bradley Ouna said the hike of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from eight percent to 16 percent has started hurting Kenyans and worsened the cost of living.
“We want to use the demonstration to remind President William Ruto about his pre-election pledges that he would not burden the ordinary Kenyan more if elected. The Public Finance Act has a huge negative impact on the ordinary Kenyan and should be shelved,” he protested.
Another activist Mr Edwin Shamir said they had assured the police that they will take full responsibility for their gathering and that was why they were cleared to hold the demonstrations
”We are going to have our own security and take full responsibility. We are going to air our views peacefully and this is the assurance we have given the police,” said Shamir.
He said the OCS was friendly but firm that they should keep their word and ensure no businesses are disrupted.
Fast Action Movement secretary Ms Harriet Muganda called on residents particularly women to come out in large numbers to raise their voices over the high cost of living saying it was hurting them more.
“This is an opportunity for women to come out in their numbers and raise their voices. The high cost of living is hurting them, weighing them down more than any other lot,” she said.
The Government will spend at least Ksh20B to enhance the capacity of security officers.
Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said this will be done through modernisation of their equipment, technology, and capacity to effectively tackle complex security challenges such as terrorism and banditry.
The CS spoke during a consultative engagement with Security and Intelligence Committees, leaders and residents of Wajir, Mandera, and Garissa Counties.
He vowed the government will defeat Al-shabaab and all violent extremists who continue to threaten our national security and destabilise communities in North Eastern Kenya.
“Through collaborative partnerships with community and religious leaders, security agencies will crush violent extremists, combat cross-border crime, and facilitate development in the North Eastern Region” he announced.
The security sector was allocated a huge share of this year’s budget read last month.
Ksh338. 2 billion will be shared among the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Police Service (NPS), National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS).
KDF took the lion’s share of Ksh144.9 billion. Ksh8.8 billion has also been set aside for leasing police vehicles to allow easy movement and another Ksh500 million will be used to modernize police equipment.
Matatu Owners Association has announced a 30 percent increase in fares effective tomorrow Wednesday.
Addressing the press Tuesday, the association’s chairperson, Albert Karakacha, said the decision has been arrived at following the increase of the fuel levy from 8 to 16 percent.
“The sharp increase in fuel costs, coupled with other operational expenses, including an increase in the cost of spare parts, loan interests among others, has forced us to reevaluate our pricing structure to ensure the continued sustainability of our services,” he said.
The owners regretted the challenges operators have been grappling with mainly mounting financial pressures, especially the hike in fuel prices which they said threatened the viability of their businesses.
“After careful consideration and extensive consultations with stakeholders, MOA has determined that a fare adjustment is necessary to mitigate the impact of these challenges. Effective 5′ July 2023, passengers can expect a moderate increase of between 10-20% of the current fares charged across the various routes, including town service and long-distance travels” he announced.
While defending the painful move in the wake of high taxes and levies which have pushed up the cost of living, Karakasha said they had no option but to make the adjustments for the survival of the industry.
“The decision to effect this fare hike was not taken lightly, and we understand the potential impact on commuters and the wider public. However, it is essential to strike a balance between maintaining a reliable and efficient transport system and addressing the economic realities faced by matatu owners” he explained.
The owners however pledged to explore all possible avenues to mitigate the effects while at the same time appealing to the government to subsidize fuel prices for PSV operators in order to alleviate the burden on both matatu operators and passengers
“We are also engaging with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and fuel suppliers, to address the underlying issues that have led to this situation. We firmly believe that we can find sustainable solutions through constructive dialogue and collaboration among all parties involved” he said.
Immediate former PS for Medical Services Peter Tum has denied any involvement in the Ksh3.7 billion Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA) procurement scandal.
Tum Tuesday told the Senate Committee on Health which is probing alleged irregularities in the purchase of mosquito nets that he never played any role in the tendering process that was canceled after details emerged that Kemsa submitted an unqualified bidder to Global Fund.
Tum who was moved to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports after the scam said the role fell squarely in the docket of the State Department for Public Health and Professional Standards headed by former colleague Dr. Josephine Mburu.
He said her department was responsible for handling Malaria and TB matters including procurement of nets.
Dr Mburu who was sacked in the graft purge last month threw Tum under the bus after she claimed the programme was under his docket.
While denying the accusations, Tum however stated that Kemsa was under Medical Services until March 2023 adding that his department handled HIV matters only.
Ms Mburu who was grilled by the committee early this month absolved herself from blame.
While calling for a fair hearing and justice, the former PS urged the Senate to expedite its investigations to unearth the real culprits.
Several top Ministry of Health officials and KEMSA CEO Terry Ramadhani were also suspended in the graft purge.
Health CS, Kemsa top officials, and Global Fund representatives have since been interrogated by the Senator Jackson Mandago-led committee.
The fund had floated tenders for the supply of 10.2 million long-lasting polyethylene and polyester nets to be distributed from November to July next year as part of a mass campaign.
Mombasa County government has announced that it has cleared all outstanding pending bills.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir made the revelation during a meeting with the Senate Public Accounts committee at the county assembly.
The senators hailed the governor for the milestone considering many counties are yet to clear outstanding debts.
“Mombasa is proud to close this financial year without any pending bills arising since we took office, “ the Governor stated amidst congratulations from Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and Robert Methu from Nyandarua.
Both members of the PAC lauded Governor Nassir for the financial prudence currently observed in the management of the county’s financial affairs.
There was a vibrant engagement in the Assembly chambers during which the efforts of the County Government to improve revenue collection in a professional and transparent manner were highlighted.
The County Government also received the assurance of the Senate that they shall play their part in safeguarding Devolution as it was envisioned in the 2010 Constitution of Kenya so that counties can independently manage devolved functions.
This was particularly noted for functions yet to be unbundled.
The Governor took the opportunity to demystify questions surrounding the new proposed Valuation Roll for Mombasa.
The current roll dates back to 1991 and does not reflect the current value of property in the county meaning that the county government has been missing out on revenue opportunities that could enhance service delivery.
The Governor had promised the people in his manifesto that he would introduce an accountable administration that is honest and transparent.
“I will continue in our commitment to open government that is responsive to the needs of our people,” he said.
Five primary school pupils from rural schools in the country have emerged tops in the 2nd edition of the Pwani Oil Sawa Essay National writing competition where 7,361 schools across 42 counties participated.
The competition was conducted in partnership with the Kenya Primary Schools Headteachers Association (KEPSHA). It is in line with Pwani Oils’ mission to refine the lives of communities around them by sharpening creative writing and thinking skills among pupils.
Ashley Micere Kiumbe from Nyeri, Joel Chelot from West Pokot, Carol Shelmith Makena from Embu, Deborah Wanjiku from Nairobi and Isabella Amanda from Isiolo emerged as the overall National winners of the competition. Ashley Micere Kiumbe from Nyeri was the overall winner.
The five were feted during the Sawa Essay Awards Ceremony held in Pwani Oils Kikambala plant, Mombasa County.
Ashley Micere Kiumbe from Nyeri was the overall winner.
They each received a 3-day fully paid trip to Mombasa, including a first-hand experience of Pwani Oil’s Kikambala Plant. They also received certificates, trophies and assorted gifts from the award’s key partners Sawa, Trufoods, Kartasi Brand and Umoja Rubbers.
The ceremony was graced by the Ministry of Education Quality Assurance and Standards Assistant Director, Mr. Eliud Wambua who represented the Ministry of Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.
Giving his remarks, Wambua not only congratulated the winners but also key stakeholders on their intentionality and commitment to supporting the education agenda in the country.
“We from the ministry appreciate the milestones made to date. Looking at the partners in this gathering today, we see a unity of purpose underscored by a vision to refine the lives of communities around us. It is through such competitions that we test the quality of education our children receive in their respective institutions. Therefore, we must never stop challenging our pupils to think over and above their classrooms. This strengthens and expands their thinking capacity and prepares them for better opportunities in the near future”, he said.
He noted that in this era of rapid technological advancement and ever-evolving global challenges, the ability to articulate and express ideas in small children is crucial.
“The Education ministry recognizes the importance of nurturing and encouraging young writers. We firmly believe that every student has a unique voice that deserves to be heard,” he said.
He said the ministry is committed to fostering a culture of creativity and excellence in education and committed to creating a safe environment for all stakeholders, including school children, parents and partners, to thrive.
“This is the kind of environment where we will help our children grow and become well-rounded individuals who can contribute positively to society,” he noted.
Pwani Oil Commercial Director Rajul Malde said, “At Sawa, we believe in the power of ideas and the strength of the written word. Through this competition, we sought to ignite the flames of creativity and inspire the next generation of thinkers and storytellers. And I must say, we have been overwhelmed by the sheer brilliance and passion displayed in the essays submitted. I congratulate all the winners and affirm our commitment to continuously support dreams and refine lives through our products and services”.
“Education should be the cornerstone of progress and teachers have a vital role in inspiring and nurturing the spirit of curiosity in learners, he further noted.
Innovation, he said, is about finding that disruption that the consumer desires but does not know they desire it.
KEPSHA National Chairman, Johnson Nzioka congratulated all the winners noting that each essay was a testament to the potential within every individual to shape our society and drive positive change.
“Through their essays, these talented individuals have demonstrated the power of empathy, critical thinking, and creativity. They have offered us new lenses through which to view the world, encouraging us to reflect, question, and act. Their words have the potential to shape opinions, influence policies, and inspire generations to come. We commit, through their schools, to offer all the necessary support and build their growth towards achieving their desired dreams”.
Nzioka said the essay competition augurs well with the CBC, which is being implemented in the country at the moment, and therefore needs to be up-scaled.
He said such strategic partnerships are a crucial part of the association and will strive to draw in more partners for different co-curricular activities.
In its second edition, the competition targeted grades 6 and 7 pupils who focused on the theme Roses are Red and Violets are Blue, Color the world to reflect you. The theme aimed at sharpening their creative writing and thinking skills.
The overall winner Ashley Micere Kiumbe, was overcome with emotions after being crowned the National winner of the Easy writing competition.
“It’s a feeling beyond words, I just feel elated, excited, proud, happy and it’s just a feeling of emotions,” she said.
“For me, I wrote my essay concerning how color is important for our world. How colors are used to describe different emotions, so I wrote to help on how I see I can make the world a better place,” Micere further said.
At least 41 of the 53 bodies of victims of the Londiani Junction accident have been positively identified.
The county health executive committee member Brenda Bii expressed confidence that the remaining eleven bodies which are badly mutilated will be identified soon.
Ms Bii further said they are expecting a pathologist to be dispatched by the national government to help identify the bodies which are being kept at the Kericho County Hospital mortuary.
The South Rift Red Cross regional manager Jethro Koech said 16 bodies have been released upon the request of bereaved families who opted to move the bodies to other mortuaries.
Meanwhile, the county government of Kericho has moved to enforce an order by Governor Eric Mutai to remove all roadside traders from the highway.
Dr. Mutai had on Saturday issued a directive following the tragic accident.
Russia and Africa continued to hold productive discussions to further strengthen cooperation in various fields.
This week, the UN Association of Russia and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations held a forum for a sustainable urban future in Ethiopia and Kenya.
The two-day hybrid meeting held on June 27-28 themed, “Russia-Africa Sustainable Urban Future: Exchange of Experience and Partnerships for Common Goals”.
The forum which is part of events in the lead-up to the Russia-Africa Summit slated for July in Russia, accumulated mutual experience and discussions of urban and regional sustainable development.
Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, underscored the importance of the meeting saying ‘it is a step for expanding the cooperation and exchange of experience in the field of sustainable urban planning, which is explained by the continuous growth of the world’s population and the influx of people from rural areas to cities’.
The event was moderated by Mr. Alexey Borisov, Secretary General of the UNA-Russia, Vice-President of the WFUNA, and Head of UNESCO Chair at MGIMO-University MFA Russia.
He said the meeting was important to promote Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). and raising the social development of Russian regions and African countries.
Best urban development practices
The Forum was attended by representatives of UN agencies, the Pan-African Youth Union, other youth communities, Russian and African businesses.
Presentations and discussions of the first day were devoted to the development of urban communities and cooperation between regions and cities in Russia and Africa.
The experts shared the best urban development practices that were related to the UN SDGs.
Russia also shared success stories ranging from special economic zones in Moscow (Technopolis Moscow) to the digitization of over 400 public services that are being utilized by over 15 million people living in the capital.
Vladimir Lenev, Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Nairobi, Kenya, pledged Russia’s commitment to supporting UN Human Settlements Programme.
“Russia traditionally supports the key role of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) within the UN system, whose mandate is aimed at strengthening the national potential of the UN Member States and international cooperation in urban development,” he said.
Discussions centered on modern technologies and green financing in the context of urbanization, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic impact and climate change.
Other areas include trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation, and the prospects for strengthening partnership between Russia and Africa in the environmental, social, scientific, technical, and cultural fields.
“Cooperation between Moscow and African countries is receiving a new impulse for development. In particular, as the world is directing towards sustainable development, Moscow is open and ready for joint action in this area with our African friends and colleagues», said Tatyana Naumova, Head of Official Events and Protocol Division of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow.
The Forum was held on the eve of the II Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, scheduled for July 27 — 28 in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The Summit is the highest-profile and largest-scale event in Russian–African relations, aimed at bringing about a fundamentally new level of mutually beneficial partnership to meet the challenges of the XXI century.
The sustainable development topic will take a special place in the discussions of the sections -The New Global Economy and Cooperation in Science and Technology.
The results of the Forum will be presented at the II Russia – Africa Summit (in St. Petersburg), at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF, in New York) and at the SDG Summit 2023 (in New York).
